Your Baby Can Read Starter Kit Winner!

There were 275 valid comments in the Your Baby Can Read Starter Kit Giveaway and random.org pulled…

The winning comment…

Congratulations Joanna!  Please respond to my email within 72 hours to claim your prize.

I would like to thank all the readers who entered the giveaway!  A big thanks to the Your Baby Can Read team for sponsoring the giveaway.

LargeFormatPosters.com 18×24” Rolled Poster Print Winner

There were 49 entries in the  LargeFormatPosters.com 18×24” Rolled Poster Print Giveaway (50 minus 1 trackback).  The winning results…

and the winning comment…

Congratulations Monique!  I will be forwarding your name and email to the sponsor.

Thank you to everyone who entered and to LargeFormatPosters.com for sponsoring the giveaway!

Skin Free Skin Care Products – 100% All Natural and Affordable – Review and Giveaway

Occasionally I come across a skin care product line so good I can’t say enough to actual do it justice and that is exactly how I feel about the Skin Free Skin Care Products!

Skin Free was designed and formulated by a practicing pharmacist, Julie Hilton, who has over 30 years experience in compounding and natural skin care.  Julie personally suffers from chronic allergies and eczema.  She knows how important it is  for people who battle with debilitating skin conditions to reduce future breakouts  by maintaining the integrity of their skin and limit their exposure to irritating antigens.  Julie understood the frustration of  not being able to find products on the market to address important skin care ailments  and reached out to people by developing a 100% natural skin care product line to fill the void.

The Skin Free Skin Care Products are recommended for individuals with (quoted from manufacturer website):

* Extreme Dry Skin

* Skin or Fragrance Allergies

* Psoriasis

* Dermatitis

* Eczema

* Pregnant Moms

* Babies

* The Elderly

* Diabetics

* Renal Patients

* After Radiation or Chemotherapy

The products contain all natural vegan ingredients and are free from perfumes, petroleum, steroids, toxic chemicals, and colorants.  Furthermore, the Skin Free Skin Care Products are entirely cruelty free!

Julie contacted me and asked if I would be interested in reviewing some of the Skin Free products.  I agreed and she sent me the Skin Free Extra Moisturizing Soap, Whipped Tamanu Body Butter, and Niaouli Scrub for Blemish Prone Skin.

Product Description, and Ingredients

The Skin Free Extra Moisturizing Soap – 3.5 oz – $3.99

The Extra Moisturizing Soap is recommended for delicate, sensitive, or very dry skin.  It is helpful for allergies, eczema, psoriasis, or dermatitis.

The soap is enriched with extra virgin olive oil, which has been found to have anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial antioxidants, and vitamins that can promote healing, soften and soothe skin.  Moisturizing  shea and cocoa butters have also been added to reduce the tight and dry feeling normally experienced when using typical commercial soaps.

The rich, creamy lather leaves the skin feeling rejuvenated and fresh.  One of the many  great features of the soap is it can also be used as a conditioning shampoo without any greasy feel or look.  To prolong the life of the soap make sure to remove it from the shower and allow it to thoroughly dry after each use.

ingredients: Saponified oils of Cocos nucifera (coconut) oil, Elaeis quineesis (palm) oil, Olea europea (olive) seed oil, Butyrospermum parkii (shea butter) fruit, Theobroma cacao (cocoa) seed butter, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)

Skin Free Whipped Tamanu Body Butter- 8 oz – $18.99

The whipped body butter contains a unique combination of Tamanu oil, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, and Shea.

Scientists claim Tamanu oil possesses significant antimicrobial qualities.  Calophyllum tacamahaca (Tamanu Oil’s botanical name) is said to be  a remarkable topical skin healing agent with anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, and  antioxidant properties.  French scientists also discovered the oil contains a fatty acid that stimulates skin growth!

The Whipped Tamanu Body Butter can be applied on the face or body.   Manufacturer suggests  using the body butter  to help sun-damaged skin, eczema, psoriasis, and to aid in the reduction of  scarring.

ingredients: water, Shea Butter, Tamanu Oil, Olive Oil, Sweet Almond Oil, Emulsifying wax, Stearic Acid, Grapefruit Essential Oil, Geranium Essential Oil, polyaminopropyl biguanide, potassium sorbate

Skin Free Niaouli Scrub for Blemish Prone Skin -4 oz – $15.99

The natural scrub can be used daily or weekly to gently remove excess oil, minimize pores, and remove dull, dead skin cells.

The very fine cosmetic grade pumice gently exfoliates the skin while the Organic Macadamia nut oil and Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil moisturizes.  The end result is a  healthier glowing skin appearance with fewer problem areas.

The Niaouli oil (Melaleuca quinquenervia) acts as a powerful stimulant and  antiseptic.  It is said to aid in the healing of acne and other skin conditions.  Niaouli has a slightly sweet, fresh aroma and is sometimes used in place of Tea Tree Oil for its more pleasant scent.

ingredients: Aqua (water), Olea Europea (Olive) Seed Oil, Macadamia terrifolia Seed Oil, Prunus amygdalus dulcis (Sweet Almond),Ricinus communis (Castor), Butyrospermum parkii (Shea butter) fruit, Melaleuca quinquenervia viridiflora (Niaouli) oil, Vanilla fragrance, Sodium Hydroxymethylglycinate, Sodium Hydroxide, and Sodium Borate.

Conclusion

My personal opinion about the three Skin Free Skin Care Products I tested is   they are wonderful. Why are they wonderful?  The products are all natural, effective, and extremely affordable.  I loved the way the products made my skin feel soft and refreshed!

My favorite out of the three items would have to be the Skin Free Niaouli Scrub for Blemish Prone Skin.  I’ve been using it for the last couple of days and love the way it makes my face feel after using it.  I happen to enjoy the scent of the Niaouli oil and the gentle exfoliation from the fine pumice.  I will be purchasing it  and adding it to my daily skin care regimen.

*Product  claims are based upon manufacturer product descriptions.  The opinions expressed in this review are of my own.  Other than the complimentary products for testing, no further compensation was received.

For some excellent skin care tips go here.

The Skin Free products are available at Walgreens and CVS!  You can also purchase Skin Free online at SkinFree.net or drugstore.com.

Learn more about Skin Free’s new BOGO with Walgreens!  Buy product at Walgreens & Skin Free will send you a free product.  Click here for more information.

Skin Free offers FREE SHIPPING on orders of $25 or more!

WIN WIN WIN

Julie would like to give one of my readers a $30 virtual gift certificate to be able to try some of the Skin Free Skin Care Products for free!  To enter the giveaway please check out SkinFree.net and leave me a comment telling me what product you are most interested in trying.

Extra Entries

1.Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post and SkinFree.net.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 10 extra entries.  Make sure you leave ten separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

2.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING I AM ALLOWING 50 TWEETS PER PERSON.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

5. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

6. Facebook, Digg, or Technorati this post and leave me TWO extra comments. ( At the bottom of this post you should see a bookmark button to make this an easy option.)

7.  Enter any of my other giveaways.  Leave me a comment telling me which giveaway you entered.  The giveaway must be still active in order to gain an extra entry.

NEW Febreze Home Collection-Sprucing Up Your Home With Premium Scents- Review and $20 Walmart GC Giveaway!

Have you tried the new Febreze Home Collection products yet? Thanks to Febreze and MyBlogSpark,  I was recently able to try several products of the new modern  collection.   I received a fantastic kit which included a packet with product information and images,  Green Tea & Citrus Flameless Luminary, three refill shades, Green Tea & Citrus Soy Blend Candle,  canister of Green Tea & Citrus Room Spray, and a Green Tea & Citrus Diffuser.

About the Febreze Home Collection Products

The Febreze Home Collection gives your home a refreshing atmosphere with its inspirational modern designs and unique premium scents.  Freshen your room with the herbal earthy and soothing scent of the Green Tea Citrus,

the invigorating fruity wholesome fragrances of the Pomegranate Mango

and tart Cranberry Pear,

or add a breath of fresh air with the gentle aroma of the Willow Blossom.

No matter what you choose, the Flameless Luminaries, Soy Blend Candles, Scented Reed Diffusers, or room sprays, the Febreze Home Collection will refresh your home and  welcome you with an enjoyable aromatic ambiance.

The Febreze Home Collection Flameless Luminary.

The Flameless Luminary happens to be my favorite product out  of the Febreze Home Collection.  It is powered by two batteries and the soft, flickering light automatically turns off after 4 hours. The Luminary has a wooden base and you simply change the shade to match your room decor or mood.  The manufacture recommends to change the shade weekly to refresh the scent.

I have a mischievous toddler running around who gets into EVERYTHING. The Flameless Luminary is much safer to have around him than a hot waxy candle.  I love that I can still get the feel of a warm inviting candle burning without the actual flame.

The Febreze Home Collection Scented Reed Diffuser.

The scented reed diffuser adds a fabulous stylish flare to a room and keeps an area fresh for up to 60 days.  The diffuser comes with 10 slender rattan reeds which absorb the scented oil and releases the fragrance into the air.

I placed the reed diffuser in my foyer to make a good first impression of my home.  The delightful crisp Green Tea Citrus welcomes my guests as they walk through my front door.

Febreze Home Collection Soy Blend Candle

The soy blend candle is slow-burning and lasts for 30 to 40 hours.  As the candle burns, the scented oils in the soy blend release their fragrance into the air giving a “premium scent experience.”   It comes with a nice wooden lid which also works as a decorative base for the candle.

I’m using the candle in my kitchen to freshen the room from the lingering smell of my cooking.  Fish has a way of staying around for a while after cooking it and the candle takes away the odor. Plus, the soft glow of the candle looks beautiful displayed on my counter.

Febreze Home Collection Room Spray

With a few simple sprays you can enjoy the Febreze Home Collection premium scents in each room.  The Room Spray is easy to use and has a decorative stylish canister.

I know you may think this is to much information, but I have the Room Spray stored on the back of my commode.  This way after someone uses the bathroom they can easily refresh the room with a few spritz of the spray.

For more tips on how you can use the Febreze Home Collection to enhance your home check out www.walmart.com/febrezehomecollection .

(This product review was based on using complimentary Febreze Home Collection products provided by P&G. P&G does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite.)

Product  claims are based upon manufacturer product descriptions.  The opinions expressed in this review are of my own.  Other than the complimentary products for testing, no further compensation was received.

Win Win Win

MyBlogSpark also sent me a $20 Walmart GC to give away so one of my readers can purchase and try the new Febreze Home Collection.  To enter the giveaway leave me a comment on how you would use the Febreze Home Collection to spruce up a room.

Extra Entries

1.Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post and Febreze.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 10 extra entries.  Make sure you leave ten separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

2.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING I AM ALLOWING 50 TWEETS PER PERSON.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

5. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

6. Facebook, Digg, or Technorati this post and leave me TWO extra comments. ( At the bottom of this post you should see a bookmark button to make this an easy option.)

7.  Enter any of my other giveaways.  Leave me a comment telling me which giveaway you entered.  The giveaway must be still active in order to gain an extra entry.

Walmart Great Value Products – How Do They Compare?

My family is a one income household,  and we have felt the full thrashing of the weak economy.  Cutting back is important and saving money on grocery items helps make our dollars stretch to be able to place more food on the table.  If I don’t have a coupon to bring a name brand item below the cost of a generic product, I will try and grab the money saving product instead.

Recently I was sent some Walmart Great Value products to sample and asked to give my opinion.  The items I tested and tasted were…

Great Value  Twist & Shout Sandwich Cookies.  Compared to the Nabisco’s Oreos.

The Great Value Chocolate Twist & Shout Sandwich Cookies cost $2.00 in comparison to the Nabisco Oreos which were on sale for $2.78.  Giving you a savings of $0.78.

The Great Value Cheese Crackers. Compared to the Sunshine Cheez-It.

The Great Value Cheese Crackers cost $2.38 in comparison to the Cheez-It crackers which were regularly $2.98.  Buying the Great Value crackers would save you $0.60.

The Great Value Cinnamon Crunch cereal. Compared to the GM’s Cinnamon Toast Crunch.

The Great Value Cinnamon Crunch can be purchased at $2.24.  The GM cereal costs $3.24.  Your saving $1.00 by buying the Great Value product.

The Great Value Pecan Shortbread Cookies. Compared to Keebler’s Pecan Sandies.

The Great Value Pecan Shortbread Cookies were $2.38 in comparison to the Sandies which cost $2.98.  Buying the Great Value cookies saves you $0.60.

The Great Value Honey Nut Spins.  Compared to the GM’s Honey Nut Cheerios.

The Great Value Honey Nut Spins can be purchased for $2.36.  The Honey Nut Cheerios cost $3.24.  You save $0.88.

The total savings of choosing the five Great Value products over the name brand items is $3.86.  The money I saved can help place more food in my cart.  The Wamart Great Value line consists of more than 5,200 products. Imagine if you could do this with most of the items on your grocery list!  How much would you save?

The only problem I have with the Great Value products is the packaging SCREAMS generic.  I understand there is a need to keep production costs down in order to bring the products to the shelves at a low cost, but the packaging needs a face-lift.  Walmart already changed the look of the items  not to long ago, but I think there is a need for a new design and a  more sustainable packaging idea.   What do you think about the packaging?

The actual taste of the Great Value products are delicious and taste as good or better than the name brand items.

Have you tried the Great Value products?  What is your opinion about them?

(prices may vary depending on location)

Simple Green Pet Stain and Odor Remover Winner.

There were 152 entries (156-4 trackbacks) and the Random.org results…

and the winning comment belongs to…

Congratulations Sandra!  Please respond to my email within 72 hours to claim your prize.  A HUGE thanks to Simple Green for sponsoring the giveaway and for making such terrific safe products! Thank you to all the readers who entered.

Vinyl Banner Giveaway from UPrinting.com!

I have another fun giveaway brought to by Uprinting.com.  They are such a wonderful sponsor to be giving me the opportunity to offer you all these amazing giveaways.

This giveaway is for a 24 x 36″ Vinyl Banner with heavy metal grommets that makes it easy to hang. ($62 value) The shipping is FREE!  The banner would be perfect for a wedding, birth announcement, birthday parties, graduations, advertisements, or any special occasion!

Uprinting.com uses a premium 15 mil vinyl and with their quality banner printing the banners look top-notch,  unlike other low-end banners.  The durable materials and the archival ink ensure the banners will last for many years of enjoyment.

Check out the specifications on the vinyl banners at Uprinting.com!

To enter the giveaway leave me a comment telling me how you plan on using the banner if you are chosen as the winner.

Extra Entries

1.Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post and Uprinting.com.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 10 extra entries.  Make sure you leave ten separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

2.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. YOU CAN TWEET ONCE PER DAY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

5. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

6. Facebook, Digg, or Technorati this post and leave me TWO extra comments. ( At the bottom of this post you should see a bookmark button to make this an easy option.)

7.  Enter any of my other giveaways.  Leave me a comment telling me which giveaway you entered.  The giveaway must be still active in order to gain an extra entry.

Greeting Card Giveaway from UPrinting.com

Wow can you believe the holidays are just around the corner?  I know every year I go on a mad search trying to find special greeting cards to send to my family and friends.  This year I am going to be prepared because I’m  designing my own customized greeting cards and having them printed by Uprinting!  They do such a professional job and the quality of their greeting card printing is amazing.

How would you like to have your very own unique greeting cards to send to your loved ones for the holidays?  Thanks to the generosity of Uprinting.com one of my lucky readers is going to win 250 7 x 5″ (folded to 3.5 x 5″) Custom Greeting Cards.  The prize is worth over $96  in value with shipping!

To enter leave me a comment telling me how you would use the greeting cards if you won.

Extra Entries

1.Mention the giveaway on your own blog linking back to this post and Uprinting.com.  Leave an additional comment with a link to where you blogged about the giveaway. This is worth 10 extra entries.  Make sure you leave ten separate comments. (example blogged extra entry #1, blogged extra entry #2, blogged extra entry #3, ect…)

2.Place my button on your blog and then leave an additional comment with a link to the page where you put the button. If you already have my button leave a comment letting me know you already have it.

3. Follow my blog and leave me an additional comment. ( There is a little widget on my sidebar that shows my followers. Just click follow). If you already follow leave me a comment letting me know you already do.

4. Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway. Please make sure you leave the link where you tweeted in your comment. YOU CAN TWEET ONCE PER DAY TO INCREASE YOUR CHANCES OF WINNING.  USE THE RETWEET BUTTON AT THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR EASY ENTRY.

5. Subscribe to my feed and leave a comment. If you already subscribe leave a comment telling me you are already a subscriber.

6. Facebook, Digg, or Technorati this post and leave me TWO extra comments. ( At the bottom of this post you should see a bookmark button to make this an easy option.)

7.  Enter any of my other giveaways.  Leave me a comment telling me which giveaway you entered.

Would You Like To Become A Fishful Thinking Ambassador?

I found out about this opportunity today and wanted to share with you mom readers who might be interested in becoming a Fishful Thinking Ambassador.  If this is something you would like to do act fast because they are only excepting 1000 members and the spaces are filling up fast.  The network consists of mothers who are wanting to learn more about positive parenting and share their experiences with others.

Here are the details and how to apply (quoted directly from RepNation)

The Pepperidge Farm® Goldfish® brand, in partnership with RepNation, is seeking moms interested in positive parenting to join an active network of mothers as Ambassadors for a great initiative called Fishful ThinkingSM. The Goldfish brand partnered with Positive Psychology leader, Dr. Karen Reivich, to create Fishful Thinking, a program for parents that helps them to raise kids who are optimistic and can confidently tackle life’s everyday challenges.

If you successfully become a Fishful Thinking Ambassador, you will receive a free Welcome Kit with promotional materials and samples to help you get started. Each Ambassador has the flexibility to participate in ways that fit within her own schedule, and can select specific activities to be involved in. Ambassadors will have the chance to earn prizes and incentives based on the quality of their efforts to spread the word about Fishful Thinking. Examples of Fishful Thinking Ambassador activities are:

* Seek opportunities to share the Fishful Thinking message through offline activities

* Drive traffic to FishfulThinking.com and other Fishful Thinking content online

* Submit Spark Reports to describe Fishful Thinking activities and interactions

* Participate in polls, post blogs and stay engaged on the Fishful Thinking Portal

Sign up to be a part of this great program today – space is limited to the first 1,000 mothers who apply this year and meet the Ambassador qualifications! Qualified Fishful Thinking Ambassador candidates are:

* Mothers with at least one child at home between ages 4-12

* Involved in an activity where positive parenting conversations or events would be welcomed, i.e., PTA member, neighborhood play dates, community volunteer, coach or troop leader, etc

* Moms who enjoy sharing and connecting with other moms, online and offline.

How to apply:

1. If not already a member, join RepNation.com

2. Complete the Pre-Qualifying questions

3. If you are one of the first 1,000 qualified mothers to apply, you will immediately be notified that you are part of the Fishful Thinking Ambassador network

Sound good?  Hurry and apply.  If you would  like to follow Fishful Thinking on Facebook  and receive up to date news and articles  click here.

Check out Fishfulthinking.com

Aurora Yoohoo and Friends Winner!

There were 375 entries (378-3 trackbacks) in the Aurora Yoohoo & Friends Giveaway.  The  Random.org results…

and the winning comment…

Congratulations to Aggie who will be giving an Aurora YooHoo & Friends plush toy a new home!  Aggie please respond to my email within 72 hours to claim your  prize.

Thank you to the readers who participated in the giveaway and to Aurora for sponsoring it!

Next Page »