Rubbermaid Reveal

I don't mind mopping the floors. I mop every other day. Sometimes I use my Swiffer, but more often than not, I'm out of solution or refill pads. Sometimes, I forget to replace the dead batteries. It can't be used if there is one thing missing. Ugh! So I drag out my mop and bucket to complete the chore. Last week, I was sent a Rubbermaid Reveal for review. It was simple to put together. The mop comes with a bottle and washable pad. I filled the bottle with warm water and added Mrs. Meyers Basil cleaner. The bottle is clear so I can easily see how much is left! I slid the bottle in place and pulled the trigger. I had to pump the spray trigger a couple of times for the cleaner to spray. The spray was evenly distributed across my floor. The washable pad has plenty of thick absorbent microfiber loops that help clean your floor.The pad is held in place with durable Velcro. I cleaned my entire house and still had some cleaner left in the bottle. If stored with a clean pad, the Reveal will be ready when you need it! Extra pads and bottles are available for purchase. You can buy online or at Home Depot! I tried and tried, but I couldn't find one thing that I didn't like about the Reveal. When was the last time you could say something like that?
I'm giving away a Rubbermaid Reveal to one US or Canada reader!!! Please note that Canadian winners might get charged C.O.D. We have no control over this and cannot do anything to refund the charges.
To enter, tell me why you want this! Leave your answer in a comment. Follow Rubbermaid on Twitter for another entry! Follow me (google,twitter,facebook, networked blogs) for one entry each. Please leave comments for each follow! Spread the word and blog about this giveaway for 5 additional entries. Tweet daily (and provide a link) for one entry daily! Giveaway ends August 15, 2010 midnight! Good Luck!!!
Disclosure: I was sent a Rubbermaid Reveal in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given. Rubbermaid will ship to winner at end of giveaway.

Wedding Bells!

It's all about weddings here! My brother is getting ready to tie the knot. My cousin is getting married too! There are a few others I know that are getting ready to take that leap. I'm planning and gifting, and telling you all about it! Get ready for awesome gift ideas, party planning necessities and more!

Zhu Zhu Went Kung Zhu!

Logan and Sam were introduced to Zhu Zhu Pets last year. They loved playing with them and I adored the little noises they made. After a few months, Logan came to me and said they were more for girls, and he retired them to the back of the closet. I can see why he felt that way. I was really bummed because I thought they were great. When I found out about Kung Zhu, I couldn't wait to tell Logan all about them! There isn't anything girly about them. Rough and tough, these little warriors fight to the death when you power them up! Complete with battle armor, vehicles, and a training center, these little pets are perfect for kids looking for action!!! The set is very easy to assemble. We didn't have any problems and we loved that you could change the layout with ease. The set does take up quite a bit of space, and we cleared off a table for our first battle. Logan was very impressed with the masculinity of these little hamsters. I don't think he will be putting his down anytime soon! Special Forces vs. Ninjas. We went with Special Forces, in honor of my dear husband! It was fun to watch the hamsters battle it out in the arena. Their fights drew a crowd, and some fights ended in a draw. If your child has a birthday coming up, get a hamster or two and the arena. Add on to the set at Christmas and other special occasions. That keeps things new and interesting too! Visit their website for even more! Kung Zhu Pets have cool names and even cooler stories. Their web site is loaded with bios and other great information!
Disclosure: I was sent a box full of Kung Zhu to share with my kids and community! No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given. Thanks MomSelect!!!

Treasury Of Storybook Classics DVD Set!

I read to my kids a lot. Sometimes, it's nice to kick back and relax and let someone else do the talking. The Treasury of Storybook Classics has been a wonderful addition to our library! It's filled with familiar stories and they come to life on screen. 100 award-winning and classic children's stories make up this wonderful set. There are 16 DVDs altogether. The stories are told by celebrity narrators including Sarah Jessica Parker, James Earl Jones, Forest Whitaker, Rob Reiner and many more. Stories include some of our favorites like Chicka Chicka Boom Boom, Chrysanthemum, Click, Clack, Moo: Cows That Type, Corduroy, Curious George Rides a Bike, Good Night Gorilla, Harold and the Purple Crayon, Harry the Dirty Dog, Is Your Mama a Llama?, Make Way for Ducklings, The Snowy Day, Strega Nona, The Teacher from the Black Lagoon, There Was an Old Lady who Swallowed a Fly, Where The Wild Things Are, Why Mosquitoes Buzz in People's Ears, and many more. Logan and Sam loved watching their stories for a change! The DVD's are a great collection for bedtime, long car rides, and family time. We enjoyed watching the DVDs together, and it was nice to see Logan reading along with a few of his favorites. This set would be a great gift for any child! I really don't have any complaints. These are short stories and great for kids with short attention spans. I wish there were fewer DVDs in the set and more play time on each DVD. A couple of the stories are a little slow and (shhh...) boring, but most of them maintained a nice pace and kept us entertained! This set is on sale now (and you get free shipping on orders $59+ with code FS59) at Discovery Store!!!
Disclosure: I was sent this set in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions are given.

Sweet And Juicy Fruitasia!

On July 21, I received a bountiful basket of fruit! ProFlowers shipped their Fruitasia fruit basket for my review and I have been enjoying fresh apples, pears, and juicy oranges ever since. When I first received my package, I opened the box and unwrapped my basket. The smell of fruit was irresistible so I unwrapped the beautiful individually wrapped fruit and compared them to the unwrapped fruit. I tried to decide which brightly colored fruit to eat first. My basket contained 3 Imperial Comice or D'Anjou Pears, 2 Cherry Moon Sensation Red Pears, 3 Buerre Bosc Pears, 3 Fuji Apples, 3 California Navel Oranges, and 2 Granny Smith Apples. Most of the fruit was pristine, but some did have a few bruises. I chose a pear and washed it.The identifying sticker did not come off easily, but that wasn't a problem. I sank my teeth into the pear and juice ran down the corners of my mouth. It was delightful! The fruit was juicy and sweet. It was exactly what I would expect from great fruit, and a fruit gift basket! While my basket and ribbon differed from the picture (which was a little disappointing) I was quite pleased with the gift. The fruit arrived fresh and on time. If you want to send a healthy gift, consider ProFlowers. They have a beautiful selection of fruit baskets and other gifts!
Disclosure: I was sent a fruit basket in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

Go Outdoors With Bass Pro Shops

Bass Pro Shops has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I remember looking through their catalog with my dad, eager to find the latest and greatest fishing products. When the store opened in Georgia, I had to check it out. I went with my family and I remember it being a great adventure! I will never forget walking through the front door and being overwhelmed by it's greatness. Years later, I can still spend all day in one of their stores and never want to leave! While I don't get out and enjoy the great outdoors as much as I used to, I always turn to my trusted source when I need outdoor products or gear. Bass Pro stands behind their products and I always feel confident with my purchases. Recently, we were outfitted with a great 3 person tent, 2 sleeping bags, and a daypack for camp! My husband and Logan were the lucky ones to review these great products. I opened the daypack and sleeping bags when they arrived and I must say, I LOVE the colors! The materials used seemed to be very durable and very lightweight. The compact Ascend™ 20º Mummy Sleeping Bag features double-layer quilted construction with hollow fiber insulation, 210T nylon diamond ripstop shell, 210T poly-taffeta lining, fully adjustable contoured hood, trapezoidal footbox, and a 3" draft tube along the zipper’s full length. It includes compression stuff sack for easy transport! My husband loved this bag, but it did get a little hot. I think it would be ideal for spring, fall, and our mild winters. Logan had no problems and he stayed bundled up all through the night! The Ascend™ Hiker 3 Tent is great when you want a quality tent at a great price. It's a three person tent and it's packed with features! The Ascend 3 grants easy access thanks to its dual doors and vestibules on the front and back of the tent. It's made from durable 190T polyester taffeta and it's walls feature a 600mm polyurethane coating, while the tent's 190T polyester taffeta full rainfly features a 1500mm coating for waterproof protection! The floor is made of 190T polyester taffeta with an 1800mm coating. It is outfitted with large mesh panels and two rainfly windows (with privacy curtains) for air flow. Set up is a breeze thanks to lightweight and sturdy fiberglass poles and reflective guyout cords. The tent measures 8'4'' x 5'8'' with a center height of 4'3''. It even comes with a removable gear loft! We also received an Ascend™ Aspen 3000 40L Daypack. This 3000 cubic inch pack is great for overnight treks or full day adventures. It's a strong pack featuring a PE board and aluminum stay bar for back panel support. It's padded back panel with airmesh pods make it comfortable to carry. The contoured and padded shoulder straps with sternum strap certainly help! It features dual panel-loading main compartments, internal zip-out mesh compartment dividers, internal compression flaps and mesh pockets for smaller gear.  Dual side compression straps and bottom compression straps lock your load in place and a zippered front pocket with organizer  keeps everything handy and secure. The pack also features dual side water bottle pockets, daisy chain webbing, ice ax loop, and hydration compatibility! This pack is definitely ideal for our family. It looks great too! Bass Pro Shops has all you need to Go Outdoors!
Disclosure: Bass Pro sent a tent, 2 mummy bags, and a daypack for review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

Potty Pony Pals!

Genius. Pure genius. I'm talking about Potty Pony Pals! Potty training can be an aggravating time in any parent and child's life. There are a lot of products on the market that are supposed to make it fun and rewarding. That hasn't been my luck. Not with Logan and certainly not with Sam. Sam is just now showing a few signs of readiness. I tried things early with him to get him used to the idea of using the potty. While we haven't mastered it yet, we have learned a lot. I've bought several pairs (okay, loads) of potty training pants. I bought the common brands and of course, a few that were new to me. I've also received a few to try out. This is my all time favorite. Potty Pony Pals. These super soft organic training pants are trim and stylish! I love the spots and Sam loves wearing them! They don't feature a lot of bulk or even a waterproof pul. They are designed to keep your child dry. But how?

Look inside for the answer! An adorable pony is begging to stay dry. And if your toddler loves animals, and understands dry and wet, your child will want to keep this cute little pony dry. The pony doesn't appear with wetness or disappear when wet. These training pants work in the simplest way. Simple is usually better! Your child is the guardian of the pony, and your child has the means to keep this pony happy and dry. I love the concept. It even comes with a great DVD! Sam is naturally affectionate towards our cats and he seems to feel the same way towards the pony. He's still learning and isn't quite ready for full-on training, but you'll probably be hearing more about these adorable training pants as time passes. He tries really hard to keep the pony dry, and he doesn't care or worry about accidents with other training pants he's used. My only complaint? I wish they offered several designs and several animals!!! Check out Potty Pony Pals and make potty training easier!
Disclosure: I was sent a starter pack with 2 pairs of training pants and a DVD in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

dfg

The Potty Bench From Boon

When I first saw the Boon Potty Bench, I decided right then and there that it was going to be purchased when Sam was ready for potty training. Fast forward a year and lucky for me, I didn't have to purchase one. We were sent this awesome bench for Sam to use. Here's more about it:

The Potty Bench is a training potty featuring two enclosed side storage spaces for organizing potty training supplies, and a pull-out drawer for easy sanitary clean-up. Simply close the lid to use as a large, sturdy stool that supports up to 300 lbs. The sleek, modern design includes a built-in toilet paper holder and a removable soft deflector shield.

So how was it? Well, it's not cushioned like the other brand. Sam will sit for short periods of time before insisting on doing other things. It also sits a little lower, which may be perfect for early trainers. Sam likes the storage spaces on each side and he enjoys opening and closing them. They can only be opened when the chair is in use. As far as the removable deflector, well it has remained in place. Sam has left it alone! I love that this bench doubles as a step stool. If you are on a budget and don't want to spend extra for that stool you will most likely need, this is ideal. We keep it next to the sink so Sam can wash his hands during the day without any help! Do I like it as much as I did before I owned it? Yes and no. If it had a cushioned seat, yes. Sam seems to prefer sitting on the other chair. If I did not have the two different potty chairs for Sam to try, only the Boon, I'm sure he wouldn't know what he was missing and this would be perfect. Get your Boon Potty Bench here!
Disclosure: We received a Boon Potty Bench in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions were given.

Prince Lionheart's PottyPOD

I had an easy time getting Logan to use a potty chair. I'm not so lucky this time around with Sam. He's stubborn! I received two popular chairs and I want to tell you my experience and maybe help you make the right choice! The first potty chair I received was the Prince Lionheart pottyPOD. Here are the features:


•Soft, cushiony seat provides comfort
•Rigid base provides strength and stability
•Height adjustable base to grow with child
•Removable bowl – easy clean up
•Removable deflector shield for boys
•Non-slip grip strips on base
•Anti-microbial
•Available in pink, green and blue
•Recommended ages: 18+ months
•14.625" L x 16.5" W x 8.625" H
•3.75 lbs

So, how was it? It was very easy to assemble and I love the base, which gives you two options for height. The seat rises in the back, giving your child some support. Sam loves this chair. He will actually sit on it without complaints! It seems to be very comfortable and it's very easy to clean. The deflector shield is more of a distraction. Don't get me wrong, it works, but Sam would rather play with it and take it off instead of using the potty. It can be a little frustrationg. This potty chair is easy to move and it's really lightweight. It doesn't have a lot of cool features like a toilet paper holder, but my toddler doesn't need that. The seat is cushioned, so if you need your toddler to sit for a while, I can't think of a better chair to use. It works for us and I have been really happy with it! Get yours here!
Disclosure: I was sent a pottyPOD in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

Bye Bye Stains

My kids are messy. When they eat, sauces have a way of ending up all over their clothes. If it doesn't occur accidentally, you can be sure one of my children will wipe their mouth with a sleeve. Their messiness extends beyond the kitchen and dining room. Sam draws on his clothes (and his body) daily. Logan is a little neater unless he's playing outside. I never know what kind of stain I'll be facing as I load my washing machine. I don't grab the stain sticks, I just toss them in and hope for the best. I sort clean clothes into two stacks. Play clothes, which feature a few stains here and there, and "good" clothes, which are acceptable for wearing in public. Recently, I was given the opportunity to try All Oxi-Active. I have never tried All laundry detergent before so I had no idea if this was going to go well. I always smell the detergent I'm using first. If I don't love it, I don't use it. If smells clean. Not heavily perfumed like it's trying to cover odors though. It's light and fresh. My only complaint is the cap. I had a hard time trying to see the full line on the cup. I guessed and poured when I did my laundry. I probably used a little more than I should have. I tested this detergent until my bottle ran out. It says 28 loads, but I probably did 24 or 25. I tested it on grass stains, grease, tomato sauces, mustard, and dirt. I also tested it on ink, washable markers, and washable paint. I expected some, maybe even most of the stains to come out. I was really shocked to see that all the stains disappeared. All Oxi-Active really impressed me. I've bought more since I completed my review. It's nice to know that All can stand up to all of our tough stains. I no longer feel guilty about not pretreating stains because I know All Oxi-Active will take care of it! GIVEAWAY!!!!!! I have two bottles to give away to one reader!!! To enter, leave a comment and tell me about your worst laundry nightmares! Follow me (facebook/twitter/google/networked blogs) for one extra entry (one for each follow). Links on sidebar! US readers only, giveaway ends midnight July 20, 2010. Good Luck!
Disclosure: Samples received in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.

Busy Bee

I know it doesn't look like I've been busy, but I have! Between weddings and showers, Cub Scout camp and fitting in a few doctor's appointments, things have been crazy. I've started Potty Training Sam and I've got some great products to share to help other moms encourage their little ones to give it a try! My husband and Logan are camping out this week and Bass Pro Shops is helping them Go Outdoors with some great gear! But my really big project is also coming up! I have the coolest bridal shower gift ideas around! I'll share all the details soon.
Join me tomorrow as I talk about potty chairs and training pants. The end of the week, I'll share reviews on great outdoor products!
Next week, I'm going BRIDAL!

Add Some Sparkle With Glitz & Glamr!

Every now and then, I like a little glitz and glam. After reviewing two great products from Glitz & Glamr, I'm thinking I like it even more. At Glitz & Glamr you won't find overdone and outdated. You will find cute and sparkly, and products with a lot of personality!

I received the medium Flower Girl Tote. No, I'm not going to a wedding and I'm not an outdoor enthusiast. Not in the middle of summer! I love flowers and I thought this bag was fun when I first saw it! When I received it, I knew I had made the right choice. The beautiful pink crystals are perfectly placed. They really stand out against the black canvas bag. The flower is a nice touch! This bag has been blinged out and it is awesome! It's the perfect size for going out for the day. I can pack snacks for the day and use it as a diaper bag in a pinch. It's also a great bag for a day at the beach. I can roll up my towel and place it inside along with a good book, and I still have room for other necessities!

We also received the unexpected! Glitz & Glamr also sent along a pair of cute Blooming Booties! Ours featured a cool zebra print. My husband rarely stops by my desk to check out review products, but these drew him in for a closer look! They are soft and they look comfortable. Pink crystals catch the sunlight and flash light here and there. They feature a non-slip bottom and lots of charm!

You'll also find great petticoats and other cool products at Glitz & Glam! They even thought of the little guys on your list! Cool tees (check out that awesome tiger tee!) and great graphics! The prices are reasonable and the customer service is exceptional! If you want a little glam in your life, check them out!
Disclosure: Samples were sent in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions are given.

I Had An Affair... On A Stick

A while back, I was introduced to Weiser Classic Candy. Simply...The Best they say and I had to find out if it was true. I received a generous assortment of everything that sparked an interest and I divided each piece so I could savor the experience! I had an Affair on a Stick! They say it's so good, you'll want to keep it hidden from those you love. I've had chocolate covered pretzels, but this was over the top! A large pretzel rod coated with thick caramel, dipped in chocolate, and sprinkled with a rainbow! I swear to you, I couldn't keep it hidden because everyone could hear how good this was, even though I was in a different room! My Mmmms and OMG's created quite a stir, so I had to break out my stash and share, or risk being tortured with feelings of guilt for days or weeks.

I'm a popcorn fanatic and I love good Carmel Pop Corn. I've had mail order carmel popcorn before and I wasn't impressed. Shipping isn't always kind to those carmel coated popped kernels of corn, so I had my doubts about this one. I saved it for a special occasion. Movie night! I reluctantly poured it into a few bowls, which made for several stingy servings. But hey, at least I didn't feel the guilt this time around! The popcorn was buttery and the carmel flavor was intense! The kernels were crisp and crunchy, not stale and soggy like others I've tried. This little bag of heavenly goodness is on my wish list! Everyone loved it!

I also received a box of chocolates, a variety of fudge, creams, and truffles. I couldn't pick a favorite.They were all so good! If I had to narrow it down, I'd say you couldn't go wrong with their Peanut Butter Creams and Chocolate Creams. I've tried similar types of candy before, and I even have my own homemade version of a peanut butter cream. They don't compare!

I tried several new candies and I loved them all. But let me tell you, I saved the best for last!!! I have a new all time favorite! VELVET MINTS! If you like chocolate and mint, this is for you! Whipped chocolate kissed with  all natural peppermint. The creamy whipped chocolate is perfection and they put the perfect amount of peppermint. It's not overpowering and it isn't lacking. Just the right amount. Buy .50 lbs or a whole bucketful!!! Yeah, it's that popular! I know I could eat them by the bucket load! Each are wrapped in brightly colored foil and that just makes them even more special. Visit Weiser Classic Candy and check out their selection. They have something for everyone!!!
Disclosure: I was sent samples in order to complete this review. No montary compesation received and honest opinions were given.

Twist And Fold!

When I had Logan, I didn't think I needed a playmat. Between the bouncers and the swings, I thought I had everything I needed. I didn't learn the truth until I had Sam. I was gifted with a playmat when he was a newborn and I began using it immediately. I used it instead of a blanket and later on, we used it for tummy time and playtime. The mat I used was basic. There wasn't a lot of entertainment for a baby! When I received Infantino's new Jumbo Wheel Play Space, I was so excited! I loved the bright colors and the cute animals. The wheel offered great play space and plenty of activities for a baby. Mirrors, teethers, and music. What more could you want? It's well made and easy to wash. We love it!

We also received Infantino's Twist & Fold Activity Gym! This is so easy to set up! Open it up and lock it in place with a simple twist! It folds just as easily. Toys are within baby's reach so your child will not be teased and frustrated by toys just out of reach. It's colorful and easy to take anywhere you go! A Velcro strap keeps everything together.Both of these items are great if you're on a budge! They are also great if you don't have a lot of space! They each fold up small and you can store them just about anywhere! Check them out!
I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.

Fold & Go... Don't Leave Home Without It!

I bought a bouncer for each of my children. They were great, but there was plenty of room for improvement. They were bulky and you couldn't pack them easily for travel. That meant, I was on my own when we travelled or went to my parent's house. My children loved their bouncers, so I relied on them when I cleaned house or cooked a meal. Recently I was chosen to test drive a few of Infantino's great products. The Fold & Go Bouncer is everything I loved about my previous bouncers, plus they added everything that was missing. Short of automatic diaper changes. We can't have it all, can we?

The Fold & Go Bouncer is light and easy to set up. I love the soft fabric in more muted tones. I don't miss the neon blue at all! Most of you might know what I mean! The Fold & Go Bouncer features:
•Unique easy-to-fold, space saving design.

•Includes plush seat, padded head support and waist harness.
•Removable entertainment bar adjusts and includes two detachable toys! The toys are also within baby's reach!
•Comforting bouncing action occurs with baby’s natural movement.
•Machine washable seat cover.
•Simple, no-hassle assembly!
•Requires 3 "AA" batteries
•For babies up to 25lbs (11.3kgs)

 
When I first opened the package I was eager to test it out. I couldn't wait to see how easy (or hard) it was to fold. I quickly and very easily assembled all the pieces. Next, I inserted the batteries. When I folded the bouncer, I could not believe it! I could easily fit this in my backseat or trunk and take everywhere! And it was simple! Vacations, grandparents, even room-to-room with such ease! Before, the bouncer always stayed in the living room. I did not have much freedom when I was doing laundry (too much back and forth to make sure baby was OK!) and when I needed to take a shower, (let's be honest-how many of you could actually fit that in when baby napped?) it was difficult to pick up my baby and wrestle with the other bouncers, trying to get them into the bathroom. With this bouncer, I had no problems! I would definitely purchase this for myself or as a shower gift. It is the most versatile bouncer on the market, in my opinion, and I only wish I had it years ago! Infantino's Fold & Go Bouncer you get moving with thoughtful improvements designed to make your life easier! I couldn't say this about other bouncers, but Don't Leave Home Without It!!!!
Disclosure: “I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.”

MILKWEED

I'm always on the lookout for creative designers. One of my favorite places to look is Etsy. Recently I was searching this wonderful community for something adorable and I stumbled upon a new store. MILKWEEDLOVE! Cute name, really cute designs! You won't find a huge selection at any given time (at least not yet!) but you will find creative clothes that will bring a smile to your face. Now these are happy clothes for girls! How do I know? I just feel it! And when you feel it this much, you know you've found something really special! The designs have an organic feel to them because of how they're made. They are have a generous cut which is perfect for children on the move! I think they would be very comfortable to wear!

MILKWEEDLOVE did a beautiful job giving life to older materials. Meg, the talented designer behind MILKWEED,  sent the "Anita-Bonita" dress for my review. The dress is exceptionally soft! It is fully lined and the only thing missing is matching bloomers! The colors are bright and the dress flows beautifully. It's a great buy for those on a budget because it can be worn as a dress and later on as a tunic! My favorite feature is the flower! It is handmade, and she uses an older tee. It's one of the most creative ways to make something old new again! Simply brilliant! The flower is made using a completely different print. It compliments the dress so well! It's pretty generous in size, but not so large that it gets in the way. Anything smaller would have lacked the impact that this makes. This flower really makes a statement! Each cheerful little dress is labeled with the most adorable tags! Speaking of tags, the tag inside each dress is beautifully handmade using really soft fabric! No scratchy, annoying tags! Check out MILKWEEDLOVE and watch for new listings. You can also find MILKWEED on facebook and see  even more gorgeous designs!
To Disclose: I was sent a dress in order to complete this review. No monetary compensation received and honest opinions given.