Sweat It Out In Old Navy Activewear - Winter 2012 Line Review

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  As a member of the Old Navy Style Council on Crowdtap.com, I received a coupon for a free Old Navy Active top and bottom.  All opinions are my own.

I recently had an opportunity to try out Old Navy's latest line of activewear through Crowdtap.com's Old Navy Style Council.  I received a coupon for myself and one for a friend to receive a free Old Navy Active top and bottom. 

I decided to bring along my Mom.  She's always asking me when the next sample share for Old Navy would be and she hadn't had a chance to participate in one with me since early this past summer.  Plus, I thought maybe getting a new set of workout clothes would motivate her to start exercising more!

Old Navy currently offers tanks, tees, running tops, sport bras, jackets and bottoms in their Active line.  Some feature their GoDry material that helps to wick away moisture.  Others feature their compression fabric, which helps to smooth and dries quickly.

I met my Mom at the mall, since she was already there doing Christmas shopping.  Our local Old Navy has a pretty big portion of the store dedicated to their Active line of clothes.



Pantene Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip Review

Wednesday, December 12, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free sample of Pantene Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip from Vocalpoint to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I have thick and somewhat wavy hair.  It's frizzy and I can NEVER let it air dry.  I must always always always blow dry it straight and then run a flat iron over it if I'm planning on going anywhere.  So, I'm always on the look out for hair products that will help me manage my hair and protect it from all the damage that I do it.  When Vocalpoint had samples of Pantene Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip available to try, I signed up right away!

Pantene Pro-V Silky Moisture Whip claims to erase the damage of 100 blow-drys and help to moisturize and repair damage from root to tip.  It's supposed to leave hair feeling soft, manageable and strong.

I tried my sample a couple days ago.  I washed my hair as I normally do and then applied the moisture whip to my hair.  At first, it was hard to dispense it.  I pressed hard with my thumb and then a WHOLE lot came out.


National Geographic Super Readers Program - Review

Sunday, December 2, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was sent  a package of samples and information on the National Geographic Super Readers Program by Kiwi Magazine's Moms Meet.  All opinions are my own.

I recently had the opportunity to try out a great program offered by National Geographic.  The Super Readers program consists of non-fiction books that your children can read and as they read, they can earn prizes.

The program was developed in consultation with literacy experts and was designed to get your children EXCITED about reading and encourages children to achieve higher reading levels.

Here's how the program works:

1.  Visit the National Geographic Super Readers website: http://kids.nationalgeographic.com/kids/superreader/.

2.  Meet the Super Readers characters and watch a fun overview video about the program.

3.  Download a FREE Super Readers poster.


4.  Choose a National Geographic Readersand start reading!
  • Books are available in 4 Levels:
    • PRE-READER - Ready to Read - They feature simple, short sentences and bold text.
    • LEVEL 1 - Starting to Read - Books are a little longer but also feature short sentences and bold text.  There's a photo-illustrated glossary included in each book.
    • LEVEL 2 - Reading Independently - These books have 32 pages and have more complex sentences and challenging vocabulary.  Books also feature games and activities and subject-related jokes.
    • LEVEL 3 - Fluent Reader - These books have 32-48 pages and also have more complex sentences and challenging vocabulary.  They also include annotated diagrams and maps, as well as games and activities.
  •  There are over 40 books in the series!
5.  Once you finish a book, cross its picture off the poster and return to the website to download a badge.

6.  As you read more books,  you can download more badges and prizes, such as bookmarks, iron-ons, activity sheets, stickers and more!

My 5 and 8 year olds were already fans of the National Geographic Kids Magazine and several other National Geographic books for kids.  They were thrilled to be a part of this sampling program and my son wants to read all the books in the series!


Books can be found at all major bookstores as well as the National Geographic site and Amazon.com. Each book retails for $3.99.

Spice Up Your Style in Old Navy Dresses Sample & Share - Review

Monday, November 19, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was chosen as a member of Crowdtap to try and review a free dress from Old Navy for myself and a friend.  All opinions are my own.

It's been awhile since I last participated in an Old Navy sample share through Crowdtap.  I haven't had the time to be as active on the Crowdtap site as I once was, so it was pretty exciting to get the invite to try out an Old Navy dress for free!

Old Navy usually has pretty nice dresses.  This past Spring, I bought a ton of dresses from Old Navy that I wore a lot during the summer.  This season, Old Navy's dresses come in a lot of fun colors, patterns and styles.

But, this Old Navy sampling's timing was a little off for me.  I'm 13 weeks pregnant and so that severely limited the dresses I could choose from.  Old Navy tends to have a very small maternity section and it's not available in all store locations.

Hotel Transylvania Halloween Party

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was selected by Crowdtap.com to host a party to promote the release of the movie Hotel Transylvania.  All opinions are my own.

Every year, my kids ask me if we can have a big, scary Halloween party.  But, in the past they never really had any friends to invite.  We would have been partying with Grandma and Grandpa and MY sisters and cousins.  It wouldn't have exactly been fun for them.  But, this year, my oldest is in 3rd grade and my second child is in Kindergarten.  I felt they were finally old enough to have some friends over and have a good time.  So, when Crowdtap had posted the opportunity to host a Hotel Transylvania party, I thought it would be perfect for them!

About a month before our party, I told my kids we were finally going to get to host a Halloween party.  They were super excited!  I also wanted to take them to see the Hotel Transylvania movie.  But when I showed them the trailer below they got scared!  They got scared at the part where Dracula was singing to Mavis as a little girl and he makes a big scary face:





SheaMoisture Baby Bar Soap Review

Thursday, October 11, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free SheaMoisture Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Eczema Bar Soap from Influenster to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

My kids get really dry skin, especially in the cold weather months.  They get dry, itchy patches on their arms and legs, sometimes their torso.  It gets so bad sometimes I have to apply a light steroid cream to help alleviate the itching and redness.

A couple days before I got my Naturals VoxBox in the mail, my 5 year old had gotten some sort of rash after playing at my daughter's soccer game.  He had itchy red patches all over his arms, legs and torso.  He was itching all the time.  I tried applying some of the same steroid cream I use for his eczema but it didn't really do anything.  The day I got the VoxBox, I gave him a bath with the SheaMoisture Raw Shea Butter Baby Soap.  Within just a couple days, his rash cleared up and he wasn't itchy anymore!



SheaMoisture Baby is a line of all-natural baby products with certified organic ingredients.  They contain no mineral oil, phtalates, parabens, sulfates, gluten, animal ingredients, paraffin, propylene glycol, synthetic fragrances, PABA or DEA.  The Organic Raw Shea Butter Baby Eczema Bar Soap features:

  • Shea Butter to deeply moisturize and heal dry skin
  • Argan Oil to soften and renew skin, with its high Vitamin E content
  • Frankincense and Myrrh to repair and rejuvenate skin
The bar soap has a really rich lather.  Unlike other bar soaps, it doesn't dry skin out but actually moisturizes it.  It has a great scent and the bar lasts a really long time.  I'm looking forward to trying out the other products in the Shea Moisture Baby line.  (Especially with the fact that I'm having a new baby next May!)

Would you recommend it?
Yes!  I love using this bar soap on my kids and will definitely check out the other products in the SheaMoisture and SheaMoisture Baby lines.

How much does it cost?
A quick online search shows the price range is usually between $9 - $15 for their products.

Where can I buy it?
Their products can be found at all Walgreens stores and select Target, CVS, Bed Bath & Beyond, Buy Buy Baby, Christmas Tree Shops, Harmon Face Values, Duane Reade and Meijer stores.

LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer Review

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer from Influenster to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I love lip balm.  I'm always putting it on.  I have little things of lip balm everywhere.  There's one in almost every purse, in my vanity drawer, in my drawer at work, and there are other random ones around the house.  I had a few favorite brands, but wasn't really loyal to any single one.

UNTIL I got my Naturals VoxBox from Influenster!  I had never heard of LypSyl before.  But I was eager to try it!  I love trying new lip balm!

LypSyl is made with pure Swedish beeswax, organic shea butter and Vitamins A and E.  It provides long lasting, deep-penetrating moisture.  It helps to moisturize, soften and protect your lips naturally.  It features an oversize application tip to provide even lip coverage.  Plus, it comes in a great minty flavor!


What do I love about it?
  • It smells minty fresh!
  • You can feel it tingling on your lips after you apply it.
  • It really does last long.  I apply it in the morning and can still feel it on my lips at lunch.
  • There's a cute little bee on the side that you use to dispense the lip balm.
  • It goes on smooth and your hair doesn't stick to your lips.
 The little bee!  (Excuse my un-manicured nails!)

What don't I like about it?
  • Just one thing.  It's not carried at my local Target and that's where I shop for a lot of my lip balms.  But it's no biggie.  Stores like CVS and Rite Aid carry it.  Even though I don't normally shop those stores, I'll have to so I can buy more LypSyl!
Would you recommend it?
Yes!  Right now, it's my favorite lip balm to use.  I like how smoothly it goes on and the great minty flavor!

How much does it cost?
It looks like the suggested retail price is $3.49 but you could probably get it for a little less than $3.

Where can I buy it?
The LypSyl website has a Store Finder and a list of stores that carry the product.

UNREAL Candy Review

Wednesday, October 3, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a coupon for a free UNREAL candy product from BzzAgent.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

With Halloween just around the corner, candy is everywhere!  Why not give the kids something you can feel good about them eating?  Introducing UNREAL Candy.  It contains no artificial ingredients, no corn syrup, no hydrogenated oils and has less sugar than other candies out on the market.

It comes in five great varieties:

UNREAL 54 - Candy coated chocolate with peanuts - Compare to Peanut M&M's

UNREAL 41 - Candy coated chocolate - Compare to M&M's

UNREAL 5 - Chocolate Caramel Nougat Bar - Compare to Milky Way

UNREAL 8 - Chocolate Caramel Peanut Nougat Bar - Compare to Snickers

UNREAL 77 - Peanut Butter Cups - Compare to Reese's

How did UNREAL Candy come about?  It started with an argument between founder Michael Bronner and his son Nicky over Halloween candy.  After a night of trick or treating, Nicky came back with a bag full of candy.  The next morning, he found his Dad had confiscated most of it.  Nicky set out to prove the candy wasn't bad for him.  Turns out he was wrong.  Nicky, his older brother and his Dad set out to make a better candy.

Being allergic to peanuts, tree nuts and soy, I didn't really get a chance to try the UNREAL candy.  BUT, my husband did.  He tried both the UNREAL 8 and the UNREAL 5 bars.  He thought they tasted good.  We did have a hard time finding the candy.  We found it at CVS, though we don't always shop there.  We had to kind of go out of our way to get the UNREAL candy.  Luckily, the availability of the candy is getting better, with it expected to be in Target stores this month!

Would you recommend it?
Yes!  Even though I didn't get a chance to eat it, my husband really liked it.  And he's the guy who only buys his chocolate at the natural food store.  So it's good!  And it's better for you than other chocolates.

How much does it cost?
The company's intention is to make sure their candy doesn't cost any more than what you're used to paying for candy.  The average price I found was about $1 for a bar or bag of candy.

Where can I buy it?
http://getunreal.com/find-unreal-candy/ - You can find the candy at stores like CVS, Rite Aid, Michael's, Walgreens, Staples, Wegmans, Fred Meyer, BJ's, Food4Less, Kroger and Ralph's.  They are working on expanding their availability.

Naturals VoxBox from Influenster 2012

Monday, September 17, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  As a member of Influenster, I received a set of products to try and review for free.

It's been awhile since my last VoxBox, but I'm excited to get selected to try the Naturals VoxBox from Influenster.  If you're unfamiliar with the site, it's a community of members who are sent products to try and review.  The more feedback you give, the more you'll be picked to review other products.


I wasn't familiar with almost any of the brands featured in this year's Naturals VoxBox, so I'm excited to see how these all work.  Included in the box are:

  • The Original Dish Drying Mat - This I'm really interested in trying.  We hand wash a lot of our dishes, such as pots and pans and normally dry them on a regular dish towel.  It would be interesting to see how this well this works.
  • LypSyl Intense Protection LypMoisturizer - I love lip balm.  I have all sorts of them everywhere!  But I've never tried this brand before.  I hope it works well -- my lips are always dry!
  • EBOOST - I've never tried anything like this before.  It's supposed to boost your mood, focus and immunity.  I hope it tastes good and works!  I've been so tired lately and always tend to lose focus in the afternoon.
  • CleanWell Individual Hand Sanitizer Wipes - These would've been helpful at the playground earlier today.  My kids touch everything and then want to eat a snack.  This would have worked better than just a quick handwashing with their water bottle!
  • GEODEO - I've never tried natural deodorant and I'm actually kind of scared to see if this works.   It smells really nice, though, so we'll see.
  • NECTRESSE - This was the only brand I had heard of.  It's made by Splenda and it's a sweetener made from monk fruit, which I've never heard of before.  I'll have to try it in my coffee.
I'll be posting reviews and pictures in the next week or so.  Stay tuned!

Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation Review

Sunday, September 16, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a kit containing a free bottle of Covergirl & Olay Tone Rehab 2-in-1 Foundation and Covergirl & Olay Pressed Powder from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I have been a mineral foundation user for over five years now.  I've always hated the heavy feeling of liquid foundations and could never find the right color match.  Even when I've had color consultations done at the department store makeup counters, I didn't want to spend the money on the department store brands.

When I was offered the Covergirl & Olay campaign by BzzAgent, I was pretty excited!  As I've gotten older, my skin tone has become uneven and I've felt my mineral foundation hadn't been giving me enough coverage.  I had also started to notice the smile lines around my mouth and little lines on my forehead from squinting all the time.


Wisk Deep Clean Detergent Review

DISCLOSURE:  I received free samples of Wisk Deep Clean Laundry Detergent from Smiley360.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

My family makes a lot of laundry.  If we don't do at least a load of laundry everyday, the dirty clothes pile up and we run out of things to wear!  We've used a wide variety of different brands of detergent, including natural and organic brands.  Some work well, others not so much.  So, I was excited to get a chance to try the new Wisk Deep Clean Laundry Detergent.

I was really interested to see if it would get the stink out of some of my husband's and kids' clothes.  My husband is an avid runner.  And when he comes back, especially from the really long runs, his clothes stink!  Regular detergent doesn't seem to get the smell to go away.  Even the in-wash scent boosters can't touch it.  The clothes smell okay coming out of the washing machine, but once dried, they're back to their normal funkiness.

The same thing happens with my baby's tops.  He's still kind of drooly and his shirts and sweaters get this gross smell around the neckline from all the drool.  Sometimes the smell comes out, sometimes it doesn't.  My husband had gotten into the habit of just turning shirts that stank too much into rags.  It would be nice if we could save those clothes!

According to the literature that accompanied the Wisk samples, some detergents can leave behind hidden body oils and sweat that get trapped inside the fibers of your clothes.  I'm guessing that's what contributes to the smell of some of these clothes.  The average washload is said to have 20 times more body oils and sweat than visible stains!  Wisk Deep Clean is supposed to help get it all out.

Here's a picture of one of our most recent loads of laundry before I put in the wash.  It includes my daughter's soccer uniform as well as one of my husband's really stinky running shirts!


I did this load last night.  My daughter had another soccer game this morning and she only has one soccer jersey.  The Wisk Deep Clean is pretty easy to use.  The samples I received were premeasured for one load.  The detergent itself smells really good as do the clothes when they come out of the washer.  Some clothes, like my daughter's soccer shirt and my husband's running shirt, get hung to dry.  Others were dried about halfway through in the dryer before getting hung up to dry.  My husband's shirt smelled really nice when I hung it up last night.  But, sadly, this morning, when I was folding it to put it away, it was back to its normal stinkiness.  I don't know if anything will be able to get rid of it!

Wisk Deep Clean goes beyond surface stains and penetrate deep into fabric to attack and help remove hidden body oils and sweat that other detergents may leave behind.  It comes in five different varieties:
  • Original
  • High Efficiency
  • Oxi Complete
  • Fresh Breeze
  • Free & Pure
Would you recommend it?
Yes, overall, Wisk Deep Clean works well at cleaning regular stains and smells really good.  I was disappointed, though, that it didn't get rid of the smell in my husband's running shirt.  It may be time to retire that shirt and buy him a new one!

How much does it cost?
Wisk Deep Clean is available in load sizes 45oz, 50oz, 75oz, 100oz, 150oz. The MSRP ranges from $5.99 to $15.99.  You can currently download a $1 off coupon from Wisk's Facebook page.

Where can I buy it?  
Available at all major drug stores, mass merchandisers, grocery stores and online retailers.  Wisk also has a product locator on their website.

Oral-B Professional Precision 1000 Power Toothbrush Review

Sunday, September 9, 2012

DISCLOSURE: I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Modern Mom on behalf of Oral-B and received a product sample to facilitate my review.  All opinions are my own.

I was recently asked to review the Oral-B Professional Precision 1000 Power Toothbrush.  I normally use a manual toothbrush and Colgate Optic White toothpaste when I brush my teeth.  I've only used an electric toothbrush once and didn't really care for it.  I just felt my teeth were cleaner when I brushed them myself with the manual toothbrush.  It was at least a few years ago, though, so I jumped at the chance to try another one!  Maybe things had changed.  And this was supposed to be one of the top of the line electric toothbrushes from Oral-B.  I was hoping it was better than the previous one I had tried (the Oral-B Vitality).

At my last dental check-up, they had said I had a couple cavities.  One needed a filling and the other needed a crown.  But it had also been about a year and a half since the previous check up.  I was pregnant and had had a baby in between visits and kind of put myself last when it came time to schedule a dental visit (I have three kids).  I had several dental visits between the last check up and when I received the Oral-B Professional Precision 1000 Power Toothbrush to try.  In that time I had gotten a temporary crown and then a permanent crown with temporary cement.  I had two visits to try and take the crown out and replace the cement with permanent cement, but for some reason, the dentist and her assistant could not get the crown out!  So, I've been really hesitant with brushing too hard or flossing around the crown.  I didn't want it falling out when I wouldn't be able to get to the dentist right away.


LEGO Duplo Read and Build House Party

DISCLOSURE:   I was sent a party pack by House Party and LEGO to promote the new line of LEGO Duplo Read & Build sets.  The party pack included four free sets of LEGO Duplo Read & Build sets for party hosts to share and review.  All opinions are my own.

Recently, I was selected by HouseParty.com to host a party to promote the new LEGO Duplo Read & Build sets.  Each set includes a book that parents can read to their children and a set of LEGO Duplo bricks so you can build the characters in the story!  There are three different sets in the line:
  • LEGO DUPLO Read & Build Busy Farm:  Features a book about Farmer Ted and his farm.  Use the included 15 LEGO Duplo bricks to build Farmer Ted's animals!
  • LEGO DUPLO Read & Build Let's Go Vroom:  Read and build with Penny and Joe and build an airplane and sports car!
  • LEGO DUPLO Read & Build Grow Caterpillar Grow:  Read about Caterpillar and his friends and use the included 17 LEGO Duplo bricks to build Caterpillar and his friends!

Clairol Nice 'N Easy Non-Permanent Hair Color Review

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a coupon for a free box of Clairol Nice 'N Easy hair color from Clairol and Vocalpoint to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

So before I go into reviewing this hair dye from Clairol, I need to give you some back story on my adventures with hair dye.

I've always been bad at dyeing my own hair.  It wasn't that I was scared to do it, it's just my hair is so dark, nothing really showed up.  Plus it's so thick, it's hard to apply it to every single strand.  I started with using Sun-In when I was in high school.  You sprayed it in your hair and either used a blow dryer or went out in the sun to activate it.  It was supposed to bring out your natural highlights.  I ended up with somewhat orange-y hair.  Later, I moved on to semi-permanent and permanent hair color including Nice 'N Easy, Garnier Nutrisse, Natural Instincts and others.  Nothing really changed my hair dramatically.

Brew Over Ice K Cup Packs Review

Tuesday, August 7, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free tumbler and samples of Brew Over Ice K cups from BzzAgent.com to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I love my Keurig.  I use it everyday.  Sometimes more than once a day.  I'll have a cup of coffee (or two) in the morning with breakfast and then sometimes later in the evening with my dessert.  But what about those times when you don't want something hot, but something nice and cold and refreshing?  Enter Brew Over Ice K Cups!  They're specially blended to brew directly over ice and give you a delicious cup of iced coffee, iced tea and their new iced fruit brews!

BIC Soleil Savvy Razors Review

Tuesday, July 10, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free BIC Soleil Savvy Razor from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

It's summer and it's HOT!  Today is supposed to be 99 degrees with a heat index of 105!  This is shorts, skirts and dresses weather.  But, to wear those I need smooth legs.  Shaving, though, can get expensive.  You've got the price of your razor, the shave gel, the refills -- all of that can add up, especially if you're shaving everyday!  I've resorted to using disposables, since they're cheaper and I don't have to buy refills.  But they don't last as long and I'm having to go out to buy razors more often.

Mott's Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks Review

Friday, July 6, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received two free boxes of Mott's Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks from Mott's through the MyInsite program to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

Introducing a great new snack from Mott's!  In addition to their great line of applesauces and juices, Mott's now brings you Mott's Medleys Fruit Flavored Snacks! 

Thanks to Mott's and General Mills' MyInsite program, I was able to sample this new product.  They sent a kit that included a box of each variety and several coupons to share:




Mozaik Partyware: Entertain With Style - Review

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

DISCLOSURE: I received a Mozaik Service for 8 Kit and a set of Mozaik Appetizer Forks from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I love to host parties.  I probably throw a party at least every couple months.  They can be stressful with trying to figure out the guest list, the menu, cleaning, timing when things need to go in the oven or the grill, etc.  After all that planning, the last thing you want to do is cheapen everything by breaking out the paper plates and disposable cutlery.  Yes, they're easy but they're not very stylish and often can be flimsy or thin.

Enter Mozaik's line of disposable partyware.  They offer a full line of products including plates, bowls, and platters in varying sizes, as well as cutlery and serving utensils. 

When I first opened the Service for 8 package, I was kind of surprised at the quality of the pieces included.  There were 8 10.25" round dinner plates, 8 7.5" round salad plates, 8 forks, 8 spoons and 8 knives.  The plates are made of a durable heavyweight plastic  They were white with a nice silver trim.  The cutlery is also made of heavyweight plastic, but they look like silver.

The little appetizer forks that came in my BzzKit were really cute.  They're 4 inches long and come in a pack of 48. 


Old Navy Beach Bum Accessories Party - Summer 2012 Line Review

Tuesday, June 26, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was selected by Crowdtap, as a member of the Old Navy Style Council, to host an in-store party to promote Old Navy's beach accessories.  Three friends and I were given a coupon for a free pair of flip flops, sunglasses, beach bag and beach towel.  All opinions are my own.

Summer's here and it's time to hit the beach and the pool!  Old Navy's Swim Central has everything you need to make a stylish splash!  They have a large selection of flip flops, from your basic solid colors to more fashionable ones with prints and embellishments.  They also have a line of beach towels, beach totes and sunglasses.

Thanks to Crowdtap, I was given coupons for myself and three other people to receive a free pair of flip flops, sunglasses, a beach bag and a beach towel.  I had originally planned on bringing my two sisters and my best friend, but because of scheduling issues and a delay in getting the coupons, I had to switch who I was bringing last minute.  I ended up going with my Mom, one of my sisters and my sister-in-law.  She had just had a baby less than a month ago and so I'm sure she was glad to get out of the house and have a break from the baby!


Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Party

Saturday, June 23, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was selected by Crowdtap to host a party to promote the release of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.  Hosts were sent a digital party kit that included decorating ideas, games and activity sheets.  All opinions are my own.

On the heels of being selected for a special advanced screening of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted, I was also selected to host a party to help celebrate the release of the new movie.  Those selected were emailed a digital party kit that included:
  • A crack-a-lackin recipe for Marty's zebra cake
  • A classic game with a "mad" twist featuring Gloria
  • Decorations, masks and face paint ideas to get everyone into the Madagascar mood
  • Fun activities and games to keep the party movin'

Vaseline Total Moisture Lotion Review

Thursday, June 21, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was selected by Smiley360 to try a mystery brand of lotion.  After trying it, I was sent a 3 fl oz bottle of Vaseline Total Moisture Lotion.  All opinions are my own.

I have really dry skin.  Especially on my legs.  They get really itchy too and sometimes I scratch them so hard, they bleed!  I'm always on the look out for new lotions that will help keep my legs moisturized and stop the itching.  I've already tried so many!  So, I was pretty interested in signing up for this Smiley360 mission to try out a new mystery lotion.

America's Next Top Wooliteer Party

Tuesday, June 19, 2012

DISCLOSURE: I was selected to host a party to promote Woolite Extra Dark Care laundry detergent by Crowdtap.com and Woolite.  All opinions are my own.

Do you have a problem with your dark jeans losing their color?  Do your dark clothes start to fade and lose their color intensity over time?  Then you need to start washing with Woolite Extra Dark Care!  Woolite Extra Dark Care has a special formula that cleans and helps maintain the original color and intensity of your dark clothes.  It won't cause fading, shrinking or stretching and your dark clothes look like new for longer.

I have to admit, I've never used Woolite Extra Dark Care before I was selected to host this party.  But I have had the issue with my dark clothes fading and losing their color.  So I was pretty excited to give it a try and to help promote the brand among my friends and family.  None of them really used Woolite at all before the party.

McCormick Grill Mates Grill Ambassadors Party

Monday, June 4, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was selected by Crowdtap.com and McCormick Grill Mates to host a party to promote the Grill Mates brand.  All opinions are my own.

It's grilling season!  I don't know about you, but once the weather gets warm enough and it isn't raining, we are grilling our dinner.  Steak, chicken, burgers -- we are eating something grilled almost every night! 

So, I was super excited to be selected to host a grilling party for Crowdtap and McCormick Grill Mates!  I was familiar with the line of Grill Mates products but I've only tried one of their products, the Montreal Steak Seasoning.  We had a bottle of it in our spice drawer that we had bought a long time ago.   It was good but we hadn't used it in over a year, if not two!  [Later, I realized why we hadn't used it.... it was the 25% less sodium version, so not as good!]  I was really interested in trying out the other products that McCormick Grill Mates had.

Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted Advance Screening

Sunday, June 3, 2012

I was chosen by Crowdtap.com and DreamWorks Animation to attend an advance screening of Madagascar 3: Europe's Most Wanted.  The movie will be released nationwide on Friday, June 8th, but we were given the opportunity to see the movie about a week earlier at a special screening held on Saturday, June 2nd, at various locations around the country.

We were told we could bring one friend or family member with us to the screening.  Unfortunately, I have a 5 year old son and 7 year old daughter who both like the Madagascar movies!  It was so hard to try and choose which child to take!  I knew one of them would end up being so disappointed and crazy jealous of the other.

I was also picked by Crowdtap to host a Madagascar 3 party (I'll post about that once the party happens) and so the kids have had "Madagascar on the brain."  (Did you get that?  It's a line from Madagascar 2!)  I even bought a copy of both the first and second Madagascar movies to show at the party and the kids have been watching them over and over.  Plus, the trailers for the movie have been all over TV.  My kids have been quoting lines from the trailers and of course singing "Afro Circus!"

Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles Review

Thursday, May 24, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I received a free set of Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles from BzzAgent to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

I work part time as an optometrist.  The dress code is business casual to professional.  I usually end up wearing dress pants, a skirt or a dress paired with heels.  My days are spent walking patients back and forth from the waiting room to the exam room and then on to the optical.  Eight hours (or more) in heels are murder on my feet.  And for some reason, I usually like to wear at least a 3 if not a 4 inch heel.  I just feel it looks better and I don't do well walking in flats.

Last  October, though, I fell and broke my right ankle.  I had to wear a walking boot and undergo physical therapy for a few months.  That left my right ankle somewhat weaker than it used to be and wearing heels hasn't been as comfortable as it used to be.  I often feel more wobbly and unsturdy in my heels.

The Gunnar Challenge

Sunday, May 20, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was given a free pass to The Gunnar Challenge by ModernMom.com.  All opinions are my own.

The Gunnar Challenge is an 8 week online program designed by Hollywood trainer Gunnar Peterson.  Throughout the challenge, Gunnar guides you with daily video workouts, based on techniques he uses with his celebrity clients to target weight loss and look their best – helping you set your goals and keeping you accountable to make sure you reach them.

As a member of the challenge, you get 
  • Gunnar's 8-week workout plan with customizable exercises that will work for you regardless of your current fitness level.
  • Delicious low-calorie meal plans with itemized shopping lists for home-cooked meals and healthy options for dining out.
  • Daily video messages from Gunnar to keep you motivated and on track.
  • Some of the world's best nutrition tools to help you make long-lasting changes to your diet.
  • Fun, support, prizes, the buzz of training with an online group and much more.
The challenge starts Monday, May 21.  You can register online on The Gunnar Challenge website.  Membership costs $99.  Register by May 20 and receive a $30 discount!  A 1 week trial and payment plan option are also available.

Join me!  I need to get in shape and lose a couple inches around my middle!

Walgreens Simple Skincare Review

Saturday, May 19, 2012

DISCLOSURE:  I was selected by Shespeaks.com to receive a Simple Skincare product to try and review.  All opinions are my own.

Back in February (yes, I'm behind on my blogging!), I was selected to participate in the Walgreens Simple Skincare Program from Shespeaks.com.  My task was to go to my local Walgreens and speak with the Beauty Advisor (I didn't know they had one!) about the new Simple Skincare line.  After doing so, I was to complete a short survey about my experience and in return I would receive a full size product from the Simple Skincare line.

So what is Simple Skincare?  It's a line of skincare products from the U.K.  They use only the purest possible ingredients and never use dyes or artificial perfumes that can irritate the skin.  They're actually the U.K.'s #1 skincare line of products.  Their products include facial cleansers, facial wipes, moisturizers and eye products such as a soothing eye balm and revitalizing eye roll-on to reduce puffiness.