The Daily Portrait by Milson Road (review and giveaway)

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Giveaway closed.

Congrats Benita!

Are you looking for a great gift for a wedding, anniversary, birthday, new baby, bar mitzvah or graduation?  You have got to check out The Daily Portrait by Milson Road.  The Daily Portrait is a great product, like a time capsule, to mark that special day.

I was married about 3 years ago.  We had some photos done, but really did not have anything special to commemorate the day.  I decided to have our wedding date done as The Daily Portrait.  I LOVE IT!

Ordering The Daily Portrait is so simple.  They have several types to choose from.  You simply choose which occassion you want to commemorate and then go through the selection of frame, mat, wording, and photo you would like included.  After your selections have been made you can ask for a digital proof to make sure everything looks good.  After your approval Milson Road then adds the rest of the details from your special date, like "this day in history". 

I loved seeing our wedding photo, and event printed like it was in the newspaper! It is so interesting reading that days headlines and daily facts. I can really see this drawing others interests through the years. One of my favorite things that I did not know would be on The Daily Portrait was the quote by Shakespear at the bottom that they added to commemorate our special day. It was a beautiful touch.  The Daily Portrait really is a one of a kind gift!

For more information on The Daily Portrait go to http://www.milsonroad.com/

Thanks to Milson Road one lucky reader is going to win their own Daily Portrait ($165 value)!

To enter:  Follow my blog and visit Milson Road and tell me which type of Daily Portrait you would most like to order if you win.

Extra entries:

Blog about this giveaway linking back to Milson Road and my blog. (5 entries)

follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)

subscribe to my blog (1 entry)

This giveaway is open to continental US only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on August 8 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

Disclosure:  I received a free Daily Portrait for review from Milson Road.

Checking out Le Creuset cookware at csnstores.com

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Well my hubby's bday is coming up...and even though he is not the main cook, he loves to window shop/ buy the cookware and accessaries in our kitchen!  I will once again be able to work with CSNstores.com and have been looking at their le creuset line of cookware.  They look really nice.  I love all the vibrant colors they offer for their cookware! 

They have so many to choose from right now that are on sale!  Hmm wonder if hubby would like some of these?  Its kind of a win win present for me too...although seeing our anniversary is the day after his birthday maybe it would be nicer to buy as an anniversary gift! 

CSNstores.com has so many categories of products to look through....I am sure you will be seeing some more posts featuring them soon!

disclosure:  I will be receiving a gift certificate to review a product from csnstore.com

BarkOff review

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I received the BarkOff to use with my dog.  My dog is not a huge barker, but does have times when he barks over and over, like when I use the vaccume, he hears another dog on tv, or it is thundering outside.  I used the BarkOff on several occassions, while sometimes just leaving it sitting on my coffee table for times he starts barking at the television.  I did not care for the BarkOff at all!   I did not notice my dog's barking decrease at all.  I didnt even notice his behavior change at all when using the barkoff. 

The BarkOff claims it has an ultrasonic sound signal when your dog barks.  It is supposed to be inaudible to human ears, so I have no idea if the Barkoff was actual making any sound when my dog barked.  He never acted as though he heard anything different.  There were actually a few occassions that we heard a chirping noise while the BarkOff was sitting on the coffee table.  The chirping noise was coming from the Barkoff.  This occured at times when the television was on and once when the kids were making a lot of noise.  We had to turn the BarkOff off during those times.

While I may have not had any success with the BarkOff please check out other MamaBuzz reviewers opinions at http://www.mamabzz.com/  One thing I could agree with that the BarkOff site says is that it is convienently sized to make it portable.  You can easily fit it into your purse or jacket pocket to take it where ever you take your dog.  It is light and easy to carry in your hand  for times you might want it with you on walks.

You can purchase the BarkOff online at https://www.buybarkoff.com/ for $10 plus s/h.

disclosure:  this is a mamabuzz review and the product was provided by telebrands to review.

Crazy Critter review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.
Congratulations nicole!




Crazy Critters™ are stuffing free plush toys with squeakers on both ends.  I received a fox Crazy Critter for my dog.  I just have to say he loves it!!!  He plays with it everyday.  We have had it for a few weeks now and have had no problems with it at all.  He loves that it is longer so he can shake and swing it around.  He also loves the squeakers and is constantly grabbing the ends to get it to squeak.  I think he tries to chew it up so that he can get to the squeakers, but has never managed to chew it apart.  I love that the most.  It does not have any stuffing so there has been no messes.  It also doesnt have any beady eyes or puff ball nose, so he we havent found any little pieces around the house or in his mouth(unlike the stuffed animals he has stolen from the kids!)  It is a great toy for playing tug of war, having lots of room for us and the dog to hold an end.  I would definitely recommend it!

You can purchase a Crazy Critter by going to http://www.getcrazycritter.com/

Crazy Critters are $10 plus s/h.

One lucky reader can win one!  To enter:  Visit Crazy Critter and leave a comment here telling me which animal your dog would like best (I am not sure which actual animal the winner will receive).  You must also be a google friends follower to enter.

Extra entries;
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
subscribe to my blog
add me to your blogroll

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Aug 12 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

disclosure:  This is a MamaBuzz review and the product was provided by Telebrands for review.

Total Pillow review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.
Congratulations amy16323!

VERSATILE TRANSFORMING PILLOW Cradles you with Comfort While Asleep and Awake

Most people spend approximately one-third of their lives asleep on their pillow, however the new Total Pillow has uses for the two-thirds of time spent awake.

There are pillows for all types of issues but no one pillow that bridges all conditions, until now. The Total Pillow™ is for use overnight, on the couch, sitting at your desk, driving, while on a plane or train, in college dorms, or just while watching television. This donut-shaped pillow transforms in just seconds to more than five supportive shapes for customized relief. The patent pending locking technology enables the Total Pillow to support the neck, lower back, ankles and knees.

"Consumers own many different pillows for different applications, identifying the need for a multipurpose pillow solution." said Steve Heroux, CEO of Hampton Direct. "The Total Pillow transforms into five different shapes to answer a wide range of conditions."

The Total Pillow's ergonomic design allows your body to be cradled in support whether you're a side sleeper and like support between your knees and/or ankles or are a frequent traveler. It's also great for the businessperson, who needs lumbar support for the long periods of time spent seated.

I received a Total Pillow and really like it. I like how many different ways I can form it to make myself comfortable. I like that I can use it laying down on my back or side, or can use it sitting up behind/to the side of my neck, back, or even under my arm to prop myself up.

I have decided to let Kennedy use a lot too.  For her she can't sit up on her own and leans to her left side.  The Total Pillow is great to use not only when she is laying down, but also to help keep her up while sitting.  One of the best positions for using the Total Pillow with her is to bend it in a U shape...I place the top of the U against her neck and then then place her elbow into the bottom of the U.  It really helps hold her upright and give her neck support at the same time. 

I like how it holds its shape when you position it.  It is fairly firm, so occassionally you have to rearrange it as I found that sometimes it hits on a pressure point.  This is quickly fixed by just moving it slightly.  It has a cool feel and is silky smooth on one side and a soft smooth material on the other.  When laying on the couch I really dont even use any throw pillows anymore, I just grab for the Total Pillow.  For myself I mostly like using it as the ring shape with the back of my head positioned in the center. 

I have not tried it in the car, as I haven't had it long enough.  I am not typically a fan of a lot of lumbar support, or having the neck pillows around my neck.  If anything I would think I would probably prop it against the window and lean on it or use it for an armrest when travelling long distances.  I also can not comment on its durability, as I have only had it for about a week.  It is filled with the tiny beads, so I would recommend checking it often if you are allowing young children to use it, and to watch it if your animals may have bitten it, or clawed at it, for safety reasons.

Available for $19.99, The Total Pillow and can be ordered online at http://www.buytotalpillow.com/.


One lucky reader can win one!  To enter:  Follow my blog and let me know how you would use the Total Pillow the most.


Extra entries: 
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway.
subscribe to my blog.
add me to your blogroll.


This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on August 10 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

disclosure;  This is a MamaBuzz review and the product was provided to me free for review from Total Pillow. 

"New Tricks" by David Rosenfelt

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Giveaway closed.
Congratulations Valeen, Nancye, and abfantom!

About the book:
Attorney Andy Carpenter is about to represent an adorable Bernese mountain dog puppy, whose owner was brutally murdered, in a custody fight. Few can rival Andy's affection for dogs, and he's determined to keep Waggy from falling into the wrong hands. But this playful pup possesses a valuable secret that some people will resort to violence to obtain. It will take more than Andy's usual courtroom theatrics to save Waggy, including help from the lawyer's golden retriever, Tara. Andy soon discovers that everyone around him is in danger, including his longtime girlfriend, Laurie--and only some high-risk new tricks will save those he cherishes most.


About the Author:
DAVID ROSENFELT is the former marketing president for Tri-Star Pictures and lives in Southern California. For more information, visit his website: http://www.davidrosenfelt.com/.

Thanks to Hatchette book group three lucky readers can win a paperback copy of New Tricks.  To enter:  Follow my blog and simply let me know you would like to win.

Extra entries:
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway.
Subscribe to my blog.
Add me to your blogroll.

This givewaway is open to US and Canada residents only( and no PO boxes).  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on August 10 and the winners will be chosen by random.org.

Mamavation Monday

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Well I am trying, it just isnt always working.  I do really good some days with my food and exercising...and then other days just cave in and eat the junk.  I did probably move more this week than the past weeks, yet I still want to up my regular workouts.  I am not doing really strenuous stuff being pregnant but trying to do some stuff to feel it/raise my heartrate some. I have started back at food journaling as that seems to really help me so that I dont want to eat so much junk.

This weeks Mamavation TV is going to talk about running.....so just wanted to plug my own giveaway for "Chicken Soup for the Soul-Runners" book that I have going on right now...If you are a runner or want to start running go enter..I am definitely saving mine to get me more motivated after the baby!

Also tonight Mamavation Tv will have Katy Bowman talking about moving correctly and her aligned and well series This is something many of us need no matter what level we are at with our physical activity.  I was thinking of skipping tonights show(as I have a long day tomorrow) but think this is definitely something I would like to learn more about.  If you are interested come check out it out at 9pm central time.

Giveaway Scout

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I was just introduced to GiveawayScout.com and am entering my blog so that my giveaways will be listed on their site.  It looks really great.  I love to search through current giveaways, especially when I can narrow it down to specific categories...like parenting, home and garden, jewelry, etc.  With Giveaway Scout you can do just that.  They automatically search through thousands of blogs to bring you new giveaways and sweepstakes.  The list is updated hourly!  How great is that!  So check them out, and hopefully you will see my giveaways listed there too! 

My shutterfly experience

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Well I personally have not used shutterfly yet...but have heard a lot of good things about their photo gifts. I would love to use them for some of their great birth announcements once I have the baby. Wouldnt these be cute:

They have so many designs to choose from that I could spend all day making up a birth announcement!  They offer so many different types of cards besides just birth announcements, that is just one of my favorites right now.  They have cards for just about every occassion, birthdays, weddings, save the date, invitations, Christmas.  They also have stationary like notepads and address labels. 

When I have the baby, it will be close to Christmas and have heard wonderful praise for their Christmas cards, and photobooks!  I would love to get some of these also.  It is always nice to share and receive some great Photo Christmas cards to/from family and friends.

Now that it is summer Shutterfly also offers so many types that you could use right now.  I am sure there are many out there that are celebrating or planning a wedding.  I have seen many people use photo cards for their wedding thank you cards.  This is such a nice way to add a personal touch to your thank you's.

For us summer brings many birthdays.  Shutterfly would be great to create those special birthday party invitations or that special birthday announcement!  I cant wait to use Shutterfly, and for my family and friends watch the mail, because I am sure you will see something from us created at Shutterfly!

What is your experience with Shutterfly?

disclosure:  I will be receiving Shutterfly product samples for commenting on Shutterfly products.

Fitness Friday: "Chicken Soup for the Soul~Runners" (giveaway)

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Nick, FDP 4 Life, and 409 Cope!

101 Inspirational Stories of Energy, Endurance, and Endorphins

"When runners aren't running, they are talking about running, planning their next run, shopping for running. This book contains 101 stories from runners, telling their stories to other runners about. running — how it has changed their lives, their bodies, and their spirits. Runners will love these inspirational stories of fellow runners challenging themselves, recovering from injuries, and staying motivated. Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners also includes amazing stories of marathons, camaraderie, and the natural high that comes from this popular sport. It holds plenty of stories for triathletes too, covering swimming and cycling."

As a Mamavation Sista I really can see this....runners love sharing their stories.  Although I am on hold right now, being pregnant, I was just starting out a possible running plan thanks to reading about others successes and battles with running.  I can really see how reading "Chicken Soup for the Soul~Runners" would be great for any type of runners.  I myself(not a runner) found it inspirational and uplifting.  I will be pulling this back out after having this baby, to hopefully empower me to get the motivation to start trying again. 

Do you want to get energized by runners like Dean Karnezes and Roy Pirrung(ultramarathoners) or runners like Lindsay Nielsen and Scott Maloney both who ran marathons after life changing tragedies?  If so pick up this book!  Thanks to Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing three lucky readers can win a copy Runners!  To enter:  Follow my blog and leave a comment related to running.

Extra entries:
Subscribe to my blog
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
Add me to your blogroll

This giveaway is open to US and Canada.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  The giveaway will end on Aug.6 and the winners will be chosen by random.org

disclosure:  I received a free book for review.

Baby was active today

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I am starting to feel more and more movement lately.  I am now 18 weeks.  Last night I was feeling the baby move for around 3 hours!  Today I had an OB appointment to listen for the heartbeat.  As my doctor placed the doppler on my belly I felt the baby move a couple times.  It was cool because she first could hear the heart beat on my right side, but then got quieter and had to move it to my left side.  The baby's heart beat was in the 170s so was definitely pretty active.  Cant wait until August to have my ultrasound.  Two more weeks!  I am going to try to find out the baby's gender, but may not tell anyone.  Bob says right now that he does not want to know, so it will be difficult telling others, and him not finding out.  In some ways I am debating on not finding out yet either...hmmm...guess we will see how I feel when we get there.

Corel Paint It! Review and giveaway

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This giveaway is closed.

Corel Paint it! can turn photos into beautiful paintings in just three easy steps. Perfect for the budding artist and those who enjoy turning their photo memories into unique pieces of art. Corel Paint it! includes multiple painting styles, brushes and realistic effects that let you add a personal touch to any creative project.

I received a copy of Corel Paint It to review and at first was skeptical at whether I would like it or find it much different than some other software.  I was completely wrong...I love it, and so does Zach.  We both had a lot of fun just playing around with all the different ways you can change your photo.  It is really simple too, and can always go back each step(all the way to the original photo). 

You simply choose a photo you would like to get creative with.  They have some basic editting tools like cropping and then several painting styles, and brushes/effects to get even more creative.  One of the things I like the most is that you can actually blend the different painting/drawing styles. 

I also love the brushes you can use to add more to your photo...there are some unique ones I have not seen on other photo software like fairy dust, that create some cool effects.  Zach really liked using all these to create his own artwork!  What is also cool, is that even after you start changing your photo with the brush stylings, you can then again apply the different painting styles to that! 

Paint It is even fun just to watch.  After you click on the button to "start photo painting" you can watch as the photo is being painted...it is pretty neat to watch. 

You can go to corel.com and download a free trial, or purchase Paint It for $39.99 I think Paint it would be a great software addition for scrapbookers looking for different styles for their photos.

Thanks to Corel one lucky reader can win Paint it!  To enter:  Visit Corel, take their video tour of Paint it and leave a comment telling me something you learned. (You must follow my blog to enter)

Extra entries:
Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
Add me to your blogroll.

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on Aug 5 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

disclosure:  I received Paint it free to review.

gotta get new background

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Sorry if my blog looks a bit messed up...I am working on getting a new background, as mine is not going to be available by the end of the week.

Wordless Wednesday: Who's the Chicken?

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Snikiddy Cheddar Baked Fries review and giveaway

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Giveaway closed.

Congrats misusedinnocence!

Snikkidy Cheddar Baked Fries is a  healthy, tasty alternative to typical fried snacks like potato chips, making them a favorite for families seeking healthy snack options.


•All Natural
•Gluten-free
•Wheat-free
•No corn syrup
•Peanut-free
•No preservatives
•No trans fats
•No hydrogenated oils
•50% less fat than potato chips

Price: 4.5 oz. bag for $1.79

I received a bag of Snikiddy Cheddar Baked Fries to try.  They are a puff type snack with a great flavor. I thought they had just the right amount of cheddar, not too much like cheese puffs.   I really enjoyed the texture, flavor and the fact that they are baked vs fried!  They offer several other flavors too.  I would love to try the bold buffalo for a bit of a kick!

Check them out at Facebook.com/ Snikiddy and fill out the sweeps tab to enter for a chance to win their weekly drawing for a Snikiddy gift basket or the grand prize- a Jamis kids' bike.

Buy Snikiddy sharing packs at Snikiddy.Alice.com and get $1 off, plus FREE shipping.

Enter here for a chance to win a Snikiddy snack size bag of cheddar baked fries.  To enter:  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you would like to win.

Extra entries:
Follow Snikkidy on twitter.
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway.
subscribe to my blog.
add me to your blogroll.

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  The giveaway ends on Aug. 5 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

disclosure:  This is a Mamabuzz review.  The product was provided for free from Snikkidy for review.

EcoSMART organic insecticides (giveaway)

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Bev!

I recently have had the pleasure of trying out some organic insecticides from EcoSMART.  It has been nice having effective products that are safe to use around my family and pets.  You can purchase EcoSMART products like insect repellent, home pest control, and weed killer seperately or from one of their many bundles.  I tried their Safe Lawn and Outdoor Value Bundle, which sells for $31.00 and saves you over 18% by buying it as a bundle ($38 value).  It included the following:

-- Weed and Grass Killer (24 oz spray bottle)

-- Wasp and Hornet Killer (14 oz can)

-- Lawn Insect Killer (32 oz hose end)

-- All natural bug spray (6 oz bottle)





Go check out all that EcoSMART has, and then stop back here and enter to win one!  That's right ...EcoSMART has been very generous and is offering one lucky reader a value bundle of their own.  To enter visit EcoSMART and tell me which value bundle you would like if you won (please comment with the value bundle you really want to win, as that will be the bundle you will get...you get to choose!).  You must also follow my blog with google friends connect to enter.

For extra entries:
~leave a comment on my EcoSMART review here
~follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway.
~subscribe to my blog.
~add me to your blogroll.

This giveaway is open to US residents (excluding Alaska and Hawaii) only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry and a valid email.  This giveaway will end on Aug. 4 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

disclosure:  review and giveaway products provided by EcoSMART for free.

EcoSMART organic weed killer and pesticides

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"EcoSMART kills bugs fast and keeps your family safe from pesiticides."

I have been reviewing the EcoSMART's Safe Lawn and Outdoor Value Bundle which includes their organic weed killer and organic pesticides. I first used the organic weed and grass killer in a few areas that are hard to mow and grow quickly.  This worked really well until we got a very rainy week.  After the rainy week the grass started to grow again, yet was a lot slower growing than typical.  I loved that it was organic and safe to use around animals as one area I needed it was outside of my chicken coup.  It worked well and had no effect on the chickens. 

Over the last couple weeks the summer bugs have really picked up in population!  To stay out for July 4th fireworks we used EcoSMART's insect repellent.  EcoSMART’s non-toxic, botanical skin repellent is safe for use on children of all ages, and works as effectively as DEET and synthetic chemicals. A revolutionary plant based formula is the secret to the efficacy of EcoSMART’s insect repellent. Unlike conventional DEET-based formulas, EcoSMART’s patented technology uses 100 percent food grade ingredients to keep mosquitoes, gnats and more away for hours. It has a fresh, natural scent is non-oily and dries quickly.  This had a nice scent and did detract mosquitos.  The only thing I did notice was using it during the day I think the scent attracted the little sweat bees.  They didnt really bother us, but did come around a bit more.  We also noticed them while I got out the wasp and hornet killer. The wasp and hornet killer is made from organic plant oils.   I had used this to get rid of some wasps that have been trying to build a nest in the gate to our pool deck.  This seemed to have worked for that area as I have not had any wasps in the specific area the last few days.  Like the insect repellent this has a more natural scent vs. a chemical scent. 

I would really recommend EcoSMART if you are looking for a safe way to protect your family this summer!  You can find EcoSMART products in stores like Walmart.  I have seen it available at my local grocery store.  You can also go online http://www.ecosmart.com/ to purchase or find more information on other products available.

disclosure:  I received free products from EcoSMART to do this review.

Mamavation Monday

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Well at last weeks Mamavation twitter party I won a pair of Earth Footwear exerwalks....which got me motivated to get moving again.  I was feeling pretty guilty that I was eating some candy and drinking a soda during the twitter party!  Yeah I know I am terrible!  I got up the next morning and did a good workout which led to some sore legs for a couple days.  I did get a couple more workouts in, and a decent food journal for the weekdays...but kind of slacked over the weekend.  I am going to do better this week...and if I can do good during the week then I dont mind a little treat over the weekend, but just if I do good during the week.

My preggo stomach (18wks now) is really sticking out, and I am starting to feel more effects after lifting Kennedy now too.  So I really gotta get working out to keep up my strength and endurance.  I have no choice but to lift, even though I am trying to get some equipment in my home to help out. 

Today if you watch Dr. Oz the new episode airing is one Leah(aka bookieboo, founder of Mamavation) went to to learn about getting the family healthier.  She was sponsored by Chiquita bananas who are also sponsoring tonights Mamavation TV show.  I love chiquita bananas I think I eat them almost every day! 

Big G teams up with Nickelodeon's Penguins of Madagascar

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Cheryl F. ( the lucky ladybug)

SUMMER IS IN SESSION! Along with family vacations and trips to the zoo, General Mills is teaming up with Nickelodeon´s The Penguins of Madagascar to bring the action-packed adventures of summer to your very own breakfast table.
Inside specially marked boxes of General Mills cereals, you´ll "commence operations" with one of five characters from The Penguins of Madagascar; Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, Private or King Julien. Each participating cereal contains one character launcher with mission details outlined on the back of the box including:
•Dive In, Soldier - Set an empty plastic cereal bowl on the table and try to pop your launcher into it. Wear a helmet or you´ll be squid bait.
•Longest Propulsion Launcher - Challenge your troops to see who can launch their character the furthest. Go long or go back to the zoo.
•Target Practice - Create a landing zone with a spoon and try to strategically drop your character into the sweet spot. Hit the target or go back to the drawing board.
•Clear the Wall - Do you have enough projectile pop to push your launcher over the top of the box? Proceed launchin´ troops, earn those wings!

Each character is unique and has their own specific role, and together, they´re a team with lots of character. With five character launchers to collect, make a splash this summer and try to successfully complete all of their missions.

We received a Penguins of Madagascar pack...and my son absolutely loved the launchers....Ok even my husband and 16 year old stepdaughter were playing with the penguin launchers!  Sometimes having those fun toys/games with the cereal draws a kid in.  My son ate Trix for the first time and loved it!  We also received the Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier, which both of my kids seemed to really enjoy.  Now my son is so into any boxes we get in the mail...shouting "my box my box" and has to see what we get!
One lucky reader can receive a Penguins of Madagascar prize pack which includes one box of Trix cereal, a Penguins of Madagascar launcher and the new Penguins of Madagascar movie, The Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier.


** I just have to add this (editting 8/3)....My son loves this dvd!  He watches it every day lately and today he had to get a Penguins of Madagascar backpack for school!
To enter:  Follow my blog and tell me which of the launching missions from above your child would like to try.

Extra entries;
subscribe to my blog.
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway.
add me to your blogroll.

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  The giveaway will end on August 2 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

Disclosure:  The prize packs and information was provided for free by General Mills and Nickelodeon through MyBlogSpark.

Zach's first "keep out" sign

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Its so funny because if anyone is in a room he doesnt want them in, or playing with a toy he doesnt want them to play with he gets this sign and puts it on the wall or door. 

Back to School Coupons

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With MyCoupons.com you can check out so many different categories of coupons to help you save some money.  With summer in full swing the next thing around our household is back to school shopping.  At mycoupons.com you can look up some coupon codes for stores like Sears, Borders, Kmart, and many more.  Right now they have a code for $5 off $50or more purchase at Sears online.  They provide information with the store, the directions for the coupon, the actual coupon code and it's expiration date. I liked that they provided all this information.....I know there are several times I search for coupon codes, but find so many that are outdated.  It is really annoying.   They also have a tutorial on how to use coupon codes if you are unsure.  As I was checking them out for this review there were 17 coupon codes in the back to school section....Not really tons, but maybe more will be added as we get closer to September. 

Are you looking for printable coupons, like grocery coupons....check them out.  They also have a section at the top for printable coupons. You can click on print this coupon button and they will take you to a checklist of coupons that you can check off which ones you want to print out.  Quite simple!

Using coupon codes or finding printables for school supplies is such a help on the wallet...so go check them out..maybe you will find some helpful coupons!



For more information check out Mycoupons.com on twitter and facebook.

Disclosure:  This is a MamaBuzz review.  I will be receiving a $5 gift card for reviewing the site from MyCoupons.com.

Protect a Bub Classic Sunshade review

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I recently was given the opportunity to review a product from csnstores.com and have been looking for a new sunshade for Kennedy's wheelchair.  It has been difficult finding an item, as most sunshades are made for the specific wheelchair/medical stroller.  The sunshade that comes with her Convaid Safari medical stroller really doesnt give her enough cover while out in the sun.  There are many times I would put umbrellas onto her stroller.  The radioflyer umbrella that hooks to their wagons did a decent job for coverage, but as soon as there is any wind it gets moved or ends up out of shape.  I have been checking out sunshades that go over babystroller sunshades to give them more coverage, specifically the Protect a Bub classic sunshade.  I thought these looked good but really wasnt sure if it would work on a larger size stroller that has a unique sunshade of its own. 

I decided to get this item through csnstores.com.  The item came pretty quickly, within a week and works awesome!  I love it!  Pretty much all you need is some form of a canopy already on your stroller and somewhere to tie the 4 sides.  It is large and flexible and you can move it around in different ways to provide more or less coverage.  It has UV protection also which is great for a child like mine that is very suspectable to the sun.  It is breathable and allows the air through the sides.  We got the black sunshade and it actually keeps the air a little cooler under the shade also(not hotter like some black products).  The only thing I think that would be great is if they would make a model that you could somehow use with a stroller on its own, without needing an existing canopy on the stroller.

I would really recommend this if you are looking for some added coverage.  I might even have to get another one for the baby next summer! 

Here are some pictures to compare the differences of Kennedy's stroller with her just her sunshade and with the addition of the protect a bub classic sunshade:

Existing canopy facing away from the sun.

Sun on arm, legs, feet, and part of head.

With the Protect a bub sunshade(over existing canopy), facing away from the sun.

Just a little sun on her toes.

Side views:

I have tied the 4 corners of the sunshade to her armrest(lower)

and the pushhandles (higher)

Now facing the sun.

Covers all of her face and most of arms.

I can actually pull the sunshade forward more to cover

all of her face, torso, and arms if needed, but then

she would not be able to see out.

I can pull the sunshade back alsoat times I do not need as

much coverage.  Or it also folds up easily to fit in a diaper bag.

(it does come with a carrying bag also)

So picture this over a baby stroller....it could actually completely cover a baby if needed.

Fitness Friday: Healthier Popcorn, Pop Weaver microwave popcorn made with canola oil

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Becky and Julie!

Pop Weaver has recently launched the first microwave popcorn made with canola oil.  The new and improved formulation of the popcorn enhances the rich, buttery taste that Pop Weaver is known for, and is lower in calories, total fat, saturated fat and sodium, while also providing Omega-3, Omega-6 and Omega-9 fatty acids.  The fatty acids help to protect against coronary heart disease, heart attacks and strokes.  The popcorn is a good source of whole grains and new studies reveal that popped popcorn provides more antioxidants than any other snack food! 

All three flavors in the Pop Weaver microwave popcorn line- light butter, butter and extra butter- have been reformulated to incorporate Canola oil.  Both the light butter and butter now carry the American Heart Association's Heart Check mark, designating them as heart-healthy snacks! 

"With most 'healthy' snacks, you typically have to give up flavor," said Weaver.  "But our new microwave popcorn really is the best of all worlds.  Not only does it taste great, but it is better for you."

I  received a complimentary box of Pop Weaver light butter (made with canola oil) microwave popcorn to try with my family.  I tend to buy two types of popcorn for my family.  I buy many different brands of extra butter or movie theater butter for the husband and kids.  For myself, trying to cut back on fat and calories I have been buying the Orville Redenbacher's(6.5cup bags) 100 calorie smart pop butter.  After trying the Pop Weaver light butter I have found a snack that is more "wallet friendly" than the Smart Pop, costing around half the price of Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop and is close in nutrition.  The Pop Weaver light butter(12cups bag) has 210 calories, 6grams fat, and 330mg of sodium compared to Orville Redenbacher's Smart Pop butter(12 cups bag) which has 180 calories, 5grams fat, and 560mg of sodium. For flavor comparing I think the two are pretty comparable in taste, with the Pop Weaver having just a slight more buttery flavor.  I think they both taste great.  For the price I will definitely be looking at buying more of the Pop Weaver light butter, as my son also likes this and we can share the bag and have a healthy snack of approximately 100 calories each!  Why spend the extra money buying 100 calorie bags! 

After comparing  the nutritional facts of the Pop Weaver Extra butter compared to Orville Redenbacher's Movie Theater butter popcorn I will be switching to that for the others that love that buttery flavor!  There is a significant difference in nutritional value in those.  The Pop Weaver extra butter has 260calories, 11grams fat, and 470mg sodium compared to Orville Redenbacher's Movie theatre butter that has 350 calories, 25grams fat and 500mg sodium.  That is a big difference in fat and calories!  While my thinner husband and stepdaughters may not need diet foods, they definitely could switch to a brand with half the fat!

All flavors of Pop Weaver microwave popcorn made with canola oil are available nationwide at mass retailers in 24 pack or 8 pack boxes.  For more information you can visit http://www.popweaver.com/ .

Thanks to Pop Weaver 2 lucky readers can win some Pop Weaver popcorn.  To enter:  Follow my blog and tell me which flavor popcorn your family likes the most.

Extra entries:
subscribe to my blog.
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway.
add me to your blogroll.

This giveaway is open to US only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on July 30 and the winners will be chosen by random.org.

disclosure:  I received a free box of Popweaver popcorn to review from Y&Lpr.  The Pop Weaver information and the compared nutritional facts were provided by Y&Lpr.

A thousand words Thursday

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Zach and all his ways to get himself stuck somewhere....

Purely Products Pocket Purifier review and Sunmate giveaway

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Giveaway closed.

Congratulations Kimberly!

Purely Products is an eco-friendly company focused on bringing to market products that make clean, healthy living easier for families – all the while helping kids.  Their moto is "Responsible products for responsible living!"

I received Purely Products, Pocket Purifier to try out.  The handheld germ eliminating light uses UV (ultraviolet light) to sanitize surfaces (keyboards, cell phones, computer keyboards, kitchen countertops, sinks, public bathrooms & transportation, toys, pacifiers, bottoms/interior of purses & diaper bags, etc) UV nanotechnology kills 99.9% of germs that cause colds & flu, plus e-coli, salmonella, mold, fungus, and MRSA (staph) without chemicals.  The built in 4-watt germicidal ultraviolet light deactivates the DNA of bacteria, viruses and other pathogens destroying their ability to multiply.

The Pocket Purifier was so simple to use!  You simple hold the light close to the item you want to sanitize for 10-15 seconds, or you can set it up to santize larger items.  Having school age children this is nice to keep around to santize items they use or play with daily.  I can really see this being used daily after they arrive home from school.  Also having a child with a medical condition we have many medical type products around the home and I have been able to sanitize those using the Pocket Purifier.  I have used it on things like medicine syringes, feeding pump, suction equipment, and wheelchair. 

It is nice that this is lightweight and small enough to fit into my purse or diaperbag.  I can take it with me to sanitize items whereever we go.  This will be great for when the baby arrives also, to santize all those dropped baby items that I know will end up back in the baby's mouth! 

The Pocket Purifier sells for $29.95.  A percentage of every Purely Products sale supports diaperLove, a non-profit providing diapers to children in need. For more info, go to http://www.diaperlove.org/.

Purely Products is also offering MamaBuzz readers a 25% discount by going to http://www.purelyproducts.com/summer-sale/ (This review/giveaway is also posted at MamaBuzz, and I was given the opportunity as a member of MamaBuzz.  Feel free to check out what others say about Purely Products by going to http://www.mamabzz.com/)

One lucky reader can win a Purely Products Sunmate(value $19.99) to help monitor the suns UV rays.
SunMate™ arms you with a read-out of the sun's UV ray intensity, so you aren't guessing what those cloudy skies might mean to your skin

 To enter:  Follow my blog and leave a comment telling me where you most need to use the Pocket Purifier.

Extra entries:
Follow Purely Products on twitter
Subscribe to my blog.
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway.
Add me to your blogroll.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada.  It will end on July 30 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry and your email would be appreciated.

disclosure I received the Pocket Purifier free to review(as well as a bonus Sunmate) from Purely Products. 

Happy Birthday Kylee

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Hope you have a great day!

#Mamavation Monday

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WEll I have been pretty busy with appointments and vacation and havent posted much the last couple of weeks.  I mostly want to wish all the Mamavation applicants lots of luck tonight ....Come join in on twitter to see who will be announced as the next Mamavation Mom!  Twitter party is tonight 7-9pm central time using #mamavation. 

For me I havent been sticking with anything lately.  My eating has been terrible and my exercise is really lacking!  Now I wasnt on vacation really, but had a bunch of family here on vacation, so that was my vacation.  I told myself now that vacation was over I would get back to exercising regularly.  So that is my goal to get moving more! 

Great day for some fishing

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Yesterday was gorgeous!  We decided to take the kids to the fish farm and let Zach go fishing for the first time.  I am not sure where he learned to cast but we bought a kids rod last week and he immediately knew how to cast it out.  He did pretty well although he got a little sloppy a few times and managed to hook himself once(just a tiny mark, but tears for a while).  It was nice enjoying the fresh air and just spending the day together. 

Dad helping reel in the first catch!

Zach's first catch!

Kennedy enjoying the fresh air.

"The Imposter's Daughter" giveaway

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Giveaway closed.
Congratulations CaroleSpring, Lil.blessing, LoriTaube, NancyS, and Julie!

A True Memoir by Laurie Sandell

Laurie Sandell grew up in awe (and sometimes in terror) of her larger-than-life father, who told jaw-dropping tales of a privileged childhood in Buenos Aires, academic triumphs, heroism during Vietnam, friendships with Kissinger and the Pope. As a young woman, Laurie unconsciously mirrors her dad, trying on several outsized personalities (Tokyo stripper, lesbian seductress, Ambien addict). Later, she lucks into the perfect job--interviewing celebrities for a top women's magazine. Growing up with her extraordinary father has given Laurie a knack for relating to the stars.

Thanks to Hatchette Books 5 readers can win a copy.  To enter:  follow my blog and leave a comment telling me you would like to win this book.

Extra entries:
subscribe to my blog
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
add me to your blogroll.

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents.  (No PO boxes)  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  This giveaway will end on July 18 and the winners will be chosen by random.org