Monday, July 14, 2014

Bigger and Better

Hello Readers, 

The Kraus House mom is moving up in the world. The new site is kraushousemom.com. There will be no new content posted here. If you would like to keep up with the ridiculousness that is the Kraus House than click on over...we'll be waiting. 

Thank you, Heather

Wednesday, May 28, 2014

Sunblocking with Block Island Organics #Review



You know that person that burns in the sun, no matter how much sunscreen is put on? Well, that’s my daughter Maizie.

I can apply it every half an hour and the girl will still get a burn. It gets to the point where she’s smacking me away causing a huge scene (okay, it’s probably me causing the scene because that’s how I roll).

I was given the opportunity to try Block Island Organics Sunscreen. I figured, it’s organic and it’s local.



Block Island Organics grew out of Koru Eco Spa and a desire to provide safe, effective, and pleasing suncare products.
 

Our mission is to give everyone access to safe, effective, and lovable non-toxic suncare products. We believe in living outside and enjoying the sun and not hiding from it. With a little sun knowledge and the right sunscreen you can live our mantra: “Play Smart, Play Safe.”


I believe when you want something tested for quality assurance, it should be under the harshest conditions. If you’re going to test an umbrella, do it during a torrential downpour, not a light drizzle.

Well, I tested Block Island Organics under some harsh conditions. I used the fairest of them all (Maizie) in Disney World, on a 90 degree sunny day.



My husband slathered her up with the SPF 40 and we were off to the Magic Kingdom for the day. He did say it was kind of thick when he put it on, but once it was rubbed in, she didn’t have a greasy sunscreen feel to her. I feel that if it’s a bit thicker, it’s easier to see if you’ve missed any spots.

All day Maizie kept checking her shoulders to see if it was working, it was. By the end of the day, she was going on and on about how great the new sunscreen worked (believe me, she’s a tough critic).
 
This was at the end of the day...NOTHING!!

With it being organic, being local (in Rhode Island) and having the convenience of the ingredients listed on their website so you can check their EWG ratings, I say Block Island Organics is a winner.

You can follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest as well.

Happy Sunning!!


Tuesday, May 20, 2014

Loving Cheese...Sargento Ultra Thin #Review



It’s no secret I love cheese, it’s my favorite food. When I was given the opportunity to review Sargento Ultra Thin I was thrilled.

I received my Voxbox from Influenster and inside was not only the voucher and a coupon for Sargento Ultra Thin, but a snazzy lunch bag as well. BONUS!!
 
My VoxBox
I brought my post workout snack in my new Sargento lunch bag

I took my sidekick with me to pick out my (yes my) cheese. Stella saw they had Swiss (her favorite), so I got Swiss and Pepper Jack. I couldn’t wait to try it.
 
My sidekick and I took a while deciding on which flavors
Sargento Ultra Thin is great in sandwiches and just to shovel into your mouth (that's how I ate most of mine).
Pepper jack and turkey sandwich
 

I made sure my husband knew that I needed to know what he thought of it. He confirmed my experience. The Sargento Ultra Thin slices melt beautifully, whether in the microwave or just placed on hot scrambled eggs.
 
Melting over a burger
Adding an extra kick to my morning

They only have 45 calories or less per slice which is great and they are full of flavor.



Disclaimer:  I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes. The opinions are all mine.
 

Monday, April 14, 2014

B-I-N-G-O



A couple of weeks ago it was my anniversary and my husband and I always go to the casino and play bingo. We have been doing it for years and we will probably keep doing it for many more.
 
It was double hardway bingo and all I needed was B 13
As we were sitting there waiting for the game to start (you need to get there early to make sure everything is set up properly) I made some observations and as the night went on, I made more.

Here’s what I spy at bingo…

There are a lot of leggings, ill-fitting ones.

The hacking coughs will not stop the chain smoking.

There is always a caller you can’t understand.

Some people set up a shrine to the bingo gods in hopes they get to shout it out.

There is no shortage of ass cheeks hanging over the sides of the chairs.

If you’re looking for a unique article of clothing with some sort of wildlife on it, you’ve come to the right place.

There are people who take the “dress codes” to the extremes. Some people look like they are about to hit a club downtown while other look like they’re about to hit the sack.

Someone will always snicker at O 69.

There will be at least 3 false “bingo” calls.

Someone will have a bell and ring it when a number special to them comes up (it was O 66 this particular night).

There will be people who eat for the entire 4+ hours.

Someone will steal a shitload of Sweet n Low from the drink station.

You can always find a “regular” to help you and answer any questions you may have.

And my favorite situation…

I will be one or two numbers away every other game!

Once again I only needed one number, did they call it? NOOO!