Sunday, October 31, 2010
Zach's first play....halloween style
Saturday, October 30, 2010
Vote for "Our School Needs" finalists
Friday, October 29, 2010
Patch Products- Locktagon review and giveaway
giveaway closed.
congrats sweetsue!
Are you looking for some great educational toys and games this holiday season? Check out the great selection at Patch Products. They have many toys that help your child learn in so many ways. I know I have found so many ideas for my kids. I love all the games and developmental toys they offer.
A great Patch product we received to try out is the Lauri Locktagons. Locktagons are a construction toy set that is the perfect size for little hands to grasp and manipulate. They allow children to explore their imagination with freeform creations and unlimited possibilities. The 3 different shapes (rectangle, square, and octagon) have several slots that lock together to build 3 dimensional structures in multiple ways that are simple, challenging and fun. For ages 3 and up.
As a Mom of children with special needs I think the Lauri Locktagons are a great toy to have around for years. Not only can they help a child use their imaginations, but they are also a great toy for fine and gross motor delays. While at this point Kennedy's motor delays are so severe she really could not put these toys together at this time, this is the type of toys we used over and over during her therapy sessions to help in her coordination and strength. At her level now she was able to help pull the Locktagons apart with help. She also really enjoyed having some of these put together and placed above her head while she was laying down. She enjoys feeling above her (as this is a preferred position). She felt the toys above her and was very excited when she was able to grab and manipulate the toy. The face she made was priceless. It was something different for her to feel.
For Zach having autism, having toys that spark his creativity is great. He can use the Locktagons to build things like houses, bridges, and trains(minus the wheels) or just see how high he can build a tower. The set comes with many pieces and with are easy to put together and take apart. They are a unique building toy.
One lucky reader can win a set of Locktagons!
Even if you do not win please visit Patch Products this holiday season for great gift ideas. While you are shopping at Patch Products don't forget to add a couple kids coloring books to your shopping cart. They are great for those stocking stuffers!
To enter to win the Locktagons: Visit Patch Products and tell me one item(not mentioned here) your child would like.
Extra entries:
Follow Patch Products on facebook.
Follow Patch Products on Twitter.
(also by following or becoming a fan of Patch Products you could win Patch prizes, receive updates on what's new at Patch, give them your feedback, get Patch game and toy discounts, have access to new and fun Patch photos and videos, and communicate with other fans!)Join Patch Pals by going to patchproducts.com
(by doing so you can receive a free shop at home catalog and/or a monthly email with new product announcements and promotions.)Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1entry daily)
Subscribe to my blog
Follow my blog with google friends connect
Become a fan of my blog on facebook. (3 extra entries)
This giveaway is open to US only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry. This giveaway will end on 11/10 and the winner will be chosen by random.org
disclosure: I received the Locktagon toy set for free to review.
Vote for finalist in the Bing "Our School Needs" contest ~ receive $3 donation code to help the classroom project of your choice at DonorsChoose.or
Bing is awarding a quarter-million dollars in prize money
divided among four schools in need,
and your vote can make all the difference!
Bing is giving away up to $900,000 to schools in need through DonorsChoose.org, a non-profit website where public school teachers can post classroom projects that need funding.
“Schools across the country are facing severe budget cuts and the arts programs are usually the first to go,” said Josh. With a tight budget, the students and staff at Marie Curie are fortunate to still have a music program, but many of the instruments are 20 to 30 years old! And many of the nearly 250 students in this Title 1 school’s band program are unable to purchase individual instruments, often resulting in up to four students sharing just one flute. But not anymore!Today the judges are narrowing down the 30 semi finalists and tomorrow they will announce the 15 finalists and the voting will begin. Be one of the first 30,000 to vote for your favorite finalists each day and receive a $3 donation code to redeem for the classroom project of your choice.
To learn how to vote: www.bing.com/ourschoolneeds http://discoverbing.com/education/ourschoolneeds?form=MFEHPG&publ=COMMS&crea=EML_MFEHPG_OSN_EnterToWin_MomCentralPR_1x1
So go check out all the entries and vote on your favorite! The entry with the most votes wins $100k, and 3 others will each win $50k.
Voting starts Friday, October 29 and goes through Sunday, November 7.
Here are a couple of entries that I think could definitely need the help, and I will be adding my $3 donation code once I vote for a finalist:
Books: Bound for Success What a great way to help children be encouraged to read books that their peers are reading, yet get the extra reading help they need .
Communicate through technology I have heard such wonderful things for children with communication delays in using items like the ipod touch to help them express their wants and needs. I know Kennedy used to use some communication devices, and it really helped her feel more independant. Putting an ipod touch in the hands of so many children with these delays would be a great way to help out!
So dont forget to stop back tomorrow to see who the finalist are and to vote for your favorite. I will post who my favorite is and who will be getting my vote.
Again, to learn how to vote: www.bing.com/ourschoolneeds http://discoverbing.com/education/ourschoolneeds?form=MFEHPG&publ=COMMS&crea=EML_MFEHPG_OSN_EnterToWin_MomCentralPR_1x1
Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Bing and received a gift card and DonorsChoose.org giving code to thank me for taking the time to participate.
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Old El Paso family taco night (giveaway)
Giveaway closed.
Congrats Becca Ann!
Old El Paso offers everything you need for fun nights with the family.
To satisfy your Mexican style cravings, the Old El Paso® line up of products includes chilies, dinner kits, dips and sides, enchilada sauce, refried beans, seasoning mixes, shells, taco sauce and salsa. The Old El Paso taco seasoning mix selection includes flavors like Burrito, Cheesy Taco, Chili, Fajita, Taco, Mild Taco and even a seasoning with 40% less sodium.
Having a Halloween party? Gather the kids and make spook-tacular tacos.
And to keep your family laughing at the dinner table, have some fun with El TacodorTM, the world´s only family taco night Game. With El Tacodor, your family can share a special night at home by challenging one another to quick fire trivia, wordplay and pantomime. Visit http://www.eltacodor.com/ today to download instructions, a score card, and a challenge sheet for even more fun on Family Taco Night!
In addition, you can visit http://www.myblogspark.com/uc/main/b069/ to download a printable coupon for $0.60 off any two Old El Paso products today!
How would you like to have a fun family taco night!? One lucky reader can win an Old El Paso "family taco night" prize pack which includes a packet of Old El Paso Taco Seasoning, a Cactus Chip & Dip Serving dish, a set of 3 Fiesta Chili Pepper serving dishes and a $10 gift card to purchase your taco fixings.
To enter: Leave a comment telling me how your family most enjoys taco night.
Extra entries:
follow my blog on facebook (3 entries)
subscribe to my blog
follow me with google friends connect
follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway(1 daily)
This giveaway is open to US only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry. This giveaway will end on Nov. 10 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.
disclosure: I received a prize pack for my family to have their own family taco night. This prize pack as well asthe giveaway prize pack and all information are provided for free by Old El Paso and myblogspark.
Monday, October 25, 2010
"Monkey See Monkey Do" Thank You Cards by San Lori (review and giveaway)
giveaway closed.
Congrats Homemaker!
If you are still searching you have to check out the great paper products and gifts by San Lori! They offer a great selection of cheap invitations, correspondence notes, decorative stationery, and Christmas party invitations.
I love their kids section, and it is so easy to find many coordinating items, from the invitation cards, to the thank you cards. We got to check out the "monkey see monkey do" thank you cards. They are so cute and love that we can fill these in ourselves. They also offer some great coordinating items in that category like fill in invitations, personalized invitations, and stationary.
Another area to check out is their gifts! I know this soon to be Mom is going to need a girls night out in a few months. A great way to set it up is by using San Lori party invites and enjoying a gift like their "hot chicks light up the room candle". I received the cosmo compatible candle and it is so cutely packaged I barely want to take it out, yet it smells so good I just had to!
One lucky reader can win any product of their choice from San Lori! Even if you are not the lucky winner please visit San Lori for some great holiday products! To enter: Visit San Lori and tell me what item you would most like.
Extra entries:
Sign up for San Lori's newsletter
Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (1 entry daily)
Follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
subscribe to my blog
follow me with google friends connect.
This giveaway is open to US only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry. This giveaway will end on Nov. 10 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.
disclosure: I received free products from San Lori to review.
Sunday, October 24, 2010
"The Boy Who Came Back From Heaven" by Kevin Malarkey
In 2004, Kevin Malarkey and his six-year-old son, Alex, suffered an horrific car accident. The impact from the crash paralyzed Alex—and medically speaking, it was unlikely that he could survive. “I think Alex has gone to be with Jesus,” a friend told the stricken dad. But two months later, Alex awoke from a coma with an incredible story to share. Of events at the accident scene and in the hospital while he was unconscious. Of the angels that took him through the gates of heaven itself. Of the unearthly music that sounded just terrible to a six-year-old. And, most amazing of all . . . Of meeting and talking to Jesus. The Boy Who Came Back from Heaven is the true story of an ordinary boy’s most extraordinary journey. As you see heaven and earth through Alex’s eyes, you’ll come away with new insights on miracles, life beyond this world, and the power of a father’s love.
“My son couldn’t function in the physical world, but it was difficult for me to function in the spiritual world. Who had the greater disability?”
~Kevin Malarkey, Alex’s father
My thoughts:
This book was a great combination of reading Alex's journey through his medical and spiritual journey! I really liked reading not only what was going on during his journey, but of all the other people that were present, like his family, friends and rescuers. Sometimes I think it is difficult to really believe everything that goes on spiritually, yet this six year old really makes you believe. The book really shows the power of prayer and how a community can come together to really help people in need, both physically(financially) and spiritually!
Disclosure: I received the book for free from Tyndale to review.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Clinere Ear Cleaner review and giveaway
Giveaway closed.
congrats Shannon.
Are you looking for something more than a cotton tip swab to clean your ears? Now you can try a unique new product, the Clinere ear cleaner. Clinere is a soft flexible plastic cleaner with two unique ends. One end is a scoop to help remove earwax while the other end is round with ribs to clean and exfoliate the skin around the ear. Their website says this is "instant itch relief", and our family definitely agrees!
We received a 10 count package to give a try. I think my husband has found his new addiction. I really didnt know an adult that was hooked on cotton swabs as much as my husband. I thought it was mostly that he needed to constantly clean his ears, but after using the Clinere I now know it is to relieve ear itching. While the Clinere ear cleaners say to discard after use, my husband actually keeps one just to exfoliate and itch the skin, vs cleaning the ear wax. I would definitely say once you have any wax you should throw it out, but it definitely makes a great itching tool. I tried these myself and also on my dauhter also. I will probably stick with the cotton swabs for removing ear wax for my daughter, as I can not tell how hard I am pressing with her. I do however really like using the clinere for the skin. You really can see how well they exfoliate and remove the dried skin around the ear. I thought for using on yourself, when you can feel how hard you are pressing, the scoop is great for removing ear wax. I feel like you are able to really get along the ear and the wax is sticking to it well. They are not as soft as cotton swabs, but I think as long as you are using them on yourself and start lightly they are just as comfortable. They are definitely something that me and my husband will continue to use. Future plans for Clinere include a sofer, more flexible option for sensitive ears and an even softr version for infant er cleaning.
Clinere is available at retailers like Walmart, Walgreens, CVS, Shopko, Meijer, K-Mart, and HEB and are priced between $5.99 nd $6.99 for a 10 count package.
For more information please visit: http://clinere.com/
Extra entries:
follow my blog on facebook (3 extra entries)
subscribe to my blog (1)
follow me on twitter (1)
Tweet about this giveaway(1 daily)
This giveaway is open to US only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry. This giveaway will end on Nov. 3 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.
disclosure: I received Clinere for free to review.
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
Oliver's Labels review
Oh what to do with hat and glove season coming? How often do you have to replace your children's hats, mittens, gloves, even their shoes that get misplaced while they are wearing their boots? A great way to get those items returned when your kiddos lose them is by getting them labelled! With Oliver's Labels you can label all those items, plus so much more!
Oliver's Labels makes high quality waterproof labels and tags to attach to any of your childs things. Their labels are dishwasher and laundry proof! You can find some really cute designs to personalize these labels in so many different ways.
What I love the most is their "found-it" tracking system.
What happens if I lose something?
If you ever lose an item with a Found-it™ tracking system code, have no fear! When someone finds it they will be prompted to go to a special page on our website (see "A" in diagram below) with instructions to enter the code on the label (see "B" in diagram below). We then match you to your Found-it™ tracking system code and send you a notification email right away. Oliver’s Labels acts as an intermediary between you and the finder so you never have to share any of your personal information!
I think this is such a great way to get those items returned. I have always been nervous spending lots of money of some great quality gloves as they get lost so easily. Now I feel so much more comfortable knowing that they will be more likely returned to us by having the "found-it" code printed on all my son's labels that are stuck on his clothing.
You can find many different sizes too, so if you need small labels for items like hat and gloves, you can use their mini labels. Otherwise they have many other options like their classic labels,shoe labes, iron-on or stick eez clothing labels or bag tags. They even offer their new photo labels. These I think would be great for children that may need some extra help picking out their items when they may not be able to read names. These really shout out to the "special needs" parent in me! I also think they are great for places where your child may go regularly, but others may not know that child's name....easy to match up a face!
disclosure:
This Product Was a Free Giveaway
Special Exposure Wednesday
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
ThrowPillows.org ~Animal throw pillow review
We received a tiger pillow from throwpillows.org as I requested a more boyish looking pillow. It is really cute and the material is really soft and cozy. It is a bit smaller and has less filling than the popular pillow pets, but just as cute and soft. I think this would be a nice alternative if you are looking for a different animal than you can find in the stores, or want one that may lay a little flatter, or be a little smaller.
At this time I am not sure how much the animal throw pillows cost, as they are not currently available YET...but they are expected to be added to purchase from throwpillows.org in the next week or two. I am also not sure if all the animal throw pillows are made by the same company that will be sold....but comparing the tiger throw pillow that I received from throwpillows.org to the ladybug pillow pet my daughter received as a birthday gift if I were to choose purchasing would depend on the child, which animal they like and the price. I think seeing that the tiger pillow was smaller and less fluffy, I would want to pay less than the pillow pet price, unless I had a child that liked their animals smaller or wanted a specific animal that they offered. Like I said earlier though is that I currently do not know the price of the tiger pillow, as this was a special giveaway by throwpillows.org where they are currently working on putting together a pillow of the month giveaway. So be on the lookout, maybe you could win a pillow from throwpillows.org.
disclosure: This was a mamabzz review. I was provided the tiger pillow from throwpillows.org to write my review. The ladybug pillow pet was received as a birthday gift which was how I was able to compare the two pillows. These are my personal opinions.
Thursday, October 14, 2010
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Brilliant Lenses Eyeglass Cleaner (review and giveaway)
giveaway closed
I received a package of Brilliant Lenses Cleaner to try for myself. It worked really well. It took off the lovely spots us women get on our glasses thanks to using products like hairspray and mascara. I do still have to regularly clean them to get the smudges I get from my fingertips touching, but have noticed that it has helped keep hairspray spots off more easily without needing as much cleaning. It has a handy little bag to keep the cloth and the cleaning spray in, so you can just keep it handy in your bag or purse. I like that it is adding a protective barrier to help resist scratches as I do not have scratch resisitant lenses. The price is pretty good too. You can purchase this online for $4.99 for a single pack or $7.99 for a double pack.
For more information or to purchase visit: http://www.getcleanersonline.com/
One lucky reader can win Brilliant Lenses Eyeglass cleaner:
To enter you must either friend Brilliant Lenses on facebook/become a fan, or follow @BrilliantLenses on twitter. (You must do one or the other, but can do both for an extra entry. Sorry I do not typically require that you have to be a facebook or twitter user, but this is required from the sponsor)
Extra entries:
tweet this giveaway (1 daily)
follow me on twitter
subscribe to my blog
follow my blog with google friend connect
like my blog on facebook using link in left sidebar (3 extra entries as I am trying to get this started)
This giveaway is open to US only and no PO boxes. Please leave a seperate comment for each of the entries you do. This giveaway will end on Oct 27 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.
disclosure:
This Product Was a Free Giveaway
Sponsored by Tomoson.com
Monday, October 11, 2010
#mamavation monday
I havent done any regular exercise in a few weeks. I get some bursts of energy and do some major cleaning/organizing but that is about it. This week I raked some leaves so the kids could have some fun. Today I am gonna take advantage of this nice weather and take a walk later. I am not sure how long the walk will end as my back has been getting achy pretty easy these days. I dont sleep much either. My stress has gone down a lot and my mood is much better....I am just uncomfortable a lot. This week I am 30-31 weeks along. It seems like no time I will have a new baby to carry around. So I need to look into the best ways to start getting back into shape after having a baby. Any suggestions are welcome! I know I didnt stay with it during pregnancy, but am definitely going to be giving it all I can (which may be slower with a baby, and two other kiddos) come the new year! If I knew Leah wouldnt kill me I would maybe apply for Januarys campaign, but with my family life I just never know if I can commit to what the Mamavation Moms have to do. I thought I was ready the last time I applied, to then find out I was pregnant and then have Kennedy in the hospital. I will commit to getting healthier and moving more though!
So anyways I give a big "good luck" to all the finalists..I know how stressful the campaign can be....dont give up even if you are not chosen!
Another "Thanks" to Subway for sponsoring mamavation once again! They have been awesome!
This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by SUBWAY. SUBWAY is giving away a green iPod Shuffle and a $10 iTunes gift card to one lucky winner. All you have to do is mention the Commit to Fit Campaign and Jared on their Mamavation Monday post.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Perfect Fit Button review
The Perfect Fit Button is the newest way to get pants and skirts to fit without having to spend extra money.Made to increase or decrease the size or your waistband, Perfect Fit Buttons snap on in mere seconds and work on all fabrics, including denim, corduroy, leather, and suede. They're easy-to-remove to ensure that clothing fits perfectly every time.
The Perfect Fit Button puts a custom tailor at anyone's fingertips and eliminates the need for sewing machines by replacing missing buttons. From old jeans to hand me down clothing, this is the revolutionary solution for men, women, teens and kids.
I received a set of Perfect Fit Buttons(1set for jeans and also three for color pants in khaki, brown and black). These were great for me the last few months being pregnant. I was able to add room to my regular pants to fit in them a little longer. I was also able to take a couple pairs of maternity shorts that had buttons and make them a little smaller so they would stay up after my regular pants were too small, yet these maternity shorts were too big. I am pretty positive these are going to be great for after I have the baby to help me fit back into my clothes.
I wish I had these even prior to becoming pregnant. I was losing weight and they would have been so helpful during those times I was in between sizes, or was just trying to save some money and wait to buy clothes the size smaller!
At first I really didnt even notice that I had the Perfect Fit Buttons on my clothes. The back of the button closure sticks out, so you do feel it slightly. I found the looser the clothes the less I felt it. As the pants got tighter I would feel it more. I also felt it if I was pressing up against something, like when I did dishes and my growing belly would press along the counter top. It was not really uncomfortable though, as the backs are smooth.
The Perfect Fit buttons pushed into the materials well and stayed on with out any problems. Sometimes I had a hard time getting the buttons back off getting used to having to squeeze the back in to remove it. Really the only complaint I have for the Perfect Fit Button is that one of my black buttons had the black colored front come off while I was wearing it. The colored ones are just little colored discs that are glued onto the metal button. Overall I still use the button, as most of my shirts cover that area anyways.
The Perfect Fit Button retails for $9.99 for a set of eight and can be ordered online at http://www.perfectfitbutton.com/.
Disclosure: I received the Perfect Fit Button for free to review.
csnstores.com can help you find just what you are looking for
CSN stores have been so generous to offer so many bloggers, like me, the opportunity to review products from their sites. It has been great working with them. Their 200 online stores make it easy to find so many great products like upholstered dining chairs, cookware, complete bed sets and tons of furniture. You can find so many things that you need or want.I love looking around all their stores to find some unique items that I haven't seen at other online stores, or to find deals on other items. Their online stores are so easy to spend tons of time browsing through. They are also easy to actually browse through and order. I love being able to easily add items to my shopping cart, and then go back later and see what I have added and compare items. They clearly have items listed with how many are available, or when they will become available if they are out of stock. This really makes shopping convenient. I hate when you are looking through stores and then find out after you order something that it is on backorder!
So if you are looking for some in particular or are starting the holiday shopping, give csnstores.com a look! Be sure to stop back to see what item I will be reviewing next.
disclosure: csn stores is providing me with a gift code to use towards the purchase of any item I would like to review from their online stores. The item may be fully paid for, or I may be paying out of pocket for any cost over the gift code amount.
Monday, October 4, 2010
KIDS N' PETS All Purpose Stain and Odor Remover (review and giveaway)
Giveaway closed.
Congratulations Homemaker!
Well thanks to Mamabuzz and KIDS N' PETS I was given an opportunity to try an all purpose cleaner. I thought "this is great I have messy kids and messy pets"( my dog has taken over the position of pukiest family member lately). Then I received the bottle of KIDS N' PETS all purpose stain and odor remover and instantly remembered this was exactly what I used to use before owning the carpet cleaner. This was great! Lately I have been thinking of getting a small handheld carpet cleaner as I am sick of lugging out the big one for just one or two spots. Even those little ones are expensive though. So I had a few spots on the carpet left by my son, and some grubby spots on the arms of my couch. I am terrible about letting him have snacks and drinks in the livingroom, and he is terrible about leaving the evidence behind!
So I followed the directions on the bottle which said to put on the spots, let sit for 5 minutes and then blot area with clean white cloth. Well I should have taken a pic of the three white clothes, they were pretty gross when I was finished. Yep lots of brown, as my son gets lots of chocolate type items like ice cream, chocolate milk and pudding.
Before pics of carpet spots and couch:
After pics:
The carpet cleaner comes in a squirt type bottle. It was easy to use on the carpet, and the spots on the carpet came right out, first time! I even had a spot that I forgot to take a picture of that looked like a solid piece of chocolate(maybe a chocolate chip) that I squirted on and it came right out! Love it! The arms of the couch were tougher. I am going to go back and retreat these pouring some of the cleaner in a spray bottle instead of the original container. When I put it on the arms it would soak the top but then run down the sides and was harder to get the specific areas I wanted. The stains were also larger and more set in. The bottle also says you can use it for carpet machines, so I may try that also. As you can see in the pictures there is still areas on the arms of the couch that need cleaning, but it really did help. I can see in the center areas that it got some of the stuff out. Also like I said before the white clothes were really brown...so I probably should have kept cleaning until they became clearer. I think the ring was more of where the liquid cleaner stopped, and I should have done more cleaning. This was the worse spot, the other three arms which of course I didnt take before pics of came mostly clean.
Overall I am definitely going to be picking up some more of KIDS N' PETS, as it was so much easier cleaning up those couple spots and I didnt have to put much effort into "scrubbing", just squirt, let sit, and blot. I will be checking out some of the other items they now offer too, like the carpet cleaning powder which sounds great for our basement.
You can find more information at http://www.kidsnpetsbrand.com/ on all the products they offer. Also if you can find more info by following them on twitter and facebook. They have a deal on facebook right now that if you like them you can receive a free bottle of KIDS N' PETS via rebate!
One lucky reader can win a KIDS N' PETS prize pack!!!!
To enter: Visit the KIDS N' PETS site and tell me another item that would be helpful for your stains.
Extra entries:
follow KIDS N' PETs on twitter
follow me on twitter
tweet this giveaway
like KIDS N' PETS on facebook
subscribe to my blog
This giveaway is open to US only. Please leave a seperate comment for each entry. This giveaway will end on Oct 20 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.
disclosure: this is a mamabuzz review and I received a free bottle of KIDS N PETS directly from the company to do this review.
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