Wednesday, February 29, 2012

Hand In Hand Sustainable Suds *Giveaway* 10 winners!!

At Hand in Hand, they understand the importance of preserving our environment. While the mission of Hand in Hand is to save lives, they realize they must also be environmentally responsible. Each bar of soap is 100% eco-friendly, biodegradable, and contains ingredients ethically harvested from sustainable resources. They have created what they consider to be the most environmentally friendly and ethically conscious soaps on the market today. Every bar of soap is certified by Fair Trade USA, the Natural Products Association, is palm oil free, cruelty free, and is made from sustainable resources. The soap's paper wrap is made from 30% recycled material, and for every bar purchased, it will save 50 square feet of rainforest.
The scent or flavor of the bars is Orange Blossom: Gentle blends of grapefruit, orange blossom, and eucalyptus. Ethically harvested from sustainable resources made up of 100% natural ingredients. Thetriple milled Shea butter soap is sure to be soothing to your skin and senses, gentle on our environment, and a beautiful compliment to your home. For every bar purchased, Hand in Hand will donate a bar to help save a child's life. Buy a bar, give a bar. Hand in Hand.

Buy A Bar, Give A Bar
Each year more than 5 million people, mainly children, die in impoverished areas of the world due to respiratory infections and diarrhoeal diseases. These diseases kill more people in a year than HIV and malaria combined. The majority of these illnesses are caused by the lack of proper hygiene and clean water. Studies have shown that hand washing with soap can reduce nearly half of these infections that ultimately lead to death. Prevention is key. Simply put, a bar of soap can save a life. Together, we can save lives. Hand in Hand will donate one bar of soap for every bar purchased in an effort to stop these needless deaths. Buy a bar, give a bar. Hand in Hand. Check it out on Hand In Hand on Facebook.

10 lucky winners will win a bar of soap. Here's how:
1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends. Good luck!

Giveaway ends March 16th!

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

Castle Ink *Giveaway*

Castle Ink sells printer ink cartridges for most printer brands. Save up to 75% on printer supplies with their high quality compatible and remanufactured ink cartridges. Products: Printers, Ink Cartridges, Laser Toner, Ink Refill Kits, Epson Ink, Canon Inkjet Cartridges, HP Ink Cartridges, etc.
We have a laser printer with toner, so that is what we were sent for a review, a black color laser toner cartridge. It fit our printer perfectly, and we are still using the cartridge! Lasts a long time! We love it!

One reader will win $50 in ink! Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends March 14th. Good luck!

I recieved a product from Castle Ink in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

6 Months Ago We Gained An Angel



Angelina Ballerina DVD *Giveaway*

Once upon a time there was a graceful mouseling ballerina who loved to dance, and put on magical performances with her friends. Her royal mouse-ness is back doing what she does best – charming and entertaining aspiring young dancers – in Angelina Ballerina: Ballerina Princess, a new, five-episode collection on DVD, Digital Download and On Demand March 6, 2012 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Leap into the fun as everyone’s favorite dancing mouseling tracks a mysterious tutu, learns that every role is important, uses creativity and dance to tell a story and more!

About DVD:
Join Angelina Ballerina and her friends for enchanting adventures filled with princesses, princes, kings and queens. Dancing their way through Chipping Cheddar, Angelina encounters a bad fairy, uncovers a Cinderella-like mystery, treats the king and queen to a regal performance and brings an epic tale to life on stage! With secrets, spells, dance and celebrations, it’s a royally good time for all!

Episodes:
· “Angelina’s Big Part”
· “Angelina and Polly’s Two Hour Show”
· “Angelina’s Fancy Tutu”
· “Angelina and the Carnival”
· “Angelina’s Indian Lunchtime”

This is a super cute DVD. We've watched Angelina Ballerina on TV before, and Callan seemed to like it, even though it was a "girl" show. So we gave the DVD a try, and he enjoyed, and so did I. It is really cute!

One lucky reader will win a copy of this DVD. Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends March 14th. US only. Good luck!

I received a complimentary review copy of this DVD from Andrea Blain PR and Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Tuesday, February 28, 2012

The Long Road Home

This summer three American veterans and a small film crew will bicycle across the nation - from Washington State to Washington, D.C. During this four month, four-thousand mile journey they aim to document the healing power the road provides as these national heroes overcome the personal challenges that led them to undertake this life-changing endeavor. Along the way, we will visit military bases, VAMCs, and veterans organizations, asking other veterans the urgent question: What can we do as a nation to serve our troops as they come home?

Their footage will be turned into a documentary as well as uploaded to the web in weekly episodes. They will all be doing guest blogging during their trip on the blog Thank A Soldier Monthly.

A Super Luxe Babyshower!

Enter today to win a an amazing prize for your baby shower! Enter HERE.

ChasingTreasure.com *Giveaway*


ChasingTreasure.com specializes in jewelry boxes and jewelry related gifts. If you're looking for a special gift or a beautiful way to organize your jewelry, they have a jewelry box for you! Visit their website to shop jewelry boxes in a huge variety of sizes and styles, from small travel cases to large floor standing armoires. Receive a free jewelry care cloth with every order.
This fine leather travel jewelry clutch is styled to make a statement, with its lovely wrap-around straps softly dangling. Features removable snap-in zippered pouch for your traveling convenience, three separate zippered compartments for necklaces, chains and bracelets; a stud earring organizer and a snap-top ring holder. Available in black, soft beige, hot pink and tan. Fully lined in suede. I got mine in hot pink, and it rocks!
Facts & Features:
*Genuine Leather
*Wrap-around straps
*Removable snap-in zippered pouch for your traveling convenience
*Three separate zippered compartments for necklaces, chains and bracelets; a stud earring organizer and a snap-top ring holder.
*Your choice of 4 colors: black, soft beige, hot pink and tan.
*Fully lined

One reader will win an item from ChasingTreasure.com. Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends March 13th. Good luck!

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

Children's Advil - Coupon

Calling all moms! Flu season may leave your child feeling feverish, so as the season heats up, don’t get caught empty-handed and having to make that midnight run to the pharmacy. Children’s Advil is there to offer the relief you and your child can depend on! Children’s Advil provides up to 8-hours of fever relief in just one dose, relieving fever faster and keeping it down longer to help kids get back to feeling like kids again.

Click here for an online coupon link for Children's Advil.

Dye-free Infants’ Advil is available for children ages 6-23 months and Children’s Advil is available for ages 2-11 in four great liquid suspension flavors including Grape, Blue Raspberry, Fruit and Dye-Free White Grape, as well as convenient Grape Chewables.

For more information, visit us at www.childrensadvil.com.

1: Face At A Time

Mirza Minds; a design and marketing firm is launching the 1: Face watch, the mission statement reads “Changing the world 1:Face at a time.” - a campaign whose purpose is to raise money and awareness of world-wide issues encouraging consumers to make a difference.

With the 1: Face mission statement speaking for itself, Mirza Minds hopes to inspire the average consumer to change the way they think about purchasing products. “Our mission statement is so much bigger than the brand,” said Faraz A. Mirza, Creative Director. “Our goal was to design an affordable & trendy product that would benefit the world.” A component of the agency’s effort to raise awareness is the 1: Face wrist-watch, a self-branded watch which will be unveiled at the end of March. Retailing at 24.99, 1: Face features a sleek innovate design, a silicone band, an LED screen and reflective mirror screen. Available in five colors; white for poverty, black for cancer, pink for breast cancer, blue for earth hour, maroon for aids; 1: Face is designed to remind users that they contributed to changing the world every time they check the time.

Once launched, about 10,000 watches are expected to be moved in the first three months. Majority of the proceeds obtained from sales will go directly towards non-profit organizations such as UNICEF, American Cancer Association, and the World Wildlife Fund.

Social Media May Not Be That Bad for Your Teen

According to a new World Vision 30 Hour Famine study, conducted online in January by Harris Interactive, more than half of teens (55 percent) say social media sites like Facebook and Twitter have made them more aware of the needs of others. This is a huge increase from 2011 when 4 in 10 (44 percent) said their use of social media made them more aware. The study also says 2 in 3 teens (68 percent) agree that the benefits of social media outweigh the risks.

According to the study, more than nine out of ten (91 percent) agree that it’s important to volunteer locally. At the end of this month, some 200,000 teens will go hungry as part of World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine to raise funds and hunger awareness. Since 1992, 30 Hour Famine has raised more than $150 million to fight world hunger. This is the fourth year World Vision has surveyed American youth to get a better idea of what they’re thinking. 30 Hour Famine has close to 30,000 Facebook friends.

“The jump in the number of teens who say social media sites make them more socially aware is a sign of the times,” says Regina Corson, Senior Vice President, Harris Poll, Public Relations and Youth Research at Harris Interactive. Michele Tvedt, World Vision’s 30 Hour Famine Manager says, “It’s exciting to see our youth using the tools at their fingertips like social media to have a direct impact on the world.” Tvedt has personally done The Famine for 13 years, adding up to more than 390 hours.

While many teens will participate in 30 Hour Famine in late February, others will participate April 27 - 28. Teens forsake food for 30 hours to get a taste of what the world’s poorest children face. Prior to the event, teens raise funds by explaining that $1 can help feed and care for one child a day. Teens consume only water and juice as they participate in local community service projects (food banks, soup kitchens and homeless shelters). Last year’s 30 Hour Famine raised $9.5 million to fight hunger. This year’s goal is $10 million.

Tonight, almost 1 billion people worldwide will go to bed hungry. Almost 22,000 children die each day from hunger and preventable diseases. Chronic poverty, affecting half the people on earth, is the cause. Nearly 3 billion people live on less than $2 a day. Funds raised this year for 30 Hour Famine will be sent to 10 countries including Haiti, the Horn of Africa, Burundi, Malawi, Pakistan and Afghanistan. Some 30 Hour Famine funds also address poverty here in the U.S.

Info: www.30hourfamine.org or www.facebook.com/wv30HF or call 800-7-FAMINE.

Monday, February 27, 2012

Build-A-Bear Fun Packs *Giveaway*

We love Build-A-Bear. It started with a Fall Bear that Big Brother Callan made for Baby Mason when he was born. And from then on, we have gained a collection of Build-A-Bears. They are so cool, and we just love them! And now you can now own a mini-sized plush bear at home with the Build-A-Bear Workshop Fun Packs. These are available in the toy section at Walmart, Toys-R-Us and Target for under $10! There are 12 different plush toys to choose from including bears, cats, and bunnies. There is also the new Build-A-Bear Trading Cards. Each trading card pack is under $2 and includes 6 collectible items: 2 Trading Cards, a Tattoo Set, a Scratch-off Activity Card, and a Bearville.com online code card. Callan went ga-ga and so much fun making the bears, and then checking out all the cards and activities! It is all very very cool!

Enterplay designs and manufactures innovative and fun collectible products, which include trading cards, plush, stickers, tattoos, mini-games, puzzles, etc. Headquartered in Guilford, Connecticut, the team is passionate about what they do and has worked on many of the most successful licensed trading card, collectible, and game products. They are taking that experience and presenting collectible products in an all-new and fun way. Enterplay is committed to presenting products that provide a compelling value with fun in everything they do!

One winner will receive 1 Build-A-Bear Furry Friend + Fun Pack and 2 Build-A-Bear Trading Card Packs. Here's how:

1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends March 12th. Good luck!
 
I received products from EnterPlay in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Rally for Real Pizza

"Rally for Real Pizza" by pledging to boycott "blah" and serve only the freshest frozen pizza - FRESCHETTA® pizza!

Details:
Date - February 27, 2012 - March 30, 2012
What - Rally for Real Pizza
Where - From the comfort of your own home
Details - Starting February 27, 2012 on www.Facebook.com/Freschettapizza

The makers of FRESCHETTA® products will be asking fans to take a stand for FRESCH® pizza! Fans will be able to submit a photo to a Rally Mosaic on their Facebook Fan Page for a chance to win FRESCHETTA® pizza. Each week, they will select 100 winners to receive 5 FRESCHETTA® pizzas. On March 30, they will select 10 winners who will receive a year supply of FRESCHETTA® pizza.

Perfectly Amanda

Perfectly Amanda by Beckey Burgoyne

About The Book:
Perfectly Amanda, Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty: To Dodge and Beyond is the biography of Amanda Blake, who portrayed Kitty Russell on television's Gunsmoke for nearly 20 years, as told by Beckey Burgoyne, an Illinois elementary school teacher and an avid Miss Kitty fan. As a farmer's daughter, Burgoyne can certainly appreciate the value of hard work and self-reliance, characteristics that came to life in Amanda Blake's portrayal of Miss Kitty. In Perfectly Amanda, Burgoyne celebrates everything the character of Kitty Russell stood for: strength, grace, intelligence, independence and so much more. The book provides readers with a chronological look into Amanda Blake's life both on- and off-screen. Readers will also enjoy many wonderful anecdotes and personal reflections as told by Blake's friends and colleagues, as well an extensive collection of photographs, both formal and candid. Full of tales of travel and adventure, as well as heartwarming stories of Blake's devotion to a wide variety of charities, there is something in Perfectly Amanda for everyone - young or old, male or female. More than just a typical biography, this is a tale of strength, courage and compassion. It's the story of a legendary character that sparked a generation of women to challenge conventional views on the traditional roles they were expected to play in society. 

My Thoughts:
I did not grow up in the age of "Gunsmoke", but I have watched many, many, many re-runs and I know who Miss Kitty is. So I was thrilled to be able to read this book, plus I love a good biography. And this one is lovely, and lovingly done. I am passing this book along to my own mother who is a huge Miss Kitty fan, and Ruby from Red Skelton's shows! I am betting she will enjoy this book as much as I did.

About The Author:
Beckey Burgoyne, an elementary school teacher from Illinois and daughter of a farmer, has penned her first book - Perfectly Amanda, Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty: To Dodge and Beyond. Burgoyne was driven to write this biography of Amanda Blake based on her deep admiration of the actress and the strong woman she portrayed on television's Gunsmoke. Born in Danville, Ill., Beckey Burgoyne has lived in Illinois and Indiana all of her life. A graduate of Eastern Illinois University in Charleston, Ill., Burgoyne has always had a passion for the theater and English. Putting her two loves together, it only made sense that her first book would be about the famous actress who inspired her in so many ways. As an elementary school teacher since 1992, Burgoyne has taught math, science and physical education classes. Outside of teaching and spending time with her family, she also loves flowers and the theater. The self-proclaimed "Flower Lady" has been designing, planting and caring for 15 flowerbeds at her local bank for the last 10 summers. She is also involved in the choir/drama department at her church and has taken part in their Christmas and Easter dramatic musical productions for the past 15 years. She also works with the Danville Light Opera, a local community theater group, whenever she can. As a wife, mother, full-time teacher and now a published author, however, Burgoyne doesn't find a lot of free time. Perfectly Amanda, Gunsmoke's Miss Kitty: To Dodge and Beyond was the result of Burgoyne's lifelong love for and admiration of the great actress Amanda Blake and her Gunsmoke character, Kitty Russell, the owner of the Long Branch Saloon and love interest of Marshal Matt Dillon on the legendary Western series. As a young girl, Burgoyne was greatly influenced by Miss Kitty. She admired her independent nature and contentment with choosing a career over homesteading. As television didn't often portray women with such strength and strong will, Miss Kitty was truly an inspiration and an excellent role model for a new generation of women. To honor all that she stood for, Burgoyne put pen to paper for this biography.

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

Macaroni Monday - National Children's Dental Health Month

As parents we are responsible for the health of our children. That includes their dental health. The World Health Organization considers dental caries (aka cavities) a chronic disease. Yes, you read that right, a disease. On the bright side, cavities are the most preventable disease in the world. As a practicing dental hygienist, the biggest problem I see is the over-consumption of sweetened beverages. With kids, this is usually in the form of juice. Isn't it typical to see a toddler carrying his sippy cup full of juice all day or a child who drinks 1 juice box after another? When I see multiple cavities, parents are surprised my first question to them is how much juice does your child drink - not how much candy do they eat. Why? The answer is simple. We drink more than we eat and with a greater frequency. It is the frequency that teeth are exposed to sugar in the juice that creates an environment favorable for cavity formation.

What can a worried parent do to prevent this over-exposure? If your child is used to drinking a lot of juice you may try decreasing gradually. First, start offering only water between meals. Also, water juice down if possible. For older toddlers and preschoolers, start weaning off of the sippy cups altogether. It may be a battle, but it is a battle that is better to fight at home rather than in the dentist chair while your child is getting cavities filled.

Some additional tips to keep teeth healthy:
Parents should assist children with brushing and flossing until they are about 10 years old. Most children do not have the dexterity to do a thorough job until this age.
Brush at least twice a day in the morning and evening. If you can, brush throughout the day.
Brush for at least 2 minutes. Most children do not even come close to this. Set a timer if necessary.
Floss your child daily.
Visit the dentist twice a year.
Have your child wear a mouth guard while playing sports.

Remember...A Healthy Smile is Always in Style

Macaroni Kid and its family of Publisher Moms are dedicated to delivering the scoop on all the family-friendly events and activities happening in their communities each week. Check out Macaroni Kid’s list of communities and sign up to receive your free weekly newsletter.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Blog Button.....Anyone?

So it seems like everyone but me has a blog button. I am not that crafty on Photoshop, or whatever everyone uses to make one. Does anyone want to give it a go and make me one? I'm not picky. I might even give you a prize for it! *wink*

Magid Gloves

The Magid EconoWear T9557 Disposable Nitrile Powdered Gloves are 9 1/2" long, 5 mil. thick and offer a superior fit and better puncture, abrasion and chemical resistance than disposable vinyl or latex gloves. The hallmark of the EconoWear T9557 Food Processing Gloves is the enhanced durability offered in a slightly thinner construction at a lower cost compared with the EconoWear T9337 Nitrile Gloves. The slightly thinner material helps to reduce hand fatigue while improving fit and feel and delivering greater tactile sensitivity. These ambidextrous gloves have textured fingertips for enhanced grip, a rolled cuff for easy on/off and they are ideal for use in automotive, janitorial, general maintenance, manufacturing and food processing applications.
*100% nitrile
*Powdered
*9½” length
*5 mil. thick
*Textured fingers
*Ambidextrous
*Blue color
*Rolled cuff
*Latex-free

I use these gloves around the house to do some cleaning, and even some cooking, when I am making something for someone else, and not my family - because my germs are okay for my family, ha! The gloves work great, they have yet to tear no matter what I am doing, and they come on and off easily, and are comfortable! They do the job!

I received a product from Straight North and Magid Glove in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

NEW BABY EINSTEIN INFANT TOYS LAUNCHING NOW!


Calling all parents of children ages 0-2 (and grandparents, aunts, uncles, caregivers, etc.)! In celebration of 15 years of making babies happy, The Baby Einstein Company announces the launch of new toys and gear which captures the serenity, sights and sounds of the sea.

Known for their award-winning infant products, this new Baby Einstein line includes Sweet Sea Dreams Mobile, Sea Dreams Soother, Baby Neptune Activity Saucer, Music & Discovery Travel Mirror, Peek-A-Scene and Count & Discover Treasure Chest.

Babies will love and be entranced by these new developmental toys and gear with soft lights, big shapes, bright colors and sweet melodies designed for self-discovery and the natural curiosity of early learners.

These new toys and gear are eligible for The Baby Einstein Rewards Program, a customer loyalty program created just for families and powered by Disney Movie Rewards.

Check out the redesigned www.babyeinstein.com website!

No Tildes On Tuesday

No Tildes On Tuesday by Cherrye Vasquez

About The Book:
Isabella never wanted to learn to speak Spanish. But when her parents announce that they are moving the family to a predominantly Mexican-American neighborhood, Isabella becomes desperately afraid that she won't be able to fit in and grudgingly agrees to start Spanish lessons with her abuela. But the lessons aren't as easy as she thought they would be. Abuela is a strict teacher and the words are a lot more difficult to memorize than Isabella thought they would be, so at the goading of her best friend she decides to put a stop to them. Through a runaway adventure, a visit to her father in the hospital, and an introduction to a new kind of friend, Isabella comes to realize that Spanish may not be as bad as she thought, and that being able to communicate with people who share her heritage could be invaluable. Follow Isabella and author Cherrye Vasquez on a challenging journey of culture, family, and communication that just might change your mind about having No Tildes on Tuesday.

My Thoughts:
I like that the main character, Isabella, is bi-racial. My niece is bi-racial, and I would like to think that someday she will embrace both of her heritages. I am sharing this book with her. The book is sort of long for younger children, and should maybe have a few pictures in it, but if you take it chapter by chapter I think the younger kids may understand. A nice book.

About The Author:
Author Cherrye S. Vasquez is a public school administrator and an adjunct professor. She is a Doctor of Philosophy in Curriculum & Instruction; a Master of Education in Special Education; and a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Pathology/Audiology. Vasquez specializes in Multi-cultural education and holds certifications in Early Childhood Handicapped, Mid-Management and Educational Diagnostician. She lives in Houston with her husband, Roy and daughter, Kelly.

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

Drama Tween *Giveaway*

 Drama Tween by Vintage Couture, Inc. is a clothing line for fashion forward tweens who want styles that aren't readily available in their sizes. Self-expression is a key part of a tween's development as she begins to set herself apart from the frilly dresses and pink ruffles of her past. As she discovers her personal style, Drama Tween is thrilled to be able to offer her a lot of fabulous options.
I got this top for my niece, knowing she would love it. But I almost kept it because it did fit me! Heh heh. The Drama Tween Trapeze Sequin Pocket Tunic is designed for today's stylish tween girl. Get the latest looks in teen fashion - now in girls sizes. The line-up includes pretty dresses, a wonderful collection of tops, as well as cute shorts. This sleeveless soft grey tunic is in rayon/poly/spandex sparkle knit. Rhinestone top detail. Grey and pink zebra side sequin pockets. Wear with your favorite black tank and black leggings. P.S. My niece adores it!

One lucky reader will win an item from Drama Tween. Here's how:
1. Follow this blog via GFC, the newsletter, or Networked Blogs.
4. Promote this giveaway.

Giveaway ends March 11th. Good luck!

I recieved a product from Vintage Couture in exchange for a review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Happy Spring Equinox

~Hayley