Forever and Always

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

aden+anais Review and Giveaway

When my boys were babies they LOVED to be swaddled. It was like magic. What wasn't magical was the incredibly tiny blankets I had to use to try and swaddle them in. My squirmy little babies always managed to wiggle their way out of them each and every time. The blankets I received at my baby showers were cute but not functional. They would shrink whenever I washed them.

aden+anais are austrailian muslin baby wraps. Here is the story of how they got started:

We're Aussie mothers who moved from Australia to the United States in 1996. In preparation for the arrival of our children, Aden and Anais, we went in search of muslin wraps like the ones we have back home, a staple with Australian mothers. None of the wraps we found on the market in the US were the right size, they were too small to securely swaddle our babies. None of the materials the other wraps used were the same soft, breathable muslin cotton we were used to in Australia. So, we decided to make our own. Everywhere we went people would comment and ask us "where did you get the great wraps from?" Nurses in the hospital, pediatricians, obstetricians, lactation consultants, mothers in our baby groups and our friends all wanted our wraps for their own babies.

We also discovered that the only washcloths we could find were too harsh on our new babies' skin. We decided that muslin would be the ideal fabric to use on the delicate skin of our newborns at bath time, and so we also produced a line of soft cotton towels and muslin washcloths.As a result aden + anais was established in 2004.

These blankets are not just great for swaddling, they are perfect as a stroller blanket, a blanket for tummy time, a burp cloth, a blanket to cover up while nursing and much more! I love the blanket I received. It is sooooo soft and lightweight. My next baby will be so content being swaddled in their aden+anais blanket!

One winner will be receiving their own aden+anais blanket. To enter please visit the site and tell me which blanket you would want. Also for another entry please become a fan of aden+anais on Facebook here http://www.facebook.com/pages/aden-anais/100745935259?ref=ts.

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

Giveaway ends Sept 28th 11:59 pm Open to US and Canada

Step 2 Kitchen Review

Guess who is the coolest mom in the world at my house? Yup. Just don't tell my boys it's thanks to Step 2. They sent us this totally fun and awesome Lifestyle PartyTime Kitchen. It comes with everything. Food, utensils, a phone, even a colander! Here are the details from the site:

Play time is Party Time with the LifeStyle™ kitchen from Step2®! Bi-level three-sided access means this kitchen is perfect for multiple-child play, and a huge accessory set provides all the necessary pieces.

Five electronic features: microwave, stove top, phone, overhead light and clock

"Stainless steel" oven, microwave, and refrigerator enhance role play and provide ample storage

Frying pan and pot activate frying and boiling sounds on front burner

Special silverware drawer and two storage baskets

Multi-level granite-look countertops provide extra play space

33 piece accessory set includes high-quality cooking utensils, 2 place settings, baskets, and more! (accessories may vary)

Made in USA of US and imported parts (accessory set, phone, clock, silver doors and faucet made in China)

Requires 5 "AA" and 5 "AAA" batteries, not included

Minimal adult assembly required

Step 2 has so many cool things on their site. I really want to get this Deluxe Canyon Road Train and Track Table for my little guys! Step 2 is also having a Creative Kids in the Kitchen Contest that starts today-Sept 15th! One grand prize winner will receive a Frigidaire® kitchen suite including a refrigerator, over-the-range microwave, dishwasher and oven. The grand prize winner will also receive a Step2® kitchen of their choice. One second prize winner will receive a Step2® kitchen of their choice. And one third prize winner will receive a $50 gift certificate redeemable at step2.com.

To enter vist Step2.com or click here.

Your Baby Can Read Review and Giveaway

Have you seen those commercials for Your Baby Can Read? It is a great program for your little one. It is perfect for any child ages 3 months to 5 years to aid them in learning to read. What a fun concept! I received the Your Baby Can Read Trial Kit and my boys really liked watching it. They followed along with the DVD and eagerly said all of the words. They were even able to recognize words on the screen.

In the first years of a child’ life, tens of thousands of synaptic connections are made each second in the brain, opening the door for increased learning capacity. The most natural time to learn any aspect of language is during the infant and toddler years. There is a “natural window of opportunity” for learning language where it is easier for children to learn to understand and speak our language at a high level. During this window of opportunity, between the ages of 3 months and 5 years, they can also learn the written word naturally and easily.

The kit also comes with several other things including fun sliding word cards. Now they ask me everyday if they can watch it.

Guess what? One lucky winner will receive their own kit! To enter to win please visit the site and tell me which product in the kit you would love to try.

Giveaway ends Sept 28th 11:59 pm Open to US and Canada.

Product and Lil Product Review

The very last step that I do when I have styled my hair is to use hair product on the tips and ends to add a little more definition to my hair. Most products that I have tried leave my hair feeling greasy and end up blending in with my hair so it doesn't look styled for very long. There is a product that I recently have been using and it is awesome. The name of the product is ....product! Isn't that clever. I wanted to try it because it is organic pomade with plant-derived ingredients.

I really love how my hair is now longer greasy with it. It is safe on all hair types and provides really healthy shine.

Another product that product sells :) is pomade for children. Lil Product is perfect for the little stylist in your family. It can be used on boys and girls and is just as natural and great as the other product. My older son loves me using it on him before preschool every morning. He looks like such a stud with it in his hair!

PRODUCT is a unique styling aid that works well with all hair types and lengths. PRODUCT’s formula is 100% pure and natural, made from organic and plant-derived ingredients. PRODUCT contains absolutely no harsh chemicals, synthetics, or parabens.

I recommend these products to anyone wanting natural ingredients in their hair with results that last. To purchase products visit thenameisproduct.com.

Dove Nutrium Moisture Review

I recently had the chance to review some of Dove's new line of body washes. They are all part of the Nutrium Moisture line. Both my husband and I have been using them and have really loved how soft they make our skin. I love the scents, especially on Cody who was using some manly scented body wash before these. These smell no fresh!

My favorite was the Deep Moisture for obvious reasons. This one will be perfect for winter when my skin gets super dry in the harsh cold we have here. The Deep Moisture has a breakthrough formula that uses 100% natural moisturizers to moisturize deep within the skin.

Cody's favorite is the Gentle Exfoliating. He really likes the micro beads that have the natural moisturizer in it as well. This one has a really nice clean scent.

To learn more about the great new line of body washes and how the work visit Dove.com.

Linky Love Giveaways

It's that time again-link up your giveaways! Don't forget to enter everyday the GE Strong As Steel Appliance giveaway on my sidebar. I will also be posting winners soon!

Monday, September 14, 2009

Little Einstein's Fire Truck Rocket's Blastoff

We are big Little Einstein's fans in our house. We love all of the classical music and art and of course the missions! Well Little Einstein's is back again with a new DVD! Fire Truck Rocket's Blast Off. This DVD was released on Sept. 8th. This DVD is full of fun as they travel all over for important missions. We love the never before seen episode where Rocket turns into a Firetruck. What kid doesn't like firetrucks? The graphics and colors were of course great and we love any show that can educate us on such a wide range of subjects!

Join the Little Einsteins as they embark on
four rescue-themed adventures in LITTLE EINSTEINS: FIRE TRUCK
ROCKET’S BLAST OFF premiering on Disney DVD September 8, 2009. In this
latest installment of fascinating adventures that includes a never-before-seen
episode and the Magic Mission viewing mode, the Little Einsteins set out on
rescue missions that take place in all corners of the world.
In never-before-seen episode Fire Truck Rocket, it’s Rocket’s latest
transformation: Fire Truck Rocket. The Einsteins rush to rescue an adorable
monkey from an erupting volcano on the tropical island of Java. They will need
all of Rocket’s rescue gadgets including his rescue Spreader (jaws of life), rescue
Ladder and rescue Hose to cool down the rumbling volcano.
Other episodes include Melody the Music Pet which features the Little Einsteins
in France, watching animals board the special train that takes pets to their new
homes. One particular cuddly creature stands out – Melody, the Music Pet.
However, Melody can’t find her golden ticket for the train. Leo and team promise
to help Melody find her missing ticket, and the mission takes them over Monet’s
famous painting of lily pads, through the French countryside and to the top of the
Eiffel Tower in Paris.

In Carmine’s Big Race, the Little Einsteins are in Monaco at a grand prix to
cheer for Quincy’s friend Carmine, the music car. The other cars don’t think
Carmine has what it takes to win the race, but with the help of the Einsteins, he
just might take home the Grand Prix trophy. The team explores the Patagonia
region of South America in Mr. Penguin’s Ice Cream Adventure. When an ice
cream train being driven by Mr. Penguin to his best friend’s birthday party breaks
down, Rocket transforms himself into a train to pull the big load of ice cream.
Afterwards, the team must dig past a huge rock, put a musical bridge back
together and chug over the Andes Mountains.
The Magic Mission Viewing Mode let viewers use their remote to answer fun
questions about colors, shapes and sizes.

Violight Zapi Review

I have a HUGE problem with germs and bathrooms. I know it's not normal but I really can't stand the idea of germs being all over everything. Including my toothbrush. I used to keep my toothbrush in another room ( I told you -Huge problem). Then I saw a toothbrush sanitizer at Walmart and got it. Then it wouldn't work on my toothbrush because my toothbrush was too large.

Now I have a Zapi from Violight and I have my peace of mind back! The Zapi comes in different colors and comes with a matching toothbrush- score!

I love how easy my Zapi is to use and it's pretty cute to look at too. There are several different designs from Violight including some fun ones for the kiddos. I would love to have one for each of my boys.

Here is some info from Violight's site:

A single toothbrush can harbor millions of microorganisms, which translate into harmful bacteria — bacteria that thrive in the warm, moist environment of the average bathroom. VIOlight stops these microorganisms dead in their track. Independent studies prove that the patent-pending VIOlight system eliminates up to 99.9% of bacteria that thrive on your toothbrush. That's millions of microscopic bugs that can cause flu, colds and other illnesses, zapped in minutes!

Did You Know...?
A number of studies suggest that oral heath is associated with general health. Advanced gum disease has been linked to heart disease, diabetes, premature delivery in pregnant women, and stroke.
Researchers have found more than 10,000,000 bacteria living on a single toothbrush.
Tooth decay is caused by bacteria that can survive on toothbrushes.
Viruses that cause colds, flu, and fever blisters can survive for many days on toothbrushes.
Droplets produced by flushing toilets can harbor bacteria and viruses that can remain airborne long enough to settle on surfaces. Thus, a person could acquire an infection from an aerosol produced by a toilet.

Watch this video to learn more about what is on your toothbrush:

To view all of the great designs visit Violight.

anytimecostumes.com Review and Giveaway

It's crazy that Halloween is peeking it's head around the corner! I'm not a costume maker and this year I have been nervous about buying costumes for two little boys. They want to be everything- Spiderman, Transformers, even a yellow Power Ranger that sparkles ( I haven't seen one of those yet!). Well anytimecostumes.com has come to the rescue! They let me choose a costume from their store to review and I ended up getting the Transformers Optimus Prime Movie costume. It is so cool! This costume is really well made and I know we will be keeping it for a long time.

anytimecostumes.com has a HUGE selection of costumes from all sorts of price ranges. They have adult costumes, plus-size costumes and even infant.

anytimecostumes.com is offering one Free Costume Giveaway (Any Infant, Toddler, Child or Teen costume) to one of my readers! To enter please visit the site and tell me what costume you would choose.

Giveaway ends Sept 27th 11:59 pm Open to Us

Shelf Reliance Giveaway!

Yippee! Another chance for me to share with you Shelf Reliance- my favorite food storage website! Shelf Reliance sent me a gift basket with samplings of a bunch of their food storage items including white flour, sugar, powdered eggs, powdered butter, and raspberries. Included was a recipe to make yummy Raspberry bars with the gift basket. I had a blast! We made ours for our family home evening treat tonight.

I really loved using their Thrive food storage products. Shelf Reliance has so many emergency preparedness items. I didn't realize that they even carry emergency kits. Shelf Reliance also now has a Facebook page, You Tube page, and Twitter page and a blog!

One lucky winner will receive the same fun gift set that I received. To enter please visit the site and tell me something you would like to try. For an extra entry sign up for the Shelf Reliance newsletter.

Giveaway ends Sept 27th 11:59 pm open to US only

Tree Frog Creations Review

How cute is this bucket? It is from my new favorite Etsy shop- Tree Frog Creations. They have so many adorable and functional items. Every one is personalized and made they way you want it.

Tree Frog Creations make a variety of personalized buckets, bibs, vinyl lettering and more. I love the bucket I received. I'm using it to store my boys art supplies on top of the fridge. The buckets are great for holding pretty much anything- toys, hair items, makeup, socks, etc.

I also really love this totally chic bib! I like that Tree Frog Creations offers several color options and a million different ways to personalize them. To view the entire collection click here.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Pinup Girl Kit Review

I have been bored with my hair lately. It has been so blah! Sometimes a mom just wants to feel classy. So I contacted Rsession Tools to try out their Pinup Girl Kit. This kit has everything I need to make my hair super cute. The Pinup Kit comes with

2 Duckbill Clips
2 Flat Pins
2 Snaps
8 Small U-Pins
8 Large U-Pins
12 Bobby Pins
12 Mini Bobby Pins
1 Hair Bun
2 Bungees
25 Snag-Free Elastics
1 Styling Brush
2 Headbands

All of this will help you to make the above hair do's. It comes in black, blonde and brunette. I have been having fun making the bun on my hair. This is no ordinary bun. It makes a natural but stylish updo. I love putting up when I am running behind and when I don't feel like washing my hair. To get your own kit visit Rsessiontools.com.

TI-Nspire Review

I am taking a math class this semester and I need a really good calculator. I need the works! Texas instruments sent me their TI-Nspire. This calculator does it all. I know that it will see me through many more math classes. Here are some features from the website:

View multiple representations of a problem on a single screen

Grab a graphed function and move it to see the effect

"Link" representations: Manipulate the properties of one and observe instant updates to others without switching screens

Create, save and review work in electronic documents, like a computer

Activate the handheld's Press-to-Test feature to block access to certain geometry features not allowed on state exams

Experience identical functions on the handheld and TI-Nspire Computer Software (Windows© or Mac©). Your students can use the software independently or in tandem with the handheld for work in and out of class

Project a full interactive handheld alongside a large handheld screen to demonstrate concepts to your class usingTI-Nspire Computer Software - Teacher Edition

I am still learning to use the calculator (it does so much!) and luckily they sent me a TI-Nspire For Dummies to figure it all out! The TI-Nspire is #1 Brand Recommended by teachers and is also accepted on the SAT and ACT's AND comes with SAT and ACT test prep for free!

This calculator is going to last me for years to come in my classes. To learn more about it and all of the other Texas Instrument products visit Texas Instruments.

Teach My Toddler Review

I have sooooo many learning supplies in my home. Markers, crayons, activity books, flashcards, construction paper, charts. All taking up precious space in my home. I hate the clutter! How thankful I am to have the Teach My Toddler kit!

Teach My Toddler is the award-winning, first and only all-in-one pre-school learning system for toddlers 18 months+. The kit has 17 teaching tools to help toddlers master the basics; alphabet, numbers, shapes and colours/colors. Each section is fully-coordinated with a total of 5 puzzles, 4 board books, 4 posters and 4 sets of flashcards. The tools are neatly organized in a portable & storable carrying case. The aim of Teach My Toddler is to give toddlers a head start and to encourage one-on-one time between toddlers and their parents, grandparents and caregivers. It only takes 20 minutes a day.

The kit is very organized and easily laid out so there is no confusion as to where all the pieces went. It comes in an organizer that looks like an accordion style filing folder. The boys love the foam puzzles. They are really learning so much from their kit. We make sure that we take it out when we want to have learning time so that it is more special for them rather than always having it laying around in their room with pieces getting mixed up with their other toys. I love how it covers all of the basics. Since it is all together I am more motivated to take it out and have a learning session with them.

To purchase the Teach My Toddler Kit ( they also have one for babies) visit http://www.teach-my.com/index.html.

Yummy in My Tummy Review

Yummy in My Tummy is my new favorite way to cook! It is actually no cooking for me so even better! Yummy in My Tummy is organic, all natural convenience food for babies and toddlers. The fact that it is for little tummies didn't stop me from eating it as well! We reviewed several types of food and our favorites are the Baked Chicken Nuggets Meal, Chicken Enchiladas with Mexican Rice & Chunky Apples, and Extra Special Pizza.

The food is sooooooo gooooood. My boys can be picky but they sure went to town on these meals. The best part was I didn't have to cook for awhile! I would just stick the meals in the oven for 15 minutes and Voila! So easy and convenient. Here is some more info about the meals:

"Comprised of the freshest, most nutritious and tasty USDA certified organic produce
Always fresh, never frozen
Made for baby Stages 1-3 with seasonal specials throughout the year
Specials are available in each of the three stages and change each week, with a focus on seasonality and local produce availability;
Convenient and shipped to your door through our delivery service
Our Process"

"In our spotless, immaculate production facility we prepare, manufacture and package every container of organic baby food personally to ensure it’s consistent with the Yummy In My Tummy Safety-Ensured System and compliant with our HACCP Program (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point).
The Yummy In My Tummy Safety-Ensured System is achieved by first using the most pristine organic produce available, Yummy In My Tummy roasts, bakes and simmers all products to prevent any loss of naturally-occurring vitamins and minerals in the cooking process.
The food is then packaged in BPA-free, phthalate-free, BHT-free, and BHA-free barrier containers and made available for in-store pick-up or convenient delivery service. To ensure safety and freshness, our products are also sent to a food lab for microbiological testing and shelf life analysis, so your Little Tummy always gets the best organic baby food possible!"

Our family really enjoyed these meals and recommend these to any busy family on the go wanting nutritious meals for their little ones. To view all of the yummy food visit Yummyinmytummy.com.

Monkey Business Sports Toy Review

This little bad boy is called the Pocket Shot from Monkey Business Sports and my boys are loving it! After we opened it they were occupied for a full hour! Sweet bliss! It says that it is for ages 5 and up but 3 year old and 4 year old both were able to play with it easily. They have fun loading the ball and watching it fly in the air just like a slingshot but way better for my house than a rock. It shoots over 40 feet! This is the ultimate boys toy and it's right up my ally since it is only $6! To view all of the other great toys at Monkey Business Sports go to http://shop.monkeybusinesssports.com/index.aspx.

Hoopnotica Review and Giveaway!

If you haven't noticed a pattern by my reviews lately I have been bitten by the workout bug! I figured if I could find a product that is fun that I might be more motivated to work out (what a novel idea!). When I saw Hoopnotica on another blog I felt it calling to me. Memories of my childhood came flashing back of when I use to play with a hoola hoop and had such a blast.

Now I can have the fun and get a workout as well. Hoopnotica is so much fun! Now don't get me wrong it isn't super easy like you may be thinking- like I was thinking! It provides enough of a challenge for me but not too much that I feel like giving up. My husband watched me as I was doing the workout for the first time. He sat on the couch and at times he laughed at me and other times he said I looked like I really knew what I was doing.

Here is some info from Hoopnotica :

"Celebrities such as Marissa Tomei, Liv Tyler, and Beyonce are finding a slimmer, sexier,
and more toned version of themselves in the hoop. Ryan Seacrest of E! News describes
Hoopnotica as “Part dance, part exercise and ALL fun”.
Hooping is as simple as spinning a weighted adult sized hoop rhythmically around the
waist.

Hoopnotica provides an energizing, effective, and low impact workout that
tones muscles, increases flexibility, improves coordination, and strengthens the
cardiovascular system. Simply hooping around the waist burns an average of 300
calories an hour, where more vigorous hooping can burn up to 600 calories an hour!"

I have had a blast using my Hoopnotica and I know one lucky winner who wins the Intro to Hoopnotica kit will too! To enter please visit their site and tell me your fitness goals and what you find most exciting about Hoopnotica.

Giveaway ends Sept 26th 11:59pm Open to US and Canada!

Boardbook Albums Review

At Board Book Albums they carry unique photo albums that are thick and very durable to withstand any child's wear and tear. They are perfect for any child to decorate and use to display their own photos, memorabilia, and anything else they can think of.

I received one in white which is perfect because I can use my scrapbooking supplies to create a mini scrapbook. I want to make one of our family to give to my husband. That way when he is ever out of town he can conveniently take it with him. There are other color choices like pink and blue and the albums are very affordable. Below is a video about how the owner of Board Book Albums got the idea to make the albums in the first place. To buy your own album and to see all of the cute scrapbooking ideas visit http://www.boardbookalbums.com/.

Yoga Hyde Review

I love yoga. I really do. You wouldn't think so by how little I have done it in the last year but it really is such a great workout. I also love yoga clothes! I really think that a good yoga outfit compliments all of your lines while you do your workout and leaves you feeling supported. Another criteria I look for in yoga clothes is how the clothing feels. If it is soft and whether or not I have to fidget with it throughout my workout.

Yoga Hyde makes clothing that meets all of that and more. Their yoga clothing is comfortable but not baggy. They were so nice to send me two items from their site. The v top in bliss and the divine drawstring pants in charcoal.

Founder anne-kerr kennedy mentions on her site:
"necessity is the mother of invention:" hyde was born out of the need for natural, comfortable, yoga clothes that were stylish, fit well but still affordable. like many of my yogi friends, i wanted clothes that were as considered and thoughtful as my practice. i saw an opportunity to make graceful gear my business. "

Yoga Hyde clothing is art to me. I love the simple but functional designs that they have as well as the color options. I know that when I workout (I'm getting better about it!) that I want to feel confident in what I am wearing. Yoga Hyde's clothing really makes you feel good about your body. I also like the length of the pants. I was a little nervous when I ordered a small because all companies have their own idea of what a small is. The small is perfect for me and I even washed the pants and dried them and there was no shrinking! If you are looking for a comfortable and fashionable line of workout clothes than Yoga Hyde is the place to go. To view the entire collection visit yogahyde.com.

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Desperate Housewives Season 5

Another great show that is now on DVD is season 5 of Desperate Housewives. I haven't watched too much of the show in the past but this season is great! I love all of the scheming and drama! This is getting me ready for when the next season starts. All the ladies from Wisteria keep me on my toes and I can't wait for more!

The ladies of Wisteria Lane have still more scandalous secrets to unveil in their fifth season, as Susan (Teri Hatcher), Lynette (Felicity Huffman), Bree (Marcia Cross), Gabrielle (Eva Longoria Parker), Katherine (Dana Delaney) and Edie (Nicollette Sheridan) give the residents of Fairview plenty to talk about. The show’s subversively funny take on suburban life reveals all the juicy secrets lurking behind closed doors in this seemingly perfect community.

Bonus Features • Teri & Cherry – A look at Wisteria Lane’s dynamic duo! • Desperate Housewives: Evolution of a modern classic • Cherry-Picked: Marc Cherry’s Favorite Moments from Season 5 • Deleted Scenes • Bloopers • Audio Commentaries

Grey's Anatomy and Private Practice Season 5

I'm so excited! My favorite show Grey's Anatomy Season 5 comes out on DVD on Sept. 15th! I have been watching it with my hubby and love it even more than when I watched it the first time. Now I now all the stuff that happens and can watch it with a new light. I especially love all of the bloopers! There is even a disc of bonus material which includes

• In Stitches: Season Five Outtakes • Dissecting Grey’s Anatomy: Unaired Scenes • Heaven Sent • 100th Episode: Tales from the O.R.

Let's just say I am in heaven! I love this show so much. Another great show that is coming on DVD on Sept 15th is the spin-off of Grey's Anatomy- Private Practice. I haven't watched all of it yet but I know it is going to keep me on my toes! So much drama squeezed into Season 2 and now I can catch up on my own time. I'm interested to see how things for Addison to turn out since she left Grey's Anatomy.

Bonus Features for Private Practice include

• Patient Confidentiality: Creator / Executive Producer Shonda Rhimes, Executive Producer Betsy Beers and actors Paul Adelstein (Dr. Cooper Freedman) and Amy Brenneman (Dr. Violet Turner) take a look back at the controversial issues encountered by the doctors of Oceanside Wellness Group in Season 2 of Private Practice. • Life Through The Lens: The Pictures Of Chris Lowell • Extended Episodes • Deleted Scenes • Bloopers

Here are some great scences and bloopers to get you through until Sept. 15th!

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Atlantis Natural Review

Atlantis Natural is a great online website for anything natural and organic! They have more than just cute organic toys (they have those too!). Items like Homeopathic Remedies, Organic Shrimp, and Organic Cotton Nursing Pads. Atlantis Natural was kind enough to send me the

New Wave Enviro Splish Splash Bathtub Filter and Nordic Naturals - Nordic Berries.

I love both of the items I received. The Bathtub Filter is perfect for when my boys take a bath. It filters out all of the chlorine (there is alot where I live). Now I don't have to worry about using warm water and them inhaling chlorine steam!

They also love their new vitamins. They look just like candy but have nothing artificial in them. I have a really hard time finding vitamins that are gelatin free and don't have any artificial sweeteners. These work like a charm! I was really surprised to see what a variery of items to choose from. I also think that their prices are very reasonable along with an awesome customer satisfaction policy. To view all of the great items that Atlantis Natural carries please visit atlantisnatural.com.

Piggy Paint Review

Wanna feel safe putting nail polish and nail polisher remover on your little girl? Do you want to do your girl's nails without all of the fumes? Piggy Paint is the perfect solution! All Piggy Paint products are

Non-toxic
Low Odor
Water-based formula
Hypoallergenic
Fun, vibrant colors
Dries to a hard, durable finish

There are no toxic chemicals; it’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate and acetone.

Piggy Paint has all natural nail polish in a large variety of colors and they also have all natural nail polish that really works! This is a perfect birthday gift for any little girl. Piggy Paint also offers free shipping on orders of $25 or more. They also ship worldwide. Piggy Paint is offering my readers 15% off all orders! Just use coupon code BLESSED15L expiration October 31, 2009. To view all of the super cute and girly color choices visit Piggypaint.com.

Friday, September 11, 2009

Shapely Secrets Review

I used to be a workout queen. That was up until I had kids and since then I have not made it a priority at all. I have made feeling guilty about it a priority though! So when I was asked to review Shapely Secrets I was excited. Shapely Secrets is not your typical form of exercise. It is a series of workouts that uses a method called Diametric Resistance. Basically it is motionless exercise. You work out by tightening your muscles. It's your muscles working against each other.

All you have to do with this program is pop in the dvd and for 7 minutes and follow along to a series of tightening exercises. These were sooooo easy that I wasn't left feeling discouraged. At the same time I could feel my muscles working hard. I haven't noticed a huge difference in my overall physical appearance since using Shapely Secrets but I have noticed an overall tightness and an increased awareness of my posture. I would recommend Shapely Secrets to anyone who is looking to get back into exercise who hasn't been doing it for awhile, someone who is injured and needs a non impact exercise, or for anyone who is short on time to fit working out into their busy lives. To learn more about Shapely Secrets visit http://www.shapelysecrets.com/.

Pirate's Booty Review

My boys love when snacks come in the mail to review. So when a super cool pirates chest arrived with a bunch of Pirate's Booty they were in heaven. Normally I regulate their snack intake but these snacks are so healthy I just let them chow down!

Pirate's Booty is a puffed rice and corn, all natural snack. My kids think they are eating cheetos. We were able to try a variety of flavors and the boys favorites were the Veggie which has fresh vegetables baked right in and the Aged White Cheddar. Pirate's Booty is Kosher, trans fat free and 50% less fat than potato chips. Pirate's Booty is a perfect after school snack or for your child's lunch. To view the all the flavors that are offered visit Piratesbooty.com.

Ginger Kids Review and Giveaway

As hectic and busy as my family's life has been since school started, we have been cooking up a storm in the kitchen! It's all thanks to Ginger Kids. They are an online cooking site for kids and have everything from recipes to aprons for your child to develop a love of cooking.

We were sent the Ginger Kids Kitchen Basics Cookbook which covers rules, tools, etiquette and best of all- recipes! The recipes are all super easy, kid friendly, healthy and very yummy!

So far we have tried the Aunt Laurie's Favorite Banana Bread, Ole Guacamole, and the very yummy Mama Mia Pizza Pie. The book is full of wonderful ideas to encourage your child to cook and is very specific when a child needs to ask an adult to help them. I love this book!

Ginger Kids is also launching an awesome new program called Passport to the World Club. Here is a little info:

Passport to the World Membership Giveaway
Would you love to embark on a world adventure with your kids, without ever having to pack a suitcase? The Passport to the World Club from Ginger Kids Fun! is the perfect way to give your child an exciting, hands-on world adventure in the comfort of your home! By choosing one of two affordable monthly membership options, kids will have a blast cooking up new international cuisine, interacting with children from other cultures, learning new languages and more.

The monthly membership provides a fascinating view of the world by engaging the five senses. Children will experience a wide variety of activities in a magical, interactive online journey of each monthly destination. They will listen to a fun-filled musical tour of each cultural destination with a CD from Putumayo Kids. A hands-on cooking experience teaches kids to practice their creativity and imagination, and the result will fill their senses with delightful aromas and delicious flavors.

The Passport to the World Club membership will be available for purchase at http://www.gingerkidsfun.com/ starting September 2009. Memberships can be purchased on a month to month basis or as a twelve month VIP package. Sample destinations include Jamaica, Greece, Italy and Israel! Those that join the twelve month program will receive a FREE welcome package complete with Ginger Kids apron, Kitchen Basics: Rules, Tools & Etiquette cookbook binder, Cookbook binder with country tabs to store 12-months of recipes and a Ginger Kids Passport.

To celebrate the Passport to the World launch on 9/9/09, Ginger Kids Fun! is hosting ‘9 Days of Giveaways’ and is giving one lucky reader a three-month online membership. Kids will love the easy –to-navigate online portal providing an entertaining and educational platform to learn about different cultures. To watch a preview of the site, visit http://www.gingerkidsfun.com/teaser.html

One lucky winner will receive their own one-month membership to the Passport to the World club, and interactive online culinary adventure featuring recipes, language, games, etc.! To enter please visit the site and tell me one thing that you are excited about that is included in the Adventure Pack.

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
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Winners!

Wow, after a very crazy week I can finally post some winners! Don't forget to enter on my sidebar for the GE Appliance everyday!

The Lil Dresser winner is pierce

Wee Squeaks winner is xenia

Creativity for Kids winner is the Demille's

The 5 winners of the Think Fun games are blakesmom, judybrittle, Rebecca N, xenia again! and justicecw

The See kai Run winner is trixpixel

The Sherpani bag winner is Luv to Save

The michellejewelry winner is roswello

Also if you are a previous winner and have not yet received your prize please let me know so I can check into it. Thanks!

Little Tikes Review

Little Tikes has always been a favorite in our house. Most of my boys toys are Little Tikes. They have always been sturdy, reliable, and most of all fun. Now we have a new addition to our house! We received the Apple Grove Pals Deluxe Farm Playset to review. The boys love how cute the animals are and all of the fun things they can do on their barn. It comes with a great storybook to get their imaginations going before they play as well as buttons to push that make animal sounds.

I think that their favorite part has to be the different hats that can be mixed and matched on their heads. I know that this playset will be in our home for quite some time since it is built to last against my rough guys!

Here is some more info about the playset:
"Little Tikes Apple Grove Pals Farm Playset Toddlers everywhere are invited to come join the fun down in Apple Grove, where innocence and imagination combine for great fun! The Apple Grove Pals Farm Playset is the centerpiece of this new-for-2009 line and includes three adorable Pals – Pig, Cow and Zebra, each with fun interchangeable hats. The Apple Grove Pal characters are young, which allows children to more readily escape into the world of make-believe. The Farm Playset has some exciting features for young hands, including a fun elevator and slide in the grain silo, barn doors that swing open, buttons that make farm animal sounds and more! The Farm Playset (and every Apple Grove Pals item) comes with a storybook that teaches children an important moral and social lesson, which plays an important part in a young child’s development. Ages 18 months and up. SRP: $34.99 "

There also several other toys in the Apple Grove Pals. I think the Train Playset looks like so much fun! To view all of the great toys Little Tikes has to offer visit http://www.littletikes.com/

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Beyond Quilts Etsy Shop Review

Beyond Quilts is another fun Etsy shop that I just adore. They have unique quilts that are not your average quilt. They are fun and colorful and so beautiful! They are especially fun for kids. Check out this I Spy blanket above.

I received an adorable Doll Blanket and pillow perfect for any little girl and her doll to snuggle up to. It is really well made ( no thread unravelling which always seems to happen to me) and super fun fabric and is so soft!

Everything in Beyond Quilts is super affordable with cheaper shipping. She also has beautiful table runners. To view all of the beautiful items at Beyond Quilts click here.

AddieBugs Etsy Review and Giveaway

I have been wanting a birthday tradition for my boys for quite sometime. Now I have one! At AddieBugs she sells the most adorable banners for all sorts of occasions. There are banners for all types of occasions or just plain decorative. Aren't these just so cute?!

I really want this Believe one. I would love to have it in my bedroom. I received an adorable one in a variety of colors. It says Happy Birthday and I am planning on it making it's debut on my husband's birthday this month. I am planning on using it for my boy's birthdays every year too! How fun it will be for them to wake up in the morning and see a fun message! To view all of the other beautiful banners by AddieBugs visit her shop here.

One lucky winner will receive a $20 GC to AddieBugs! To enter please visit the shop and tell me what you would buy with your certificate.

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

Giveaway ends Sept 25th 11:59 pm Open to everyone!