Spare Change Laundry Room DIY + How To Get 12 Weeks Of Freshness

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

As an adult I've always found the process of sorting, washing, and folding one's laundry very calming. I enjoy the sight of tightly folded corners, crisp edges, and stacks of clothing piled high, organized by color. But laundry and I haven't always gotten along.

In fact, when I was a young girl it was one of my first chores to rotate the loads of laundry and pull and sort simple things such as socks and towels. It was a monotonous chore with little care. Am I wrong or isn't half the pleasure of having to go through the whole laundering process the act of being able to pull one's warm linens out of the dryer smelling 'fresh'? Sure, 'fresh' smells different to everyone, and their tastes, but laundry should have some positive aromatic effect, no? Well the loads of my childhood were absolutely fragrance free- Something Momma had made an edict on after a particularly horrible skin reaction of mine that was traced back to a strongly perfumed detergent.

As it turns out, or rather as I was bold enough to experiment and discover as an adult with my own laundry decisions, it was only that specific brand of detergent I have such an adverse reaction to. And, while there are a few other wayward products I've discovered here and there that cause an annoyance, there are some staple brands I can rely on not to irritate my sensitive skin. And that is where my passion for Purex® came from.

It wasn't the amazing value of the brand, or how easy it was to find in nearly every major retailer I chose to shop at, but the wide range of distinct fragrances I could actually enjoy. And, when Purex released their range of Purex® Crystals in wash fragrance boosters I knew I could at last partner my favorite Purex® Natural Elements detergent with an uplifting aroma of my choice. At long last my laundry process was as magical as a unicorn prancing through a meadow. You may laugh but amazing smelling laundry is something I consider I basic right, and that right was denied to me for the first portion of my life!

But wait- the seagulls fluttering in the ocean breeze, or the playful squirrel chattering through the flowered meadow doesn't end at my dryer. Purex® Crystals offer up to 12 weeks of freshness! With every swoosh of my closet door, or creak of a dresser drawer I enjoy subtle fragrance from a variety of amazing scents. 10 scents, to be exact. Purex® Crystals come in 3 different collections, Classic, Aromatherapy, and NEW Botanicals as well as the Limited Edition Oh So Chic fragrance. So you, heck everyone in your house, can enjoy a gentle laundry fragrance that matches your nose, erm, personality.

I buy my Purex® Crystals at Walmart or Target, but you'll also find it at many major grocery retailers, and online at sites such as Amazon.com. There are 2 sizes sold at my local Walmart, where Purex® Crystals are currently on rollback- If I wasn't so set on owning such a variety of my favorite fragrances I'd definitely jump at the family 'value' size which is near triple the capacity of the original 18oz bottle.

If you're new to laundry fragrance boosters Purex® Crystals is one of the simplest ways to go. Just add as much, or as little, directly to your washer load before you start your was. Your clothes will emerge smelling of kitty cats and lady bugs (or a more refined scent such as Sandalwood and Vanilla if you're into that sort of thing), and continue to smell amazing through the drying process, and up to 12 weeks after!

I recently discovered a new favorite, Purex® Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze, from the Classic collection. It has a very crisp 'clean' build with notes of sweet florals and crisp mountain air. It reminds me a little bit of that beautiful aroma just after an unexpected rain. And, with that in mind I was inspired to 'wash away' some of the clutter in my laundry room with a simple D.I.Y Spare Change holder project. Having only recently moved from a condo (where I shared a communal laundry room) to our house (with a private laundry room) I'm still getting the hang of some of the finer conveniences of personal domesticity.

Here's what you'll need to recreate this project:

Mason Jar
Lumber Board Cut To Size Based On Your Mason Jar Size
Paint Of Choice (I Used A Stained Glass Spray Paint)
White Paint/Brush or Paint Pen
Hose Clamp (Of Appropriate Size for Your Jar Mouth)
Small Screwdriver and Small Wood Screw
Wood Stain of Choice + Old Rag
Polyurethane Seal/Clear Coat
6-8" Rope OR Simple Hook Bracket Hardware To Hang
Staple/Upholstery Gun (If Using Rope)
Dropcloth
Rubber Gloves

You'll have a lot of freedom on your choices for this project. I went back and forth on the size of jar I wanted to use- I ended up going with a classic 8oz mason.

I knew I wanted to be able to see the change in the jar- a sort of mental encouragement to not only use the jar, but check pockets before laundering as it all adds up! I first washed and dried the jar, even though it was brand new, to ensure a nice even paint coat. Since I was using a spray paint I wore a particle mask and applied a few coats over the course of a morning until I reached the desired amount of  transparency. This project would be equally cute with a chalk paint outer coat- one could even 'dip' the bottom half of the jar to add a pop of color.

While my jar dried, in between coats, I put on some gloves and applied a generous layer of Briarsmoke (colored) wood stain to my board.The key is to work the color into the wood in circular motions with a rag, until the color has been absorbed into the grain and reveals the natural flow of grain beneath it. Drying time was relatively quick and I was able to apply a clear top coat/seal about 20 minutes after the last side was treated. You will want to apply some sort of clear seal layer as to prevent any paint/words you apply from bleeding on the wood surface later.

 I don't own any power tools but the board itself came in 5' and the hardware store does cuts for free. As a bonus I was able to get 3 appropriately sized boards out of my single 5' board, to make 3 of these spare change collectors.

Once my wood was sealed and dry I took a white paint marker and free-handed my desired phrase on the top half of my board. While I chose 'Finders Keepers,' a phrase from my childhood, you might like to write 'Spare Change', 'Mom's Tip Jar' or 'Vacation Fund' on yours. Since the final product will be displayed indoors I chose not to add a top/clear coat on top of my text, but you could if you wanted a more polished finished product.

For literally leftover change at the hardware store I was able to get a foot of cut rope to use as accents on my projects. For this particular jar I chose to use the rope as a sort of decorative handle which I could hang the board by. A few good pops of the upholstery/staple gun secured the rope much quicker than I could have screwed brackets into the back of the wood.

The final assembly was a bit of a pain, but only compared to the rest of the project. While Jay suggested I use small nail tacks to pin the hose bracket down (hammering between the bracket's notches) I wanted to be sure the heavy glass jar full of change wouldn't go anywhere, even if it was hanging full. I used a fat, heavy duty, nail to hammer a gap into the hose clamp's bracket notches then screwed through the gap directly into the wood on the front of my board. Because I'd chosen a wide head screw the screw itself rested between the threading of my mason jar and reinforced the pressure of the hose clamp, once ratcheted closed.

It was really pretty simple, and kind of a fun beginner's project. I mean, I like to think I worked with wood- but really, it was power tool free and only took about 20 minutes of actual effort and time. In fact, with the leftover supplies I was able to make 2 more so both my mother and father's girlfriend will be getting one for their laundry room!

Speaking of my mother- Summer is the perfect time to send care packages to loved ones, and I can't wait for her to receive her next one. I've carefully washed a stack of buttersoft leggings in my favorite Purex® Crystals fragrance so the box will smell amazing when it arrives in her hands. With 12 weeks of freshness, even slow transit times can't rain on this fragrance parade. In fact, I'm even sending along a bottle of Purex® Crystals for her to try. Purex® Crystals really provide a great scent at a great price! After all, a daughter can teach her mother a few laundry tricks now and then, too, right? Now, tell me, if your laundry could smell like anything 12 weeks after washing, what fragrance would you like to smell? Purex® Crystals just might have a fragrance booster to match!

My Shoe Stink Secret + @Purex Fabric Softener Sheets Giveaway~ 8/3

Momma Told Me: Life can get a little stinky.

Laundry and I have had a 'Love/Hate' relationship since I was old enough to stumble to the dryer door and roll in the pile of fresh, warm, towels. Somewhere around 4 Momma decided to switch our household detergent to a then new Tide variety for the appealing fragrance. Within days I began to develop nasty patches of hives and grew quite cranky. A week, and several loads, later, I was toted into the pediatrician's office for a myriad of allergy tests. All known allergens came back clear; the irritant had to be something found at home. Naturally the doctor asked Momma to explore and changes in routine or environment that had been made lately, and it was discovered that my skin was especially sensitive to the new detergent. From then on it was a series of Arm and Hammer cleansers, or expensive baby formula detergents.

I wish I could say that I've outgrown that sensitivity, but I sadly have not. In fact, just last year, we moved into our new condo, with a shared laundry facility, and I began breaking out in hives again. Our lower neighbors were not only leaving their wet laundry in the barrels to mildew for days, but placing 10-15 (trust me, I counted) dryer sheets in the dryer! Clearly, if they felt they needed that many dryer sheets (perhaps to outweigh the mildew smell?), they were not buying quality sheets to begin with! I was forced to begin taking my laundry back to my father's house once a week, simply to use a clean washer and dryer. Despite the step back on the adult-hood ladder, I was determined to continue exploring laundry products that would offer fragrance and effectiveness, without irritation. When I shortly there after became a Purex ambassador I was unsure as to whether I'd be able to actually use the products.

Well, as many of you know, I can, and do, use the Purex range of detergents and laundry care aids. Not only is my skin happy with their newer Baby Detergent and Crystals, gentle, collection, but their Naturals (green bottle) line is also safe for my sensitive skin. I have been breakout free for over a year, and even use the Dirt Lift Action Purex liquid detergent for stain fighting and diluted loads of heavier soiled fabrics. The value is immense, and I love that I can find all of the Purex products at my local Super Walmart Center, while stocking up on back to school clothing and other grocery needs. So, when Purex recently announced the addition of Fabric Softener Sheets to their lineup I was intrigued to have a potential dryer sheet my skin could tolerate.

Currently manufactured in two 3x concentrated fragrances; Mountain Breeze and Sweet Lavender, Purex Fabric Softener Sheets claim to reduce static cling and repel pet hair and lint (which we have plenty of in our home). I know the debate whether to soften towels or not is a personal preference; but I prefer to have my towels, and bedding, treated with Fabric Softener Sheets. Using 1 per load, I discovered that the sheen, non-greasy, Purex sheets are in fact loaded with plenty of fragrance to keep my laundry fresh up to a week after washing. I was happy to find my towels also had no detectible residue, and seemed to absorb water from skin just as effective as ever.

While I am a low fragrance kinda laundry gal, the intense aroma of the Mountain Breeze Purex dryer sheets I received not only keep my laundry smelling great, but are excellent for masking odors elsewhere as well. I can tuck a single sheet, even after running through a load in the dryer, in my shoes, hamper, drawers, or garbage cans to keep dark and musky odors at bay. It's great to know I can extend the value of my Purex fabric softener sheets with these extra little uses- since I don't use them in every laundry load. Not only do my fabrics stay smelling laundry day fresh, but I can enjoy that comforting aroma throughout my house as well.

What Daughter Says: Discover new uses for dryer sheets and keep your laundry smelling fresh with less waste, thanks to Purex.

One Momma Told Me reader will win 3 vouchers for FREE Purex Fabric Softener Sheets!

Soft Scrub Advanced Surface Sweepstakes and Giveaway~ 4/10

Momma Told Me: It's a chore, not a game!

From a really young age I fostered an appreciation for clean. More so enamored with the results than the process of getting there, my parents found many times I tried to 'help out,' and in turn caused more damage than good. For example; cleaning copper with the wrong chemicals, placing the sponge for the car (wash) in a pile of loose gravel, and mixing colors with whites in the laundry. Yes, an over-zealous assistant can really throw a wrench into Momma's day, and I was quick to learn there are proper tools for every job. However, I was somehow surprised to learn just the other week, that my premium surfaces now require less attention than ever before. That's right, non-porous premium household surfaces such as granite, stainless steel, marble, and inductive stove tops now have a specially formulated rinse-free cleanser. Made by trusted brand, Soft Scrub, which was quite possibly the very first cleanser I ever picked up, Advanced Surface is formulated to make your life easier.

With it's chic new black bottle packaging, Soft Scrub Advanced Surface is impressively tough on stains and buildup without being harsh on the surface. With absolutely no dyes, the clear gel dispenses thin, and covers a wide area. Simply spread the cleanser through your Advanced Surface then wipe away with a damp sponge or cloth; no rinsing required! Of course you can still take advantage of the classic scrubbing action of Soft Scrub, this formula will suds up just as well as any- though rinsing is not required. Similar to the classic Soft Scrub Gel with Bleach, this bleach free formula is safe for large surfaces, and easily removes layers of gunk and residue with a single swipe. Now, as convenient as the squirt and wipe cleaning is, I do, personally advocate a simple vinegar water wipe down to remove and residue, when cleaning kitchen surfaces.

Before using Soft Scrub Advanced for the first time I allowed our kitchen sink to go almost 5 days without a scrub. The other half is notorious for 'rinsing' dishes, and failing to rinse the sink, so we always have dried food and grease stains lurking on our Stainless Steel. As I first dispensed the cleanser I was surprised how thin the clear gel was, as it came out quite fast. I think I only needed about 1/3 what I actually used, and the gel seemed to foam quite a bit when wiping. I've since become more conscious of how much I squeeze and use a lot less per chore. The gel itself has a minimal cleaning odor, and leaves no fragrance post wiping, which is surprising, considering how effective Advanced Surface proved to be in efficiently eating through grime buildup. In all, I've been thrilled at the power of this new formula, but would like to see an improved distribution, such as a spray bottle or mist; the gel simply dispenses too fast for smaller chores.

Like most of my Purex Insiders opportunities, this one comes with the chance to win some free swag via the Don't Worry, Be Happy Sweepstakes. One lucky winner will take home $1000 cash prize, while 250 others will claim FREE product vouchers for Soft Scrub. Enter once a day now through April 9. 2013 to maximize your chances, and be sure to enter our giveaway below. Good luck!

What Daughter Says: Take some of the guesswork our of cleaning Advanced Surfaces with new Soft Scrub.

One Momma Told Me reader will win 2 vouchers good for FREE Soft Scrub!

Purex Natural Elements: Tropical Splash Giveaway~ 4/1

Momma Told Me: It's not like you're allergic to everything!

I've told me readers time and again about my mysterious battle with hives, at age 4, and Momma's dismay when she learned she was indirectly the cause with her choice in laundry detergent. Still quite young, I was crushed to think that 'scent' was causing all of my itching and misery.  Would I never get to wear Momma's expensive perfumes, or enjoy the gentle snuggle of scent on laundry fresh from the dryer? There was a silly little phase, I recall, somewhere after stealing my teacher's makeup (convinced makeup had given Momma cancer), and the hives, where I was certain any and everything I cam into contact with could quite literally kill me. Perhaps the world's biggest, and most illogical, hypochondriac was little 'ol me circa age 5. I threw out all of my glitter lotions, piggy paints, and watercolor 'lipstick'. And, when Momma would light a candle, or clear the room's odors with an air freshening spray, I'd recoil in shrieks and squeals.

Living with sensitive skin has, thankfully, been much less drama than my child's mind made out. However, I do have to be exceptionally careful when I do laundry; after all, clothing and fabric covers a large portion of our skin, day-long. The slightest of irritant in the wash can result in loads of re-washing and extra rinsing. Who has time for that? For many years I used powdered Arm & Hammer, unscented, simply because that was what Momma swore by. I'd longingly smell softener additives and dryer sheets at the grocery store and imagine what it might be like to enjoy those smells on my own clothing and bedding. And, as much as I rave about Purex, as it's one of the gentlest brands for me, few products in their range mean more to me than the Natural Elements line. Entirely Hypoallergenic and dye-free, Natural Elements was formulated specially for people like me. And now there's an entirely new fragrance, paired with DirtLift Action; Tropical Splash.

That's right, keeping the island escape theme alive, is the new Tropical Splash, nature inspired, fragrance. Like many of the products in the Purex line, Tropical Splash is a very subtle, yet long lasting, aroma that reminds me of lillies and pineapple, without being overwhelmingly floral or feminine. Not only are Purex Natural Elements liquid detergents sold at a competitive low price, but at my local WalMart as well. Unfortunately, I have a hard time finding the entire range at my local grocery stores, so I am always sure to stock up when we make a WalMart run. Then there's the added bonus of the DirtLift Action, which helps pull stains and debris from deep within the fibers of your fabric, for a truly powerful clean you can see and smell.

You may recall that Purex has partnered with some pretty amazing island-minded products for 2013, including new Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends and Dial Coconut Water Body Wash. At the launch of these exciting products the Tropical Trio Sweepstakes was also launched. Teaming Honey Bunches with Purex and Outrigger Waikiki resorts, this amazing sweepstakes will put free product in the hands of 100 runner's up, and a Year's Supply of Purex and Honey Bunches in the hands of 5 lucky 1st Place Winners. But the prize everyone's clamoring over is the Grand Prize; 4 Night Stay at Outrigger Waikiki for 2! Entrants can enter once a day between now and April 15th, so hurry on over and start collecting entries, and keep your eyes out for Purex Natural Elements Tropical Splash near you!

What Daughter Says: Purex Natural Elements brings the fun of fragrance back to my laundry.

One Momma Told Me follower will win 2 Coupons for FREE Purex liquid detergent! Enter our Purex with Crystals Giveaway here.

Fight Stains w/ Fragrance: Purex w/ Crystals Giveaway 3/28

Momma Told Me: It's not just soap and suds!

Whenever I reflect back on the chore of laundry, and it's place in my childhood, I have visions of sudsy buckets and washboards. Things begin to get a little rounded and cartooney as an upbeat folksong plays in the background, my scrubbing with woodland critters lacking pants. Okay, I'm not that dated, but it does seem the more we advance as a society, the more work goes into cleaning our clothes. There's the pre-treating then the soaking, followed by the wash and rinse, and then the softener and dryer sheets. We've come a long way from the river water and Borax our ancestors used to rely on. There are hundreds of detergent brands on the market, with all sorts of prices, but I rely on those that offer me the combined power of multiple laundry aids. Whenever I can pre-treat with the same detergent, or get an added boost of fragrance without extra crystals, it only serves to reinformce my brand loyalty and extend my household's budget.

If you're a loyal Purex user then you've likely already noticed something different about the brand's liquid packaging this year. All of the Purex released in 2013 will feature a special stain fighting technology called 'DirtLift Action.' This works deep down within fibers to bust dirt and stains, while keeping your brights their brightest, and your whites their whitest! Their newest addition to the liquid detergent range harnesses the DirtLift power in addition to combining the technology of Purex Crystals fragrance releasing power. This means you can eliminate up to 2 additional steps in your daily laundry routine, and even save money overall; as Purex with Crystals Fragrance retails for an average 50% less than other leading brands. Most importantly to me, someone with skin often sensitive to laundry cleansers and scents, the Purex range is gentle enough for my delicate skin. I never find harsh irritating residues, and my laundry is always extra soft!

As a Purex Insider we received a bottle of the new Purex with Crystals fragrance liquid detergent for review here on Momma Told Me. As usual, I was happy to note there is minimal coloring in the liquid detergent, almost a milky clear, and the light floral, yet clean, aroma that wafted up upon first pour. Thanks to the DirtLift action I can pre-treat bothersome stains with a little daub of the detergent directly on the stain itself. Allowing this to sit and sink in for 20 minutes, prior to washing, helps double-treat harsh stains without the extra stain fighting products. While I had expected to see physical Crystals (much like the little rocks found in the Purex Crystals line) in the detergent, this mixture is smooth just like any other in the range. I'm really quite impressed with how well the Crystals fragrance technology does shine through in this formula, as our laundry still smelled fresh from the dryer near 5 days after being folded and put away! And, as someone who loves the smell of fresh laundry most, when doing laundry, that's a plus for me!

Much like most of the Purex brand launches, this product does not come to us without an amazing Sweepstakes; the Experience the Enchantment Sweepstakes. One lucky grand prize winner will receive $1000 AND a Years Supply of Purex! 500 Second Place winners will score a voucher good for a free bottle of new Purex with Crystals fragrance, so hurry on over and be sure to enter once a day between now and March 29, 2013.

What Daughter Says: Take some of the extra chores out of laundry, combine stain fighting and fragrance with the new Purex with Crystals liquid detergent!

One Momma Told Me follower will win 2 vouchers for FREE Purex liquid detergent!

Bathe In Tropical Hydration w/ Dial Coconut Water Giveaway 3/13

Momma Told Me: The only tropical paradise you'll be going to is the bathroom!

I've never been to the tropics; though I live near the beach in sunny Southern California, it's hardly a Caribbean oasis. We have warm weather near year round, and palm trees line most of our local city streets, but there is not sound of the lazy beach drums and for the most part our city's inhabitants work typical 9-5 jobs. When I was just a little girl I'd often image walking out towards the water of our local shores and swimming clear onto a tropical island (I suppose in Hawaii) where I would be greeted by beautiful bronzed women with colorful leis and sip fresh coconut milk from the source. Yes, I had quite the imagination, but it made bath time all the more magical and less of a battle for Momma. (Truly, what kid actually enjoys the concept of 'getting clean.' I care for a 10 year old that plea bargains schedules for washing her hair, simply to get out of brushing tangles). So, when Dial announced their newest addition to their Moisturizing Body Wash range, Coconut Water, I was instantly taken back to those playful childhood dreams.

If you're like me you probably did a double take at coconut 'water,' I drink coconut milk often, and have even seen coconut water on shelves, but in a body wash? I quickly learned that coconut water is actually sourced from young, green, coconuts that are especially rich in antioxidants and electrolytes needed to naturally replenish hydration. That's right the hot 'it' beverage, coconut water, is actually as good for the exterior of your body as it is for the interior. I anticipate we'll be seeing this super-ingredient sourced quite a bit in upcoming skincare products; though Dial appears to be one of the first! As a Purex Insider I received one of the first bottles off the production line, to test and provide my 'juicy' feedback. Right away I noted the wash was almost clear in coloring, with a faint 'sea blue' hue that seems to reflect almost like the natural pigmentation of a clear sky. I try to shy away from skincare products that rely heavily on dye, so this was an immediate plus.

Upon opening the easy snap top I was instantly transferred to a tropical oasis, as the images on the bottles conveyed. I was surprised to note subtle floral hints (water lily?) beneath the more predominant bamboo and lime fragrances. In fact, the fragrance is not what I would expect from the Coconut Water ingredient, coconut appears to be the supporting fragrance, if at all. In general, Dial Coconut Body wash is a crisp clean fragrance that would easily appear to men or women. I most noticed the coconut water in the product's ability to perform with a quick building and smooth lather like foam. This body was was soft to the skin and left no residue upon first rinse, yet my skin appeared clean and invigorated (my pores were visibly tighter). My only concern with this product is that it reminds me, in scent and appearance, of shampoo! Reaching for it post shower hair ritual is something I'll have to get used to. In all, I've been pleasantly surprised by the performance and experience with Dial Coconut Water Body Wash!

Like most Purex Insider releases, there is an amazing Sweepstakes being sponsored to roll out Dial Coconut Body Wash; the Healthier Skin, Healthier You Sweepstakes. Hosted through the Dial Facebook page, and collecting daily entries now through March 31, 2013, one first place winner will take home $1000 cash! 250 runners up will score a voucher good for a free bottle of new Dial Coconut Water Body Wash, so be sure to head on over and enter today, and every day between now and closing, to maximize your chances!

What Daughter Says: Dial Coconut Water helps bring the tropics home for a few minutes every day.

One Momma Told Me follower will win 2 vouchers good for FREE Dial Coconut Water Body Wash! Enter to win new Soft Scrub Total here, or Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blend here.

Feel the Breeze? New @HBOats Tropical Blends Is Here! Giveaway~ 3/5

Momma Told Me: Cereal is for kids.

When you're a child the concept of cereal is associated with cartoon characters and decoder rings nestled at the bottom of translucent bags. We wake up on school days and plop ourselves down at the table or nook to reach for that brightly colored cardboard box full of sugar grain puffs and marshmallows. 'Breakfast' is like morning dessert, as children we only care that it is a quick and sweet treat before beginning the day's grind at school. For me, that's where my bad habit of forgoing breakfast began. Once I felt I'd outgrown childhood cereals I quickly fell into a sway that involved skipping breakfast all together. Most experts will tell you that's a slippery slope; breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Not only should it be weighted higher (than other meals) in calories, but is necessary to provide the nutrients that fuel us through the day and keep us full until our equally rushed lunch breaks.And eating cereal for breakfast just doesn't seem like the 'adult' thing to do.

That's precisely why any child over 5 can easily identify what is casually known as an 'adult' cereal. These usually consist of plain white boxes full of photos of fruit, with nutritional claims in banners across the bottom. But 'adult' cereal doesn't have to be a high fiber compound of compressed oats and void of any flavor. In fact, Post's range of Honey Bunches of Oats has widely been recognized by fans as one of the most flavorful selections among 'sensible cereal'. And the new Tropical Blends flavor is no exception; packaged in a vibrant box of beachy hues, this breakfast cereal will inspire a "party in your mouth" (and that's a direct quote from the other half). Blending trademark Crispy Honey Bunches of Outs Flakes with a tropical Mango flavor, and Coconut Flavored Granola Clusters makes for a textural experience that is anything but boring or bland. Each serving weighs in with 10g of Whole Grain and 9 Essential Vitamins and Minerals, while still coming in below the leading brand of 'adult' cereal (Honey Nut Cheerios) with 2g less of sugar! The Tropical Blends variety is heart healthy and filling; tested here to a proclamation that just a bowl "Just may be the most enjoyable bowl of cereal I have ever had."

As part of the General Mills brand, Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends is a participating title in the Labels for Education program which donates a portion of money back to schools. But that's not the only reason to hunt down a box of this new blend; The Purex® brand is teaming up with Honey Bunches of Oats and Outrigger Hotels and Resorts to launch a monumental prize giveaway: The 2013 Tropical Trio Sweepstakes! That's right, Purex has a brand new scent in their Natural Elements Liquid Detergent; Tropical Blast, and they're teaming up to offer an amazing prize in hopes of spreading the word. In addition to a Grand Prize that will send one lucky entrant on a tropical paradise vacation to Outrigger Waikiki, 5 First Place winners will enjoy a year's supply of Tropical Purex and Honey Bunches! 100 Second Place winners will also receive coupons good for free Purex and Honey Bunches product, so don't hesitate to head on over and enter TODAY, and look for the new Honey Bunches variety on shelves in a store near you!

What Daughter Says: Enjoy the grown up cereal with big flavor and plenty of tropical texture, look for new Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends on a shelf near you!

One Momma Told Me follower will win 3 vouchers good for FREE Honey Bunches of Oats! Enter our Soft Scrub Total giveaway here. Enter our Dial Tropical Body Wash here.