Sea-Bands Review and Give Away

I was asked to review Sea-Bands anti-nausea wrist bands. My husband - Captain Carsick - gets motion sick on a chair lift, so he was the absolute perfect guinea pig for this review.  The bands are easy to use. You just put one on each wrist and go. He gets such severe motion sickness that we weren't sure this would actually work.
My husband rode around with me over country roads and highways with his Sea-Bands on his wrists and has determined that they really do make a difference. He doesn't get nauseous. He can't read in the car, but he can look for something he's dropped and bend over to get it without tossing his cookies. This is a marked improvement!
They come in a small case which we keep in the car.  My husband just puts them on if he is going to be the passenger. They are unobtrusive, easy to wear, and simple to use. They don't give you cotton mouth or make you dopey like the anti-nausea medication does... This is huge because when he gets where he is going, he doesn't need to drink a gallon of water or take an afternoon nap!  

YOU can win a set of Sea-Bands!  Leave me a comment by December 29th and I'll pull a name out of a hat.  If you win, the Sea-Bands will come directly from the manufacturer. :-)

What they say:
Keep Your Holidays Happy and Nausea-Free! Get on the “Band Wagon” and Get Celebrating with Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Wristbands!

Nausea induced by busy and stressful days, filled with traveling and migraine triggers, are unfortunately hallmarks of the holidays. This year, stop nausea in its tracks with Sea-Band Drug-Free Nausea Relief Wristbands.  It doesn’t matter whether you suffer from motion sickness, morning sickness or need nausea relief from a migraine, even chemotherapy treatment or post-surgery; it’s time for you to join the “band wagon” for drug-free nausea relief from Sea-Band!

How Sea-Band Works…
Approved by the FDA, Sea-Band is the leading drug-free remedy for, motion sickness, morning sickness, chemotherapy nausea and post-operative nausea. Most recently, a 2010 study, carried out at a German clinic specializing in migraine and headache therapy, showed that Sea-Band wristbands significantly reduced nausea and vomiting: 83% noticed perceptible reduction and 44% found their symptoms markedly reduced.

Sea-Band works by exerting constant, gentle pressure on a point on the inner wrist known as the Pericardium 6 (P6) acupressure point. It brings effective relief within five minutes of being applied and can be used before or after the onset of nausea. The all-natural, drug-free, latex-free Sea-Band does not cause the side-effects often associated with anti-nausea medication such as drowsiness, disorientation, dry mouth or possible interactions with other drugs. It’s safe for pregnant women, children, and patients taking prescription medications. Packaged in a convenient carry-case, they are washable and reusable, and available a variety of colors in sizes for adults and children.

Don’t let feeling nauseous hold you back this holiday season! Join the “Band Wagon” with Sea-Band on Facebook to take advantage of special product giveaways at www.facebook.com/seaband ! And, for more information about Sea-Band products, visit www.sea-band.com. 
Click here to watch an informative video about how Sea-Band wristbands work.  In addition, the company also offers Sea-Band Anti-Nausea Ginger Gum, for fast nausea relief with fresh, uplifting flavor. Each piece of the great tasting gum contains 25 mg of ginger oil (equivalent to 8 grams of fresh ginger root).

Sea-Band products are available in the U.S. in Walmart, Target, CVS, Rite Aid, Walgreens, as well as in Canada in Overwaitea, IDA, Familiprix, Guardian and other independent drugstores or pharmacies throughout North America or online at drugstore.com and at http://www.sea-band.com/shop.

Suggested retail price is $10.99 per pair in the US, and $12.99 in Canada.

I wrote this review for Family Review Network and Sea-Band. I received a set of Sea Bands free of charge in exchange for my honest review. 

Marzetti Caramel Dip Review

I was asked to review the Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip. I have to say, I LOVE this stuff.  We had it with apples at the band competition on Saturday. All the kids (and adults) ate it and not one disliked it. We fed about 50 people the Caramel Dip -- we used 2 tubs. The Caramel is smooth and creamy and wonderful!
We put the Caramel Dip on apple wedges.  When we ran out of apples, the kids dipped grapes.  Some even sopped up the remaining caramel with their grilled cheese sandwiches.  They said, "It's sweet and yummy. We can't waste it!"
I even caught some of the people licking their plates -- heck, I licked my plate! There was not one drop of the caramel dip left.
I've found that even kids that aren't real "fruit eaters" will eat apples with the Marzetti Caramel Dip. That says a lot!  It used to be if you covered food in ketchup or cheese, they'd eat anything... I'm thinking that if  Caramel Dip might work better...  That's pretty cool!
I have been surfing the Marzetti web site. The recipes they have are fantastic! I'm going to try the Baked Pancake with Caramel Sauce, the Caramel Banana Tiramisu, and the open faced Peanut Butter Caramel Sandwich!  I make chocolate covered marshmallows, but they have a recipe for Caramel dipped marshmallows... that sounds wonderful!  There are so many  uses for the Caramel Dip that it needs to become a staple in every home in America... Marzetti Caramel Dip is the absolute best.
Marzetti is giving away $75k in prizes with their Lucky Pick Instant Win Game!  Pick up a specially marked tub of Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip... If you get a Lucky Pick, you can enter the code on the website to claim your prize!
Oh - one more thing!  I have 2 coupons for a free tub of Marzetti Caramel Dip.  Want one?  Leave me a comment. I'll be drawing numbers out of a hat on Sunday, 10/2.

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign my Family Review Network on behalf of Marzetti Old Fashioned Caramel Dip and received a complimentary product sample to help facilitate my review and to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Towligator

I was asked to review this nifty little item: The Towligator.

It is AWESOME! It's absolutely brilliant!

Basically it's an alligator clip with a long bendable tail.  I use it to keep my towel on my chair. I clip the center of my towel in the clip and and then bend the tail over and hang it on my chair.  If the wind blows, my towel stays put. No more chasing my towel across the pool deck.  I also keep track of my swim goggles with Towligator. I clip my goggles in his mouth and loop his tail over the chair and they stay put. I always know where they are.  This has proven quite useful since we've had hurricane force winds come through here and sure enough... my goggles stayed on that chair -- no problem!

He works great at the beach, too! You can clip the corner of your towel in the Towligator's mouth and then band his tail over and shove it in the sand. Thus, your towel stays put even when it's windy!
Some people stick the tail in the sand and then put their cell phone or iPod in the Towligator's mouth to keep it from getting all sandy and dirty.

We love Towligator! He is cute, fun, and extremely useful.
I currently have one in the kitchen. He is holding my dishtowel with his tail looped over a drawer pull.  The drawer pull was too small for the dishtowel, but this works great!  I have my dishtowel where I need it and he is so cute, too. I've gotten many compliments on my Towligator!!

This is what they said:

Toweligators are a must have for every beach bag, boat, and pool deck! Don’t miss an opportunity to order this season’s most popular, most talked about innovation. The Toweligator is NOT only seen on TV!

Vacations and days by the pool are supposed to be relaxing and fun, not spent chasing your towel. No more dual role hair clips, tying knots, finding safety pins or constantly adjusting your towels. Let a team of Toweligators grip and fasten your towels right where you need them.

Originally designed to hold your beach towel securely in place, either in the sand or on your beach chair, its practical uses are endless. Use your imagination, then allow team gator to hold your glasses out of the sand and your snack bag sealed on YOUR towel.

The unique and well-researched design allows the bendable tail to attach almost anywhere to make it the most versatile and fun clamp on the market. The tail can bend around chair backs, closet rods, tree limbs, and boat decks making the Toweligator not just a beach clamp, but the everywhere clamp. The strong gator-grip jaws ensure your belongings stay where you put them. Take your Toweligators everywhere!

Buy'em for gifts, buy'em for vacations, or buy'em for laughs. Just buy'em!

I think this year, Towligator may find his way into some stockings around here at Christmas time. There are a gazillion uses for them and they are so unbelievably cute!

I wrote this review while participating in a campaign my Family Review Network on behalf of Towligator and received a complimentary product sample to help facilitate my review and to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Perfective Ceuticals Review

I was asked to review this product:
Perfective Ceuticals Divine Age Guardian Cream with Growth Factor

It is a moisturizing, wrinkle reducing, fine line erasing cream for your face.
I think it actually works.
I have the worlds most sensitive skin and I didn't itch when I put it on. It has very little scent if any and that scent is a clean smell. It's a very light feeling cream. It goes on, soaks in, and some of the tiny lines went away. My face felt nice and smooth after applying the cream. It didn't feel sticky like there was still cream on my face, you know.

I am using the cream as my daily moisturizer and after a week of use, I do see a difference.

This is what the company says about it's magic cream:
Discover the science of luxury: leading edge anti-aging technology combined with exquisite indulgence. Divine Age Guardian Cream with Growth Factor is a rich, nourishing cream infused with high strength anti-aging ingredients to rejuvenate skin from the inside out.

Its proprietary complex of Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Palmitoyl Pentapeptide-4 (Matrixyl), Ginseng Extract and Emu Oil specifically help reprogram the aging process of skin cells, repair fine lines, wrinkles and sagging by stimulating cell turnover, microcirculation and the production of Collagen and Elastin. Combined with time released hydrators, anti-oxidants and skin lighteners to enhance health and radiance, the skin feels brightened, lifted and toned. Anti-inflammatory. Non-comedogenic. Scientifically proven.

Directions: 1. Apply a small amount to the face and neck with gentle and smooth circular movements. Wait five minutes for absorption. 2. For best anti-aging results, use after Divine Age Guardian Serum with Growth Factor, and follow with Anti-imperfection Eye Therapy with Growth Factor. 3. Apply twice a day or as directed by physician. 4. Use as a daily moisturizer or after a beauty procedure; microdermabrasion, radiofrequency skin tightening treatment or laser skin resurfacing treatment. 5. Apply a sunscreen with broad-spectrum UVA/UVB protection before sun exposure. 6. Best for normal, dry, combination, sun-damaged and sensitive skin.

I like this cream very much and will continue to use it.  You use so little at a time that I'm sure that the container will last quite a long while. That said, I love the container - it is a lovely blue ball sitting on my dresser. A blue ball containing magic cream that makes me look younger... I like that!

Perfective Ceuticals has a line of anti-aging products, and I am considering trying the other products. Why? because my skin is so incredibly sensitive, and to find a product that I can put on my face is nothing short of miraculous. Normally, I can only use water on my face --  no soap, no make-up, no nothing...  Since this is cream works for me, I think that the other products will be just as gentle. 

If you need a good wrinkle reducing miracle cream, try the Perfective Ceuticals line.


 “This post was written for Family Review Network & Perfective Ceuticals who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.”

Tshirt Printing Review

I was asked to review a screen printed t-shirt from tshirtprinting.net.  I don't have a picture because my camera is on the fritz. If and when I get it working, I'll post a picture...
It is AWESOME!  The shirt is 90% cotton. It is very soft and is a little longer than most t-shirts, which is good for me because I'm a bit long waisted. I can raise my arms you don't see my aged belly because the shirt is long enough!!

The screen print is terrific, too. It doesn't have that "screen print smell" that most screen printed items have. I wore the shirt and didn't have to take it off because it smelled funny. This is GREAT!!
The screen print is very bright and it didn't peel at all. I've washed the shirt and it is as beautiful as when it came out of the envelope!  The screen print is also very "pliable" in that it isn't stiff and moves with the shirt. I am duly impressed!
I wore the shirt on Saturday at a bell conference and got a lot of compliments on it. Most liked the way the shirt looked - it fit great, was long enough, and seemed to be more than "just a t-shirt". I think it may have been the way the shirt was cut. It was more feminine or something. Many loved the "cheeky monkey logo". I think they were monkey fans!  Needless to say, I gave the website address out a lot!!
If you need screen printing, check out tshirtprinting.net.
Oh and don't forget -- they have more than just t-shirts -- they have hoodies, sweatshirts, hats and more!

“This post was written for Family Review Network & TShirtPrinting.net who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.”

Lilly Mae Bags Review

I was asked to review a Lillymae Fanny Pack/Purse.
Check it out:

It's ADORABLE!  It's the perfect size for my iTouch and my phone as well as a few credit cards and some cash. It has two pockets inside, so I can stay organized and keep my things safe at the gym, at fundraisers, and any other place I don't want to carry my larger purse.  This little fanny pack/purse can be worn as a fanny pack or as a cross body purse. I wear it around my waist with the purse at my hip. It's most comfortable there for me.

Here is what they say:
The LillyMae bag was designed initially for women, although men love the basic black fanny pack. We all need to carry our phone and other basics, but with our active life-styles big bulky bags get in the way. When you are working out keep your phone or mp3 on you, and have headphone access through the side eyelet.  Have a young child with a cell phone for emergencies? Have them wear a LillyMae Bag, and keep the phone safe and on their person at all times. Our small strap size is perfect for a small person fanny pack.

Use a LillyMae Bag when you  are shopping, exercising, working, traveling, and every activity imaginable. The easily adjustable strap allows the easy transition between fanny pack wear or purse wear.
If you would like a Lillymae, I have a discount coupon code for you: 15001

You've gotta get one! I got the black and white one. There are many colors to choose from! Go, take a look and order one! You won't be disappointed.


This post was written for Family Review Network & LillyMaeBags who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions

Build A Sign Review

I was asked to create and review a banner from BuildASign.com.
I am a member of my school's band parents organization, and I thought that it would be great to make a banner for that group. I went to the website - which is very easy to understand and navigate.  I registered and in less than 15 minutes I had designed my banner. I must tell you that it took me longer to choose the design than it took me to create the banner!

I uploaded the picture of the logo to the BuildASign.com website.  FYI: You need a very high quality image because the banners are large.
My banner arrived in less than a week.  I am SO excited!!  It came packaged in a sturdy box which I can re-use for storage.  The banner is made from heavy weight vinyl with grommets in each corner. The banner is perfect!! The fonts and size of the lettering is exactly the way I wanted it. It is better than I thought it would be!! This banner will last us a LONG time!!
If you need a banner - this is the place!!  BuildASign.com

This is what they say about their company and I have to agree with every word:
We’ve made it simple for anyone to quickly and easily create high quality, custom signage. BuildASign.com’s™ customers run the gamut from sole proprietors, mom-and-pop businesses, and non-profit organizations to franchises and major corporations in virtually every industry. We serve real estate agents, developers, construction companies, and insurance agents; retailers, event and conference planners, church and school groups; students wishing to make a statement or residents who want to promote a yard sale, and more.
Our easy-to-use yet comprehensive online interface gives customers complete control of the design and ordering process from start to finish, including sign wording, colors, design elements, typefaces, and graphics. Customers can use our exclusive design templates and graphic elements to build a sign from scratch or they can upload their own existing graphics, photographs, and designs. Unlike most sign companies, BuildASign.com™ doesn’t charge a set up fee for artwork. Best of all, customers can choose from a wide range of sizes and top quality sign materials. All our signs are offered at affordable prices, whether the order is for a single sign – or dozens or hundreds of signs.


I like this banner so much that I've been telling anyone who will listen, to try them out!

This post was written for Family Review Network & BuildASign.com who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Mrs. Butterworths Review and Give Away

I was asked to try the Mrs. Butterworth's Syrup in the Limited Edition Holiday Bottle.  It is so cute! Mrs. Butterworth is all dressed up! It sure beats that yellow apron she usually sports with her plain brown bottle.  Not that there is anything wrong with her brown bottle, mind you.

Needless to say, we had a snow day and we ate pancakes and syrup for breakfast. The kids and I enjoyed the syrup very much!  (We enjoyed them so much, that we forgot to take a picture!)  It was nice and thick and buttery tasting. Just like I remember from when I was a kid and Mrs. Butterworth graced my breakfast table.

These bottles are collectible and only available for a limited time.  If you happen to like Mrs. B and her new dress, you can win a bottle here!  Just leave me a comment by December 27th. 



This post was written for Family Review Network & Pinnacle Food Groups who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Pledge Review and Give Away

I was asked to review Pledge Lemon Clean.
I love the lemon scent of Pledge. It brings back memories of home -- my mother dusted with Pledge and so did my grandmother.  There are actually two websites you can peruse that will tell you about Pledge - The regular Pledge.com site and this one: Mom it Forward.  Check them both out. You'll be glad you did.  I happen to really like the Mom it Forward site because it has interesting articles about family, school, and parenting.

The box arrived and this is what they sent:

I got a basket with a new red dishtowel, some photo coasters, a deck of cards and the Pledge.  The coasters and the deck of cards are so we can sit around and play games with all the time we save using the pledge!  The basket is for the pretzels we'll eat while we play the games and the dishtowel is to make my kitchen look festive.  I love this little basket!!

Anyway, I had a party the other night, so this little gem arrived in the nick of time! I cleaned my fireplace surround with it. I cleaned my piano with it. I cleaned my wood furniture pieces with it. I even cleaned my TV with it.  I will admit that I didn't clean the TV screen with it.  I cleaned and dusted and I have to say, I'm impressed. I cleaned it all and only had to use one cleaner. It saved me a ton of time!!

I like how it cleaned everything and left that yummy lemon scent in the air.
The company says:

About Pledge®:

This holiday season Pledge® is empowering moms to put a new twist on their family’s tried and true traditions. One easy way to do that is to make all areas of your home shine. That’s right – that trusted yellow can under your kitchen sink can be used to dust, shine and protect a variety of household surfaces:

• Leather
• Stainless Steel
• Granite
• Marble
• Laminate
• Wood

I can give a can of Pledge away!! You want one?? I know you do!!
Leave me a comment before January 1st!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Pledge who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest review

Pure Silk

When I was first asked to review Pure Silk, it was a lot warmer out and I was still wearing capris. Well, the Pure Silk arrived at my doorstep a few days ago... It is cold out and to be honest, shaving my legs in the winter is not something I worry about like I do in the summer months.

Fortunately for, you, my dear reader, and my family, I decided to try this stuff out. It is WONDERFUL!!  It feels nice when you put it on. It feels nice when you shave. My legs felt smooth and silky after I finished. And I have to say, it smells nice, too! 
When I was finished, I passed it on to LLB to try. She is on the swim team and her legs have been getting very dry and flaky lately.  She was just as impressed as I was. She said her legs felt moisturized when she was done. AND she said that they stayed smooth and silky all day -- even after her time in the pool. Now THAT's sayin' somethin!!

So - if you've got dry hairy legs - this is your solution!  Try Pure Silk. You'll be glad you did.


This post was written for Family Review Network & Pure Silk who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest review

Cheese, Grommit!

We LOVE cheese - Almost as much as Wallace and Grommit!

I was asked to review the newest Cracker Barrel Limited Edition Holiday Reserve Cheddar Cheese.
It arrived on my porch early yesterday morning. I was SOOO excited! (I know - it doesn't take much.)

It took all the willpower I had to hold off until 11:30am.  I opened the Limited Edition White Cheddar (which is labeled very very sharp), sliced off a piece, and popped it into my mouth. It was pure heaven.  The taste is phenomenal! It is smooth and sweet, but not too sweet.  So many cheeses these days taste like soap, but not this... this is awesome!  It's a nice sharp cheese and has a bit of a bite to it - just the way I like it. Oh my!  You don't even need a cracker - it's that good.

If I were to serve this to a crowd, I would pair it with a yummy peppercorn cracker or flat bread and some green seedless grapes. I'd serve it with a lovely white wine... ooohh that sounds really good. (I wonder if I have any grapes and wine in my fridge... let me check...) I didn't find any wine or grapes, but I did come across that cheese and had to have another piece... okay so I had 2... alright... 3 pieces.

They also sent me the Limited Edition Cheddar which is only very sharp. I loved that, too! I'd pair that with a yummy cracker and maybe some red wine. You know, just to be different.  It would look great on a holiday table with some red grapes or purple grapes and some really yummy white peppercorn crackers.  So festive... so yummy!


There is only one thing that I don't like about this cheese: It is only available until January 1st. 

What they said:
Cracker Barrel Limited Edition Holiday Reserve features flavors to please any palette– from the most notorious cheese snob to the least adventurous eater. No other cheddar cheese within the Cracker Barrel portfolio uses the same unique cultures as
Limited Edition Holiday Reserve.

Cheese is a no fuss way to round out a holiday party’s menu. Cracker Barrel Holiday Reserve Aged Cheddar Cheese is delicious and unique enough to serve on its own – or to pair with crackers and accoutrements like dried fruits, chocolate and nuts.

I really wish this cheese were available all year, as it would be a perfect cheese for polo.  It would go very nicely with my champagne... I'm not kidding... I'm serious!!

We have a Christmas Party to attend this weekend. I am going to purchase a block of this to take to the party.  I am going to slice it nice and thin - because cheese (and cold cuts for that matter) always tastes best when thin.  I'm sure that there will only be crumbs left on the plate. The first person that tries it will tell their companion how wonderful it is and then... the rest of the guests will be like vultures and when they finally step away from the plate mere seconds later, there will be nothing left.

Maybe I should buy 2 blocks...


This post was written for Family Review Network & Kraft Cracker Barrel who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Swag Soft Sedo Dog Pic Pic App Review

I was asked to try out the Sedo Pic Pic App on my iTouch.

This is what the company says about the app:  Sedo Pic Pic is based on Sedo Dog, a brand new 3D cartoon series (coming soon) about a pack of adorable dogs with super powers fighting in the name of justice. This series has also been licensed to Japan mobile phone companies as interactive mobile mascots! Doodle in different shapes and colors and conveniently resize stamps and photo props with the tips of your fingers.

 

Features

-  Ultra uber cute cartoon dogs and Aha the devious cat!
-  Over 150 different Sedo stamps and picture frames!
-  Add your own drawings!
-  Add your own customized text!
-  Upload your pictures to Facebook!

All I can say is: It is fun and it's adorable!  I LOVE it!!!

It's like this:  You take your photographs that are stored in your iTouch or your iPhone and make them even more unique!  You can add frames and stamps to them. You can add words in many different fonts. You can share them on Facebook or Twitter with the touch of a button!

So - you want to know what I've done.  Well, since I don't post pictures of my family on the internet I had to get creative. I found this little gem and played with it to make it all mine!  I just love this!

I also played with this one of Zeb. He doesn't like the camera at all, but I think this is adorable!

There are so many fun things you can do with Sedo Dog Pic Pic!! It's really fun. The interface is intuitive and easy to use. If you make a mistake, you can always delete the item or move it around after you choose it. 


I will say that when I first downloaded it, I had some crashes. I updated the iTunes software on my iTouch and I've not had a problem since.  I just love this little app.

Heck, it's 99 cents on iTunes. Get it! It's a bargain and it's fun!


This post was written for Family Review Network & Swag Soft who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Terro Ant and Spider Killer -- Review and Giveaway!

Fall is the time of year I start to see more spiders and other insect type critters trying to get in to my house. I don't like spiders or other creepy crawlies in my house at any time of year, so when I was asked to review the Terro Ant and Spider killers, I was more than happy to try it all out.  I'd like you all to remember that I live out in the country, so bugs and stuff are the norm around here. I'm not saying I like them, I'm saying that ants and spiders happen -- especially out here. 

The Ant Killer is in granule form.  You just sprinkle it around the perimeter of the house and amazingly enough, the ants go away. I had a terrible time with ants this year, so the fact that they are gone is a huge relief.  I'm not sure how it works, but I don't much care. They are gone and I am a happy camper. I've got some left to use in the spring when those nasty sugar ants come back... I can't wait! They won't know what hit 'em! Bwahahahaha!!!

The spider killer comes in spray form. You can either spray the spiders directly or you can spray in any cracks and crevices in which you believe said spiders may be partying with the included crevice straw thingy. The spray is long lasting and residual up to 12 weeks. I sprayed the garage - yes, pretty much the whole thing as it was a party stop for all kinds of the 8 legged critters.  I found that once I sprayed, the number of spiders diminished to the point that I only see one or two now - as opposed to the much larger number I used to have.   Oh and the one or two I see, aren't looking particularly healthy.

So - if you need to get rid of Ants and or Spiders - Try Terro.  It works.

They are letting me give away some of this miraculous stuff.  If you live in the continental US and you'd like to try this, leave me a comment by Dec. 10th.  I'll pick a name out of a hat.  You will receive the product directly from the manufacturer.

This post was written for Family Review Network & Terro who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

Little Star

I received the book, Little Star, by Anthony DeStefano to review.
It is a children's Christmas story. We collect Christmas books and put them out during the season for all to read. I find that my children - now high schoolers - still read the stories while they sit by the tree.


When Little Star arrived in the mail, you would have thought it was a new video game. They both got very excited about this new book for our collection.  They both read the story and LOVED it!  The story is sweet - it's about the littlest star in the sky and how he becomes Jesus' star.  This story will bring a tear to your eye - like all awesome stories. I'm not going to tell you why, because I want you all to go out and buy this sweet book.


The illustrations are phenomenal!  The kids told me that this book was an excellent addition to our collection.  They are picky about what goes in it - the stories have to be wonderful and the pictures have to be great. This book fits the bill!

This book is certain to become a Christmas classic. It already has in our house!

This post was written for Family Review Network & Little Star who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest opinions.

Mousing Around

I got a new mouse to try and one to give away!
It's called the ErgoMotion Laser Mouse by Smartfish.
I was skeptical. I use my computer and my mouse all the time. I don't do change well, but I thought I'd give this little guy at try. I've had shoulder pain and all kinds of wrist issues over the years, so... if I could find a mouse that helped me alleviate some of that, it would be great!
The ErgoMotion Laser Mouse is a mouse on a pedestal. It's a little larger than the mouse that came with my mac.  It rocks on the pedestal. The pedestal and the rocking motion are what make this mouse so incredibly comfortable.  It's the little things...
I really like this mouse.  It's far more comfortable to use. It's raised up just enough so that my shoulder doesn't ache after I use it.  It doesn't weigh much and it absolutely glides across the mouse pad - that surprised me -- I don't know why, but it did.
The mouse is very comfortable in my hand. I like the roller wheel on top much better than the ball in my other mouse.  It's just the right size and is in just the right place.
The only thing I'm not used to is the right click button. This is because I have a Mac and my right click buttons are on the side of my old mouse. (And, I never use them...)
I love this mouse. I'll be using it exclusively from now on.
My Mac mouse is currently set aside on my desk - I think I'll use it as a paperweight.

You can win an ErgoMotion Laser Mouse by leaving me a comment by Saturday. I'll be pulling names out of a hat. The Mouse will come directly from the manufacturer.  Remember, if you don't win this mouse, you can always ask Santa to bring you one.

This post was written for Family Review Network & ErgoMotion Laser Mouse who provided the complimentary product for review & giveaway in exchange for my honest opinions.

Spin and Go Mop

I got a Spin and Go Mop to review.
I will tell you it was quite late in arriving, so my floors - which I'd waited to wash specifically for this mop - were filthy. As in disgustingly filthy. As in my husband was wondering if I'd lost my mind filthy.
I took the mop and bucket out of the box.  (I was so excited that I forgot to take pictures, so the picture from the Spin and Go website will have to do this time...)
The bucket has a "salad spinner" at one end that works when you press the lever with your foot.
The mop handle screws together and is very sturdy.
The mop head clicks into the handle with the press of your foot. You don't even have to touch it! I love that!
I filled the bucket with hot water. (I have hardwood floors, so I use very little soap if any.)
I dunked the microfiber mop head into the water and swished.
Then, I took it out of the water and put it into the basket. I pressed it down to the notches, held the handle gently, and pushed the foot pedal. I'll be darned if that thing didn't spin that mop head to the perfect wet/not too wet/not too dry consistency.  I'm very fussy about the wetness of my mop because all of my floors are hardwood.  Did you notice that my hands did not touch the mop head at all?? Yay!!
I drew the mop across the floor and saw - to my great relief - a clean streak!  Now, my floors were awful and I washed them twice because they were so awful.  I went through 4 buckets of water. That mop took every last little bit of grime off of my floors.  I did the kitchen, family room, and breakfast areas.  The whole thing took me 30 minutes tops.  The best part? I didn't have to touch the mop head at all. I could have washed the floor in my good clothes. I didn't get splashed. I didn't get wet. I didn't have wrinkly hands when I was finished.  You see, I usually wash my floors on my hands and knees. It usually takes me well over an hour to get done.  I did my floors twice and I did far more at one time than I normally do.  (I usually do the kitchen/breakfast nook one day and the rest another day.) 
The spin and go mop is my new favorite! I LOVE it. 
As a matter of fact, I'm going to wash my floors again, today!!  It's quick. It's easy. And best of all, it works! This is by far the best mop I've ever used!!


They say I can give one of these away.  You want one? Leave me a comment.

"This post was written for Family Review Network & Spin & Go who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review"

Crossword Cubes Game

Crossword Cubes is a new game and I LOVE it!
You can play it alone or with friends.

It is easy to learn and fun to play -- there are 13 letter cubes.
You shake 'em up in the cup and dump 'em out.
Then you create a crossword with your cubes. 
Add up the score using the numbers on the letters - just like scrabble...
The person with the highest score wins.  See? Simple!

I spent quite some time playing this game by myself. It's perfect for when you're waiting for an appointment or for dinner to get done. I keep it on my kitchen counter so I can play it any time.  I do play it often...
Mr. and I really enjoyed this game. It was fast and fun. We decided that since it's so portable, we'd take it pretty much anywhere we might have to wait. We also thought it would make a great game for Family Game Night. 
Mr and I simply LOVE word games.  Crossword Cubes is now one of our most favorite games. 


"This post was written for Family Review Network & Marina Games who provided the complimentary product for review in exchange for my honest review"

Halls Cough Drops and Give Away

Halls is the name you think of when you have a cold and you are coughing your head off. I know this. I usually cough from December until May with some form of bronchitis or another... This year, though, I've started coughing now. These arrived at the perfect time!
I don't have allergies, but Ragweed and hay fever are just starting to grip down on the country’s sinuses.  HALLS can help relieve those horrible allergy-related symptoms.

Halls is terrific for all kinds of coughs. It can quiet a cough and open your sinuses in less than 10 seconds.

I happen to like the Halls in the bag -- I keep them in the car, in my purse, in my band bag, in my cupboard, and even in my nightstand.  I like the zipper closure.

I think almost everyone I know has a halls cough drop (or10) in their purse.
They can quiet a cough in church, in school, in meetings, on the bus, in the car... anywhere!
  
 You can win some Halls!

All you have to do is leave a comment by Oct. 15th, and I'll draw a name out of a hat. If you win, you will receive your 10 sticks of Halls cough drops directly from the manufacturer.



 This post was written for Family Review Network and HALLS who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

Glade Scented Oil Candles

I was asked to review and GIVE AWAY  Glade Scented Oil Candles.
When it arrived and I took it out of the box, the scent was extremely strong. I got the Vanilla Lavender scented one to review.  I'll be honest -- I had my doubts! The scent was almost too much, but since I promised a review, I continued and I am really glad I did. (I was so excited to light it that I forgot to take pictures...)

The glass holder is really nice. It's wider than most votive holders. The holder comes with a metal plate in the bottom. The candle itself is magnetized - actually it's the wick holder portion of the candle that is magnetized -- a very ingenious design. You don't have to worry that the wick is going to fall over and snuff itself out!
Speaking of the holder, you can design your own and if it's chosen, you can win $10,000 and see your design in stores!  Check it out: HERE  You only have until October 31st to create your design, so hop to it! I made one - snowflakes... only because I couldn't find a ladybug. I hope they pick it, but if they don't, it's okay because maybe they picked yours.
I lit the candle and the smell was very nice -- not too strong at all. As a matter of fact it was lovely! (Yes, I was very surprised!!) I set it in my entryway to see how far the scent would travel. I could catch a hint of it in my kitchen, but since it wasn't super strong even in the entry way, it was perfect.
I liked the way it melted - it turned into a little liquid puddle. The wick put itself out after all of the wax/oil was gone - it took a few hours.   The candle burned completely and very clean - no smoky flame, no soot on the glass, no soot anywhere for that matter.  See:

The glass holder did not get particularly hot on the bottom - I think this is because of the metal liner.  It would be safe for any kind of furniture. (I put it on a stone trivet because I wasn't sure how hot it would get.)
So - if you are looking for a great way to smell up your house - try the Glade Scented Oil Candles! They are awesome! You can win one of these beauties! Just leave a comment by Oct. 8th and I'll pick a winner out of a hat. The candle will come directly from the manufacturer.
  
This post was written for Family Review Network and SC Johnson who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest review.

Ziploc Baggies and More

I received a bunch of Ziploc bags and containers to try out.  I visited the Ziploc website and I think you'd really enjoy it. They have recipes, craft ideas, storage ideas and more! Go ahead... Click the button... I'll wait.

See? I told you it was worth the click!

I got some new Ziploc quart sized storage bags with smart zip and an expandable bottom. These are awesome! My kids like to take "sub" sized sandwiches -- you know, on a hoagie roll -- to school. I do cut the subs in half, but the sandwich bags kinda smoosh the rolls when I zip them up. These new bags with the expandable bottoms are perfect for those sandwiches!!  No more smooshed rolls at lunch time. The kids actually noticed and said something like, "Mom, those new baggies you got -- they don't smoosh the sandwiches. You gotta get those, k?" (Hey, it's the little things!)  It just happened that my bagel bag got a hole in it so, rather than having the last 2 bagels go stale, I put them in one of these and, Voila!!  They fit perfectly... (see picture below)

I also got the Ziploc sandwich bags - which I love. I put their regular sized sandwiches - you know, the ones on plain old sliced bread or hot dog rolls - in those bags. I also use them for their grapes, their cookies (those of you who use snack bags for cookies -- my kids take many cookies and share with their friends), pretzels and more.  Heck, I don't just use 'em for food. I use them for travel purposes -- I put my mini shampoo and such in there so that if they leak, it doesn't get all over my stuff.  Now that I think of it, I use them for something in almost every room in my house!They are indispensible! 

The Ziploc expandable bottom freezer bags have been another terrific little item around here. We tend to buy in bulk.  Those particular bags are perfect for chicken breast, hamburger, and even pork chops.  We can put enough for a meal or individual in each bag and drop it right into the freezer. It's perfect!!  You can see my frozen chicken breast in the photo below... I knew you'd love it!

They also sent the Ziploc smart snap square containers - medium size. These arrived at the right time. Mr. had just made spaghetti sauce. We filled the containers - which have measurements on the side so you know exactly how much you are putting in each one. They seal nice and tight. We put those right into the freezer as well. Mr. also used one to take his salad to work in the other day. He loves the size -- it's just enough. AND, they wash in the top rack of the dishwasher.

The best part about all of this is that you can win your own bunch of Ziploc goodness!!  Leave me a comment by Sept 18th - US addresses only.  I'll pull a name out of a hat.  Ziploc will send it directly to you. How cool is that??

"This post was written for Family Review Network & SC Johnson who provided the complimentary product for review and giveaway in exchange for my honest opinions."