Yes, I’m still alive but…..

Hey guys and gals,
I know I’ve been MIA for a few weeks and I am terribly sorry. I’ve been having e-mail and computer issues and just when those gets fixed we are having massive tornadic storms all over Arkansas and it seems like we are in our tornado shelter for the better part of the evenings every night for the last two weeks. So I just wanted to give you all a quick update and let you know we are all fine, just had some minor wind damage and a couple of downed trees in the yard and here’s hoping these storms will end sometime soon. It looks like we are having a few come over again this morning tho. For all of you guys who are in the same line as us with these terrible storms, stay safe and your families are in our prayer that all this will pass soon and everyone will be ok. Also, I wanted to let you all know that next week is my last week of school until the summer I semester in June so I will be doing a lot of posting and getting caught up on some really awesome giveaways. Thank you all for sticking with me during the last few months I know this blog has become neglected and I’m terribly sorry and I promise to make it spectacular again over the next month or so :0)!

Stephanie

me4kidz: SMILEBUDDY Review

From the time my little “Bug‘s” teeth started coming in, I have been very involved with keeping them brushed and in great shape. Now that he is 3, we have decided that it was time for him to have his own big boy toothbrush and to bet him started on a oral care routine that he can basically do on his own and that will keep his teeth and gums healthy. Recently our family was introduced to a fantastic product from me4kidz called SMILEBUDDY and when I was offered the chance to have “Bug” review it, I was very excited and I had a sneaky feeling “Bug” would be too!

About me4kidz (taken from website):

me4kidz™, LLC is a family-owned & operated business. Our core focus is designing purpose-driven & modern day solutions to everyday necessities in life. To keep jobs in our Country, our products are manufactured in the USA. We donate product each year to various educational fundraisers and children’s organizations to better the lives of others that can't afford first aid products. me4kidz is very conscious of the environment. We do our part in keeping the earth green by using recycled, lead-free plastic. me4kidz™ is also proudly partnered with non-profit organizations to humbly provide consistent work for those of various disabilities; allowing them the opportunity to feel a sense of need in the community & increased self esteem. In doing so, all of our products are proudly put together by loving, caring and capable disabled individuals. These are all the little ways that our family is making a difference. We truly love what we do and we strive for you to love it too!

As Ghandi so famously said..."You must be the change you wish to see in the world."

We call our team the “little bees”, as that is how it all got started! Our oldest son was stung by a bee in 2002 and was the inspiration for us to dream up the concept of me4kidz™, which stands for “medical emergencies for kids" along with our first product; the medibag. In 2005, we had our second son, who was the inspiration behind the medibuddy. Our third blessing later joined our team in 2009 and was the motivation behind the diaper bag buddy. Although no more children are on the way...me4kidz recently launched the smilebuddy in 2011with more products to follow in the future. Our family of five is driven by our faith in the Lord and we are completely committed to our business in all aspects.


Our Thoughts:

“Bug” was sent a SMILEBUDDY from me4kidz to review and he was very excited when he found out that today’s package was just for him! We always brush our teeth once in the morning and before bed but when the SMILEBUDDY arrived “Bug” wanted to use it immediately so we decided to go ahead and check it out even thought we had just finished brushing an hour or so earlier.

Just so you all know the SMILEBUDDY is an kids oral care kit that contains 24 items. This Kit Includes: (1) Kid- friendly Suction Cup Toothbrush (1) Crest Toothpaste with fluoride (12) Dentek Fun Flossers (1) 2+ minute kid friendly brushing sand timer (8) Kid friendly fun stickers (1) Reusable and Recyclable carry anywhere case.

“Bug” was extremely happy with his cute new toothbrush that comes with the kit and said it was now his big boy toothbrush..LOL. What I love most about this kit is how kid-friendly it actually is. I also love that the toothbrush is just the right size for “Bug’s” little hand. Another awesome thing about the it is that it includes a minute sand hourglass shaped timer that makes it easy for my little man to see how much longer he is expected to brush and has really made it more fun for him vs. me having to tell him he still had x amount of time left to brush. I think his favorite part of the kit is the stickers, since if he brushes the correct amount of time he gets rewarded with a sticker he can add to his chore chart!

Since receiving the SMILEBUDDY “Bug” has been happily using his new toothbrush and since the kit includes a reusable; case he is able to put it in his overnight bag and take it with him to Nanny and Papa’s without me having to worry about his toothbrush falling out of the ziplock bag and getting dirty, I know in the case it stays clean and sanitary!

Bottom Line:

I have to say that SMILEBUDDY is one of the best ideas EVER and that it makes keeping a toddler on track when learning to brush their teeth. Not only does this kit help the kiddo know how long to brush and teach them how to floss but it does so in a super fun way where they are rewarded for their hard work with super cute little stickers. Also being able to take the SMILEBUDDY with us on trips and overnight stays keeps “Bug” on track and keeps my mind at ease about his toothbrush and such staying safe and clean in their own little case.

If you have a little one just learning how to brush his/her teeth on their own, or if you just want the piece of mind that your little one’s oral care products are kept safe and clean while traveling I have to totally recommend the SMILEBUDDY!

Buy It:

 To purchase the SMILEBUDDY for only $5.95 and many more fun kits visit the me4kidz website!

Also be sure to stay up to date with all the latest products available from me4kidz by following them on Facebook and Twitter!!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the SMILEBUDDY mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

What to Expect The Second Year from author Heidi Murkoff Gift Basket Giveaway

I'm very excited to announce that there is a brand new member of the legendary What to Expect family called What to Expect the Second Year. It's the next step after What to Expect the First Year and as a mother to a toddler myself I can safely say that it is the first place parents will want to turn to when their baby turns toddler.


About the book:

What to Expect the Second Year picks up the action at baby's first birthday and guides parents through the fascinating, complicated, sometimes maddening, always magical second year. Comprehensive, reassuring, empathetic, realistic and practical, What to Expect The Second Year is filled with solutions, strategies and plenty of parental pep talks. Quite simply, What to Expect The Second Year is a must have for any parent of a toddler. Written in an easy-to-access, topic-by-topic format this book features chapters on growth, feeding, sleeping, behaviors of every conceivable kind, discipline (including teaching right from wrong) and keeping a toddler healthy and safe. Thinking of traveling with a toddler in tow? There's a chapter for that too:).

About Heidi Meet Heidi Murkoff, the author of What to Expect When You're Expecting.

It all started with a baby…and a book. Heidi Murkoff conceived the idea for What to Expect When You're Expecting during her first pregnancy, when she couldn’t find answers to her questions or reassurance for her worries in the books she’d turned to for much-needed advice. Determined to write a guide that would help other expectant parents sleep better at night, Heidi delivered the proposal for What to Expect When You’re Expecting just hours before delivering her daughter, Emma.

Dubbed the “pregnancy bible,” the iconic New York Times bestseller is now in its all-new fourth edition, with over 17 million copies in print, and according to USA Today, is read by 93 percent of women who read a pregnancy book. Other titles in the series include Eating Well When You’re Expecting, What to Expect the First Year, What to Expect Before You’re Expecting (a complete preconception plan), and the newest member of the What to Expect family: What to Expect the Second Year, the must-have guide for parents of toddlers. The What to Expect books have sold more than 34 million copies in the US alone, and are published in over 30 languages.

In 2005, Heidi expanded the What to Expect (WTE) brand online with WhatToExpect.com — the interactive, state-of-the-internet companion to the WTE books, and home to a vibrant, vast, yet close-knit community of one million parents. In 2009, WTE went mobile with the WTE Pregnancy Tracker (the most popular pregnancy app in the world), the WTE Fertility Tracker, the WTE Baby Name Finder, and due this spring, the WTE First Year Tracker.

Heidi’s passionate commitment to moms and babies led to the creation of the What to Expect Foundation, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping underserved families expect healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and healthy, happy babies. With a beautiful, culturally appropriate low-literacy pregnancy guide (provided at no cost) and comprehensive prenatal health literacy support, the WTE Foundation’s groundbreaking Baby Basics program — available in English, Spanish, and Chinese — has helped over 500,000 expectant moms-to-be in need and their babies.

Heidi has appeared on hundreds of television and radio shows, including the Today Show, Good Morning America, CNN, The Early Show, Oprah, BBC Breakfast, and Good Morning Australia. She connects daily with her WTE family online at WhatToExpect.com, as well as on Twitter and Facebook.

Heidi and her husband, Erik, have two children and live in Southern California.

I have been given a copy of the book to review and I am currently enjoying it a little every night when my little monster settles in for bed so I will be sure to be back in a couple of weeks with my full review on the book but so far I can tell you that I absolutely love it and it has already helped me cope with some of “Bug’s” most unfavorable behaviors! I have a feeling that this book is going to be a real life savor over the next couple of years and I can’t wait to share my complete thoughts in the next post!

If you are curious about the book read a this excerpt that gives you a little insight as to what to expect from What to Expect The Second Year:

Your Toddler, Decoded

As you can already see, this book is filled with wonderful must have information on how to deal with some of your toddlers behaviors and can really help us parents keep our heads on straight when dealing with some of these issues!

Buy It:
You can get a copy of this book via the What to Expect website and where all books are sold so be sure to keep an eye out!

Win It:
I have been given the oppertunity to offer a giveaway to one extremely lucky toddler parents an amazing What to Expect the Second Year gift basket which in addition to the book itself, the basket will contain must-have items for any toddler and the parents who love them: board books for inquisitive minds, building blocks and balls to assist with small motor function development, toddler-sized utensils, safety covers to keep the little one safe and, of course, a snuggly stuffed animal. Total retail value of the gift basket is set at $75.00 how great is this prize….this is one time where I wish I could win my own giveaway!!!

Mandatory Entry: Visit the What to Expect Site and share what part of the site you felt to be most useful. 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 the What to Expect Site and be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” What to Expect on Facebook

6. Follow Heidi on Twitter

7. Register on the What to Expect website

Giveaway ends April 17, 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 a copy of the book mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Kushyfoot Review

Quick question how many of you girls wear heels regularly? Well as a super busy student and mom I don’t get to wear my heels as much as I would like but I do still get to bust them out on special occasions and lets face it after a long day in heels our feet are begging to get them off, am I right? Well recently I was introduced to a neat little company called Kushyfoot which provides flats to go, micro fiber tights, foot covers and many other super products to keep our feet happy in our favorite heels. I was recently sent a few of their products to review and I can’t even begin to tell you how convenient and comfy these products actually are.

About Kushyfoot (taken from website):
Kushyfoot is the first hosiery brand to incorporate the ancient healing art of Reflexology in trouser and knee highs, foot covers, toe covers, athletic socks, tights and men's socks to massage with every step.

The massage action works by providing extra comfort through its 3 dimensional padded and wavy design and it provides a cushion between bare feet and the hard soles of a shoe. The Kushyfoot sole helps relieve tension and discomfort in achy feet, thereby helping to relieve stress and fatigue throughout the entire body. These therapeutic socks protect your feet and leave you feeling refreshed all day!

Kushyfoot offers assorted styles to complement every type of footwear from foot covers, toe covers to trouser socks and sheer knee highs for ladies. Also available are tights, sheer and opaque fashion knee socks. These womens hosiery products are made of soft elastane and premium nylon for ultimate comfort and extra durability.

Other categories include athletic socks for men and ladies, made of a blend of combed cotton, nylon and elastane for added cushion in your sport shoes.

(Massage action may vary from wearer to wearer)

My Thoughts:

Like I stated above I was sent a few products from Kushyfoot’s line to review. I received the micro fiber tights in purple, foot covers (super ultra low cut) and a pair of their flats to go! Once my samples arrived I immediately decided to try a pair of the foot covers. I love to wear what I call potato shoes during the spring but it’s still a bit to nippy to wear them without socks and socks w/ capris just do not go well at all. So I decided to replace my plain white socks with the nude foot covers from Kushyfoot. I have to say I absolutely love the foot covers, not only do they allow me to wear my favorite potato shoes in comfort and without these ugly white socks. The nude color blends right in and best of all these foot covers stays in place and don’t wiggle in my shoes and makes wearing shoes extra comfy. I’ve also wore them in my favorite tennis shoes when I needed discreet covers.

Next I decided to try out the micro fiber tights I was sent when my husband and I decided to attend an early t-ball game. It was a bit chilly outside so I wore these tights under my favorite pair of athletic running shorts. The thing I love most about these tights other than they are my favorite color (purple) and that they are super comfy they also massage my feet with every step I take making the simple task of walking more relaxing.

The last product I was sent was the Flats To Go! I love that I can put these flats in my purse and take them with me so after a long date night with my husband I can shed my heels in the car and put on these comfortable flats that not only relieve my feet from the pressure of my heels but also massages my feet to help them relax even more. I also love to carry these flats with me when we go to the mall so that when my feet start hurting in my favorite heels or boots I can quickly sat down and put on these flats and keep shopping and it doesn’t affect my style because these flats are super stylish!

Bottom Line:
I’m very impressed with the three products I received to review from Kushyfoot. All the products were super comfortable and came in really handy in everyday life. They also allow me to wear my favorite heels, boots and shoes without having to worry about being uncomfortable all day as long as I have my handy dandy flats to go in my bag!

If you love your heels but don’t love the pressure and pain of having to wear them all day I highly recommend picking up some of the products from Kushyfoot and for sure scoring a pair of their awesome Flats To Go!

Buy It:
To purchase any of the products mentioned above and many others simply visit the Kushyfoot website!

You can also stay connected with Kushyfoot by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the products mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Drank Relaxation Beverage Review and Giveaway

Have you ever just needed to just relax and take a few minuets to yourself without having your mind racing and thinking of things that just needs to be done? Well I can honestly say that now that I am in midterm of my first semester at college, there are some days that I just get overwhelmed with my to do list and it makes it extremely hard to relax once I get home and right before bed. I’m sure you have all also been introduced to some sort of energy drink right? Well recently I was introduced to something that was extremely new to me….a relaxation drink! Yep, the direct opposite of those overly advertised energy drinks. So naturally with my extreme urge to find something to help me actually relax and take the edge off after a long day, I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review Drank!

About Drank (taken from website):

Formulated to relax the body, mind and soul, "Drank" contains a combination of Valerian Root, Rose Hips, and Melatonin designed to "slow your roll" after a hectic day. "Drank" is perfect for those who can appreciate extreme relaxation. So grab a Drank and "Slow Your Roll"!

Ingredients and Benefits

Melatonin: This brain hormone naturally controls the human sleep cycle. Melatonin, therefore, tells our bodies when it is time for sleep and when it is time to wake up. "Drank" contains a safe dose of Melatonin which relaxes those who drink it and helps them improve both the duration and quality of their sleep. Melatonin extracts aid the body in resetting its natural 'clock' and are even strong enough to prevent the effects of jet-lag. "Drank" enhances the positive effects of melatonin with flair and flavor which all are sure to enjoy.

Valerian Root: Valerian Root is known to benefit those who may suffer from anxiety; restlessness; insomnia; mental strain; lack of concentration; excitability; stress; chronic headaches or migraines; nervous stomach cramps; bladder control issues; chronic pain, menopause; and the discomfort, and emotional distress which may occur with menstruation. "Drank" contains a healthy dose measured to compliment the effects of the melatonin and enhance relaxation. Valerian Root has been used around the world for centuries as a safe sedative without the morning 'grogginess' and possibility of addiction that man-made sedatives generally contain. "Drank" takes this old age remedy and puts it in the mix with melatonin to "slow your roll" after a long day.

Rose Hips: Another age-old remedy for what ails the body, Rose-Hips, is an excellent source of vitamin-C, contains biologically valuable bioflavinoids and is a great source of anti-oxidants. Rose-Hips have traditionally been used to treat diarrhea, nervousness, exhaustion, stress, urinary problems. Rose- Hips is commonly consumed by itself in tea (a drink) or is used as a topical oil. “Drank” adds Rose-Hips to the Melatonin and Valerian root to create extreme relaxation in a safe and  healthy way.

My Thoughts:

About a week after being in contact with the wonderful people from Drank I received a wonderful package on my doorstep that contained a few cans of Drank. Now my first impression was: “will this really work?” I’ve always been a bit skeptic of things such as energy drinks and I’ve never even heard of a relaxation drink before now so of course I was a bit iffy. It actually took a few days for me to get my nerve up and give Drank a try and as soon as I popped the tab I was greeted with the wonderful aroma of grape and some awesome little carbonation bubbles! I was quite surprised to see that the color of Drank is actually a light purple which is awesome in itself since purple is my favorite color!

Anyways let’s get on with the actual review. I was expecting a rather strong and overbearing taste like some of the energy drinks I have drank in the past but I was very pleased when the taste was a very light grape flavor. The initial drink really woke up my taste buds and I was very excited to finish drinking the can. The other flavor notes I could taste was that of sugar and seemed like a very light hint of lemon closer to the end of the can. The overall experience from the entire can was a very wonderful taste sensation. It really reminded me of grape flavored hard candy and I LOVE IT!

Although I had expected to get a calming sensation within 15-20 min after the last drink, I instead got a bit of a sugar rush that was enough for me to finish up with my last bit of Algebra homework and fold the last load of laundry. Soon after the sugar rush…I’m going to estimate 20 min I started to feel more relaxed but not sleepy…which with a three year old that’s a major issue, so that I can still focus on him and not need a nap. “Bug” and I actually relaxed on the couch and watched his favorite Disney movie and the best part is that I wasn’t side tracked with thoughts of I should really be doing such and such. I got to focus my full attention on “Bug” and the movie with was amazing.

Bottom Line:
Since that first can of Drank I have drank the rest of the cans that I was sent and I’m on the lookout for a 711 around here so that I can purchase more. I would have never thought that I would say this but this relaxing drink is awesome and it really works and best of all it doesn’t make me drowsy so I can still focus on my family but I can also have the down time I need to give my very over worked brain a rest. I also love to drink Drank about an hour before bed time, although it does not make me sleepy, it does allow my mind and body to be relaxed enough that I don’t have any problems drifting off to sleep at night.

If you are a super busy mom or student or both like I am I really recommend trying Drank at least once. I’m sure your going to love it as much as I do.

Buy It:
To purchase Drank visit the Drank website or you can get Drank at your local 7-11 store for around $2.99!


Win It:
The wonderful people at Drank has offered one of my lucky readers a Drank Prize Pack that will include 2-3 cans of Drank and a Drank T-shirt!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Drank and tell me something you learnt about the drink or why you would like to win this prize! 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 Drank be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Drank on Facebook

6. Follow Drank on Twitter

Giveaway ends April 14, 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 Drank drinks mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.