Thursday, March 31, 2011

Snapily.com Mother's Day Ideas & *Giveaway*



Snapily.com has new Animated and 3D Photo Cards! I got to try to the Animated ones, and it is so cool. You look at it one way and it is a picture of Callan and then you look at it another way and it is a picture of Mason! How cool is that? Very very cool! And so easy to create on their website. And the price is right too! Go check out Snapily.com and play around creating cards! Be sure to get yours done in time for Mother's Day. Mom will be wowed at the really cool cards!

Wanna win a card from Snapily.com? Here's How:
1. Follow this blog.
2. Blog about this giveaway in time for Mother's Day!
3. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.


Giveaway ends April 10th! Good luck!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Colortime Coupon And Facebook Giveaway

Colortime is doing a giveaway via their Facebook page (www.facebook.com/colortimecrafts). It is a weekly fan giveaway. Here are the instructions:

Each week Colortime Crafts and Markers will randomly draw 3 lucky FANS who will receive a special craft package, which includes a Colortime color-your-own "Recycle Tote Bag" and three special permanent Colortime FABRIC MARKERS. All you have to do to be eligible is to "like" and become a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers on Facebook.

The winners' Facebook name will be posted each Monday on the Colortime Crafts and Markers Facebook page. They will send you a message on Facebook informing you that you won. Look for it, and if your name is a winner, you can also send them an email message to info@colortime.com with your full name and address and in either case they will ship your prize within 2 weeks.

Rules:
1) You must be a fan of Colortime Crafts and Markers (www.facebook.com/colortimecrafts) Facebook page.
2) Once you win a prize, you are not eligible for additional prizes for this promotion for 12 months after the prize has been awarded.
3) Prizes not claimed within 2 weeks will be forfeited.

NordicWare Baker's Half Sheet Pans

NordicWare is a company that sells aluminum cookware, bakeware, and kitchenware. I was lucky enough to try out the Baker's Half Sheet pans, and I am in love. For so long Jason and I have been on the hunt for baking sheets that we like. Either they rust too quickly or food gets stuck on them when cooking, no matter what we do to try to avoid that. And we bake a lot and need good baking sheets. Well, we have found them! NordicWare is the right brand for us! We love them! I am thinking we will get all of our bakeware from NordicWare from now, since we are so pleased!

You can buy NordicWare products at Bed, Bath & Beyond, Ace Hardware, Costco, on Amazon.com, and Cooking.com. Check out all the great products from NordicWare HERE.

I received products from NordicWare in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The Beach Trees

The Beach Trees by Karen White

About The Book:
The moving new novel from bestselling author Karen White. From the time she was twelve, Julie Holt knew what a random tragedy can do to a family. At that tender age, her little sister disappeared - never to be found. It was a loss that slowly eroded the family bonds she once relied on. As an adult with a prestigious job in the arts, Julie meets a struggling artist who reminds her so much of her sister, she can't help feeling protective. It is a friendship that begins a long and painful process of healing for Julie, leading her to a house on the Gulf Coast, ravaged by hurricane Katrina, and to stories of family that take her deep into the past. 

My Thoughts:
I really enjoyed this book. I love books that are about discovering family history, and this book certainly has that in it. There are many little stories within the story of this book - the lost sister, the friendship with Monica, the custody of Monica's son, Hurricane Katrina - it keeps you riveted. Slow going at times, but well worth it in the end. I plan to read more by Karen White in the future.

BUY the book on Amazon HERE. On Sale May 3rd!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Goodreads. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

L'Oreal Paris



"L’OrĂ©al Paris is a truly global beauty brand. Our signature phrase, “Because I’m Worth It”, is meant to inspire each and every woman to embrace her own unique beauty and reinforce her sense of self-worth. We believe that everyone should have the ability to express themselves. That’s why we are committed to creating the most groundbreaking, high-quality, yet inexpensive beauty products for all ages and ethnicities. You have the chance to get involved in worthwhile causes like Color of Hope (www.lorealcolorofhope.com) that supports ovarian cancer research and awareness and Women of Worth that celebrates women who are making a beautiful difference in their communities."

I love L'Oreal makeup and I was stoked to try out the One Sweep Eyeshadow, which is way cool and unique, and the Double Extend Eye Illuminator Mascara. I struggle to find a mascara I really enjoy, and this one is right up there. I loved the ease of it and my eyelashes did not get all goopy and stick together. Very cool makeup. Gosh, I love makeup. I love L'Oreal.

Check out all the great products on L'orealParisUsa.Com and on their Facebook Page.

I received products to try and review from L'Oreal and BzzAgent.

Spring Cleaning With SC Johnson


Spring Cleaning....I enjoy it. But I am weird that way. So I was super excited to try out some products from SC Johnson to help me do my cleaning. They were products from Glade, Scrubbing Bubbles, and Pledge. Of course, I have used products by all these brands before, but it is always nice to try them again and again....Why wouldn't you, when you love something so much?

Glade:
One scent does not fit all. Which room of your home do you want to introduce a fragrance into? How long do you want it to last? What mood are you trying to achieve? Fortunately, Glade brings you many fragrance products to meet your needs.

Scrubbing Bubbles:
Clean, shiny bathrooms are not only beautiful; they are more sanitary and inviting. From quick cleaning to deep cleaning and disinfecting, Scrubbing Bubbles leaves your bathroom surfaces with brilliantly clean surfaces and a fresh scent.

Pledge:
Healthy, shiny wood surfaces can help your home come alive. From quick dusting to polishing and revitalizing, Pledge helps you keep your wood surfaces looking their best.

Keep updated and find out about all the new products on their Facebook pages: Scrubbing Bubbles, Glade, and RightAtHome (Pledge).

I received products to try and review from SC Johnson and BzzAgent.

Maybelline Superstay 24

Product Details & Why You'll Love It

Meet the 24-hour lipcolor that stretches the limits of longwear:
• Micro-Flex formula glides on and looks gorgeous all day
• No crumbling, no caking, no fading, no feathering, no transferring
• 2-step lipcolor in one pack
• 30 long-lasting shades

I got to try 4 shades of Maybelline Superstay 24, and I loved it. I first wore it to my cousins wedding recently, and I did not have to reapply once - not even after dinner and many drinks and a few smooches on my hubster. Very cool. And the best part, my lips felt great, very moisturized. Amazing stuff.

Check out all the great products on Maybelline.com and on the Maybelline Facebook page!


I received products from Maybelline for being a BzzAgent.

Beautiful Blue Eyes

Beautiful Blue Eyes by Marianne Richmond

About The Book:
A child's eyes truly tell wonders, revealing personality, thoughts and feelings of the heart. Beautiful Blue Eyes, a sweet story with engaging illustrations, celebrates the unique spirit of the blue-eyed boy or girl. I watched, and I waited as your eyes chose their hue, deciding in time on their beautiful blue. Blue as a butterfly wing or the sparkly sea. Blue as the birdy singing in her tree.

My Thoughts:
I adored this book. I love how it is put together, with the words and the illustrations. Big fun lettering so the kids can really get into it. Callan even was able to point out some words to me on his own. And of course, I love that the book is about blue eyes, since both my boys have blue eyes, hee hee. Very cute clever book for children.

About The Author:
Marianne Richmond Studios, Inc. was founded in 1991 as a greeting card company with just 20 designs and has become a recognized creator of numerous books that celebrate milestones in life, a memorable journey, and relationships. Since her first book, The Gift of An Angel, writer and artist Marianne Richmond has touched the lives of millions. Visit www.mariannerichmond.com

BUY this book from Sourcebooks HERE. On sale tomorrow!

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from Sourcebooks. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Letters To Zerky

Letters To Zerky by Bill Raney

About The Book:
From Publishers Weekly: In this plodding memoir, Bill and Joanne Raney recount a cross-continent trip that began in 1967 with a flight from San Francisco to Munich and took the couple across Europe and Asia in a Volkswagen bus with infant son Xerxes (the titular Zerky) and headstrong dachshund Tarzan in tow. Written in two voices - Joanne's diary entries and Bill's letters to Xerxes - the Raneys record daily events and interactions, from the epic (visiting the Taj Majal, witnessing a Hindu funeral) to the mundane (exchanging money in Iran, border crossings, gastrointestinal illnesses) with equal zeal, often omitting important historical, geopolitical, and regional information. Not without its moments - some of them genuinely touching - the book remains an often banal account of an epic journey without the revelations or insight one would expect from two hippies in the tumultuous 1960s.

My Thoughts:
I loved this book. I love that it is from diary entries and letters, so it is real, in real words, real emotions. The book takes you on a real life journey of one family, through their eyes. I loved it. I someday would love to write a book from my diaries and letters and such, but I am sure it would not be as interesting as this book. I really enjoyed this book and applaud Bill Raney for sharing this with us all.

About The Author:
Bill Raney was born in Grand Forks, North Dakota, and spent his teen years in Port Angeles, Washington. It was there he got a ham radio license and began cruising the world on its airwaves. After two and a half years at Reed College in Portland, Oregon, he dropped out to become a beatnik in San Francisco's North Beach district during the late 1950s and 60s. It was there he met and married JoAnne Walker Raney, who owned and ran The Movie, a small art theatre in North Beach at the time. In May of 1967, soon after Bill and JoAnne adopted Zerky (Eric Xerxes Raney), they left for the journey detailed in "Letters to Zerky, a Father's Legacy to a Lost Son and a Road Trip Around the World." Upon returning to California, thirteen months later, they moved down the coast to Santa Cruz, California, where Bill got a loan from a bank and started the Nickelodeon Theatre, which is still going strong today and has become a Santa Cruz institution. One month after the Nickelodeon opened, JoAnne died in the night of an undiagnosed cerebral aneurism, and then about year after that Zerky was run over by a truck. Today, Bill is re-married to Nancy Raney, who for many years helped him run the Nickelodeon. Together they took many periodic get-away trips to exotic places such as India, Africa, Papua New Guinea, South America and the Arctic. After selling the Nickelodeon in 1997, Bill and Nancy moved to Spain for six months, and then in 1997 bought an old 42-foot trawler on which they lived for the next eight years, cruising the Pacific Coast from Santa Cruz north to Alaska and back. It was towards the end of their peripatetic life on the boat that Bill ran into the letters he had written to Zerky on that trip of so many years ago, and also some old pictures and JoAnne's diary. Bill realized they could be a book to serve as a memorial. Today Bill and Nancy live in a redwood forest outside Santa Cruz, California, with the deer, no antelope to play with them, but with Lucy and Hardy, their two remaining cats. Hardy's sister Laurel got eaten by a coyote!

BUY this book on Amazon HERE.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from FSB Associates and the author. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Skoy Cloth Review & *Giveaway*

"The Skoy Cloth is a fabulous, absorbent, biodegradable and natural multi-use cloth. Our re-usable earth friendly cloth is perfect in your kitchen, bathroom, and on most surface areas in your home or office. Skoy Cloth can be used in place of your sponge, wash cloth or paper towels. It is a European made product and 100% biodegradable because it is made from a natural cotton and wood-based cellulose pulp. Skoy Cloth is a chlorine-free product using water-based colors and inks. After an independent composting test, Skoy Cloth broke down completely within 5 weeks. The Skoy Cloth is a durable product due to the reusability factor and can last months. Using a Skoy Cloth is equivalent to using 15 rolls of paper towels in an average home. With the high cost of paper towels, as much as $2 per roll, Skoy Cloth is the obvious choice for your wallet and the environment. The Skoy Cloth has an absorption factor of 15x its own weight. As a result, producing the most superior cloth product available. Imagine using 15 sheets of good-quality paper towels at once…This is how a wet Skoy Cloth will feel in your hand. The Skoy Cloth is long-lasting because of the wash ability feature. It dries quickly, so it is not a breeding ground for bacteria. Have you ever used your sponge, then smelled your hand and it reeked of horrible bacteria? That will never happen again if you microwave your Skoy Cloth regularly. It is also dishwasher and washer/dryer safe. Cleaning your Skoy Cloth will keep it healthy and germ-free. The cool and unique designs will make cleaning fun!"

I am actually really impressed with this product. I used it in my kitchen and I replaced my dishrag, and paper towels! Love love love it. And I love that you can toss it in the wash and that's it. Good to go again once washed and dried. Very cool product!

Want to win a pack of Skoy Cloths to try for yourself? Here's how:

1. Follow this blog.
2. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.
3. Blog about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends April 5th. Good luck!


I received a product from Skoy Cloth in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Dragons: Legends & Lore Of Dinosaurs

"A fascinating presentation on dragons and their biblical connection will shed light on the truth of their existence and connection to the last living dinosaurs. Powerful, fire-breathing, fantastic beings that have left their legacy on this world and can now only be found in the pages of ancient texts. Dragons! Dragons: Legends & Lore of Dinosaurs is a juvenile nonfiction title enjoyable for all ages! It takes you back to the days of these amazing creatures and their presence in various cultures including Asia, the Americas, and Europe. Read of thrilling historical battles between dragons, and saints, and their ability to terrorize medieval castles. Mystical fantasies brought to life, as the truth is revealed. This title is casebound and beautifully presented using original illustrations, envelopes, fold-outs, gatefolds, and more! 24 pages and 11 spreads of substantial quality, and unique content."

I love these kinds of books, and I probably enjoyed this one more than Callan. We spent about an hour looking at this book, and it was a really nice bonding time with my son. The illustrations and graphics are amazing, and all the fun extras like the pull-outs and envelopes. Plus, the text is interesting as well. You sure can learn a lot, and have fun doing it!

To buy this book, and more great titles, visit New Leaf Publishing Group.

I received a complimentary review copy of this book from New Leaf Publishing Group. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent *Giveaway*

"Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent cleans and removes stains from your laundry with the power of Oxygen Bleach Destainer and Deodorizer. Powdered Laundry Detergent is safe and effective at all temperatures on whites, permanent press, bright colors, pastels, prints, and delicates in hard or soft water. (Not suitable for Silk or Wool) Tropical Traditions Powdered Laundry Detergent is non-toxic, environmentally safe and contains no phosphates. Powdered Laundry Detergent cleans and safely bleaches your clothes with the added power of Oxygen Bleach Destainer and Deodorizer. With our Laundry Detergent there are no harmful by-products upon decomposition. Powdered Laundry Detergent dissolves as completely as liquid detergents and rinses away completely leaving no residue in your clothes. Powdered Laundry Detergent costs less to use than commercial liquid detergents and costs no more to use than commercial powdered household laundry detergents. Powdered Laundry Detergent contains no dyes, perfumes, fillers or phosphates. Compare our Laundry Detergent to your normal laundry detergent and you’ll see the difference!"

I actually enjoy doing laundry. I know, I'm strange. And I was so thrilled once I used Tropical Traditions Laundry Detergent. My whites were definitely whiter, that's the first thing I noticed. I like that the detergent is chemical free, since Mason is so sensitive to a lot of things. We will keep on using this detergent, it works well for us.

Want to win this laundry detergent? Here's how:

1. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.
2. Blog about this giveaway.
3. Tell me your favorite chore to do?

 Giveaway ends April 4th. Good luck!

I received a product from Tropical Traditions in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

ReNew Life Review & *Giveaway*

ReNew Life is digestive care website that offers all kinds of information and products to help you achieve a healthy digestive system. I tried the CandiZyme.

"Multi-Enzyme, Anti-Fungal Formula for Yeast Overgrowth * SmartZYME blend for more potent enzymes
* Supports healthy balance of yeast organisms * Helps break down sugars and carbohydrates before they can ferment or be used by yeast * Fights Candida overgrowth & helps break down cellulose (vegetable fiber) & yeast cell"

Brenda Watson, N.D., C.N.C. is among the foremost authorities on natural digestive care and nutrition. She is a New York Times best-selling author, media expert and speaker. She has a PBS Special called The Road Perfect Health.

The Road to Perfect Health – Balance Your Gut, Heal Your Body, an in-depth look at how chronic diseases start with an unhealthy digestive system. Coinciding with the PBS special is the release of The Road to Perfect Health – Balance Your Gut, Heal Your Body: A Modern Guide to Curing Chronic Disease, a 660 page natural health reference book coauthored by Leonard Smith, M.D., Rick Sponaugle M.D. and Jamey Jones B.Sc.

Check your local listings for this show on PBS HERE.

Would you like to win a $50 gift certificate to ReNew Life? Here's how:

1. Join Brenda's newsletter from her website HERE.
2. Follow Brenda on Facebook.
3. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.
4. Blog about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends April 3rd. Good luck!


I received a product from ReNew Life in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Wild Dill Imagination Box


"Bring out the artist in your child. Made out of sturdy double walled corrugated board, this fire house will last through dozens of alarms. Friends, fire trucks, stuffed animals and action figures can all be part of the fun. Printed inside and out, this fire house will provide many hours of creative activity both in painting it and playing with it and is perfect for individual or group play. Comes with its own set of eight washable, non-toxic water colors."

This is so cool! Callan loves loves loves it. He brings his toys in there and doesn't let anyone else come in, and if we call for him he will yell to us that he is at work! Hee hee. It is really sturdy and durable. I used markers to help Callan color it because the paints were not as vibrant as I would have liked. But all in all, this was a hit and we love it!

Check out this and more awesome products at Wild Dill.

I received a product from Wild Dill in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Flexi Clip Review & *Giveaway*

"Lilla Rose has the most awesome hair product I have ever used, the Flexi Clip! No more headaches, no more pins, no more plastic claws! Our Clip is different from other hair accessories because of the following features: Our clip is ornate: beautifully designed in a multitude of colors; it is amazingly flexible which most items of it’s kind are not; it is one-piece so you do not have to worry about losing a piece of it; the Flexi Clip is also very durable and finally, it locks so the pin does not slip out. Our flexible clip will fit in just about any thickness of hair. We have six sizes: mini’s, extra small, small, medium, large, and extra large. Visit the website for instructional videos that show eight beautiful hairstyles, and explain what Flexi clip you could need for your hair. It’s simple. It’s beautiful. It’s affordable. Enjoy your visit, while finding the Flexi Clip that works best for you!"

I personally enjoyed the Flexi Clip. It is for everyday use, but I thought mine was just too beautiful to wear everyday, so I use it for special occasions. It is absolutely gorgeous, and it does work well to create beautiful styles. Make sure to get the right size for your hair type, and you won't be disappointed!

Want to win a Flexi Clip of you choice up to a $15 value? Here's how:

1. Go to htpp://www.lillarose.biz/ClassicBeauty and tell me what style you like best.
3. Follow on Twitter at: http://twitter.com/LillaRoseClips

Giveaway ends April 2nd. Open to US and Canada only, sorry. Good luck!

I received a product from Lilla Rose in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Glass With A Twist


"GlassWithATwist.com is the web’s best source for engraved glassware! We custom etch bar-quality glass to your specifications. Personalize one of our template designs, or start from scratch and make your own! There are no setup charges and no quantity requirements…. get anything from a single glass to a bulk order."

When I first saw this site, I thought, what a great gift idea for anyone, for any occasion. I got Jason a glass that says "Jason's Medicine" for when he relaxes and has a rum and coke. He thought it was cute, and a cool idea. The etching was perfect, and the quality of the glass was great. Very cool gift ideas! Check them out online at GlassWithATwist.com.

I received a product from Glass With A Twist in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Friday, March 25, 2011

You Bars

YouBars.com is a site where you can buy pre-made protein bars, or customize your own! Hence, YOU Bar, a bar made just for you. I got to try several varieties and let me tell ya, they ain't half bad! They really tide you over when you need a little something to get you through the day. Filling, yummy, good for you, made by you, what more could you ask for? Check them out at YouBars.com.

Just for my readers, if you order from YouBars.com, you can get 10% off your order with checkout code: HOTW. Be sure to take advantage of this deal!

I received products from YouBars in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Hint Water


"The idea behind Hint is simple: pure water, nature's original refreshment, accented with a hint of natural flavor. No sugar, no artificial sweeteners: Hint is a refreshing alternative to sodas, juice and other sweetened drinks and it tastes great."

I do not like flavored water. I've tried a variety, and just never liked them. But, lo and behold, I liked Hint Water. I really did. My favorite flavor was the Blackberry. And Mason just really dug the water. Wanted it over juice! How cool is that? I like that Hint is healthy and flavorful. Something I feel good about drinking myself and giving to my kids.

Buy Hint online, or find it in your local Whole Foods stores. For more info visit Hint HERE.

I received products from Hint Water in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Foto Find Friday 3/25





Thursday, March 24, 2011

Tatutina Medals Review & *Giveaway*

The kids medals from Tatutina.com are so incredibly cute! I love this one I got for Callan. We got it in time for his birthday, and were able to present it to him, just because. We were able to write his name on the back and the date, so he knows it is just for him. There are a variety of different medals that you can use for any reason. All the medals are hand painted and one of a kind. Very cool. Tatutina has a variety of other products as well. All hand painted and very unique!

Tatutina is offering one reader a medal of their choice! Here's how to enter:

1. Follow this blog.
2. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.
3. Blog about this giveaway.
4. Tell me which medal you'd like.

Giveaway ends March 31st. Good luck!



I received a product from Tatutina in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Organize It Mom Review & *Giveaway*


"OrganizeItMom.com is the best place to find products to motivate yourself and your kids. You can find everything from Chore Charts to Grocery Lists. We’ve pinpointed what makes you crazy and offer practical, cute solutions. For potty training, use the best Potty Chart in the world. To get the kids working, use the Chore Chart. To get the kids to clean up, use the Toy Labels. To get them into and out of bed, use the Routine Cards. To track their homework or motivate them during homeschool, use the Schoolwork Chart. To make grocery shopping a breeze, use the Grocery List and the Grocery Organizer. To get your kids reading, use the Reading Chart. To get the kids moving, use the Oh My Stars! Game. To manage their television or computer time, use the Media Money. To organize your time, use the Calendars and the Today’s Fun Chart. We’ve got everything you need to Motivate for Sanity’s Sake!"

I received the Good Guys Chart for Callan to help him learn that he needs to share his toys with his little brother. It is a little racetrack and every time he shared nicely, he would move forward. Once he got the finish line and was a winner, we gave him a treat, like a cookie or a piece of candy, since he does not usually get those kinds of foods. He did awesome, and now he's got sharing down pat, and we can use the chart for something else. Worked amazingly! Love it!

OrganizeItMom.com is generously offering one of my readers a product(s) $10 or under for free! Here's how to enter:

1. Follow this blog.
2. Follow Motivate For Sanity's Sake Blog (OrganizeItMom's Blog).
3. Follow OrganizeItMom on Twitter.
4. Tweet or FB post about this giveaway.
5. Blog about this giveaway.

Giveaway ends March 31st. Good luck!

I received product from OrganizeItMom.com in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Awesome Hair Finds

Esha Natural line from Esha Girl - Unruly hair and frizz don’t stand a chance when indulging in this terrific collection. It’s a one-stop s...