Pillow Pets™ Plush Folding Stuffed Animals Seeking Summer Adventures

Show us where your Pillow Pets™ plush folding stuffed animal has been this summer and earn the chance to win one for ten friends!

All Pillow Pets™ plush folding stuffed animals love an adventure! This summer, show us the fun you and your favorite Pillow Pets™ plush folding stuffed animals are having on vacation, at camp, in your backyard – wherever!

All you need to do is post a video on the video-sharing website of your choice, send us the link at MyPillowPetsAdventure@carabinerpr.com, and watch to see if you are randomly selected to win the Pillow Pets™ plush folding stuffed animal of your choice, plus one each for up to ten friends! Videos will be accepted between May 24 and July 31, 2010.

One winner will be chosen at random every three weeks between May 31 and August 22, 2010, and will be notified via e-mail. CJ Products, LLC, the official creator and marketer of Pillow Pets™ plush folding stuffed animals, is the contest’s sponsor. A full list of program guidelines may be found at http://www.pillowpets.com/Public_Relations_information.htm.

Read the full story here: http://www.prweb.com/releases/2010/05/prweb4052484.htm

I am posting this just to let my readers know about the contest no compensation was received.

Boulder Canyon Chips Review

I love to snack and one of my all time favorite snacks is chips! I love them all kinds of them and I’m always up for trying new and different chips and I have to shout out that I’ve found my new favorite chips and what are they you may be asking well they are the Boulder Canyon Rice & Adzuki Bean Chipotle Cheese Artisan Snack Chips!

About Boulder Canyon Chips (Taken From Website):
Since 1994, Boulder Canyon has delivered all natural kettle cooked potato chips with unsurpassed quality and taste. Our thickly sliced premium potatoes are slow cooked in small kettles using sunflower and/or safflower oil. We then add our distinctive flavors and experienced craftsmen test the potatoes at every stage to ensure you get the finest chip around.

Our Thoughts:

We were sent several samples of Boulder Canyon chips flavors and I am absolutely in love with these chips they are by far the best chips I have ever eaten! I have tried all the flavors that were sent to me and I have to say I can’t complain about a one of them! We were sent the:

Boulder Canyon™ Sweet Lemon & Cracked Black Pepper Rice and Adzuki Bean Chips are sure to satisfy any sweet and salty craving. The chip’s sweet lemon flavor, highlighted by the subtle sweetness of the adzuki bean and bold taste of black pepper, provides a delicious addition to our all-natural snack offering. Everyone is sure to enjoy this fresh, exciting flavor that pleases the palate with each crisp bite.


Boulder Canyon™ Rice & Adzuki Bean Sundried Tomato with Basil Artisan Snack Chips! The subtle sweetness of the East Asian adzuki bean blended with the Mediterranean flavor of sun dried tomatoes and fresh basil provides a unique and savory flavor combination. In addition to its distinctive flavor profile, the adzuki bean is naturally rich in fiber, magnesium, potassium, iron, zinc, copper, manganese and vitamin B3. The snack chip’s ultra light and extra crunchy texture make it a delectable treat for any snacking occasion.


Boulder Canyon™ Rice & Adzuki Bean Chipotle Cheese Artisan Snack Chips. Aged cheddar cheese and just the right amount of spicy seasonings create a flavor that is highlighted by the adzuki beans’ subtle sweetness. Together with its light and crispy texture, this artisan snack is the perfect better-for-you snack chip because of the adzuki bean’s natural healing and health properties.


Boulder Canyon™ Rice & Adzuki Bean Natural Salt Artisan Snack Chips. By combining a distinctive taste of the Southwest with the all-natural flavors of the Far East, we created Boulder Canyon™ Rice & Adzuki Bean Natural Salt Artisan Snacks. The light crispiness of these snacks feature the sweet taste of adzuki beans made even more delectable by an added dash of salt. It is the first mainstream consumer product in the U.S. to feature the nutritious adzuki bean.

I don’t have a complaint about any of the flavors that we received but there is one thing I’m not so happy about! What’s that you may ask well it the fact that I’m now addicted to the Chipotle Cheese chips and there is no retail location near me that sells them and there are many more of the flavors I would love to try. But there is good news I can buy them online so it’s not a convent but is doable. I have to point out that these chips are really unique to me because the texture and taste are like something I've never tried before and everyone I've let try the chips agree that these are the best chips ever!

If you haven’t tried Boulder Canyon I really recommend you checking them out I know you will love them!!!

Check out Boulder Canyon on Twitter and Facebook! Also be sure to check out their website HERE for their latest promotions and offers!


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

Brothers-All-Natural Crisps Review and Giveaway

I am constantly on the look out for healthy and delicious snacks for my toddler and to be truthful I have a hard time finding a snack that taste as good as it is for you but I recently ran across Brothers-All-Natural snacks and they are exactly what I’ve been looking for!

About Brothers-All-Natural (Taken From Website):

The brothers Matt and Travis Betters, capitalized on the U.S. trend of freeze-dried fruit in cereals and coupled that with consumers' food concerns like portion size, calorie count and desire for healthy choices to create their own line of freeze-dried products that would revolutionize the snack market.

We source fresh fruit and freeze-dry it into thin and flavorful chip-like "crisp". As for our potato crisp, it took us four years of experimenting, trial and error to come up with what we think is the perfect potato chip. The crisps contain no fat, no preservatives, and are very low in calories. Additionally, many consumers are concerned about common food allergens, which is why Crisps are processed at a facility that does not manufacture any products containing nuts, dairy, soy or wheat. This year we also launched our Fruit and Oats which combines our best selling fruit crisps with whole grain oats.

We are not concerned about issues surrounding where our product is produced because we take great care to ensure the quality and food safety of our products. All our processing plants are ISO9001 certified and have successfully implemented the Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Point (HACCP) program. In addition, the facility has been inspected by SGS, an internationally recognized 3rd party audit organization.

Over the next five years our goal is to continue to innovate in the healthy snack category by using our state-of-the-art freeze-drying technology. We want to stick to what we do best, which is providing people with the natural goodness of fruit and vegetables, and making sure we're offering them new, convenient and healthy food products that fit their needs. There are new products on the horizon!

Brothers International Food Corporation is a privately owned food and beverage company based in Batavia, New York with offices in Raleigh, North Carolina; Qingdao, China; and Quito, Ecuador. The company was founded in 2001 by brothers Matt and Travis Betters, whose family was involved in the processed fruit and vegetable industry for more than 65 years. In addition to supplying top-quality fruit and fruit juice concentrates to a number of Fortune 100 food companies, Brothers International is the parent company of Brothers-All-Natural, producing all-natural, freeze-dried fruit and potato Crisps, Fruit and Oats, and Lost Vineyards, importing low-cost wines from little-known vineyards in Europe and South America. For more information, visit www.brothersinternational.com.


Our Thoughts:

We were sent a 12 count variety pack of Brothers-All-Natural Crisps to sample and I have to say these snacks are delish and the packaging is really cool I love the Disney’s Car package since my son is such a huge Cars fan that it makes him want to eat them even more just because Lighting McQueen is on the package! Now Bug and I am not very big fans of freeze dried fruits but I have to say that these snacks doesn’t taste like any other freeze dried fruits I’ve tried in the past! Once in your mouth they kind of what I call melt and give the taste as you have just taken a bite out of the fruit itself! I love to take these on car rides with us and anytime we are going to be out of the house for any period of time! Out of all the flavors we tried I have to say I like the banana the most and Bug prefers the strawberry! We give Brothers-All-Natural two thumbs way up!

Buy It:
You can purchase Brothers-All-Natural Fruit Crisps online via their Website!

Win It:
I have a 12 count variety pack to offer one of my super lucky readers to try Brothers-All-Natural for themselves!

Mandatory Entry: Visit Brothers-All-Natural and tell me what product you would most like to try! 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 (current follower count too)

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 Brothers-All-Natural be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. Follow Brothers-All-Natural on Twitter

6. “Like Brothers-All-Natural on Facebook


Giveaway ends June 08, 2010 @ 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 variety pack complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

SmartKnitKIDS Review and Giveaway

My son hates to wear shoes and mostly wears sandals or shoes that require no socks because socks usually bother him! We have a super hard time finding the exact right size socks that wont slip and slide and get the seams under his foot to make him super uncomfortable! That is until we discovered SmartKnitKids Seamless Sensitivity Socks!

About SmartKnitKids (Taken From Website):

Tired of hearing her son scream “these sock seams keep bugging me,” a mom decided something needed to be done. Every “seamless” sock her son tried had seams in it; there was not a truly seamless sock available. After explaining the frustrating morning routine to countless friends of her son’s struggles with socks, she was finally given the name of Knit-Rite, a textile manufacturer, and contacted them with her request for a seamless kids sock.

After several requests for seamless socks from "desperate" parents, SmartKnitKIDS socks were created. Knit the same way a caterpillar spins its cocoon, SmartKnitKIDS socks are started at the toe and worked up toward the ankle. This process insures a 100% seamless sock, so there are no seams to bug ya! A form-fitting design also keeps those annoying lumps and bumps out of the socks.

Since its launch in 2003, SmartKnitKIDS continues to find new markets and grow every year. Super soft material and a seam free design make it the most comfortable kid’s sock on the market.

SmartKnitKIDS come in a color for every personality: white, black, pink, purple, and navy. Ankle, crew and knee-high styles are available up to a youth size 8.

Our Thoughts:


We were sent two pair of socks for my son and I decided I should try them out for adults too so I got a pair for myself (I hate sock as much as Bug does!)! I chose to have all three pairs in white but they do offer white, black, pink, purple and navy! I couldn’t wait to try these socks out so we both wore them the next day and Bug didn’t whine once about his sock “hurting” as he calls it and I have to say I’m super happy with the results of the socks I was sent! We have now wore them several times and we love them not only are they super comfortable they are very durable in the washer!

I recommend these to anyone young or old that hates the seams in their traditional socks and want a more comfortable experience!

Buy It:
To purchase SmartKnitKIDS Seamless Socks, visit their website for a retailer!


Win It:
SmartKintKids have offered one of my readers (3) pairs of socks in their size and color choice!


Mandatory Entry: Visit SmartKnitKids and tell me something you learned! 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 (current follower count too)

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 SmartKnitKids be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. Follow SmartKnitKids on Twitter

6. “Like SmartKnitKids on Facebook


Giveaway ends June 08, 2010 @ 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 3 pairs of socks complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Twisted Orchid Review and Giveaway

I love my purses and bags! I have tons of them in the closet and I have enough to have a different bag every week for probably six months! I have to say my husband HATES this he wants me to get rid of some and stop buying them but I can’t I love em’ and what’s better than having a new bag every time you have a special event to go to? NOTHING!!! Now with that said I recently ran across an awesome website called Twisted Orchid and let me tell ya girls this site is handbag heaven you will defiantly find something to fit your taste or any occasion and the prices are very reasonable as well so it’s a double score here, oh and one more thing all items are shipped FREE!

About Twisted Orchid Handbags and Accessories (Taken From Website):

Twisted Orchid is a premium shopping destination for stylishly chic purses and handbags. From the pages of People Style Watch to Lucky, Elle and Oprah, trendspotters and fashion provocateurs alike are buzzing about our incredible selection. Based in Chicago, it is our committment to supply fashion-savvy women with must-have styles at a great value. Our attention to quality and detail is high, so rest assured you will be impressed with the glamour and luxury that is a cornerstone of every Twisted Orchid Handbag and accessory. So whether you're an accessory gal who wants to test out a trend before deciding on a big splurge, or you're a fashionista who prefers to shop for fabulous steals - Twisted has the right piece just for you. And with our secure online shopping, guaranteed delivery, and 30-day hassle free returns, buying from Twisted Orchid is convenient and absolutely risk free!

My thoughts:


I was generously sent the Grey Ghost Hobo Bag for review and I have to tell you I was so excited with it arrived at my door, and I love this bag it’s big enough to hold everything I need when I’m heading out the door with my toddler so I use it as a purse/diaper bag (which I do will all of my bags) but this one is so much better than the others I’ve used it has so much more room to haul the snacks, pull-ups and the random toys Bug thinks he has to take with us! The bag is made of super high quality materials and have withstood wonderfuly to the ware and tear of our everyday lives! I want to take a second and show you a few of the bags that I have on my wish list (This is where I should apologize to my hubby so here goes: “I’m sorry I broke my promise and I’m back to shopping for handbags” there now that I have that done lets go shopping shell we?)


I love this Lrg Scorched Shoulder Handbag I’m not quite sure what exactly it is about it that I’m drawn to but I love it! I can see this in my wardrobe closet before all is said and done!


I would also like to have the Avocado Rose wouldn’t this just be lovely for an elegant night out?

Ok, Ok enough with the bags check out some of the accessories they offer:
Crackled Blackpearl Fob, yeah I need one of these! Just sayin’

Or the Ebony Ivory ER, I love these!

Buy It:
You can buy all these gorgeous items and more online at TwistedOrchid.com and don’t forget they always have free shipping or you can order from their Facebook Page!

Win It:
Ok so enough with my shopping I’m gonna give you girls a chance to go shopping! Twisted Orchid was kind enough to offer one (1) of my extremely lucky readers a chance to win their choice of handbag up to $80.00! How great is that?????

Mandatory Entry: Visit Twisted Orchid and tell me what bag you would choose if you were the 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 (current follower count too)

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 Twisted Orchid be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like Twisted Orchid on Facebook and let them know The Cartoon Lovin’ Mama sent you! (3 extra entries)

Giveaway ends June 08, 2010 @ 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 Grey Ghost Hobo Bag mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Sugar Free Ring Pops Review and Giveaway

For as long as I can remember I’ve loved Ring Pops they just look cool wearing them on you finger and the taste is amazing! It’s fashion jewelry you can eat! I have recently introduced my son to Ring Pops and I have to keep him a stash of them here at the house he likes ‘em so much!

We recently had the opportunity to try the new Sugar Free Ring Pops and I had to jump on it! My thoughts were WOW now I can give my little Bug the Ring Pops he loves without all the yucky sugar and they are now better for him!

Here is a little information about the new Sugar Free Ring Pops (Provided by the PR website):

Parents can now feel even better about giving Ring Pop to their kids because Sugar Free Ring Pop won’t cause cavities, has no fat, and has only 30 calories per great-tasting, long-lasting pop! Sugar Free Ring Pop is the perfect treat and comes in Blue Raspberry, Watermelon, Strawberry!

Sugar Free Ring Pop is perfect for:
Kids Sports Events
Kids Parties
Occasional Treats
Rewards
Trips (Ring Pops last a long time!)
Engagement Parties & Wedding favors

Look for Sugar Free Ring Pop at Wal-Mart stores nation wide.

Visit the official website for fun Ring Pop games and let us know what you think about Sugar Free Ring Pop on the Ring Pop Facebook fan page!

Our Thoughts

When the package arrived he was to excited to wait to try the watermelon Ring Pop (watermelon is his favorite of all the Ring Pops) so I gave in and let him have one and he really seemed to enjoy it so I had to latterly beg for a taste so that I could give my honest opinion here on my blog (I promise that’s all it was for J ) and I have to say I really couldn’t tell it was sugar free it didn’t taste exactly like the original either but I have to say I will buy them now instead of the original since they are better for my little Bug! We also got to test out the strawberry and raspberry flavors and yes you guessed it I only got a small taste of them but I have to say out of the three the raspberry is my absolute favorite (I’ll be getting these for a mommy snack lol)

Win It:
I have a package of the three Sugar Free Ring Pop flavors (strawberry, watermelon and raspberry) to give to one of my lucky readers!

Mandatory Entry: Just leave me a comment telling me your all-time favorite Ring Pop flavor. 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 (current follower count too)

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 be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. “Like” Ring Pops on Facebook


Giveaway ends June 06, 2010 @ 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 package of Sugar Free Ring Pops mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Playtex Bra Makeover

Do slipping straps, riding up backs, or not enough support have you ready to write a Dear John letter to your old bras? Apply for a Bra Makeover from Playtex! Seven out of 10 women are wearing the wrong size bra, which can result in an ill fit for the rest of their outfit, back and shoulder pain, as well as bruising and digging.

We know that busy moms don't always have time to update their bras or even check to make sure they are wearing the correct size. That's why we wanted to let you know about this contest from Playtex! Playtex recently launched www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover or nominate a friend. If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Deyette is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger, as well as in print publications including Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and O Magazine. Apply for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today. The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st, 2010.

The 10 winners selected for a Bra Makeover will also star in their very own webisode wherein a makeover candidate will receive a fitting with Deyette and walk away with the perfect Playtex products. A new webisode will premier on www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com every two weeks.

Disclosure:
By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Galison/Mudpuppy Review and Giveaway

I just love it when I find a new puzzle for Zane Bug he loves them so much but it’s pretty hard to find a decent puzzle for his age where the pieces aren’t too small or there aren’t too many pieces but I’ve recently found a company that has just exactly what I’m looking for when it comes to puzzles for my Zane Bug! Galison/Mudpuppy offers many different puzzles for each age level and they have many other toys for kiddos too!!

About Galison/Mudpuppy (taken off their website):

Galison was founded in 1979 to work with museums to make their imagery widely available in the form of well-designed and manufactured paper products. We published some books and calendars before focusing on boxed notecards, fine art stationery, greeting cards, personalized Christmas cards (for individuals and businesses), note cards, journals, and other gift products for writers, which is why we're sometimes still known as Galison Books, a.k.a. GMG Publishing.

Although we use a lot of fresh, contemporary designs, we still have a core group of products using fine art images, and both Galison and Mudpuppy products are popular in museum stores. Our fine art stationery is also found in the best gift, stationery, book, and department stores.

Mudpuppy Press was launched in 1992. From an early specialization in puzzles, we expanded to our current offering of puzzles, journals, diaries, educational games, toys, and stationery for children and the young at heart.

1993 saw the introduction of Galison's Holiday Time line of cards and gifts. Our Christmas and seasonal cards feature unique but accessible imagery and work well for both personal and corporate use. You will soon be able to arrange to have your cards personalized while shopping at our website, but for now, please e-mail sales@galison.com.

We're also happy to discuss adapting or creating personalized Christmas cards for you or your business.

Over the years, Galison has have worked with museums, non-profit organizations, and businesses to create private label custom projects. From imprinting existing journals to creating something new, this segment of our business continues to grow!

GALISON TODAY:
We are a hardworking collegial company with offices in Midtown Manhattan. We have a great view of the Chrysler Building and a very personable collection of freshwater tropical fish. We continue to develop new formats and looks while maintaining production values and customer service.

Our Thoughts:


Zane Bug was sent the Land Animals / Sea Animals Puzzle for review and he was so happy when it arrived! He immediately had to take it out and put it together! I was really impressed with the shipping time on the puzzle it arrived very quickly and in excellent shape! We have spent hours upon hours putting this puzzle together and taking it apart flipping it over and putting it back together and I must say this puzzle really does hold up to the wear and tear of a two year old! The pieces are just the right size and with only nine pieces they are extremely easy to keep up with!




We all give this puzzle thumbs up and I do recommend the two sided puzzles for toddlers that love puzzles! I want to get Zane Bug the other two sided puzzles available on the website so that he can have more of a variety I’m thinking Christmas presents (I know it’s only May but you can never start to early)

Here is a little more information about the Land Animals/Sea Animals Puzzle:

AWARDS: 2003 Parent's Choice Approved Award Winner, 2003 Dr. Toy 100 Best Children's Products, 2003 Creative Child Magazine - Seal of Excellence Award
RECOMMENDED AGE: 2

SKU: 9780735305977
PRICE: $10.00

Land Animals/Sea Animals Opposites Puzzles help to develop fine motor and pre-reading skills. They foster a sense of determination in children to reach a goal and allow them to experience success when it has been achieved.

Whether you are a parent or teacher, you can use these puzzles to talk with children about opposites and animals all the while children are simply having fun enjoying Clare Beaton's illustrations!
• 9 two-sided puzzle pieces
• Stackable box with colorful rope handle
• Finished puzzle measures 11 x 14 inches


Buy It:

If you want to buy your own Land Animals/Sea Animals Puzzle head on over to the Galison/Mudpuppy website!

Win It:

Galison/Mudpuppy has generously offered one of my readers a Land Animals/Sea Animals Puzzle of their very own (with the exception of Lovely Dove she isn’t available yet)!


Mandatory Entry: Visit Galison/Mudpuppy and check out all cool toys and games and tell me another item you would like to have. 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 (current follower count too)

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 Galison/Mudpuppy and this post and be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. Follow Galison/Mudpuppy on Twitter

6. “Like” Galison/Mudpuppy on Facebook

Giveaway ends May 19, 2010 @ 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 Land/Sea Animals Puzzle mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Corso’s Cookies Review (Mother’s Day Gift Guide)

I love cookies and sweets (it’s really no secret) and I think that cookie bouquets are just so cute and of course there is a huge plus to getting to not only look at them but they are edible!! While looking online for the perfect gift for my mother for Mother’s Day this year I ran across Corso’s Cookies and let me tell you they have a huge selection of unique gifts for mom or just anyone on your list!

About Corso’s Cookies (taken off their website):

The Corso's Cookies Story

Like so many other kids, Tina Corso loved baking cookies. She started with an Easy-Bake Oven then graduated to baking with a real oven in her grandmother's cozy kitchen, using cherished family recipes. Creating art was another of Tina's passions, leading her to make and sell tee shirts, decorative clay pots, and , of course, cookies.

Being a smart cookie, Tina wondered if she could blend her twin passions of baking and art into a business. She started out small in 2001, creating uniquely cool, hand-decorated cookie bouquets and cookie gift baskets. To spread the word about Corso's Cookies, Tina posted flyers and handed out business cards around the city of Syracuse. Her first customers were attracted by how beautiful the butter creme cookies were decorated – like edible works of art. After tasting them, folks clamored for more and told their friends about Corso's Cookies. (Tina likes to say that the word about her cookies spread by mouth, literally – one delicious cookie at a time). Soon Tina's dream of creating a thriving business out of her passions came true, and her home-based business expanded then moved to its current bakery location.

Since then, Corso's Cookies has quickly become the company that people turn to for custom made, hand-decorated, beautiful, delicious cookies. The Corso's Cookies Crew consists of nearly 30 talented bakers, gift designers and decorators, working together to create unforgettable gifts for the people special to you.
Today, you can find Corso's Cookies in more than 100 catalogs and web sites, including ProFlowers, Amazon, and Gifts.com.

The Corso's Cookies Stats

• Founded in 2001 by Tina Corso
• The Corso's Cookies Crew includes more than 30 in-house designers, bakers and decorators.
• More than 100,000 corporate and consumer customers, including Lord & Taylor, Ask.com, Life is Good, Chase Bank, and more.
• Corso's Cookies are sold by nearly 100 third-party resellers including ProFlowers, GiftBaskets.com, and Amazon.com
• Click Here to see examples of our quality cookie designs and corporate cookie gifts

How We Do It?

• Every Corso's Cookie is baked from scratch, using an old Corso family recipe for a butter creme cookie. That's right. You won't find sugar cookies at Corso's Cookies. Many customers say our cookies remind them of a delectable cake-like shortbread. All of our cookies are made from all-natural ingredients.
• Every cookie is individually hand-decorated by the icing artists on the Corso's Cookies Crew. They each take personal responsibility for each and every cookie that leaves our bakery.
• Every cookie is sealed in a protective wrapping and inspected to make sure that each one represents the very best of Corso's Cookies quality.
• Our talented Gift Designers create your cookie bouquet, gift basket, cookie tower or other unique gift with the utmost care.
• Your gift is packaged with just the right amount of protective cushioning to ensure that your gift travels safely. The friendly people at UPS deliver your gift directly to your recipient.
• At Corso's Cookies, we value customer feedback and continue to make improvements to ensure that your satisfaction is guaranteed. Send us your feedback, and you will receive a coupon for your next Corso's Cookies order as a thank you!

Our Thoughts:


I was sent the Mother's Day Tulips Cookie Bouquet for review and I have to say that the shipping was wonderfully fast and the customer service was top notch! Once I received the bouquet and took it out of the box (which was very well packaged) I had a really hard time trying to decide if I was going to eat one of the cookies to do a review on the taste because the bouquet was just too beautiful!!! But after much debating with myself and my two year old I decided to go ahead and give in and share on with Zane Bug after all they are cookies right?? So after letting Zane Bug choose the cookie he wanted to sample first I decided to let him have the first bite and it wasn’t long after that he looked at me and smiled and said “MMMMM…I like it” and after that I had to have a bite and not only are these cookies beautiful they are also very delicious and fresh!

I have to say again that I was very impressed with the packing and condition that the bouquet arrived in. Corso’s Cookies take very great care to get the items to you with out damage and I’m truly glad to say I have no complaints!!

I give Corso’s Cookies a thumbs up and really recommend them for all your unique gift giving needs I just know one of their cookie bouquets will put a smile on any mom’s or anyone’s face!

Check out a couple of my other favorites that they offer:


I know my Zane Bug would love to have one of these Happy Birthday Party Animal Gift Basket for his birthday!!

Or how bout one of these Happy Father’s Day Fun Fish Cookie Bouquet for dad?


Have a High School Graduate to buy for check out this Graduation Smiles Cookie Bouquet!



Buy It:

I’m not so sure if you can order now and get it in time for Mother’s Day but there are so many wonderful gift giving ideas on their site that I’m sure you will find a reason to order but hey who really needs a reason?? Oh and don’t for get Dad this Father’s Day they have gifts for him as well!!!! So visit their site HERE to order now!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion with the product listed above. I did receive the Mother's Day Tulips Cookie Bouquet mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Kimochis Review and Giveaway

What’s better than finding an awesome new toy for your kiddos? Well finding an awesome new toy that also helps them learn how to show their emotions with out massive fits and such!!! I’ve actually found a toy just like that it’s called Kimochis!

About Kimochis (taken off their website):

Kimochi (pronounced “key-mo-chee”) means “feeling” in Japanese and these cute little plush toys are all about feelings just like the company! Their goal is to provide helpful information and communication tools to parents, teachers, and children to enable them to learn how to be better communicators, and to express their feelings.. Using the Kimochi characters, kids can get in touch with their own emotions in a fun and comfortable way. And when kids can communicate their feelings, they cultivate confidence and character.

Kimochi builds character and confidence one feeling at a time.

Our Thoughts:

Zane Bug was sent Kimochi Cloud in order to review Kimochis! I have to say with I first read about Kimochis I thought this could be an answer to some of our unsaid prayers with my son being in his terrible twos we have had issues of late with him being unable to control his emotions and I was really hoping this would help us teach him to better understand them. He was super happy to see Cloud and his three little emotion friends when the arrived and they are super soft and really too adorable. I let Zane Bug get used to Cloud and the emotions by playing with them for a day or so before we really started working on his emotions and I must say when we did I was really super surprised to see it didn’t take him long to recognize the different emotions and begin using them to describe how he was feeling. I honestly thought it would take him a while but he picked up pretty quickly!


I have now noticed when something is really going the way he thinks it should he will stop and say I’m mad or sad or even happy before thundering off into a wall-eyed fit like he was doing before!!! Thank goodness it’s really, really helped us get his feelings under control at this point so I would really recommend Kimochi to every parent and teacher I know because I feel that they really do work!

Buy It:

Buy your very own Kimochi for the kiddo(s) in your life by visiting their shop HERE!

Win It:

Kimochis has generously offered one of my readers a Kimochi of their very own (with the exception of Lovely Dove she isn’t available yet)!


Mandatory Entry: Visit Kimochis and check out all their lovable characters and tell me something you learnt as well as you must also be a fan of Kimochis on Facebook(per sponsors request) 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 (current follower count too)

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 Kimochis and this post and be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

Giveaway ends May 19, 2010 @ 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 Kimochi Cloud mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.

Awesome Giveaway over at Barefoot Mommies!

Now normaly I don't post other giveaways I've found on this blog but this one is just to awesome not to share!! Head on over to Barefoot Mommies and enter for your chance to win a little basket of goodies from Hard Candy! This giveaway ends TONIGHT!! @ 11:59 pm CST

ENTER HERE

Alexa’s Angels Review and Giveaway

If you are like me you are always running behind when it comes to getting gifts for the special people in your life when an occasion arises, such as Mother’s Day this coming Sunday May 9! But have no fear I’ve recently ran across a wonderful company called Alexa’s Angels that offers shoppers (some like me) wonderful unique jewelry and gifts that are sure to be inspirational and meaningful!

About Alexa’s Angels (taken from their website):

Women have connected with Beth's meaningful jewelry designs since 1995 when she first began selling her necklaces, bracelets, angel pins, rings, and children's jewelry at art shows across the country.

Since then, Beth and "her angels" have grown Alexa's Angels into a fashion-forward accessories company for people of all ages. Just as in the beginning, each piece of inspirational jewelry is thoughtfully designed to evoke heartfelt emotions that can be given as unique gifts. Wearable, giftable and meaningful jewelry designs by Alexa's Angels create connections and nurture a sense of well-being. "That's the true inspiration behind every jewelry design,"
Beth says.

Beth is a Colorado artist. To know her is to embrace her contagious smile and love for people and the world around her. She is the mother of four beautiful children, company namesake Alexa, Emma Rose, Joshua and Elijah. "My children are my confidantes, jewelry design consultants, and generators of youthful fun. Their unique perspectives and energy help me make connections with a whole new generation."

The company has three unique fashion-forward accessory lines offering something for everyone:

Alexas Angels is a inspirational jewelry line meant to inspire heartfelt emotion. The line offers many unique gift options including necklaces, bracelets, and angel pins for moms, grandmas, aunts, teachers, and loved ones.
posi+ivi+y is a meaningful collection of bracelets and t-shirts, embellished with plus signs, as a wearable reminder that attitude is a choice and positivity is contagious.

Emma Rose is our NEWEST line which will be launching in early 2010. Emma Rose consists of fashion-forward necklaces, bracelets, ring, hobo handbags, and satin sashes chosen for their unique combination of floral patterns and vivid use of color that can be layered together.

Proud to be a company with a social conscience, the all-woman team at Alexa's Angels is dedicated to creating, finding and supporting programs that benefit women. Their mission is to be a great example of how a socially responsible company can make a difference.

My Thoughts:


I was sent the Keepsake Sterling Silver Heart Leather Necklace for review and I must say I love this necklace I wear it everywhere and everyday! I personalized it with a picture of my little Zane Bug and I have gotten many compliments on it! It’s a very unique piece and one of my favorites in my jewelry box. It very great quality and holds up very well I don’t have a complaint one with this item. I was very surprised at how easy installing the picture in the heart actually was I’ve had locket type necklaces before that were a real pain in the you know what to get the picture in and make it look good but this one was defiantly very easy!



I really recommend Alexa’s Angels to anyone out there looking for that one of a kind gift this Mother’s Day or well for any special gift giving occasion.

Buy It:
Check out Alexa’s Angel for many more great items at amazingly wonderful prices!

Win It:
Alexa’s Angel is going to offer one of my super lucky readers their choice of item up to $60 from their website!

Mandatory Entry: Become a Fan or “Like” Alexa’s Angel on Facebook(Per Sponsors Request). 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 (current follower count too)

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 Alexa’s Angel and this post and be sure to leave me a link (5 extra)

5. Visit Alexa’s Angel and tell me what item you would choose if your were the winner.

6. Vote for my sister in the Senior Style Scholorship Program HERE Her name is Kayla and she's the Cheerleader(Daily until May 7 worth 10 extra entries a day!)

Giveaway ends May 17, 2010 @ 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 necklace mentioned above complementary for this review. No monetary compensation was received.