My Twitter Name!

Eeek! Thank you to those of you who let me know my twitter link was not listed on my recent giveaway posts. Somehow it got deleted and I didn't realize it. Here's a link to my twitter profile. Thanks again girls!

http://twitter.com/mommymarina

P.S. I've got some GREAT giveaways ready for you coming this week!

I had little access to internet this past weekend with traveling for the holidays, so you guys will be getting double the fun this week!

Extra Entries... YAY!

First person to enter each giveaway... give yourself three extra entries just for the heck of it!

Also, I will be adding in the extra entries for the 5 people that won them earlier this week later on today, so they will be there.

And for those of you who took part in Black Friday Shopping, I hope you got everything you wanted and are able to get some rest this afternoon!

Folica Review and Giveaway!

My hair used to be really long. Then, when I was pregnant with my daughter, in an irrational hormonal spree, I got it cut really short. Not super short, but still, too short to do anything with. Now, it's finally grown out pretty long, and I am SO excited! I can finally style it with curls, straighten it, and blow it dry with a style. This is why I was so ecstatic when Folica gave me the opportunity to review two of their great hair styling products. They sent me the Sedu Revolution Pro Tourmaline Ionic TGR 4000i Hair Dryer and the Amika 1.5" Ceramic Styler (in Zebra print, it's so fun!).

The Sedu Revolution Pro Tourmaline Ionic TGR Hair Dryer worked like a charm. Normally I can't blow dry my hair fully dry during the fall and winter months because my hair gets dry and staticky, yet with this hair dryer, my hair stayed smooth and I could tell the moisture didn't get sucked out of my hair as it dried. I am in LOVE with this hair dryer. Not only did it do everything it says that it does, but it also did so quickly and quietly! I can not recommend this hair dryer enough, that's how much I love it. I have fully blown my hair dry everyday since receiving it because how much better it works than my previous hair dryer. Now, on to the next fabulous product!

Since my sister knows even more than me about hair styling products, she helped me out with this review. Plus, her hair is REALLY long, so she made for a great model! Normally, she has wavy hair, and she told me that she normally never straightens her hair since she hasn't found a straightener that she really likes. However, wait until you see and hear about the results...

My sister said that normally it takes her at least 20 minutes to straighten her hair, yet with the Amika 1.5" Ceramic Styler it took less than 7 minutes, which she said was enough to convince her to straighten her hair everyday if she had one like it. Some of the bonus perks of this hair tool are that the grippers on the outside of the straightener really help in holding it, and the outside of the tool stays cool while the inside heats up. The ceramic plates heated up in less than one minute, which is great for busy mornings. Her hair (as you can see in the pictures) was left shiny, soft, and silky after using the straightener. All in all, we both highly recommend this product! I love how my hair felt softer than it's ever felt after I straightened mine!


I seriously can not recommend these products enough, that is how much they helped this busy mom! Now, I know you guys want to hear about how to win the Amika 1.5" Ceramic Styler now right!? All you have to do is enter now! The winner will receive the Amika Ceramic Styler in hot pink.

*Make sure you check out their great sales and promotions going on for the Holidays! Use the code "sale25"to save $25 off a purchase of at least $100, and get free shipping (ends this Monday, November 30)!*

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Folica and telling me what your favorite item is! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on December 5, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Mary Kay Review and Giveaway!

As mothers, it's rare that we get a lot of time to pamper ourselves, relax, and just chill for a bit. This is why I'm so excited to announce that four, yes, FOUR of you mommies are going to be getting some products this Christmas to pamper yourselves! The Mary Kay company graciously sent me some of their Sugar Scrubs and Shower Gels to review, making this one of the most relaxing review experiences ever! I had so much fun using these products, let alone the amazing condition the products left my skin in! The Sugar Scrubs and Shower Gels come in the four amazing scents of Exotic Passionfruit, Simply Cotton, Sparkling Honeysuckle, and Warm Amber. Each of the four winners will win one Sugar Scrub and Shower Gel set in one of the lovely scents!

The Sugar Scrubs and Shower Gels would make a great gift idea for any lucky lady in your life, especially those who may not have much time during their day to relax. It would be a great gift idea to drop some hints to your husbands about, too! I really have no complaints about these products, and they really cleansed my skin, leaving it noticeably softer after the first time I used them. These products are sure to be a hit with every lady on your holiday shopping list!

Each of the Sugar Scrub and Shower Gel sets is valued at approximately $30 and for four of you lucky ladies, all you have standing between you and relaxation is entering this Mary Kay giveaway!

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Mary Kay and telling me what your favorite scent of the Sugar Scrubs and Shower Gels would be! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on December 5, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Tree Frog Creations Review and Giveaway!

***UPDATE: Get a bonus entry for following Tree Frog Creations on Facebook!***

You guys all know that I love handmade creations, especially when it comes to gift giving! I love knowing that extra special care went into the creation of each item. This is why I really love the Etsy shop Tree Frog Creations, which is run by Renae, a former educator turned stay at home mom. Renae's passion is found in creating items that are both useful and beautiful, especially for children. All of Renae's items are made in a smoke and pet free home, which is something I greatly appreciate as a mother of a child with asthma. Shes makes customized lunchbags, buckets, market totes, backpacks, and more!

Renae sent me the beautiful Pink White Swirl Department Store Reusable Tote Bag, personalized with the initial of my choice. I was so excited when it arrived in the mail, it is perfect for the pink lover in me! This bag is perfect for shopping trips, and I know you'd feel so stylish using this bag at the grocery store! Ít's made with 100% polypropylene and is easily cleaned with wiping the bag with a damp cloth. It holds up to 40 lbs, which is great when you are shopping! Vinyl is used for the personalization, and you may choose one initial, a 3 initial monogram, or a name. Letters come in a variety of colors, and the custom options are endless!

Be sure to check out Tree Frog Creations for all your personalized gift needs, but please keep in mind that the last day for Christmas orders is December 11th.

Now, want to win a great Tote Bag like the one Renae sent me? Just enter this giveaway for a chance to have this beautiful handmade gift in your gift stash this year!

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Tree Frog Creations and telling me what your favorite item is! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on December 5, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Think Geek Review and Giveaway!

Are you a self-proclaimed "geek"? Does your husband, dad, brother, or son go crazy for techie gifts? Do you like giving your children gifts that encourage creativity and imaginative play? If you answered yes to any of these questions then Think Geek is the company for you! Think Geek has been around for about 10 years, with a mission to bring products to customers who are passionate about technology, from computer programmers to students to children. Think Geek features a large range of products that includes clothing, home and office items, books, electronics, childrens toys, and much more! If you want a unique gift for any of the fun "geeks" in your life, then Think Geek is sure to offer you so many options it will be hard to choose just one!

Think Geek has recently been expanding their children's gift section, so they sent me three of their most fun products. They sent me the Water Flutes, the R/C Color Bug Doodling Toy, and the Lite-Brite Cubed. All three have turned out to be great toys, and would be a wonderful addition to your gift items this year.

The Water Flutes are made up of five separate flutes, with each flute being individually tunable. You just fill them with water to the designated fill line, and then you are ready to play! Each set of Water Flutes comes with five easy to to follow songs on waterproof laminated cards, which is great because it allows you to stick them to the wall while you are playing! The Water Flute is for ages 3 and up and features a full one octave range, tuned to the key of C.

Next we have the wonderfully creative Lite-Brite Cubed, which is sure to be an instant success with any child! The Lite-Brite Cubed features four faces instead of the traditional single one, which means that you can make up to four designs at once! I like this toy because it means that up to four people can use it at once, which is especially good if you have children who are still trying the grasp the whole sharing concept! This newly designed version of an old favorite combines all of the great traditional feautures, but adds the joy of keeping your design for a longer amount of time! The Lite-Brite Cubed is for ages 4 and up because it does contain small pieces. The two storage trays keep pegs handy for whenever you're ready to design and includes over 400 pegs, 10 refill sheets, and a light bulb. Overall, this is a great toy, bound to give your whole family endless hours of fun!

The last (but certainly not least!) toy is the R/C Color Bug Doodling Toy. This toy is great, and a very fun product for children who like remote controllable toys! It was a Top Toy of the Year winner in 2008, chosen by Creative Child Magazine, and if you keep reading, you'll definitely understand why! Before you get started, just pop an included marker into the center, place the Bug onto a large sheet of paper, and then use the dual-stick tank style controls to start drawing! It takes a little getting used to for kids to use it, but it's very simple. If you want to draw a straight line, just push both sticks forward. To draw a curvy line, just push one stick forward. There's no end to the creative possibilities that your children will have will this toy! This toy is for ages 4 and up and comes with four washable markers and a remote. Paper is not included but can easily be found at your local craft store. This toy does require batteries, which are not included, so just remember to purchase your batteries before Christmas morning with this one!

We had so much fun testing these toys out, and I think they'd make great gift items for any of the "geek" kids on your list!

Now, want a chance to win ALL THREE of these Think Geek great toys for your own kids this year? This prize package is valued at approximately $67 and will make a great fit under one of your Christmas trees this year!

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Think Geek and telling me what your favorite item is! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on December 5, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Micro Beer Club Review!

Hello everyone, this is a special post from Marina’s husband Adam. I got a special opportunity to try an assortment of beers from different microbreweries from around the US. The Micro Brew Club is a beer of the month club that you can sign up for and every month you will be sent four different kinds of beer to try. I really enjoyed that the beers are not all one kind or taste. I am definitely a beer kind of guy rather than a wine kind of guy, so if your man is similar to me then I suggest the beer of the month club. Being a busy parent it is tough to find time to go a bar and enjoy a good beer. The times that I do get to go to a bar I am hardly in a mood to try a new beer cause I want my “usual”. The Micro Beer Club is like bringing a bar to you that is full of unique beers will be an experience to drink not just an activity. If the man in your life has no problems going to bars or is a frequent visitor then the Micro Beer Club is great for that inspiring beer connoisseur. The membership includes (this is taken from their website):

• A Micro Beer of the Month Club membership makes the perfect gift for any beer lover.

• Every month club members will receive four different selections, three of each (12 total) of 12 ounce bottled microbeer from award winning domestic microbreweries.

• Along with the beers comes our monthly newsletter The Micro Brew Review. Here you will find information on the featured breweries for the month, their beers tasting notes, food pairings, and other beer related articles.

• The first shipment also includes a custom gift card notifying the recipient of their membership plus any personal message you would like to add.

• Prepaid club memberships range from one to twelve months, or simply sign up for yourself or as a gift and be billed monthly. All memberships can be shipped every month, every other month (ships on odd months only)

• Some clubs have monthly minimums; not here! And memberships can be cancelled at any time.

• Quality and variety are what you can expect from our beer club. Unlike other clubs, members will experience beers from all over the United States and be able to sample beers not readily available in their local stores.

• We guarantee your satisfaction with every beer you receive from any one of our monthly clubs. Occasionally, you may discover a bottle which has not traveled well. Tell us. We'll replace it or reimburse the purchase price. Ordering is easy.

The Micro Beer Club is sure to be a hit with any beer-lover on your holiday shopping list! This gift undoubtably gets the stamp of"guy-approval"!

Mabel's Labels Review!

Let's face it. Kids lose everything. They go with us everywhere and it seems like everything they own comes too. The problem is that this stuff likes to lose itself everywhere or get mixed up with other people's stuff. Want to know the cure...Mabel's Labels!

Mabel's Labels was birthed out the frustration of moms who felt this same way! They researched and tested until they were able to come up with the best possible labels that were both fun and durable to save the things their kids would lose. They make both sticky labels and clothing labels, and they are dishwasher, microwave and laundry safe, making them both practical and personal. The labels are so fun for children because they get to help customize their name with their favorite colors and an icon of their choice! In recent times, Mabel's Labels have expanded their business into personalized stationery products, ID wristbands and household labels. Check out Mabel's Labels innovative design products for the whole family, I guarantee you won't be disappointed!

I love organizational products, so Mabel's Labels is probably one of my favorite companies when it comes to helping me organize and keep track of items. Mabel's Labels sent me the Back-to-School combo and it was love at first sight! We chose the cotton candy color theme with a butterfly icon, and the different labels turned out so adorable! The Shoe Labels have turned out to be really handy when we go to different places that have play structures that require you to leave your shoes in a cubby. One time another little girl had identical shoes as Izzy in a similar size, so it was great that we were quickly able to see which ones were ours! The Skinny-Minis have worked great in labeling sippy cups and other miscellaneous items, and the labels have survived many trips through the dishwasher! The Tag-Mates work great to put in all articles of clothing, but especially the items that your kids may take off throughout the day at school, such as sweatshirts or coats. Lastly, the Teeny Tags are a great option for backpacks, lunchboxes, and more. I like that they are so easy to attach to them, too!

Also, for the holidays, check out these Holiday Gift Tags and Holiday Return Address Labels! Mabel's Labels products would make a great gift or stocking stuffer for the organization lovers and kids on your lists! For every holiday themed purchase you make between now and the end of the year, Mabel's Labels will make a donation to a local family in need. Be sure to check out the LOL Sticky Labels too, as Mabel's Labels will be donating a portion of the proceeds to the family of Anissa Mayhew, a fellow mommy blogger who suffered a stroke, and is in need of support.

Choose Mabel's Labels for all of your labeling needs and you'll never have to find yourself fishing through the lost and found box at school looking for lonely items!

*I'm an affiliate of Mabel's Labels, so if you'd like to purchase something, you can click the ad at the very bottom of my blog* :-)

Winners!

The winner of the Magpie Designz giveaway is... comment #1! It's always wierd when random.org picks the first or last entry!

Joshlin said...
I love the Katherine Mommy Bracelet.
savingmomssanity at gmail dot com


The winner of the Covenant Farm Soapworks giveaway is... comment #39!

Attila & Tamara said...
Have your Christmas button on my blog #3
szogediek.blogspot.com/
szogediek at yahoo dot com


Congrats to both of you! I will be emailing you both shortly!

Announcing... Black Friday "Blog-Busters"!

In the spirit of the holidays I have decided to do an event within an event! That means that during my Christmas Extravaganza I will be hosting a special Black Friday "Blog-Busters" event! You will be able to enter to win $450 worth of items from 4 great companies starting this Friday! My normal daily reviews and giveaways will still be posted, except 4 giveaways will go up on Friday!

I will be posting extra entries throughout the next few days, but to get a head start on extra entries, leave me some comments on this post!

The first 5 people to comment will get 2 extra entries into each of the Black Friday "Blog-Busters" giveaways!

All you have to do is tell me what your favorite Black Friday sale item is this year! Have fun!

Columbia Review!

When I think about winter snow gear one of the first companies that always comes to mind is Columbia, because they are at the forefront when it comes to new and innovative outerwear. Columbia has been around since 1938, and they have been keeping families warm ever since! They started as a small family run company and have expanded to the global company that we now all know and love. To learn more about the fascinating history behind Columbia, please click here.

Columbia recently sent me some items to review, and I'm so excited to share my opinions with you all, because I am absolutely in love with the items! I was sent the Quilt-Essentials™ Full Zip for myself in the Bark shade. I love this jacket so much I barely even know where to begin! First of all, it has been a wonderful piece of clothing for Fall, because I can wear it on the chillier days. Also, you can use it as a layering piece on colder days since their's plenty of room to wear a few layers underneath without it looking bulky. The 100% polyester Microadvantage Fleece makes it super comfy, and I just love how soft it has stayed after multiple trips through the washer and dryer. The
Omni-Shield™ advanced repellency is another feature that I love because there have been times where I get caught in the rain while wearing it, and the water doesn't soak in, keeping me nice and dry! This feature also protects against stains, which as all you moms out there know, is a great feature to have! I recommend this fleece jacket to all of you out there, because it is comfortable, warm, and protective from the elements. You will not be sorry when you order this!

Columbia also sent Izzy the Arctic Andrea™ Reversible Set in Dark Laurel, and I love the set just as much as I love the fleece! For one thing, this set is extremely functional, because, like the fleece, it also features the Omni-Shield advanced repellency which means that once the snow hits it will mean more protection from getting wet while Izzy plays in the snow! The snow pants are an adjustable bib style with a fleece top, which is great for adding some extra warmth. They also have a grow cuff on them, which means as she grows taller we can adjust the length. One of Izzy's favorite features is that the set is reversible. She is a girl after all, so she likes her options! The jacket has an adjustable hood, and is very warm. The layering aspect of the fleece and jacket will be a great thing to have on the especially colder days. Sorry for Izzy's funky faces in photos, she likes to goof around!

So, can you tell how much I love Columbia as a company? I'm extremely satisfied with the products they sent to me, and I really think the quality and price make a great value. Keep Columbia in mind when it comes time to shopping for all of your winter gear needs this year!

PBF Collections Review and Giveaway!

Yay! I'm so excited to be bringing you guys so many fabulous handmade gift ideas right now! Today's giveaway comes to us from PBF Collections, an Etsy shop that makes all sorts of fun girly accessories from knit items to purses! Ana is the owner of the shop and she is very passionate about bring fun fashion items to her customers at affordable prices. What really caught my eye about her creations was her use of unique fabrics that are both vibrant and bold. Ana definitely has an eye for style!

Being located in Las Vegas, Nevada means that Ana is able to stay current with the upcoming fashion trends and bring them to her customer at prices they can afford. Ana sent me the Pink Bird Pyramid Purse and I think it's really pretty. I like that it features complementing patterns of fabric, and the plywood bird button is a lovely accent to the purse (it came from Italy!). Ana hand dyed the lining, which adds a nice touch to purse. The shape of the purse is oblong, so it's a nice purse to carry when you have longer items that you need to fit inside (such as a large water bottle, an umbrella, or a magazine). The stitching is very nicely done, but there are a few minor stitching flaws on the bottom of the bag. Now, for me, this doesn't bother me since I tend to find beauty in the imperfections of handmade items. Ana also assured me that this only happened because it was one of the first she made of the pattern. Overall, it's a great purse, perfect for both teenagers and older women. I think it really dresses up a plainer outfit, so it's great for both casual and formal events.

Ana has also decided to award one of you lucky ladies with something too! One lucky reader will win the Cell Phone/Mp3 Pouch in the Bold Flowers print. I've seen the print and it's very beautiful. To see an example of what the Cell Phone/Mp3 Pouches look like click here. This would make a great gift to keep for yourself or to give to someone else, maybe as the gift packaging if you're giving someone a new cell phone or Mp3 player for Christmas!

Be sure to check out PBF Collections' blog to see new items and learn more about their creations!Also, for all you Twilight fans out there, check out her items fashioned after some of the popular Twilight trends!

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting PBF Collections and telling me what your favorite item is! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on November 29, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

I have a confession to make...

I have a confession to make... I'm a "Christmas-aholic". We just put the tree up (no lights or ornaments yet, but still, it's early, lol). I don't know what came over me, but I was so ready for Christmas this year! I've gotten so into the music and the shopping (with coupons and price matches OF COURSE!) and the decorations this year, it's really surprised me. Normally, I don't like the thought of all that until at least after Thanksgiving is over, but this year is the first year that Izzy actually sort of knows what's going on, so I guess that had to do with it. I think she talks about Santa Claus 20 times a day, and LOVES to talk about the reindeer especially! So, in honor of the Christmas spirit, what are some of your favorite Christmas songs? I used to have a music player up on the blog, but I took it down so I could put Christmas music up. First 5 people to tell me their favorite Christmas song will get 1 extra entry into one of the giveaways that is currently up (tell me which one, and I'll add it for you). Have fun!

Lil' Princess Bowtique Winner!

Congrats to comment #20! You won the Lil' Princess Bowtique Giveaway!

Chelsea said...

i love the purple sheer!

chels_leigh4 AT yahoo DOT com

I will email you right now and you have 48 hours to respond. Congrats!

Turtle Taylor Giveaway!

Ever feel like you have millions of crayons floating around your house? That you become aware of those crayons by the blunt snapping sound they make when you step on them? If this sounds at all like you, you need to check out today's giveaway! The Etsy shop Turtle Taylor comes to us from Cheryl, who makes many different handmade items for children. Her inspiration comes from her two daughters, to whom she is a stay at home mom. She makes a variety of quality items for the diaper bag, including diaper wipe cases. She makes things that seem boring because they are functional into works of art to accompany your everyday life! Some of the other items she creates include Crayon Wallets and holiday and birthday themed accessories.

She has graciously decided to send one of you lucky ladies a fabulous Crayon Wallet, which can easily save your sanity when it comes to storing your child's crayons! She also makes a variety of quality items for the diaper bag, including diaper wipe cases. She makes things that seem boring because they are functional into works of art to accompany your everyday life!

You will love the fact that Cheryl can personalize so many different items, and I can't wait to see who wins!

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Turtle Taylor and telling me why a crayon wallet would be so handy for you! Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on November 28, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Kumon Review and Giveaway!

"Nothing inspires a child like the skills and confidence to succeed on her own" ~Kumon Website

Kumon is an educational company that was founded 50 years ago in Japan by teacher and parent Toru Kumon. His mission was to help his son achieve greater success in school, and the system he created was so productive that his son was doing calculus by the time he was a sixth grader! The purpose of Kumon's reading and math programs is to help children become stronger at gaining the fundamental skills necessary to help them achieve greater academic performance.

Kumon stresses the point that every child has untapped abilities and potential to excel at whatever they put their mind to, which is why it is so important to instill confidence in your children from a young age. There are over 1,500 Kumon Centers in North America, and centers in 44 other countries around the world, helping children achieve greater success, one day at a time.

By using the Kumon method with your children they will develop:
"A mastery of the basics of reading and math
Improved concentration and study habits
Increased self-discipline and self-confidence
A proficiency in material at every level
Performance to each student’s full potential
A sense of accomplishment" (Taken from the Kumon website).

I have always loved the Kumon Publishing products that we have tried, and have noticed a hige difference in Izzy's knowledge and skill level after using them for a while. Kumon Publishing sent me a selection of workbooks ("Let's Color", "Let's Fold", "Let's Cut Paper")to review with the help of Izzy. Within about a week of using them, I noticed a large jump in Izzy's skill levels when it came to coloring inside the lines, cutting shapes, and folding. She is almost 3, and when we began using the workbooks she still had some difficulty, especially with using scissors. She is now able to hold scissors correctly in order to cut shapes, and she almost always tries to color inside the lines! They also sent us some workbooks that focus on tracing, doing mazes, and writing letters, and I have seen an improvement in those areas as well. It's amazing how much fun she has while learning new skills! I recommend these products to all parents, no matter what ages or skill levels your children are at!

Want to win some workbooks for your children? Kumon Publishing will be sending the lucky winner a set of 4 Kumon workbooks, which are sure to help give your child some extra skills to help them achieve greater success!

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Kumon Publishing and telling me which workbook is your favorite. Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on November 26, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Kaskey Kids Review!

Okay mommies of boys, this review is for you! I know sometimes you guys may feel left out since I do a lot of girl-themed reviews and giveaways, so here is a company that every mom with boys needs to hear about! Kaskey Kids was founded in 2001 by Bruce and Christy Kaskey with the mission of creating simple sports action figures. Their inspiration to start the company came from their four children who loved to play sports outside, but didn't really have indoor sports toys to play with. Armed with the knowledge that her children loved to use their imagination and creativity when it came to army men style action figures, she decided to search for sport themed action figures. However, when her searches turned up empty, Christy and Bruce decided they would design and market their own boxed set of sports action figures! Their main goal throughout their creative process was to design sports themed indoor toys that children could be enthusiastic about, and most importantly, toys that would hold their attention and encourage them to be more imaginative!

Kaskey Kids is a company that really impresses me for many reasons. First of all, I love that they have created toys that encourage children to be imaginative and engaged in the activity at hand, while still being sports themed. I also love that they feature so many different sports, even collegiate teams! Want to know the thing that really caught my eye though... they have a girls soccer team! I love that they are also encouraging girls to love sports! Some of my husband's favorites include the Hockey Guys and the Baseball Guys.

Kaskey Kids sent us the Soccer Guys, and we have been having so much fun playing with them! I especially love the fact that they are in the colors of the Brazilian soccer team (my dad is from Brazil, so saying we love soccer would probably be an understatement)! The action figures have really supplied Izzy with endless hours of fun, and she especially loves using the figures to pretend they are kicking the ball into the net! The convenient carrying case is also a plus when it comes to storing the action figures. Retailing at just $24.99, Kaskey Kids Action Figures are sure to be a hit with every sports fan on your Christmas list this year! Now the only question is... who loves them more, my daughter or my husband!?

*Kaskey Kids has offered a 20% off code for you guys! Just enter "Holiday" in during checkout!*

Ritzy Misfit Review and Giveaway!

Hey lovely ladies, you are going to love today's featured item! Ritzy Misfit is an Etsy shop run by the wonderful women Brooke and Joni (I am so in love with Etsy if you can't tell!), who specialize in making beautiful one of a kind jewelry pieces. Ritzy Misfit pendents have even been featured on national tv, most recently Jillian Harris from The Bachelorette!

Ritzy Misfit sent me the Bold and the Beautiful and Heavy on the Metal Necklace (shown in the picture above) and I love it! It's so unique, and the fact that it is one of a kind and can never be replicated is so awesome! One of the things that is essential to understand about Ritzy Misfit is their belief that even though no one is perfect, we are all beautiful, and this is the message of the pendents, that even though they are rough around the edges and not perfectly shaped, that is what makes them so beautifully flawed.

All of the pendents are melted and stamped by hand with your choice of initial letter or image, and they are so interesting to look at! The necklace I received even had a glass bead attached which really compliments the pendent. Ritzy Misfit has a feature that I really appreciate when it comes to helping design the pendent you'd like. They have described different degrees or levels of roughness and imperfections so that the customer can decide what style they'd like of anywhere from nearly perfect to extremely rough.

It's so fun deciding what kind of style you want for your pendent, and how many flaws or imperfections you want it to have! And best of all, one of you lucky ladies is going to be winning a pendent just like mine! These pendents would not only make a great gift to give to yourself, but also for any of the ladies or girls in your life. I think this piece could easily be warn by a teenager or an adult, it's classic either way!
*The pendents are made from lead-free metal*

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Ritzy Misfit and telling me which pendent is your favorite. Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on November 24, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Covenant Farm Soapworks Review and Giveaway!

Today's review and giveaway comes from another beautiful Etsy shop, Covenant Farm Soapworks, which is run by Beth, who makes some of the most elegant soaps I've ever seen! Beth is currently on vacation until November 30th, so make sure to check out her shop more once she returns! Beth sent me the loveliest Lavender/Rose soap and it smelled so good that I didn't even want to use it at first! Beth's soaps come packaged so beautifully (as you can see in the picture below), and they not only smell great, but they left my skin feeling silky smooth, too! You can definitely see, feel, and smell the care that Beth takes in making each bar of soap. Her specialty soaps would make great gifts for anyone on your Christmas list. I think they'd be especially great for teacher gifts and stocking stuffers!

Beth has also generously offered one of you lucky ladies the chance to win some great holiday soaps! The winner of this giveaway will be receiving soaps in the scents of Sugared Cranberry and Applejack, which sound so yummy! The Sugared Cranberry smells of tart cranberries with a touch of sugary sweetness, while the Applejack smells of Autumnn apples and spicy cinnamon! Each bar is 5 oz. and arrives beautifully wrapped in decorative paper, tied with a piece of hemp, and accented with a button. These soaps will be great to keep for yourself or give to a special someone, especially because they will already be wrapped so elegantly!

*The ingredients in the soap include olive oil, distilled water, coconut oil, palm oil, fragrance oil, cosmetic grade colorant, green oxide.*

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Covenant Farm Soaps (even though her shop is on vacation) and telling me what day she is returning from vacation. Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on November 23, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

Magpie Designz Review and Giveaway!

The review and giveaway that is kicking off the Christmas Extravaganza is Magpie Designz, a beautiful Etsy shop run by the super artistic Emily! Emily is an interior designer by day and jewelry designer by night, and her eye for style really comes through in her many different and unique pieces. She makes both "mommy jewelry" and inspirational pieces, so no matter what message you're trying to get across through your jewelry, Emily will have something to suit your tastes. She even makes custom pieces if you don't see exactly what you want!

Emily sent me the beautiful Jaden Necklace that you see in the picture above (I spaced the charms out so you could see them really well) and I am totally in love with it! The first day I wore it I got so many compliments and everyone wanted to know where they could get one! It has my daughter's name and birthdate on it, and it's so beautiful with the pearl accent. One of my favorite things about it is how neutral it is, because it matches pretty much all of my clothes, and it really dresses up my normal t-shirt and jeans look. Another thing I really appreciate is the way Emily packages the jewelry in eco-friendly 100% muslin pouches, which makes it a great way to give the item as a gift! She also includes a polishing square which helps keep the jewelry clean and shiny.

There are so many great pieces that you can find at Magpie Designz, but some of my favorites also include the Mother of Swirl Necklace, the Clare Necklace, and the Charm Bracelet! Emily doesn't just make jewelry for women either. She also makes Golf Ball Markers, Guitar Picks, and Pet Jewelry, so she really does make something for everyone! Her pieces would make great gifts for everyone on your Christmas list this year!

One of you lucky ladies will also be receiving the Jaden Necklace like I received, and you will just love it! I can't wait to see who wins!

Here are the entry rules:
1. (This is the mandatory entry) Receive one entry for visiting Magpie Designz and telling me what your favorite item is. Make sure you leave your EMAIL address in this entry.
2. Receive two entries for following my blog and telling me that you do in two separate comments.
3. Receive one entry for being an email subscriber and telling me that you are in a comment.
4. Receive three entries for grabbing my new button and putting it on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive three extra entries for posting my Christmas button on your blog. Leave three separate comments.
5. Receive one entry per day for following me on Twitter and tweeting about the giveaway! Leave me a comment each day to let me know that you did.
6. Receive one entry per day for updating your Facebook status and including the link to this giveaway. Leave a comment with a status link.
7. Receive five entries for blogging about this giveaway on your blog and leave me the link in a comment.

This giveaway will end on November 22, 2009 at 11:59 pm. At that time I will choose a winner using random.org and let them know through email. The lucky winner will have 48 hrs to respond before a new winner will be chosen.

The "I'll be Home for Christmas" Extravaganza starts today!

I am so excited that November 15th is finally here! My Christmas Extravaganza starts today and I just want to give you a few tidbits of info so you know how it's going to work.

1. There will be 1 (and somedays 2) new review and/or giveaway posted each day starting today, with the last one being posted on December 15th. The giveaways will each last 1 week.

2. There will be extra entries handed out a few times per week, so watch out for them. They will be fun and simple!

3. Other entries will be mostly just like normal, but make sure you always do the mandatory entry first.

4. You will be able to find links to all of the giveaways that are still open on the right sidebar.

I am so excited and will be posting the first giveaway in a little while, so stay tuned!

***Since today kicks off the event, the first 3 people to comment on this post telling me what their favorite holiday tradition is will get 3 extra entries into one of the giveaways this week!***

Relish Winner!

Congrats to comment #2, you have won the Relish giveaway! It was so easy to count the comments on this one since it was right at the beginning!
dotcomkari said...
I follow your blog! number 1
dotcomkari@yahoo.com


I will be emailing you shortly, please respond within 48 hrs.

Also, there are only 3 more days until my Christmas Extravaganza starts, I am so excited! There are already 40 companies set to take part in the event, and I'm still setting up a few more. You guys will be getting some great information (along with some AMAZING giveaways) about some fabulous companies just in time for Christmas shopping to begin! Well, I better go get some more things ready for the event!

Wordless Wednesday!

My little trooper on Halloween! Poor little Tinkerbell wasn't allowed to do much trick-or-treating because her asthma was flaring up and she had to have treatments.

But... that didn't stop her from having fun indoors and being super silly!