Pencil Case to Makeup Case

Trying to balance school, home and other activities of your family can be tough. I don't know about you, but once school started I got busy. Between homework, volunteering in the classroom, field trips and conferences, our schedules fill up quickly. But it's still important to be a woman and care about how I look.

I'm a pretty low-maintenance kind of girl. The older I get the more I care about how I look. I still try to keep things simple, but I want to do what I can too keep my makeup fresh too. Here are some great products to help you out this busy school year. Take a tip from your kids and restock your "pencil case" too:

TouchBack ($29.95); www.TouchBackGray.com and all Ulta stores.

Cover up Mistake-proof marker delivers true, temporary hair color instantly. The pocket-sized marker makes for easy application when you want it, where you want it. Unlike mascara, crayons, gels, and powders, TouchBack won’t flake or rub off with brushing.

TouchBack BrowMarker ($19.95); Exclusively at www.TouchBackBrow.com 
A soft-tip marker designed to enhance your arches, the TouchBack BrowMarker delivers the perfect amount of long-lasting color for effortless application.

Sally Hansen Nail Art Pen ($7.95); Drugstores nationwide

The “write” way to turn your nails into a work of art. Developed to dispense just the right amount of color, the precision-tip pen helps you instantly customize your nails and toes so you can design and go.

Tide To Go Instant Stain Remover ($8.99); Drugstores nationwide

Eliminates stains on the spot and helps takes out some of your toughest food and drink stains.

Teeth Whitening Pens ($12.99); Drugstores nationwide

Get a whiter, brighter smile while you’re on the go with these miracle teeth-bleaching alternatives.

These products are all great to get what you need quickly. Use the TouchBack and TouchBack BrowMarker for those quick touch-ups for your hair and brows even on the go. Sally Hansen Nail Art Pens can finish off your polished nails for a professional look. Think of all the holiday designs you could do with one. The Tide to Go Instant Stain Removal is great to keep in your purse or pocket at all times. If your family is like mine, it's easy to get food on clothes at the worst moments. This little pen can keep them from staining and many times take the stain right out. We love it! And for a dazzling smile just in time for holiday parties use the Listerine Whitening Pen to white out those little blemishes in your teeth.

You can find most of these products in your local drugstores, like CVS, Walgreens and Rite Aid. The others have a website listed that you can order from too.


*Disclaimer: I received some of these products to review. All opinions are my own.*

Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels - The Movie DVD Review

You can catch Thomas in the full-length Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels - The Movie on DVD now. Your train lovers will enjoy this action packed adventure the leads Thomas meets some new friends and finds himself in a bit of a pickle.



PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
The diesels are back along with a new Dieselworks location in Thomas' biggest movie event of the year! Exciting new firefighting engine friends Flynn and Belle come to the rescue with Thomas in the all-new, CG-animated adventure Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels - The Movie coming to DVD, Blu-Ray/DVD Combo Pack, Digital Download and On Demand, September 6, 2011 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. Over 75 Day of the Diesels-themed products will launch at retail including toys, books, apps and more, making it the biggest event for the #1 preschool DVD & toy brand, and a must-own for Thomas fans everywhere!

DVD SYNOPSIS
The Steamies and the Diesels face off in this action-packed movie adventure, Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels. There's a fire on Sodor and two new firefighting engines - Flynn and Belle - arrive to help Thomas and Percy save the day! When Thomas starts spending all of his time with Sodor's newest heroes, Percy is drawn to the Dieselworks, where he is made to feel special by the master of mischief himself, Diesel 10! But Percy doesn't know that he is part of Diesel 10's master plan to take over the Steamworks. The Steam Team rallies for sure-fire excitement in this all-new movie from Thomas & Friends!

DVD BONUS FEATURES
* "Fiery Flynn To The Rescue" Games
* "Day of the Diesels" Karaoke Song
* "Hear the Engines Coming" Karaoke Song
* "Steamies and Diesels - Learn How They Work!" Video

ABOUT THOMAS & FRIENDS
Thomas the Tank Engine was created by a father for his son over 65 years ago and today is enjoyed by families in more than 185 territories and in 30 languages. The #1 blue engine and his friends invite children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. Children embark on adventures with their engine friends while experiencing timeless life lessons of discovery, friendship and cooperation.

Thomas & Friends is the number one preschool toy property in the UK, a position is has held for the past 11 years. It remained the number one preschool toy license in the US for 10 straight years and has been the number one preschool entertainment brand in the US since 2009. The unrivaled popularity of the global brand continues with Thomas also being the number one preschool toy license in Germany and Australia, as well as the number one foreign preschool brand in China, Japan and Korea.

(SOURCE: AC Nielsen, 1/1/10-12/31/10). Each DVD release is consistently ranked in the Top 10 new releases for Children's Non-Theatrical (source Nielsen) and many have received significant awards and recognition from organizations such as Parents' Choice and KIDS FIRST!



We have lots (and lots and lots) of Thomas DVDs. Some of our favorites ones, though, are the full-length movies. When you feel like sitting down and enjoying a movie with your children, it's good to know there is  fun, good quality movie available. It's hard to find movies like that, even for preschoolers (or maybe especially for preschoolers).

Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels - The Movie DVD is targeted at children ages 2-5. This movie is about 58 minutes in length. You can find more out about Thomas, play games and buy toys and videos at www.ThomasandFriends.com and connect on http://www.facebook.com/ThomasandFriends. You can find the Thomas & Friends: Day of the Diesels DVD in stores and online now.



*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*

Stanley Home Degreaser Concentrate Review

Cleaning is a necessary part of life. As stay at home moms we try to keep our houses cleaned, even if our children undo everything we've done. I'm always on the lookout for new cleaning products that will help me get the job done in the best and most efficient way. It's important that my cleaning products help me do a great job, so I have plenty of time to spend with my family without worrying about the state of cleanliness that my house is in.

Stanley Home Products has their Degreaser Concentrate that is made to work hard. And it's multi-purpose uses make things simpler for me. I have one product that I can use many places. It gets the grease off my dirty dishes, cleans my countertops and even gives a little boost in my laundry. Here's a little more about it from their website:

Degreaser ConcentrateAll-Purpose, Double-Strength Cleaner 

Concentrated to work hard: Dissolves grease in seconds on cookware, countertops, broilers, dishes, tools, and walls - wherever grease build-up is a problem.

Cost effective: It's four times more concentrated than leading cleaners ... so you use only 1/4 as much. 32 oz. of Degreaser Concentrate makes 96 16-oz. pump spray bottles.

Convenient: Dilute and pour into Stanley's pump sprayer for spray 'n wipe ease. Works in hard or soft water.

Created with your safety in mind: Safe for septic tanks, biodegradable, and phosphate-free.
32 fl. oz. (A68005 Stanley Spray Bottle & Labels sold separately.)

Contains BITREX®--which has such an intensely nasty taste it is practically impossible for a person or pet to ingest.

I have been using the Stanley Degreaser Concentrate in my home for a while. It is so easy to use and does a great job. One problem I have with my natural dish soap is that it doesn't always cut the grease, especially on my plastic containers, when I'm hand washing them. I wish I could accurately capture this on video. When I add the Degreaser to a sink of greasy dishes, you can see the grease practically run away. This stuff works well. I also add it to our laundry from time to time, especially to get food stains out of clothing. (A lot of times, you get marks on dark clothing from oils in food. This helps that too!)

I think the Stanley Degreaser is a must have product in every home. When I received it, they also sent a sheet with 50 Ways to Use Degreaser on it. That is very helpful for other ways to use this. And some ways you need to dilute it. Others you can add just a tiny bit directly to something...like my dishwater. There are so many ways that you can use this all over your house, you'll be happy to do so.

You can purchase Stanley Degreaser on their website- http://www.shponline.com/english/shop.asp/. They carry lots of other products for the home too. I'm sure you'll want to check those out as well.


*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*

Kidorable New Dragon Knight Collection + {Rafflecopter Giveaway - Ends 12/16} (CLOSED)

This giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner listed below!

Kidorable already has adorable kid products like raincoats, boots, umbrellas, and more. They have several fun product lines- ballerina, pirate and more. Now they have a new collection. Your kids will love the newest Dragon Knight set!

The Dragon Knight collection is steel grey with dark green as accent color, perfect for strong and brave boys.  Some pieces accentuate the Knight, others the Dragon, but there is a nice interplay between both characters throughout the set.  The umbrella has protruding dragon horns and wings, with a knight, fire, and a castle motif along the bottom. The helmet on the matching raincoat is Kidorable’s coolest hood so far.

The child who wears it can imagine himself as a valiant knight fighting the dragon.  The backpack is shaped like a shield for extra play value.  It comes with a little stuffed toy sword. The coat is a new material, PU (polyurethane).  It’s softer and lighter than PVC.  

We get so many compliments whenever my son wears his Kidorable pirate gear. This company just thinks of it all. Not only are their products adorable, but it's all the little details that make it even better. You can read some of the reviews I've done for them before. And I have another review coming soon.

With Christmas coming soon, these are great additions to your kids Christmas gifts. Or they would be great for any children that you still need to buy for. Kids get so many new toys for gifts. This is something other than toys that is practical AND they will love it too!

From now until December 11th, you can get a free Dragon Knight umbrella from Kidorable with your order over $20. Just use the coupon code DRAGON7 to your cart after you've added the Dragon Knight umbrella to the cart first. What a great stocking stuffer or gift for under the tree!

And one of you can win a Kidorable Dragon Knight Umbrella here. Just enter in the Rafflecopter form below to be entered.

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Enter the Exclusive NLT Giveaway

Starting on November 29^th until December 24^th at the New Living Translation Facebook page we're giving away lots of great prizes and something free for you just for singing up.

By visiting the giveaway entry page (located on the NLT Facebook page, the link is under the profile picture) and entering your name and e-mail address you'll be entered to win the following prizes:

• One random person each day will win a Life Application Study Bible Family Pack (Guys Life Application Study Bible hc, Girls Life Application Study Bible hc, Student's Life Application Study Bible hc, Life Application Study Bible hc, Life Application Study Bible Large Print hc).
• One Random person each week will win an Apple iPad 2!

Everyone that signs up gets a free download copy of the Life Application Bible Study – Book of Luke!

Angelina Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy - The Movie DVD Review

Preschool girls (and some boys too) like to dance, spin, and pretend they are ballerinas. There is just an appeal of a pretty ballerina that kids love. And many kids like to move to music, so imitating dancers is natural. Angelina Ballerina makes a great role model for preschools, and they will probably learn something from her too. The Angelina Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy - The Movie DVD is a must have for all little girls (or boys) who love ballerinas.

Angelina Ballerina Dances Into The Spotlight In Her First-Ever Movie!

ANGELINA BALLERINA:

THE SHINING STAR TROPHY - THE MOVIE

On DVD, Digital Download And On Demand

August 30, 2011

From Lionsgate And HIT Entertainment

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
See who wins the Shining Star Trophy when Angelina Ballerina and her friends perform in the big talent show in the all-new Angelina Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy - The Movie, dancing onto DVD, Digital Download and On Demand August 30, 2011 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment. The curtain rises on Angelina's first-ever full length movie featuring stunning CG animation and a tale sure to delight little ballerinas everywhere!

The Angelina Ballerina brand re-launch excitement continues throughout 2011.

• There are four new CGI Angelina Ballerina books from Penguin Young Readers Group
• The first mobile app for Apple iPhone and iPod touch, "Dress Up with Angelina," charted as the #1 paid kids game app in only 2 weeks after it launched and continues to be in the top 100 selling paid kids game apps
• New interactive app launching summer 2011 for iPad, iPhone and iPod touch, "Angelina's New Ballet Teacher"
• Other licensees include Fruit of the Loom (briefs), Topsville (apparel), I Can Do That! Games (Board Games and puzzles), Madame Alexander (Dolls), American Greetings (party goods, greeting cards), Rubie's (role play costumes), Schylling (tin toys - jewelry boxes, tea cups) and Unique (pinatas)

DVD SYNOPSIS

Angelina shines brighter than ever in this all-new movie! Ms. Mimi announces that there's going to be a big talent show at Camembert Academy - and the winner will walk away with the Shining Star Trophy. With celebrity guest judge Perry Parmesan deciding the winner, every minute of practice counts. But when Angelina goes out of her way to help her friends find their special talents, she has little time to work on her own routine. Who will take center stage and win the Shining Start Trophy? Watch as Angelina follows her heart to become a true shining star!

DVD BONUS FEATURES

• "Talent Show Trivia" game

Angelina Ballerina: The Shining Star Trophy - The Movie DVD is targeted at children ages 2-7 years old. This video runs about 55 minutes long. You can learn more about Angelina on her website www.angelinaballerina.com or http://www.facebook.com/angelinaballerina. You can find The Shining Star Trophy DVD in stores and online now.

CSN Stores is now Wayfair

Have you heard the good news? Maybe you haven't seen anything from CSN Stores in a while. Well, there is a good reason for that. CSN is now Wayfair.

Wayfair is an online store that has a huge selection of products. Furniture, Home Decor, Tools, Office Furniture, Bedding, Lighting, Outdoor Furniture and more can be found on their site. They have things for adults, children and babies too. And don't forget your pets!

With so many great products to choose from, Wayfair is a great place to turn. I've had fun browsing a few things for my home, like their dining room sets. And if you're searching for baby products, you might like the lightweight strollers they have.

Go check out what they have. You'll find lots of great Christmas ideas for everyone on your list!



*Disclaimer: I will be receiving an item to review in a later post. All opinions are my own.*

What's New With Shalom Sesame?

(New York, NY – December 1, 2011) December is the time for snow, family and, of course, the holidays and Shalom Sesame has everything you need!

For those sports buffs wondering what the NBA players have been up to during the lockout, be sure to catch New York Knicks Superstar Amar’e Stoudemire discovering more about Jewish culture when he stopped by Sesame Street to teach Shalom Sesame fans the Hebrew word “Tov”, which means “good.”  Check out Amar’e on the newly launched and redesigned Shalom Sesame website and on Shalom Sesame’s YouTube channel.

Shalomsesame.org  has a new look and feel, brand new videos, downloadable resources and a printables section for parents and kids to experience Jewish learning together.

But there’s more! Shalom Sesame’s 12-part DVD series, brought to you by Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behindSesame Street, and Israel’s Channel HOP!, is great for any occasion. Whether it be traveling to Israel, entering Hebrew school or celebrating the holidays, this series is a great way to learn about the diversity and vitality of Israeli life. Shalom Sesame DVD’s, including the full series gift box set, are available at sisu@sisuent.com

Be sure to check your local PBS listings for special broadcasts of Shalom Sesame’s “Chanukah: The Missing Menorah.”  It’s time to celebrate Chanukah in Israel and Grover is bringing the latkes! All is well until Anneliese gets caught in a game of tag with a chicken and loses her special menorah …right before sunset! Can her friends find the missing menorah in time? Tune in to find out!

For young readers this holiday season, Elmo finds out what a dreidel is as he celebrates the first night of Chanukah with a friend's family in the board book, Elmo’s Little Dreidel, published by Random House Children’s Books.

Chat LIVE with Author Linda Lael Miller

Catch the LIVE Chat with Linda Lael Miller!Straight from the Paris Las Vegas

WHAT: Author chat with Linda Lael Miller–streaming from the Paris Las Vegas

WHEN: Tomorrow, December 6^th at 12 p.m. PT/3 p.m. EST

WHERE: Harlequin’s Facebook Page and BookTrib.com

RSVP: Let us know you’re coming at LindaLaelMillerChat@booktrib.com

UR Some 1 CD Review + {Rafflecopter Giveaway - Ends 12/12} (CLOSED)

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner listed below!

POSITIVE, UPBEAT MUSIC FOR DYNAMIC KIDS & FAMILIESU R SOME 1
THE NEWEST “BEST FOOT FORWARD” CD
FROM RECESS MUSIC

“A hidden gem!  Great messages for kids … takes the important messages we want our kids to learn and embrace, but presents them in a way that's fun and unassuming.”
 – Common Sense Media review of Recess Music’s Celebrate Earth

“Really nice tunes for environmentally conscience kids and parents.”
– Lahri Bond, 2011 Parents' Choice® Award review of Recess Music’s Ocean Motion

“A wonderfully catchy and uplifting children’s music album. Highly recommended.”
–Midwest Book Review review of Recess Music’s Wild Child

ST. PAUL, MN (August 25, 2011) – Recess Music, a company dedicated to helping kids value a world that is wise, fair, and generous hearted, looks forward to the October 18 release of U R Some 1, the second in its “Best Foot Forward” series of CDs.  U R Some 1 joins Recess Music’s recently released Big Bully in launching the “Best Foot Forward” series.

All the songs on U R Some 1 highlight self-esteem as a key ingredient for living in harmony with others by celebrating the concept that “there is no one quite like you, and you are perfect just the way you are!”  This happy, upbeat album also affirms for kids that all humans are “the same & different AND different & the same.”  U R Some 1’s musical adventure in self-awareness includes 12 tracks that showcase contributions by a sampling of today’s most gifted kids’ musicians, including Peter Himmelman, Anna Moo, and Katherine Dines.

U R Some 1 opens with the welcoming message of “U R U,” featuring the friendly voices of The Happy Crowd. The album offers up some nifty scientific info on “Body Parts” by Amy Lowe and the rollicking “The Five Senses Boogie” by The Bee’s Knees. Katherine Dines extols the power of imagination on “It’s Amazing What You Can Do With Your Brain.” Anna Moo’s joyous, 12-bar blues, “You’re An Animal Too.” is sure to get kids up and dancing.  Slugs and Bugs’ Woody Guthrie-influenced “Piggy Little Toes” is a showcase for some exquisite five-string banjo and fiddle playing.  The country sounds of The Coles’ “Put Your Happy Face On” are guaranteed to cheer up little ones who are having a rough day. Seth Decker encourages kids not to follow the crowd but, rather, to “Follow Your Nose.” Likewise, a “listen to the voice inside you” message is endorsed by Palo Colorado on his smooth, easy listening “Still Small Voice.” A breathtakingly beautiful a capella preamble enhances the anti-war message of Lisa Atkinson’s “Arms Are For Hugging.”   Peter Himmelman incorporates Big Band sounds on “Feet,” an ode to the pedal extremities featuring his highly entertaining backup singers. The Swingset Mamas, exuding style and confidence, bring the album to an inspirational close with a happy beat on their “Great To Be Me”.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
Recess Music’s “Best Foot Forward” series could be thought of as the musical complement to a hip, up-to-date, and entirely relevant “course in manners” that reinforces a profound subtext and encourages kids to be the very best they can be. Almost all children really want to have friends and be good playmates, but to achieve these objectives they must learn key social structures and conventions, such as how to say, “I’m sorry” or how to live by the rule of “no put-downs” toward others. The first release in the “Best Foot Forward” series, Big Bully, presents songs promoting these healthy, positive ideas by asking the question “Why can’t we just be friends?”  Featured artists on Big Bully include such kids’ music luminaries asMilkshake, The Hipwaders, and Renee & Jeremy. The folks at Recess Music hope that Big Bully, in conjunction with U R Some 1, will help to encourage discussion among parents, children, and educators about harmony, understanding, social justice, and global peace, as well as the particular challenges caused by the unfortunate presence of intimidation and bullying behavior on our social landscape.

While experiencing a multi-faceted life as a mother, wife, and minister, Nancy Doan became convinced of the need to make the world a better place through a two-fold approach: sustaining our environment and teaching kindness. Because music held a prominent place in both her own childhood and her experiences as a mother, Nancy developed an appreciation of the power of music as an educational tool.  When the onset of systemic lupus erythematosus dictated a career change, she cast about for a way to continue to serve the causes to which she had dedicated her life. This search ultimately led to the creation of Recess Music, as a company dedicated to the twin goals of environmental awareness and social empathy through its “Celebrate Earth” and “Best Foot Forward” series of recordings.

U R Some 1 will be available online at www.recessmusic.com, amazon.com and its international affiliates, iTunes, and brick and mortar retailers throughout the U.S.

# # #

CD Details: U R Some 1 For ages 4 - 12
Label: Big Round Records
SRP: $11.99
Run time: 32 minutes

Here is another great children's CD from Recess Music- UR Some 1 CD. If you're looking for uplifting, fun, children's music this fits that mold. Your kids will be able to sing, dance and groove to the music. And you will feel good knowing they are listening to something that's positive.

My son enjoys this CD. It's made it to the top of the choices for a bedtime CD lately. The songs "Piggy Little Toes" and "Five Senses Boogies" are really fun! You and your children will enjoy this CD together at playtime and car trips too.

You can purchase the UR Some 1 CD through their website, http://recessmusic.com, or on Amazon. CDs make quick and easy stocking stuffers too! I have a copy to giveaway as well. You can enter to win one in the Rafflecopter form below.



*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*

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No Entries in Christmas Card Giveaway...

So I posted a great giveaway for $50 worth of Christmas/holiday cards, but so far there are 0 entries. So my question is why aren't you entering?

Have you already ordered cards?

Do you not do cards?

Is the contest open to long for you to think you'll get the cards in time?

If that's the case, if I close it in 2 days (instead of next week) would you enter? Then you could have cards ready by the end of this week.

Please let me know, I don't want this gift card to go unused. I already have it, so it will be emailed to you immediately when I draw a winner.

John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo & Conditioner Review

Washing my hair is just part of my regular routine. And as non-picky as I am about most things, I like the shampoo and conditioner I like. Once in a while I'll try something new that promises to be good, but more often than not I'm disappointed and soon back to my old faithful brand that I love. That is until I tried the new John Frieda Full Repair Collection.

John Frieda’s Full Repair Collection is all about reversing what’s been done and protecting your hair from further damage. 

“So many women who come into the salon have absolutely destroyed their hair by over-styling, over-coloring, and generally overdoing it,” explains Harry Josh, John Frieda® International Creative Consultant. “They traumatize their hair trying to get a certain look, but then they can’t maximize it because their hair is so fried. Full Repair™ offers them damage control that won’t weigh their hair down, letting them style to the limit while actually reversing the damage they’ve done to date.” The Full Repair collection includes:

• Full Body Shampoo 
($6.99): Formulated with Inca Inchi oil, this bodifying shampoo repairs the look and feel of overworked hair as it weightlessly restores bounce for full, flowing styles.

• Full Body Conditioner 
($6.99): Omega-rich Inca Inchi oil repairs hair as the formula smoothes and detangles, reducing the risk of breakage and snagging when combing or brushing.

• Protecting Root Lift Foam 
($6.99): This lightweight foam protects hair from heat damage with Inca Inchi oil while creating instant body. Work into wet or towel dried hair at the roots for weightless lift and high-volume hair when styled.

• Perfect Ends Deep Infusion 
($9.99): This breakthrough product for Medium-Textured Hair instantly absorbs into damaged strands instead of coating the surface, penetrating hair with Inca Inchi oil to weightlessly reverse the look and feel of damage while protecting hair from heat.

• Perfect Ends Sheer Mist 
($9.99): This softening mist for Fine-Textured Hair protects heat-damaged hair with omega-rich Inca Inchi oil. Spray evenly through clean, wet hair, concentrating on ends and damaged areas to weightlessly repair and promote smooth, healthy strands.

• Touch-up Flyaway Tamer 
($9.99): This portable wand polishes broken strands, smoothing flyaways and frayed ends with Inca Inchi oil to keep hair sleek and smooth. Brush the wand over dry, styled hair for on-the-go touch-ups and a boost of shine.

I have been using the John Frieda Full Repair Shampoo and Conditioner for a while now. I still love it! My hair is fine, thin, and generally flat. And I have problems getting split ends. With this new shampoo and conditioner, my hair has been soft, lighter, and has a little more body. I like the light, pleasant scent of it, and it's easy to apply and rinse out.

If you're looking for a great new hair care line, I think you'll really like the John Frieda Full Repair products. As you can see above there are other things to help in addition to the shampoo and conditioner. You can find these products at major retailers near you, such as Walmart, Target, Walgreen's, CVS and more. And I did find a few of their items on Amazon, like the Shampoo (2 pk) and Conditioner.



*Disclaimer: I received this product for review. All opinions are my own.*

BENGAY Cold Therapy Review

Do you suffer from aches and pains, especially from sore muscles? I know the older I get the more I feel it. When my back is achy, BENGAY is a great way to soothe those sore muscles quickly. And now they have a new Cold Therapy to help get those stubborn kinks out of your sore muscles.

BENGAY COLD THERAPYScientifically formulated gel that brings the powerful relief of cold therapy directly to alleviate pain

Product Benefits:Provides a fast-acting blast of cold and deep penetrating, long-lasting relief.
A vanishing scent that starts to disappear in minutes, making it preferable for daytime use.
Only brand to use PRO-COOL technology.
Same technology used by chiropractors and physical therapists. 

BENGAY Cold Therapy:
Available at food, drug and mass retailers nationwide.
Suggested retail price: $8.49 - $9.99, 4 oz. tube
Visit www.bengay.com

Matt always likes the cooling stuff they put on his back with ultrasound at the chiropractors office. The new BENGAY Cold Therapy is similar to that. It's supposed to be the same technology that chiropractors use. Now you can get it at home without an appointment.

Matt recently used the BENGAY Cold Therapy. I helped him put it on his lower back. The gel is nice. I like the texture better than regular BENGAY. It rubbed in really easily and the strong menthol smell didn't linger long. Matt said he didn't feel the cooling effect last long, though, compared to regular BENGAY. He'd prefer dealing with the smell and using the regular. But I think this is a good option for daytime use, you know, when you don't want to smell like BENGAY all day long. Since the BENGAY Cold Therapy rubs in so well, you won't get that lingering smell.

The price might seem a little high at around $9 per bottle, but compared to similar products on the market I think it's reasonable. When you hurt and need something like this, the price doesn't really matter so much anyway. At least that's usually how it works with me. Ha!

You can find BENGAY Cold Therapy in stores all over the US. Plus they have a link to order from their website. And Amazon does carry it too. I think you'll find this a great product to keep on hand in your house for those aches and pains.


*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*

MyPublisher Holiday Cards {Rafflecopter Giveaway - Ends 12/8} (CLOSED)

This giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner listed below!


*Edited to update: This giveaway will be closing 3 days earlier than originally stated. That way you'll have plenty of time to order your cards. Giveaway now closes at 12:01AM EST Friday, Dec 9th.*

Have you been looking for Christmas cards? I've noticed that so many are similar. It's hard to even know where to start looking. I found a company that stood out to me. Not only do they have great cards with many to choose from, but they also have little extras that make the cards special (most of them for free). You will find so many great things to like about MyPublisher's Holiday Cards.

I'm a little behind and haven't ordered our Christmas cards yet, but here are a few that I like:

They have such a big selection. It will take me a while to decide. (I better decide soon or I'll have to order New Year cards instead.)

MyPublisher.com, known for its high quality photo books, now offers an impressive collection of customizable holiday cards for the 2011 season.  Whether you are featuring a photo of your entire family, just your kids, or even your pet, MyPublisher’s collection of cards allows everyone to find the perfect card to fit his or her style and stand out from the rest this holiday season.  In addition to the unique, captivating designs created by top industry artists, MyPublisher uses a high quality card stock and includes a number of extras such as envelope liners, return address printing, and standard shipping – all for free.

Not only is MyPublisher.com providing me with Christmas cards this year, but they want to give one of you a gift code for up to $50 worth of Christmas cards of your choice from their site. With the big selection and all the little extras, you won't be disappointed.

If you want to enter the great giveaway, just enter in the Rafflecopter form below!



*Disclaimer: I was provided a GC to order my Christmas cards from mypublisher.com. All opinions are my own.*

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Organa Kids Castle Farm & Happy Valley DVD Review + {Rafflecopter Giveaway - Ends 12/11} (CLOSED)

This giveaway is now closed. Congrats to the winner listed below.

Animated Stories From Around the World

Are Brought To Life In Launch of New DVD Series:

Castle Farm Volume 1 & Volume 2

Happy Valley Volume 1 & Volume2

Settle Onto DVD August 30, 2011 From Organa Kids

Los Angeles, CA (August 1, 2011)-- Children's animated stories are brought to life in the launch of two new, delightful animated DVDs series - Castle Farm and Happy Valley, which read out to preschool children to engage their imaginations, amuse and entertain and at the same time teach lessons to last a lifetime by relating to them on their own level. The first volumes of each title settle onto DVD August 30, 2011 from Organa Kids, a company dedicated to bringing the very best in children's animation and television fro around the world to U.S. audiences on DVD and digital download.

Like a child's drawing brought to life, Castle Farm is a gentle series from Englad full of color and colorful charachers. Join Farm Girl, Piggy, Leonard, Farmer and all the barnyard animals as they solve mysteries, fix things, get chores done, play games and learn lessons about friendship, responsibility and having fun. Each vignette is filled with its own tiny adventure that will engage ounsters again and again.

Castle Farm Volume 1 includes the episodes "Snails," "The Carrot Thief," "Ball Games," "A Windy Day," "Amber," "The Prickly Flower," "Bubbles," "Trophy" and "Waiting for Winnie." Volume 2 includes "Muddy Farm," "Little Bo Lost," "Stinging Nettles," "The Twirly Spinner," "Talking Trouble," "Woodlice," "Pumpkin on the Loose," "Blackberries" and "Eight Legs."

Happy Valley, a charming series also from England, is set in a beautiful countryside by the sea. Using traditional and contemporary nursery rhymes and songs, each episode tells a story about the children who live in the valley as they learn about the world around them. Whether taking a school trip, visiting grandparents, or a simple walk in nature, the tales are endearing and captivating and appeal to even the youngest of viewers. Happy Valley Volume 1 contains the episodes "Rain is Tumbling," "There You Are, Blackbird," "Tree on the Hill," "Where Are You Hiding?," "Autumn Leaves," "Gee Up Little Horsie," "Wakey, Wakey!," "Far, Far Away" and "Little Donkey." Volume 2 contains the episodes "Cosy Little House," "Have You Ever Been Sailing?," "Robin Redbreast," "Going to See the Doctor," "Scarecrow," "Cars," "Shopping," "Valley Farm" and "Sun Cream."

Castle Farm and Happy Valley are recommended for children ages 2-5 and are available for $14.95 each. For more information about these and other titles, visit www.organakids.com.

About Organa Kids
Organa Kids was established in 1995 with the mission of introducing American families to stories, characters and cultures from around the world through multicultural stories with universal themes. Inspiring kids to have an awareness of the world as a while (While being delightfully entertained), Organa Kids is creating products that balance technology and real-world experiences. The company most recently released "Scavenger Traveler" app for the iPhone whereby kids of any age can explore their environment traveling of on vacation. Other DVD releases include "Stories From Each of the Moon," based on witty stories by Monty Python's Terry Jones; "Move With Me" series of Yoga DVDs for kids; and "The Adventures of Mouse &  Mole." On CD-ROM is the fascinating "Croatian Tales" based upon the book "Croatian Tales of Long Ago" animated by an international team of animators, illustrators, musicians, programmers, and actors.

This is a fun DVD set for preschool age kids. My son was a bit too old for this, but he's on the top of the recommended ages and he's already in school. But these are just right for my 1 1/2 year old nephews. The Organa Kids DVDs are fun and entertaining in just the right way.

The Castle Farm and Happy Valley DVDs are targeted to children ages 2-5 years old. The movies are each about 59 minutes long. And they sell for a retail price of $14.95. You can purchase the DVDs from the Organa Kids website or through Amazon as well.

One of you can win these DVDs by entering in the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!



*Disclaimer: I received a copy of these DVDs to review. All opinions are my own.*

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Marina Games Take-Out Review

Here is a fun new game from Marina Games. This fast paced dice game is called Take-Out. The idea is simple, take out as many numbers are you can. The game comes with a cup, 10 numbered dice (with different numbers on each), and 2 regular white dice. You get to take out number combinations that add up to the number on the white dice.

The whole idea of Take-Out is to take out as many numbered dice as you can. The rest at the end of your turn get added to your score. And the last person to reach 150 points is the winner. As each person reaches that score, they are eliminated.

Take-Out is a really fun game. It's easy to play. They do recommend players ares 8 and up. That's because you have to be able to do simple math to eliminate dice. This game is easy to take with you anywhere. It comes in a small box that is easy to carry with you to parties, get togethers, and more. You can purchase Take-Out in stores across the US, just check their locator to see where it's in a store near you. And you can get it from Amazon too.


*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*

BIG Holiday Savings for Moms!

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of BigCrumbs for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Moms are busy. Ask any one, they'll all say the same thing. I know I will. Between laundry, dishes, preparing meals, caring for children, school activities and so much more, I don't know how we get it all done some days. And we try to balance it all while saving money for our family too.

I love shopping for the holidays, but its hard to find all the right gifts. More than that, it's hard to stay in budget sometimes too. Of course I'd love to get my family the best of everything, but I still have to think about the money I have set aside for Christmas and use only that. 

BigCrumbs.com must have had moms in mind when they created their website. You can shop AND save on their website. They have cash back rewards for over 1200 top online stores - like Target, Walmart, Best Buys and Macys. Every purchase helps you to earn cash.

You can sign up for free at BigCrumbs.com. You get to shop right from your comfy home when you have the time to do it. You can get all the same deals from these website and still earn a little extra cash back.

Plus if you're looking for a way to earn even more money, you can refer other moms and earn from them as well when they shop.

Use BigCrumbs.com today to start saving with your holiday shopping!

Country Dance 2 Wii Game Review

I am a huge fan of the Just Dance Wii games. They are so much fun. I've always liked music and dancing (from time to time). I don't seem like the dancing type, but once I get into it I have a lot of fun. And I have a decent sense of rhythm that really helps with these games. But this is the first time that I've been introduced to the Country Dance games. The new Country Dance 2 Wii game is a lot of fun to play, especially if you are a country music lover.

Country Dance 2 is a fun, energetic dance game that your whole family can do together. It has over 30 songs and different dances. And the songs are popular choices from hit country artists that you love. Here is a little more about the game:

Kick Up Your Heels to Your Favorite Country Hits with GameMill Entertainment’s Country Dance™ 2Available Now Exclusively on Wii™

Dance to 30+ Chart-Topping Tunes from Today’s Biggest Names in Country Including Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and more!

Minneapolis, MN—November 1, 2011— Country music’s biggest artists are headed to your living room for an all new interactive experience!  GameMill Entertainment, an independent publisher of entertaining mass-market video games, today announced the launch of Country Dance™ 2,the sequel to America’s favorite country dance video game that’s packed with fresh country hits, all new routines, multiplayer modes and brand new sing-along features.  Country Dance 2 is available now exclusively for Wii™ at retailers nationwide.

Download the official Country Dance 2 launch trailer for a sneak peek at the interactive fun that will have you kickin’ ‘til the clock stops tickin’:https://rcpt.yousendit.com/1267582562/3e596b31fa10d70dd71479ea0f207a82

(Or view the trailer here: http://youtu.be/xfoFzphPqj8)

Country Dance 2 is the ultimate country music video game experience featuring more than 30 tracks from the biggest names in country.  The CountryDance 2 star-studded lineup includes music from Jason Aldean, Brad Paisley, Luke Bryan, Keith Urban, Lady Antebellum, George Strait, Blake Shelton, Miranda Lambert, Carrie Underwood and many, many more. Building upon the simple gameplay loved by fans of Country Dance, CountryDance 2 amplifies the fun with an all new sing-along features, duet dancing and a new calorie-counting exercise mode.  Whether you’re cutting the rug on your own, line dancing side-by-side with your partner, or taking on friends and family in a dancing duel, Country Dance 2 will transform your living room into an energetic dance floor with today’s hottest country songs from America’s best-selling country artists.

Country Dance 2™ Complete Song List:

• Ashton Shepherd – “Look It Up”
• Billy Currington – “People Are Crazy”
• Blake Shelton – “Honey Bee”
• Brad Paisley – “Old Alabama”
• Carrie Underwood – “All American Girl”
• Chad Brownlee – “Carried Away” 
• Chris Heers – “Dirt Rich” 
• Dierks Bentley – “Sideways”
• Easton Corbin – “Roll With It”
• Eric Church – “Hell On The Heart”
• Frankie Ballard – “A Buncha Girls” 
• George Strait – “Here For A Good Time”
• Gwyneth Paltrow – “Shake That Thing”
• Hayley McLean – “Good Time Bone”
• Hunter Hayes – “Storm Warning” 
• Jake Owen – “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” 
• Jason Aldean – “My Kinda Party”
• Joanna Smith – “Gettin’ Married”
• Josh Kelley – “Georgia Clay” 
• Josh Thompson – “Won’t Be Lonely Long”
• Katie Armiger – “Best Song Ever” 
• Keith Urban – “Better Life”
• Kellie Pickler – “Tough”
• Lady Antebellum – “Lookin For a Good Time” 
• Little Big Town – “Little White Church”
• Luke Bryan – “Country Girl”
• Miranda Lambert – “Gunpowder & Lead”
• Montgomery Gentry – “What Do Ya Think About That”
• Rodney Atkins – “Take A Back Road”
• The JaneDear Girls – “Wildflower” 
• The Last Ride– “Take You Down” 

Additional Country Dance 2 Features:

• Star-Studded Soundtrack: 30+ country hits from country music’s biggest artists!
• User-Friendly Gameplay: Easy to jump in and play – just grab the Wii Remote™ controller and replicate the onscreen dance moves! Fun for all ages and all dance abilities!
• Don’t be Shy, Belt it Out: New sing-along features and scrolling lyrics let you dance AND sing!
• Grab a Partner: Supports up to four players at once including duet dancing option that features unique choreography for each player during the same song!
• Calorie Counter: Dancing is a great way to burn some calories; take advantage of the all new calorie counter!

Country Dance 2 is available nationwide exclusively for Wii™ for the suggested retail price of $39.99, and is rated “E10+” by the ESRB. Like us on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/CountryDanceGame. Follow us on Twitter @Country_Dance.  For more information about Country Dance 2 or the Country Dance franchise, please visit: www.game-mill.com.

###

About GameMill Entertainment

High Voltage Software, Inc. is an award-winning studio that has been developing games and simulations for over 18 years. Located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, it now employs over 100 staff members. The independent company has successfully produced a wide variety of license-based video game titles that include dancing/ rhythm, competitive racing, professional sports, motion picture adaptations, horror, military simulations, as well as innovative original intellectual properties. More information about High Voltage Software and its products can be found at www.high-voltage.com.

About High Voltage Software, Inc.

High Voltage Software, Inc. is an award-winning studio that has been developing games and simulations for over 18 years. Located in Hoffman Estates, Illinois, it now employs over 100 staff members. The independent company has successfully produced a wide variety of license-based video game titles that include dancing/ rhythm, competitive racing, professional sports, motion picture adaptations, horror, military simulations, as well as innovative original intellectual properties. More information about High Voltage Software and its products can be found at www.high-voltage.com.

I was excited to try this game. I must admit that I'm not a big country music fan. In fact I don't know many of the songs on here. But I do like being able to have some new dances and songs with the Country Dance 2 game. The movements are pretty easy to follow. There are some songs that are harder than others, but they are denoted that way. The calorie counter feature on the game is handy. When I do my dance games, I do it to get moving and work up a sweat.

This game is rated "E10+", which is for everyone over the age of 10. I'm not really sure why it's rated higher, because we really do pay attention to ratings in our house. My son is 5 and he does not usually play games that are over an "E" rating or watch movies/shows that are rated higher than his actual age. Call me mean, but that's the general rule. There are a few exceptions, and it's on a case by case basis. I do let him play the Just Dance games with me. I understand that they rating is because of some suggestive song lyrics. So far that has not been an issue for us (as far as him picking them up), so he can play with me. I think this game is the same. Lyrics are the only thing I see for the rating being higher. I have not played all the songs yet, so I don't know for sure. But for now if my son does want to play, he must play with me only. If I heard a song I don't like him listening to, we won't play that particular one.

Zachariah was funny playing this. He doesn't get what country music is since we don't listen to it much at all. When we did the first dance, he thought the "cowboys" were pretty fun. Then we he figured out all the dances had "cowboys", he was a little confused about that. I think some of the line dance type dances are good for him and easy to pick up on, so it was fun to play with him.

Country Dance 2 Wii game is available in stores and online now. This is a great gift or stocking stuffer for the country music (or dance) lover in your life.



*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*