Stella & Dot's Autism Awareness Collection and a Giveaway

April is Autism Awareness Month. According to the HollyRod Foundation, autism affects 1 in 88 children, 1 in 54 boys. This is a staggering statistic. 

During the month of April, Stella and Dot LLC will donate 20% of the retail sales price of each item sold in their specially marked "Autism Awareness Collection" to support the HollyRod Foundation, with a guaranteed minimum donation of $10,000. 

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The HollyRod Foundation was formed by actress Holly Robinson Peete and her husband, former NFL quarterback Rodney Peete. When Holly and Rodney's eldest son RJ was diagnosed with autism, they made it their mission to provide support and resources to families also affected by autism. In 2012, it became a charitable services program of the Entertainment Industry Foundation and is dedicated to providing compassionate care to those living with autism. 

Here are some of my favorites in this collection:

The "Tree of Life" necklace, priced at $69, has a sterling silver disc charm depicting a mighty tree as an elegant reminder to "stay firmly planted, but always reach for the sky" on a sterling silver 16" chain necklace plus a 2" extender.

 The "Bring It" jewelry roll, priced at $39, has a fun striped design on the outside.

 It opens to reveal a roomy microsuede interior on the inside with a wipe-clean lining. 

Thanks to the generosity of my fabulous friend and Stella & Dot stylist Rachel Cairney, one of you will win the Autism Awareness "Spirit" bracelet, valued at $29! 

This bracelet features the rainbow colors of autism awareness in dyed semi-precious beads framed in brilliant metallic nuggets. I love that it is lead and nickel safe and has a sliding knot closure for adjustable length. 

To enter, take a look at the items in their Autism Awareness Collection here, then leave a comment below letting me know your favorite item in the collection. Entries close Tuesday, April 30 at noon EST. Winner will be announced immediately. 

If you would like to know more about this collection, you can go to Rachel's Stella & Dot stylist website here. 

Disclaimer: I received a Stella & Dot Autism Awareness "Spirit" bracelet valued at $29 as a giveaway prize for one of my blog readers. I was not financially compensated for this blog post. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.

Spring Into Fitness Giveaway: Weight Watchers® by Conair™ Digital Scale

For years, my family and I have used digital weight scales. I recently received a Weight Watchers^® by Conair™ Digital Scale (Model WW58S) free of charge to review and I immediately noticed something that set these digital scales apart from others I have owned through the years. This scale not only helps you keep track of your progress, but it comes with encouraging messages to inspire you. I love the fact that it was recently awarded the Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval. 


I love it that you can motivate yourself or your loved ones by customizing your scale with the removable message decals that come with the scales. What a wonderful way to stay focused and be inspired toward your goals. My favorite inspirational messages that are on my scales are “Every day is a new day” and “Whatever you believe you can achieve.” I also love that they include decorative stickers and a blank label so you can write yourself an inspirational message to keep you on course or a loved one can use a blank label to create their own special message for you to give you an extra boost of motivation and confidence. It comes with 15 reusable stickers.  

I love the easy-to-read 1.5" digital display as well as the sleek design on a silver glass scale. The scale has a 400-lb. capacity, runs on one long-life AAA lithium battery (included) and has a 10-year warranty.

The Weight Watchers^® by Conair™ Digital Scale (Model WW58S) is available nationwide at stores such as Kohls and Kmart, as well as at www.conair-store.com for an average retail price of $29.99. 

You can follow Conair Scales on Twitter @ConairScales for tips and advice on staying motivated and getting fit.

Thanks to the generosity of the Conair company, one of you will receive a Weight Watchers^® by Conair™ Digital Scale valued at $29.99!  To enter, leave a comment below and let me know one of your favorite spring fitness activities. Entries close on Wednesday, April 24 at noon EST. Winner will be announced immediately. Good luck!  

Disclaimer: I received the product free of charge for the purposes of my review as well as the same product for a giveaway prize. I was not financially compensated for this blog post. All opinions expressed in this blog post are my own.  

April Showers Recipe: "Zucchini Bread with Sweet Buttermilk Glaze"

Spring is here, or in the case of here in New York, it is trying to get here. With the arrival of spring comes a multitude of milestones such as bridal showers, baby showers, graduations, Mother's Day and Father's Day celebrations. Cakes and cupcakes are both fun treats to serve in celebration of these occasions but I am also a fan of serving a tasty quick bread. Here is a zucchini bread topped with a sweet buttermilk glaze for a perfect addition to any springtime menu.   

"Zucchini Bread with Sweet Buttermilk Glaze"

* makes one loaf

2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoons ground nutmeg
1/4 teaspoons salt
2/3 cup milk
1/3 cup butter, melted
1 large egg 
1 cup shredded zucchini (1 medium zucchini)

Glaze:
1/2 cup powdered sugar
3 teaspoons buttermilk


Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Spray 8 x 4 loaf pan with non-stick spray. In large bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, nutmeg, and salt.  Stir to combine and set aside. In separate bowl, combine milk, melted butter, zest and egg.  Add to dry flour mixture in thirds until all of mixture has been added. Place shredded zucchini on paper towel. Place another paper towel over zucchini and absorb excess moisture in zucchini. Add zucchini to mixture and stir until combined. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake 50-55 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in the center comes out clean.  Place on wire cooling rack for 10 minutes.  Remove from pan and let cool completely on wire rack. In small bowl, combine powdered sugar and buttermilk. Stir until well-combined. Drizzle glaze over bread. Enjoy!