Brownie Bites Blog

  • Home
  • Food
    • Recipes ->
      • Low Carb and Keto
      • Bars & Barks
      • Beverages
      • Cakes & Pies
      • Candy
      • Cookies & Cupcakes
      • Dog Treats
      • Entrees
      • Ice Cream & Frozen
      • Muffins & Breads
      • Starters & Sides
    • Restaurant Tours
    • Party Ideas
    • Tips and Tricks
  • Travel
    • View All
    • California
    • Camping & RV Life
    • Disney ->
      • Bahama Cruise
      • Disney World
      • East Caribbean Cruise
      • West Caribbean Cruise
    • Hawaii
    • Hiking
    • Hotel Tours
    • Japan
    • New York City
    • Seaside Florida
    • Smoky Mountains
    • Washington DC
  • Personal
    • View All
  • Reviews & Unboxings
    • View All
    • Beauty
    • Books
    • Candy & Sweets
    • Mom & Baby
    • Nut Butters
    • Nutrition Bars
    • Snacks
    • Specialty Food
    • Subscription Boxes
  • About Me

My Summer Essentials GIVEAWAY with Walmart and Balance Bar!

08/11/2014 by Erin 101 Comments

Hey there, hi there, ho there!  How is everyone’s summer going?  I can’t believe it’s already August!  Around these parts, most schools are already back in session – that’s just nutty to me!  As a kid, I remember having until at least Labor Day before the daily grind started back up again.  In high school we returned in late August, but it just seems to get earlier and earlier every year!  Poor kids, though I’m sure parents across the country are rejoicing!

I have a special post for you all today!  I have partnered once again with Balance Bar, and this time also with Walmart, to talk about some of my summer essentials, try some new flavors of Balance Bar, and offer a GIVEAWAY at the bottom of this post!  Let’s get to it!  First, Walmart provided me with a gift card to purchase what I feel are some summer essentials.  Here’s what I found:

walmart-maternity-shirt-27-weeks

Being pregnant in the summer means that one mega-important summer essential for me is being comfortable!  I was 27 weeks pregnant when this picture was taken and quickly running out of shirts that didn’t make me look like I have a beer gut hanging out from underneath the bottom hem.  I’ve since remedied that problem, including this cute striped shirt from Oh! Mamma.  I still haven’t quite got the hang of sizing on maternity clothing.  Everything says to order your pre-pregnancy size because the clothing is already created with the appropriate amount of extra room, but I have such a hard time trusting that!  It’s so odd to order your regular size while at the same time thinking, “What? That will never fit!”  But I digress.  Working from home is super convenient when you’re pregnant, because I can get away with wearing old stretched out t-shirts and enormous elastic shorts for most days while keeping just a few “suitable for the public eye” outfits on hand for whenever I need to leave the house.  Maternity clothes are not cheap!  My other comfort item was a huge body pillow with a soft grey velour cover.   I don’t have a photo, but it’s pretty self-explanatory, and definitely helps to have stuffed against my back on those nights when I just can’t find a comfortable position!

corgi-with-bubble-machine-09

Okay so this one is a little obvious – summer is about fun in the sun!  I spied this Gazillion Bubble Hurricane Machine and thought it would be fun to fire it up in the backyard and see how Dexter and Dewey would react.  We went out one balmy afternoon and gave it a try.   At first, Dewey wasn’t so sure about things.  He kept his distance for a while, but eventually he crept closer with his cute little worried face on full display.

corgi-with-bubble-machine-05

He did a sweep of the perimeter of the bubble cloud, checking for any funny business.

corgi-with-bubble-machine-06

Eventually, his worried face gave way to his usual Dewey-grin, and he started investigating a few nearby bubbles.

corgi-with-bubble-machine-07

He chomped at a couple of them, got bored, and resumed his perch next to the fence to wait for the neighbor’s dog to come kiss him.

corgi-with-bubble-machine-01

Dexter was a brave soldier, marched right up to the offensive machine, and took a bubble blast right to the face!

corgi-with-bubble-machine-03

Personally, I think he liked the tickle of the bubbles against his face and nose because he stood here for a long time!

corgi-with-bubble-machine-02

Because Dexter is a little ball crazy I expected him to go ape at the hundreds of “balls” floating around, but he seemed quite content to watch them calmly.  He couldn’t figure out what they were!

corgi-with-bubble-machine-04

He’s such a photogenic little dude – he can’t help himself.

corgi-with-bubble-machine-08

Even though they had a milder reaction to the bubbles than we were expecting, I think they enjoyed themselves.  I’d call the bubble machine experiment a success. 🙂

organizing-coupons-in-purse-01

We often use the summer months to get organized!  I save coupons that I think I might use as well as receipts that are still within the window for a refund in case I need to return something.  Usually, these get shoved into my purse without any rhyme or reason, and it ends up looking like this.  Yikes!

organizing-coupons-in-purse-02

I found this simple case while meandering through the ‘Back to School!’ aisles and inhaling the intoxicating smell of fresh, unsharpened pencils.  Please tell me I’m not the only one who loves new school supplies, even though the last time I was in a classroom of any kind was almost a decade ago.

organizing-coupons-in-purse-03

Voila!  Much better I think.

revlon-photoready-eyeshadow-palette-muse-review-01

Summer is the perfect time to try a fun new look!  Lately I’m too lazy to bother with a full face of makeup – a little concealer, mascara, and a swipe of eyeliner across my lower lashes is about the extent of my face-spackling on most days.  But when I actually sit down and play around with it, I do enjoy makeup quite a bit!  This eye palette by Revlon caught my eye mostly because of the packaging (I totally admit I am a sucker for packaging).  It is the Revlon Photoready palette in Muse, and I like it because it takes the guesswork out of which shades to use for each part of your eye.  It even has a primer (lower left color) and a corner accent color (lower right) so you can really spice things up!

revlon-photoready-eyeshadow-palette-muse-review-02

Did I mention it has sparklies?  Sparkles make everything better!

revlon-photoready-eyeshadow-palette-muse-review-03

Here are the colors swatched onto my pale-as-death skin.  I know the crease and accent color look scary dark, but don’t worry – you only use those in teeny tiny amounts to add a lil’ definition.

rimmel-scandaleyes-white-cream-eyeshadow-stick-wet-n-wild-megaslicks-lip-gloss-review

I also picked up a Scandaleyes white cream eyeshadow stick by Rimmel London.  Have you guys ever used a white eyeshadow stick?  Omg, they’re so versatile!  I usually dab it onto my eyelids (it’s soft and creamy) and then spread it out with my finger as a makeshift primer for underneath my eyeshadow.  It works beautifully and is way less expensive than actual eyelid primers.  Bonus!  You can also use a little bit  just below your lower lash line to subtly brighten up your eyes if you had a rough night and are looking a bit haggard the next morning.  We all have those days.

I also grabbed a Wet ‘n Wild MegaSlicks lip gloss to try.  I prefer subtle glosses to full-on lipstick – I have a hate-hate relationship with my big ole teeth, so anything I can do to not draw attention to my mouth is always preferred!

balance-bar-new-flavors-review-01

Part of my partnership with Balance Bar and Walmart for this post included trying out the Peanut Butter and Cookie Dough flavors.  While shopping, I spied a couple more flavors that I had to grab as well.  They sounded yummy.

cookie-dough-balance-bar-review-01

Let’s start with the cookie dough!  I love that 15 grams of protein are packed into these little bars, as well as them having 200 calories or less!

cookie-dough-balance-bar-review-02

Normally I’m pretty picky about “cookie dough flavored” anything.  If it’s not actual cookie dough then… it’s not actual cookie dough.  I was impressed with this one though – definitely the closest to an actual cookie dough flavor that I’ve had so far!  I also liked the texture of the inside – not too chewy and weird like some protein bars, so that’s a plus!

peanut-butter-balance-bar-review-01

Peanut butter!  The smell of this one was the first thing to hit me – like sweetened fresh peanuts.  The outside peanut butter coating is buttery smooth and the inside was chunky without being dry or brittle… sort of like a soft nougat.

peanut-butter-balance-bar-review-02

This one was the sweetest of all of the flavors I’ve tried – definitely makes you feel a little naughty.  But it didn’t have any odd after tastes or strange textures.  I like it!!

dark-chocolate-caramel-macchiato-balance-bar-review-01

How could I resist picking up a bar with a title like dark chocolate caramel macchiato?  Um, yes please!

dark-chocolate-caramel-macchiato-balance-bar-review-02

This was my favorite out of them all.  The coffee flavor was so strong, which surprised me – usually something that’s coffee-flavored is anything but – not these!  The dark chocolate brownie layer filled with krispie bits, topped off by a smooth caramel layer and additional dark chocolate drizzle… doesn’t get much better than that!  Total winner.

dark-chocolate-coconut-balance-bar-review-01

Last up is dark chocolate coconut!  I’m not silent about my coconut-loving ways, and anytime you pair coconut with dark chocolate, you can count me in.

dark-chocolate-coconut-balance-bar-review-02

Part of why I love coconut is the texture, and it’s certainly present here without being too overpowering, since the majority of the toasted, shredded coconut is found in the thinner upper layer.  The dark chocolate brownie on the bottom is a nice balance, though the coconut flavor still comes through as the major player.  This one gets my approval!

GIVEAWAY!! GIVEAWAY!!

Now for the fun part!!  Walmart and Balance Bar are giving away a $10 Walmart gift card as well as a variety pack of Balance Bars to one of our readers!  Simply follow the instructions below to enter.  Contest will end on Saturday,  August 16th at 11:59pm so get those entries in now!

Ways to enter (you will receive an additional entry for each of these that you complete):

1.  Comment on this blog post and tell me what your summer essential(s) is/are!

2.  Like Brownie Bites on Facebook.  Leave an additional comment telling me that you’ve done so!

3.  Like Balance Bar on Facebook.  Leave an additional comment telling me that you’ve done so!

4.  Like Walmart on Facebook.  Leave an additional comment telling me that you’ve done so!

5.  Follow Brownie Bites on Twitter.  Leave an additional comment telling me that you’ve done so!

GOOD LUCK!!

You Might Like These Posts:

Opinions: Bakery on Main Truebar Review and GIVEAWAY! Opinions | Balance Bar GOLD Caramel Nut Blast Yes, Go Forth and Eat Carbs! Great Low Carb Bread Company Review + GIVEAWAY Opinions | Gatherer’s Granola and GIVEAWAY!! No Bake White Chocolate Peanut Butter Cookies | Peanut Butter & Co. Review Big Hit or Big Bust? Gluten Free LUNA Bar – Chocolate Cupcake PB Crave Peanut Butter Review + GIVEAWAY! vitafusion™ Fiber Well™ Fit Review | $100 Giveaway!

Filed Under: Beauty, Cute 'n Fuzzy, Daily, giveaways, Nutrition Bars, Product Reviews, Tinkers Tagged With: balance bar, giveaway, summer essentials, summer shape up, walmart

About Erin

Erin is a mom of two human babies and two fur-covered babies. She loves comfy pajamas, eats too much peanut butter, and watches excessive amounts of Netflix. Make her day and toss her a like on Facebook or follow her on Instagram.

« Where To Eat in Seaside, Florida
Dating my Husband (GIVEAWAY!) »

Comments

  1. chickie brewer says

    08/02/2016 at 6:29 pm

    I follow Balance Bar on Facebook. c

    Reply
  2. chickie brewer says

    08/02/2016 at 6:28 pm

    I followed walmart on twitter.

    Reply
  3. chickie brewer says

    08/02/2016 at 6:28 pm

    I followed you and shared on twitter. https://twitter.com/chickie717/status/760602881191845888

    Reply
  4. Amy Orvin says

    08/16/2014 at 11:22 pm

    Following Brownie Bites on Twitter as @amyorvin

    Reply
  5. Amy Orvin says

    08/16/2014 at 11:22 pm

    Liked Walmart on Facebook as Amy Orvin

    Reply
  6. Amy Orvin says

    08/16/2014 at 11:21 pm

    Liked Balance Bar on Facebook as Amy Orvin

    Reply
  7. Amy Orvin says

    08/16/2014 at 11:21 pm

    Liked Brownie Bites on Facebook as Amy Orvin

    Reply
  8. Amy Orvin says

    08/16/2014 at 11:20 pm

    My summer essentials are lip gloss and sun screen

    Reply
  9. Betty C says

    08/16/2014 at 10:46 pm

    I follow Brownie Bites on Twitter
    @willitara

    Reply
  10. Betty C says

    08/16/2014 at 10:45 pm

    I like Walmart on Facebook

    Reply
  11. Betty C says

    08/16/2014 at 10:43 pm

    I like Balance Bar on Facebook

    Reply
  12. Betty C says

    08/16/2014 at 10:43 pm

    I like Brownie Bites on Facebook

    Reply
  13. Betty C says

    08/16/2014 at 10:39 pm

    My summer essentials are water and a camera.

    Reply
  14. Calli says

    08/16/2014 at 9:13 pm

    lip balm and sunscreen!

    Reply
  15. Samantha says

    08/16/2014 at 8:49 pm

    I like Walmart on FB. Samantha E.

    Reply
  16. Leanne G says

    08/16/2014 at 8:49 pm

    I follow Brownie Bites on Twitter. @ladyleanneg

    Reply
  17. Samantha says

    08/16/2014 at 8:49 pm

    I like Balance Bars on FB. Samantha E.

    Reply
  18. Leanne G says

    08/16/2014 at 8:49 pm

    I like WalMart on Facebook. Leanne Godfrey

    Reply
  19. Leanne G says

    08/16/2014 at 8:49 pm

    I like Balance Bar on Facebook.

    Reply
  20. Leanne G says

    08/16/2014 at 8:48 pm

    I like Brownie Bites on Facebook. Leanne Godfrey

    Reply
  21. Leanne G says

    08/16/2014 at 8:47 pm

    My summer essentials are lip balm and sunscreen.

    Reply
  22. Samantha says

    08/16/2014 at 8:46 pm

    My summer essentials are sun screen, chapstick, flip flops and tennis!

    Reply
  23. CharityS says

    08/16/2014 at 8:26 pm

    Like Walmart on Facebook. 

    Charity S

    Reply
  24. CharityS says

    08/16/2014 at 8:25 pm

    Like Balance Bar on Facebook.  

    Charity S

    Reply
  25. CharityS says

    08/16/2014 at 8:25 pm

    I need healthy  snacks, water, and fresh fruits. 

    Reply
  26. Dawn Keenan says

    08/16/2014 at 8:16 pm

    I like Walmart on Facebook too.

    Reply
  27. Dawn Keenan says

    08/16/2014 at 8:16 pm

    I like balance bar on Facebook

    Reply
  28. Dawn Keenan says

    08/16/2014 at 8:15 pm

    My summer essentials are flip flops, sunscreen and corn on the cob!

    Reply
  29. Bryan E. says

    08/16/2014 at 4:40 pm

    Like Walmart / Facebook: bryan eason

    Reply
  30. Bryan E. says

    08/16/2014 at 4:39 pm

    Like Balance Bar / Facebook: bryan eason

    Reply
  31. Bryan E. says

    08/16/2014 at 4:38 pm

    Like Brownie Bites / Facebook: bryan eason

    Reply
  32. robyn paris says

    08/16/2014 at 9:23 am

    i follow brownie bites on twitter. 

    Reply
  33. robyn paris says

    08/16/2014 at 9:22 am

    i like walmart on Facebook. 

    Reply
  34. robyn paris says

    08/16/2014 at 9:22 am

    i like balance bars on Facebook. 

    Reply
  35. robyn paris says

    08/16/2014 at 9:21 am

    i like brownie bites on facebbook. 

    Reply
  36. robyn paris says

    08/16/2014 at 9:19 am

    my summer essential is swimming in the pool and drinking iced tea

    Reply
  37. Breanne says

    08/16/2014 at 2:42 am

    Definitely sunscreen!

    Reply
  38. Holly C. says

    08/15/2014 at 9:56 pm

    like walmart on facebook

    Reply
  39. Holly C. says

    08/15/2014 at 9:55 pm

    like balance bar on facebook

    Reply
  40. Holly C. says

    08/15/2014 at 9:55 pm

    like brownie bites on facedbook

    Reply
  41. Holly C. says

    08/15/2014 at 9:54 pm

    my summer essentials are first water, a hat, sunglasses and of course a snack 🙂

    Reply
  42. Rebecca Lock says

    08/15/2014 at 9:34 pm

    My summer essentials are water, sunscreen, and sun glasses.

    Reply
  43. Susan Smith says

    08/15/2014 at 8:32 pm

    Like Walmart on Facebook Susan Smith

    Reply
  44. Susan Smith says

    08/15/2014 at 8:31 pm

    Like Brownie Bites on Facebook. Susan Smith

    Reply
  45. Susan Smith says

    08/15/2014 at 8:30 pm

    My summer essentials are sunscreen, sandals and sunglasses

    Reply
  46. Nicole Millheim says

    08/15/2014 at 7:51 pm

    My summer essential is a grill 🙂

    Reply
  47. Hesper Fry says

    08/15/2014 at 5:27 pm

    I like Brownie Bites on Twitter (@eveningstarr1)

    Reply
  48. Hesper Fry says

    08/15/2014 at 5:26 pm

    I like Walmart on Facebook (Hesper Fry)

    Reply
  49. Hesper Fry says

    08/15/2014 at 5:26 pm

    I like Balance Bar on Facebook (Hesper Fry).

    Reply
  50. Hesper Fry says

    08/15/2014 at 5:25 pm

    I like Brownie Bites on Facebook (Hesper Fry).

    Reply
  51. Hesper Fry says

    08/15/2014 at 5:24 pm

    My summer essentials are sunscreen, water, fresh fruit and ice cream.

    Reply
  52. rachel says

    08/15/2014 at 3:02 pm

    A sundress, iced coffee, ice cream and my jogging stroller!

    Reply
  53. Erica B. says

    08/14/2014 at 11:07 pm

    I have to have chapstick and ice water.

    Reply
  54. Robin says

    08/14/2014 at 6:10 pm

    I like Walmart on FB – Robin Trexel

    Reply
  55. Robin says

    08/14/2014 at 6:09 pm

    I like Balance Bar on FB – Robin Trexel

    Reply
  56. Robin says

    08/14/2014 at 6:07 pm

    I need to have air conditioning and lots of ice.

    Reply
  57. Danielle D says

    08/14/2014 at 11:54 am

    Lipstick and moisturizer! 

    Reply
  58. Barbara Montag says

    08/14/2014 at 11:13 am

    Follow you on Twitter  @JalapenoMama

    Reply
  59. Barbara Montag says

    08/14/2014 at 11:13 am

    Like Walmart on Facebook  Barbara Montag

    Reply
  60. Barbara Montag says

    08/14/2014 at 11:12 am

    Like Balance Bar on Facebook  Barbara Montag

    Reply
  61. Barbara Montag says

    08/14/2014 at 11:12 am

    FB like your blog  Barbara Montag

    Reply
  62. Barbara Montag says

    08/14/2014 at 11:11 am

    My summer essentials – a good water bottle & sunscreen.
    thank you

    Reply
  63. Christina G. says

    08/14/2014 at 2:13 am

    I follow Brownie Bites on Twitter (PuffyBiggers2).

    Reply
  64. Christina G. says

    08/14/2014 at 2:13 am

    I like Walmart on Facebook (Tina Marie/Christina Gould).

    Reply
  65. Christina G. says

    08/14/2014 at 2:07 am

    I like Balance Bar on Facebook (Tina Marie/Christina Gould).

    Reply
  66. Christina G. says

    08/14/2014 at 2:03 am

    I liked Brownie Bites on Facebook (Tina Marie/Christina Gould).

    Reply
  67. Christina G. says

    08/14/2014 at 1:57 am

    My summer essentials are sunglasses and SPF. Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply
  68. Lisa V. says

    08/13/2014 at 8:51 pm

    My summer essentials are water and sunscreen.

    Reply
  69. katherine says

    08/13/2014 at 5:42 pm

    follow on twitter @Kayday3

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  70. katherine says

    08/13/2014 at 5:41 pm

    like walmart on fb

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  71. katherine says

    08/13/2014 at 5:40 pm

    like balance bars on fb

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  72. katherine says

    08/13/2014 at 5:35 pm

    like you on fb

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  73. katherine says

    08/13/2014 at 5:33 pm

    watermelon and ice cream!

    katherinedibello (at) gmail (dot) com

    Reply
  74. Valerie Taylor Mabrey says

    08/13/2014 at 4:27 pm

    I have to have a good water bottle so I can carry it everywhere.
    vmkids3 at msn dot com

    Reply
  75. Tari Lawson says

    08/13/2014 at 3:33 pm

    My summer essentials are sunscreen and flip flops.

    Reply
  76. Kimmy Ripley says

    08/13/2014 at 1:11 pm

    My summer essentials are flip-flops and maxi skirts.

    Reply
  77. Adrienne gordon says

    08/13/2014 at 10:45 am

    Mine are sunscreen and lip gloss

    Reply
  78. Cynthia C says

    08/13/2014 at 9:51 am

    Like Walmart on fb
    Cynthia Conley

    Reply
  79. Cynthia C says

    08/13/2014 at 9:50 am

    My summertime essentials are sunscreen, sun glasses, water and flip flops.

    Reply
  80. danielle Marie says

    08/13/2014 at 4:31 am

    for me it is sunscreen and sun tea. gotta stay protected and hydrated.

    Reply
  81. nickie says

    08/13/2014 at 1:20 am

    Brownie bites facebook fan

    Reply
  82. nickie says

    08/13/2014 at 1:19 am

    Walmart FB fan

    Reply
  83. nickie says

    08/13/2014 at 1:19 am

    My summer essentials are sunglasses, Lemon aid and air conditoner

    Reply
  84. heather s says

    08/12/2014 at 5:49 pm

    like walmart on fb heather s

    Reply
  85. heather s says

    08/12/2014 at 5:48 pm

    like balance on fb heather s

    Reply
  86. heather s says

    08/12/2014 at 5:47 pm

    sun screen and moisturizer

    Reply
  87. Brittney House says

    08/12/2014 at 5:14 pm

    balance bar facebook fan Brittney House

    Reply
  88. Brittney House says

    08/12/2014 at 5:14 pm

    Walmart facebook fan Brittney House

    Reply
  89. Brittney House says

    08/12/2014 at 5:13 pm

    brownie bites facebook fan Brittney House

    Reply
  90. Brittney House says

    08/12/2014 at 5:12 pm

    My essentials are bug spray and sun screen.

    Reply
  91. HS says

    08/12/2014 at 12:28 am

    . Like Walmart on Facebook.

    Reply
  92. HS says

    08/12/2014 at 12:28 am

    Like Balance Bar on Facebook.

    Reply
  93. HS says

    08/12/2014 at 12:28 am

    My summer essentials are sunglasses and sunblock.

    Reply
  94. Elena says

    08/11/2014 at 6:27 pm

    I like Walmart on Facebook as Elena Istomina

    Reply
  95. Elena says

    08/11/2014 at 6:26 pm

    My summer essentials are sunscreen and sunglasses

    Reply
  96. Kara B says

    08/11/2014 at 11:31 am

    I follow BB on twitter.

    Reply
  97. Kara B says

    08/11/2014 at 11:31 am

    I follow on Facebook.

    Reply
  98. Kara B says

    08/11/2014 at 11:30 am

    My summer essentials are easy open toed sandals, cute nail polish, comfy and light weekend cloths, sunscreen and bugs spray!

    Reply
  99. Mami2jcn says

    08/11/2014 at 10:50 am

    I like Walmart on Facebook as Mary Happymommy.

    Reply
  100. Mami2jcn says

    08/11/2014 at 10:50 am

    My summer essentials are air conditioning and iced tea!

    Reply
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *


Hi, I'm Erin, and I blog about fun things! I cook food for my family and share the recipes here. We also like to camp, so there will be a fair bit about that around here, too.

Let’s Be Friends

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • RSS
  • Twitter

Recent Recipes

Party Food Ideas

Ideas for a Very Hungry Caterpillar birthday party
Aladdin party food ideas! Everything you need to throw an amazing Aladdin birthday party.

More Party Posts

Disney Trip Reports

More Disney Posts

The BEST Subscription Box For True Crime Lovers | Hunt A Killer Review

more reviews

Blog Archives

USFamilyGuide.com


Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro Theme by Shay Bocks · Built on the Genesis Framework · Powered by WordPress