Thursday, June 30, 2011
Giveaway extended!
Clearly my cold was kicking in when I posted the Energizer/Discover card giveaway! It was only posted as running for a week instead of two, so it's been adjusted! The Energizer/Discover card giveaway is now CORRECTED and will be ending July 8 instead of July 1. I apologize for the mistake! Now you have more time to enter and tweet, so go for it!
Oh the summer cold!
I wanted to apologize for the small posting break! The kids and I got slammed with a yucky summer cold and I've been getting a ton of work in to type up! Unfortunately, work has to come before fun so my posts got a little hung up. No worries, I'll be posting winners of a few giveaways soon and I have some other things to put up for you as well!
The last week or so seems to have gotten away from me, please bear with me while I get back on track!
The last week or so seems to have gotten away from me, please bear with me while I get back on track!
Monday, June 27, 2011
Monte Carlo: A Must See Summer Movie!
This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Monte Carlo for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.
There are some fabulous movies coming out this summer! There are several I want to check out, and Monte Carlo is one of them. It looks funny, fun and chick-flicky! Monte Carlo comes out in theaters on Friday and would be a great mother/daughter movie night kick off for the holiday weekend! Little Miss Princess isn't old enough to enjoy mother/daughter movies with yet, so I may try to see this on my own or with friends, I think it looks adorable.
Check out this little sneak peek trailer and tell me what you think or if you're planning on checking it out!
I really like movies like this, what a fairy tale dream vacation (well...from the previews anyway)! It can be very relaxing and enjoyable to let you mind go and imagine "what if it happened to me!" when you're watching something like this!
You can find the most up to date movie information on the Monte Carlo Facebook page. While you're hopping around on the web, don't forget to check out Fandango to get your Monte Carlo movie tickets ahead of time (they're available for purchase as early as June 29!).
Friday, June 24, 2011
ebeanstalk.com Review
With 3 little ones pretty close in age,you can bet I'm always keeping an eye out for online toy stores! How else am I going to get birthday/Christmas shopping done by myself??
When I was introduced to ebeanstalk.com, it was like a little piece of toy store heaven! They have many, many fabulous choices! For my boys, they have building toys for all ages, everything from soft blocks to wooden, naturally finished building blocks.
Let's not forget the amazing selection of learning toys! What better way for kiddos to learn than through play? That's the "job" of our little ones, to learn through playtime and experiences! I'm happy to see that ebeanstalk.com offers so many great choices for parents and kids!
Ease of use:
Using the ebeanstalk.com website was simple. You can choose what age range you're looking to buy for and whether you're shopping for a boy or a girl and they even list the top sellers in each age category. The search box is easy to use and brings up what you're looking for (or similar, if they don't have the exact thing you're searching for). I like that the site is clean and easy to read. Some sites get too bogged down with graphics and videos and you can't actually find what you're looking for or you end up frustrated in the process. If that happens to you, head on over to ebeanstalk.com instead. ;) Overall, my experience on ebeanstalk.com was great! I'm glad to have been introduced to the site and I'm definitely keeping it on my list for birthday/Christmas shopping!
Disclaimer: I was sent a gift card from the above company in return for my honest opinion and website review. No other compensation was received.
Lovey HELP!
So this is a post of desperation, lol. Tiny Man's lovey (as seen below) has started to unravel. It's had strings come out here and there in the past, but almost one whole side hem has come off and I'm worried he's going to be carrying around nothing but a pile of chenille string before too long. It's the Lambs & Ivy Froggy Tales collection, it was Talker Man's when he was born and it's apparently been discontinued. If anyone knows where I might be able to find one, we would VERY, VERY, VERY much appreciate it! All the mommies know that a lovey can't really be replaced, but I'm hoping a replacement will help since "bankbank" seems to be about done for :(
**Can I just add that the Lambs & Ivy customer service wasn't overly helpful? =/ **
**Can I just add that the Lambs & Ivy customer service wasn't overly helpful? =/ **
Energizer Batteries (Giveaway!)
Energizer® is my go-to for buying batteries -- I love how well the Energizer® Ultimate Lithium batteries work in my digital camera. There's nothing like having your batteries run out at a prime photo-taking moment, and with the Energizer® Ultimate Lithium's, that's less of a concern because they're long lasting. They last up to 8 times longer than Energizer® Max! To me, going through fewer batteries means less waste and less money spent in the long run. Plus, you're less likely to have your digital camera flash that "low battery" light right when you're about to get the perfect shot!
These batteries are great for more than just cameras, though! Use them in all your high tech devices!
Just in time for summer, Energizer® has a deal to help make a positive impact on your gas budget. They’re rewarding Energizer® Lithium customers by helping their dollars last longer. Simply purchase two packs of specially-marked Energizer® Ultimate Lithium or Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries and you will get a $10 Prepaid Discover® Gas Rewards card mailed to you. It’s that easy.
Here's how to do it!
1. Visit www.facebook.com/energizer
2. Click on tab for the Lithium Gas Reward and follow the instructions to input your battery pack codes.
3. A $10 Prepaid Discover® Gas Rewards card will then be mailed to you from the fulfillment company.
4. The last day to redeem codes is 1/31/12 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 24, 2011 until Friday, July 8, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Mandatory:
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
2) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via Google Friend Connect (if you're already a follower, just say so!)
Disclaimer: I was sent product from the above company in return for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was received.
These batteries are great for more than just cameras, though! Use them in all your high tech devices!
Just in time for summer, Energizer® has a deal to help make a positive impact on your gas budget. They’re rewarding Energizer® Lithium customers by helping their dollars last longer. Simply purchase two packs of specially-marked Energizer® Ultimate Lithium or Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries and you will get a $10 Prepaid Discover® Gas Rewards card mailed to you. It’s that easy.
Here's how to do it!
1. Visit www.facebook.com/energizer
2. Click on tab for the Lithium Gas Reward and follow the instructions to input your battery pack codes.
3. A $10 Prepaid Discover® Gas Rewards card will then be mailed to you from the fulfillment company.
4. The last day to redeem codes is 1/31/12 at 11:59 p.m. ET.
Win It!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!
Giveaway Prize: One winner will win one (1) package of Energizer® Ultimate Lithium and one (1) package of Energizer® Advanced Lithium batteries in the winner's choice of AA or AAA. (These will include the codes for you to redeem for a $10 gas reward card as mentioned above!)
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 24, 2011 until Friday, July 8, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Mandatory:
1) Tell me what you use batteries for most often and which size you would choose if you won!
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
2) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via Google Friend Connect (if you're already a follower, just say so!)
3) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Twitter.
4) Follow Energizer on Twitter.
5) Tweet this giveaway (1 extra entry per day, please leave the tweet link) Can use: RT @mtndewmama #Win batteries from @Energizer in this awesome #giveaway! {Ends July 8} http://bit.ly/kz1xHZ
6) "Like" Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Facebook.
7) "Like" Energizer on Facebook.
8) Subscribe to my blog feed.
9) Grab my button and display it on your blog.
10) Enter any of my other giveaways (1 extra entry for each giveaway entered, post separate comments)
11) Blog about this giveaway (5 entries, please post 5 comments)
Disclaimer: I was sent product from the above company in return for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was received.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Save a Little Time! Ten Tips! #StarbucksApp
Oftentimes there don't seem to be enough hours in any particular day to get things done. It can't possibly just be that way in my house, so if you're nodding your head, keep reading! I try to think of time savers as I go along, some of them work, some of them not so much. Don't worry, I'm not going to share the failures, only the successes!!
1) Don't waste a car trip! I try to come up with all the little trips that I need to do and get them all done at once. I have to haul 3 kids up and down a flight of stairs each time I go out to run errands or whatever, so this is quickly becoming second nature. You'll get everything done and out of the way in one big "adventure." If you start with the furthest place first, you'll be working your way back home and hopefully saving a little gas that way too!
2) Organize! Whether it's your desk, your kitchen, your entire home, a little organization will keep you from saying, "Now where did I put that??" We've all been there. If it has a "home" and it's always in it's "home" then you'll always know where to find it! You won't have to waste time searching the whole house just to find whatever it is that you've misplaced.
3) Don't just wait! If you're stuck in the doctor's office waiting room, bring something along to do! Maybe you can use your phone to check your online banking, pay a couple of online bills, do the little things you may not remember to do until the last minute.
4) Use the "OHIO" method and "only handle it once." Be it junk mail, magazines you're not actually going to read, whatever it is. Decide what you're going to do with it and move on, don't let it clutter up your counters and then have to take time again later to go through it.
5) Do some once a month cooking! Even if you don't want to do an entire month, look up come recipes and spend one day cooking up a storm. If you take time one day to do it, toss your meals in the freezer and they'll be dinner time savers for the days that a meeting runs over, traffic was terrible, or you just lost track of time. You can eat something healthy and home made and not just order in some pizza or fast food!
6) Keep track of what you're running out of. Make a shopping list and check it twice! There's nothing like going to make dinner and realizing you forgot a key ingredient when you were at the store earlier in the day. We've all been there. A little extra time making sure you have everything will save you having to run out again later!
7) Set out your clothes (or your kids!) the night before. Make those decisions when you're not half asleep and trying to figure out if this shirt matches those pants. It makes it easier and faster for kids to get ready in the morning too! Have everything together, pants, shirt, socks, shoes. Then nobody will be running around looking for that missing shoe when you're trying to get them loaded into the car for school.
8) Teach your kids to keep their school things together and organized. Much like tip #7, if it's all together and ready the night before, it will make morning that much better! No more searching for the missing permission slip or trying to figure out if the dog really DID eat the homework.
9) Shop online. At night. In your pajamas. Yes, really, it's much more relaxing and it's a lot easier to compare prices. Most places offer free shipping and you can usually return anything that doesn't fit (or isn't what you thought it was) to your local store. It will most likely save you money too, because you won't be impulse shopping quite as much when you aren't dealing with bored kiddos!
10) Relax! It doesn't sound like a time saver, but you'll be less stressed and less likely to make a silly mistake if you've taken a moment to breathe and think things through. If you don't goof up, you won't have to take the time to fix whatever mistake you may have made because you were in a hurry.
I hope some of those may be helpful to you! What are your favorite ways to save time? I'd love to hear them, I'm always looking for new ways that I may not have thought of and I'm sure other readers would love to hear them as well!
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
1) Don't waste a car trip! I try to come up with all the little trips that I need to do and get them all done at once. I have to haul 3 kids up and down a flight of stairs each time I go out to run errands or whatever, so this is quickly becoming second nature. You'll get everything done and out of the way in one big "adventure." If you start with the furthest place first, you'll be working your way back home and hopefully saving a little gas that way too!
2) Organize! Whether it's your desk, your kitchen, your entire home, a little organization will keep you from saying, "Now where did I put that??" We've all been there. If it has a "home" and it's always in it's "home" then you'll always know where to find it! You won't have to waste time searching the whole house just to find whatever it is that you've misplaced.
3) Don't just wait! If you're stuck in the doctor's office waiting room, bring something along to do! Maybe you can use your phone to check your online banking, pay a couple of online bills, do the little things you may not remember to do until the last minute.
4) Use the "OHIO" method and "only handle it once." Be it junk mail, magazines you're not actually going to read, whatever it is. Decide what you're going to do with it and move on, don't let it clutter up your counters and then have to take time again later to go through it.
5) Do some once a month cooking! Even if you don't want to do an entire month, look up come recipes and spend one day cooking up a storm. If you take time one day to do it, toss your meals in the freezer and they'll be dinner time savers for the days that a meeting runs over, traffic was terrible, or you just lost track of time. You can eat something healthy and home made and not just order in some pizza or fast food!
6) Keep track of what you're running out of. Make a shopping list and check it twice! There's nothing like going to make dinner and realizing you forgot a key ingredient when you were at the store earlier in the day. We've all been there. A little extra time making sure you have everything will save you having to run out again later!
7) Set out your clothes (or your kids!) the night before. Make those decisions when you're not half asleep and trying to figure out if this shirt matches those pants. It makes it easier and faster for kids to get ready in the morning too! Have everything together, pants, shirt, socks, shoes. Then nobody will be running around looking for that missing shoe when you're trying to get them loaded into the car for school.
8) Teach your kids to keep their school things together and organized. Much like tip #7, if it's all together and ready the night before, it will make morning that much better! No more searching for the missing permission slip or trying to figure out if the dog really DID eat the homework.
9) Shop online. At night. In your pajamas. Yes, really, it's much more relaxing and it's a lot easier to compare prices. Most places offer free shipping and you can usually return anything that doesn't fit (or isn't what you thought it was) to your local store. It will most likely save you money too, because you won't be impulse shopping quite as much when you aren't dealing with bored kiddos!
10) Relax! It doesn't sound like a time saver, but you'll be less stressed and less likely to make a silly mistake if you've taken a moment to breathe and think things through. If you don't goof up, you won't have to take the time to fix whatever mistake you may have made because you were in a hurry.
I hope some of those may be helpful to you! What are your favorite ways to save time? I'd love to hear them, I'm always looking for new ways that I may not have thought of and I'm sure other readers would love to hear them as well!
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
The First Years: Brag Badge & True Fit Recline Car Seat Giveaway!
I seem to "Facebook" all of my baby's firsts. With our busy days, I never remember to put them on the baby calendar or even the regular calendar and Facebook is so handy! I usually just post a status of whatever it is -- the most recent ones have been about a couple little chompers coming through for Little Miss Princess!
The First Years has taken the status brags and run with them! Now you can create your very own "Brag Badge" and post is straight to your wall! Here's one that I did:
Seriously, it's so simple and a great way to share those firsts with family and friends, all while keeping track for the baby book! They've made it easy, you can choose from their lists of firsts or create one of your own and it doesn't take much more time than simply posting a status and the cute icons make them a little more noticeable!
To make your own Brag Badge, "Like" The First Years on Facebook and click the "Brag Badge" link on the left side!
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 21, 2011 until Thursday, July 21, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
The First Years has taken the status brags and run with them! Now you can create your very own "Brag Badge" and post is straight to your wall! Here's one that I did:
To make your own Brag Badge, "Like" The First Years on Facebook and click the "Brag Badge" link on the left side!
Win It!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!
Giveaway Prize: One (1) True Fit Recline Convertible Car Seat (ARV $199)
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 21, 2011 until Thursday, July 21, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Mandatory:
1) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via Google Friend Connect (if you're already a follower, just say so!)
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
2) Create a brag badge of your own and tell us what you bragged about! (2 extra entries)
3) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Twitter.
4) Follow The First Years on Twitter.
5) Tweet this giveaway (1 extra entry per day, please leave the tweet link) Can use: RT @mtndewmama #Win a True Fit Recline #Carseat from @TheFirstYears in this awesome #giveaway! {Ends July 21} http://bit.ly/mR1Qvp
6) "Like" Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Facebook.
7) "Like" The First Years on Facebook.
8) Subscribe to my blog feed.
9) Grab my button and display it on your blog.
10) Enter any of my other giveaways (1 extra entry for each giveaway entered, post separate comments)
11) Blog about this giveaway (5 entries, please post 5 comments)
Disclaimer: I was sent product from the above company in return for this post and giveaway. No other compensation was received.
Probiotic Supplements for Beginners
Overview on Probiotic Supplements
Probiotic supplements are taken as an enhancement to a regular diet. They provide other necessary requirements that are not included in other vitamin or nutrient supplements. Unlike other traditional supplements, the main ingredient of probiotic supplements are live cultured microorganisms that are similar to the natural digestive and intestinal flora in the body.
These microorganisms are processed as a supplement while alive in their bacterial or yeast form to ensure that only live cultures are integrated into the digestive and intestinal system. The most frequent types of bacterial culture used as supplement are the bifidobacterium, lactobaccilus, and saccharomyces.
Depending on the supplement type and need of the individual, there could be more than one strain of healthy bacteria integrated into a dosage of probiotic supplement. This is to ensure that the superior qualities of other strains are integrated into the product. Another type of friendly bacteria is also introduced to help lengthen the life cycle of the bacterial colony before ingestion as a supplement.
Types of Probiotic Supplements
Like probiotic food and snacks, probiotic supplements are packaged and presented in different ways. The most common type of supplement can be purchased in capsule and liquid form. Other supplements are freeze dried into powder and can be reconstituted with the addition of water and other type of drinkable liquid.
The supplements in powder form are often mixed with unheated liquid or sprinkled over food. The liquid and food should not be warmed or chilled too much, just maintained in a balanced room temperature. The powdered probiotic supplement is ideal for children since the powder can be mixed easily with any type of food or beverage. This is really helpful for mothers who want their school age children to have a probiotic infused diet while in school or day care.
Probiotics are also packaged in capsule, pills, and pearl form. Adults and teens who are taking supplements usually choose the capsule form since it is more convenient and easy to use. Individuals who are tracking their daily supplemental intake also select the capsule form in order to easily monitor their progress.
Consumers can also purchase probiotic supplements in liquid form. These supplements are often infused with different fruit flavors and essences to make them more drinkable. They are often marketed for a wider range of consumers, including teens and younger children. Unlike powders and capsules, the liquid probiotic supplements should be placed in the refrigerator after opening to prolong shelf life.
Benefits of Probiotic Supplements
The benefits of probiotics among regular consumers have been widely reported. When taken as a supplement or food, probiotics maintains the health and balance of the digestive system and enhances the functioning of the immune system.
In terms of facilitating overall health of the digestive system, probiotic supplements are said to inhibit the growth and development of harmful bacteria by encouraging healthy bacteria to thrive and grow. A healthy population of beneficial bacteria prevents disorders and diseases like diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation of the ileal pouch after colon surgery, and other conditions.
Probiotic supplements are taken as an enhancement to a regular diet. They provide other necessary requirements that are not included in other vitamin or nutrient supplements. Unlike other traditional supplements, the main ingredient of probiotic supplements are live cultured microorganisms that are similar to the natural digestive and intestinal flora in the body.
These microorganisms are processed as a supplement while alive in their bacterial or yeast form to ensure that only live cultures are integrated into the digestive and intestinal system. The most frequent types of bacterial culture used as supplement are the bifidobacterium, lactobaccilus, and saccharomyces.
Depending on the supplement type and need of the individual, there could be more than one strain of healthy bacteria integrated into a dosage of probiotic supplement. This is to ensure that the superior qualities of other strains are integrated into the product. Another type of friendly bacteria is also introduced to help lengthen the life cycle of the bacterial colony before ingestion as a supplement.
Types of Probiotic Supplements
Like probiotic food and snacks, probiotic supplements are packaged and presented in different ways. The most common type of supplement can be purchased in capsule and liquid form. Other supplements are freeze dried into powder and can be reconstituted with the addition of water and other type of drinkable liquid.
The supplements in powder form are often mixed with unheated liquid or sprinkled over food. The liquid and food should not be warmed or chilled too much, just maintained in a balanced room temperature. The powdered probiotic supplement is ideal for children since the powder can be mixed easily with any type of food or beverage. This is really helpful for mothers who want their school age children to have a probiotic infused diet while in school or day care.
Probiotics are also packaged in capsule, pills, and pearl form. Adults and teens who are taking supplements usually choose the capsule form since it is more convenient and easy to use. Individuals who are tracking their daily supplemental intake also select the capsule form in order to easily monitor their progress.
Consumers can also purchase probiotic supplements in liquid form. These supplements are often infused with different fruit flavors and essences to make them more drinkable. They are often marketed for a wider range of consumers, including teens and younger children. Unlike powders and capsules, the liquid probiotic supplements should be placed in the refrigerator after opening to prolong shelf life.
Benefits of Probiotic Supplements
The benefits of probiotics among regular consumers have been widely reported. When taken as a supplement or food, probiotics maintains the health and balance of the digestive system and enhances the functioning of the immune system.
In terms of facilitating overall health of the digestive system, probiotic supplements are said to inhibit the growth and development of harmful bacteria by encouraging healthy bacteria to thrive and grow. A healthy population of beneficial bacteria prevents disorders and diseases like diarrhea, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel syndrome, inflammation of the ileal pouch after colon surgery, and other conditions.
Monday, June 20, 2011
Hello Kitty BabyLegs!
My favorite are the "Apple a Day" ones below. Which ones do you like??
**You can find our previous BabyLegs review here! I'm just sharing the new styles with you because I think they're adorable!**
Sunday, June 19, 2011
GlassesUSA.com (Coupon Code!)
I've worn eyeglasses since elementary school and I've only ever had one pair at a time. I would love to have a couple of different styles to wear for different occasions and decided to look into places online to buy glasses.
Sometimes it can be hard to shop around for glasses; different places have different brands and styles and you may find a pair you like only to discover they cost a fortune. Not so at GlassesUSA.com! You know you're getting the lowest prices thanks to their 110% lowest price guarantee.
Buy It!
You can use the coupon code Mommy10 to save 10% on your next purchase of glasses from GlassesUSA.com! That's on top of their already fabulous low prices! What a deal! While you're on their site, be sure to check into their refer-a-friend program. You can receive $30 for each first purchase a referred friend makes and use that $30 towards your next pair! Imagine THOSE possibilities!
Disclaimer: This sponsored post is written by me on behalf of GlassesUSA.com.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
Pull-Ups Big Kid Calls ($25 Target Gift Card Giveaway)
You're able to listen to the messages online or you can schedule a time for your phone to ring with a special message for your little one. I chose to do both, I listened to the messages online and then decided which one would be best for each boy! Talker Man is already fully potty trained, but you know that if one brother gets to do something cool, the other wants in on it, and that's perfectly fine!
Here's a quick snapshot of Talker Man checking out his phone call:
You can sign your little one up to receive their very own Disney Character Call (from characters from the movie Cars or from Disney Princesses!) by going to bigkidcalls.com or sign up via your mobile device at bigkids.mobi!
Win It!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!
Giveaway Prize: One (1) $25.00 Target gift card.
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 16, 2011 until Thursday, June 23, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Mandatory:
1) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via Google Friend Connect (if you're already a follower, just say so!)
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
2) Try out the character calls and tell me what your child thought of the experience!
3) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Twitter.
4) Tweet this giveaway (1 extra entry per day, please leave the tweet link)
5) "Like" Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Facebook.
6) Subscribe to my blog feed.
7) Grab my button and display it on your blog.
8) Enter any of my other giveaways (1 extra entry for each giveaway entered, post separate comments)
9) Blog about this giveaway (5 entries, please post 5 comments)
Disclaimer: Thanks to Mom Spark Media, I was sent a Target gift card from the above company in return for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was received.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
Cars 2 Prize Package!
Win It!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!!
Giveaway Prize: One (1) prize package containing the following:
* CARS 2 t-shirt in youth sizes of the winner's choice (S, M, L, XL)
* CARS 2 set of 3 bumper tickets
* CARS 2 temporary tattoo sheet (2 per winner)
* CARS 2 puzzle
* CARS 2 t-shirt in youth sizes of the winner's choice (S, M, L, XL)
* CARS 2 set of 3 bumper tickets
* CARS 2 temporary tattoo sheet (2 per winner)
* CARS 2 puzzle
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 14, 2011 until Tuesday, June 28, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Mandatory:
1) Tell me who you're entering to win the prize pack for!
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
2) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via GFC.
3) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Twitter.
4) Tweet this giveaway (1 extra entry per day, please leave the tweet link)
5) "Like" Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Facebook.
6) "Like" Cars 2 on Facebook.
7) Subscribe to my blog feed.
8) Grab my button and display it on your blog.
9) Enter any of my other giveaways (1 extra entry for each giveaway entered, post separate comments)
11) Blog about this giveaway (5 entries, please post 5 comments)
Disclaimer: The above prize package is being provided by Disney. No other compensation was received.
How to Save Money on Children's Clothes and Products
Every parent knows that having a child is expensive. The USDA states that it costs an average middle-class American family $222,360 to raise a child to 18. This figure is not adjusted for inflation and obviously doesn't include college, either. What can parents do to save money on clothes and and products without sacrificing quality? Utilizing credit card rewards programs, second-hand swapping or shopping, and buying sale items ahead of time for a stockpile are all excellent strategies. Sometimes, coupling up several different methods at once can net you rock-bottom deals.
Credit Card Rewards Programs
Some credit cards give back a portion of the balance, whether or not you pay in full. Some savvy parents will buy items on clearance with such cards and then pay them off when they get the bill, reaping the cash back without paying a cent in interest. Using this method, sale or clearance items can be discounted by an additional percentage. Over the course of a year, the savings really adds up. Those who do not have poor credit or a previous bankruptcy should look into opening such a card.
Second-Hand Swapping
Parents who have extra or unneeded clothing may be all too happy to exchange with you, especially if your too-small clothes for boys will fit their newborn son in six months! If they don't want items in return, swapping the stuff they have for other goods or services is a distinct possibility. You could swap babysitting time, help painting or doing yard work, or anything else you can imagine. Each party can decide on a trade that will be mutually beneficial and save both sets of parents some money.
Second-Hand Shopping
There are three main sources of second-hand baby items available to the public. Thrift stores, flea markets, and consignment shops are all excellent places to look for great deals on baby clothing and products. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind.
As a general rule of thumb, don't purchase anything you can't wash, boil, or wipe down with antibacterial solution.
Do not buy used car seats from strangers. A car seat that has been in an accident is no longer safe. Always purchase a new car seat or use one given to you by a trusted friend or family member that can certify it has never been involved in an accident.
Be careful with anything involving moving parts. Use your smart phone to check the model numbers on bouncers, cribs, toys, and play pens to make sure they have not been recalled.
Refuse painted items. Lead-based paint on children's toys has been in the media, causing many parents to dump the tainted toys at second-hand retailers. Don't take the chance!
Sale Stockpiling
So you have a six-month-old boy and 18-month clothing is on sale at rock-bottom prices? He'll grow. Starting a small stockpile with the best deals you find can save you hundreds of dollars. Storing the clothes for later is simple enough, it just takes planning. Set a date on your calendar each month to go through the stockpile and pull out appropriate outfits or supplies.
Some parents go a step further and stockpile gender-neutral items for their next child, if they are planning one. Yellow, green, white, tan, black, and white items are perfect for either gender and can be saved from the first child to be handed down or bought at steep discounts as they are encountered.
No matter which strategies you employ, saving on clothes and products for your children doesn't have to create financial hardship. Using the right credit card rewards programs, searching for second-hand items, and creating a modest stockpile are simple to do and easy on your checkbook!
Credit Card Rewards Programs
Some credit cards give back a portion of the balance, whether or not you pay in full. Some savvy parents will buy items on clearance with such cards and then pay them off when they get the bill, reaping the cash back without paying a cent in interest. Using this method, sale or clearance items can be discounted by an additional percentage. Over the course of a year, the savings really adds up. Those who do not have poor credit or a previous bankruptcy should look into opening such a card.
Second-Hand Swapping
Parents who have extra or unneeded clothing may be all too happy to exchange with you, especially if your too-small clothes for boys will fit their newborn son in six months! If they don't want items in return, swapping the stuff they have for other goods or services is a distinct possibility. You could swap babysitting time, help painting or doing yard work, or anything else you can imagine. Each party can decide on a trade that will be mutually beneficial and save both sets of parents some money.
Second-Hand Shopping
There are three main sources of second-hand baby items available to the public. Thrift stores, flea markets, and consignment shops are all excellent places to look for great deals on baby clothing and products. However, there are some caveats to keep in mind.
As a general rule of thumb, don't purchase anything you can't wash, boil, or wipe down with antibacterial solution.
Do not buy used car seats from strangers. A car seat that has been in an accident is no longer safe. Always purchase a new car seat or use one given to you by a trusted friend or family member that can certify it has never been involved in an accident.
Be careful with anything involving moving parts. Use your smart phone to check the model numbers on bouncers, cribs, toys, and play pens to make sure they have not been recalled.
Refuse painted items. Lead-based paint on children's toys has been in the media, causing many parents to dump the tainted toys at second-hand retailers. Don't take the chance!
Sale Stockpiling
So you have a six-month-old boy and 18-month clothing is on sale at rock-bottom prices? He'll grow. Starting a small stockpile with the best deals you find can save you hundreds of dollars. Storing the clothes for later is simple enough, it just takes planning. Set a date on your calendar each month to go through the stockpile and pull out appropriate outfits or supplies.
Some parents go a step further and stockpile gender-neutral items for their next child, if they are planning one. Yellow, green, white, tan, black, and white items are perfect for either gender and can be saved from the first child to be handed down or bought at steep discounts as they are encountered.
No matter which strategies you employ, saving on clothes and products for your children doesn't have to create financial hardship. Using the right credit card rewards programs, searching for second-hand items, and creating a modest stockpile are simple to do and easy on your checkbook!
Monday, June 13, 2011
Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules DVD Giveaway
Greg Heffley is about to discover that there is something worse than middle school—his own family! Based on the 2011 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice™ Award for Best Book Series, the original film cast returns in Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules, available on Blu-ray and DVD on June 21st. This flick takes sibling rivalry to entirely new levels as big brother and little brother wrestle through growing pains.
Just back from summer vacation, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon, National Treasure: Book of Secrets) and his friend Rowley (Robert Capron, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) enter the next grade as undersized weaklings in their school. A bully favorite, Greg tries not to get noticed by anyone except the pretty new girl, Holly Hills (Peyton List, 27 Dresses). And at home, Greg is still at war with his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick, Degrassi), until their mom Susan (Rachael Harris, The Hangover) instigates a ‘Mom Bucks’ program so Greg and Rodrick can earn play money by doing chores and—gasp!—being nice to each other. Calamity ensues when their parents return from vacation and dad Frank (Steve Zahn, A Perfect Getaway) finds evidence that Rodrick secretly threw a houseparty with his band, Löded Diper. As they struggle with school and compete for ‘Mom Bucks,’ the brothers discover that avoiding trouble is easier if they unite—and their once-twisted partnership grows into a hilariously playful and sometimes mischievous friendship.
Buy It!
Available June 21, Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules will be available on single-disc DVD, 2-disc DVD, and 3-disc Blu-ray/DVD/Digital Copy and includes the crazy adventures Greg and his friends has over the summer with hilarious all-new “My Summer Vacation” shorts not seen in theaters.
Win It!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!
This giveaway has ended. Congratulations to the winner!
Giveaway Prize: One copy of Diary of a Wimpy Kid: Rodrick Rules on DVD.
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 13, 2011 until Monday, June 27, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada.
Mandatory:
1) Read the synopsis above and tell me:
What program does Greg and Rodrick’s Mom instigate?
• Mom Chores
• Mom Bucks
• Mom Hugs
What program does Greg and Rodrick’s Mom instigate?
• Mom Chores
• Mom Bucks
• Mom Hugs
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
2) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via GFC.
3) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Twitter.
4) Tweet this giveaway (1 extra entry per day, please leave the tweet link)
5) "Like" Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Facebook.
6) Subscribe to my blog feed.
7) Grab my button and display it on your blog.
8) Enter any of my other giveaways (1 extra entry for each giveaway entered, post separate comments)
9) Blog about this giveaway (5 entries, please post 5 comments)
Disclaimer: This giveaway prize is being offered thanks to Fox/ThinkJam!
Are your kids hiding something??
Diary of a Wimpy Kid – Roderick Rules: Are Your Kids up to No Good?
Greg Heffley is about to discover that there is something worse than middle school – his own family! Based on the 2011 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice™ Award for Best Book Series, the original film cast returns in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: RODRICK RULES, available on Blu-ray and DVD on June 21st.
For Greg and Roderick’s mother, Susan (Rachael Harris, The Hangover), having a full house can take it’s toll, especially with these two. This flick takes sibling rivalry to entirely new levels as big brother and little brother wrestle through growing pains. Just back from summer vacation, Greg Heffley (Zachary Gordon, National Treasure: Book of Secrets) and his friend Rowley (Robert Capron, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice) enter the next grade as undersized weaklings in their school. A bully favorite, Greg tries not to get noticed by anyone except the pretty new girl, Holly Hills (Peyton List, 27 Dresses). And at home, Greg is still at war with his older brother, Rodrick (Devon Bostick, “Degrassi”), until their mom Susan instigates a ‘Mom Bucks’ program so Greg and Rodrick can earn play money by doing chores and—gasp!—being nice to each other. Calamity ensues when their parents return from vacation and dad Frank (Steve Zahn, A Perfect Getaway) finds evidence that Rodrick secretly threw a houseparty with his band, Löded Diper. As they struggle with school and compete for ‘Mom Bucks,’ the brothers discover that avoiding trouble is easier if they unite—and their once-twisted partnership grows into a hilariously playful and sometimes mischievous friendship.
Parents Beware!
Parents know their kids “hiding something” face but how often can you tell what your kids are really up to? Here are a few tips on how to tell when your kids are getting into trouble and some solutions to keep parents two steps ahead of the game ever time
WHAT ARE YOUR KIDS HIDING?
JUNK FOOD
Junk food under the bed, dresser, closet, backpack – the list can go on- is a common thing that kids hide. Do a quick parent sweep from time to time and make sure they’re not spoling their appetite, or teeth. Signs that your kids might be stashing junkfood start with their appetite. If your kids aren’t hungry at dinnertime, and their in perfectly good health, it’s time to start checking their pockets for Gummy Bears. Also, finding wrappers on their bedroom floor is a major sign they’re sneaking junkfood. Encourage your kids to eat healthy snacks and you can play a major role by stocking your kitchen with healthier treats. Don’t let them get passed you!
A BAD GRADE
It’s understandable that kids get intimidated when it’s time to tell mom and dad they got a bad grade. It’s possible your kids might try to hide the bad grade by never showing it to you. A major sign your kids are hiding their grades is telling you the grades aren’t ready yet, or if it seems like your kids are avoiding the question altogether. Come out on top by asking their teachers for their grading styles, ie., “How many days after assignments/tests are submitted, will grades be ready?” Another great tip is to encourage your kids to communicate with you, even when it’s bad news, because you will be able to provide them with the best support. Mom and Dad will surely understand!
NOT DOING THEIR CHORES
From saying they did their homework to insisting they did their chores, kids will always try to find a way to get out of something. Obviously, if the dishes aren’t washed, but they said they did them, then your kids aren’t having to try too hard to get passed you. Be stern and consisting when implimenting your rules. A nice routine to have with your kids is to look over their homework every night and take a quick sweep at chores they were supposed to do. They shouldn’t be able to get by Mom or Dad!
THEIR LOCATION
With pre-teen/teens in mind, you might start noticing a lot of, “Im at Sarah’s house again” or “We’re at the mall”. Parents should spot this trip immediately since they pulled it at some point or another in their youth. If your kids say they were at a movie but can’t tell you the name or plot at all, well, your kids weren’t there! Most teens have a cellphone now a days so make sure you go over Mom and Dad’s rules for keeping a cellphone. Now a days, it’s convienient for parents to keep tabs on their kids via cellphone, however, the results could backfire. If you make sure cell phone rules are stongly enforced. Mom and Dad will definitely have the upper hand on this one!
BREAKING SOMETHING VALUABLE
Let’s face it, when kids get bored, they are bound to get themselves into trouble. They sneakily pass you in the kitchen with a suspicious look on their face and expect you not to notice. Well, it is likely your kids probably just broke your favorite vase, ripped the leather in your car, spilled red juice on your new white couches… you name it, they probably did it! Kids are going to try and hide the incident, or at least delay your discovery as long as they can. When you notice your kids are acting strangley (stranger than usual anyway), and believe they are hiding something, confront them. Let them know that if they fess up and tell the truth, the consequences will be much less sever. Take a tip from Susan, take control, and show them who’s boss!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Fiber One Cereal Review and Giveaway
A recent nutrition review* concludes that eating fiber is associated with reduced risks of cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes. In addition, fiber helps you feel satisfied, which makes it easier to stick to your diet and lose weight without feeling as hungry.
Outlined below are intriguing statistics from a recent survey** of over 1,000 bloggers:
* 30 percent thought they were getting the recommended Daily Value of fiber
* 66 percent say they struggle to incorporate fiber into their diets
* 51 percent said that they don’t think about incorporating fiber into their diet, while 21 percent said fiber is too difficult to find in foods they enjoy
* 45 percent said they would like their fiber to come with honey
Let your taste buds be your guide and let Fiber One take care of the fiber. Getting fiber in foods you love doesn’t have to be a struggle when there are delicious honey clusters, plump and juicy raisins, caramel-flavored whole wheat squares, or whole grain shredded wheat biscuits with frosting that make it taste amazing.
What we thought!
Well, it takes me quite awhile to eat through a box of cereal, so I brought the kids in on this one with me! We tried the Caramel Delight® and the boys LOVE it! I have to agree with them, it's a great tasting cereal! We enjoy having it for between-meal snacks because it's a tasty treat that you can feel good about eating!
Buy It!
You can purchase Fiber One cereals in your local grocery store. In addition, by clicking here you can download a printable coupon for $0.75 off the purchase of any (1) Fiber One cereal today!
Win It!
This giveaway has ended, congratulations to the winner!
This giveaway has ended, congratulations to the winner!
Giveaway Prize: One Fiber One prize package as shown above.
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 10, 2011 until Friday, June 24, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Mandatory:
1) Tell me whether or not you think you're getting enough fiber in your diet, and which cereal you would most like to try!
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
2) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via GFC.
3) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Twitter.
4) Tweet this giveaway (1 extra entry per day, please leave the tweet link)
5) Go to Fiber One online and tell me something else in their brand you would like to try!
6) "Like" Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Facebook.
7) "Like" Fiber One on Facebook.
8) Subscribe to my blog feed.
9) Grab my button and display it on your blog.
10) Enter any of my other giveaways (1 extra entry for each giveaway entered, post separate comments)
11) Blog about this giveaway (5 entries, please post 5 comments)
of Fiber On
* Caren E. Smith and Katherine L. Tucker (2011). Health benefits of cereal fibre: a review of clinical trials. Nutrition Research Reviews, 24, pp 118-131
**All results based on a poll of 1,059 online respondents, conducted through MyBlogSpark on behalf of Fiber One
Disclaimer: General Mills provided the free product, information, and gift pack through MyBlogSpark in return for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was received.
Get Off The Ranch! ($1.00 Coupon!)
Think avocados are just a fatty fruit that makes a great dip?
Think again!
Learn the truth about good fats (avocados) and bad fats (ranch and mayo). Go to http://www.facebook.com/
To make it easy for you to trade in your bad fatty mayo on that turkey sandwich for yummy guacamole they've got a $1.00 coupon for you to download!
So get your guac on!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Free Yoplait Kids Yogurt!
Yes, you read that right! Thanks to Yoplait and MyBlogSpark, 20 lucky readers have the opportunity to try a 4 pack of Yoplait Kids yogurt for FREE! Just sign up below for this great opportunity!
Disclaimer: Yoplait provided us with this opportunity, information and product samples/coupons through MyBlogSpark
Disclaimer: Yoplait provided us with this opportunity, information and product samples/coupons through MyBlogSpark
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
10 Tips to Keep Your Family Safe on the Road this Summer!
Are you ready for the summer months and any vacations that may be on the horizon? If you're driving to your destinations, is your car ready for those road trips? Here are a handful of safety tips to make sure everything is ready to go and potentially safe for your family!
1. How are your children's car seats these days? Have you checked the expiration dates? Did you even know car seats had expiration dates? Most states require kiddos to be in some form of safety seat for quite a period of time. Check your state laws and the state laws of places you may be going to make sure you're in compliance and that your kids are safe in their seats!
2. Check your tires! When's the last time you had them changed? It's important to make sure your poor tires aren't going bald as you head off on your summer adventures! Don't forget to check on your spare! Make sure it's full of air and ready to go "just in case"!
3. Check on those brakes! Are they safe? Are they in good working order or do they need to be switched out? This is always important, but especially so if you're planning on towing a boat or small camper.
4. How's your windshield? Do you have any cracks or chips? Think you can ignore a chip in your windshield? Think again! The windshield provides up to 30% of your vehicles structural integrity, and a chip smaller than 6 inches (or the size of a dollar bill) can easily be repaired by filling it with a special resin. A chip could turn into a crack at any time, often when you are least expecting it. Windshield repair is often a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement.
5. Make sure your family knows what to do in case of an emergency on the road. You never know when you could get a flat and get into an accident. Gently go over things that could happen with the rest of the family so they know what to do and you don't have kids panicking in the back seat.
6. Keep your car/truck/van's passenger area as free from "extra's" as you can. Remember that in the event of an accident, all those things laying around could go airborne and cause bodily harm.
7. Know where you're going! Invest in a GPS or stop and get a good old fashioned map! You never know when you could take a wrong turn and end up somewhere completely out of the way from your original destination. Unless you're doing it on purpose, of course ;)
8. Keep the cell phone handy, but put it away! Don't text when driving, and try to keep the talking to a minimum. Spend this time with your family and the people in the vehicle with you. That's what important on family road trips anyway!
9. Make sure all pets and kids are accounted for if you stop and get out of the car. Vehicle interiors get VERY hot in a hurry and if you forget a tiny human or a pet, the results could ruin your fun family vacation. :( Just be aware and don't get too carried away.
10. Don't drive long distances on your own with no rest. It's convenient if there's more than one driver in the car and that can make the time pass more quickly! You may be able to get to your destination more quickly that way as well, one can rest while the other drives and then trade off!
All in all, enjoy your summers and be safe on the road and in whatever you decide to do!
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here
1. How are your children's car seats these days? Have you checked the expiration dates? Did you even know car seats had expiration dates? Most states require kiddos to be in some form of safety seat for quite a period of time. Check your state laws and the state laws of places you may be going to make sure you're in compliance and that your kids are safe in their seats!
2. Check your tires! When's the last time you had them changed? It's important to make sure your poor tires aren't going bald as you head off on your summer adventures! Don't forget to check on your spare! Make sure it's full of air and ready to go "just in case"!
3. Check on those brakes! Are they safe? Are they in good working order or do they need to be switched out? This is always important, but especially so if you're planning on towing a boat or small camper.
4. How's your windshield? Do you have any cracks or chips? Think you can ignore a chip in your windshield? Think again! The windshield provides up to 30% of your vehicles structural integrity, and a chip smaller than 6 inches (or the size of a dollar bill) can easily be repaired by filling it with a special resin. A chip could turn into a crack at any time, often when you are least expecting it. Windshield repair is often a safe and economical alternative to a full windshield replacement.
5. Make sure your family knows what to do in case of an emergency on the road. You never know when you could get a flat and get into an accident. Gently go over things that could happen with the rest of the family so they know what to do and you don't have kids panicking in the back seat.
6. Keep your car/truck/van's passenger area as free from "extra's" as you can. Remember that in the event of an accident, all those things laying around could go airborne and cause bodily harm.
7. Know where you're going! Invest in a GPS or stop and get a good old fashioned map! You never know when you could take a wrong turn and end up somewhere completely out of the way from your original destination. Unless you're doing it on purpose, of course ;)
8. Keep the cell phone handy, but put it away! Don't text when driving, and try to keep the talking to a minimum. Spend this time with your family and the people in the vehicle with you. That's what important on family road trips anyway!
9. Make sure all pets and kids are accounted for if you stop and get out of the car. Vehicle interiors get VERY hot in a hurry and if you forget a tiny human or a pet, the results could ruin your fun family vacation. :( Just be aware and don't get too carried away.
10. Don't drive long distances on your own with no rest. It's convenient if there's more than one driver in the car and that can make the time pass more quickly! You may be able to get to your destination more quickly that way as well, one can rest while the other drives and then trade off!
All in all, enjoy your summers and be safe on the road and in whatever you decide to do!
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Safelite blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here
Mega Bloks Thomas & Friends "Busy Day at the Quarry" Review
My boys, like many of yours I'm sure, LOVE building with blocks. Any.kind.of.blocks. Thanks to Team Mom, we had the opportunity to check out the Mega Bloks brand and got the chance to review the Thomas & Friends Busy Day at the Quarry set!
We were headed out the door when I discovered this package hanging out on our porch, just waiting for two little boys to enjoy! We packed it up in the car and brought it along to Grandma's house for a little afternoon fun!
Since the recommended age on this set is ages 3+, we waited until Tiny Man had gone down for a nap before getting it all set up for Talker Man. As you can see, Little Miss Princess was the key helper in putting it together. ;) This set comes with two trains, Thomas and Mavis. They're made out of Mega Bloks too, and Talker Man likes to be funny and switch their faces around to make what he calls "hilarious different trains!"
If you have little ones younger than the recommended age and they still put things in their mouths, you'll want to watch out for the coal pieces. They're pretty small and have to be put up and kept out of Tiny Man's reach because he thinks they're great to put in his mouth.
When we set the track up as per the instructions, we had a really hard time getting the tracks to stay together. The weight of the trains would send it crashing down. I'm not sure if that's just user error or just a bit of bad planning, but it led to a lot of frustration. We don't use the instructions to put it together any more, we use our imaginations! We've had the best experience putting it together a little more like this:
It makes the playset longer and it seems like there's a little more to do and much less pressure is put on the tracks when the trains go down. It's made for less tears and frustration too! So if one way doesn't work, just try it a different way!
I love that the box and lid of this set are actually pieces of the set. You flip the box over and get more track! When you're all done playing, everything fits neatly and easily back inside the box. Just snap the lid on and you're good to go! I love toys that provide their own storage, it really makes it easier to keep all of the pieces together and prevents them from getting lost of mixed in with other toys.
Overall, we really like this set. The portability and easy storage makes it great for Mom and the theme and overall fun make it great for kids!
Buy It!
You can purchase this set online or at your local retailer for about $29.99.
Disclaimer: Thanks to the above company in partnership with Team Mom, I was sent the aforementioned product in return for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was received.
Dual shower head?
Please note that this is a post for ADULTS. All images are kid-safe, but links included in this post should be opened when the kids aren't in the room.
Exploring EdenFantasys.com always bring some new discovery. I recently found this AMAZING contraption that I wish I'd found a long time ago! This dual shower head looks absolutely fabulous. I always hated trying to share the water in the shower, one person is always cold, the other person is totally comfortable. That's just the way it is. Well, unless you have one of these! It looks to have pretty simple installation, just screw the thing onto your shower spout and you're good to go! So easy, I could probably do it ;)
I think, despite the packaging, that it could even be helpful for bathing two kiddos at the same time. If my boys weren't terrified of the shower, I think it would be a great option for them to each have their own water stream to wash up under. It uses the same amount of water, so you'd be getting it done twice as fast with the same amount of water used!
Please remember, I haven't actually tried this (though I'm seriously considering it) and I can't make any claims as to it actually working the way it's described, but the site reviews seem to be pretty positive!!
Disclaimer: I was sent a gift certificate from the above company in return for this post. No other compensation was received.
Exploring EdenFantasys.com always bring some new discovery. I recently found this AMAZING contraption that I wish I'd found a long time ago! This dual shower head looks absolutely fabulous. I always hated trying to share the water in the shower, one person is always cold, the other person is totally comfortable. That's just the way it is. Well, unless you have one of these! It looks to have pretty simple installation, just screw the thing onto your shower spout and you're good to go! So easy, I could probably do it ;)
I think, despite the packaging, that it could even be helpful for bathing two kiddos at the same time. If my boys weren't terrified of the shower, I think it would be a great option for them to each have their own water stream to wash up under. It uses the same amount of water, so you'd be getting it done twice as fast with the same amount of water used!
Please remember, I haven't actually tried this (though I'm seriously considering it) and I can't make any claims as to it actually working the way it's described, but the site reviews seem to be pretty positive!!
Disclaimer: I was sent a gift certificate from the above company in return for this post. No other compensation was received.
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
Yesterday's Winners!
Woohoo! Here are the winner's from the giveaways that ended last night!
Congratulations to the winner of the Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics Natural Non Scents Head to Toe Wash...
And congratulations to the winner of the NUK Trendline Series prize package...
Winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond :)
Congratulations to the winner of the Earth Mama Angel Baby Organics Natural Non Scents Head to Toe Wash...
Nina H!!
And congratulations to the winner of the NUK Trendline Series prize package...
Jamie @ I Am A Money Magnet!!
Winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to respond :)
Monday, June 6, 2011
Chili’s Triple Dipper - Good Things Come in 3’s ($20 Gift Card Giveaway!)
It's been a little while since I've had the chance to go out to eat, and Chili's new Triple Dipper appetizer plate sounded pretty fabulous!
There are lots of delicious combos you can come up with, depending on what you're in the mood for! You can choose from Loaded Potato Skins, Memphis BBQ Skins, Honey-Chipotle Shrimp, Big Mouth® Bites, Boneless Buffalo Wings, Southwestern Eggrolls, Chicken Crispers®, Wings Over Buffalo®, Fried Cheese, and Hot Spinach & Artichoke Dip! All are served with coordinating delicious dipping sauces. For my plate, I chose the Loaded Potato Skins, Big Mouth® Bites and Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip. All were very good, but the Big Mouth® Bites took the cake (so to speak). They were DELICIOUS! Tiny Man especially loved the Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip and couldn't seem to get enough of it!
Chili's is running "Shout Out to Eat Out" online contest. Upload a photo of yourself into a terrific trio and you could win a $20 Chili's gift card! There are daily giveaways and a $333 grand prize!
Win It!
Giveaway has ended! Congratulations to the winner!
Giveaway has ended! Congratulations to the winner!
Giveaway Prize: Thanks to Chili's and 2Wired2Tired.com, one lucky winner will win a $20 gift certificate to Chili's to try the Triple Dipper for yourself!
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 6, 2011 until Sunday, June 12, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Mandatory: (**MUST BE DONE BEFORE ANY OTHER ENTRIES COUNT**)
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
1. Tell me your 3 favorite foods you would like to have all on 1 plate.
2. "Like" Chili's on Facebook
3. Follow @Chilis & @Shoutout2eatout on Twitter
4. Create your terrific trio located on http://www.shoutouttoeatout.com/ and comment with the URL link
5. Opt-In to Chili's email club here http://bit.ly/m6HYef (You'll receive a free appetizer certificate too!)
6. Tweet out this: "At @Chilis Good Things Come In 3's! Check out @2Wired2Tired http://bit.ly/linkyrave for 200 chances to win in the #tripledipper linky rave!”
7. Write a post on your blog about your 3 favorite foods you would like to have all on 1 plate and mention the Shoutout2eatout.com promotion. Then comment with the URL link.
8) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via GFC.
9) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Twitter.
10) Grab my button and display it on your blog.
11) Enter any of my other giveaways (1 extra entry for each giveaway entered, post separate comments)
Disclaimer: I was sent an e-gift card from the above company in return for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was received.
Sunday, June 5, 2011
Ending Tomorrow!
Don't miss out on the great giveaways ending tomorrow! The NUK Trendline series prize package and the Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Non Scents Head to Toe Wash both end soon!
Friday, June 3, 2011
Z.Daisy Binkie Bungee Review and Giveaway
Now that it's been discovered that Little Miss Princess is a bit of a pacifier addict, we've been faced with the realization that those paci's just don't stay where they're supposed to without a little help! She spits them out all over the place and can get a pretty good launch going if the mood strikes! Not only that, but Tiny Man tries to steal it when we go for a ride in the car. Baby's binkie needed a leash!
Z.Daisy has some of the CUTEST "binkie bungee's" I've ever seen! There are several patterns and they also offer several eco-friendly versions!
The Z.Daisy Binkie Bungee threw me for a bit of a loop, so to speak. I was expecting the material itself to be stretchy, when in fact it's the pacifier loop! It's made of elastic to make it easy to attach your pacifier. I really like that it's versatile and can be used with just about any pacifier on the market today. As you can see above, the Binkie Bungee can easily loop through NUK, Natursut or Hevea "handles" as well as through MAM, Soothie or Gum Drop's holes and be plenty comfortable for baby.
We tried out the "Phoebe Zebra" pattern, which I absolutely love. The Binkie Bungee is VERY soft! I really like the clip that clips the Bungee to baby's shirt or blanket or whatever you may be clipping it to. I typically have it on the carseat strap closest to Talker Man so that he can put it back in her mouth, and it grips well enough that Tiny Man can't yank it off and be a paci thief. I like that you have to flip up part of the clip to get the teeth to open, it seems really kid safe.
The length of the Binkie Bungee is great. It's short enough to be safe, but long enough to be plenty effective.
We love our Binkie Bungee! Little Miss Princess has an adorable accessory and it keeps her paci's safe from big brother and off of dirty store floors!
Buy It!
You can purchase the original Binkie Bungee on the Z.Daisy website for $12.00 and the eco-friendly version for $16.00.
Win It!
Giveaway Prize: One Binkie Bungee of the winner's choice.
Entries: I must be able to easily find an email address for the winner. If it isn't in your visible profile, please include it in your comment. If you're chosen and I can't find an email address, I'll be forced to choose another winner. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to my email before another winner is chosen.
This giveaway will run from today, June 3, 2011 until Friday, June 17, 2011.
This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.
Mandatory:
1) Head over to Z.Daisy and tell me which Binkie Bungee you would choose!
Extras: (Please leave separate entries for each, each extra is worth 1 entry unless otherwise stated.)
2) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings via GFC.
3) Follow Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Twitter.
4) Follow Z.Daisy on Twitter.
5) Tweet this giveaway (1 extra entry per day, please leave the tweet link)
6) "Like" Cars, Trucks and Teething Rings on Facebook.
7) "Like" Z.Daisy on Facebook.
8) Subscribe to my blog feed.
9) Grab my button and display it on your blog.
10) Enter any of my other giveaways (1 extra entry for each giveaway entered, post separate comments)
11) Blog about this giveaway (5 entries, please post 5 comments)
Disclaimer: I was sent product from the above company in return for my honest opinion and review. No other compensation was received.
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Wishing and dreaming: Verizon FiOS
I'm a teeny, weeny bit jealous of those of you who can get Verizon FiOS! Out here in podunk, it's not an option. I've heard nothing but good things about Verizon FiOS' services from friends and acquaintances, and even looking around online, the majority of the reviews are positive! I'm jealous that the internet seems to be not only super fast, but reliable too!
In looking at all the information available online, it appears that Verizon FiOS has an awesome feature called "Flex View" that allows you to buy, rent and watch on-demand movies on your TV, computer or phone. So let's say you're like me and you always seem to end up trying to watch a movie at the wrong time. You may THINK the kids are sleeping soundly at nap time and predict them to stay that way for a good couple of hours, only to find them wide awake 5 minutes later. What do you do? Shut off the movie, of course! Now let's say you're waiting in the pick up line at preschool and find yourself with a few extra minutes because you managed to get there early (lucky you!). You can simply go to your phone and continue watching your movie! It just sounds fabulous!
Since I work from home and internet is a pretty high priority in terms of reliability and speed, it's really nice to know that FiOS is America's top-rated high speed Internet service and that the FiOS Internet has won PCMAG.com’s Readers’ Choice award five years in a row. Five years in a row is no easy feat, I'm sure! It makes me all the more confident that the internet would be there when I need it -- that when I have an urgent file that needs to be turned in, that I'll be able to log into work and get it back to my boss! No more missed deadlines because of the internet cutting out, no more packing up the kids, grabbing the netbook and hightailing it to the library right before they close just to hope that they have active internet capabilities that I can use to turn in my work.
Ahh, a little daydreaming never hurt anything!
For now, I have no choice but to settle for what's available. If Verizon FiOS ever becomes available in our area, I may very well be one of the first people to sign up! I'm incredibly tired of unreliable service and television interruptions -- bring the FiOS my way!
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Verizon FiOS blogging program for a gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
In looking at all the information available online, it appears that Verizon FiOS has an awesome feature called "Flex View" that allows you to buy, rent and watch on-demand movies on your TV, computer or phone. So let's say you're like me and you always seem to end up trying to watch a movie at the wrong time. You may THINK the kids are sleeping soundly at nap time and predict them to stay that way for a good couple of hours, only to find them wide awake 5 minutes later. What do you do? Shut off the movie, of course! Now let's say you're waiting in the pick up line at preschool and find yourself with a few extra minutes because you managed to get there early (lucky you!). You can simply go to your phone and continue watching your movie! It just sounds fabulous!
Since I work from home and internet is a pretty high priority in terms of reliability and speed, it's really nice to know that FiOS is America's top-rated high speed Internet service and that the FiOS Internet has won PCMAG.com’s Readers’ Choice award five years in a row. Five years in a row is no easy feat, I'm sure! It makes me all the more confident that the internet would be there when I need it -- that when I have an urgent file that needs to be turned in, that I'll be able to log into work and get it back to my boss! No more missed deadlines because of the internet cutting out, no more packing up the kids, grabbing the netbook and hightailing it to the library right before they close just to hope that they have active internet capabilities that I can use to turn in my work.
Ahh, a little daydreaming never hurt anything!
For now, I have no choice but to settle for what's available. If Verizon FiOS ever becomes available in our area, I may very well be one of the first people to sign up! I'm incredibly tired of unreliable service and television interruptions -- bring the FiOS my way!
Disclaimer: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Verizon FiOS blogging program for a gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
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