Staying Connected While Traveling with Walmart Family Mobile + The Top 16 Toddler Friendly Apps!

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #HolidaysAreCalling #CollectiveBias

I'm super excited to be going home for the holidays again this year! It's kind of a tradition for me to spend the holidays with my grandmother, mother, sister and now my niece (see everyone but g-ma in the picture below)! This year is going to be a little different though, after our Christmas festivities are over my sister will be going out of town. Although we will miss her, this will allow me some much needed play time with my 18 month old niece! I'm looking forward to taking care of her and making memories and thanks to Walmart Family Mobile, I have a "personal assistant" coming with me!

The LG L90 from Walmart Family Mobile is able to do anything I need it to! It literally has an app for everything. I'll be using my airline's app to check in for my flight!

Plus With Unlimited Talk Text and Data at only $34.88/month for the first line (and 29.88 for the second) I'll be able to Skype with my sister while my niece and I are running around town... and I'll even be able to kiss my very silly husband (virtually) on Skype when the ball drops on NYE!

I am definitely going to be using my phone to manage my blogging schedule and my niece's busy schedule - the perfect way to make sure we both don't miss anything important!

It's great to be able to stay connected and organized while I'm traveling but I'm not going to lie, my techie toddler niece will adore this phone as much as I do. I've downloaded SIXTEEN different apps for her, just to make sure she has some variety (we all know how toddlers can be finicky at times)! While I have lots of activities planned, it's inevitable that I'll get busy while running errands and need something for her to play with... I know as a nanny in the past I've had this experience so I can't be alone. Today I'm sharing a list of Android apps that can entertain a toddler because we all know, they love phones AND sometimes just need some entertainment for the last few minutes in a store, while driving, etc.

The Top 16 Toddler Friendly Apps:

1. My Baby Piano - a super simple app, it plays a little music and is interactive
2. Fisher Price Storybook - a cute storytelling app, perfect for a short little story time on the go
3. Baby Balloons - a game that children of any age can play, you create and pop balloons
4. Baby Color Smasher - an artistic app, you smash blobs of paint to create color
5. Toddler Preschool Activities - a super educational app, teaching about colors, numbers, length, etc.
6. Animals for Toddlers (lite) - a barnyard of animals that make noise
7. Save Marine Animals - a bubble popping game where you obviously save marine animals
8. Fisher Price Shapes and Colors - an educational app with lots of playful noise and cute graphics
9. Toddlers Education Kit - a simple app that teaches about all kinds of toddler curriculum
10. Toddler Counting 123 - a counting app that plays soothing music
11. Color Ripple for Toddlers - a simple, interactive app that allows a toddler to play with a ripple effect
12. Toddler Sing & Play - a sing along app that allows for some shape sorting games
13. ToddlerChristmas - pictured above, a see-and-say type of Christmas game
14. Toddlers Ed - an app with a teacher, this app is a quiz for colors, numbers, and shapes
15. Princess Memory - a super cute, princess themed matching game with the option to play different levels
16. Monsters for Toddlers - another see-and-say type of game but this one is monster related

Now that you know how you can use your phone (and how your toddler can use your phone as well), if you are wanting to snag a phone from Walmart Family Mobile, I found mine in the electronics section! With rollbacks like The LG L90 being on sale for $119 (was $179.88) and the ZTE ZMAX being on sale for $179 (was $199.88) you are saving big time! Check out your local store for other amazing savings on Nokia, Samsung, and Alcatel phones!

I'd love to know, what family traditions do you have in your family? Plus, if you have any tips on entertaining an 18 month old, I'd love to hear them!

A Wish For Peace in My Hometown: UPS Wishes Delivered

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of UPS for IZEA. All opinions are 100% mine.

This year, I'm wishing for something a little different for Christmas. I'm wishing for my hometown to find peace. I'm wishing for my hometown to learn and grow from something horrible. I'm not wishing for us to forget what happened, I'm not wishing for revenge, I'm just wishing for everyone to find peace.

I grew up in a suburb of St. Louis, a nice little community that never really had a lot of crime... I lived a blessed life. I realize this doesn't qualify me as an authority on Ferguson. I'm in no way claiming that I'm directly related to this tragedy... but it still hurts to see so much pain and anger in the world - no matter what your connection may be. I know it's kind of unrealistic to wish for peace, but if it were possible I would love to see more love being spread in the community in general. I understand the anger, I'm not trying to downgrade it, I just wish I could ease it.

In case you haven't heard, for every wish submitted with the hashtag #WishesDelivered, UPS will donate $1 to one of their charity partners (Salvation Army, Boys & Girls Club, or Toys for Tots) up to $100K!

Wishes can automatically be submitted to the #WishesDelivered site by simply posting the wish on Twitter or Instagram with the hashtag #WishesDelivered, or going direct to the #WishesDelivered site and submitting there. It’s encouraged to share your wishes on all social channels in addition to submitting on the #WishesDelivered site. This is about sharing your holiday wish for others, I'd love to hear what you are wishing for this year.

5 Tips to Help You Survive College Finals Week

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #LoveV8Protein #CollectiveBias

This week is finals week. The week when every single college student I know gets a little frazzled. The week when we all question our major and our sanity because we stay up all night cramming for a final in the hardest class we have. This week is a make it or break it situation in our classes, I'm aiming for A's across the board and this semester it's going to take some serious studying and brain power to accomplish that. Luckily I have the new V8 Protein shakes and bars to help my nutrition stay on track and these awesome study tips to help me prepare for finals.

Hard work pays off! Just finished a study session and now I'm off to the gym after treating myself to a tasty V8 Protein Shake and Bar! {read more #ontheblog later today!} #busybusybusy #finalsweek #LoveV8protein #ad #cbias #fitfam

A video posted by Lauren Paints (@sunkissed_sweetheart) on Dec 12, 2014 at 9:52am PST

1. Ditch the junk, eat food that's good for you: I'm working pretty much 24/7 on something for the blog and hubs works full time and both of us are in school full time so we don't always have the time to cook a healthy and complete breakfast, lunch, and dinner - especially this week. With my weight loss going so well (read more about my weightloss journey here), I've still been struggling to get enough protein in my diet regardless of what I've been eating. Thanks to V8 Protein, I'm able to eat a delicious protein bar and get some of my veggies in all while saving time! With 10g of Protein and 5g of Fiber in the bars and 12g of Protein and 3g of Fiber in the shakes, I'm happy to snack on these delicious treats!

V8 Protein shakes and bars come in six different delicious and decadent varieties, allowing you the little indulgence you need everyday while still remaining healthy! I love that when I'm sipping my chocolate protein shake I am getting the nutrients from sweet potatoes and carrots and proteins from milk, soy, peas, brown rice, and quinoa! Interested in trying some V8 Protein Shakes & Bars? I found mine at Walmart in the Health & Beauty section.

2. Make the tough stuff into a game: This may seem simple, but it works. Make every single question you are struggling with into a fun game by awarding yourself points when you get an answer correct. This is WAY more fun when you have a study buddy so I suggest one of those as well!

3. Put on some tunes and READ: My final for speech feels like it is full of information that I already know but after my mid-term I know better than to expect him to give us super easy questions. This means I'll need to buckle down and read all these hand-outs so that I get the vital information. Since it's not the most interesting information, I like to rock out to some music that doesn't have words; the Pandora station "Classical for Studying" seems to be a favorite this semester.

4. Take a break and doodle: I know it sounds silly and almost counteractive, but relaxing a little before taking your test will help! I love to doodle so busting out my notebook and sharpies is part of my plan. I suggest you do something that you know relaxes you - maybe read a book, paint your nails, or go for a short walk and get some fresh air. Don't spend too much time "doodling" but enjoy a second to just breathe.

5. Take the time to hit the gym: This week I am going to the gym RIGHT after class. That means I'm showing up in my gym clothes - not so cool, but you have to do what you have to do! I'm excited to burn off calories on the treadmill and really exhaust my body as much as my mind has been.

Do you have any study tips to share? I'd love to hear them!

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#NSNation Update: It's almost over but just beginning!

I'm nearing the end of my Nutrisystem journey, it's been an interesting experience. From learning that I really love most veggies more than other foods and that I love drinking my greens over eating them to getting to being able to indulge in healthy red velvet whoopie pies without guilt - I've enjoyed the journey. Now that it's almost over, I'm sharing a recent photo I took in a dress that is 4 sizes smaller than when I started this journey (don't mind all the stuff on the table, it's my Christmas decor that I have yet to hang).

That's right, I'm four dress sizes smaller. I'm also fluctuating between 18lbs lighter at the moment and I haven't taken my measurements recently but I'm certain those would reflect the weight I've lost as well. I've been slowly adding in my own meals and weaning myself off of Nutrisystem, simply because I only committed to three months AND because I'm excited for non-processed foods! It's the end of my Nutrisystem journey but seems to be the beginning of a whole new lifestyle. I'm so incredibly proud of my results so far and looking forward to losing even more!

I'd like to lose around another 20lbs before I feel my goal has been met so that means lots of green smoothies, visits to Planet Fitness, and lots of dedication lay ahead! Wish me luck!

Parmesan Crusted Mahi-Mahi with a Sweet & Savory Hormel Pepperoni and Pineapple Salsa

This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #PepItUp #CollectiveBias

This Parmesan Crusted Mahi-Mahi topped with a Hormel Pepperoni and Pineapple Salsa is absolutely one of the most delicious recipes I've ever made. Not only is it delicious, it's easy to make. So easy in fact, nearly anyone can make this dish!

I've always loved preparing quirky foods. Serving dishes that taste delicious but kind of make you wonder how I came up with the flavor combinations makes me happy and I'm so excited about this awesome recipe - It's a real winner! This easy recipe pairs some of my favorite tropical flavors like pineapple and Mahi-Mahi with Hormel Pepperonis, which are so delicious and packed full of flavor.

This amazing fish recipe is unlike any other I've tried but one that I'll be repeating again and again... it's that good! Plus, the salsa is a fun addition to all kinds of meals!

Parmesan Crusted Mahi-Mahi with a Sweet & Savory Hormel Pepperoni and Pineapple Salsa Ingredients: Parmesan Crusted Mahi-Mahi: 1/4 cup flour 1/4 cup sprinkle parmesan cheese Dash of marjoram, oregano, paprika, parsley 1 tbsp garlic 1 egg 1 tbsp butter 2-4 fillets of Mahi-Mahi Salsa: 1/3 cup onion, chopped 1/3 cup pepperoni, chopped 10 sweet mini peppers, chopped 1-2 Serrano peppers (depending on your spicyness preference), chopped 1 cup pineapple tidbits 1/3 cup tomato, chopped Begin by pre-heating the oven to 375 degrees. Combine flour, Parmesan cheese, and spices in one small container. In another container, beat 1 egg. Dip Mahi-Mahi into the egg, allowing it to become fully coated. Remove from egg and place immediately in flour and spice mixture, again coating completely. Place Mahi-Mahi in oven and bake for 18 minutes.While Mahi-Mahi is cooking, chop all salsa ingredients and mix together. Since the salsa recipe is so easy, I was able to make a few friends! This little guy has some "pep in his step": A video posted by Lauren Paints (@sunkissed_sweetheart) on Dec 12, 2014 at 7:45am PST Remove Mahi-Mahi from oven at 18 minutes and apply a small amount of melted butter to the top of the fish. Place back in oven for 7 minutes. Remove from oven and add salsa mixture to the top of fish, bake for 2 more minutes and remove. Add additional salsa if you would like! I served my fish with coconut lime rice, a complimentary side dish that makes this dish extra delicious. Enjoy!

Lucky you, I'm sharing a rocking coupon so you can try making this delicious pepperoni recipe:
Click here to receive a coupon for $1 off 2 packages of Hormel Pepperoni!