Forever and Always

Naturale Sundae Review

2010-01-20T08:01:00.000-08:00

I am always on the lookout for all natural products that I can use on a daily basis that are safe and helpful. Natural Sundae does all that. They have so many great products in a variety of scents to help create a more natural life.

I received several great products that I instantly fell in love with. I love that every product has an aromatherapy benefit. One of my favorites that I received was the Pure Cane Sugar Body Scrub. It comes in a variety of scents and is great at getting rid of any rough skin. I love how soft my skin feels after I use it. This is just one of the many products available to buy on their site. They have portable aroma inhalers, natural herbal soaps, massage oils, and so much more. I was really impressed with the selection available.

The best part about these products are that they are all natural. I also love how informative their website is. Each product has information on things that it can help with as well as a great deal of the day! I also love natural bars of soap and Natural Sundae's Lavendar bar is heavenly!

To view all of the great products available visit NaturalSundae.com.

Taslie Skin Care Review

2010-01-16T07:55:00.000-08:00

More and more lately I have been really trying to make the commitment to switch all of our products to more safe and natural ones. That means I start with my little guys and the stuff I buy for them first.

I was so excited to have found and tried Taslie Skin Care products. We were able to try a few of the products and are so pleased with the results. The Taslie line was created by a mom who recognized the need for all natural and safe products for her child. These products are not only safe but fun looking too which makes it even better for kids.

My boys absolutely loved the Head to Toe Body Wash and Moisturizing Lotion not just because of how soft their skin felt but because of the fun frog bottles. My favorite was the L'enfant Lemon Creme Moisturizing Lotion. Their hair smelt so yummy and soft. I can't wait until I can use Taslie on my new baby. Their skin will need all the nurturing it can get!

To view all of the great products from Taslie Skin Care visit Taslie.com.

I'm Back

2010-01-15T08:32:00.000-08:00

I know- I am the world's worst EVER blogger. I have been missing forever but I have a million and one excuses why. First of all I'm pregnant! In case you have heard on my Facebook page. It has been killing me not to post about it but I was waiting until we visited my family in Phoenix and told them in person.

So right now I am around 13 or 14 weeks. Yeah! I really wanted to post about how awful and miserable I felt in the beginning. It was sooooo not fun trying to go to school with morning sickness. So that was the first reason I was MIA. Too sick to even think while my family lived off of fast food. Then we had finals which by the way was triple worse with morning sickness! Luckily though it all paid off and I got an A in Anatomy and a B in Math so yeah again. My husband totally rocked all A's and I am really proud of him.

Then we went and made the three day trek to sunny Phoenix, AZ. We had some fun but way too much medical drama to say the trip was totally awesome. The good things were we ate lots of yummy food and didn't think twice about how bad it was for us. We spent some bonding time with family, hung out with some great friends and remembered how much we are loved from so far away! I didn't get to do or see everyone that we planned on but our time was cut short from Cody's hospital stay and having to get back to the dr's here. Of course now that we are back they are in no hurry to get Cody checked out and now we have to wait 2 weeks for his first real appointment AND we have to travel 3 hours to get there!

I have just been trying to get back into the swing of things at home and doing some crazy purging of clutter. We brought back way more stuff than we left with! My favorite Christmas presents this year were a pressure cooker to open my canning horizons, and I got to go "shopping" in my generous friend's food storage and pick out several items for my own supply! Food storage is by far the best gift idea ever!

Anyways, I know I might have lost a few of you along the way and I have totally and completely not checked my email in weeks. I'm really sorry if you sent me an email but I am going to be going through them and responding slowly but surely. I have some changes for the blog coming up as well. I will announce more soon but for now I will just be getting caught up on reviews- so probably no giveaways for awhile-don't hate me!

Blogging can be so much fun but things for me got to a point where they felt way too much like a huge burden trying to make all of my business contacts happy. Way too much pressure when life comes at you. I have learned to put me and my family first and get rid of the guilt. I have two sick little boys at home with the stomach flu so I thought I would get some things caught up while they watch their millionth show on tv. I really hope you all are doing good and thank you to all my blogging friends who haven't forgotten me and have kept in touch!

Happy New Years!

2010-01-01T07:57:00.000-08:00

I hope you all had a safe and fun night last night! I had a great time because I finally was able to get my husband home from the hospital. Due to mistakes from the doctors he had to stay an extra 2 days! It has been very frustrating but we are happy to start the new year off with my husband and try to get him healthy. Thank you to all who have been praying and uplifting support. I hope you all have a wonderful New Years!

Update from Phoenix

2009-12-28T21:10:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone, I hope you had a good holidays! We are still in Phoenix and have had some fun but also some scares. My hubby was admitted to the hospital for atrial fillibration (spelling?). He woke up in the middle of the night with a crazy irregular heart beat and it wouldn't calm down. I'm not smart on all of the medical stuff but they couldn't get his heart rate back to normal with medicine so they had to do a procedure where they stopped his heart. He was told it would feel like he was having a heart attack. He said it was so incredibly painful. Finally after different medinces his heart rate is back to normal. Today we found out that it is his thyroid that is causing it and that he might have Graves disease. Still waiting to talk to the endocronlogist so we shall see but we are relieved that his heart is going to be ok.

We also are praying that are insurance will cover it. Since we are out of state it might not but trying not to worry about it. I'm just so thankful to still have my husband. I was worried sick thinking about not having him in my life. So if you haven't hugged your sweetheart lately- make sure you do- life is so short!

On that note, I know I have a TON of emails to respond to and will do my best in the coming days but am just trying to get my life organized while away from home.

oh sugarcubes Etsy Giveaway

2009-12-18T23:07:00.001-08:00

My dear, sweet, amazing, almost life long friend, has opened up her own etsy shop- ohsugarcubes. It's about time! She is so talented and I am really proud of her creativity. She has beautiful artwork-prints that were photographed by her. I love how real they are! She offers different sizes and prices. Her pieces are REALLY affordable and make great presents for any occasion!

She is generously giving one lucky winner their own print! To enter please visit her shop and tell me which item you would choose.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link

Giveaway ends Jan. 2nd Open to US

I Am Featured!

2009-12-18T22:51:00.000-08:00

I was asked to write an article for the Curious Chef site awhile ago and just realized it is up. Yeah me! So if you want to take a looksy click here.

My Christmas by Andrea Bocelli

2009-12-18T22:31:00.000-08:00

I have been really wanting a good Christmas cd this holiday and have been really bored with my old music. I was so excited when I received Andrea Bocelli's very first Christmas album. It has great artists included on the album including Reba and my personal favorite the Mormon Tabernacle Choir! This songs truly are beautiful and Andrea's voice is amazing. I really loved how many tracks are on the cd. It feels like I don't have to change cd's for awhile.

I Believe
Adeste Fideles
O Tannenbaum
Blue Christmas
White Christmas
The Christmas Song duet with Nathalie Cole
Oh Holy Night
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town
Jingle Bells - duet with The Muppets
Silent Night
Tu Scendi Dalle Stelle
The Lord’s Prayer
What Child Is This with Mary J Blige
Angels We Have Heard On High

One lucky winner will receive their own copy of Andrea Bocelli's Christmas cd. This giveaway will not run for that long since Christmas is upon us! To enter please tell me why you would like to win this cd.

Giveaway ends Dec. 21st open to the US.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link

Giveaway ends Open to US

Winners Finally!

2009-12-18T21:57:00.000-08:00

I made it past finals just barely! What a week. I have been able to post and am now packing to leave for Phx. We leave at 4 am tomorrow! We are driving and it will take us about 24 hours total so it will be long and interesting with two toddlers. I wanted to play a little catch up and also let you know I have a new sponsor on my sidebar- TinyPrints! Make sure you check them out they have super cute stuff.

Now for the winners.....
The winner of the MyJones Soda is LadyTink_534

The 2 winners of the Hallmark GC are clarissa and Tamara B

The Robeez winner is Justin and April

The Pillow Pets winner is etirv

and the winner of the Build A Bear giveaway is Emily!

Thank you to everyone who has entered. You guys rock! I will be posting more when we arrive in Phoenix so be on the lookout :)

I'm Still Alive

2009-12-14T08:54:00.000-08:00

But barely! No just kidding but I have been crazy busy with things as I'm sure everyone else is. It's finals week and down to the wire for studying as well as getting ready for a long trip to Phoenix. I will be posting winners soon and some more reviews and giveaways. Hope everyone is doing well!

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian DVD Review

2009-12-10T22:20:00.000-08:00

The first Night at the Museum is a favorite in our house and now so is the sequel Battle of the Smithsonian. We loved the story line where all the exhibits are being shipped to storage at the Smithsonian. It is full of adventure and I really enjoyed the graphics. The only thing I missed was the cave men. They were so hilarious in the first one!

The characters were also great in this one. There was Amelia Earhart, a new monkey, and the ignorant Col. Custard. This was a great family movie for family night. Battle of the Smithsonian was released on 12/01/09 and makes a great family Christmas present!

Young Living Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Blend Review

2009-12-06T19:03:00.000-08:00

Christmas time is a time for great smells in the home. Everything from the fireplace to goodies baking in the kitchen. I love how smells can trigger memories and help your mood. My Young Living Essential Oil rep, Jennifer Nordin, sent me the Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Blend to review. I really love it! Here is a little description from the site: Christmas Spirit™ is a sweet, spicy blend of orange, cinnamon, and spruce essential oils that tap into the happiness, joy, and security associated with the holiday season. With Christmas Spirit on hand, simply open a bottle and start diffusing!

This stuff smells so nice! I love how the blend makes my home feel super Christmasy. We diffused it our Ultrasonic Diffuser while we decorated the tree. What a great tradition to start! This diffuser wholesales for $85. You will receive a coupon for 50% off the diffuser with the purchase of any Young Living Start Living Kit which creates a Young Living account for you to purchase at wholesale prices.

I love that I am using all natural oils in my home that are beneficial to the air we breathe!

Jennifer Nordin, Independent Young Living Distributor #329194, provides practical aromatherapy tips and private consultations through her blog, Oils For Wellness. Be sure to subscribe to her e-newsletter for more ways to experience the amazing healing benefits of essential oils. Start living well today- purchase pure Young Living aromatherapy products from the Oils For Wellness website!

Build A Bear Workshop Review and Giveaway

2009-12-02T20:39:00.000-08:00

Isn't this little guy (or girl) cute? I got the chance to review him from Build-A-Bear Workshop. He is one of the many cute animals available to purchase online or from their store. He came in a box that looks like a house which is great for carrying. He's super soft and really lovable! I can't wait to give this to my friend's little one for Christmas. It will make there day! I was really surprised at the selection offered from Build-A-Bear Workshop and hope to one day take my two little guys to the shop so they can build their own. We don't live near one so we will have to find one on a trip sometime!

This cute stuffed puppy is ready to be your furry friend! Its shaggy black and white fur and floppy ears make this stuffed animal Porty hard to resist. We donate $1 from the sale of this Bearemy's Kennel Pals® friend to the Build-A-Bear Workshop Bear Hugs Foundation to help real animals.

One lucky reader will win their own Portuguese Water Dog from Build-A-Bear! To enter please visit the site and tell me what your favorite animal is.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link

Giveaway ends Open to US ends Dec 16th

Pillow Pets Review and Giveaway

2009-12-01T11:28:00.001-08:00

Have you seen the commercials for these adorable Pillow Pets? I have and am happy I got my hands on one to review. They are stuffed animals that can easily be changed into a pillow. They are perfect for toddlers and children and are super soft. I received this cute Wiggly Pig to try out. I was surprised with the size of the animal. It isn't too big that it would be in the way but not too small so that your child's head isn't being supported.

Here is some more info about Pillow Pets:

Top 5 reasons to own a Pillow Pet:

1. Affordable, adorable fun and functionality

2. May postpone live animal ownership with 20 stuffed varieties to choose from

3. Cuddly like a puppy with ultra softness for hugging and sleeping

4. No clean up required and no shedding; durable and machine washable

5. Always up for anything - naptime, playtime, travel time - anytime!

Pillow Pets were created by a San Diego mom of two who sought a more functional use for the multitude of stuffed animals strewn across her home. Pillow Pets are affordably priced at $19.95 (with up to five additional Pillow Pets for $15.95 each) online at www.GetPillowPets.com.

I think that these are also perfect for road trips or for your little one who is staying over at a friends or family's house.

One lucky winner will receive their own Pillow Pet. Please visit their site and tell me which one you would pick.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link

Giveaway ends Open to US Ends Dec 14th

Winners

2009-11-28T08:16:00.000-08:00

I know it's about time I get some more winners up so here we go!

The Down East Basics winner is greeneginger

The Automoblox winner is bekki1820cb

The Natura Pillow winner is katklaw777

The Yoga Pulse DVD winner is BadgerMomma

and the winner of the One Republic cd is Cheryl.

Congrats to all!

Oxfam America Unwrapped

2009-11-28T08:00:00.000-08:00

Through Mom Central I found out about a great site called Oxfam America Unwrapped. Here is some info from their site:
We are an international relief and development organization that creates lasting solutions to poverty, hunger, and injustice. We are part of Oxfam International, a confederation of 13 Oxfams working in more than 100 countries. Together with individuals and local groups in these countries, we save lives, help people overcome poverty, and fight for social justice.

What sets Oxfam apart?

We create partnerships. Rather than provide short-term aid, we work with local communities to create lasting solutions to poverty by helping people address the root causes themselves. We rely on the knowledge and insight of those affected.

We’re independent. Among leading humanitarian organizations, we stand alone in our refusal of US government funds. We accept no money from sources that could compromise our ability to make decisions independently or to speak freely about injustice.

We work locally and globally. Oxfam is deeply committed to our community-based work, but we also recognize that there are larger barriers that can keep people in poverty. To tackle these obstacles, we do national and international policy and advocacy work.

We believe that human rights are fundamental and nonnegotiable. Oxfam adheres to the UN Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which entitles all people to safety, a voice in the decisions that affect them, equality, basic social services, and a secure means of earning a living.

Oxfam’s reach

We’re on the ground around the world. Our regional offices are staffed by experienced people who often come from the regions in which we work and who know the local realities.

We work as part of a confederation. As part of Oxfam International, we’re able to campaign globally, uniting around some of the world’s biggest problems to achieve far-reaching solutions.

We’re there when an emergency strikes. Since Oxam is already working in communities around the world, when disaster strikes, we can be first responders—channeling funds, aid workers, and relief supplies to where they are needed in a matter of hours.

What you do is pick out a donation gift to send on behalf of yourself or someone else. That person will receive card to show the donation and then the gift is sent to a community that needs it the most. There a variety of items to choose from including chicks, a desk and chair or seeds. I think this is a great way to help others around the world while giving a gift to someone you just don't know what to get. To view all the different gifts available in different price ranges visit Oxfam America Unwrapped.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Oxfam America Unwrapped and received a credit for a gift on the Oxfam site.”

Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws Review

2009-11-28T07:39:00.000-08:00

Everytime the preview came on for Santa Buddies on our other DVD's, my boys would tell me over and over again how they wish they could have this show. While I am not big on talking animal shows I knew it would mean a lot to my little guys. I'm really glad I got it for them.

Santa Buddies: Legend of Santa Paws was released on Nov. 24th and is at stores everywhere you look around.

In SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF SANTA PAWS, the lovable “Buddies,” B-Dawg,
Budderball, Buddha, Mudbud, and Rosebud embark on a thrilling journey to the magical world of Santa’s
Workshop. When Puppy Paws, the fun-loving son of Santa Paws, gets tired of the North Pole, he checks
out Santa’s “naughty” list and finds Budderball’s name right on top. Puppy Paws heads south to meet the
Buddies and find out how “ordinary” pups spend their days. But when the world begins to forget the true
meaning of the holidays and the magic of the season begins to literally melt away, it’s up to Puppy Paws
and his newfound Buddies to save the day in another epic adventure. Their extraordinary exploits
highlight the importance of collaboration, courage and tradition in a joyous celebration of life and
friendship. Sure to be a family favorite for years to come, SANTA BUDDIES: THE LEGEND OF
SANTA PAWS delivers enough holiday cheer to last a whole year! It’s Buddy-loving fun the whole
family will enjoy again and again.

We received the Blu-ray and DVD combo pack. The boys loved all the bonus material including the Santa Clause is Coming to Town music video. My boys favorite part of the whole movie is the part where one of the puppies who is stuck in the dog pound sings a cute song about Christmas miracles. It is really catchy and you will be singing along for sure when you watch it!

About Disney's Blu-ray + DVD Combo Pack:

To provide consumers with unprecedented quality, value and portability of their favorite Disney movies,
in 2008 Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment pioneered the Combo Pack – a Blu-ray Disc plus a
DVD in a single package. Current WDSHE titles available as Combo Packs include Bedtime Stories,
Bolt, Pinocchio, High School Musical 3 and Sleeping Beauty.

Here is a clip for the music video we love so much

How Was Your Turkey Day?

2009-11-28T07:30:00.000-08:00

Did you have a good one, or was it about the same as all of the others? I was really missing my family back in AZ but my husband's family took good care of us. We even were one of the crazy ones to get up at 3:30 and drive for an hour to go to Walmart on Black Friday. We found some good deals including a $25 All in one printer, bedding for my boys, Pyrex set of 14 pieces for $13 and some super cute pj's for $3 a piece. That was enough for me, so I could feel like I got a good enough deal to justify my tiredness!

How about you, did you score anything sweet or were you smart enough to stay in bed and get some zzz's?

Giveaways have been a little slow lately, a lot of companies just want to do reviews for now but I do promise I have some more giveaways coming up. Be patient and keep stopping by for your chance to win. Speaking of winning- did anyone find out who won the GE Appliance giveaway? I am totally clueless and have not heard a thing. Hope you all are enjoying your weekend!

Robeez Review and Giveaway

2009-11-27T18:54:00.000-08:00

I'm sure you have heard about Robeez by now. Robeez is one of the most well-known manufacturers of premium, leather footwear for newborns to pre-schoolers! Robeez is the 'only brand' of baby footwear that creates moments to delight in, so is a perfect gift for celebrating the Holiday season.

I was sent the Soft Soles Race Car in navy for my little guys to try out. They love how super soft they are of course the cool car designs. What I love is how durable they are. They stitching adds such a great touch and they give my boys some comfort on their cute little feet.

Robeez is giving one winner their own pair of shoes! Robeez will select a pair according to the winner's choice of size and gender. To enter please visit Robeez.com and tell me what style you like best.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link

Giveaway ends Dec. 11th Open to US and Canada

Purple Pig Shirts Review

2009-11-27T18:26:00.001-08:00

I am always on the lookout for unique shirts that are not only high quality but cute too. At Purple Pig Shirts they have just that and they are soooooooo soft. They have a cool selection of shirts that are for men, women and children. With the holidays approaching these shirts make great gifts for your loved one who is a yoga fan. I love anything yoga.

I received a pink Love Life shirt to review and really love wearing it. Since it is chilly where I am at I like to wear it with a white long sleeved shirt underneath. I really like that no one else I know has the same shirt and how it reminds me to practice what I preach.

Purple pig was created based on our desire to share our commitment to health and wellness in a fun way. Find time in your day to sweat, laugh and just hang out in some of the softest tees around.

Our fabrics have been carefully chosen for quality, softness and comfort. Our unique designs each hand drawn. The shirt colors and ink are individually selected and coordinated.

We hope you enjoy our shirts!

They have such a large selection to choose from that you are bound to find something for everyone on your list. To view all of the cute shirts visit Purplepigshirts.com.

Dyson DC31 Animal Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Review

2009-11-23T13:33:00.000-08:00

I have gone through so many cheapo dust busters that it makes me sick. Granted I only pay around $10-20 for them but after awhile of doing that it gets pretty old. They lose their suction right away and I have to wait forever for them to charge. My most recent complaint with them is that if I can't find the charging base for the hand held vacuum, then I'm out of luck.

I'm a mom who like all moms balances a crazy, busy load. I am constantly surrounded by messes and most of them involve the floor. I received the Dyson DC31 Animal Handheld Vacuum to review. It actually came at the most perfect time. We had company coming over for dinner and of course I was spending every last minute until they arrived cleaning like a mad woman. The last thing I needed to do was vacuum my floors. With my luck my vacuum dies on me. Won't suck up a thing. The day before I had a little craft party involving Christmas wreaths. I had pine needles all over ( yes I waited that long to vacuum)!

A few minutes later the FedEx woman dropped off my Dyson and I wondered if I could attempt to use it on the pine needles. I charged it for a little while and then gave it a try. It was magical. I'm serious. That powerful handheld vacuum got everything! It is by far the best handheld I have ever had. It was super easy to set up and it stays charged for forever and it only needs a small adapter to plug in to charge. Here are some more features from the Dyson site:

Patented cyclone technology For no loss of suction	Root cyclone technology
Suction power Air Watts (constant)	10 minutes of 38 airwatts or 6 minutes of 65 airwatts (constant)
Movement type How maneuverable it is	Handheld
Filtration For the cleanest expelled air	Standard filtration
Cleaner head / Floor tool What is used to vacuum the floor	Motorized brush bar
Stair cleaning For stairs and hard to reach areas	Handheld
Bin capacity Clear bin	0.09 Gal.
Tools / accessories What's included in the box	Combination accessory tool Crevice tool
Dimensions Height x depth x width.	12.7 by 4.5 by 8.0 inches (HxWxD)
Weight	3.38 lbs

Dyson DC31 Animal is a handheld vacuum with a motorized brush bar, designed for homes with pets. Ideal for quick pick-ups and spot cleaning. It also has dual power mode that gives longer run-time for large jobs or extra suction for stubborn dirt. Powered by the new Dyson digital motor - three times faster, the most power efficient.

I am so in love with this handheld and can say that Dyson is the brand to go with. The DC31 has been easy to clean and no buying replacement filters! It even has a 2 year warranty which is great peace of mind. Dyson.com also offers free shipping on all orders! How awesome is that? To view all of their vacuums and accessories visit Dyson.com.

Rimmel London Makeup Review

2009-11-23T09:19:00.000-08:00

I had the chance to try out some great items from Rimmel London recently. This is my first time using the brand and I am really impressed. I always see it at the store but figure for how little it costs that there must be something wrong with it. I was wrong!

They sent me some fabulous Colour Rush Trio Eyeshadows, Soft Kohl Kajal Eye Liner Pencil, 1000 Kisses Stay on Lipliner, and 60 Seconds Nail Polish. I really loved all of the makeup. The colors really stand out. They have have such a pretty shimmer to them but they are different then other eyeshadows I have used. The colors that they put together for the trios are a great mix and I love wearing them. I like that they are so different from what I already have.

The eyeliner and lip liner were great too. They go on really smooth and the nail polish dries fast! I am really impressed with Rimmel London makeup and will definitely be buying it in the future. I love the results and the price!

Taking it Nice and Easy Today

2009-11-21T14:08:00.000-08:00

In case you haven't noticed I haven't posted much this week. I have been so busy with school and family that I'm really taking it easy today. My house is a mess but I am getting a lot accomplished. I'm making and canning apple butter using this awesome recipe. It is very time consuming but so worth it. My house is smelling very yummy!

Last night Cody smoked an organic turkey and we had an early Thanksgiving Feast with some great friends. The meal was delicious. Cody worked so hard to make sure the turkey was just right. He did plenty of research and spent the whole day before brining the turkey. It was so good.

I'm just enjoying my kids company while Cody is at an important football game. I LOVE downtime! I really can't wait until the semester is over and I can concentrate on being a homemaker again. My house has been suffering.

For Christmas we are going to Phx to spend some much needed time with family and friends. We can't bring all of our Christmas presents for the boys with us so we will be doing a countdown to our trip. Everyday next month ( until we leave so not really everyday) we will give the boys a present to unwrap. We are so thankful that we haven't had to purchase one present yet. I have been saving all of my reviews for gifts. I just realized I haven't thought too much about incorporating Christ into the holidays and am trying to come up with some ideas. I thought that before they open their gift each day I will read a Scripture about the Christmas story.

So I'm wondering, how do you stay centered on the Savior during the holidays? I really need some tips!

photo courtesy of flickr.com

Stay tuned I will be adding more giveaways soon!

Hallmark Review and Giveaway-2 winners!

2009-11-19T18:56:00.000-08:00

Hallmark is the place to go for all of your holiday greetings. While they are known for their cards, they have so many other great items for you to share with your family. Hallmark sent me their a fun selection of their Recordable Christmas Cards. You can record a fun greeting to share with your loved one and then it plays a cute Christmas song. I can't wait to use these for my family. I 'm planning on having my boys say something silly or sweet for their Grandparents.

I also received a Hallmark DVD Greeting. What you do is upload your favorite pictures to the DVD provided and it creates a neat slide show. It is given in a beautiful Christmas card. I love how this is so personalized and isn't just a card but a memorable gift. I am already organizing my photos to give this to someone special!

Lastly, I received a Digital Scrapbook. It's a USB Drive that turns your pictures into a unique slide show for your tv, computer, or digital frame. It can even incorporate music. It comes with beautiful and crafty looking slides to make your pictures look super professional. They have a variety of themes. I was given the Friend one. How fun is that- a perfect way to remember your friendship with someone.

Hallmark is giving 2 of my readers a $25 GC to their site. To enter please visit Hallmark and tell me what you would purchase if you won.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link

Giveaway ends Open to US ends Dec 7th

myJones Soda Holiday Review and Giveaway

2009-11-18T07:38:00.000-08:00

I received the neatest item to review from Jones Soda that I can't wait to share with my family this Christmas! Jones Soda has come out with myJones which are personalized and customizable bottles of soda. They of course are keeping all of their unique and yummy flavors.

I was able to use a picture of my boys to put on soda bottles. The process was very simple and they arrived ready for gift giving. The color of the soda ( Green Apple) even matched the picture very well. I will be handing these out to family for Christmas. What I like about them is that you can drink them or use them for decoration around the house.

These bottles make a great gift for all occasions as well as party favors or wedding favors. One winner will receive their own 6 Pack to personalize. To enter please visit the site and tell me what flavor you would pick.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

Microsoft Office Live -Free!

2009-11-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

One of the hard parts about being a blogger is how much space things can take up on my computer. From images to press releases and even my homework assignments I have a lot of stuff stored! It can be overwhelming and hard to stay organized.

Thanks to Mom Central I was able to try out the Microsoft Office Live program ( which is free to you too!) It has been so much fun trying to get some use out of it and fiding all sorts of ways to enhance the programs I already have on my computer. Microsoft Office Live allows you to share and store all sorts of files. You are able to store projects and have other people collaborate on them. I think this would be really helpful if you are in school and need to work on a group assignment. It can save a lot of time if you are unable to get together.

Another thing that I think is helpful is that once you store the documents you can access them on any computer. This is extremely helpful for me when I am at school waiting for class and don't have my laptop with me. If I want to catch up on some blogging I can by accessing my Excell sheet. Overall this is a great program and I am so thankful I found it to make my life a little more easy!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Microsoft Office Live. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

GE Sweepstakes

2009-11-16T08:31:00.001-08:00

Hi Everyone! I just wanted to remind you that the GE Appliance Giveaway is officially closed. I received an email this morning saying that the winner will be selected by a third party on the 19th of Nov. and the winner's will be contacted on the 20th. I will keep you posted when I know more. Thank you to all who entered- you rock!

Winners!

2009-11-15T14:50:00.000-08:00

The Shade winner is throuthehaze

The 2 winners of the Klutz books are etirv and Terra H

The 5 winners of the Aliens in the Attic are zachsgran, jeccica simpson, Grad School Mommy,blakesmom, and bekki1820cb

and the winner of The Boys Store is Coby & Jill

Congrats everyone! I sent you an email so be on the lookout!

Vemma Children's Next Review

2009-11-15T14:47:00.000-08:00

I am always on the lookout for safe and natural products for my boys to help their bodies stay healthy. I was so excited for the chance to review Vemma products. We received their children's supplements called Vemma Next. Here is some more info about the line from their website:

Vemma NEXT™ is ideal for children 2 to 12. It includes a full ounce of the Vemma formula along with an enhanced nutrient blend unique for children's nutritional needs.

Add to that an amazing, kid-friendly creamy orange flavor with no preservatives, artificial colors, flavors, or sweeteners, and you"ve got the makings of a "superjuice" for "super kids."

Vemma NEXT helps your child stay healthy, because it contains antioxidants and nutrients that help support the body's immune system.* This includes:

Vitamin C – Found in citrus fruits, broccoli, bell peppers, kale, cauliflower, green leafy vegetables
Vitamin D – Found in salmon, tuna fish, milk, eggs, liver, beef, and even direct sunlight
Beta carotene – Found in sweet potatoes, carrots, spinach, collard greens, squash

Vemma NEXT also includes new ingredients targeted specifically for children:

DHA – an all natural, vegetarian source of omega-3 fatty acid known for brain and eye support.* Choline also aids in brain development.*
Quercetin – a group of flavonoids that give many fruits and vegetables their coloring. An antioxidant perfect for growing bodies.*
Phytonutrient extracts of fourteen organic fruits and veggies for those children that don't get enough.

Let's just say that my boys love their Vemma Next! It has a great fruity flavor that makes them want to have a drink. They love using their Vemma shot glass too so that their is a perfect measurement for their dosage. I love the convenient packaging that doesn't take up a lot of room in the fridge. It is so comforting to know that my boys are getting all of their nutritional needs met even if they don't eat all of their fruits and vegetables every day. For more info visit the Vemma website and check out all of their great products!

The Baby's Bundle Review with Giveaway!

2009-11-15T14:14:00.000-08:00

One thing I love about having a baby is buying ( or have family buy:) ) all the super cute and luxurious baby items. Everything from really soft blankets to embellished bibs. They are the little things to pamper your baby that make it so much fun being a mom!

The Baby's Bundle has everything you can think of to spoil your new little bundle of joy. They recently sent me a Vintage Train Baby Blanket for my boys to try out. It has that fun Minky material that is so soft on the skin It is well made and has survived several washes in our machine! The Baby's Bundle also has those cute baby legs that are so popular right now, nursing covers, gifts for adults and even shirts for moms. With so many items to choose from you can find something for anyone. The one thing I really like about this shop is that there is a large selection of boy products too. There are so many things for baby girls that it can sometimes be difficult to find something unique for a little guy.
To view all of the great items visit The Baby's Bundle. I guarantee you will find something you like! One lucky reader will win a $20 GC to The Baby's Bundle. To enter please visit the site and tell me what you would buy with your GC.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link
If you become a fan of The Baby's Bundle on Facebook here
If you follow The Baby's Bundle on Twitter here

Giveaway ends Nov. 30th

For those of you who can't wait to find out if you are the winner- use code Barn and save 15% off your purchase!

Last Day to Enter to Win a GE Appliance

2009-11-15T07:14:00.001-08:00

Don't forget today is the last day you can enter to win a GE Appliance of your choice. A huge thank you to all who have entered and I really hope one of you win- not just because I win then too:) although that is a nice bonus. I hope one of my readers win because I have seen how faithful you have been in entering and it would be so nice to see your hard work pay off!

I also will be announcing winners soon. For those of you who have emailed about not receiving a prize yet- please be patient. I have been contacting companies- yes even calling leaving annoying voice messages to see what's up and have never given up on a prize yet. FYI- almost all of the companies send the winner their prize but occasionally an email might get lost in the shuffle.

Hope you all are having a great weekend- by the way we went and saw Where the Wild Things Are and we were soooooooooo disappointed! It really was a waste of money for us. Has anyone else seen it yet? What did you think?

My Blog Design

2009-11-13T18:42:00.001-08:00

You might have noticed that my header was missing in action for a couple of days. Not sure what happened but the only thing I could think of was to ask the awesome woman who designed my blog, Lauren from Restored 316 Designs to help me. She is so super and fixed it. If you could please show her some love and visit her amazing site that would be great. She has redesigned her site and has added a lot more clients to her portfolio. She has great prices and her work speaks for itself.

A Little Tipsy

2009-11-13T09:53:00.000-08:00

I just came across this super cute craft blog called A Little Tipsy (because she is so clumsy). She has this great tip for storing your meat and having it thaw out super fast. I am going to be doing this from now on!

One Republic Signed CD Giveaway!

2009-11-12T17:19:00.000-08:00

I have never even listened to One Republic until I had the chance to review a digital copy of their new cd. I REALLY like them! Their new album Waking Up will be released Novemeber 17th. I love their sound. Their style is very unique and reminds me of an edgier Maroon 5- more mature. Below is a video of one of their new songs All the Right Moves. It is one of my favorites.

OneRepublic was nominated for a Grammy in 2008 for Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals. And Tedder, plus guitarists Zach Filkins and Drew Brown, bassist/cellist Brent Kutzle and drummer Eddie Fisher have sold almost 2 million albums and 8 million singles.

The band's 2007 hit "Apologize," from their album Dreaming Out Loud went to No. 1 in 16 countries, going gold in 14 of them. It broke records for airplay when it finally made it to radio (and was only bested by Lewis's "Bleeding Love," which Tedder co-wrote). Their second single, "Stop and Stare," propelled OneRepublic beyond platinum status. Waking Up is their second album on Mosley/Interscope Records.

Their latest single "All the Right Moves" comes with a huge heap of anticipation from the millions of fans of OneRepublic and Tedder. But there are countless others who may not know the band or its members' names but recognize their heartfelt songs from the soundtrack of their last bad breakup or emotional meltdown. OneRepublic is that band.

One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of their new cd! To enter please tell me who you would win this for.
For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Nov. 26th Open to US

Joy Berry Books Review

2009-11-12T15:18:00.000-08:00

Joy Berry books offer so many important skills and lessons for a variety of age groups for children. They are board books that come with helpful instructions for the child in subjects like mealtime, bath time, getting dressed and many other topics. It also comes with a Read Along Book and CD.

I was sent the Teach Me About Series. These books are great for my 3 year old who is becoming more independent every day. His favorite is the Bathtime book which is helping him get a little more prepared for all of the steps in the process of taking a bath. He hates if the water is too cold or if it gets in his eyes so this helps him know what to expect and shows him bath time can be fun.

I also received the Do-It-Yourself Potty Training Kit. Both of my boys are potty trained but I know this will be perfect for a friend of mine and her son.

Help your child learn and master potty training with our engaging, interactive Do-It-Yourself Potty Training Kits for boys and girls. Comes with everything a parent needs to get started!

Potty Kit includes Potty Book, CD, Instructions, Helpful Hints, Progress Chart, Progress Stickers, Diploma, & Push 'N' Play Sound Button!

This sets make great birthday presents for children as well as Christmas gifts. So much better than giving a bunch of toys that will get broken or forgotten! To view the other books that offered visit Joy Berry Books.

Johnny Test: Johnny X and Super Pooch Review

2009-11-12T15:07:00.000-08:00

I received the new Johnny Test: Johnny X and Super Pooch on DVD to review. What little boy doesn't like super heros? I am actually saving this to give to my nephew for Christmas who is a big fan of the show on the Cartoon Network.

Follow the adventures of this fearless 11-year old boy, his genetically engineered super talking dog Dukey, and his 13-year old super genius scientist twin sisters, Susan and Mary, who use Johnny as their guinea pig for their out-of-this-world scientific experiments. When trouble is brewing in Porkbelly, Johnny & Dukey suit up in their superhero gear and take to the skies! With a little help from Susan and Mary, Johnny X and Super Pooch are on the case!

This DVD is 60 minutes long and features 6 episodes. It is available at Amazon.com and retails for $6.99. This makes a great Christmas present or stocking stuffer!

Linky Love Giveaways

2009-11-11T22:42:00.000-08:00

Come one come all and list your giveaways! Don't forget to enter daily for your chance to win a Frigidaire Appliance!

Pulse Yoga DVD Giveaway!

2009-11-09T19:55:00.000-08:00

With the holidays approaching a yoga dvd is always a great way to keep you healthy amongst all of the stress and holiday goodies! With Pulse Yoga you work on all of the important areas on your body- your abdominals, lower back and gluteus muscles. This workout uses free weights while doing pulse movements to help define your upper body.

Pulse Yoga combines concepts from Pilates, Core Fusion, and Yoga. This workout is a lot of fun. I loved the upbeat music to keep you focused and alert. I also appreciated that the instructors and founders of Pulse Yoga are fit but do not have picture perfect super model bodies. They look healthy and in shape. This workout is also Basic which means it was a little challenging for me but not too much so that I want to quit ten minutes in.

One winner will receive their own Pulse Yoga DVD! To enter please visit pulseyoga.com and tell me what you are will be doing to stay healthy this holiday season.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Nov. 2rd Open to US

The Chic-Adee Shop Review

2009-11-08T20:26:00.000-08:00

Ok, not only is the above photo super pretty, but the wreath itself is gorgeous. It is one of the beautiful handmade and unique wreaths from The Chic- Adee Shop. It is called Tinsel Town. When I first saw in the etsy shop it reminded me of a Dr Seuss Christmas. I can't wait until the day after Thanksgiving so I can hang it up.

I was so impressed when this wreath came. The packaging was very special and crafty. You can tell that they put a lot of time and care into each wreath and package. There are so many other types of wreaths available in the store. Wreaths just aren't for Christmas. There is the Lover's Knot Wreath which is perfect for Valentine's Day, Luck of the Irish Wreath,
and my absolute favorite- the Wool Wrapped Autumn Wreath. They are very high quality and will last for a LONG time. They are so much prettier and better than the plastic kind you can buy at Walmart.

To view all the beautiful choices visit The Chic-Adee Shop.

Winners

2009-11-08T19:57:00.000-08:00

the brown couch won the Moms R The Best shirt

the 3 winners of the conserve kit are oilgirl, kim, and angela K

the winner of the Tommy Bahama pillow is etirv

and lastly the winner of the Shrinky Dink kit is AStarrA

Congrats winners! As always please email me if you haven't received your prize yet. I have been a little slow in responding to emails lately but it doesn't mean I don't love you! Just crazy busy and trying to keep it real. Thanks ladies!

Automoblox Review and Giveaway

2009-11-07T14:21:00.000-08:00

Aren't these just the coolest cars you have seen? They look so modern and artsy. They are Automoblox and they are cars that your child can assemble and reassemble again and again. This helps your child's creativity ( and I think there self esteem too). My boys were sent the Original Full Size S9 Sedan and C9 Sports Car to review.

When these bad boys came, Ki and Jackson were on cloud nine. These cars are so different from the cheap plastic ones that are in the toy aisle at the local Kmart. I have to say these cars are full of quality and style. The boys have been having a blast with these.

Automoblox just came out with the New T900 (pictured above) and will be releasing in November their new Hot Rods. These toys are well made and I love that they aren't geared toward a specific gender. These are great gifts for boys and girls and are perfect for Christmas. Automoblox is available at http://www.automoblox.com/.

One lucky winner will win their very own Automoblox! The winner can choose from one of the following:

One Original full size car (C9, S9, or T9)
or the C9, S9, and T9 mini three pack in red/blue/green

To enter please visit the site and tell me what you would like to win.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Nov. 21st Open to US

H2PRO Flat Iron Review

2009-11-07T13:45:00.000-08:00

I use a flat iron daily so it is very important that I use a good one that is safe and gentle on my hair. I was sent the new Vivace 1 Inch Flat Iron to review. It is awesome! It has three layers of ceramic allowing my hair to be heated evenly. Not only does this flat iron leave my hair soft, but it has adjustable heat settings so I am in control of how hot it gets. My old flat iron doesn't do that!

For further unmatched styling capabilities and health benefits, the added feature of Nano Hi-Tech Technology creates even smoother styles through its advanced combination of three distinct Nano technologies, Nano Ti + Nano TiO + Nano Ag. The moisturizing element of Nano Ttanium, work together with the cleansing and purifying characteristics of Nano Titanium Oxide and Nano Silver, to leave your hair healthier, shinier, and more vibrant, while free of harmful bacteria and free radical pollutants.

H2PRO is a Chicago based company specializing in distribution of top quality hair appliances and beauty products. We continue to strive to offer salons, stylists and end users as well, top innovative designs, highest technology and effective products to satisfy the industry professionals.

H2PRO has a great line of products including blow dryers and soaps. I am impressed that there products are used by stylists! I feel super pampered when I use my flat iron. To see all of the other flat iron choices they offer visit h2probeautylife.com.

TouchBack Marker Review

2009-11-07T13:30:00.000-08:00

Now I may not have grey hair yet, I still really wanted to review this product. It is called the TouchBack Marker and covers up grey hair at your roots to get you through your next hair color. It is completely washable and works great if you need to style your hair.

Like I said, I don't have grey hair but I have a friend who could really appreciate this and I will be giving it to her. I did try it out on my hair though. It didn't leave any weird residue and my hair felt the same as it always does. I think this would be a perfect product for any busy woman. It even won the Allure Editor's Choice Award.There are several color choices available so there is something for everyone! Unlike mascara, crayons, gels and powders, TouchBack doesn’t flake or rub off when you brush your hair. It bonds to your hair and stays true until shampooed out, and it’s safe to use around your kids as it’s peroxide and ammonia free!
To view all of the color choices and to purchase visit http://www.touchbackgray.com/

Natura World Pillow Review and Giveaway

2009-11-07T12:45:00.000-08:00

Every night I manage to lose sleep somehow. One of my boys always has to go to the bathroom, get a drink or has a bad dream. So it is an understatement when I say that the quality of my sleep is important to me. I was recently sent some amazing products from NaturaWorld.com. They sent me an Aloe Dream Mate Pillow which is so fabulous. It is incredibly supportive for my neck and back through the night and is very soft. It is the only pillow I will use now! My husband tries to sneak it from me but he can't get past me!

Aloe Enriched Cover: Moisturizing, silky aloe infused cotton blend cover, lined with temperature regulating Natura smart Wool
Natura Smart Wool™ Lining: The Natura Wool lining creates an insulating layer that helps to regulate temperature next to the skin throughout the night, allowing you achieve longer periods of deep sleep. Natura Wool also wicks away excess moisture, creating a fresh, dry sleep environment that repels common allergens and bacteria that thrive in moist environments.

Granulated Talalay latex core: The Aloe Dream Mate pillow’s granulated core mimics the feel of feathers and down but provides springy support that won’t pack down. The resilient latex granules move wherever you want them to for perfect, molding support and soothing pressure relief. Naturally breathable, the latex core guarantees maximum air circulation, eliminating excess humidity and repelling the presence of bacteria and common allergens.

I also received the Sunshine Pillow which is great too. I love that is washable for easy upkeep. I let my husband use this one- sometimes!

Next I received the 2 in 1 Blanket Pillow. It is very handy. It's a blanket that can be tucked into itself to make a pillow. It also has a handy little pocket to stick your feet in to keep any drafts away.

Lastly, I was sent the Aromatherapy Spray. I use it on my linens to freshen them up but it can also be used as a body or room spray. So natural smelling! I was really impressed to see how many different products Natura offers. I thought they just had pillows, but they carry so much more, including beds for your pillow.

Natura has everything you need to get a peaceful night's sleep and now they are giving one lucky winner their very own Aloe Dream Mate Pillow. To enter please visit the site and tell me an item you would like to try.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link- can tweet and enter daily!
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Nov. 21st Open to US

Extra Entries

2009-11-07T12:19:00.001-08:00

Hey all! A great idea came from Autum at Monsters in My House. It really is pretty obvious but I never thought of it before. For all of my giveaways the twitter entry can be daily. I will start adding this to my giveaways from hear on out but feel free to start doing it for the giveaways I have already posted. Happy entering!

KidScents Review

2009-11-04T22:55:00.001-08:00

When my kids are happy then I am happy. Why are they happy? They received their Young Living Essential Oils package. Yes a package just for them. They were sick when it arrived and it really made their day. They received the KidScents MightyZyme Chewable Tablets and the KidScents Bubblegum Flavor Toothpaste.

Young Living Essential Oils has a whole KidScents line of chemical free body care. They have several items including Shampoo and diaper cream. All containing herbal extracts and botanicals.

My boys love both of these products. I love how I don't have to worry about what is in the products. The toothpaste uses xylitol instead of artificial sweeteners and also contains Young Living Essential Oils Thieves Oil to help maintain healthy gums. The MightZyme is full of all natural and pure products to help digestion. I really love these products and I am even using the toothpaste myself! It helps my mouth feel very healthy inside!

You can make healthy changes in the products in your home by switching in the items you use everyday. Little by little you can have an all natural and safer home! Simply contact Jennifer. If you are looking to purchase essential oils to help your family heal naturally and support your immune system then you have to order from Jennifer.

Jennifer Nordin, Independent Young Living Distributor #329194, provides practical aromatherapy tips and private consultations through her blog, Oils For Wellness. Be sure to subscribe to her e-newsletter for more ways to experience the amazing healing benefits of essential oils. Start living well today- purchase pure Young Living aromatherapy products from the Oils For Wellness website!

MyClyns Review

2009-11-04T22:30:00.000-08:00

You know what is one of my pet peeves? When my precious little sick boy sneezes or coughs right in my face. I'm sure I am not the first mom who has had this happen. You instantly want to go take a shower and wash all the germs off! With all of the sickness that has been going around in my home I am happy to have the chance to review the MyClyns. It is a disinfecting spray that is safe that you use on your face. So far we haven't had to use it but I really enjoy the piece of mind that I have it in my medicine box for just in case. I also love the convenient size so I can take it with us on trips.

As parents, we’re all increasingly aware of the many dangerous pathogens that seem to lurk everywhere; hardly a day goes by without a media report about this or that new germ invading our everyday lives. MyClyns is trusted and used by hospitals and first responders (EMS, police, firemen, etc.) – whose contact with pathogens is often extreme – and is now being made available to consumers to be the perfect complement to hand sanitizers and part of a complete germ-fighting routine. MyClyns, which will be sold at CVS stores nationwide along with other chain stores for suggested retail price of $9.99 , is a compact, non-aerosol pump spray shaped like a pen and easy to slip into a pocket, baby bag, purse, gym bag or carry-on (meets airline restrictions) for everyday use and when traveling.

MyClyns is the only germ defense for use in the eyes, nose and mouth – offering protection where you need it most – common entry points for most germs. MyClyns is safe to spray directly onto the face and even into open wounds. It’s safe for people of all ages – even those who wear contact lenses.

To get more info about MyClyns visit their website here.

Dremel 4000 Review

2009-11-04T21:51:00.000-08:00

What could possibly be the best item to do a review on? The Dremel 4000 of course! Let me clarify, I actually have never used the product but my husband sure has. Why is this the best item to review? Because he is going to be getting all sorts of things done around the house. My husband, Cody, has been hounding me for months to try and get a Dremel. He has been researching models and prices and knew that he wanted a nice one. Ask and ye shall receive!

Dremel sent us the Dremel 4000 High Performance Rotary Tool. It just hit stores in October. The plan is for Cody to refinish our dining set, followed by an antique hope chest we have that has lots of nooks and crannies that only a Dremel could get to.

First of all, when the package arrived Cody was like a little boy on Christmas. The Dremel 4000 arrived in a nice carrying case to keep it and all of it's parts with it. We were thinking that we would have to go to the store and purchase all sorts of attachments, but they all were included.

Cody is most impressed by the different speeds that are available as well as the power the Dremel has. It also comes with a five year warranty. Now that is reliable! I'm not one for knowing about tools but I know that my husband is impressed and that he is getting several honey do projects out of the way so that makes me happy. Happy wife, happy life!

The Dremel 4000 variable speed rotary tool offers the highest performance and most versatility of all Dremel rotary tools. The increased strength of its motor plus electronic feedback circuitry enables consistent performance at all speed levels. Dremel 4000 can use all existing Dremel accessories and attachments plus high-performance attachments to complete the widest range of projects. A slim, ergonomic body provides a 360-degree grip zone for comfort and control in any grip position.

* High-performance motor for maximum performance at all speeds
* Electronic feedback for consistent speed under load
* Variable speed for greater versatility
* Can be used with all Dremel accessories and attachments

To view all of the great Dremel products visit Dremel.com. These make great Christmas presents for the man in your life!

DownEast Basics Denim Review and Giveaway!

2009-11-04T09:45:00.000-08:00

DownEast Basics has done it again! They have come out with their own line of denim and this woman is in love! I got to review their Rock Star jeans and REALLY like them. They are the perfect fit for me and are super stylish. They have decorative diamond stones on the pockets and trendy stitching on the back pockets.

DownEast Basics pays close attention to detail. There is really cute fabric on the inside of the pants to feel even more pretty. There are 3 other styles to choose from and DownEast Basics was very helpful in helping me choose a size. I have never ordered jeans online before and was a little nervous, but the jeans fit great.

Once again DownEast Basics is hooking one of my readers up with their own pair of jeans. To enter please tell me which pair of jeans you would select if you win.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Nov. 18th Open to US

Simply Soles Review

2009-11-04T09:24:00.000-08:00

Shoes are not just shoes these days. They are pieces of art. I naturally love shoes and am always on the look out for something more trendy and unique. SimplySoles has all of that and more. They are an online shoe site with a large selection of the prettiest shoes! The site's owner even has her own line- Lillybee that she has designed. Each pair of shoes is named after a movie actress. I love these Angelina pumps. They are so hot!

SimplySoles doesn't just have shoes. They have lots of accessories as well. I received this Flora Clutch to review. Isn't it adorable? I really like the attention to detail in the leather and how all of the colors remind me of fall. It also has quite a bit of room to store all of my essentials.
SimplySoles also has Featured Soles on Sale to give you a deep discount on your favorite shoes. They even have adorable gift items for everyone, including baby to feel super chic! With so many designers and styles available you can be sure to find something you will love. To view all of the collections visit SimplySoles.com.

Allergy Luxe Review

2009-11-02T14:23:00.000-08:00

Allergy Luxe has a ton of great products to help keep dust mites and bed bugs at bay. I was able to review their Bed Bug Pillow Protector. I love knowing that my pillow is safe from nasty critters.

This soft and comfortable pillow protector will give you peace of mind in addition to a peaceful sleep. Designed to prevent bed bug infestation, this protector with micro-zipper technology has hypo-allergenic and anti-bacterial components that will help keep your pillow protected. 100% micropolyester. Machine wash. Lifetime warranty.

Allergy Luxe has everything from pillows to Down Alternative Comforters. I have enjoyed using my pillowcase and after the nasty flu bug, I have had to wash it several times. It has held up well so far! To view all of the other great Allergy Luxe products visit Bed Bath & Beyond.

Disney Pixar's Monster's Inc. Now on Blu Ray!

2009-11-02T14:13:00.000-08:00

Another great favorite in our home is Monster's Inc which will be released on Blu Ray Hi-Def November 10th. Now we can have better picture quality, and tons of extras while we watch the movie. Our favorite character is Boo. We love when she sings in the bathroom! The filmmakers roundtable is really neat. You see things in a totally different perspective.

James P. Sullivan- "Sulley"- (voiced by John Goodman) and Mike Wazowski (Billy Crystal) work for Monsters Inc., the utility company that generates energy from the fright of children. Sulley, the No. 1 scream-generator at the plant accidentally lets in a little girl into their world. Returning her home safely and undetected proves to be a monstrous challenge! All new Blu-ray bonus features include a filmmakers roundtable, a sneak peek at the newest Monsters attraction in Tokyo Disneyland, and MORE!

To pre-order your own copy visit Amazon here.

Disney Pixar's Up!

2009-11-02T13:37:00.000-08:00

My boys love this show and it is finally being released on Nov. 10th! Our family loves this film and all of the good messages it brings. Like perseverance, helping others and how important family is.

We just received the 4 Disc Combo pack of Up!. It contains a Blu Ray copy, DVD copy, Bonus Features and a Digital Copy. It's playing in the background as I write this. I have to say that my favorite part in this whole movie is Carl and Ellie's love story. There's is so sweet with their cute and comfortable little life staring at the clouds and planning an adventure to Paradise Falls. You can pre-order your own copy at Amazon here.

BONUS FEATURES FOR UP
• Commentary by director Pete Docter and co-director Bob Peterson.
• Dug’s Special Mission – An all new original short film that follows the
misadventures of Dug as he attempts to complete his “special mission.” The
short is directed by Up Story Supervisor, Ronnie Del Carmen.
• The Many Endings of Muntz – Many ideas were hatched about how to dispose
of the film’s arch villain, Muntz, and now viewers can see the many alternate
endings proposed during story development.
• Partly Cloudy –The hilarious short film that preceded screenings of Up.
Everyone knows that the stork delivers babies, but where do the storks get the
babies? The answer lies up in the stratosphere where the cloud Gus is a master
at creating “dangerous” babies, which prove to be more than a handful for his
loval delivery stork Peck. Directed by Pixar story artist, animator and voice actor
Peter Sohn.
• Adventure is Out There – This action-packed documentary tells the story of the
filmmakers’ own trek to the tepuis mountains of South America to research the
design and story of the film.

And, only on Blu-ray Hi-Def, hours of features, and behind-the scenes bonus features,
including:
• Cine-Explore – A visual montage of concept art, clips and documentary
coverage that illustrates the directors’ commentary.
• Geriatric Hero – A character study of Carl, from research to realization including
art and design, rigging, animation and story. It focuses on the issues of aging,
“simplexity”, shape-language and compelling character arcs.
• Canine Companions – For anyone who ever wondered where CG puppies
come from, an introduction to the design, behavior and language of dogs.
• Russell: Wilderness Explorer – A character study of Russell from inspiration
and design to finding the character arc and authentic voice for this wilderness
ranger.
• Our Giant Flightless Friend, Kevin – Find out how avian research and
development at Pixar helped bring a mythical, 13-foot tall iridescent bird to life.

• Homemakers of Pixar – Carl and Ellie’s house is an important “character” in the
film. Fans follow the development of the house from story to art to its ultimate
realization in the computer.
• Balloons and Flight – Carl’s house and Muntz's dirigible presented the
filmmakers with two different problems—how could they make a physical
impossibility possible? And, in the case of the dirigible, how would they unearth a
fallen giant and let it soar?
• Composing for Characters – Composer Michael Giacchino returns to score his
third Disney•Pixar feature film. See how the Up filmmakers collaborated with
Giacchino to create the memorable score and compelling musical themes.
• Married Life – The original story concept that became the powerful “Married Life”
scene, showing Carl and Ellie’s love story.
• Global Guardian Badge Game – Players try to locate countries, states and
capitals around the globe in a multi-layered BD-Exclusive geography game
enhanced by BD-Live.

Synopsis:
Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios take moviegoers up, up and away on
one of the funniest adventures of all time with their latest comedy-fantasy. Up follows the
uplifting tale of 78-year-old balloon salesman Carl Fredricksen, who finally fulfills his
lifelong dream of a great adventure when he ties thousands of balloons to his house and
flies away to the wilds of South America. But he discovers all too late that his biggest
nightmare has stowed away on the trip: an overly optimistic 8-year-old Wilderness
Explorer named Russell. Their journey to a lost world, where they encounter some
strange, exotic and surprising characters, is filled with hilarity, emotion and wildly
imaginative adventure.

Up has a suggested retail price of $39.99 SRP (US) or $44.99 SRP (Canada) for the 2-
Disc DVD, and $45.99 SRP (US) or $52.99 SRP (Canada) for the 4-Disc Blu-ray Combo
pack. A 1-Disc DVD is also available at SRP $29.99 (US), $35.99 (Canada)

STREET DATE: 11/10
Direct prebook: 9/1
Distributor prebook: 9/15
Pricing: 2-Disc DVD: $39.99, 4-Disc Combo: $45.99
Feature run time: 96 minutes
Rated: PG
Bonus Materials Not Rated in US
Technical specifications may only apply to feature.
Aspect ratio: DVD: Widescreen 16x9
Sound: SD: 5.1 Dolby Digital, BD: Dolby Digital EX 1080P
Languages: English, Canadian French, Spanish

Halloween Cuties

2009-11-01T19:11:00.000-08:00

Well every other mom blogger out there is posting pics of their trick or treaters so I have to too!

Growing Tree Toys Review

2009-11-01T18:21:00.000-08:00

Growing Tree Toys sells a large variety of educational toys and has an awesome Blog Sponsorship Program where you can review fun toys. I was sent the Transparent Marble Run to review. My boys love this. They are marble freaks and you can be sure to always find a few under my couch. This toy has really helped keep them corralled because they have been playing with the toy so much!

It is durable for my little rugrats and colorful too. They love watching the marbles go all over the place and waiting for them to come out on the bottom. The best part of the toy is that the child is able to create the maze they way they want to for endless possibilities.

The Growing Tree Toys retail location has helped bring happiness to “Happy Valley” by providing the best toys for children while creating awareness about how essential play is to their healthy physical, emotional, and social well being. Our knowledgeable staff strives to help customers find the perfect toy for any child, providing insight into the value of play and expert advice on the thousands of fantastic toys we carry. In addition to the amazing selection of toys, we offer many exciting activities for children at our store throughout the year that help inspire creativity and foster imagination – but most importantly, these activities are fun!

To view all of the other great toys for every age range visit Growingtreetoys.com.

Peter Rabbit Organics Review

2009-10-29T19:42:00.000-07:00

My boys are snack freaks. They are always hungry and of course dying if they don't get a snack right away. Sometimes I get lazy and reach for a the cereal or crackers since it is so much more convenient and easy. Thanks to Peter Rabbit Organics I have a much healthier option available. They were kind enough to send me samples of their Fruit Pouches and they were a hit!

First of all Ki and Jackson thought they were so cool sucking their snack out of a pouch. I think they loved it since it is something so different. They also loved the flavors, with their favorite being Strawberry and Banana.

I love that they are getting a full serving of fruit and they don't even mind! To view all of the other great products they carry visit Peter Rabbit Organics.

Carebags Review

2009-10-29T16:28:00.000-07:00

Carebags is one of my most used products that I have received to review. What are Carebags?

carebags are100% re-useable produce bags. Buy, wash, and store fruits and vegetables right in the bag. carebags are made of a highly durable synthetic fibre. They are long-lasting, strong, lightweight and breathable. Use carebags to bring home all your fruits, vegetables, nuts, grains and rice. No More Plastic Bags. carebags are locally made in Vancouver, Canada. All paper packaging is made of 100% recycled stock.

I just have to say that I LOATHE those annoying bags for produce. I always have to hunt them down, then find out which end to open them- then lick my germ filled grocery hands to get the bag to open up. Not to mention they just go in the trash when I go home. The Carebags that I received for this review are very convenient. They come with a cute little carrying case that is very compact for me to store in my purse. When I get home with my produce I am able to wash them in their bags and the mesh material automatically drains them. The little bit of moisture left in them keeps my produce crisp and lasts longer. I love using them and can just throw them in the washing machine when they get too dirty. To purchase your very own visit Carebagsonline.com.

Winners

2009-10-28T11:18:00.000-07:00

If you can't tell I have been posting a lot today. I'm home sick with sick kids which means I need blogging to stay sane! We have been cooped up in this house since pretty much Sunday and we are driving each other crazy! I guess it is good practice for the winter. This is a perfect time for me to play catch up! So here are some winners to top it off:

The Down East Basics winner is Emma!

The Must Have Shoes winner is Baba

Congrats!

Nine Moons Swelly Belly Review

2009-10-28T10:54:00.000-07:00

One of the fun things about blogging is all of the fun stuff you can find online that you don't typically see in most stores. The SwellyBelly Maternity Belly Band is one of those items. Isn't it cute? Nine Moons sent me their Purple Haze to try out. Now while I am not pregnant yet ( we shall see soon!) I know I will be using this as much as I can while pregnant. It is perfect for extending both your pre pregancy shirts as well as pants.

This is another item that I really wish I had with my first two pregnancies. I really love the softness of the material. If it is going to be on your itchy growing belly it better be soft! The material is also a silky breathable material so that you can stay cool with your hot flashes! The coolest part is that you can use this after your pregnancy to double as a nursing cover!

There are so many color and pattern options you just have to see for yourself. To view the entire collection visit shopninemoons.com.

The Boy's Store Review and Giveaway

2009-10-28T10:21:00.000-07:00

I love the how there are so many cute online shops just for kids that offers unique clothing and accessory options. I do however struggle with how many shops cater just to little girls. Sometimes I feel like my boys are getting the short end of the stick in the cuteness department. That's until I found The Boy's Store.

The Boy's Store offers such cute and one of a kind outfits for that special boy in your life. The Boy's Store sent me two super cute outfits for my boys. First of all I love that each of my boys got something to review! Most of the time they have to share the item for review. Secondly they look like such studs in their clothes. I love the designs on the shirts and I am really impressed with the quality of the fabric- especially with the pants. The Boy's Store is finally somewhere I can go to and not be bummed that there are only tutus for sale. Don't get me wrong if I had a girl it would be pink galore in our house but it is nice to have a place just for us!

The fab people at The Boy's Store are giving one winner a $25 gift certificate to get some shopping done for the holidays or whatever else floats your boat! To enter please visit the site and tell me what you would use your certificate on.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Nov 14th 11:59 pm

Five For Fighting Slice CD Review

2009-10-28T07:55:00.000-07:00

Singer/songwriter John Ondrasik has spent the past decade writing deeply personal songs that include social messages, invoke the human spirit and make an emotional connection. This can be heard on the past five albums by Five For Fighting, the band name under which he records and performs. Now John delivers a new album, Slice, featuring the song “Chances”, available October 13th.

Five For Fighting’s breakthrough came in 2001 with the Grammy Nominated song “Superman”, from the Platinum certified “America Town”. The song was climbing the charts upon release, and when 9/11 happened, it became a song of healing for the nation. FFF performed the song at the post 9/11 fundraiser The Concert for New York which paid tribute to all the firefighters, police officers & paramedics affected by the events of 9/11.
On the 2004 release, “The Battle For Everything”, the song “100 Years” followed in the footsteps of “Superman” as yet another inspiring reflective song.

“Every round I try to write the best songs I can, and perhaps step out of the box a bit. To me, records are about offering my worldview while providing sentiments to which people may attach themselves or escape into. Slice is where I’ve come from, where I am, and a few scraps I’ve picked up in between. All in a slice of time.”

We love the downloadable cd that we received to review. Most of the songs are right up my ally and I have been playing them while making dinner to help me relax. I love the messages behind them and I especially like that the music is clean so I can play it around my kids. To listen to a song for yourself click here.

Much thanks to One2One Network who gave me the cd to review!

Linky Love Giveaways

2009-10-28T06:51:00.000-07:00

Sometimes I remember on Tuesday, sometimes Wednesday! Please link up all of your giveaways for some Linky Love on you blog. Don't forget to check out mine on my left sidebar.

Aliens in the Attic DVD Review and Giveaway- 5 Winners!

2009-10-27T19:09:00.000-07:00

Here is one movie I am really excited to share with you. Aliens in the Attic will be available on Nov. 3rd and I received a copy to review. Let me just say that this movie is super cute! I'm not just saying that because my kids like it. My husband and I both have had fun watching it. We actually have watched the DVD a lot since we have been sick. The movie is clean and has the funny Ashley Tisdale. I love how it has comedy for my toddlers but also for teens and adults.

Prepare for the ultimate extraterrestrial invasion full of hilarious hijinks and outrageous mind control gags when Aliens In The Attic descends onto Blu-ray Disc and DVD November 3 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring an out-of-this-world cast including popular young stars Ashley Tisdale (High School Musical), Carter Jenkins (“Surface”), Austin Robert Butler (“Zoey 101”) and Robert Hoffman (Step Up 2: The Streets), Aliens In The Attic is the most fun on the planet!

Blu-ray Disc And Standard DVD Bonus Features: (DVD Catalog #2261096)
(Blu-ray (BD) Catalog #2261096)

Disc One:

Introduction To Film With Ashley Tisdale
The Ashley Encounters
Deleted Scenes
Gag Reel
Behind The Zirkonians
Meet The Zirkonians

Disc Two:

Digital Copy of Aliens In The Attic (Blu-ray (BD) Exclusive)

ALIENS IN THE ATTIC

Street Date: November 3, 2009
Pre-book Date: October 7, 2009
Screen Format: Widescreen – 1.85:1
Audio: English 5.1 Dolby Digital, Spanish/French Dolby Surround with English, Spanish and French subtitles
Total Run Time: 86 Minutes
MPAA Rating: PG

The best part is I can choose 5 winners to receive their own copies of Aliens in the Attic! To enter please let me know why you want to win this.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Nov 13th 11:59 pm Open to the US

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosuars Released Today!

2009-10-27T18:52:00.000-07:00

We have been sick in my house the last few days so I was so relieved when we received an advanced copy of Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs on DVD! I honestly can't say how many times we have watched it so far but I know it's been alot. This one is by far my favorite of all 3 of the Ice Age movies. It is so cute and full of babies and of course a little adventure.

I think however that our favorite part is the second disc that comes with it that has a bunch of Scrat shorts that are so cute. I think he really makes the movies funny! To purchase Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs visit Amazon.com.

Yo Gabba Gabba Tour with New Cities and Dates

2009-10-27T18:28:00.000-07:00

We love Yo Gabba Gabba in our house and wish that we could go to their tour! Thankfully though we received an advanced copy of their new cd Yo Gabba Gabba: Music is Awesome which is available to buy at Amazon.com. The songs are so catchy and they really share great messages to the kiddos.

We also received their Yo Gabba Gabba Meet My Family DVD as well. All of the songs on the cd

are in the show which really puts the words to life and to inspire your kids. My boys have watched this DVD several times and know all the songs now.

Lastly, we received Christmas in Gabba Land where you can put pictures of your child in it to make the story more personalized. The boys were so happy to receive this package full of fun goodies.For tour info visit YoGabbaGabbaLive.com.

YO GABBA GABBA! LIVE: THERE’S A PARTY IN MY CITY

*Recently Added

Los Angeles, CA @ Shrine Expo Hall

Saturday, November 14, 2009 11AM and 3PM

*Sunday, November 15, 2009 11AM and 3PM

New York, NY @ Beacon Theatre

Saturday, November 21, 2009 11AM – 2PM – *5 PM

Chicago, IL @ Rosemont Theatre

Saturday, December 5, 2009 11AM and 3PM

YO GABBA GABBA! premiered in the U.S. on Nickelodeon in August, 2007 and currently ranks as one of the most popular series on television with broad appeal among preschoolers, parents, teens and adults. The award-winning series is created by Christian Jacobs and Scott Schultz and is produced by The Magic Store and W!LDBRAIN

Klutz Encyclopedia of Immaturity Review and Giveaway 2 Winners!

2009-10-25T16:03:00.000-07:00

What is the perfect gift to give a kid? The Klutz Encyclopedia of Immaturity Volume 2! This book is filled with hundreds of ways to do anything that is rude, gross, and tricky! I normally would never condone such behavior :) but this book is so much fun! I received a copy of Volume 2 and will be sharing this with my friend's two mischievous boys for Christmas. This book makes a great present and is sure to keep your child occupied for awhile!

This book is also a great reminder on how to be a kid again. Forget the maturity and give someone a wedgie!

When the Editors and Klutz published The Encyclopedia of Immaturity in 2007, we knew it would make a great gift for someone’s nephew. And, sure enough, people gave it to their nephews — but also to their grandparents, brothers-in-law and accountants. Soon we were flooded with letters, e-mails and calls sharing one common theme — ""More! More! More!"

So here’s a second helping of skills, activities, and secret knowledge — suitable only for those whose maturity stopped developing around the age of 12. In addition to thought-provoking topics like What We Talk About When We Talk About Wedgies, the book includes detailed directions for how to: fake a cold, slide down a banister, balance a ping pong ball on your nose, send a toiletgram, throw a sloshie, and more. It’s all new and all hopelessly goofy.

For years we’ve felt like the only kids at the grown-up table. Now it turns out the world is populated by a lot more people who are lot less mature than they look. Well, duh!

To purchase this book visit here or to be one of 2 winners to win a copy of the book please visit the Klutz site and tell me something you would like from Klutz.com.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Nov. 10th 11:59 pm Open to US

Brandi Carlile's New CD "Give Up the Ghost" Review and Giveaway

2009-10-24T13:47:00.000-07:00

Belinda Carlile has a new cd out "Give Up the Ghost" and it is my kind of music. I love her style and her lyrics. The whole cd that I received to review is a little getaway for me. I played this today while I cleaned the house and it was so refreshing! Her words are very poetic and can be interpreted in many different ways. I like her sound although I'm not sure what genre it falls under but it is not the typical hip hop you hear on the radio. It is more soulful.

Album Tracklisting:Looking Out

DyingDay

Pride And Joy

Dreams

That Year

Caroline

Before It Breaks

I Will

If There Was No You

Touching

The Ground

Oh Dear

One winner will receive their own copy of the CD. To enter please visit her website and tell me something you like about her music.

Giveaways ending soon!

2009-10-24T13:46:00.000-07:00

Don't forget to enter the DownEast Basics giveaway ending tomorrow and also the Must Have Shoes for a chance to wear a pair of fabulous shoes ends Oct 27th!

Shade Clothing Review and Giveaway!

2009-10-24T13:26:00.000-07:00

I have been wearing Shade tees as undershirts for quite some time. I use them to wear under other shirts to layer and keep my clothing more modest. I have always wanted to try their other clothing and I finally had the opportunity. The great people at Shade sent me the Scoop Neck Long Sleeve Shirt in Concord and the Drape Front Cardigan in Blossom.

Now I am all set for fall! These items are soooooo soft. I am really impressed with the thickness of the material. It isn't heavy at all though and is extremely comfortable. I also love all of the color options with their items. The Drape Front Cardigan looks really cute with a pair of jeans and boots and also comes in Heather Black.

There are so many items that I want to buy from Shade. I love how they keep a classic look but can put a simple twist on an item so that you can't just find it at your local Kmart. The quality of the material used is also a great bonus. If you love Shade as much as I do then you will be happy to know that one lucky winner will receive their own Drape Cardigan! To enter please visit the site and tell me what your favorite piece is from Shade.

Giveaway ends Nov 9th 11:59 pm Open to US

Also for a chance to win even more Shade here is some info about a contest Shade is holding:

“Are you one of Shade's 5 Biggest Fans?PROVE IT.Send us your evidence in the most creative way. Pictures, videos, poems, songs, letters, etc, however you want to express how much you LOVE Shade. Send to ali@shadeclothing.com by Friday Oct 30 at midnight. Shade giveaways will be given to the 5 best entries!”

I need to make time to enter this!

Infant Nutrition Website Review

2009-10-24T12:46:00.000-07:00

Every new mom turns to other sources for guidance. Whether it is from books, friends, family or the Internet, we all have questions that we need answers to. When I was expecting my first I read every pregnancy and childhood development book I could get my hands on. After he was born we took him to the pediatrician constantly when he got sick. It was all of the unknown that left us unsure of what to expect.

I only wish this website was around when I had my son. At http://www.infantnutritioncenter.com/ you can find answers to all of your questions as well as learn things you didn't even think to ask. This isn't some cutesy website where moms go to share tips. This is a professional site with amazing graphics that show things visually and in great detail so you can see for yourself. My favorite part is the video showing a computer enhanced version of a baby being born.

There is also great resources available for breastfeeding, infant and toddler health as well as interactive libraries on a variety of topics. I know I will definitely be visiting this site when I become pregnant again! To see for yourself visit http://www.infantnutritioncenter.com/ and to watch the webcast for the launching of the site visit http://www.videonewswire.com/event.asp?id=62458.

A remarkable new website, InfantNutritionCenter.com, unveiling Monday, October 19, will take us Moms on a unique and powerful visual journey through infant nutrition and development, with amazing visuals that reveal how proper nutrition shapes development and how individual nutrients affect the senses, bone formation, and the immune system of infants. Showcasing new data and 3-D images, the site lets you explore and learn the latest research findings through video, pictures, and graphics, in depth questions like why infant eyesight depends on getting enough DHA and what key nutrients contribute to the healthy growth of your child’s brain.

Developed as a resource for Moms, the website brings together information from leading health centers and researchers across the country to explain how nutrition is crucial to infant development. How can you make sure that your newborn gets the nutrients she needs to ensure healthy growth through her first birthday? How do you keep her stomach from getting upset? What should you, as an expectant Mom, eat to ensure that you stay healthy as your infant grows? What vitamins do you need if you’re breastfeeding to ensure that you’re passing along the right nutrients to your infant?

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Mead Johnson. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Los Lobos Cd Review

2009-10-22T09:59:00.000-07:00

What child doesn't love Disney songs? I know my boys do and I have to admit I have a love for them too! Well there is a new cd from Los Lobos being released on 10/27 that is sure to be a hit for all you Disney lovers.

I had never heard of Los Lobos before reviewing this cd and cannot believe what I have been missing. The three-time Grammy award winners have recorded an album of Disney Classics and a few obscure gems, but with a distinctive Latin rock n' roll twist - Los Lobos Goes Disney. These songs have such a great spin on them. I love the instrumentals and I thought it was great for my boys to listen to a song and then after a little while say "Hey, I know this song!" They loved dancing to the music and I enjoyed that the music wasn't just like you hear in the movies but with a sound to it that an adult can enjoy. Tracks on the cd include:

Track Listing1. Heigh-Ho - Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs

2. I Wan'na Be Like You - The Jungle Book

3. Not in Nottingham - Robin Hood

4. The Tiki, Tiki, Tiki Room - The Enchanted Tiki Room

5. Grim Grinning Ghosts - The Haunted Mansion

6. I Will Go Sailing No More - Toy Story

7. The Ugly Bug Ball - Summer Magic

8. Cruella De Vil - 101 Dalmations

9. Bella Notte - Lady and the Tramp

10. Zip-A-Dee-Doo-Dah - Song of the South

11. The Bare Necessities - The Jungle Book

12. Oo-De-Lally - Robin Hood

13. When You Wish Upon a Star/It's A Small World

To purchase the cd for yourself you can buy it in stores Oct. 27th or if you can't wait it is available exclusively at Amazon.com

What is your favorite Disney song?

Creativity for Kids Shrinky Dinks Review and Giveaway

2009-10-22T09:31:00.001-07:00

Here is another great item from Creativity for Kids. We received a Shrinky Dinks Halloween Fun Kit and it really was so much fun! My boys were very hands on with this project. They got to color all of the pictures, helped cut and hang the ornaments on their very cool Halloween Tree. The coolest part about the Shrinky Dinks is watching how small they get when you put them in the oven. That was by far the best part for my boys. Once again, this kit had everything we needed to make the tree- even a pencil sharpener to sharpen the colored pencils!

I love these kits because it really helps your child see the step by step instructions and see how they can accomplish a neat craft. I love how professional the kits are so it goes nicely with my decor. Here is one project that isn't being hung on the fridge and then later going in the trash!

There are several other Shrinky Dink kits in addition to the Halloween one. The people at Creativity for Kids are giving one winner a choice of their own Shrinky Dink Kit! To enter please visit the site and tell me which kit you would choose.

Winners!

2009-10-22T09:06:00.000-07:00

First off I made it to 600 followers- yeah! The more followers I get the better my giveaways get!

The winner of the yummy Rosa's Fudge giveaway is Andrea, CherylS22, Blakesmom, Wendi P, tinagirl, and bekki1820cb.

The Softlips winner is catss99

and the Perricone winner is Loopy

Congrats to all who entered!

Conserve Brand Cleaners Review and Giveaway- 3 Winners

2009-10-21T09:51:00.000-07:00

If you have been following my blog long enough you know how much I love eco friendly products. Especially cleaners! This is by far my favorite one I have reviewed so far. Conserve Cleaners are not only safe for the environment and your household but they are super good for the earth by all the plastic you save. One bottle of cleaner comes with 4 tablets. You simply put a tablet in the bottle and add water. So easy! Here are some more benefits of the cleaners from the site:

Most cost effective green cleaning option on the market today
More cost effective than most national brands
1 Bottle + 4 Tablets makes 1 gallon. Just add water!
Saves three bottles from landfills
Buy bulk without the bulk: uses 75% less storage space.
No water: weighs 80% less than other liquid products, saving on transportation costs
Exciting Nature Fresh fragrances

I was able to review all of the different types of Conserve cleaning products and my favorite has been the Multi-Surface Cleaner. I use it all the time in my kitchen to clean up spills and wipe my counters. The smell is so nice and natural. It smells herbal which I love. I also love that my boys are able to help me clean with them because I know that they are safe.

The wonderful people at Conserve are giving away a set of cleaners to 3 lucky winners! To enter please visit the site and tell me of a product that you would like to try. They don't have just cleaners!

Moms R The Best Review and Giveaway

2009-10-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

I love posting about mom owned companies and even more so when they are for moms. At Moms R The Best you can find unique shirts just for mom! They have funny sayings and make great gifts for all mothers.

I received the Mom=$Priceless Shirt to review. I am really impressed with the quality of the shirt. It is long which I love. So many of my shirts nowadays shrink right away and I just end up wearing them as night shirts. Not this one! It is also very thick which I need where I live. The material isn't cheap. It seems as though some t-shirt companies cut costs in the quality of the shirt. The shirts are also 100% preshrunk. I really love the options at Moms R The Best.

They don't just have shirts for mom. They carry some for dads, infants/toddlers and grandmas as well! I really want to get the Diva Grandma for my grams. These shirts are great for Christmas presents!

One lucky winner will receive a long sleeve shirt of their choice! To enter please tell me which shirt you would choose.

Blue Canoe Review

2009-10-19T09:31:00.000-07:00

The one thing I love about workout clothes is how comfy they are. The hard part is that most of the time I look like I just rolled out of bed. I am always on the search for clothing that I can wear to be active (and comfortable!) but that is stylish as well.

Blue Canoe has been my saving grace. They have the such stylish, sophisticated, organic clothing for any lifestyle. It can be hard to plan your day when you go from the gym to work or to run errands or in my case to school. Blue Canoe has several options so that you are not constantly changing your wardrobe.

They sent me a super cute Bamboo Wrap Top and their Button Pant. When I opened up my package I was so amazed. I have never had yoga clothes that look this nice! I have been wearing mine to workout at home and then to school or the store and to pick up my boys from school. I don't feel embarrassed for dressing down and I feel confident when I wear them. My husband thinks I look hot so that is always a bonus!

Blue Canoe will be on my Christmas list this year for sure. There are too many items that I want. The clothing is perfect for any busy woman who needs comfort and style.

The Blue Canoe designs are simple but not boring and are made with the softest organic cotton in the USA. To view the entire collection visit BlueCanoe.com.

I received product to review from the company to review for this post.

Listerine and Reach Oral Care Challenge

2009-10-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

My family and I recently took part in the Listerine and Reach Oral Care Challenge thanks to MomCentral. It couldn't have come at a better time.

My husband and I really try to take care of our children's teeth. Despite our best efforts our youngest has still managed to get cavities. It can be so disheartening as a parent. Then we received our package for the challenge and it has been a great reminder for us to not only watch our children's dental habits but to be a good example and practice our own healthy habits as well.

What perfect timing since Halloween is approaching. I am really dreading all of the candy that my boys will want and ask for daily. With our package we received several mouthwashes- some that are able to show you where you need to brush to remove the plaque, toothbrushes, floss and a cool sticker chart to encourage our boys to brush and floss regularly. So far they have been super excited about this challenge and have been very independent in wanting to take care of their teeth.

We have even decided to offer to buy our candy from our boys after Halloween and let them use the money to pick out a toy from the store. We'll see if it works! To learn more about the challenge visit http://www.listerinekids.com/. What are some ways that you are taking care of your children's teeth?

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Listerine and Reach and received Listerine and Reach products for the Oral Care Challenge and a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate."

Sweetsation Therapy Review

2009-10-15T11:08:00.001-07:00

Most women nowadays are becoming more and more choosy about what they put on there bodies as well as their children's. When I was pregnant I wanted to only put the most natural products on my skin and that has carried on with me. I try to only use natural ingredients on my boys as well as me. I figure if my skin cells are going to be absorbing all sorts of ingredients why not make them be good for you?

Sweetsations has all the products a woman needs to help her feel safe about what she puts on her body. The products are also really great for women of any age. They aren't just all natural lotions. They have everything you need for an entire skin routine as well as anti- aging products. Night creams, baby products, and even organic baby carriers!

Sweetsation Therapy was born in 2008, with the collaboration of two of the USA based labs and a team of chemists, aromatherapists and dermatologists. Our products are Organic and natural treatments that look great, feel great and smell great, and therefore make you feel good. We've combined the best gifts of earth and ocean in our skin care. Aromatherapy elements nourish your body and soul. And most importantly our products are safe for mom and baby. Did you know that everything that is applied on our skin, the largest organ, ultimately ends up in your bloodstream? Consequently, we pass it on to our developing baby. .Each ingredient was thoroughly researched and checked against Cosmetic Safety Database and verified, that it's safe to use for pregnancy while delivering desirable results.

For review I received two amazing items. The first is the Organic Aqua*Tica Botanical Night Cream. I love it. This stuff has real caviar extract! How luxurious is that? I love all the moisture it gives my skin before bedtime. Especially since winter is here and my skin is all dried up.

The other item I tried is the Organic Ellasti*Body Hydrating Caviar Butter. This stuff really rocks! It has all the vitamins and minerals and essential Omega fatty acids that my body needs along with essential oils that smell so great! It has a really nice citrus scent to it and helps lock in the moisture after a warm bath.

Sweetsation Therapy has so many cool items you have to check them out for yourself. To view the entire line please visit SweetsationTherapy.com.

Neo Cell Review

2009-10-14T20:30:00.000-07:00

I am always on the lookout for a great supplement. With NeoCell not only are you helping your body but your skin and it's overall appearance as well. With their focus on collagen, hyaluronic acid and pomegranate you can be sure you are getting something healthy.

Neocell sent me their Super Collagen Powder

Provides those specific amino acids (hydroxyproline and hydroxylysine) necessary to replenishing our own body’s collagen supply. This powder tastes great when I add it to my smoothies in the morning. It helps me feel full in the morning and I know I am putting something good in my body.

Hydrolyzed Collagen is a rich natural source of Glycine, the amino acid vital for muscle growth.

Builds bone matrix. Collagen is the mechanical strength of bone.

Corrects weak, broken, split, ridged and damaged nail beds.

Thickens fine hair, adds body and slows down hair loss.

Repairs connective tissues for improved elasticity; blood vessels to help improve circulation; and promotes wound healing and a clearer complexion.

Builds lean muscle to help burn fat while you sleep.

Persons taking this supplement often see visible improvements within a couple weeks.

I also received the Collagen+C™ Pomegranate Liquid The Antioxidant Advantage

BENEFITS:
Cardio Health
Menopausal Symptom Relief
Anti-Aging Properties

This is really yummy and I like to alternate between this and the powder in the morning. I add it to my orange juice and it adds a nice kick! I love starting my day off with these products and feel so good afterward.

NeoCell Corporation is located in Newport Beach, California. In 1997, NeoCell Corporation acquired the collagen food supplement product line, which has been on the market since 1986. The company is engaged in distributing innovative and effective anti-aging skin care products, nutraceutical supplements and natural homeopathic remedies for the maintenance of healthy lifestyles.

To view all of the great products NeoCell offers visit neocell.com.

I received product from the company to do this review.

$250 GC Winner

2009-10-14T17:03:00.000-07:00

The winner of the $250 gift card pantry makeover challenge is......... ChrisandAnnalisa! Congrats to Annalisa who is expecting- I know how much you like to stretch your dollar at the store so I'm sure you can put this to good use and maybe get some stuff for the little one too!

More winners coming soon!

Legend of the Seeker on DVD Oct.13th!

2009-10-13T22:08:00.000-07:00

Legend of the Seeker the complete first season is out today! I can't wait to watch this one- it looks like fun! My husband is really into the whole Lord of the Rings genre and I know would love this.

Based on the internationally best-selling “Sword of Truth” novels and executive produced by Sam Raimi, Legend of the Seeker is a weekly television series that follows the epic journey of a young woods guide named Richard Cypher, a mysterious woman named Kahlan Amnell and a wizard named Zeddicus Zu'l Zorander who come together to stop the evil Darken Rahl from unleashing an ancient and terrifying power.The series recently won the 2009 Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Music Composition for a Series.

Here is a clip in case you haven't seen it before:

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The ABC Studios production includes Craig Horner (“Blue Water High,” “H2O: Just Add Water) as Richard Cypher/The Seeker, Craig Parker (“The Lord of the Rings: The Two Towers”) as Darken Rahl, Bridget Regan (“The Best and the Brightest”) as Kahlan Amnell and Bruce Spence (“The Matrix Revolutions”) as Zedd. More than 25 million copies of Terry Goodkind’s popular books in his series “The Sword of Truth” have been sold worldwide and translated into more than 20 languages. The original “Legend of the Seeker” novel was a New York Times number-one bestseller. Bonus Features • Forging the Sword: Crafting a Legend • Words of Truth: A Conversation with Terry Goodkind • Deleted Scenes • Audio Commentaries STREET DATE: October 13, 2009 Suggested retail price: $45.99 U.S. Feature run time: Approx. 950 minutes Rated: ‘TV-14 LSV’ Technical specifications may only apply to feature Aspect ratio: Widescreen (1.78:1) Sound: Dolby Digital 5.1 Surround Languages: English, with French and Spanish subtitles.

Carol's Daughter Princess Collection

2009-10-12T12:46:00.000-07:00

Check out this great new line of all natural beauty products- I wish I had a little girl to buy this for!

When Disney sought to create a beauty experience inspired by Princess Tiana, they immediately thought of Carol’s Daughter founder Lisa Price, whose own life is something of a fairytale. After humble beginnings mixing up beauty products in her Brooklyn kitchen for friends and family, she eventually attracted the attention of A-listers and influencers alike. By continuing to infuse her products with love and care as Carol’s Daughter expanded, Lisa succeeded in growing the brand to national distribution in Carol’s Daughter Homes, Sephora, HSN and department stores such as Macy’s and Dillard’s. As a determined African-American woman who worked hard to make her dreams come true, Lisa sees Princess Tiana as a modern day heroine.

“Disney is proud to collaborate with Carol’s Daughter to bring this wonderful line to life,” said Mary Beech, vice president and general manager, film franchise, Disney Consumer Products. “Princess Tiana gives women and girls a new role model, who exemplifies all of the qualities of a true princess, and the Magical Beauty Collection captures the essence of Tiana’s story of inner beauty and believing in your dreams.”

“This is the moment so many of us have been waiting for and I’m so honored to be a part of something with such social significance,” said Lisa Price, founder of Carol’s Daughter. “I’m thrilled that young African Americans everywhere will see the movie and have someone to identify with, be proud of, and emulate. Princess Tiana will show women, young and old, that they can be beautiful and successful by being themselves and working hard—a powerful message that can’t be underestimated.”

The Magical Beauty Collection by Carol’s Daughter includes:

Shampoo (“The Beauty Within”): Designed with a child’s delicate hair in mind, this cleanser gently removes dirt and residue without stripping hair of natural oils. The formula leaves hair silky smooth and soft to the touch. Renowned for its soothing, nourishing and calming properties, aloe leaf juice helps condition dry scalp and hair. SRP, $10.00

Conditioner (“Inner Shine”): This moisturizing conditioner provides long-lasting softness and shine, leaving hair more manageable for easy combing and styling. Sunflower seed oil cleanses as olive fruit oil and aloe leaf juice condition and hydrate. Protein-rich sweet almond promotes hair growth and adds luster while silk amino acids detangle for improved control and manageability. SRP, $10.00

Hair Detangler (“Dream Big”): This ‘wonder-product’ spray releases tangles while protecting hair against breakage, soothing tender scalps as it conditions. Aloe leaf juice nourishes and calms as cranberry fruit extract helps maintain a healthy, itch-free scalp. Lemon peel extract acts as a natural antiseptic, treating hair concerns while nourishing the scalp and adding shine. SRP, $10.00

Bubble Bath (“Sharing Means Caring”): This moisturizing bubble bath provides long-lasting bubbles that make bath time fun without irritation or drying delicate skin. The ultra rich formula cleanses and moisturizes skin with natural ingredients like aloe leaf juice. SRP, $8.00

Magical Beauty Collection Gift Set: Housed in a reusable tote, it includes shampoo, conditioner, bubble bath and a rose-shaped loofah sponge. SRP, $24.00

The Magical Beauty Collection by Carol’s Daughter is available at Carol’s Daughter Stores, select Disney Stores, Macy’s, Dillard’s, carolsdaughter.com and DisneyStore.com. Customers may also contact Carol’s Daughter at (877) 540-2101.

About Carol’s Daughter
Carol’s Daughter is a line of genuinely natural beauty products for the hair, skin, and body created by Lisa Price and named after her mother Carol. Founded in her Brooklyn, NY kitchen Price’s concoctions have become staples on the shelves of celebrity bathrooms of which grabbed the attention of company partners Will & Jada Pinkett Smith, Jay-Z and Mary J. Blige. Nature, family and love are words that resonate with Carol’s Daughter and each product carries a unique story that describes the familiar manner in which it was born. Even after 16 years of success and expansion, Carol’s Daughter continues to deliver the highest quality products all the while carrying a treasure trove of family secrets ready to be experienced by its valued consumers. For more information, visit www.carolsdaughter.com.

MustHaveShoes.com Review and Giveaway

2009-10-11T21:58:00.000-07:00

The fun part about each new season is new shoes! All of the new fall designs are out and with a great new shoe boutique called MustHaveShoes.com you are sure to find what you are looking for in comfort and style.

MustHaveShoes.com is a new online shoe boutique designed around the way you shop
for shoes in the real world without the real world hassles. Finding the perfect pair of
shoes can be a royal pain in the you-know-what. How many times have you fought
traffic and crowds visiting boutique after boutique only to discover none of them have
the style, color or size you’re looking for? How many times have you tried to shop
online only to give up because the sheer number of shoe choices was just too
overwhelming?

That’s where MustHaveShoes.com comes in - think of it as a customizable shoe
boutique that instantly rearranges itself to display only shoes that match the specific
style, color or size you need.

Looking for a pair of sexy shoes? Just type in “sexy” and all the available sexy shoes
are pulled to create a boutique featuring only the hand-picked selection of sexy shoes.
How about “formal” shoes, “dance” shoes or “red high-heels”? Musthaveshoes.com has
just what you’re looking for - nothing less, nothing more.

They sent me the most comfortable and adorable shoes. The first pair is OTBT boots, Yountville in Navy Suede. They are so perfect to keep my legs and feet warm for the fall. I love the heel it provides to give me support and height.

The second pair I have received so many compliments on. They are the OTBT Victorville in Ruby Suede.

I love wearing them with a pair of jeans and a simple top. They just scream fall for me! They are incredibly comfortable and once again give me great support. I love all of the choices that MustHaveShoes.com carries. Seriously there are so many shoes to choose from!

The people at MustHaveShoes.com are generously offering one winner a pair of shoes of their choice! To enter please visit their site and tell me what shoes you would pick if you won.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Oct 27thth 11:59 pm Open to US

Scott Common Sense Community $100 Gift Card Giveaway!

2009-10-09T21:39:00.000-07:00

Scott Common Sense Community is your online destination for tips and advice on life’s everyday challenges. This month, Scott Common Sense Community is all about Change for the Better with tips on building healthy habits, healthy credit, conquering holiday clutter, and 10-minute Halloween costumes. What changes will you make for the better this month? Let us know in the comments section below for the chance to win a $100 Visa Gift Card from Scott to help you along the way!

Additional details:

Prizing: $100 Visa Gift Card
Open to US Residents Only

I Love My Roomba!

2009-10-08T23:46:00.000-07:00

Don't be jealous, this isn't a post to tell you how I got a free Roomba Robotic Vacuum. I wish it were! I purchased last year on Black Friday my very long awaited Roomba at a heck of a price. It has really helped me out around the house.

The reason why I wanted it so badly to begin with was because we were living in a house full of hardwood floors. I swept those floors everyday. It was amazing to me how quickly the floors accumulated dirt and crumbs and anything else my toddlers put on it. When I finally got my Roomba it was a life saver and has been ever since. With the press of a button it sucks up the mess on my floors. There is nothing better than sitting down while it does all of the work.

It is great at getting along the edges for me and it is so smart. It knows to go in another direction when something is in it's way like a door or an object. The only thing I don't like about it is that I have to pick up all of my kids clothes and toys off of the floor before it vacuums. (Note the sarcasm). I just need to find a gadget to do that for me and I will be set! If you have ever been on the fence about purchasing a robotic vacuum I highly recommend one.

MySavings.com Saves You Moola

2009-10-08T21:51:00.000-07:00

If you are a blogger than you probably follow some blogs that have promo codes, free samples and discount coupons. I used to wonder where they got all of there great money saving tips. Now I know that there is a good chance that those blogs probably get all there great money saving tips from MySavings.com.

MySavings.com is a major resource for all of your money saving needs. This site is such a great place for me to get my coupons. I live in a small town where our newspapers don't have coupons. Can you believe it? Thankfully I can rely on MySavings.com to print out my coupons and then take them with me to the store. It is also good for those that don't have the time to clips coupons. It's easy as clicking a button.

For all of my readers that are into entering contests and giveaways- this is the place to go. All of you lucky ladies will have fun entering the Sweepstakes & Contests section for a variety of prizes for anything from free coffee for a year to beauty products. I really like that next to each offer is a star system to where people review and rate how much they like the offer.

My personal favorite is the Survey and Product Tests section. There are tons of legitimate sites listed that you can join to become a product tester for companies that we all use in our home.

I love getting free stuff. I also love getting samples in the mail so that I can try a product out before buying it. MySavings.com offers a large selection of free samples to choose from.

Joing MySavings.com is free and easy. It doesn't take long at all to sign up and doesn't require you to share a lot of personal info. To make your life a little easier and more frugal in this economy join MySavings.com.

DownEast basics Review and Giveaway

2009-10-08T17:54:00.000-07:00

I LOVE DownEast basics! Each review I get to do for them gets better and better. There new fall line is out and they have some really trendy and colorful items out. As usual the quality is great and I love how the clothing looks on me (I know, a little stuck up!). I was able to review the Floral Fixation Skirt....

I just love the exposed ruffle- it's so feminine. They have a large selection of skirts with some really beautiful prints. This one will be a favorite for me to wear to church. I also received the Curtsy Coat in Spinach.

It is a beautiful shade of green and I really like the vintage look it gives while keeping me warm at the same time. The third item I received is the Tuxedo Top in Pesto. It is very soft and comfortable yet dresses up any outfit perfectly. I am really loving all the color choices that are available.

So guess what..... one winner will win their very own Potpourri Skirt. This is definitely on my wish list. I crave this skirt. I love how it looks in the picture with a pair of fall boots. So here is what you need to do. Please visit DownEast basics site and tell me what your favorite item is on the site.

Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Oct 24th 11:59 pm Open to US and Canada

Urban Bratz Review

2009-10-08T15:05:00.000-07:00

Finding unique clothing is always fun for a mom. Especially if you find something with a little character that can make you and others laugh. At Urban Bratz they have so many cute and hip shirts for children. My youngest received the shirt pictured above. It is a good fit for him since he can be a bit of a stinker! I love this one though- I just need a girl for it!

I really like the softness factor of the shirt not to mention the length. When I washed the shirt it didn't shrink which is very important for me. To view all of the cute shirt options visit Urban Bratz.

Gotta Catch Santa Claus DVD Release

2009-10-08T10:41:00.000-07:00

The countdown to Christmas is on and what better way to celebrate than with a new Christmas movie? Gotta Catch Santa Claus will be released on DVD on October 13th! I can't wait for my family to watch this to get us in the holiday mood. The DVD features none other than William Shatner himself as the voice of Santa and the captain of the most important sleigh in the world! Scheduled to be broadcast nationally on ABC Family during their annual "25 Days of Christmas" programming block.

Below is a clip for you to watch- enjoy!

Hold on to your reindeer because finding Santa is about to become an adventure of a lifetime! Lionsgate releases an all-new CGI animated feature Gotta Catch Santa Claus, starring William Shatner as the voice of Santa. Sure to become a modern-day holiday classic, this funny, contemporary DVD is enjoyable for the entire family and features six jolly jammin’ new holiday songs. When a friend starts to doubt the idea of Santa Claus, 12 year old Trevor sets out on a mission to catch old St. Nick in order to prove his existence and put the skeptics to rest. Gotta Catch Santa Claus, which will be broadcast nationally on ABC Family during their annual "25 Days of Christmas" programming block, features bonus materials on the DVD that include deleted scenes, behind the scenes Santa footage, sing-along songs and more! The DVD is available in a foil embossed O-card on October 13th for the suggested retail price of $19.98.

DVD SPECIAL FEATURES*
· Deleted Scenes
· Santa Behind-the-Scenes Footage
· 2 Sing-Along Songs
*special features subject to change.

SYNOPSIS
Funky music, holiday magic and a supersonic sleigh are all wrapped up in this CGI–animated family adventure starring William Shatner as the voice of Santa! Trevor is a true believer in the holiday spirit, so his skeptical best friend, Veronica, challenges him to show the world actual proof that Santa is real. Trevor and his friends embark on the adventure of a lifetime to catch Santa in action and reveal the true magic of Christmas. But they’ve got to find Santa before LeFreeze — a dim-witted monster who is carrying a serious 100-year-old grudge — and his snowman minions put Christmas on ice forever! Join the race to save Christmas in Gotta Catch Santa Claus, the jolly, jammin’, modern-day holiday classic destined to become a family tradition!

Sur la Table Review

2009-10-07T23:38:00.000-07:00

I love fall. It really makes me want to spend more time in the kitchen. It means more baking and soups and comfort foods. The one thing that keeps me from cooking is not having the right gadgets. There are so many out there that can cut your time spent in the kitchen and make all those tedious steps like chopping and blending seem so quick.

At Sur La Table they have everything you could ever need to help you in the kitchen. So many fun gadgets to make your passion or job (depending on how you look at it) easier. They carry name brand appliances, cookware, books and housewares. If you want it they have it. Sur la Table sent me the Cuisinart Smartstick Immersion Blender in Green. I just love it!

First of all the color and design make me feel like I am using some sort of high tech and expensive piece of equipment. I have been trying to find excuses to use it. Second, it works great! The other night I made soup that required the potatoes to be blended in. No more ladeling it into my blender a little bit at a time! It was so fast and easy to use. This is just one of the many great things you can find at Sur La Table. Here is a little background from their site:

The first Sur La Table store opened in Seattle's Pike Place Market in 1972 selling hard-to-find kitchenware imported from France. Since then the company has expanded to 74 stores nationwide, a direct-mail business distributing millions of catalogs each year, an e-commerce site, a gift registry, and a cooking class program. Sur La Table continues to carry many of the same products from France that it carried when it opened, but now offers tools from around the world to prepare any cuisine. Sur La Table remains committed to its roots by continuing to provide exceptional customer service and a broad assortment of premium-quality products. Sur La Table headquarters are located in Seattle, Washington.

To view all of the things offered at Sur La Table please visit http://www.surlatable.com/home.do

Perricone Cold Plasma Giveaway

2009-10-07T20:05:00.000-07:00

I love a product that works on any skin type! Here is some info about Perricone Cold Plasma from their site:

Cold Plasma is a universal skin care product; suited for anyone, no matter how old your skin is, what your skin type is, or whether you’re male or female.

Cold Plasma works through a patented ionic suspension carrier system which allows for your skin to extract from Cold Plasma’s formula according to your individual, unique needs. This personalized system, called biochemical individuality, is a self-selection process charged by phospholipids, major cell membrane components. Phospholipids are fat derivatives which help lock in moisture, because phosopholipid bilayers have hydrophilic (attracted to water) heads facing outward and hydrophobic (mix poorly with water) tails facing inward toward each other. The phospholipids in this formula help direct needed nutrients where they can be effectively used through the cell membrane. This means, if any of the ingredients aren’t needed, they just won’t be utilized.

Cold Plasma works through this system to deliver optimal nutrition to skin cells to help skin achieve a healthy, glowing, youthful appearance.

It does so by helping combat the 10 signs of aging, which include:
Firmness
Elasticity
Clarity
Radiance
Smoothness
Texture
Redness
Blotchiness
Fine lines and wrinkles
Dryness

Beyond the unique delivery system, the key sciences behind this product include:
Advanced neuropeptide technology to give anti-inflammatory effects, which assist in slowing the 10 aforementioned signs of aging.
DMAE to help stimulate nerve function, thus causing muscles under skin to tighten, providing a lifted and firm appearance to sagging skin.

L-tyrosine, an amino acid, brightens skin to help radiate a youthful glow.
DHA, an essential amino acid, to support the preservation and hydration of skin.

One winner will receive their own Perricone Cold Plasma! To enter please leave a comment telling me why you think that you would benefit from using the Cold Plasma.

Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Oct 21st 11:59 pm Open to US only

Know Your Bladder Better Review and Giveaway

2009-10-07T19:43:00.000-07:00

If you are a woman chances are you have had the unpleasant experience of a UTI (urinary tract infection). We all know how miserable they can make us! I think that often there is also a lack of knowledge about what causes UTI's and how they can be treated.

Cystex has teamed up with Elizabeth Kavaler, M.D., one of 500 female urologists in the United States specializing in female urinary tract issues and author of “A Seat on the Aisle, Please! The Essential Guide to Urinary Tract Problems in Women,” (Copernicus Books, 2006), produce a series of videos discussing various topics about urinary tract health.

One winner will receive their own copy of Dr. Kavaler's book (a $45 value!). To enter please visit Cytex's site and tell me a tip that you learned in preventing UTI's.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link
If you post this and leave me the link
Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Oct 28thth 11:59 pm Open to US

Softlips Giveaway

2009-10-07T18:59:00.000-07:00

Softlips are one of my favorite lip balms ever. You can find them at almost any grocery store, they are affordable, and they are so yummy! I love how soft they make my lips feel.

Softlips Lip Balm with SPF 20, new flavors this year include Mint with Hint of Vanilla and Wildberry. The new Winter limited edition flavors include Sugar & Spice, Sugar Plum Berry , Winter Mint and Sugar Cookie. The New organic line Softlips PURE, 100% natural, USDA-certified organic also expanded its line with four new flavors, papaya, peppermint, acai berry and chai tea.

I recently had the "tough job" of trying all of the new flavors. They are so delicious and glide on my lips so smoothly. The new Winter flavors come in sets of two which are perfect stocking stuffers. I know I am going to be stocking up on these for gifts this Christmas. One lucky winner will receive their own set of the Softlips Lip Balm in the Winter flavors! To enter please visit the Softlips site and tell me what flavor you would like to try.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link
If you post this and leave me the link

Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Oct 21st 11:59 pm Open to US

Shandle Review

2009-10-07T18:49:00.000-07:00

Being the only female in a house full of germy boys is hard work! Especially when it comes to the bathroom. I am always having to check if they put the lid down, flush the toilet and wash their hands- in that order. Such an energy drain!

When I was contacted by the people from The Shandle I had to say yes. The Shandle has been a real help in our home! The boys have been using it as a helpful reminder in their bathroom steps. Once they use their fun handle to put the lid down it helps them remember to then flush and wash their hands. Seriously- it can be too many steps for their young minds to remember (nevermind that they know how to operate the dvd player just fine). I love how cute the pics are on the Shandles and how they encourage healthy habits.

Even though my boys are too young to read, I told them what their Shandle says and now they are able to remember it and love the cute bear dressed as a frog! To see all of the cute Shandles visit theshandle.com.

GE Appliance is Famous and Giveaway

2009-10-06T18:32:00.000-07:00

Not only are the hottest dishes coming out of the Top Chef kitchen, these pros are working on some of the hottest appliances out there.GE Appliances has been featured on the hit Bravo show since Season 3 and even awarded Stefan Richter, the fifth season runner-up, a suite of his own GE appliances after he beat everyone in the famous restaurant wars challenge.
If you want to get one step closer to cooking like a pro, enter for a chance to win one of five brand new GE Appliances in the Strong As Steel sweepstakes and in no time you will be the hottest dish in the kitchen!

Top Chef Official Site

I am also now including an extra chance to win on my giveaways. Enter daily for your chance to win your own GE Appliance on my sidebar and leave a comment on the giveaway letting me know you did. That can mean a whole lot more chances of winning!

ShopDownlite Tommy Bahama Primaloft Pillow Giveaway

2009-10-05T18:33:00.000-07:00

I have really had a hard time sleeping at night on my super cheapo flat pillows. I often wake up with a sore and stiff neck. Then I received my Tommy Bahama Primaloft® Pillows and I have been sleeping great ( aside from the boys bad dreams and having to go potty- I don't think they make a pillow for that). The pillow is super soft and is made out of a Down like product called Primaloft. It is a high quality polyester made by Albany International. It feels just like Down! I love my new pillow and how cool it keeps me.

After a long day you need a blissful night's rest with our cool to the touch pillow. This medium density pillow is great for most sleep positions and features PrimaLoft our Luxury Down Alternative. Aside from feeling incredibly silky - this 400 thread count pillow features a special fabric made from silky soft Tencel Lyocell. Tencel Lyocell is an amazing miracle fabric that will stay cool through the night and help reduce moisture.
Additional Information:
400 Thread Count
Tencel Lyocell Stripe Damask Fabric
Medium Density - Great For Side Sleepers
Gusseted Side
Hypoallergenic PrimaLoft (Antimicrobial Down Alternative)
Easy Care Machine Washable

To win your very own Tommy Bahama Primaloft® Pillow visit the site here and tell me what item you would like best.

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:
If you are an email subscriber
If you are a feedburner subscriber
If you are a follower
If you have my button
If you follow me on twitter
If you post this on twitter
If you have my button
If you tweet this and leave me the link
If you post this and leave me the link

Enter to win a GE Appliance Daily and leave a comment for each entry

Giveaway ends Nov 6th 11:59 pm Open to US

Thevi High Impact Lipstick Giveaway!

2009-10-05T09:01:00.000-07:00

I have a new makeup love. It's Thevi Cosmetics and they are all about color found in nature. Thevi Cosmetics have so many shades in all their makeup for all types of skin color and all types of preferences. I had the chance to review Thevi High Impact Lipstick, Liquid Powder Mineral Foundation in SPF 15, and my personal favorite Thevi Lush Mascara.

All of the products made my face look natural but with the right amount of color and I love how the mascara makes my eyes pop. The High Impact Lipstick goes on really smooth and is just the right amount of color for me.

One lucky winner will receive their own Thevi High Impact Lipstick in Ripe Fig- retail value of $13 which is also 25% off this week! To enter please visit Thevi Cosmetics and tell me what product you would like to try out.

Sensual lip color. Advanced formula lipstick with unique chroma-shine technology provides rich color intensity with a super glossy finish that’s virtually weightless, yet won’t wear off. Plus it’s packed with Vitamins A, E and C for anti-oxidant protection and conditioning. In an array of gloriously colorful shades. Hypoallergenic.

Enter the GE Appliance Giveaway Daily and leave your comment saying you enter each time!

Giveaway ends Oct 15th 11:59 pm Open to US

mydaisydreams etsy shop review

2009-10-04T20:13:00.000-07:00

This next shop is so much fun. If you have seen the glass tile art jewelry that is out nowadays then you know how popular it is and how many options there are! At mydaisydreams you can find over 270 items of pure creative bliss! They also have bottlecap jewelry and there are so many options to their jewelry. Just look at these Blue Dangle Earrings. I want them so badly!

I received two beautiful necklaces. My favorite one is And So the Lion Fell in Love with the Lamb

mydaisydreams also offers keychains. For all of you Twilight fans, there is quite the selection of Twilight and New Moon pieces you have to check them out.

My necklaces were each wrapped in a beautiful tin which gave me a boutique feel. These make excellent gifts for Christmas especially since they are so affordable start around $6.50! To view the entire collection visit mydaisydreams today!

Momagenda Review

2009-10-04T19:29:00.001-07:00

Before school started I was a stay at home mom full time and had both of my boys at home. I never really left the house unless it was to go to play dates or walk to the post office. I kept all of my notes, numbers, and the few appointments I had on scrap pieces of paper and our calendar. Fast forward to today- our whole entire family is in school, soccer practice, my husband's coaching gig, my callings in church, not to mention all of our appointments- all to keep track of!

After the few first days of school I started to panic not knowing how I was going to keep it all straight. I went in search of the perfect planner for me. One that I could keep track of every one's schedules including my own. That's when I found momAgenda. It is a planner that is perfect for what I need.

It has spaces for your children's schedule (I use one for my husband) and even has a planner for dinner. It has motivational quotes and a pullout "Mom Essentials" book where you can store addresses, birthday and anniversary dates and so much more. I love that it is removable because I hate having to transfer all of that information over when it is a new year.

It is also very stylish. I chose a pink one to review and it is so cute! It is very professional looking. It looks like a hardbound book but is flexible like a planner with ribbon dividers.

I have found it so much easier to keep track of everything with my momAgenda ( including my blogging stuff) and would recommend this to any mom who needs a little more order in her life! To view the entire collection and all the other organizational products visit http://www.momagenda.com/

Night at the Movies with Turner Classics

2009-10-03T23:41:00.000-07:00

If you like the old classic movies then you will want to make sure you watch Friday nights A Night at the Movies: The Suspenseful World of Thrillers on TCM. What a perfect way to get in the mood for Halloween! Some of these movies are so great because they don't show all the guts and horror that are in scary films nowadays. These are way better!

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: THE SUSPENSEFUL WORLD OF THRILLERS will look at thrillers from all sides, including different types of thrillers and the stylistic tools filmmakers use to give their audiences a shot of adrenaline. The special will feature interviews with such figures as TCM host Robert Osborne; Ken Follett, author of Eye of the Needle; Bryan Singer, writer and director of The Usual Suspects and Valkyrie; Diablo Cody, writer and producer of the upcoming film Jennifer’s Body; Kenneth Branagh, director and star of Dead Again; Mel Brooks, writer, director and star of the Hitchcock spoof High Anxiety; David Koepp, writer-director of Stir of Echoes; Norman Lloyd, star of Hitchcock’s Saboteur and producer and director for the Alfred Hitchcock television series; Martin Landau, co-star of Hitchcock’s North by Northwest; Ileanna Douglas, co-star of Cape Fear and Stir of Echoes; Scott Frank, screenwriter of Minority Report and director of The Lookout; Heywood Gould, screenwriter of The Boys from Brazil; Paul Hirsch, editor of Brian De Palma’s Obsession and Blow Out; Hawk Koch, assistant director on Marathon Man and The Parallax View, and producer of Untraceable; Guy Hendrix Dyas, production designer for Indiana Jones & The Kingdom of the Crystal Skull; and John McCarty, author of the books Thrillers and Bullets Over Hollywood.

A NIGHT AT THE MOVIES: THE SUSPENSEFUL WORLD OF THRILLERS will explore such topics as the origin of thrillers and development of stylistic conventions; the use of a wrongly accused everyman as a protagonist; the range of female roles, from damsel in distress to femme fatale; the creation of classic villains and the actors who relished playing them; the impact of World War II on the genre; the emergence of more violent thrillers in the 1960s; the rise of the paranoid thriller in the 1970s; and how the genre continues in popularity by latching onto the current zeitgeist.

The following is a complete schedule of TCM’s salute to thrillers (all times shown are Eastern):
Friday, Oct. 2 – Thrillers and Hitchcock
8 p.m. A Night at the Movies: The Suspenseful World of Thrillers (2009) – premiere.
9 p.m. Rear Window (1954), starring James Stewart and Grace Kelly.
11 p.m. A Night at the Movies: The Suspenseful World of Thrillers (2009) – encore.
Midnight Shadow of a Doubt (1943), starring Joseph Cotten and Teresa Wright.

Friday, Oct. 9 – Political Thrillers
8 p.m. The Manchurian Candidate (1962), starring Frank Sinatra, Laurence Harvey, Angela Lansbury and Janet Leigh.
10:15 p.m. The Parallax View (1974), starring Warren Beatty and Hume Cronyn.
Midnight The Boys from Brazil (1978), starring Laurence Olivier and Gregory Peck.

Friday, Oct. 16 – Crime Thrillers
8 p.m. The Narrow Margin (1952), starring Charles McGraw and Marie Windsor.
9:30 p.m. A Night at the Movies: The Suspenseful World of Thrillers (2009) – encore.
10:30 p.m. Lured (1947), starring George Sanders, Lucille Ball and Charles Coburn.
12:30 a.m. The Lodger (1944), starring Merle Oberon and George Sanders.

Friday, Oct. 23 – Gothic Thrillers
8 p.m. The Night of the Hunter (1955), starring Robert Mitchum, Lillian Gish and Shelley Winters.
10 p.m. Dragonwyck (1946), starring Gene Tierney, Walter Huston and Vincent Price.
Midnight Rebecca (1940), starring Joan Fontaine, Laurence Olivier and Judith Anderson.

Friday, Oct. 30 – Psychological Thrillers
8 p.m. Gaslight (1944), starring Charles Boyer, Ingrid Bergman, Joseph Cotten and Angela Lansbury.
10 p.m. Night Must Fall (1937), starring Robert Montgomery, Rosalind Russell and Dame May Whitty.
Midnight Psycho (1960), starring Anthony Perkins, Janet Leigh, Vera Miles and Martin Balsam.

Forever and Always

Naturale Sundae Review

Taslie Skin Care Review

I'm Back

Happy New Years!

Update from Phoenix

oh sugarcubes Etsy Giveaway

I Am Featured!

My Christmas by Andrea Bocelli

Winners Finally!

I'm Still Alive

Night at the Museum: Battle of the Smithsonian DVD Review

Young Living Christmas Spirit Essential Oil Blend Review

Build A Bear Workshop Review and Giveaway

For additional entries please leave a separate comment for each of the following:

Pillow Pets Review and Giveaway

Winners

Oxfam America Unwrapped

What sets Oxfam apart?

Oxfam’s reach

Santa Buddies: The Legend of Santa Paws Review

How Was Your Turkey Day?

Robeez Review and Giveaway

Purple Pig Shirts Review

Dyson DC31 Animal Handheld Vacuum Cleaner Review

Patented cyclone technology

Suction power

Movement type

Filtration

Cleaner head / Floor tool

Stair cleaning

Bin capacity

Tools / accessories

Dimensions

Weight

Rimmel London Makeup Review

Taking it Nice and Easy Today

Hallmark Review and Giveaway-2 winners!

myJones Soda Holiday Review and Giveaway

Microsoft Office Live -Free!

GE Sweepstakes

Winners!

Vemma Children's Next Review

Vemma NEXT also includes new ingredients targeted specifically for children:

The Baby's Bundle Review with Giveaway!

Last Day to Enter to Win a GE Appliance

My Blog Design

A Little Tipsy

One Republic Signed CD Giveaway!

Joy Berry Books Review

Help your child learn and master potty training with our engaging, interactive Do-It-Yourself Potty Training Kits for boys and girls. Comes with everything a parent needs to get started!

Johnny Test: Johnny X and Super Pooch Review

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Pulse Yoga DVD Giveaway!

The Chic-Adee Shop Review

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Automoblox Review and Giveaway

H2PRO Flat Iron Review

TouchBack Marker Review

Natura World Pillow Review and Giveaway

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KidScents Review

MyClyns Review

Dremel 4000 Review

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Allergy Luxe Review

Disney Pixar's Monster's Inc. Now on Blu Ray!

Disney Pixar's Up!

Halloween Cuties

Growing Tree Toys Review

Peter Rabbit Organics Review

Carebags Review

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Nine Moons Swelly Belly Review

The Boy's Store Review and Giveaway

Five For Fighting Slice CD Review

Linky Love Giveaways

Aliens in the Attic DVD Review and Giveaway- 5 Winners!

ALIENS IN THE ATTIC