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6 Ways to Stroll with Evenflo Pivot

Published on March 6, 2017March 6, 2017 by thehappeninghousewifeLeave a comment

A huge thank you to Evenflo for gifting this stroller to our growing family in exchange for an honest review. As always, all opinions and thoughts are 100% my own.

Florida, sweet Florida!

There aren’t many places that you can spend the first weekend of March in swim trunks and flip flops and for that reason, we’re so happy to raise our babies in this sweet Sunshine State! For us, March calls for open windows, fruit picking, diving into the questionable temperatures of the pool, and renewal of our annual passes to the Central Florida Zoo!

Over the weekend, we hopped in the car and made the short trip to visit the zoo! I’ve been dying to test drive our new Evenflo Pivot Travel System since it’s arrival and knew the zoo and all it’s terrain would be the perfect spot (even though the cheerios on the tile and our super plush shag rug did offer substantial terrain on the night of our new stroller’s unboxing).

What I really loved about pushing the Pivot around all day is the “toddler seat recline to bassinet” action. (Side note: We have a luxury brand stroller that I had to have JUST for the bassinet and to tell you the truth, the whole seat removal and replace with a bassinet and vice versa, is a TOTAL pain.) With the Pivot, there’s a lever on the back of the seat which reclines it ALL.THE.WAY. down to a bassinet. I really just can’t get over how much of a time and energy saver that is. How do you get it back into seat mode? Pull that lever and lift up. Seriously, it’s that easy! There’s a buckle on the back side of the seat to give the seat shape and keep it stable. I’ve got to give it to Evenflo for making it so easy and affordable to leave the extra bulky bassinet behind and transform your stroller from sit to sleep mode in 2 easy steps, WITHOUT the hassle of unlocking, removing, and storing a bassinet!

Not only does the seat transform into a bassinet but, it can be unlocked and reversed for a parent-facing stroll. This was perfect while we waited in the long line to renew our membership before entering the zoo! The belly bar is easily removable and has an awesome snack tray which occupied little K with carrots and cucumbers during our wait!

Once we got into the zoo, we just flipped the seat around and he was content all the way until he needed to exercise his bitty legs when we entered the petting area!

Going through two toddler stages, several strollers and wagons, tons of terrain and adventure, and the constant feeding of growing boys while on the move, I think it’s safe to say that we’re pretty experienced when it comes to knowing a good push to bad push in a stroller and the severe need for a well thought-out stroller basket.

Knowing that we’d be spending our entire day at the zoo, changing from play clothes to swim suits and back again, and snacking during our visit, the large and realistically functional basket on the Pivot, was a HUGE plus. It’s super easy to get in and out of, with a large enough space for two towels, a wet bag, lunch box, and more! I can’t thank Evenflo enough for creating this stroller with such an easy to access basket! TOTAL LIFE SAVER.

Now, let’s talk about the push!

I’ve had my fair share of stiff wheels, blow outs, terrible turns, and squeaky strolls when it comes to strollers. Five years ago, being a first time mom, I was so excited to have an over the top, drop-in, majorly bulky travel system. BIG mistake, HUGE.

Going into our second baby with a toddler on the run, I REFUSED a travel system and instead told myself I’d be a baby-wearing feign. WRONG. (I mean, I love wearing but, I’m certainly not an 80% of the time baby-wearer. Heck, I’m not even a 30% of the time wearer.) Eventually, I caved and purchased a Sit and Stand…TERRIBLE. The idea was great but, the push was so difficult that we never used it.

Now onto my third baby, with TWO toddlers CONSTANTLY on the go and a storage unit full of mom knowledge acting as my brain, it’s easy to know what works and what doesn’t in only a matter of minutes (BEFORE purchasing and exiting the store to find you’ve made a huge mistake weeks later). Even my husband can appreciate a good stroller with an easy push and after our day trip, we both agreed that Evenflo has totally nailed it with the Pivot! Each of us had a chance to push through dirt and rocks, over boardwalk trails, water covered walkways, and mulch with ease!

We wrapped up our long day filled with tons of snacking, playing in the sun, petting and visiting our favorite animals, and test driving our newest addition and I think it’s safe to say that every one came home a happy camper!

After a little thought, hubby and I have both decided to let go of our luxury stroller (with the bassinet) and replace it’s spot in the back of the mom mobile with our new Evenflo Pivot!

Want a full list of the 6 Ways to Stroll with the Evenflo Pivot? (Of course you do, that’s why you’re here!)

Front Facing Carseat Drop In
Rear Facing Carseat Drop In
Outward Facing Bassinet
Parent Facing Bassinet
Front Facing Seat
Parent Facing Seat

Because each system comes with a SafeMax Infant Car Seat which features an Anti-rebound bar, we can’t wait to install it in our family car to bring baby #3 home!

Save Your Shopping Trips with Snap + Shop Tray! (+ 15% OFF CODE!)

Published on February 24, 2017February 24, 2017 by thehappeninghousewifeLeave a comment

Hey mama! Did today’s trip to pick up milk and bread leave you yanking your hair out? Are you finally pulled into your driveway with your little one passed out oh-so-sweet in the backseat while your heart is still racing from that terrible run to Target?

Listen, we’ve all been there, and I’ve got your back when the older woman behind you glares, or when the young couple in the aisle next to you comments about how their child “will never act like that in public,” I’ve totally got your back…and so does Snap + Shop.

I’m not exaggerating when I say that I have been waiting, desperately, to come across this mama miracle.

We all know what it’s like to:

a. Spend 35 minutes before even leaving the house or getting dressed, preparing snacks for what should be-at max, an hour out of the house.

or b. Packing said snacks and realize as you pull into Target that you’ve forgetten all of them on the kitchen counter.

If you’ve made it to c. and remembered you’re littles’ snack collection, you’re now moving onto the next dreaded step…

STRUGGLING WITH 5 BAGS OF CRACKERS AND CHEERIOS MANAGING TO (hopefully) ONLY DROP SOME ONTO THE FLOOR BEFORE YOUR (loving & beautiful) TODDLER SPRINKLES THE REST THROUGHOUT THE STORE AISLES.

On the other hand, you could save yourself all of the prep and Zilpoc waste, losing precious snacks to the floor before your toddler even gets ahold of them, and most importantly…occupy that sweet bundle as you shop your way through Target heaven!

Introducing: Snap and Shop!

This perfectly designed little tray comes in 3 solid colors: Pink, Teal, and Blue. It’s attachment can fit onto any size cart handle (or stroller), and comes off for easy washing!

Let’s not forget the removable lid. The lid secures tighttt for travel and storage! Pack your snacks into the tray at night to easily grab and go in the morning! Just make sure to listen for the three “snaps!” when placing the lid!

Take your shopping trips to the next level and save 15% on your Snap + Shop Tray by using this code: HOUSEWIFE15

Happy shopping mamas!

A huge thank you to Snap + Shop Tray for sending us this one of a kind product!

*From time to time, you’ll see affiliate links in my posts! I might make a very small commission or may be otherwise compensated if you make a purchase from clicking those links, which helps fuel the love and life behind The Happening Housewife …and sometimes funds Friday pizza nights!

6 Shopping Apps You Should Make Space on Your Phone For!

Published on February 16, 2017February 16, 2017 by thehappeninghousewife4 Comments

This time of year always sneaks up on us. You know the time: when the boys are going out in public with shorts too tight and embarrassingly high above their knees, tee shirts and belly buttons playing peek-a-boo, and shoes that aren’t even passable for another kid’s hand me down collection. Living in Florida, we only see Winter for a few weeks and we’re just about out of that small speck of a cold season so, it’s a total purge of the kids’ closet…and dad’s wallet.

I’ve learned in my last 5 years of being a mother that nothing, ABSOLUTELY nothing should be purchased without a coupon, sale sticker, or discount, unless it’s necessary. As much as I wish that I was one of those moms who carries a binder full of coupons into the store with her, I just don’t have to time or patience to do so (*major kudos to those of you who do). BUT, unless my phone is dead or in someone’s hand under age 5, I can always be seen with a handful of snazzy mobile coupons taking anywhere from 20-50% off of my total bill!

That’s where this post comes in. I originally posted this in September of 2014, one month after the launch of The Happening Housewife but, it only included 3 of the 6 apps that I save with and I knew it was time for some major tweaking and updates. So, here it is:

1.Shopular- My absolute favorite shopping app is Shopular. It’s an easy to use, coupon and savings app.

Things to LOVE:

Very user friendly
Sign Up is simple You don’t have to go through a lengthy sign up process to use it
Select your favorite stores to store at the top of your feed to save time when shopping
Automatic sale finder (when Location Services is turned on) Set the app to use your location, when you pull into a shopping plaza or mall, the app will pop up with all of the deals available through the app in that location. & When you slide open your app, all of those deals will automatically move to the top so they’re easier to access!
Outlet Store Coupons available
Easy to Scan No zooming or downloading necessary
Search Bar Makes it easy to find and search for the store you’re shopping at
Shopular takes and uses your recommendations There was a time shortly after I posted the original content of this that I was really hoping for a small handful of stores to be added to the app. I sent them an email and within 60 days, the stores were all available in the app!
Available on Android + IOS

2.Shopkick- An app that gives incentives and rewards just for scanning select product barcodes in a store registered with the app.That’s right- you literally don’t have to buy anything to start reaping the benefits of Shopkick.

Things to LOVE:

User friendly The app updates daily on how many “kicks” are available for certain stores making it easy to include Shopkick your shopping trips.
Reminders when on-site When you walk into a store that is registered with the app or has current “kicks” available, the app will remind you to “check-in” and use it (bluetooth enabled).
Easy to scan barcodes It’s very rare that I have trouble scanning an item that is ready for “kicks” when using the built in barcode scanner.
Incentives + Rewards The really great thing about this app is that the rewards are actually things that most people want or use. Oh, and don’t forget their referral program. Please feel free to sign up…HERE!
Double + Triple Points Several times throughout the year, Shopkick will offer it’s users double or triple earnings for scans.
Available on Android + IOS

3.Cartwheel- An app specifically designed for Target shoppers to easily save during their shopping trips.

Things to LOVE:

User friendly After adding your savings to the Cartwheel app, all you have to do at checkout is show the cashier the barcode in the “Checkout” tab at the bottom of the app. It will tell you how much you’ve saved since the start of your Cartwheel adventures!
Weekly new ad reminders
Easy to scan barcodes The app has a built in barcode scanner which will search the entire app for discounts on your items. Headed to the register and forget to search and add a few items to your savings? Scan those last few items to make sure you’re not missing savings! (There are times that I’m scanning while things are on the checkout belt!)
Search Options Not interested in scanning with the barcode scanner or prefer to add your savings before even walking in the store? The search makes it easy to save your discounts without scanning.
Combine with Target coupons and discounts You can combine your Cartwheel savings with savings, sales, and coupons from the Target app.
Available on Android + IOS

4. Gmail- I know, this isn’t specifically designed for saving on the go. However, if you open an email account just for savings memberships and link it to your Gmail app, it totally works like a coupon charm.

Things to LOVE:

Search Option The one thing I have always loved about Gmail is that the search tool is the easiest and most useful of any email search tool in my opinion.
Easy to delete unused and outdated savings Gmail makes it easy to delete emails by checking them off and removing them in bulk.
Multiple uses This goes without saying but, the Gmail app can be used outside of a coupon or savings app.
Birthday Clubs Signing up for a membership with a brand or company that offers Birthday Clubs can lead to MAJOR discounts that you may not receive otherwise.
Extra savings Similar to Birthday Clubs, enrolling in memberships and promotions from retailers can get you tons of extra savings and coupons that other apps may not offer.
Available on Android + IOS

5. Retail Me Not- This one isn’t my absolute favorite but, it’s my go-to when noone else has a discount code or coupon for a retailer that I know typically offers savings.

Things to LOVE:

Search Option Is it obvious yet that I would never use a discount app without a search tool?
Available online as well as mobile app The fab thing about RMN is that everything available on the mobile app is also available for use on the desktop.
Viewable recent usage Although RMN doesn’t delete all of the older discount codes it has, the most recently, successfully used deal will be available at the top of a store’s feed! It will tell you if the discount has been verified by users and how many times a certain discount has been used through RMN.
TONS of savings RMN offers more savings from each retailer than any of the other apps I’ve listed. I don’t know how they do it but, just today they have 35 available offers with 9 verified discounts for the Gap alone.
Available on Android + IOS

6.Flipp- This app is fairly new in my collection but, it’s been really great so far.

Things to LOVE:

Search Option Yes, again with the search feature. The Search tool in Flipp let’s you look for specific items and brands, not just stores.
Over 800 Big Name Retailers Think of an app that offers all of those “Big Box” ads in one place…that’s what Flipp gives you. No more flipping through huge circulars when you walk into a store to see what their latest sales are. With Flipp, you’ll know what your savings will be before you walk in!
Shopping Lists- This one makes it super easy to create a mobile shopping list before hunting down all of the ingredients for that delicious Pinterest recipe you’ve been craving!
Extreme Couponing without the big binder Clip coupons in the app for instant savings at the checkout. (For US user only)
Notifications before discounts expire Set reminders to use coupons before they expire
Available on Android + IOS

Happy savings!

Mommy + Me Valentine’s Date

Published on February 13, 2017February 9, 2017 by thehappeninghousewifeLeave a comment

Last week, the boys and I planned for our Valentine themed play date but, unfortunately mama wasn’t feeling too great and many of our friends were down sick!

Rather than letting our cute set up and cupcakes go to waste, we decided to have a quiet little date just the three of us (since there will soon be one more babe in the mix!).

Both boys received this little gift box full of everything they needed for our date. It included mini spice jars filled with pink and red sprinkles, candy hearts, bubbles, organic gummy snacks, Go-Go Squeeze fruit pouches, cute cups, and supplies to decorate their new slime!

We decorated cupcakes;

Made this super awesome glitter slime;

Blew bubbles, and filled our bellies with a delicious, sparkled Strawberry Popcorn Mix!

We hope you have a wonderful Valentine’s Day!

The Perfect VDay Gift FOR HIM + GIVEAWAY From JORD Wood Watches!

Published on February 12, 2017February 17, 2017 by thehappeninghousewifeLeave a comment

If you’re like me, finding the PERFECT Valentine’s Day gift for your hubby adds a lot of stress. Like others, my husband usually ends up buying everything he could ever want or need for himself throughout the year, making it IMPOSSIBLE to find a gift suitable to show my appreciation for his hard work. Thankfully, my hunky man can never have enough watches, which makes this JORD Wooden Watch super unique and totally natural for him!

Each watch comes beautifully packaged in a gorgeous wooden box complete with full care instructions and a JORD pillow to rest on, making it easy to store when it’s not being worn. (Not to mention I’m a total sucker for beautiful packaging and JORD‘s is deff a fave!)

All of JORD‘s watches are made from 1 of 13 sustainably-harvested woods with completely scratch proof faces-awesome, right? AND they don’t just offer their watches for men! There’s an entire line of beautiful women’s watches too!

An added bonus- They’ll even size your watch before it makes it way to you!

I’m so excited, because my friends at JORD and I are hosting a giveaway for all of my readers! Enter to win a $50 gift card to JORD! && To wish all of my readers a Happy Valentine’s Day, every entrant will receive a $20 giftcard to JORD just for entering! This giveaway has closed.

This post was sponsored by JORD Wood Watches.

Ladies Wooden Watches
//www.woodwatches.com/widget-article/thehappeninghousewife/930/180

DIY Valentine’s Day Slime

Published on February 11, 2017February 9, 2017 by thehappeninghousewifeLeave a comment

You’ll Need:

1/2 cup Sta-Flo liquid starch
1/2 cup Elmer’s Clear Glue
Large Ziploc bag
Glitter
Heart Sequins

INSTRUCTIONS:

Pour liquid starch and clear glue into your Ziploc bag (in that order).
Shake, shake, shake your bag!
As you’re shaking your bag, mush the glue to spread it throughout the liquid starch while the bag is still zipped.
Open your bag, pull the slime out, leaving excess liquid behind, and start molding, twisting, and mushing it together. It will be super gooey and slimy but, the more you mush and twist it together, it will form into a not-so-sticky and slimy, slime! This could take a few minutes so, don’t get discouraged and DON’T wash your hands with water! As your slime starts to form, it will collect all of the goo from your hands! Adding water will double this process time because of the extra moisture on your hands!
Once your slime has formed, add your glitter and sequin hearts!
Store in a Ziploc bag or airtight container. We found these really great small storage containers for all of the kids at our play date at Hobby Lobby! (I love to use plastic test tubes for our Halloween slime!)

Strawberry Popcorn Mix + FREE Valentine Printable!

Published on February 10, 2017February 9, 2017 by thehappeninghousewifeLeave a comment

I’m SO excited to share this super scrumptious recipe with you guys today!

It’s easy, inexpensive, fun for the littles, AND as an added bonus I’ve included a FREE Valentine printable for you to use and send in with your sweeties for their Valentine’s Day party!

Let’s get started!-You’ll Need:

INGREDIENTS

1 Bag of Boom Chicka Pop Kettle Corn
1/4 C Butter
1 C Sugar
1/2 C Karo Syrup
1 Box of Strawberry or Raspberry Jello
1 Bag/Box of White Bark Chocolate Melt
Sprinkles, M&M’s, Glitter Sugar, etc.

SUPPLIES

Spatula
Mixing Spoon
Large Baking Pan
Large Bowl
Foil

PREP

Pre-heat oven to 350
Line pan with foil
Dump popcorn into a large bowl

Bring your butter, sugar, Karo syrup, and gelatin to a boil for 4 minutes, Continue stirring until the mixture is no longer grainy.
Stir in gelatin mixture with popcorn until it is even throughout.
Bake in the oven for 10 Minutes.
Warm chocolate as directed and stir into popcorn.
Spread your popcorn back onto the pan to add sprinkles, edible glitter, and valentine candies.
Enjoy!

We delivered our Strawberry Popcorn Mix in these fold down kraft bags with the perfect FREEE printable! Get yours HERE!!

FREE Dinosaur Valentines

Published on February 9, 2017February 9, 2017 by thehappeninghousewifeLeave a comment

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner! Are you spending time stressing about finishing up your littles’ valentines this week?!

Head to the Dollar Store, Amazon, Target, or your nearest toy store for a set of plastic mini dinos! Spend no more than $10 on this fun, one of a kind valentine that your sweetie is sure to feel proud of!

Just PRINT, tape, and sign!

Grab your FREE set of DINO Valentines HERE!

5 Reasons to Visit: Ravine Gardens State Park

Published on February 7, 2017February 7, 2017 by thehappeninghousewifeLeave a comment

Last week we crossed another Florida State Park off of our family’s bucket list: Ravine Gardens State Park. It was BEAUTIFUL and totally worth the trip!

So, the boys and I collabed and came up with these TOP 5 reasons to visit the park THIS SPRING:

1. ELEVATION, ELEVATION, ELEVATION! There aren’t many places in Florida that you’ll find much elevation and this park DEFINITELY offers it! Make sure to climb the tall set of concrete stairs up to the bike trail and look down on the ravine. It was a hike for this pregnant mama but, so worth it.

2. The suspension bridges ROCK! Okay, so this was the boys’ FAVORITE part of the park, for obvious reasons. Neither of them could resist running across the rickety bridge from one side to the other love the ravine.

3. Azaleas are in FULL bloom. EVERYWHERE. Make sure to bring your camera along for the trip. The park hosts a monthly photo contest for photographers and momtographers alike and this month’s theme is Azaleas. The park is full of beautifully blooming purple and pink flowers that are simply irresistible.

4. The perfect picnic spots. Pack a lunch but, don’t pack an entire cooler. You’ll need something to carry up and down the steps throughout the park so, a thermal backpack or soft lunch box would be my recommendation! There are several shady spots throughout the park perfect to picnic!

5. Downtown Palatka (Specifically, Magnolia Cafe). So, this isn’t entirely relative to Ravine Gardens State Park BUT, only a FEW minutes away from the park is Historic Downtown Palatka. Home to the amazing and super adorable Magnolia Cafe. After out hike, all of our bellies were ready for something delicious and Magnolia Cafe offered the perfect brunch menu for our little family. This clean little spot had a menu filled with Crab Cakes Benedict, Belgian Waffles, Sandwiches and Wraps, and the tastiest “Redneck Benedict” you’ll ever put in your mouth. The eggs were poached to perfection and we all left super full!

LEGO City Police Birthday Party

Published on January 27, 2017January 26, 2017 by thehappeninghousewife1 Comment

Our oldest little turned 5 and the one thing he wanted this year for his big day was a LEGO City filled day with his best buds! So, mama got to work on this Pinterest inspired LEGO City Police party with tons of inexpensive DIY’s!