Q-Tips Prize Pack Giveaway!

When I bought necessities to fill up my changing table, I leaned towards cute instead of plain. If I couldn't find cute, I hid items in a basket. I refused to set out anything that wasn't visually appealing. I use a lot of Q-Tips in the nursery. Until now, I have kept those boxes hidden. Now I don't have too! Wendy Bellissimo has teamed up with Q-Tips to bring you two great new choices! Adorable boxes of Q-Tips that slide open! These boxes are decorated with playful safari or farm animals and the colors will compliment many decors! The boxes contain 285 swabs each. One very lucky US reader will win a wonderful prize pack containing two boxes of Q-Tips, one of each design. Also included is an adorable silver elephant coin bank and an idea sheet featuring tips to create the perfect nursery from Wendy Bellissimo. To win, simply leave a comment and tell me why you would like to win! US residents only. Giveaway ends Feb. 14, 2010, midnight!
To Disclose: I was sent a Q-Tips Prize pack of my own to complete this post.

Valentine Gift Guide: Skin Authority! Giveaway!

After the holidays, I needed to unwind. I began using Well-Being Retreat Bath Soak from Skin Authority. I love to escape in the evenings and I often relax with a book and a bath. While normally I prefer flowery scents, I was looking forward to trying this soak. It is a blend of citrus, pine, and mint. A part of me was a little worried that it would smell like a pine cleaner. After pouring some of this creamy soak into my bath water, I began to smell the pine. But I also smelled mint and a touch of citrus. The combination surprised me. It was invigorating and it really helped to clear my mind. The ingredients are healing and they work wonders on inflamed or irritated skin. Sore muscles are relaxed and your skin is softened. After using it once, I felt renewed. I also began using Calming Mask. This mask is so similar to my usual mask, but it seems to go a step further. Eucalyptus, sulfur, and purified clay combine to soothe and heal! It is perfect for acne, oily skin, and rosacea. It exfoliates and calms. I use mine once or twice a week. For breakouts, I have used it as a spot treatment. I have had dermapeels, glycolic and lactic acid peels, CO2 treatments, and also salicylic acid peels. This controls my oiliness as well as any expensive procedure. I highly recommend it. My skin is always so soft after use and it has been clear. My winter redness hasn't been as severe and this mask doesn't strip my skin of moisture. Visit Skin Authority and see what they have to offer!
One Lucky US resident will win a Well-Being Retreat Bath Soak! All you need to do is visit Skin Authority and tell me which product you would like to try! Leave your answer in a comment. Follow me for an additional entry! Digg or Stumble for two additional entries! Giveaway ends midnight Feb. 14, 2010! Good Luck!
To Disclose: Products supplied by Skin Authority in order to complete review. Honest Opinions were given.

Kushy Deal At Kushies Online!

To Disclose: I was under no obligation to post about this sale. I have a previous relationship with this company and I wanted to share the news!

CatGenie, A Greener Litter Box! And It's Cleaner Too!

I've had my CatGenie for a while now. It is nice that I don't have to worry about a litter box or litter box smells. The CatGenie is easy to use and very easy to set up. We put ours in a corner in the laundry room. Plumbing it in was simple. We have two cats, Maggie and "Mu" fasa. They were using a standard litter box, and as soon as it was removed, they began using CatGenie immediately. Our house never has cat odor, and the only time I smell the CatGenie is at the beginning of a cleaning cycle. Here's what I love about my CatGenie. You can set it to a cat activation mode. Ten minutes after the CatGenie has been used, it automatically cleans. There is a 14 hour clean mode with 10 hours of rest. Our rest cycle begins at night. If one cat uses the CatGenie, and the other cat uses it before the clean mode, the timer resets and cleans 10 minutes after last use. To clean, the CatGenie has a scooping arm that makes three complete passes. After dumping any solids, the arm returns to the bowl and helps wash the granules. The granules are washed and sanitized thoroughly and then dried. The litter has a nice clean smell and the "new" litter is warm and ready for use. The cleaning process takes at least twenty minutes. I haven't timed it, but we were all amazed at the process. When your litter gets low, you simply add more. The CatGenie cartridges are easy to change and you can pick an unscented version if you prefer. We love the fresh scent and will continue to use the scented version. The cleaning cycles are a little loud, but they are not annoying. I personally would rather listen to the cycles. It means that I will not be scooping litter! I keep a hand vac nearby, so the only clean-up is sucking up the granules that find their way out! The CatGenie is a little on the high side, but it costs less to run and it saves a lot of time. I have seen other expensive litter boxes out there, and they may "clean" the litter, but you still have to dump it. Also, the litter isn't washed between uses. Visit CatGenie for more information!

To Disclose: I was sent a CatGenie for review. No monetary compensation received.

King Arthur Flour-Great Products And Traveling Demos!

I love baking mixes, but if you've tried a few, you know they were not all created equally. Some are better than others. Much better. King Arthur Flour hasn't let me down yet, and after trying their Triple Chocolate Chip Cookie Mix, their ranking has shot to the top on my list of faves! I love chocolate chip cookies. It's hard to mess them up. It's even harder to make one that really stands out. King Arthur Flour has simplified making a memorable cookie. Chocolate Chunks, bittersweet and semisweet chocolate chips flirt with a delectable buttery cookie kissed with a touch of rich vanilla. Truly unforgettable. It's hard to believe they came from a box! After mixing up a batch, use a cookie scoop to measure out the perfect amount of dough for each cookie. This was my first time using one and I love it! In the past, I always passed by cookie scoops and thought they were not really necessary. I used spoons to scoop out my dough. After using the cookie scoop, I now realize what I've been missing. The sticky dough is released with a squeeze of the handle! My cookies are all the same size. I have even used my cookie scoop for measuring out scoops of chocolate and other ingredients for homemade candy!

I also received the greatest cookie sheet. My non stick cookie sheet is made to last. My cookies slide right off and are baked to perfection. I also have used it for my homemade yeast rolls and other breads. It's lightweight and generous 15 1/4" x 12 1/4". Clean up is a breeze. No scrubbing required! Visit King Arthur Flour and shop for your baking supplies and mixes. Top quality products at a great price. And their mixes rival (and even beat) many expensive gourmet box mixes!

If you want to brush up on your baking skills, look for King Arthur Flour's Traveling Baking Demos! Atlanta/Athens, Salt Lake City and Southern California! You are in luck! Beginning January 27, 2010, King Arthur Flour will demo perfect pies, tarts, and sweet yeast breads. Mmmmm! Click here for more info! You can take home recipes and door prizes! No registration required! Make your plans today! Also, visit their blog for great ideas and fantastic recipes!

To Disclose: I was sent a cookie mix, cookie scoop, and cookie sheet for review. No monetary compensation received.

Sonicare's Two Week Challenge!

I must really love my husband. I was given the opportunity to take Sonicare's two week challenge and instead of taking the challenge myself, I turned it over to my husband. I first introduced him to Sonicare about 6 years ago and he has been brushing away at least twice a day with the basic rechargeable brush that I bought him ever since. When I found out that Philips would be sending their FlexCare Plus, I thought my husband would appreciate the upgrade. Here's the deal. I had to convince him to set aside his old brush and use a manual toothbrush for two weeks. Two very long weeks! The manual toothbrush provided was basic, similar to a replacement brush that you might get from a hotel. It did the trick. Plain, nothing fancy. Well, he brushed and brushed, missing his beloved Sonicare more and more with each passing day. I found that instead of brushing for two minutes, he would spend longer brushing his teeth. He also flossed more. His teeth were clean after each brushing, but after two weeks, they did not feel as polished, and his gums did not feel as great. After his two weeks were up, I presented him with the Sonicare FlexCare Plus. He immediately felt the difference after his first use. He described it as the best toothbrush he's ever used. There was less vibration and many more options, including a fancy gum care option that really does take care of your gums! He highly recommends this brush and has finally retired the old one for good!

To Disclose: We were sent a Sonicare FlexCare Plus and a manual toothbrush in order to take this challenge. Honest opinions given.

Breastfeeding In Style, Thanks To ModestMomz!

I've been lucky enough to try many different nursing covers. Most of the covers that I've tried have been great. They are useful and practical. Some covers even have special features that make them stand out from the rest. ModestMomz took the nursing cover to a new level. Now, you can have practical and still keep your fashion sense. I love how sophisticated they are! They are great fashion accessories for any nursing mom.

ModestMomz full cover Nursing Poncho covers your entire upper body. No need to worry about your tummy or back being exposed! I received the Taylor Poncho. The material drapes beautifully. It is soft and easy to clean. I can admit to it being my all time favorite nursing cover. There is nothing about it that I don't like. It features an inner pocket which is ideal for storing breastpads. These lightweight covers store easily in a diaper bag and you can put one on quickly, without fumbling with ties and buckles. If you are looking for a more sophisticated cover, this is it. They are affordable too, often priced less than their "competition"! Visit ModestMomz and enjoy breastfeeding in style!

To Disclose: I received a ModestMomz Nursing Poncho in exchange for this review. No monetary compensation received and my honest opinions were given.

Pediped Debuts Tights And Socks Collection!

Pediped is stepping out with a new line this year and I want to tell you all about it! The Tights and Socks Collection will be available in January and they are available in six adorable styles!

The Ruffle Pima Cotton Capri is an adorable tight with a ruffle trim. These capri tights are made with Pima cotton, a superior cotton with a longer thread length that is woven into a softer, denser fabric. Pima cotton is light and comfortable, yet provides unparalleled warmth. The high-quality cotton offers long lasting wear. Recommended retail is $15.

Also available in Pima Cotton are Pima Cotton Capri tights and Pima Cotton Tights. Both of these tights have a touch of Lycra® offering a superb fit. Recommended retail for the capri tights is $9.00, Recommended retail for the full tights is $10.


Pediped is also joining the effort to go green with Organic Tights and Socks. The Organic Cotton Tights and Organic Cuff Socks and Organic Ribbed Socks are made from certified organic cotton and manufactured using an environmentally friendly process. Recommended retail for the tights is $13. Recommended retail for the socks is $5.

The new pediped® Tights and Socks collection is available now on www.pediped.com. Stock up now! Ruffles are in!

To Disclose: I was under no obligation to mention this new collection. I have a previous relationship with Pediped. No product or monetary compensation received for this post.

Radar Jacket From Agoo!

Logan is an active kid. Most days you will find him out riding his bike or scooter or swinging from the monkey bars. He has so much energy to burn and each afternoon, I set him free outside to do just that! Our afternoon weather has been cool the past couple of weeks. Thankfully, Agoo sent this great Radar Jacket just in time! The material is awesome! Made from 100% nylon, it is wind and water-resistant. It's designed to deflect the elements by keeping wind out and body heat in. According to Logan, it does a great job! He has no complaints and he comfortably braves the elements while staying warm! The reflector trim makes him easy to spot at night while he's squeezing in those last bike riding minutes! Pockets hold plenty of coins and rocks. He hasn't managed to move on to bugs and snakes, thank goodness! Toggles cinch at the waist keeping more heat in. The stretchy material doesn't restrict him and the material wicks away moisture, keeping him warm and dry! It's the perfect lightweight jacket! Check out Agoo's line of great products! Spend $50 or more and get free shipping!
To Disclose: Logan was sent a Radar Jacket in exchange for this review. No monetary compensation received.

Give Them A Squeeze A Day!

 If your child hates to take supplements, consider Coromega! Coromega Omega 3 Squeeze for kids is available in several flavors, including lemon-lime and orange. They're pretty good too! Logan actually reminds me to give him a squeezable pouch daily which is something he has never done before! Coromega's Omega 3 squeezable pouches contain DHA and EPA, two essential fatty acids and they boast a a clinically proven 300% better absorption than regular softgels! I tasted each flavor. The Orange was my favorite. Logan loved them both. I found that the Omega 3 was a little oily, but then again, it's fish oil, right? It is emulsified and very creamy and smooth. There is no fishy taste! The natural flavors actually taste great with other foods. If you want to be sneaky, squeeze a pouch over a muffin, cupcake, or cookie. You can also mix it in yogurt, smoothies, and milkshakes! Pretty cool if you have a picky eater! Plus, you can print a $5 coupon from their site! And guess what???!!!! Two lucky US residents will win one box! I have a pack of Orange and Lemon-Lime for this giveaway! To win, all you need to do is visit Coromega and tell me which product you would like to try. Follow me for an extra entry! Digg, Stumble, and/or blog about this giveaway for three extra entries! Make a purchase from Coromega and leave 10 additional comments! Winners will be chosen using random.org. Giveaway ends midnight January 31, 2010! Good Luck!
To Disclose: Samples were given to me in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received.

A Good Night's Sleep At Last!

Ever since my first back surgery, I have suffered from insomnia. Horrible insomnia. Often I find myself up until 4am, and then I get up every morning around 8 or 9am. After the holidays I received a RhapsodyPillow from TEMPUR-PEDIC. I began using it immediately and I went through my usual routine of laying down to go to sleep around 10 or 11pm. Instead of twisting and turning, fluffing my pillow and flipping it several times for comfort and eventually getting up, I immediately drifted off to the land of nod. Maybe it's purely coincidence. But for the past week and a half, my bedtime schedule (with the exception of one night) has been normal for the first time since 2001. I've even managed to go to sleep around 8pm on one occasion. I still wake up with my usual back pains, but I am rested and I haven't had a morning headache since I began using it. The RhapsodyPillow provides pressure-relieving comfort in a more traditional pillow shape. It features a superconforming inner sleeve lined with TEMPUR-HD® and generously filled with shapeable, TEMPUR® micro-cushions. The removable, washable and allergen resistant outer cover is dual sided with TEMPUR-Tex® on top and the softest micro suede on the bottom to match the top and sides of its mattress namesake. TEMPUR cells across the sleep surface conform to every angle of your body with exacting precision, providing even more support, greater pressure relief and unsurpassed durability. When I lay my head on the pillow, it doesn't just sink in. The pillow rises and fills all the voids, offering support and comfort I won't forget. If the pillows work this kind of magic, I can only imagine what one of their mattresses would do! I always thought their material would be too soft. I sleep best on a hard mattress and I have even slept on a hard floor when my back pain is flaring up. But in the evenings, I place my pillow on the couch lengthwise and lay back. It cradles my back in ways that I have never experienced. It is not only soft, but supportive too! I never thought I would consider a soft mattress, but my TEMPUR-PEDIC experience has left me rethinking my options. Consider a 90 day trial on one of their mattresses! If you do, they are offering two free neck pillows which are yours to keep, even if you return the mattress! You can even take advantage of free shipping on all orders over $250! Visit now and request your free information kit! See site for details!

To Disclose: I was sent a RhapsodyPillow to try in exchange for this review. My honest opinions were given. No monetary compensation received.

Help Others Help You

 ICE. In Case Of Emergency. I've had an ICE contact in my cell phone for a while now, thanks to my paramedic husband. He insisted on it. But if I am ever involved in an accident and unable to communicate, I may be in trouble. I am allergic to almost everything, and severely allergic to the primary medications given by paramedics responding to calls. The new iPhone App, ICE, stores:

· The patient’s name, photograph, date of birth, height and weight
· Emergency contact names and numbers
· Medical conditions
· Blood type
· Food allergies
· Medication allergies
· Current medications
· The patient’s organ donation preference
You can even note your religious preference, which may dictate your medical treatment. This free download is available courtesy of LegalZoom and Donate Life America. This App can potentially save your life by giving first responders – paramedics, firefighters, police officers, emergency room personnel, doctors and nurses the knowledge they need to provide the best care. Don't forget to pass this along to your friends and family!

To Disclose: I was notified of this service because of a previous relationship with Legal Zoom. I was under no obligation to mention this to my readers.

Nestle Winner!!!

The Nestle winner is...


cdziuba who said...
I entered the Holiday Memories Photo Contest!entry 4
January 1, 2010 1:52 PM

Congratulations! Check Your Inbox!

Going To The Chapel....

No, not me! Congratulations to my cousin, Dr. C. Heather Colson of Valdosta, on her recent engagement! I am so excited for her and her wonderful husband-to-be! I'm already planning the bridal shower!

I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!!!

Go Naked With LUSH, Or Wrap Things Up!

I'll never forget my first LUSH experience. I was visiting beautiful Victoria BC with my cousin and we were enjoying an evening stroll just before we departed. We caught a slight fragrance in the air and decided to follow our noses. Passing several shops, we finally reached the origin. We walked in and I decided right there, LUSH was coming home with me.

Years have passed and I can still remember slipping into a warm bath, scented by a beautiful bath bomb. Recently, I was sent a wrapped gift and a cool dusting powder to try! I received a Sweet And Dreamy Wrapped Gift and a Karma Dusting Powder. When they arrived, I admired the beautiful packaging and I hated to tear it open. The Comforter Bubble Bar is one of my favorites! It is a glorious pink and white bar that doesn't stain the tub. It's black currant fragrance is straight from fruitopia. LUSH recommends that you break the bar in half and use it for two baths! I used mine for four baths! Even though I spread it out, the bubbles were plentiful and my skin felt amazing afterwards! It definitely is comforting! The Honey I Washed The Kids Soap was my least favorite, but I don't like honey! However my honey does, and he loved it! I used it with a loofah and I liked what it did for my skin. The scent is mild and it seems to clean my skin very well. It's gentle enough for my face and it doesn't irritate! It seems to last, but this may be due to the fact that I don't leave it in the shower!

The Bath Bombs were, of course, the bomb! Vanilla Fountain and Waving Not Drowning not only lifted my spirits and relaxed my body, but blanketed me with fragrance that lasted throughout the day. So while chasing kids over excited by the holidays, I smiled more and fussed less. It's unfortunate that my oldest is still too young to realize what makes his mom chill out. A Mother's Day LUSH surprise would surely keep him out of trouble! I used A Ring Of Roses in the shower. I took a warm shower and turned the water off before using. I took my time running this softly scented buttercream all over my body. It makes your skin silky and soft. After rinsing, I noticed my skin wasn't stripped and seemed to be very moisturized. I also used this in the tub once, but I did not like it as much. Dreamtime is an herbal bath melt that is perfect for evening baths. It takes a while to melt, so don't use it if you are overly tired! It creates a luxurious milky bath that is packed with moisturizers. This was my first bath melt experience, and it won't be my last! And if you are tired of spilling massage oils, get Therapy! It's a massage bar that melts into your skin! I loved that it didn't leave a greasy trail behind!

I believe in spreading good karma. All over my body and all over my sheets! Spicy Orange, Lemongrass and Patchouli are a dream team of scents! The scent lingers for quite a while, which was great for me! Karma Dusting Powder is made with crushed chickpeas. It was a little coarse, but I loved how silky it made my skin and I LOVE the fragrance! It also seems to last! LUSH likes to keep their products naked, without packaging. But you can opt for a beautifully wrapped gift filled with treasures beyond belief! Get LUSH and see what a little flower power can do for you!
To Disclose: I was sent Sweet And Dreamy and Karma to review. These are my honest opinions. I received no monetary compensation.