Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Grocery Shopping Success!

As you know from my recent post, I am really enjoying couponing and the money it is already saving my family.  On Sunday night I headed out for my grocery shopping trip and I felt like it was a big success.  Prior to shopping I had scanned the local ad, organized my coupons and also searched for coupons online.  I basically purchased what was on sale and what I had coupons for.  I planned meals and snacks for the week around this and off I went. 

I have been going after the kids are settled down for the night and going solo makes my trips much easier and, dare I say, kind of fun!  It is sort of empowering to work on saving for my family.  When I got to the checkout I was more than a little excited to see my $184 bill whittle down to $86.  In that $86 I had not only all my food for the week (except for milk which we go through at a staggering pace!) but extras to squirrel away for later.  I am not sure I like the term stockpile but I am definitely working on a little stash.  My hope is, by stashing away extras, I can eliminate one whole shopping trip per week.  More money saved!  Here is a little bit of what I picked up on my shopping trip...

2 boxes of Raisin Bran- .59 each!! (on sale plus used coupons)
2 boxes of Frosted Flakes-.99 each!! (on sale plus used coupons)
4 boxes Ronzoni Garden Pasta- FREE (on sale plus used coupons)
2 boxes of Ritz Crackers-FREE (on sale plus used coupons)
2 boxes of blueberries-$4.99 (buy one get one free)
2 loaves of bread-$3.89 (buy one get one free)
2 1/2 gallons of Swiss Iced Tea-.29 each (on sale plus coupons)

Buy 4 of Edys, Skinny Cow, Haagen Das or Nestle Ice Cream get $4 off your next order!  I did this one twice!!  I had a ton of coupons for these brands and Edy's was buy one get one free so I could not pass up this deal.  When all was said and done I had 3 cartons of ice cream and 5 boxes of ice cream novelties for just under $20 plus I got $8 off my next trip!  So, in a nutshell, this was $12 for enough ice cream to last us the better part of the summer.


My grocery store also had a Kraft deal going on that gave me an automatic $5 off when I spent $20 in Kraft purchases.  I was easily able to meet the $20 here with things I normally buy plus I had coupons for the items.

I think you can see where I am going with this!  My family will easily go through those things in the next month or so and by the time I run out, these items (or similar ones) will be on sale.  A little extra time really pays off. 

Some tips that have worked for me?  I shop at Shaws which doubles coupons...this really pays off when you use coupons and definitely makes them the cheapest shopping in my area.  I also shop solo which helps me to concentrate on the deals and eliminate at least some impulse buys.  USE COUPONS!

Here are a few gems I found this week that paid off for me.  I hope you can use them too!

Like Ronzoni on Facebook for a $1 off coupon
Sign up for the Kellogs Newsletter (this is where I got my great cereal deals!!) for montly printable coupons 
Like Nestle Drumsticks on Facebook for a $1 off coupon
Like Aunt Jemima on Facebook for a printable coupon

There are many, many more and I will share with you what I find when time allows.  For me it is all about shopping the sales and matching up the coupons.  I am really enjoying your tips as well so please keep them coming too!  Also, if you have any questions about exactly how I am matching up for deals etc...please ask away.

Stay tuned for my CVS trek later this week... Pin It

Monday, May 30, 2011

Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 5/30/11
This Blog Hop is hosted by Living on Love and Cents, The Thrifty Things, Reviewed By Mom , and Coupons are Great.
MFM
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Friday, May 27, 2011

20 Years Younger by Bob Greene...Review & Giveaway!

I think most of us over the age of 30 would like to be able to turn the clock back a year or two (or 10 or 20!) wouldn't we?  In an age of media and the pressures to be young and beautiful it can seem overwhelming to keep up with the latest studies, procedures and ideas.  I try and stick to the basics and words from names I know.  When I heard about the new book, 20 Years Younger by Bob Greene, I really wanted to read it.  I "know" Bob Greene from Oprah (not that I am a super fan or anything!) and I always enjoyed his approach to healthy lifestyles.  Here is the scoop...

It's time to turn back the clock! In 20 YEARS YOUNGER, Bob Greene offers readers a practical, science-based plan for looking and feeling their best as they age. The cutting-edge program details easy and effective steps we can all take to rebuild the foundation of youth and enjoy better health, improved energy, and a positive outlook on life. The four cornerstones of the program are: an exercise regimen for fighting muscle and bone loss, a longevity-focused diet, sleep rejuvenation, and wrinkle-fighting skin care. Woven throughout the text is practical advice on changing appearances, controlling stress, staying mentally sharp, navigating medical tests, and much more. Readers will walk away with a greater understanding of how the body ages and what they can do to feel-and look-20 years younger. 

Now, I am going to be honest here...there is no magic in this book.  Bob Greene while very knowledgeable in his field does not hold in his possession day passes to the fountain of youth (drat!).  He does however have some great ideas to help everyday people be in the best physical, mental and emotional state which does make you feel and look younger.  I really enjoyed each of the four parts of the book and think they did a great job explaining the "whys" of how you age and how you can slow it down.  The part on exercise was especially good and gave me some great ideas for new moves.  There were also some good and healthy recipes appropriate for the whole family.  I blearily read the part on sleep and wished that Bob would come over and get up with Baby R in the night so I could catch some youthful z's!


This book is a wealth of information and gives some great guidelines on how to feel your best.  You can find 20 Years Younger on Amazon....






Thanks to Hachette Book Group, TWO lucky RBM readers will win a copy of Bob Greene's 20 Years Younger!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment below telling me your look/feel younger tip or secret (mine is sleep...are you listening Baby R??).  You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Like Hachette Book Group on Facebook= 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per other giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Hachette Books on Twitter= 1 entry
6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (you may do each once per day) = 1 entry per each
8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US & Canadian residents and will end on June 5th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 6th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen .  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with a copy of the above book for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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Word World: The Train Escapade...Review & Giveaway!

It is no secret that I love a children's television show that provides some substance.  I think educational quality is important when it comes to the shows my kiddos watch and the program Word World is high on my list of quality shows.   Have you seen this show?  It is great.  It introduces letters and spelling to kids in a way that is fun, exciting and engaging.  A&W really enjoy the show and I think it has really helped with letter recognition.  When I had the opportunity to review World World:  The Train Escapade I jumped at the chance.  Here is the scoop...


Synopsis
You Can Never Have Too Many Oo’s: When the two letter O’s in Monkey’s roof blow away in the wind, it’s up to Duck to hunt down the /oo/ sound and fix the roof before it rains.  Can Kangaroo and Duck save the day?
Ducks Hiccups: When Duck drinks down a glass of water too quickly, he gets the hiccups for the first time ever! His WordFriends try every trick in the book to help him, but which cure will work?
Achoo!: Pig is allergic to peaches!  When Sheep brings Pig a big bag of peaches to make pies, Pig starts sneezing so much that he can’t even tell Sheep what he really needs is a… a… apples. 
Get Well Soon Soup: When ant gets sick, Pig tries to take care of him by making his special Get-Well-Soon soup. It has all the letters in the alphabet in it, so Pig can build any word that ant needs to feel better.

 Sounds cute doesn't it?  It really is and this is a show that your kids will love and that you can feel good about them watching.  Word World makes learning fun and this DVD is a real hit at our house.  A&W particularly enjoyed the hiccup episode and I like that while my kids are having screen time it is quality screen time.  We all win!  You can pick up your copy today on Amazon...


Thanks to NCircle Entertainment, one lucky Reviewed By Mom reader will win a copy of Word World:  The Train Escapade!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit NCircle's Website and check out the great coloring pages they have available for printing.  Leave a comment telling me which is your favorite. You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For extra entries:
1. Follow this Blog = 1 entry
2. Follow NCircle on Twitter = 1 entry
3. Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
4. Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook=1 entry
5. Like NCircle on Facebook = 1 entry
6.  Enter one of my other giveaways and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
7.  Tweet, Facebook or blog about this giveaway & let me know where I can find it (each can be done daily)= 1 entry per each.

Please leave a separate comment for each entry don't forget to leave your email so I can notify you if you win.   This contest is open to residents of US over 18 years old and will close on June 6th at midnight.  The winner will be notified by e-mail on June 7th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned  DVD for purpose of review. The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize. Pin It

A New Hobby (obsession, job, passion....you decide!)...

Ok...I have to come clean...I have gotten a little (a lot) obsessed with  couponing.  Like many families we here at RBM are on a budget and every penny saved counts.  I like to think I have always been a smart shopper but I recently reevaluated my spending particularly at places like the grocery store,Wal-Mart and Target.  I was horrified.  I had stopped using coupons and gotten in the habit of rushing through the shopping often with all three kids in tow which resulted in impulse buys and forgotten items (leading to more quick and spendy trips later).  Something had to change. 

I started off slowly and began to use a few coupons here and there.  I then stopped bringing the kids (hello party time...sad to say how blissful solo grocery shopping can be!).  Finally, I started to match my coupons up to what was on sale.  My savings has been staggering.  I won't bore you with the details right now (trust me, I really want to but laundry is beckoning!) but last week my total grocery bill was whittled down by $90.25 by smart shopping and coupons. Imagine saving almost $100 every week...that is pretty remarkable. 

I have begun scouring the internet for deals and will share them here with you when I can.  I hope we can all manage to keep a few (or hundreds of!!) extra dollars in our own pockets.  I know many of you readers are frugal and thrifty as well so feel free to share tips or ideas....let's all save up for a dream vacation shall we?  You can always comment here or feel free to e-mail me at reviewedbymom@hotmail.com.  Meanwhile, stay tuned as I try and coupon my kids to a college education! Pin It

Boogie Wipes...Review & Giveaway!

Earlier in the month, May 6th to be exact, was National Provider Appreciation Day.  This is a day to honor people in childcare, teachers and other educators of young children.  What a great group of people to celebrate!  In honor of this day, a company which is a favorite of mine, Boogie Wipes, has created something just perfect for teachers...The Boogie Wipes Kit.  This handy kit contains everything a provider needs to keep their classroom germ free!  Here is what you will find inside...a poster with Save the Sleeve pledge guidelines, 50 Boogie Wipes samples, $.50 OFF coupons, 2 classroom canisters and 10 Free Boogs, the Boogie Buddy classroom mascot.  What a great kit and it is only $15!!  This would make an excellent classroom gift!


I was introduced to Boogie Wipes almost a year ago (they were one of my first reviews!) and I have been hooked ever since.  For those of you who have not had the pleasure of using Boogie Wipes here is the scoop...


Boogie Wipes are a unique saline nose wipe that are much softer and gentler on young noses than tissues, and the fun scents like Great Grape encourage children to remember the importance of not using their hand or sleeve to wipe a messy nose, keeping clothes clean and helping prevent the spread of germs.

Boogie Wipes are made with natural saline to dissolve boogies (mucus) caused by the common cold, allergies or otherwise booger-filled kid moments. Extra soft, alcohol, phthalate and paraben free, Boogie Wipes are available in Great Grape, Fresh Scent, Magic Menthol and Simply Unscented. Recommended by pediatricians as a gentle, effective alternative to a dry tissue.

Boogie Wipes are great....they are so much gentler than regular tissues and I feel better using on the kids tender noses.  We had more than our share of colds this past year and I was always armed with Boogie Wipes.  You can pick up the Teacher Appreciation Kit by clicking here.   You can also purchase them at Amazon...



Thanks to the wonderful people at Boogie Wipes, one RBM reader will win a Boogie Wipes Prize Pack containing the following...

2 30-count packs of Boogie Wipes
2 $0.50 off coupons
9 sachets (3 of each scent – Great Grape, Fresh Scent and Magic Menthol)
2 Achooz sachets (fragrance free and Cool Mint)






Thanks to the sponsor for this great giveaway!  Here is how to enter...

To Enter (this one is mandatory): Leave a comment and tell me who you would most likely deliver a Boogie Wipes Kit to (I am going to purchase one for A&W's pre-school teacher!).

For extra entries:
1. Like Boogie Wipes on Facebook = 1 entry
2. Like Reviewed By Mom's Facebook Page = 1 entry
3. Become a follower of this blog = 1 entry
4. Tweet or blog about this giveaway & Let me know you where I can find it = 1 entry
5. Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter=1 entry
6. Follow Boogie Wipes on Twitter = 1 entry
7. Enter one of Reviewed By Mom's other giveaways and let me know you have done so. = 1 entry
8. Join the "Boogie Bunch" to receive coupons and let me know you have done so = 1 entry

This contest is open to residents of the US and will close on June 5th at midnight.  The winner will be notified by e-mail on June 6th.  Good luck and thanks again to Boogie Wipes!


Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with a sampling of Boogie Wipes to review and giveaway.The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize. Pin It

Thursday, May 26, 2011

The Megasaurus by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck...Review & Giveaway!

A&W have a new favorite book in their bedtime story pile...The Megasaurs by Thomas Weck and Peter Weck.  Here is a synopsis of what we are reading these days...


What's the King of Beandom to do? The tiny, multi-colored bean-shaped bears of Beandom are under attack by a monster. Even the King's wisest advisors seem unable find a solution. Who will save Beandom? Can an ordinary tiny bear step forward with a plan that works? Welcome to Beandom! It's a great place to visit. Or, it will be just as soon as we get rid of that pesky monster! The message of the story is: Follow your convictions even when others think differently. In the series entitled The Lima Bear Stories, as the basic characters appear and reappear, each has a distinct personality that shines through in every story. While the children have no idea what twists and turns the story may take, they come to know the characters and have a pretty good idea of how they are likely to act in different situations and settings. In essence, the children become friends with the characters. There is a form of bonding that develops. Each story carries an important overriding message (such as courage, tolerance, honesty), and we believe that this bonding creates a more profound understanding and appreciation of the message. 

When I first started the book I was a little apprehensive...bean shaped bears?  Were these characters the boys could relate to?  Well, since A&W ask for this book nearly every single day I would say yes, they can relate!  A&W find this book thrilling.  The Megasaurus is frightening enough to keep the boys interested (but not so much to keep them up all night!) and the attempts of ridding Beandom from the beast are exciting for them.   As a parent, I like the bigger message of thinking outside the box and staying true to yourself.  When the main character L. Joe Bean disagrees with the elders (three wise owls) about how best to be rid of the beast he is met with the refrain:  "Silence now you silly bean!  You know nothing it would seem."  Of course the persistent hero L. Joe Bean wins out in the end (hooray for the little red pinto bean!) and ends on a happy note.  The illustrations go well with the story and are very detailed.  The end of the book also contains two pages of ways to "extend the learning" with questions you can ask your child, vocabulary and crafts.  Love that extra part!  This book is recommended for children aged 4-8 and I think this range is perfect.


A&W adore this book and we can't wait to get our hands on the latest installment so we can check in our friends in Beandom.  Thumbs Up!  You can pick up your copy today on Amazon...


One lucky Reviewed By Mom reader will win a copy of The Megasaurus!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Visit the author's website and tell me something you learned about either or the authors or the illustrator.  You must complete this entry for all others to be counted.


For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
4.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
5.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (each can be done once per day) = 1 entry per each
6.  Enter this giveaway into another giveaway linky and leave a link to it= 1 entry
7.  Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on June 6th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 7th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned book  for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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Dinosaur Train: Dino-Mighty Music...Giveaway!

It is no secret that A&W (and me too!!!) are big fans of the PBS program, Dinosaur Train.  They really enjoy it for the fun characters and I feel good allowing them to watch because of its' educational value.  I am so excited to tell you all about a new Dinosaur train release that just hit the shelves (May 24th)...Dinosaur Train:  Dino-Mighty Music.  Here is what this fun DVD has to offer...

Get on board the Dinosaur Train with Buddy, a Tyrannosaurus Rex, and his adoptive family of Pteranodons as they sing and dance through four great adventures in DINOSAUR TRAIN: DINO-MIGHTY MUSIC. Dinosaur Train embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains while encouraging basic scientific thinking and skills as the audience learns about natural science, natural history and paleontology. From the world-renowned Jim Henson Company, PBS KIDS and Paramount Home Entertainment, the DINO-MIGHTY MUSIC DVD includes four exciting edu-tainment adventures that bring dinosaurs to life and makes science fun. The “Dinosaur Train” television series is a 2010 Parent’s Choice Award Winner and ranks among the top 5 children's programs among kids ages 2 to 5*." 

Sounds like a hit to me!!  You can pick up  your copy today on Amazon...


Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below telling me who you are trying to win this DVD for. You must complete this entry for all extras to count.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Like Henson Company on Facebook= 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered
5.  Follow Henson Parents on Twitter= 1 entry
6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it(each can be done daily) = 1 entry per each
8.  Put my button on your blog or web page and leave a link so I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on June 4th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 5th and also here on Reviewed By Mom.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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The Best of Caillou: Caillou's Summer Vacation...Giveaway!

If you are the parent of a pre-schooler you, no doubt, have heard of Caillou. Since the boys were about 2 they have been enjoying this show and learning along with Caillou. Now that they are four and the same age as Caillou they like it even more because there are so many things they can relate to in the episodes (pre-school, a little sister etc...). I am so pleased to tell you about a brand new release featuring one of our favorite characters...The Best of Caillou: Caillou's Summer Vacation (just out May 24th). Here is the scoop...


The curious and adventurous Caillou returns with his favorite summer time adventures in THE BEST OF CAILLOU – CAILLOU’S SUMMER VACATION. Join Caillou as he teaches kids about imagination, animals and outdoor activities while he visits new and interesting places with his friends and family. The BEST OF CAILLOU – CAILLOU’S SUMMER VACATION DVD includes four episodes featuring 13 fun-filled outdoor adventures, interactive games, coloring pages and parents’ information. (Apx run time 110 minutes).


This one sounds great to me and one I will definitely be adding to our collection!  You can pick it up today on Amazon for just $11.49...


Great news...one lucky Reviewed By Mom reader will win a copy of The Best of Caillou:  Caillou's Summer Vacation DVD!!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment below telling me who you are trying to win Caillou's latest for. You must complete this entry for all others to be counted.


For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like Caillou on Facebook  and tell them who sent you = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
6.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (each can be done once per day) = 1 entry per each
7.  Enter this giveaway into another giveaway linky and leave a link to it= 1 entry
8.  Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on June 3rd    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 4th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post ..  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal...Review!

I love my three children dearly but I have not had a full night of sleep in five years.  I can fake alertness with coffee but my dark circles are a dead giveaway for my lack of quality sleep.  When I heard about Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal, I knew I had to have it.  I already love and use the Miracle Skin Transformer and I was thrilled to hear this great product had something to give an extra boost to my skin.  Here is the scoop...

Product Description

Erase and repair imperfections with this next-generation 3-in-1 concealer. The first-ever naturally derived silicone concealer, Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal hydrates, covers and protects with powerful treatment benefits. Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal illuminates and visibly reduces imperfections. Blends seamlessly, immediately improving the complexion for flawless, fresher looking skin.
  • Naturally derived silicone based concealer, leaving skin with a lightweight and even-toned glow.
  • Three ultra pigmented shades cover and treat imperfections in the skin.
  • Delivers all the advanced healing and hydration benefits of the MST Complex.

Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal is:

* Free from oil, fragrance, parabens, harshchemicals.
* Dermatologist-tested & recommended for safety.
* Not tested on animals.    
* Made in USA.

My thoughts?  Wow!  This product really does what it says it does....my skin looked even and revived and those awful dark circles where hidden.  Hooray!  I found that a little goes a very long way so be sure NOT to overdo.  A little dab under the eyes is all I needed to pat into my skin.  The feel of this concealer is very silky and not at all cakey.  I really loved that it lasted through my entire day of running after the kids.  Even at 6 pm when I was ready to drop my dark circles did not give me away.  Now that IS a miracle!  Miracle Skin Transformer Treat & Conceal comes in three shades (light, light/medium and medium) and can be purchased for $36 on their website.   Somehow even faking rest can make you feel more rested!

Disclosure:  I was provided with a sample of the above mentioned product for purpose of review.  I was not compensated for my review in any way and the opinions give are my own and have not been edited by anyone.  Pin It

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

The Royal Wedding: William & Catherine...Giveaway!

I don't know about you all but I was up bright and early to see the Royal Wedding.  To be fair, my children are all early birds so they woke up me but I would have gotten out of bed on my own to tune into this fairy tale come to life.  It was just so beautiful and romantic!  I loved seeing the men all in their spiffy military best, the beautiful bride and, of course, those funky hats!  It was something I am so glad I watched and so much fun to watch with the kids.  My son "A" kept saying "look Mom, more Easter hats!".  The BBC is releasing a DVD tomorrow to celebrate the event.  Here is the scoop...

 The royal wedding of Prince William to Kate Middleton will be a event to remember for a lifetime, and BBC Video will have the official commemorative DVD of the event on sale just four short weeks after the April 29 event! This wonderful keepsake will capture all the pomp and pageantry of the historic occasion like no other memento. The DVD will include the complete ceremony plus a highlights from the official BBC pre- and post-wedding coverage. Lovers of the crown will want to own the official commemorative DVD of this most delightful of events, the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. 


Ahhh....the romance of it all!  You can pick up your copy tomorrow (or pre-order today) from Amazon....

One lucky RBM reader will win a copy of The Royal Wedding:  William & Catherine!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Leave a comment below telling me if you watched The Royal Wedding live. You must complete this entry for all others to be counted.


For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like BBC America  on Facebook  and tell them who sent you = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow BBC  America  on Twitter = 1 entry
6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (each can be done once per day) = 1 entry per each
8.  Enter this giveaway into another giveaway linky and leave a link to it= 1 entry
9.  Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on May 31st.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 1st and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post ..  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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The Most Beautiful Walk in the World by John Baxter...Review & Giveaway!

Today marks a release of a wonderful new book from Harper Perennial, The Most Beautiful Walk in the World by John Baxter.  This delightful memoir is sure to be a hit with anyone who has ever been to Paris or simply wished themselves there (um....everyone!).  Here is the scoop...


In this enchanting memoir, acclaimed author and long- time Paris resident John Baxter remembers his yearlong experience of giving "literary walking tours" through the city. Baxter sets off with unsuspecting tourists in tow on the trail of Paris's legendary artists and writers of the past. Along the way, he tells the history of Paris through a brilliant cast of characters: the favorite cafÉs of Ernest Hemingway, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and James Joyce; Pablo Picasso's underground Montmartre haunts; the bustling boulevards of the late-nineteenth-century flÂneurs; the secluded "Little Luxembourg" gardens beloved by Gertrude Stein; the alleys where revolutionaries plotted; and finally Baxter's own favorite walk near his home in Saint-Germain-des-PrÉs.

My mother-in-law, The Queen Bee , could not wait to read this one so I let her have her have first dibs.  Here is her "buzz"...
John Baxter, who is an ex-pat of Australia, has lived in Paris for over twenty years. He is a published author, who turned literary tour guide for a year. He has written this book, full of stories of legendary writers who once walked the streets of Paris. Papa Hemingway, Scott Fitzgerald, Sylvia Beach, James Joyce to name a few. He is not your average tour guide and this is not your average "travel book". Baxter has written a tale of Paris that is very witty and entertaining. I would have never thought I would get through more than a few pages of a travel guide, but this, I couldn't put down. Each chapter starts off with prose from a famous author or character from the Paris of the 20's and 30's. Then Baxter gifts us with his stories of what really happened at all the cafes and bistros during that time. I really got a feel for what the "city of lights" was really like back then. 
I thought this book was fantastique !! And when you are reading the last page, you will realize that Baxter is not trying to tell you that a walk in Paris is the most beautiful walk in the world, he wants you to decide where your most beautiful walk is for yourself. C'est tellement simple, l'amour.
A big thumbs up from The Queen Bee!!  I can't wait to dive into this one myself.  Pick up your copy of this hot, new release today...


Thanks to the publisher, Harper Perennial, one RBM reader will win a copy of The Most Beautiful Walk in the World by John Baxter!  Thanks so much to the sponsor.  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment telling me where you would most like to stroll in Paris.  I would be happy perched at a little cafe table with a book!  You must complete this entry for all others to count.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per other giveaway entered.
4.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
5.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry
6.  Follow Harper Perennial on Twitter= 1 entry
7.  Follow the guest reviewer, Queen Bee's blog=  2 entries

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US  residents and will end on June 6th    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 7th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen .  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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Monday, May 23, 2011

Making Friends Monday...

Welcome To Making Friends Monday Blog Hop 5/23/11
This Blog Hop is hosted by Living on Love and Cents, The Thrifty Things, Reviewed By Mom , and Coupons are Great.
MFM

We ask that you please do the following to make this hop fun for all of us!
1. Follow the Making Friends Monday Hosts publicly(Listed as # 1-4) We WILL follow you Back! LEAVE A COMMENT so we can follow you back!
2. Spread the word: Grab our Making Friends Monday button. You can even Grab our linky code to for even more followers!
3. Start hopping and remember following back is appreciated!


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Sunday, May 22, 2011

Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Dog's Life...Review & Giveaway!

To go along with the release of their new book, Chicken Soup for the Soul:  My Cat's Life, there is a new release for dog lovers as well....Chicken Soup for the Soul:  My Dog's Life.  As I just mentioned, I am a BIG animal lover and growing up we always had a family dog.  My husband and I got a dog when we first moved in together and she passed away last spring.  When the kids get a little older we are planning on getting another dog and we have already talking about it excitedly.  Dogs were such a huge part of my childhood and I can't wait for A,W and R to again know the joy a furry family member can bring.  So, obviously I am a dog lover which is why I was so excited to read Chicken Soup for the Soul:  My Dog's Life.  Here is a synopsis from this new release...


101 Stories about All the Ages and Stages of Our Canine Companions
It's a dog's life. This collection of 101 new stories focuses on all the memorable ages and stages of our lovable canines' lives. Starting in puppyhood and covering a range of middle and senior years to the twilight and end when our dear friends leave us, this book captures the entire experience of living through the natural life cycle with our dogs. All dog lovers will laugh, cry, and recognize themselves and their furry friends in these heartwarming and inspiring stories of puppy antics, teenage rebellion, adapting to an aging dog and, finally, having to say goodbye.

This book was such a joy for me to read.  I loved reliving the puppy years through these stories and it made me so excited to introduce a new puppy to our home.  I giggled over the silly antics and commiserated with the process that is training a new pup!  I really, really related to the sections about living with an older dog and, of course to the saying goodbye section.  I was so emotional reading these parts as we had so recently gone through all this with our girl, Zara.  Oh, boy, bring on the tissues!  As always, the Chicken Soup books are wonderful reads that will manage to get right into your heart.  I highly recommend this one to all the dog lovers on your list!  Pick up your copy today on Amazon...


Three Lucky RBM readers will win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul:  My Dog's Life!  Thanks so much to the sponsor for this great giveaway.  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:   Do you have a favorite breed of dog?  I had mostly "mutts" growing up so I love them but I am also a big fan of boxers (which our dog, Zara was).  Leave your comment below.  You must complete this entry for any additional entries to be counted.

For Extra Entries:

1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Like Chicken Soup for the Soul on Facebook =1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Chicken Soup for the Soul on Twitter= 1 entry
6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry
8.  Put my button on your blog and tell me where I can find it = 1 entry


Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on June 5th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 6th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the mentioned book for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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Chicken Soup for the Soul: My Cat's Life...Review & Giveaway!

I am an animal person.  Although, we currently only have fish as pets, I grew up with dogs, hamsters and even the occasional bird.  My mother is allergic to cats so we were never able to keep one of our own but I always enjoyed the purrs from my Nana's cats (Mittens especially!).  So, despite never owning a cat myself (my husband is allergic which makes a cat out of the question now too) I still consider myself a cat lover which is why I thoroughly enjoyed Chicken Soup for the Soul:  My Cat's Life.  Here is the scoop....


From kittenhood through the twilight years, our feline companions continually bring joy, love, and laughter to the lives of their "staff." This collection of 101 new stories captures the experience of living through the natural life cycle with our cats — from the laugh-out-loud antics of kittens and tear-your-hair-out escapades of teenage cats to the more mature adult years and final stages of life. Stories cover each age and stage with all the fun, frustrations, special bonds and routines involved. The book also holds a special chapter about grieving and recovery when our feline friends leave us.

 This book is heartwarming read for everyone.  The stories about cats from teeny, tiny kittens to cats in their final years will make you laugh and cry and remember the furry friends in your life.  I really loved how so many of the stories focused on the cat/human relationship.  The stories included really honored the special friendships forged between cats and their human companions. As with all Chicken Soup books, I really enjoy the short essays which make it perfect for reading in the amount of time you have.  This book would make a wonderful read for all cat lovers and all the better if they are fortunate enough to have a cat curled in their lap or at their feet.  You can pick up your copy today on Amazon...


Three Lucky RBM readers will win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul:  My Cat's Life!  Thanks so much to the sponsor for this great giveaway.  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below telling me the name of a special cat in your life now or from your childhood.  This is one must be completed before all extras are counted.

For Extra Entries:


1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Like Chicken Soup for the Soul on Facebook =1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Chicken Soup for the Soul on Twitter= 1 entry
6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry
8.  Put my button on your blog and tell me where I can find it = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on June 5th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 6th and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the mentioned book for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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Waiting For Forever...Review!

Are you all looking for a good, new movie to watch?  If a nice "chick flick" or love story is what you are searching for, be sure to check out Waiting for Forever!  Here is the scoop on this just released (May 3rd) flick...

Rachel Bilson (Jumper, The O.C.) and Tom Sturridge (Pirate Radio) lead an all-star cast in this unforgettable love story. Sturridge creates a mesmerizing and unforgettable character in Will, the quirky street performer with a free spirit and a heart of pure gold. The object of Will's lifelong affection is Emma (Bilson), the beautiful young actress whom he has never stopped loving since they were childhood sweethearts. But when they reunite, and Will gets swept up in Emma’s complicated past, his innocence and all-consuming passion could cost him everything he’s ever wanted.

WAITING FOR FOREVER also stars Richard Jenkins (Step Brothers), Blythe Danner (Little Fockers, Meet the Fockers), Nikki Blonsky (Hairspray) and Jaime King (Sin City, Pearl Harbor).

This is SUCH a sweet movie.  I am a fan of Rachel Bilson's from The O.C. but Tom Sturridge was new to me but he is a great actor.  He really made Will come to life and made him SO endearing and had me completely rooting for him.  This is a super movie to pop in with a few girlfriends or when you want to throw your cozies on and have some "me time".  I give this romantic movie a big girlie thumbs up!  You can pick up your copy today on Amazon....

Disclosure: I was given a copy of the above mentioned movie for purpose of review. The views expressed are my own and have not been edited...the are 100% honest. Pin It

ACU-LIFE Instant & Reusable Cold Pack....Review & Giveaway!

As you can imagine, life with three children brings with it more bumps and bruises than I like to think about.  Three busy kids can create boo-boos that take more than a kiss from Mama to fix.  When I was approached to review the Instant & Reusable Cold Pack from ACU-LIFE I gave an enthusiastic YES!

The Instant & Reusable Cold Pack gives you an immediate cold pack during the first use.  There are others who are an instant cold pack on the market but this one is better....unlike others it is not disposed of after!  You can store the Instant & Reusable Cold Pack in the freezer and use it again and again and it still keeps its' flexibility to conform to the injury.  Can you all hear the environment breathing a big sigh of relief??  I know I can.

Now, I wish I could say that this little gem was still sitting in the box ready for its' first use but, of course, we have already broken it open!  A&W were wrestling the other day and "W" toppled right off the couch and onto his arm.  It was nothing serious (thank goodness!) but still enough to warrant a cold pack and some rest (plus plenty of kisses from Mama!).  This pack really was instant (just squeeze to activate) which was fabulous....no waiting = less crying!  The Instant & Reusable Cold Pack has a sleeve which protects skin from direct contact and easily conformed to W's arm.  The pack is large enough to accommodate adults as well which is also great as I have never outgrown my childhood nickname of "Crash Kristin".

I think this is a great product and I now consider it a MUST for my first aid kit.  I have a fresh one in the car for injuries on the go and the one we have used is in the freezer ready for the next wrestling/sporting/running/jumping incident (can you say gray hair??).  I highly recommend the Instant & Reusable Cold Pack and also want to add that it is a PTPA winner which goes to show I have excellent taste!

The Instant & Reusable Cold Pack can be purchased at the following in-store and online locations...

Stores:
·        Meijer http://www.meijer.com/
·        Kerr Drug http://www.kerrdrug.com/
·        Fairview Pharmacies http://www.fairview.org/pharmacy/

Websites:
·        http://www.invacare.com


Great news, readers!  One of you lucky winners will win a Instant & Reusable Cold Pack of your own.  Now you too can be ready for any boo-boo emergency!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Leave a comment below telling me where you would be most likely to stash an Instant & Reusable Cold Pack. You must complete this entry for all others to be counted.


For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like Health Enterprises on Facebook  = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
6.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (each can be done once per day) = 1 entry per each
7.  Enter this giveaway into another giveaway linky and leave a link to it= 1 entry
8.  Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry
9.  Like PTPA (Parent Tested Parent Approved) on Facebook = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on June 1st.  Winners will be chosen randomly from this site and from entries on my post on ptpa.com.   The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 2nd and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned product for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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Friday, May 20, 2011

Putumayo Kids: Kids World Party...Review & Giveaway!

The kids and I LOVE to get down to a little music.  Whether it be at home or in the car, we are always looking for new music to sing/dance and bee-bop along to.  I have one to tell you about today that has us singing/dancing and happily bee-bopping along in English as well as a bunch of other languages.  Here is the scoop...

Putumayo Kids presents Kids World Party, a global medley of fun tunes from Trinidad to South Africa. Kids World Party marks a special partnership with Amnesty International, with 50c US from the sale of each CD going to the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization in commemoration of its 50th anniversary and in support of its work to promote and protect human rights worldwide.

With the release of World Playground in 1999, Putumayo Kids established its children's music collections as passports to learning about the world's cultures. Kids World Party marks a return to these global roots with 12 fun, danceable songs accompanied by a multilingual (English, Spanish, French, German), child-friendly booklet that explores how children worldwide celebrate special occasions. The CD comes enclosed in an eco-friendly package that uses no plastic. 

Artists featured on Kids World Party include famed Indian pop and Bollywood singer Lucky Ali, who contributes "Kitni Haseen Zindagi," a song that celebrates life. South Africa's Sharon Katz and the Peace Train, whom Nelson Mandela appointed as a Cultural Ambassador of the nation, has thrilled international audiences with the beats and harmonies of their music, and delights listeners with "Sanalwami." Trinidadian children's musician Asheba contributes the calypso-infused "Recess Time."

Swiss singer Famara celebrates East African life in Swahili on "Mambo Saana." Hawaiian singer SolannaBalentes, an all-female Sardinian group, contributes the playful dance tune "Cixiri" (Chickpeas), while France's Pakita charms with "Préparons-nous pour la fête" (Let's Get Ready for the Party). Representing Latin America is Mexican children's group Monedita de Oro with "Nadie." The infectious "Afro-Cuban Funk" of Cuban-American band PALO! is heard on their song "Quimbombó" (Okra). pays a reggae tribute to the childhood favorite "Oompa Loompa."

Also featured on Kids World Party is bilingual (English-French) singer Will Stroet, an award-winning Canadian musician whose song "Le boogie à vélo" tells children that you can boogie even while riding a bike safely. U.S. musicians Tom Freund and Friends performs the participatory song "Freezedance" and fellow American Eric Bibb rounds out the collection with Jackie Wilson's classic soul tune "Higher and Higher."

How fun does this one sound??  Well, it really is!  I love to expose the kids to different varieties of music and this one introduces so many styles on on CD.  We don't always understand the words but, as we hum along, it just goes to show that music is wonderful in ANY language.  We are all particularly fond of the Oompa Loompa song as well as Recess Time but, to be honest, all the songs offer something fun and different for our listening enjoyment.  This CD will be released on June 28th and can be purchased on teh Putumayo Kids website.

One lucky RBM reader will win a copy of this fun CD, Kids World Party!  Here is how to enter...


Mandatory Entry:  Visit the Putumayo Kids website and check out the other great products available for purchase.  Leave a comment telling me which one most catches your eye (besides Kids World Party of course!).  You must complete this entry for all others to be counted.


For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3. Like Putumayo Kids  on Facebook  = 1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways &let me know you have done so = 1 entry per giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Putumayo Kids on Twitter = 1 entry
6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (each can be done once per day) = 1 entry per each
8.  Enter this giveaway into another giveaway linky and leave a link to it= 1 entry
9.  Comment on one of my non-giveaway posts and let me know you have done so = 1 entry

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on June 1st.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 2nd and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned CD for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize.
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Shaun the Sheep The Big Chase...Review & Giveaway!

It is no secret that A&W are Shaun the Sheep fans.  These little shorts are big on laughs in my house.  I think we have nearly every Shaun the Sheep released and I knew the latest, The Big Chase was bound to be a big hit at RBM Central!  Here is the scoop on the latest Shaun the Sheep offering...

Start your engines for fun and laughter with Shaun the Sheep and his barnyard buddies, as they speed off to stir up some mayhem in the meadow. The Oscar-winning creators of Wallace & Gromit accelerate the laughter with revved up adventures from big races and chases, to bikes and boats, and everything in between. So buckle up for a wild ride with Shaun, Bitzer, Shirley, those Naughty Pigs next door and introducing their new pal, Timmy as fun on the farm shifts into high gear!

This 45 minute long DVD includes 7 Shaun the Sheep episodes and two fun bonus features ( The Mini Making of Shaun Video and Timmy's Tune #1).  The Big Chase was big on laughs with A&W and despite the lack of dialogue (there is zero talking only noises!) each little episodes delivers a fun little story.   The claymation is really amazing and so well done which is part of why I think this series has such a following from both kids and adults.  I like that the episodes are super short and I have been known to pop one in so I can unload the dishwasher without the many hands of my helpers!  Thank you Shaun for your silly antics which allow me to get housework done!  You can pick up Shaun the Sheep The Big Chase today on Amazon....


Great news....one lucky RBM reader will win their very own Shaun the Sheep The Big Chase DVD!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry: Visit Shaun the Sheeps website and tell me who your child's favorite member of the gang is (or who you think it will be).  You must complete this entry for all extras to be counted.

For Extra Entries:
1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Like HIT Entertainment on Facebook=1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per additional giveaway entered.
5.  Follow HIT Entertainment on Twitter= 1 entry

6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it = 1 entry per each (each can be done daily).
8.  Like Shaun the Sheep on Facebook= 1 entry
9.  Enter this giveaway in a giveaway linky and leave a link to where you have done so = 2 entries

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on June 1st.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on June 2nd and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned DVD for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize. Pin It

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Skincando Combat-Ready Balm...Review & Giveaway!

I have a new addition to my diaper bag...Skincando's Combat-Ready Balm Magic Organic Potion for Babies and Kids.  This multi-purpose tub of wonderful treats any skin mishap that any of my three kiddos can sprout!  Here is a little background on my latest find....


Only one organic skin cream is both tough enough for the military and gentle enough for dry, patchy baby skin. Skincando, renowned for its Combat-Ready line of organic skin care products, announces the launch of Combat-Ready Balm Magic Organic Potion for Babies + Kids.

 After years of pleading from moms, Skincando has specially formulated and packaged a baby and kid-friendly version of its famous Combat-Ready Balm. Combat-Ready Balm for babies + kids is a 100% natural skin cream that quickly soothes diaper rash, eczema, bug bites, beach burn, forest scratches, dry skin, grass itchies, princess pin pricks, and chapped cheeks.

 Made with only natural and organic ingredients, Combat-Ready Balm’s special formula includes pure distilled water, apricot kernel oil, virgin coconut oil, chamomile tea, fish oil, French lavender, grapefruit seed extract and viamerine.

All Skincando products are handmade with the highest quality organic and natural ingredients in micro batches to ensure superior quality and consistency.   The company’s original line of Combat-Ready products, including a balm, bar, and lip balm, have been celebrated for their remarkable healing and soothing powers. The products have garnered fans across the country — but possibly hold their largest fan base internationally, with stationed U.S. soldiers.

Oh boy...this stuff is fantastic!!  Baby R has eczema and we have tried a variety of creams and my favorite, by far, is Combat-Ready Balm.  It is soothing and acts fast on her itchiness and dryness.  I also like that it is non-oily and is absorbed quickly. The scent is very pleasant and not too overpowering.  It has worked so well for Baby R that I have been stealing it for myself on a regular basis....it works wonders on dry heels!!  
As mentioned above, the original Combat-Ready Balm is a huge hit amongst the troops in the Middle East.  In response to this, Skincando has created Operation Sand Flea which donates their products to our troops and allows you to donate products right from the Skincando site.  I love a company with a great product who also gives back!!  Way to go to Skincando on both fronts.

You can find a local store here or visit www.skincando.com to purchase Combat-Ready Balm Magic Organic Potion for Babies and Kids ($15 for 2 ounces....a little goes a long way!.

I am thrilled to tell you that Skincando is giving one RBM reader a 2 ounce bottle of their Combat-Ready Balm Magic Organic Potion for Babies and Kids!  Here is how to enter...

Mandatory Entry:  Visit the Skincando website and check out their other products.  Leave a comment below telling me which you would like to try. You must complete this entry for all others to be counted.


For Extra Entries:


1.  Follow this blog= 1 entry
2.  Like Reviewed By Mom on Facebook =1 entry
3.  Like Skincando on Facebook=1 entry
4.  Enter one of my other giveaways & let me know you have done so = 1 entry per additional giveaway entered.
5.  Follow Skincando on Twitter= 1 entry
6.  Follow Reviewed By Mom on Twitter = 1 entry
7.  Blog, Tweet or Facebook about this giveaway & let me know where to find it (each can be done once per day) = 1 entry per each
8.  Write a review of RBM on Alexa and let me know you have done so  = 3 entries

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and be sure to include your e-mail.  Contest is open to US residents and will end on May 30th.    The lucky winner will be announced by e-mail on May 31st and will have 48 hours to respond before another winner is chosen.  Good Luck!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post and I was provided with the above mentioned product for purpose of review.  The opinions in this post are entirely my own. Your experience may differ from mine. This post has not been reviewed or edited by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this review. The sponsor of this giveaway is responsible for prize fulfillment and shipping the winner(s) their prize. Pin It