Hey Everyone,
I'm very sorry I've been MIA over the last several weeks and I feel like I owe my readers and the companies I am working with an explination, and to let you all know I am trying to get caught up and I'm weeding through over 3000 e-mails and trying to respond to each of them so if you don't hear from me today, I am going to get to your e-mail.
The last five weeks or so have been really hectic for me and my family, my grandfather was diagnosed with Lung cancer and I had taken some time off of everything in order to help make him as comfortable as possible, but unfortunately he passed away last Monday and things are just now starting to get back to somewhat normal and I hope to get caught up over the next week or so.
I have several winners to pick from giveaways that ended a while ago and I am hoping to have that done by this afternoon and I will make a post with the winner informaion as well as e-mail the winners directly.
I want to again say I'm truly sorry, but in a time like the one we had over the past several weeks, family comes first and I hope you all understand and I thank you for being patent with me.
Friday, August 12, 2011
Sunday, July 10, 2011
It Works! Ultimate Body Applicator Review and Opportunity
I like most people want to loose weight and inches around my tummy area but being a busy mom and now a nursing student at college, I don’t have a lot of extra time to exercise and eat right so I am always on the look out for products and programs that are specifically designed to help me loose those unwanted inches and pounds without me having to change my daily regimen or the way I eat. Recently I was introduced to Michelle Kaminer who is an independent distributor for It Works!, and after spending some time in contact with Michelle I was really thrilled to be able to try out the It Works! Ultimate Body Applicator that is supposed to help you loose inches, tone and firm all without having to exercise (well it tells you not too while wearing the Body Applicator)!
About It Works! (taken from website):
The It Works vision to provide you with one-of-a-kind, safe, effective, and affordable products is driven by our commitment to integrity at the forefront of our product development. Because responsibility to you is our primary goal, It Works products are formulated by leading scientists, herbalists, and researchers using the best natural ingredients, cutting-edge science, and strict quality standards to provide effective products that safely nourish your body and enhance your life.
Our honest approach to nutrition and wholesome ingredients has guided It Works through the harmonious blending of science and nature to bring superior, affordable products from our business to your home. It Works is proud to offer its one-of-a-kind body slimming treatments, top-notch nutritional supplements, and a specially-formulated skin care line that helps stop or delay the harmful environmental effects that contribute to the speed of the aging process.
Body Slimming
These one-of-a-kind body slimming products are like nothing you have seen before! Formulated with botanical active ingredients, our slimming products give you noticeable results, leaving your skin tightened, toned, and vitalized for a youthful, fresh appearance with improved skin elasticity.
Since we each have different areas of our bodies that concern us, we developed the Ultimate Applicator to be versatile to your specific needs—you can target the trouble spots of your choice and see dramatic results in as little as 45 minutes with this exclusive It Works body wrap. Then, follow it up with Defining Gel, our gel lotion, to maintain your results and reduce the appearance of unsightly varicose veins and skin dimples. Want to target your chin and neck area? We have an Applicator for that, too!
With the It Works body slimming line, you can be on your way to a custom-contouring regimen that works for your needs. It’s all about options…and, of course, results!
About the It Works! Ultimate Body Applicator (taken from website):
Expect "ultimate" results with this amazing 45-minute body Applicator! The Ultimate Body Applicator is a non-woven cloth wrap that has been infused with a powerful, botanically-based formula to deliver maximum tightening, toning, and firming results when applied to the skin.
It continuously hydrates for firmer, smoother, more youthful-looking skin and reduces the appearance of cellulite and skin slackening. See results in 45 minutes.
My Thoughts:
Michelle was kind enough to send me one of the Ultimate Body Applicators to try out along with some tips and of course step-by-step instructions on how to use the applicator. I must say first and foremost that I thought this product was one of those too good to be true products that would just leave me disappointed, but I was very excited to give it a try because Michelle felt very confident in the product and if she was that confident I felt I should have the confidence to give the wrap a try!
I arrived the Ultimate Body Applicator very quickly but I had just started my menstrual cycle and following Michelle’s advice I decide to wait until the bloating had gone away to try the wrap. When I was ready I followed the directions to the T, because I wanted to make sure I done everything absolutely right so that I would get the desired results and it said I should take three accurate measurements of the area I wanted to apply the wrap so that I could see the results so I used my body tape measure and all three times I came up with 46 inches around my tummy area. Next I made sure my tummy was clean and free of lotions and then I applied the body wrap with the botanical gel against my skin, next again following Michelle’s advice I used plastic wrap to secure the body wrap so that I could continue about my business without fear of the wrap coming off or moving around.
Now, I must tell you that wearing the plastic wrap felt a bit…weird but I decided it was all in the spirit of reviewing and tried not to think about it. I did notice at the very beginning that I felt a cooling sensation from the botanical gel that was on the wrap, it was different but not uncomfortable in any way and it just reassured me that it was working properly! I wore the wrap for the suggested 45 min since it was my first time and I drank the recommended glass of water during that time to help eliminate the toxins from my body. I also did not participate in any heavy physical activity to cause my body to sweat so that I would get the most out of the application.
After my 45 min it was the time for truth and I was very excited when I lifted up my shirt to see that the plastic wrap had a few more wrinkles in it than it did when I first applied it but I told myself it was from me moving around and not from my tummy shrinking. After removing the plastic wrap and the Body Applicator, I decided to measure again just for kicks, being that the instructions says that you would see total results in 48 hours, but I was shocked when I measured my tummy area again and it had went from 46 inches to almost 45 inches…in only 45 min!! So naturally I couldn’t wait until my 48 hours were up to see the true results.
I done my application at night so the next morning I decided to try a pair of my favorite jeans that had become a bit snug and much to my surprise they fit much better and I was more comfortable wearing them all day so I know the Ultimate Body Applicator worked! After the 48 hours were up I measured again and consistently got a reading of 44 inches around my tummy area…which means this wrap helped me loose 2 total inches….AMAZING!
Bottom Line:
I am very impressed with the results I got with just one 45 min application of the Ultimate Body Applicator that I can’t wait to try it again and see what other results I can get! Best of all one Ultimate Body Applicator can be used on your waist area or on your thighs so no matter where you want to loose those unwanted inches you can apply the Ultimate Body Applicator. I am so convinced in the power of these wraps that I am willing to put my name on the line and tell each of you that want to loose those unwanted inches to give these little guys a try….you won’t be sorry!
Buy It:
To purchase the Ultimate Body Applicator mentioned above and many more products from It Works! visit Michelle’s website!
Opportunity Alert!
Michelle also let me in on a little secret that It Works! is currently running a special when you sign up to become a distributor of their products! The regular sign up price is $199, but now until July 15th it is only $99!
They very rarely lower the price...You can sign up under Michelle and become a member of her team via her website at this link:
HomeSpaSlimming.itworks.net and then clicking business opportunity, then clicking become a distributor.
When you sign up you get a starter kit that includes 8 body wraps, which you can then sell at $25 apiece, and make back your money right away, plus and extra $100! She will provide all the training you need, and it is very easy to do. An average "wrap party" much like pampered chef, tupperware, etc. yields $454 for two hours...AMAZING!!!
If you would like to sign up to be apart of Michelle’s team just follow these simple directions:
* Go to HomeSpaSlimming.itworks.net
* Click on Business Opportunity
* Click on Become a Distributor
Once the online application is complete, please e-mail Michelle at HomeSpaSlimming@yahoo.com to make sure everything went smoothly!
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Ultimate Body Applicator Wrap mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
Tanga's Disney Dream Sweepstakes at GetSubmit
Hey guys….and gals :)! I know I generally don’t post third party giveaways on my blog, but today I ran across this awesome giveaway for a $250 Disney Gift Certificate and just can’t keep this news to myself.
So if you want an opportunity to win simply head on over to www.getsubmit.com/enter/sweepstakes_refer/200/3475 and get your name thrown in the hat for your chance to win!
And although I would love to win this $250 Disney Gift Certificate for myself….I wish you all luck!!!!
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
Winners of the Emani Minerals and “101 Things to do with Meatballs” Giveaways
Good afternoon yall!
Whew!! It’s been a super busy Wednesday morning and I’ve finally found the time to get the winners of the Emani Minerals Prize Package and the “101 Things to do with Meatballs” Cookbook picked and e-mailed.
Winner of the Emani Minerals Prize Pack is comment #38 CJ
Winner of the “101 Things to do with Meatballs” Cookbook is comment #68 lily
Congrats to you both and I have sent each of you and e-mail so be sure to claim your prize within 48 hours or I will have to choose a new winner!
Thank you to all who entered those two giveaways and be sure to check out the new giveaways up on the right side bar (I added 4 new ones today J)
Whew!! It’s been a super busy Wednesday morning and I’ve finally found the time to get the winners of the Emani Minerals Prize Package and the “101 Things to do with Meatballs” Cookbook picked and e-mailed.
Winner of the Emani Minerals Prize Pack is comment #38 CJ
Winner of the “101 Things to do with Meatballs” Cookbook is comment #68 lily
Congrats to you both and I have sent each of you and e-mail so be sure to claim your prize within 48 hours or I will have to choose a new winner!
Thank you to all who entered those two giveaways and be sure to check out the new giveaways up on the right side bar (I added 4 new ones today J)
Educational Insights Smens® Pens Review and Giveaway
It seems like I always get to host fun reviews and giveaways for kids but you know sometimes I like to get fun stuff for myself to review and a few weeks ago Educational Insights gave me a chance to review an awesome product…Smens® Pens which come in a set of 10 gourmet scented pens! Since I will be starting summer school next Monday (July 11), I couldn’t wait to get these in and give them a try!
About Educational Insights (taken from website):
Based in Southern California, Educational Insights, is the manufacturer of playful products with serious educational value, including subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Our products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.
About the Smens® Pens (taken from website):
The latest release from the best-selling manufacturer of Smencils®, Smens® are gourmet scented pens made from recycled newspapers. Available scents include Red Licorice, Creamsicle, Aloha, Mystery Scent, Banana FoFana, Mocha, Passion Fruit, Ninja Berry, Pink Lemonade, and Black Licorice. Each Smen is individually wrapped in a stay-fresh biodegradable plastic tube and is guaranteed to keep its scent for two years.
Our Thoughts:
Educational Insights sent us a pack of 10 Smens® Pens to review and this time I decided to keep this product as a review for myself J! Needless to say I was pretty excited about the Smens® Pens and couldn’t wait to get each of them out of the package to give them a wiff…kind of sounds funny doesn’t it….excited to smell pens??? LOL!
Anyways, I was really expecting each of the pens to be lightly scented but I was very surprised when I had no trouble at all smelling each of the scents. I am loving the fact that I can keep my pens in their biodegradable plastic tube so that they will keep their scent even longer. Since my Smens® Pens arrived I’ve been using them about everyday and I even carry the Aloha around in my purse and I can’t tell you how wonderful it smells when I open up my purse to find something….Awesome!
I’m also loving the fact that each of the pens are made from recycled newspapers because we are trying to go green and what better way right?! I have been using these pens for a few weeks now and I absolutely love them not only are they comfortable to write with but they also leave a soft scent in the air and on my hands that is very pleasant and well I don’t think I will mind having to write mounds of papers this semester as long as I have my favorite Smens® Pens on hand. Of all the scents available I have to say my favorites are: Aloha, Banana FoFana and Passion Fruit, but they are all awesome so it’s hard to just say three are my favorites but those are the ones I find myself looking for!
Bottom Line:
Smens® Pens rock…not only are they comfortable to write with but the fact that they smell so wonderful….well I guess you could say that these pens have it all! I’ve been using them for quite sometime now and I keep each of them in their plastic tubs when I’m not using them but their scent is still just as strong and wonderful as it was the day I took them out of the package for the first time. I am really looking forward to having my favorite Smens® Pens in my backpack over the next couple of semesters at college!
If you are looking for a fun and unique gift I would highly recommend Smens® Pens they just make homework or any type of writing so much more fun! I’m thinking that these would be perfect for a tween just starting out writing in a diary, to make it extra fun and personal!
Buy It:
To purchase the Smens® Pens mentioned above visit the Educational Insights website!
Win It:
Educational Insights has decided offer one of my awesome readers a set of 10 Smens® Pens (ARV $24.99)
Mandatory Entry: Visit Educational Insights and tell me what one item you would like to get for your kiddo(s) to keep them busy this summer! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Educational Insights be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” Educational Insights on Facebook
6. Follow Educational Insights on Twitter
Giveaway ends July 19, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Smens® Pens mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
About Educational Insights (taken from website):
Based in Southern California, Educational Insights, is the manufacturer of playful products with serious educational value, including subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Our products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.
About the Smens® Pens (taken from website):
The latest release from the best-selling manufacturer of Smencils®, Smens® are gourmet scented pens made from recycled newspapers. Available scents include Red Licorice, Creamsicle, Aloha, Mystery Scent, Banana FoFana, Mocha, Passion Fruit, Ninja Berry, Pink Lemonade, and Black Licorice. Each Smen is individually wrapped in a stay-fresh biodegradable plastic tube and is guaranteed to keep its scent for two years.
Our Thoughts:
Educational Insights sent us a pack of 10 Smens® Pens to review and this time I decided to keep this product as a review for myself J! Needless to say I was pretty excited about the Smens® Pens and couldn’t wait to get each of them out of the package to give them a wiff…kind of sounds funny doesn’t it….excited to smell pens??? LOL!
Anyways, I was really expecting each of the pens to be lightly scented but I was very surprised when I had no trouble at all smelling each of the scents. I am loving the fact that I can keep my pens in their biodegradable plastic tube so that they will keep their scent even longer. Since my Smens® Pens arrived I’ve been using them about everyday and I even carry the Aloha around in my purse and I can’t tell you how wonderful it smells when I open up my purse to find something….Awesome!
I’m also loving the fact that each of the pens are made from recycled newspapers because we are trying to go green and what better way right?! I have been using these pens for a few weeks now and I absolutely love them not only are they comfortable to write with but they also leave a soft scent in the air and on my hands that is very pleasant and well I don’t think I will mind having to write mounds of papers this semester as long as I have my favorite Smens® Pens on hand. Of all the scents available I have to say my favorites are: Aloha, Banana FoFana and Passion Fruit, but they are all awesome so it’s hard to just say three are my favorites but those are the ones I find myself looking for!
Bottom Line:
Smens® Pens rock…not only are they comfortable to write with but the fact that they smell so wonderful….well I guess you could say that these pens have it all! I’ve been using them for quite sometime now and I keep each of them in their plastic tubs when I’m not using them but their scent is still just as strong and wonderful as it was the day I took them out of the package for the first time. I am really looking forward to having my favorite Smens® Pens in my backpack over the next couple of semesters at college!
If you are looking for a fun and unique gift I would highly recommend Smens® Pens they just make homework or any type of writing so much more fun! I’m thinking that these would be perfect for a tween just starting out writing in a diary, to make it extra fun and personal!
Buy It:
To purchase the Smens® Pens mentioned above visit the Educational Insights website!
Win It:
Educational Insights has decided offer one of my awesome readers a set of 10 Smens® Pens (ARV $24.99)
Mandatory Entry: Visit Educational Insights and tell me what one item you would like to get for your kiddo(s) to keep them busy this summer! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Educational Insights be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” Educational Insights on Facebook
6. Follow Educational Insights on Twitter
Giveaway ends July 19, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Smens® Pens mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
Educational Insights GeoSafari® Tuff Scope Review and Giveaway
So you know by now “Bug” likes anything to do with outdoors, bugs and science so it was only natural that when we were asked to review the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope from Educational Insights it was an easy YES!! After showing “Bug” the photos of the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope and explaining to him that he could use this scope to look at his bug collection and other random outdoor things he immediately got excited and well to admit it I was pretty excited myself since he gets his love of nature and science from his mommy J!
About Educational Insights (taken from website):
Based in Southern California, Educational Insights, is the manufacturer of playful products with serious educational value, including subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Our products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.
About the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope (taken from website):
Explore images up to 400x their original size with Tuff Scope! This two-in-one microscope is perfect for classroom projects or magnification on the go! Simply set up as a classroom station or remove the microscope from the base and send kids outdoors to explore. When used with the GeoSafari® Tuff Cam digital video camera, GeoSafari® Tuff Scope transforms into a digital microscope, projecting magnified images onto a computer screen or projector. Also features 2x continuous optical zoom, transmissive and reflective LED lighting, and a storage drawer.
Features:
* 2in-1 microscope with base and removable scope
* 400x magnification
* 2x continuous zoom
* Transmissive and reflective LED lighting
* Storage drawer
* Requires 3AA batteries (not included)
* Compatible with GeoSafari® Tuff Cam for magnified digital photography
Our Thoughts:
Educational Insights kindly sent us the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope to review and once it arrived “Bug” could not wait to get it out of the box and get his bug collection out to see what they looked like up close! Once we got the scope out of the box and the batteries (I keep a drawer of nothing but random battery sizes since all of “Bug’s” toys run on batteries) in the scope it was ready for the first test run. It just so happened that I had my nephews visiting the day it arrived. They are 7 and 5 and could not wait to have a turn looking at the bugs!
Once we got the scope set up on the kitchen table so that it was on a stable surface they began taking turns looking out the bugs in the collection and each time one of them looked at the bugs magnified they found something new they didn’t know even existed on the bugs. After they finished the bug collection K (he’s 7) decided to head outside and collect some blades of grass and flowers to look at and all three of them had just as much fun with the grass and flowers as they did the bugs. I myself am amazed at how well this scope magnifies the tiniest bugs and blades of grass, it is by far the best child’s scope that I have ever used, I would definitely compare it to the scientific grade scopes that we used in our chemistry class at college this year…..IT’S AWESOME!
We have been using the fire out of this scope because “Bug” wants to look at everything when it’s big (straight out of his little mouth) and well loving science myself I find myself using it even when I’m home all by myself. We have used the scope on the stand and I’ve even removed the scope itself from the stand and let the boys take it outside and see what interesting things they could find when magnified and let me tell you it has kept these kiddos busy for hours on end and they always seem to find something new to show us under the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope.
Needless to say the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope has really been put through the ringer around our house and the many trips to the grandparents house that I feel pretty safe in saying that the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope is most defiantly tuff and can withhold the wear and tear of three young adventurous boys! I have also been informed that I need to give each of my nephews one for either their birthdays or Christmas because they are driving their mommas crazy for one!
Bottom Line:
The GeoSafari® Tuff Scope has gotten the ultimate approval from three super active and curious boys ranging from ages 3 to 7 and has yet to give me any reason not to give it the parents approval as well. I love that this scope is portable with or without its base and that it magnifies the object in question so that we can all see it with no problem. I would not trade the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope for anything seeing how much fun the boys has had hours on end exploring the entire yard and house for new things to learn about.
I would defiantly recommend the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope to any parent or teacher because this scope makes learning so much fun that the kiddos don’t even know they are learning most of the time and if it’s tuff enough to stand up to three boys I think it’s safe to say that it will stand up to just about anything!
Buy It:
To purchase the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope mentioned above visit the Educational Insights website!
Win It:
Educational Insights has awesomely agreed to offer one of my super lucky readers a GeoSafari® Tuff Scope of their very own (ARV $39.99)!
Mandatory Entry: Visit Educational Insights and tell me what one item you would like to get for your kiddo(s) to keep them busy this summer! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Educational Insights be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” Educational Insights on Facebook
6. Follow Educational Insights on Twitter
Giveaway ends July 19, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the GeoSafari® Tuff Scope mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
Super Quick Poll and Dora The Explorer Cell Phone Lip Gloss Giveaway Ends 4:00pm EST TODAY!!!
I’m sure you all remember the giveaway I did a few weeks ago for Townley Inc and now I’ve got a super quick giveaway to offer to you all today and just for today for an adorable Dora the Explorer Cell Phone Lip Gloss in exchange for participating in a quick poll running on Facebook & Twitter that is just looking to know where moms of kids ages 3-6 shop for their kids/selves.
Win It:
Townley has kindly offered five (5) of my fabulous readers a Dora The Explorer Cell Phone Lip Gloss, just for taking the time to participate in the poll!
Mandatory Entry:Simply head on over to either the Townley Facebook or Twitter page and participate in the poll! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Just two extra entries this time guys (be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry)!
1. Tweet about this giveaway on Twitter
2. Post this giveaway on your Facebook wall
Giveaway ends July 06, 2011 @ 4:00pm EST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did not receive the Dora The Explorer Cell Phone Lip Gloss mentioned above complementary for this review yet, but I have been notified I will be getting one in the next week or so. Nor monetary compensation was received.
Educational Insights Everyday Uses Rock & Card Set Review and Giveaway
I know I’ve mentioned this before but my little “Bug” just loves the outdoors and any activity that will bring him closer to the outdoors and especially if it can bring the outdoors in during the summer time. So when we were asked to review the Everyday Uses Rock & Card Set from Educational Insights, I knew it would keep him busy without having to go outside to “collect” his rocks and he would actually be able to learn something as well….score two for Educational Insights!
About Educational Insights (taken from website):
Based in Southern California, Educational Insights, is the manufacturer of playful products with serious educational value, including subject-specific classroom products, teacher resources, educational toys, and games. Our products are designed by seasoned educators and parents who know that, first and foremost, learning must be fun.
About the Everyday Uses Rock & Card Set (taken from website):
Identify various rocks and minerals and correlate them to their real-life uses with this hands-on rock and card set. Each double-sided card features a photo of a rock in the set, pictures of the way it is used in everyday life, and fun, kid-friendly facts.
Features:
I2 rocks, storage tray, and 12 6"W x 9"H double-sided cards
Teaches natural resources
Correlated to state science standards
Our Thoughts:
The awesome folks over at Educational Insights were kind enough to send us one of their Everyday Uses Rock & Card Sets to review, and once it arrived “Bug” was ready to open it up and start checking out the rocks and all the fun facts. “Bug” is one of those little ones who just loves to play 50 questions about everything so this was a fun way to let him ask questions that were relevant to each of the rocks such as; what’s the name of this one?, what is this one used for?, and so many more and I personally as a mother think this is a wonderful set to help get children involved in learning more about the various rock and minerals of the world and how each of them are used.
I also love that the rocks come with their own storage tray so that “Bug” doesn’t have to keep them in the box and we have them displayed on our shelf in the living room so all the kiddos that come over that “Bug” wants to show his “rock collection” can easily see them and ask questions, and of course I keep the handy double sided cards under the rock storage tray so that we can all sit down and look at the rocks and know exactly what we are looking at.
Growing up stopping at every rock shop on our way to Missouri and home, I appreciate the beauty of this kit as well as all the wonderful knowledge that is presented on the cards. I myself have collected many rocks from all the rock shops from here to Missouri so this set is a wonderful way to pass on my love of rocks and minerals to “Bug” ,and not to mention renew my love of all the beautiful rocks and minerals that surround us everyday! I can tell you it sure has gotten him interested in rocks and such because now every time he is outside he is constantly picking up rocks asking what kind it is and numerous other questions.
Bottom Line:
This is one awesome rock/mineral set that is full of fun information that will leave the kiddos wanting more! Since having this collection for a few weeks my son has really shown a heightened interest in rocks and minerals and it’s really nice to see him want to get outside and look for fun new rocks and such to add to his growing collection!
I would highly recommend the Everyday Uses Rock & Card Set to any teacher or parent who is looking to educate their children in a fun but very informative way about these special rocks and minerals and what role they play in everyday life.
Buy It:
To purchase the Everyday Uses Rock & Card Set mentioned above visit the Educational Insights website!
Win It:
Educational Insights has kindly agreed to offer one of my wonderful readers an Everyday Uses Rock & Card Set of their very own (ARV $29.99)!!
Mandatory Entry: Visit Educational Insights and tell me what one item you would like to get for your kiddo(s) to keep them busy this summer! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Educational Insights be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” Educational Insights on Facebook
6. Follow Educational Insights on Twitter
Giveaway ends July 19, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Everyday Uses Rock & Card Set mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Lil’ Teammates Review and Giveaway
Our entire family is huge on sports! Even though we all love sports we don’t always love all the same sports that our other family members do…for example I’m a basketball and wrestling type of girl, where my husband is football and baseball…..so needless to say we always have some sort of sporting event on the TV, so naturally “Bug” really enjoys sports but he is a lot less picky about the sports he watches. My husband and I are both collectors of sports memorabilia and to be honest it’s sometimes hard to find memorabilia that we feel safe letting “Bug” play with so when I was introduced to Lil’ Teammates I knew that these would be wonderful for “Bug” who likes to “collect” with mommy and daddy but he can play with them as well J!
About Lil’ Teammates (taken from website):
What are Lil’ Teammates?
A- - LIL’ TEAMMATES are the hot new collectible toy from The Party Animal. These figures are about 3” tall and are officially licensed with the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and over 65 colleges.
Where can I buy Lil' Teammates?
A- They are available in Team Shops, Sports Store, Gift Shops and many fine retailers. Call your local retailer to see if they have Lil' Teammates in stock. They are also available online. The entire collection is available at http://www.lilteammatesshop.com/
Are these players player specific?
A- Player specific collections only offer players from a few teams. It was our goal to offer the collector several positions from EVERY team. You only need your imagination to turn the Colts quarterback into Peyton Manning.
Do you have every team available?
A- Pretty darn close. Our initial Series 1 included over 200 figures. We now have both a quarterback and a running back for all 32 NFL teams. We offer at least one figure for every MLB team, and at least one pose for over 45 College teams. Our NBA trophy case is filling up quickly and our initial NHL offering is now available!
Our Thoughts:
The awesome folks over at Lil’ Teammates was awesome enough to send us a few Lil’ Teammates to review and I could not wait for them to arrive so that I could give them to “Bug” and my husband because I just knew “Bug” would love his own “collection” and that Chad would get a huge kick out of them J! Once our sample package arrived I decided to let “Bug” and Chad open the package themselves and I so wish I would have had a camera when they opened the box because the looks on both of their faces were priceless!
Lil’ Teammates sent a couple of the Arkansas Razorback figures that they have available and these were most defiantly the boys favorites of all the Lil’ Teammates sent. We may not all three agree on our favorite sports but we all agree that the Arkansas Razorbacks are awesome!! But besides the QB for the Arkansas Razorbacks we also received some of the NFL, NHL and MLB figures to review and I must say that since they arrived “Bug” has spent many hours playing with them and even convinced my father to make him his own case to keep them safe in when he isn’t playing with them.
I just love the Lil’ Teammates, not only are they super fun to look at and collect they are one of the most unique sports memorabilia pieces I have ran across in quite some time. “Bug” and I both love that their little arms, legs and heads move where you could recreate your most favorite moment from your favorite teams! I’m also very pleased at how well these little guys have withstood the constant play (sometimes a bit rough) but they still look practically brand new.
Since getting to give these little guys a test drive “Bug” has now added more of the NHL and MLB Lil’ Teammates to his Christmas/Birthday wish list. I have also had my nephews who are quite a bit older than “Bug” mentioning that they would really like to have some of the College and NFL Lil’ Teammates to start their very own collection as well. As some of you already know my husband is just a huge kid at heart and he has really enjoyed getting down in the floor and playing with the Lil’ Teammates with “Bug” and he has even hinted around that he needs his own set of MLB Lil’ Teammates LOL!
Bottom Line:
Lil’ Teammates has earned a special place in our sports loving family and I can give a solid guarantee that any sports fan young or old is sure to love Lil’ Teammates from their favorite team! I can’t wait to get “Bug” and Chad some more of these little guys so they can create their own special sports moments with their favorite teams and I’m sure that I will be getting a wish list from not only “Bug” but Chad as well when the holidays/birthdays come around! I am actually helping plan my nephews birthday party and we have convinced his mom to purchase some of these little guys to top his cake with this year (we are going to make the cake look like a baseball field)….HOW FUN!!!!!
If you are looking for a unique and fun gift for the sports fanatic on your shopping list, we highly recommend Lil’ Teammates they are perfect for birthdays and holidays of all kinds and they are sure to be a huge hit!
Buy It:
To purchase the Lil’ Teammates mentioned above and so many more visit the Lil‘ Teammate website!
Win It:
The kind folks over at Lil’ Teammates has kindly agreed to offer three (3)….yes, three of my fabulous readers two (2) Lil’ Teammates of their choice (ARV $15.98)
Mandatory Entry: Visit Lil’ Teammates and tell me what two Lil‘ Teammates you would choose if you won! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Lil’ Teammates be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” Lil’ Teammates on Facebook
6. Follow Lil’ Teammates on Twitter
Giveaway ends July18, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Lil’ Teammates mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
About Lil’ Teammates (taken from website):
What are Lil’ Teammates?
A- - LIL’ TEAMMATES are the hot new collectible toy from The Party Animal. These figures are about 3” tall and are officially licensed with the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and over 65 colleges.
Where can I buy Lil' Teammates?
A- They are available in Team Shops, Sports Store, Gift Shops and many fine retailers. Call your local retailer to see if they have Lil' Teammates in stock. They are also available online. The entire collection is available at http://www.lilteammatesshop.com/
Are these players player specific?
A- Player specific collections only offer players from a few teams. It was our goal to offer the collector several positions from EVERY team. You only need your imagination to turn the Colts quarterback into Peyton Manning.
Do you have every team available?
A- Pretty darn close. Our initial Series 1 included over 200 figures. We now have both a quarterback and a running back for all 32 NFL teams. We offer at least one figure for every MLB team, and at least one pose for over 45 College teams. Our NBA trophy case is filling up quickly and our initial NHL offering is now available!
Our Thoughts:
The awesome folks over at Lil’ Teammates was awesome enough to send us a few Lil’ Teammates to review and I could not wait for them to arrive so that I could give them to “Bug” and my husband because I just knew “Bug” would love his own “collection” and that Chad would get a huge kick out of them J! Once our sample package arrived I decided to let “Bug” and Chad open the package themselves and I so wish I would have had a camera when they opened the box because the looks on both of their faces were priceless!
Lil’ Teammates sent a couple of the Arkansas Razorback figures that they have available and these were most defiantly the boys favorites of all the Lil’ Teammates sent. We may not all three agree on our favorite sports but we all agree that the Arkansas Razorbacks are awesome!! But besides the QB for the Arkansas Razorbacks we also received some of the NFL, NHL and MLB figures to review and I must say that since they arrived “Bug” has spent many hours playing with them and even convinced my father to make him his own case to keep them safe in when he isn’t playing with them.
I just love the Lil’ Teammates, not only are they super fun to look at and collect they are one of the most unique sports memorabilia pieces I have ran across in quite some time. “Bug” and I both love that their little arms, legs and heads move where you could recreate your most favorite moment from your favorite teams! I’m also very pleased at how well these little guys have withstood the constant play (sometimes a bit rough) but they still look practically brand new.
Since getting to give these little guys a test drive “Bug” has now added more of the NHL and MLB Lil’ Teammates to his Christmas/Birthday wish list. I have also had my nephews who are quite a bit older than “Bug” mentioning that they would really like to have some of the College and NFL Lil’ Teammates to start their very own collection as well. As some of you already know my husband is just a huge kid at heart and he has really enjoyed getting down in the floor and playing with the Lil’ Teammates with “Bug” and he has even hinted around that he needs his own set of MLB Lil’ Teammates LOL!
Bottom Line:
Lil’ Teammates has earned a special place in our sports loving family and I can give a solid guarantee that any sports fan young or old is sure to love Lil’ Teammates from their favorite team! I can’t wait to get “Bug” and Chad some more of these little guys so they can create their own special sports moments with their favorite teams and I’m sure that I will be getting a wish list from not only “Bug” but Chad as well when the holidays/birthdays come around! I am actually helping plan my nephews birthday party and we have convinced his mom to purchase some of these little guys to top his cake with this year (we are going to make the cake look like a baseball field)….HOW FUN!!!!!
If you are looking for a unique and fun gift for the sports fanatic on your shopping list, we highly recommend Lil’ Teammates they are perfect for birthdays and holidays of all kinds and they are sure to be a huge hit!
Buy It:
To purchase the Lil’ Teammates mentioned above and so many more visit the Lil‘ Teammate website!
Win It:
The kind folks over at Lil’ Teammates has kindly agreed to offer three (3)….yes, three of my fabulous readers two (2) Lil’ Teammates of their choice (ARV $15.98)
Mandatory Entry: Visit Lil’ Teammates and tell me what two Lil‘ Teammates you would choose if you won! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Lil’ Teammates be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” Lil’ Teammates on Facebook
6. Follow Lil’ Teammates on Twitter
Giveaway ends July18, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Lil’ Teammates mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
Summer Fun with Dinosaur Train and a Giveaway
Summertime is here and what better way to spend the summer with family and friends than on an adventure to visit one of our national parks and/or recreation destinations. July is Park and Recreation Month in the U.S., and the theme for this year’s celebration is “Rock Your Park.” The National Park and Recreation Association wants you to show the country how parks and recreation make your life extraordinary! Whether it is visiting your local park, a playground, swimming pool, or taking a family trip to one of our national park treasures, celebrate our country’s love of the great outdoors this month! Visit the organization’s website to find out ways to get involved: http://www.nrpa.org/july
You can also turn your visit to the local park into a game by participating in the Dinosaur Train Geocache Challenge. Geocaching is a family friendly outdoor adventure that blends technology, gaming and environmental discovery. Each geocache features one of the dinosaurs found on the online Dinosaur Train Field Guide and contains educational information related to that dinosaur. So, perhaps pick your local park as a destination to hide your own Dinosaur Train container. To participate in the Dinosaur Train Geocache, visit http://www.pbs.org/parents/dinosaurtrain/geocachingchallenge/
Buddy and his friends on the Dinosaur Train are always up for an adventure and exploring the world around them. Why not take them along on your adventure to the park or camping or on a family road trip with all-new fun and easy travel product for camping/outdoors, new games and fun to read books to pack on your adventure!
· New book from Reader’s Digest: Dinosaur Train Lift the Flap “Let’s Go To Volcano Valley” (SRP: $9.99). Ages 2+.
· New Dinosaur Train product for camping adventures Pacific Playtents (available in October) includes: the Dinosaur Train Station House Tent (SRP: $89.90)Dinosaur Train Dino Bones Dome Tent ($59.90); Dinosaur Train Dino Bones Tunnel ($59.90). Ages 3+.
· New Dinosaur Train soft sporting fun from Kelly Toy: Play All Ball (SRP: $1.99), Bat + Ball (SRP: $9.99), Golf (SRP: $14.99), Football (SRP: $6.99), Baseball Mitt set (SRP: $7.99) and more. Ages 3+.
· New Dinosaur Train 3-Wheel Scooter in colorful buddy and friends graphics, from VM Global. SRP$24.99. Ages 3+.
· New Dinosaur Train game from Patch Products: “Take “N” Play Anywhere™ Let’s Go for a Ride! Magnetic Playset. SRP: $14.99. Ages 3+
And, Buddy will also be spending time in the great outdoors in July. Tune in on July 4th to Dinosaur Train on PBS KIDS (check local listings) in the adventurous episode “Buddy the Tracker.” In the episode, Buddy and Don are “footprint detectives” as they track and find creatures they know at the Big Pond. The plot thickens when they discover fossilized tracks that are millions of years old!
Although the summer vacation comes to an end in August, fun with Dinosaur Train continues! Get ready for an all-new season of Dinosaur Train this August with “Dinosaur Big City” on PBS Kids premieres August 22 and the DVD release of Dinosaur Train: Dinosaur Big City on August 23 (SRP: $14.99).
From the world-renowned Jim Henson Company, Dinosaur Train is seen in over 13 million households every month* and embraces and celebrates preschoolers’ fascination with both dinosaurs and trains. The series encourages scientific thinking and other skills as it teaches viewers about natural science, natural history and paleontology.
* Nielsen NPower, monthly NTI cume audience average, September 2010 – December 2010
Win It:
I have a copy of the new Dinosaur Train Lift the Flap “Let’s Go To Volcano Valley,” from Reader’s Digest to giveaway to one of my awesome readers for their little Dinosaur Train fan (ARV $9.99)!
About the book: Get ready to board the Dinosaur Train and meet some new friends! Buddy, the adorable preschooler Tyrannosaurus Rex, and this adoptive Pteranodon family are always on the move. Today, they are going to Volcano Valley. Along the way, the train is making stops at the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous stations to make dozens of dinosaur discoveries. With more than 40 flaps to lift, kids will want to explore Buddy’s world again and again!
Mandatory Entry: Visit the Dinosaur Train website and tell me your little ones favorite character! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Dinosaur Train be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” The Jim Henson Company on Facebook
6. Follow The Jim Henson Company on Twitter
7. “Like” PBS Kids on Facebook
8. Follow PBS Kids on Twitter
Giveaway ends July 18, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did not receive any of the products mentioned above complementary for this review. Nor was monetary compensation received.
5 Winner Announcements!
Hope yall had a wonderful 4th of July weekend and had lots of good food and fun with the families….I know we had a blast. Also just wanted to say sorry for the lack of updates this last week but I’ve been out of town with family celebrating the 4th. I have finally gotten around to letting Random.org choose the winners of the Impel Clothing, ReBinder, Soft Clothing, PJ Greetings and Sublime Stitching giveaways.
The Impel Clothing $20 Gift Certificate goes to comment #32 Courtney
The ReBinder School Supply Kit goes to comment #4 Karenmed409
The Soft Clothing Seamless Socks goes to comment #3 Kristie
The PJ Greetings Custom Ink Stamp goes to comment #16 Kathleen
The Sublime Stitching La Petite Embroidery Kit goes to comment #33
Congratulations to each of you and I have sent yall an e-mail so be sure to get back with me within 48hrs to claim your prize or I will have to choose a new winner….and we hate doing that! Also I have lots of new reviews and giveaways that will be up later this week…hopefully I will get some up by the end of today!
Tuesday, June 28, 2011
Today’s Winners Are:
Good afternoon! I hope you are all having a wonderful day, I know I am…..we are finally getting some much needed rain here in NorthWest Arkansas…..kinda crazy huh it seems like just a few weeks ago we were wishing the rain and flooding would quit now we are thrilled to be seeing a little rain….crazy…crazy!
I’ve got several winners to announce today for the giveaways that ended last night at midnight! I also want to thank each and everyone who entered and don’t forget to check out the current list of giveaways on the right side bar….and GOOD LUCK!!!
Winner of the Nutraluxe MD Luscious Lips Natural Lip Plumper Gloss is comment #31 Kittenish
Winner of the Everblade is comment #8 Karenmed409
Winner of the Kiki’s Fashions $25 Gift Certificate is comment #10 Dee
Winners of the Bee Free Honee is comment #62 Linda and comment #68 Gianna
Congratulations to all of you and I have sent each of you an e-mail so be sure to respond within 48 hrs to claim your prize or I will have to choose a new winner and I truly hate doing that!
Monday, June 27, 2011
bumble-my bum book Review and Giveaway
As a first time mother myself, I know how important it is for parents to keep records of every little milestone there little one achieves as well as keeping up with all the important shot records, growth charts, important numbers and special little notes about their growing up when they are newborns. Unfortunately when “Bug” was born I had no place to record this information so I now have lose pages floating all around the house and my office of all these dates and important information, but lucky I have found an amazing book that is a must have for new parents to help keep all this important information in one place and make it a keep sake album that you will always cherish…..what am I talking about???? Well it’s the my bum book from bumble!
About bumble (taken from website):
hello and welcome! i'm thrilled to have the opportunity to tell you a bit more about my beloved bum book and where it came from.
the concept itself isn't new. like many new moms i know, i began jotting down every little detail about my newborn daughter (and, 3 years later, my newborn son) right there in the hospital, in a boring old notebook. i carried on with this at home and even after I went back to work, not wanting to forget anything. dirty diapers, nap times, feedings, first smiles - for both practical and sentimental reasons, i wanted to record all of it.
being a project manager and dedicated list-maker, i saw an opportunity to create a keepsake-quality book that would help moms and/or caregivers to easily and neatly record the details of baby's day. i formatted it so you can begin to see helpful patterns emerge and start to feel a bit more in control. i even added a space for those special moments and milestones you want to remember but don't have hours to write about (i don't know about you, but those enormous baby books full of empty lines stress me out! who has the time?).
i hope you find my bum book to be a helpful friend when your bum's brand new...and a special treasury of little moments when your bum's all grown up.
with love,
cory
My Thoughts:
Cory was kind enough to give me the choice of either reviewing the my bum book or the my bum book 2. Since I don’t have twins (knock on wood), I decided to choose the my bum book for review and once I let Cory know my decision I had the my bum book in my hand in no time at all!
About the my bum book (taken from website):
designed by a real live mom, my bum book is a modern GREEN 2-month 24/7 journal and keepsake with debossed cover you can use to track your bum's daily feeds, diapers, wake time, sleep time and more.
with my bum book, you'll be able to clearly see when you last fed your bum, how many diapers your bum went through, how long and when your bum slept, as well as record those all-important (but easy to forget) firsts. the simple layout enables you to quickly see trends and patterns, allowing you to plan your day, get you and your bum on a schedule, and answer your pediatrician's detailed questions.
most importantly: with my bum book, you don't have to remember . . . except of course, where you last left it.
details
weight: 9 oz
height: 7x7
length: 2-months
color: kiwi
cover: debossed paper-back
binding: spiral
features: in addition to 2-months worth of daily tracking pages, each book includes pages to record important phone numbers, immunizations, growth and notes.
The first thing I noticed about the my bum book is how light it was and that the binding was spiral…which I love! I also love the light green color of the my bum book, since that makes it perfect for either a boy or girl…so keep that in mind when looking for a baby shower gift even if you don’t know the gender of the little angel, the my bum book has you covered!
The thing that makes this book a must have for new parents is the fact that all the information you will ever need to keep and take with you to your little angel’s doctors appointments is in one easy to carry book. I also love the way this book is set up so the information is easy to find and it’s easy to find the place that you need to record information without having to flip through pages and pages of nonsense! The categories on the months day and night page makes keeping track of feedings, diaper changes and sleep patterns easy….since each page has the times already there all you have to do is simply check the times on the right date and category and your good to go! I also love the fact that if you leave your little one with a baby sitter, you can leave you’re my bum book and not have to worry, because you can leave all important information with the sitter like all the must have numbers and allergies and such. Not to mention the extra space at the bottom of the page for special little notes to remember the milestones your little angel has made.
Don’t believe me? Check out some of these shots of the pages from the my bum book to prove how useful this little guy can be:
Immunization Record:
Growth Cart:
Day/Night Pages:
I truly wish I would have had one of these when “Bug” was a baby but now that I have found the my bum book and the my bum book 2, I can guarantee that it’s going to be a must have in my baby gift baskets when attending baby showers in the future. Not to mention I will most defiantly have one handy for the new addition to our family!
Bottom Line:
After spending some time looking over the my bum book, I have officially decided that this is the most genius books I have ever seen for tracking a baby’s progress over a two month time, although I would like to see a my bum book that would allow you to record your little one’s progress over a course of a year and not just for two months….but when I think about it, it may be hard to transport a book that has a years worth of records back and forth to the doctors office.
If you are looking for the best way to keep track of your babies progress and important records and numbers I highly recommend the my bum book and if you are looking for a book that is perfect for twins I recommend the my bum book 2 which is made just for twins. Also remember the my bum books when shopping for the perfect baby shower gift as well.
Buy It:
To purchase the my bum book or the my bum book 2 for twins mentioned above and visit the bumble website!
Win It:
Cory has kindly offered one of my fantastic readers their choice of the my bum book or the my bum book 2 (ARV $19.95)!
Mandatory Entry: Visit bumble and tell me which book you would choose if you were the lucky winner! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to bumble & be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” bumble on Facebook
6. Follow bumble on Twitter
Giveaway ends July 11, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the my bum book mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
About bumble (taken from website):
hello and welcome! i'm thrilled to have the opportunity to tell you a bit more about my beloved bum book and where it came from.
the concept itself isn't new. like many new moms i know, i began jotting down every little detail about my newborn daughter (and, 3 years later, my newborn son) right there in the hospital, in a boring old notebook. i carried on with this at home and even after I went back to work, not wanting to forget anything. dirty diapers, nap times, feedings, first smiles - for both practical and sentimental reasons, i wanted to record all of it.
being a project manager and dedicated list-maker, i saw an opportunity to create a keepsake-quality book that would help moms and/or caregivers to easily and neatly record the details of baby's day. i formatted it so you can begin to see helpful patterns emerge and start to feel a bit more in control. i even added a space for those special moments and milestones you want to remember but don't have hours to write about (i don't know about you, but those enormous baby books full of empty lines stress me out! who has the time?).
i hope you find my bum book to be a helpful friend when your bum's brand new...and a special treasury of little moments when your bum's all grown up.
with love,
cory
My Thoughts:
Cory was kind enough to give me the choice of either reviewing the my bum book or the my bum book 2. Since I don’t have twins (knock on wood), I decided to choose the my bum book for review and once I let Cory know my decision I had the my bum book in my hand in no time at all!
About the my bum book (taken from website):
designed by a real live mom, my bum book is a modern GREEN 2-month 24/7 journal and keepsake with debossed cover you can use to track your bum's daily feeds, diapers, wake time, sleep time and more.
with my bum book, you'll be able to clearly see when you last fed your bum, how many diapers your bum went through, how long and when your bum slept, as well as record those all-important (but easy to forget) firsts. the simple layout enables you to quickly see trends and patterns, allowing you to plan your day, get you and your bum on a schedule, and answer your pediatrician's detailed questions.
most importantly: with my bum book, you don't have to remember . . . except of course, where you last left it.
details
weight: 9 oz
height: 7x7
length: 2-months
color: kiwi
cover: debossed paper-back
binding: spiral
features: in addition to 2-months worth of daily tracking pages, each book includes pages to record important phone numbers, immunizations, growth and notes.
The first thing I noticed about the my bum book is how light it was and that the binding was spiral…which I love! I also love the light green color of the my bum book, since that makes it perfect for either a boy or girl…so keep that in mind when looking for a baby shower gift even if you don’t know the gender of the little angel, the my bum book has you covered!
The thing that makes this book a must have for new parents is the fact that all the information you will ever need to keep and take with you to your little angel’s doctors appointments is in one easy to carry book. I also love the way this book is set up so the information is easy to find and it’s easy to find the place that you need to record information without having to flip through pages and pages of nonsense! The categories on the months day and night page makes keeping track of feedings, diaper changes and sleep patterns easy….since each page has the times already there all you have to do is simply check the times on the right date and category and your good to go! I also love the fact that if you leave your little one with a baby sitter, you can leave you’re my bum book and not have to worry, because you can leave all important information with the sitter like all the must have numbers and allergies and such. Not to mention the extra space at the bottom of the page for special little notes to remember the milestones your little angel has made.
Don’t believe me? Check out some of these shots of the pages from the my bum book to prove how useful this little guy can be:
Immunization Record:
Growth Cart:
Day/Night Pages:
I truly wish I would have had one of these when “Bug” was a baby but now that I have found the my bum book and the my bum book 2, I can guarantee that it’s going to be a must have in my baby gift baskets when attending baby showers in the future. Not to mention I will most defiantly have one handy for the new addition to our family!
Bottom Line:
After spending some time looking over the my bum book, I have officially decided that this is the most genius books I have ever seen for tracking a baby’s progress over a two month time, although I would like to see a my bum book that would allow you to record your little one’s progress over a course of a year and not just for two months….but when I think about it, it may be hard to transport a book that has a years worth of records back and forth to the doctors office.
If you are looking for the best way to keep track of your babies progress and important records and numbers I highly recommend the my bum book and if you are looking for a book that is perfect for twins I recommend the my bum book 2 which is made just for twins. Also remember the my bum books when shopping for the perfect baby shower gift as well.
Buy It:
To purchase the my bum book or the my bum book 2 for twins mentioned above and visit the bumble website!
Win It:
Cory has kindly offered one of my fantastic readers their choice of the my bum book or the my bum book 2 (ARV $19.95)!
Mandatory Entry: Visit bumble and tell me which book you would choose if you were the lucky winner! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to bumble & be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
5. “Like” bumble on Facebook
6. Follow bumble on Twitter
Giveaway ends July 11, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the my bum book mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
Did You Win??? Winner Announcement!
Happy Monday…is that really a such thing???? Hum…well for three lucky readers I guess it is, I have just chosen the winners for the giveaways ending on June 26,2011 for the Eco Lips Gold Lip Balm, Love Mode $25 Gift Certificate and the Hello Kitty Share Cosmetic Case. I want to thank each and everyone of you who entered and I truly wish I could give each of you a prize because well…if it wasn’t for yall this blog would be nothing and I want to thank you all for the amazing support and be sure to stay on the lookout for a very special giveaway as my way to say thank you to all my followers real soon! Now that the small talk is done here are the lucky winners!!!
The Eco Lips Gold Lip Balm W/ Eco Clip goes to comment #20 Zoekyklos
The Love Mode $25 Gift Certificate goes to comment #138 Lilyk
The Hello Kitty Share Case goes to comment #174 Stacy
Congratulations to you three super lucky readers and thank you to everyone else who entered and just because you didn’t win this time doesn’t mean you can’t win the next time…there are plenty more giveaways on my right sidebar and many more coming up this week so keep checking back J!!
Friday, June 24, 2011
4 Winners Today!!
Hey there guys and gals!!! I have 4 winners to announce today since I’ve been out of town almost everyday this week I let some of the giveaways go without winners for a couple of days and I’m terribly sorry but I’m all caught up on picking winners. I know yall are itching to know who won so…….THE WINNERS ARE:
The Cool Lunch Bag of choice goes to comment #10 Michelle
The Company Kids Zoo Friends Backpack goes to comment #68 Liz
The Closed Top LC Tool Bag goes to comment #45 Georgia Mist
And last but not least:
The Barbara’s Bakery Prize Pack goes to comment #27 Stephanie
Congratulations to all four of yall and be on the lookout for the winning e-mail I sent each of you this morning and be sure to get back with me with your shipping information so I can get your prizes on their way to their new homes J!
Thank you so much to all who entered and be sure to enter my current giveaways on my right side bar….and to let you in on a little secret….I’ve got lots more reviews and giveaways coming soon J
Stephanie
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs Review and Giveaway
One of my little “Bug’s” favorite meals is spaghetti and meatballs and almost every week on Wednesday night like clock work we have spaghetti and meatballs waiting on the table when he comes home from his nightly walk with his Nanny ! Generally I will hand make the meatballs but recently due to some family health issues with my grandparents and me going back so college I’ve not had the time to make my meatballs, and well “Bug” has become particular to my meatballs so we have had an extremely hard time finding a meatball that he will eat but when we introduced him to Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs they were an instant hit!
About Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs (taken from website):
Casa Di Bertacchi meatballs trace their roots back to Mario Bertacchi, who founded a small New Jersey meat market in the 1920's and eventually developed a sought-after recipe for hearty, flavorful meatballs.
Today, we still make our meatballs using the cherished family recipe. They're:
* Fully cooked to make every recipe quicker and simpler
* Prepared with quality beef and real Italian ingredients
* Seared and steamed in the traditional way
Our meatballs are the heart of our business. That means you'll find mouthwatering taste and quality in every bite.
Our Thoughts:
Casa Di Bertacchi was kind enough to send us a bag of their Authentic Italian Style Beef Meatballs to review and I was very excited after spending some time researching their products and reading some reviews I had high hopes that these meatballs may satisfy “Bug” so that spaghetti night won’t end up in a fight because mommy didn’t make the right meatballs! Sure enough Wednesday night rolled around and I decided to take my chances with the Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs and I can’t tell you how easy these are to prepare for the spaghetti, all I did was put them in the pan I would be cooking my sauce in with a little olive oil and let them simmer for a few minuets to let them thaw and added my favorite spaghetti sauce and let them cook with the sauce and that was that. Not to mention these little guys smell fabulous while they are cooking J!
Now came the true test when “Bug” set down at the table and I put his plate of spaghetti and meatballs in front of him and he gave me that “look” but said that they smelled good and immediately went to eating on the meatballs and much to my surprise he looked at me with a huge smile and said that I made his meatballs!!! Thank goodness for Casa Di Bertacchi, spaghetti night is back to normal and I no longer have to buy meatball after meatball to try and make “Bug” happy! I have to say that I love these little guys as well and the 6lb bag has lasted us for quite awhile because of all the meatballs that are in one bag, there was enough meatballs to serve spaghetti and meatballs to a family of 6 around 4 times with “Bug” getting most of the meatballs. I have since bought Casa Di Bertacchi meatballs several times and each time we have spaghetti and meatballs I can guarantee they are going to be meatballs from Casa Di Bertacchi!
I also decided to give one of their delicious looking recipes from the Casa Di Bertacchi website after looking at them all and trying to decide what our entire family would eat and enjoy because for some reason the men in the family is quite picky eaters but I finally found the Baked Beefy Mac and Cheese recipe and once I made it, it became an instant classic and now my husband asks for it about every other week.
If your interested here is the recipe for the Baked Beefy Mac and Cheese!
Bottom Line:
Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs has completely changed the way I look at pre-made frozen meatballs! Before we couldn’t get “Bug” to eat meatballs unless they were hand made at home but since feeding him Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs he is one happy spaghetti and meatball kid!
Looking for a wonderful tasting meatball with out all the fuss of making them yourself or just need a quick meal? Well Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs has got you covered and if you want to try meatballs in various and delicious ways you would have never thought of fixing meatballs check out the recipes at the Casa Di Bertacchi website!
Buy It:
To purchase the Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs mentioned above visit the Casa Di Bertacchi website to find a store location near you and while your there be sure to check out their amazing meatball recipes!
Win It:
The awesome folks over at Casa Di Bertacchi has kindly offered one of my lucky readers a copy of their “101 Things To Do with Meatballs” cookbook written by NYT best-selling author Stephanie Ashcraft (ARV $9.99), so you will always have a special and delicious way to make a meal or snack out of Casa Di Bertacchi meatballs!
Mandatory Entry: Visit Casa Di Bertacchi and tell me what recipe you would like to make or tell me what’s your favorite way to eat meatballs! Please remember to leave your e-mail address if it’s not visible in your profile.
Want or need extra entries? Check out how to grab em’ below! (Mandatory Entry must be complete for these to count)
1. Become a public follower of my blog (2 extra)
2. Follow me on twitter @sgrant2005 and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily)
3. Subscribe to my feed via a reader
4. Blog about this giveaway with a link to this post and to Casa Di Bertacchi be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)
Giveaway ends July 05, 2011 @ midnight CST. Winner will be chosen at random, using random.org and contacted by e-mail and has 48 hrs to respond before a new winner is chosen.
This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
Teton Sports Celsius XL Sleeping Bag Review
Our family loves to camp and we do so quite often in the summer….well thinking about it we are planning a weekend on the lake to celebrate the 4th of July here in the next couple of weeks, so naturally when I began looking for the perfect gift for my husband this Father’s Day, I was looking for something that he could enjoy when we were camping or when he went deer hunting with the boys in November. I was thrilled when I discovered Teton Sports and their line of Celsius sleeping bags and even more thrilled when they offered to send my husband one for review!!!
About Teton Sports (taken from website):
The TETON Sports story is pretty simple. The company was started in 2005 in Utah with a very long not-to-do list as opposed to the traditional to-do list. We do just a few things, but we try hard to do them well. We have only a handful of customers, but we do big business with the few we have. We like to partner with the best retailers in the business.
We have a simple business model with very low overhead. It allows us to overbuild product and still be priced competitively. That's why we get the kind of reviews we get. And then of course it just feeds on itself.
The last piece of the puzzle is customer service. We'll do nearly anything to keep the customer happy. Happy customers talk a lot and we like that kind of talk.
Thanks for using TETON products. Please be sure to tell us what you think.
Regards,
TETON Sports
About the Celsius XL -18°C/0°F Sleeping Bag (Taken from website):
Specs:
*Dimensions: 90" x 36" Pack
*Weight: 6.5 lbs
*Shell: Taffeta
*Insulation: Superloft™ Elite 4-Channel Hollow Fiber
*Liner: 100% Brushed Flannel
*Color: Green & Blue
Features:
*Dual layer offset stitching eliminates cold spots
*Full length, two-sided zipper webbing protects against snags
*Shoulder and zipper baffles keep out drafts
*Left and right side zippered bags zip together
*Convenient pocket with velcro closure
*Adjustable, mummy style hood
* Oxford nylon compression sack
Our Thoughts:
The awesome people over at Teton Sports sent my husband the Green Celsius XL -18°C/0°F Sleeping Bag to review and it arrived very quickly and packaged very nicely in a box so that the sleeping bag itself would not be damaged in shipping. Once it arrived I was really excited to give it to my husband because he is an avid deer hunter and well let’s face it his old sleeping bag is like 15yrs old and has serious issues, it’s ripped in places and the zipper no longer works and I knew he had been hinting and taking about wanting a new one before this coming deer season.
Once my husband got I and spotted his new Celsius XL ( I didn’t bother to hide it I just put it on top of the washing machine so he could find it easily) the first thing he did was ask who I had got it for, because he figured I got it for my dad but once he found out it was for him, his eyes immediately lit up and he began opening the box just like a kid on Christmas morning! Once he got the sleeping bag out of it’s box he had to try it out immediately and said that it is super soft and he said that it will be super warm in the cabin this deer season and that he can’t wait to try her out!
I think his favorite part of this sleeping bag is the fact that it has the adjustable mummy style hood, he is very particular about his ears getting cold so I think this little guy will be sure to keep him nice and warm. We have went camping once since the sleeping bag arrived and Chad took it with him but he only used it to sleep on, since it was so hot he didn’t bother to zip it all the way up or use the hood but he said that it slept super well. We both love the fact that it comes with a very convenient carrying case so that it’s easy to carry and store. After seeing how happy he is with his I’ve got my eye on the pink and brown Celsius sleeping bag they have on their website. I don’t hunt but I do occasionally stay at camp with them once or twice during the season and I think it would be perfect for then. The way this sleeping bag is made I have a feeling that it is going to last Chad well longer than his previous sleeping bag and well it defiantly looks and smells better too LOL!
Bottom Line:
Chad is defiantly in love with his new Celsius XL sleeping bag and I can guarantee that he will be using it deer season after deer season for years to come! I want to thank Teton Sports for giving my husband such a wonderful Father’s Day gift and I now have an idea of what to get my own father for his up coming birthday since it is the same day deer season usually begins here in Arkansas!
If you are looking for the perfect sleeping bag for you or the special man/men in your life I highly recommend the Celsius XL….it will defiantly make the as happy as a kid on Christmas morning….and keep them warm too J!
Buy It:
To purchase the Celsius XL Sleeping Bag mentioned above and more products visit the Teton Sports website!
Connect with Teton Sports via Facebook and Twitter!
This review is based strictly our opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Celsius XL Sleeping Bag in Green mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
About Teton Sports (taken from website):
The TETON Sports story is pretty simple. The company was started in 2005 in Utah with a very long not-to-do list as opposed to the traditional to-do list. We do just a few things, but we try hard to do them well. We have only a handful of customers, but we do big business with the few we have. We like to partner with the best retailers in the business.
We have a simple business model with very low overhead. It allows us to overbuild product and still be priced competitively. That's why we get the kind of reviews we get. And then of course it just feeds on itself.
The last piece of the puzzle is customer service. We'll do nearly anything to keep the customer happy. Happy customers talk a lot and we like that kind of talk.
Thanks for using TETON products. Please be sure to tell us what you think.
Regards,
TETON Sports
About the Celsius XL -18°C/0°F Sleeping Bag (Taken from website):
Specs:
*Dimensions: 90" x 36" Pack
*Weight: 6.5 lbs
*Shell: Taffeta
*Insulation: Superloft™ Elite 4-Channel Hollow Fiber
*Liner: 100% Brushed Flannel
*Color: Green & Blue
Features:
*Dual layer offset stitching eliminates cold spots
*Full length, two-sided zipper webbing protects against snags
*Shoulder and zipper baffles keep out drafts
*Left and right side zippered bags zip together
*Convenient pocket with velcro closure
*Adjustable, mummy style hood
* Oxford nylon compression sack
Our Thoughts:
The awesome people over at Teton Sports sent my husband the Green Celsius XL -18°C/0°F Sleeping Bag to review and it arrived very quickly and packaged very nicely in a box so that the sleeping bag itself would not be damaged in shipping. Once it arrived I was really excited to give it to my husband because he is an avid deer hunter and well let’s face it his old sleeping bag is like 15yrs old and has serious issues, it’s ripped in places and the zipper no longer works and I knew he had been hinting and taking about wanting a new one before this coming deer season.
Once my husband got I and spotted his new Celsius XL ( I didn’t bother to hide it I just put it on top of the washing machine so he could find it easily) the first thing he did was ask who I had got it for, because he figured I got it for my dad but once he found out it was for him, his eyes immediately lit up and he began opening the box just like a kid on Christmas morning! Once he got the sleeping bag out of it’s box he had to try it out immediately and said that it is super soft and he said that it will be super warm in the cabin this deer season and that he can’t wait to try her out!
I think his favorite part of this sleeping bag is the fact that it has the adjustable mummy style hood, he is very particular about his ears getting cold so I think this little guy will be sure to keep him nice and warm. We have went camping once since the sleeping bag arrived and Chad took it with him but he only used it to sleep on, since it was so hot he didn’t bother to zip it all the way up or use the hood but he said that it slept super well. We both love the fact that it comes with a very convenient carrying case so that it’s easy to carry and store. After seeing how happy he is with his I’ve got my eye on the pink and brown Celsius sleeping bag they have on their website. I don’t hunt but I do occasionally stay at camp with them once or twice during the season and I think it would be perfect for then. The way this sleeping bag is made I have a feeling that it is going to last Chad well longer than his previous sleeping bag and well it defiantly looks and smells better too LOL!
Bottom Line:
Chad is defiantly in love with his new Celsius XL sleeping bag and I can guarantee that he will be using it deer season after deer season for years to come! I want to thank Teton Sports for giving my husband such a wonderful Father’s Day gift and I now have an idea of what to get my own father for his up coming birthday since it is the same day deer season usually begins here in Arkansas!
If you are looking for the perfect sleeping bag for you or the special man/men in your life I highly recommend the Celsius XL….it will defiantly make the as happy as a kid on Christmas morning….and keep them warm too J!
Buy It:
To purchase the Celsius XL Sleeping Bag mentioned above and more products visit the Teton Sports website!
Connect with Teton Sports via Facebook and Twitter!
This review is based strictly our opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Celsius XL Sleeping Bag in Green mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.
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