SprigToys Review & Giveaway, St. Eve Kids Cozy & $10 Walmart Gift Card: Valentine's Gift Idea: CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS

KATHY!

AN E-MAIL HAS BEEN SENT AND SHE HAS 48 HOURS TO RESPOND.  DUE TO ALL THE ENTRIES, IT TOOK LONGER TO IDENTIFY THE WINNER.

THANKS TO SPRIG TOYS AND ST EVES FOR SPONSORING!

Sprig Toys is a place that has the motto of Where Play Comes Naturally.   The team at Sprig Toys aspires to create toys that inspire creativity and fun while using earth-friendly materials, quality manufacturing and responsible business practices.  I'll admit that I never heard of Sprig Toys until I contacted them about a product review on my site so I was pleasantly surprised when I received two complimentary toys.

Prior to the review, I did conduct some research as I want to ensure that I'm providing good, sound reviews that I believe in.  I picked Sprig Toys due to their practice of using recycled materials to build fun and innovative products for young minds.  The toys are battery free and as any parent, that is a blessing!  Not only do you not have to purchase them but there are none having to be thrown away.

There are four great themes:

Adventure Series - you would be surprised at the number of toy varieties Sprig has.  The non-electronic adventures have the Dino Adventure Rig, Dolphin Explorer Boat, Scuba Search and Glider Patrol.  There is also an electronic adventures series (no batteries) that includes Discover Rig, Baja Scout, Rally Racer and Adventure Guides.  My daughter received the Dino Adventure Rig and the two of them LOVE it.  They actually both gravitated towards it and have been playing with it for a couple of hours now.  They are role playing as I hear one pretending to be the baby dinosaure and the other  is the mommy dinosaur.

The playset included an Adventure Truck, two Dinosaurs (mother and baby), one Adventure Guide, one Adventure Hat and one Backpack Accessory.   My favorite part of the whole package:  It came out of the box so easily!  You didn't have 15 different fasteners holding it down!  It really is a cute set and with few pieces, it's providing so much fun to the two of them.  They are ages two and six and of course, the two year old copies everything the six year old does.  The age recommendation is three and up but mine is two and a half so close enough. 

This is made of recycled sprigwood which is a durable, child-safe, bio-composite material made from bits of reclaimed wood and recycled plastic.  Sprigwood is paint free and no decorative paint is needed on the assembly line because they dye Sprigwood during the production process.

Sprig Toys uses safe pigments, keeping their toys free of soluble heavy metals, phthalates or endocrine disruptors.

Sprig Hollow has their friends Bee and Butterfly, the architects of Sprig Hollow, specifically designed all the farm vehicles for maximum utility in water, sand and garden environments. All of the vehicles at Sprig Hollow come equipped with detachable tools and water-resistant materials in order to sustain play and expand possibilities. The playful, cartoon-like designs of our chunky vehicles, characters and play sets make them irresistible to preschoolers, and parents love the eco-friendly, kid-powered construction. So jump into a place where imaginations blossom as preschoolers and their grown-ups play and learn in the fresh air! Recommended for ages 3 and up.

Eco-Trucks are for digging, loading and dumping. That’s a tried-and-true formula for dirt pile and sandbox fun that we simply won’t mess with. Sprig Eco-Trucks are fully equipped with flip-open cabs and easy-grab handles, making each freewheeling vehicle inviting and a cinch to maneuver. The scooping action and rotating chassis of the Excavator turns serious digging into child’s play. The Loader does the trio’s heavy lifting, and the Dump Truck gets the job done with its tilting cab, locking bed and swing-out tailgate. The playful, cartoon-like designs of our chunky vehicles make them irresistible to preschoolers, and parents love the eco-friendly, battery-free, kid-powered construction. Recommended for ages 3 and up.
 

Story Builders are simple to use, these block & panel building sets are great for preschool kids to build and use their imaginations. Join Princess Penny to build a storybook palace or spend a day working with Ol’ Mac on the farm. Our “On the Go” story-building books are an ideal way to introduce children to classic stories they can re-enact over and over. These eco-friendly toys also work great with your existing train, car, and figure sets too. Our Story blocks are made from SprigwoodTM and the panels are printed on recycled paper using water based inks.


Any of these delightful, safe toys would make an excellent gift anytime or just as an "I love you" present.  I highly recommend these eco-friendly, creative toys!

The Giveaway:

Your own Dino Adventure Rig just like the one my daughter received and LOVES, a St. Eve Kids Cozy and a $10 Walmart Gift Card.

Playset Includes:

• 1 Adventure Truck
• 2 Dinosaurs - Mother and Baby
• 1 Adventure Guide - Rex Jungle
• 1 Adventure Hat - Interchangeable!
• 1 Backpack Accessory

Features:

• Active Play
• Storytelling
• Imagination
• Character Play
• Fine Motor Development

To Enter:

• Follow my blog and go to Sprig Toys and tell me one thing you would like to have.

Extra Entries (worth five entries each):

• Follow Sprig Toys on Twitter.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Become a fan of Sprig Toys on Facebook.
• Become a fan of Drama U for St. Eve Kids on Facebook
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily).
• Blog about this giveaway and leave your url address (can be done daily).
• Comment on any non-giveaway post.
• Enter any other giveaway.

Giveaway ends 1/25/09 at midnight.  Winner will be chosen by random.org.  US only please. 

Thanks for entering!


*Disclaimer:  I received two complimentary toys in exchange for this review.

PLEASE USE THIS FORM INSTEAD OF LEAVING COMMENTS BELOW THE POST.

7 Valentine's Day Giveaways Ending Tonight!

January

• Chocomize Two Personalized Chocolate Bars, $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate & Chocolate: A Love Story Recipe Book Giveaway 1/25/10
• Youthfultips Sprig Toys Dino Adventure Set, St Eve's Children's Cozy, & $10 Walmart GC 1/25/10
• YouthfulTips Eden Fantasys $25 GC & Sterling Silver Marcasite & Onyx Pendant Review & Giveaway 1/25/10
• YouthfultTips 4 Products from Skinfood Skincare, 3 Bottles of Perfume & $25 Kmart GC Giveaway 1/25/10
• YouthfulTips 2 $25 Fashion Playtes Gift Certificate Giveaway 1/25/10
• YouthfulTips Tiny Tree Boutique Pendant of Choice & $10 Shutterfly Gift Card 1/25
• YouthfulTips Green Mountain 3 Sampler Pack 1/25

Ficklets: Must Have Accessory for Children Wearing Eyeglasses

I have been tweeting a lot about Ficklets because I think it's a great self esteem builder for kids.  Ficklets is a new way to personalize and jazz up what would appears to be ordinary glasses.  These adorable eyewear charm huggers offers children a unique perspective in putting a little of themselves on something they wear every day. 

As a mother to three girls, I see the impact feeling good about themselves has on them as individuals.  None of my girls wears glasses but I do to read and at an early age, I was forced to wear them.  I hated them and seeing my niece having to wear them at the age of 12, I understand how self esteem can play an important role in such a delegate age.  Ficklets are innovative, inexpensive and such a great way to empower kids to be creative.

If you haven't checked them out yet, go to ficklets.com and see the great selection you can choose from.  Better yet, enter the giveaway and you can win a set here.

*Disclaimer:  I have not been compensated for this post.  I received a set via a prior giveaway I entered and love them.

Free Pizza Cutter from Hi-Tech Kitchenware

Free pizza cutter while supplies last here.

I signed up for it and there was a pop up which I closed out of and the form said it was submitted.

Go Colts!!!! & Gift Card Giveaway Update

I just jinxed the Colts as I was typing this, the Jets scored a beautiful touchdown.  No worries as I have all the faith in the world in the Colts!  Win or lose, I am a Hoosier always and will support the Colts!

In case you are reading this and wondered about my poll on preferences for a giveaway, I'm still waiting on Trimback to give me the card I won via a blogging contest.  I was going to take the $100 gift card to Walmart and give it away to one of my readers.  It will be three weeks this coming Thursday when they notified me of the win but still have not received a confirmation, an e-mail or nothing.  Want to see that gift card as a giveaway for two winners at $50 each?  Tweet them here and ask them to please turn it over!

Go Peyton!

Bare Escentuals Wants You to Rethink What Matters

Reflecting and escaping from all the things you have to do or all the things that are on your mind can be a healthy escape.  From time to time, it's important to stop your routine and rethink whether it's your own topics or with the assistance of someone else.  Bare Escentuals' new campaign is exactly geared towards creating thought provoking questions while getting you involved.

Rethink What Matters invites women nationwide to shake up their foundation and sound off on topics that are more than just skin-deep - from going bare in public to discussing what freedom really feels like.

Born from employees rethinking makeup itself – the beauty brand found looking good is not about using artificial gunk to cover imperfections, but about enhancing what you’ve got. In keeping with their wink-wink approach to marketing (Love Matte Campaign), Bare Escentuals will be unveiling thought-provoking taglines to help start honest conversations amongst girlfriends about what really matters. For instance, one reads “Rethink Going Bare in Public. BareMineral’s SPF15 Foundation feels completely weightless, but gives you all the flawless coverage you need. Like you are wearing nothing at all.”

Bare Escentuals will also be taking its message to the streets by dispatching Quickie Vans within select cities. Each van will feature a tagline (for instance, Rethink Going Bare In Public) to grab the attention of passers-by and pop up into a mini boutique with a team offering “make-unders” and samples. So stop by and "Rethink the quickie" for an impromptu make-under.

Not only do you get a chance to sound off and read what other women are saying nationwide but you could be a winner as 500 women will receive BareMinerals goodies for participating.  A few luckier women will receive bigger prizes and in March, the grand prize winner will receive their choice of a trip to places like Paris, Costa Rica, Turks and Caicos, Italy or Asia.

This week's questions involve Going bare in public.  Once you complete the questions, you can share via e-mail to your friends, on Facebook or Twitter.  Then you can submit your information and see if you are one of the lucky instant winners! 

In the meantime, need some tips and tricks, check out them out HERE.

Living with Less Contest

I am excited to share a fun opportunity with you!

To celebrate the release of Hearts at Home’s newest book: Living With Less So Your Family Has More, by Jill and Mark Savage, the Hearts at Home blog is launching the Living with Less Contest.

Email Hearts at Home a story or money-saving tip that gives a peek into your daily experiences representing the humor, richness, or spiritual aspects of what it’s like to live with less.

Better yet, blog readers will benefit as many of the money-saving entries will be posted on the Heart’s blog throughout the month of February!

For contest details go here!

Care.com, New Line Cinema and Warner Brothers Valentine's Day Contest

One lucky Grand Prize winner will receive a trip for two to Los Angeles, including round-trip airfare, a two-night hotel stay at the luxury SLS Hotel (http://www.starwoodhotels.com/luxury/index.html in Beverly Hills) with dinner for two at SLS’s Bazaar restaurant and a private VIP tour of the Warner Bros. Studio lot, where “Valentine’s Day” was filmed. Twelve finalists will each receive two tickets to see the film. In the spirit of Valentine’s Day, Care.com will also provide the winners with a free one-month premium membership to find that perfect babysitter.

HOW TO ENTER:

Enter at: www.facebook.com/caredotcom, and tell us your most romantic or funniest Valentine’s Day memory. All entries should be rated PG. The twelve finalists will be selected during the months of January and February 2010. One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the 12 finalists in February. Three Finalists will be selected by a panel of judges on or around each of the following dates: January 23, 2010, January 30, 2010, February 6, 2010, and February 13, 2010. One Grand Prize Winner will be selected from among the 12 Finalists on or around February 13, 2010. “

About Care.com:

Founded in 2006, Care.com is the largest and fastest growing service used by families to find high-quality caregivers, providing a trusted place to easily connect, share caregiving experiences, and get advice. Care.com addresses the unique lifecycle of care needs that each family goes through-child care, special needs care, tutoring and lessons, senior care, pet care, housekeeping, and more. Care.com helps families find and select the best care possible based on detailed profiles, background checks, and references for hundreds of thousands of mom-reviewed providers who seek to share their services. Through its Care.com for Recruiters service, Care.com also enables companies to find high-quality caregiving employees.
 
Good luck!
 

Public Service Campaign: Protect Your Little One's Hearing

Global Influence and the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASLH) have teamed up with bloggers to spread the word about dangerous effects of loud noises.

Whether your child received an MP3 player, gaming device, cell phone, laptop, or any other device with headphones, don't overlook the important health threat of hearing loss. Now is the time to reach out to other parents about the importance of hearing loss prevention, the damaging effects of excessive media consumption, and the resources available to them through ASHA. 

Here are two simple ways to protect your children's - and your own - hearing.

1. Keep the volume down. A good guide is half volume.
2. Limit listening time. Give your hearing 'quiet breaks'.

Find more information and statistics at ASHA's website. You can also follow their Twitter feed or fan them on Facebook to get real time updates on their work.

**********

Read on for more information about a common culprit in potential hearing loss:

Did you know that when MP3 players are purchased as gifts, the majority of purchasers are moms? That finding emerged at the Mommy Tech summit at the recently concluded Consumer Electronics Show.

But do you know about the potential risks? Kids often don't know how to use audio technology safely and they can harm their hearing as a result. In fact, hearing loss among young people is reported to be on the rise and there are strong concerns that a generation of young people could end up with prevalent hearing loss.

"For some time, the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) has warned that hearing loss in the United States could rise significantly due to the misuse of personal audio technology," ASHA President Tommie L. Robinson, Jr. explains. "Unfortunately, a report released today by the Kaiser Family Foundation cites some alarming trends about excessive entertainment media consumption among our nation's children, indirectly supporting ASHA's concerns. This should be a warning to parents that they must regulate children's exposure and fully understand the potential health threats associated with misuse and over exposure to such technologies."

"ASHA will continue to bring these issues to the forefront and appreciates the Kaiser Family Foundation's contributions to the national dialogue," Robinson adds.

According to a 2004 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, children were reported as being exposed to 6 hours and 21 minutes of media (TV, music, internet, etc) per day. By 2009, this statistic had increased dramatically to 7 hours and 38 minutes per day. When media multitasking is taken into account, this leaps to 10 hours and 45 minutes per day. This massive consumption of media has led to decreased grades in school and ASHA contends it puts kids at an increased risk of hearing loss.

One thing that is clear from the study is that parents can be very positive influencers on how their children use entertainment media.

This really is a great awareness campaign so please share the information.  If you have a blog, participate in the great campaign.

* Disclosure:  I did not receive any compensation for this post. 

SproutBaby, Haiti & You

In an effort to provide relief to the youngest victims of the earthquake in Haiti, SproutBaby.com has announced that it will donate 10% of its proceeds from the month of January to aid the children of Haiti.

To jump-start its efforts, SproutBaby has already donated $1,000 to AmeriCares a nonprofit disaster relief and humanitarian aid organization which provides immediate response to emergency medical needs. AmeriCare volunteers and staff are working tirelessly to provide relief and supplies to the earthquake victims. The proceeds earned in January will also be shared with Partners in Health, an organization that works to bring modern medical care to poor communities in nine countries around the world. Partners in Healthy has been working in Haiti for more than 20 years to provide medical care, but is now overwhelmed and in need of assistance due to the recent tragic events.

Each purchase you make at SproutBaby.com, your online destination for eco-friendly products for mom and baby, is your chance to offer relief to the children of Haiti.

Remember Rainbow Brite? Free CD Pac Giveaway 2/6

Do you remember the Rainbow Brite dolls?  I do and I suppose that shows my age but that's okay because the 80's released such cool music that even my 21 year old likes some of it!  MomSelect and Hallmark have teamed up to let you know they are back!  Yes, you heard it!  Big, colorful hair with cute, furry pets and those awesome go-go boots of many colors.  I never had a Rainbow Brite Doll now that I think of it so I was deprived of the one on one pleasures but my two younger ones are in luck.

The new Rainbow Brite toys will be released in February at Toys-R-Us and Target (check for availability first).

Want to have some fun before the new toys are released?  Check out the new interactive FREE website that features animated videos, a theme song, games, coloring pages and so much more!  You have to play the Twinkle game at settings for easy, medium and hard, just about any age can play this fun game to catch the falling stars in bubbles.  This was my six year old's favorite to play.

Thanks to MomSelect and Hallmark, I will receive a CD pak with extra's to share so if you are interested in receiving one once I receive mine, leave a comment and I'll pick six winners via random.org.

*Disclaimer:  I will receive a CD of Rainbow Brite as a bonus for registering and writing this post. 

My SheSpeaks StriVectin SD Review & Update

Isn't it interesting that a cream that was created to reduce the depth, length, discoloration and rough texture of stretch marks turned out to be a cream that aids in anti-aging?  Klein-Becker, a research laboratory, initially developed this cream as a severe stretch mark treatment.  StriVectin is now available for treatment to include the hands and eyes. The accidental main ingredient is a peptide referred to as Pal-KTTKS.  Pal-KTTKS is an effective ingredient for reducing fine lines and wrinkles. It's found to promote a smoother, younger complexion quickly, without expensive and painful chemical peels, surgery or injections. This patented peptide solution is found in StriVectin-SD.

I've researched trying to find other reviews on the product and it has been mixed with half and half seeing differences.  For those with a change, it was around the two week mark or greater.  I'm ending week one of my complimentary review thanks to SheSpeaks.

The ingredients for StriVectin SD:

Deionized Water, C12-15 Alkyl Benzoate, Sesame Oil, Caprylic/Capric Triglyceride, Sweet Almond Oil, Cetearyl Olivate, Sorbitan Olivate, Striadril Complex (consisting of Phyllanthus Emblica Fruit Extract, Siegesbeckia Orientalis Extract, Polyglyceryl Methacrylate, Propylene Glycol, Palmitoyl Oligopeptide, Glucosamine HCL, Algae Extract, Yeast Extract, Urea, Butylene Glycol,DMDM Hydantoin, Hydrocotyl Extract, Coneflower Extract, Hydrolyzed Wheat Protein, Hydrolyzed Wheat Starch, Imperata Cylindrica Root Extract, Bearberry Extract and Licorice PTH), Glycerin, PPG-12/SMDI Copolymer, Glyceryl Stearate & PEG-100 Stearate, Cocoa Butter, Stearic Acid, Shea Butter, Tocopheryl Acetate, Mango Butter, Peppermint Oil, Methylparaben, Xanthan Gum, Propylparaben, Triethanolamine, Butylene Glycol, Disodium EDTA, Retinyl Palmitate, Tetrahexyldecyl Ascorbate.

Klein Becker's proprietary ingredients in Striadil Complex (part of StriVectin SD) is patented.

My Review:

It has an odor to it but it's not really unpleasant and it goes on smooth and non-greasy which I like.  Even though the one ounce bottle is small, it will last a long time as it doesn't take a lot to cover.

It's been only one week so I don't have anything to report but will continue to provide updates.

Update:

I had to quit using the StriVectin around my eyes due to my sensitive skin.  It doesn't tolerate many products if I use it frequently.  Since then, I apply it only on my forehead area, my upper lip (small creases appearing) and the upper chest/lower neck area where I have intense sun damage.

After using it there for over two weeks, I am noticing subtle changes in the texture with a diminished small line appearance.  I will continue to provide updates so stay tuned!

One Important Way to Extend Your Love

Don't you feel the love in the air with Valentine's Day approaching fast?  Having kids and a family, you feel the love all the time with those little eyes looking at you with so much adoration.  There is nothing that I won't do for my children and I'm sure if you have kids, you are the same.  I was just telling my oldest to take care of her skin as time goes by so fast and when you are young as she is, 21, you don't think about the future as it's hard to comprehend being 40, 50, 60 and so forth.  Taking care of yourself early not only includes being healthy and doing smart things like exercise but an often overlooked action we can take to extend our love beyond our time here, is to purchase life insurance.  The LIFE Foundation is encouraging everyone to look beyond the years and cover your family.  It's logical and sensible but often overlooked for many reasons. 

MomSelect Bloggers are teaming up with the non-profit LIFE Foundation to get the word out on the LIFE Foundation's Crazy4Love Photo Contest from now until February 19, 2010.

About the Contest

To get Americans thinking about life insurance as an expression of enduring love, the nonprofit LIFE Foundation is sponsoring the Crazy4Love Photo Contest. From now until February 19, we’re asking people to share digital photos that demonstrate how they’ve expressed their love to the ones they love. It can be a picture of you and your spouse or significant other. Or maybe a picture of you with your children or other close relatives or friends.

LIFE is interested in photos that capture the full range of emotions – from expressions of love that are crazy or embarrassing to ones that are romantic or tender. Your photo must be accompanied by a short caption – no more than 50 words – that describes what is particularly meaningful or memorable about the digitally captured, loving moment. Please make sure to include your name and email address in the caption, so we have a way of contacting you if your photo is selected as one of the winners. LIFE is collecting entries on the popular microblogging website tumblr.com. Please read the next section for information on how to enter the Contest.

How to Enter (http://www.insureyourlove.org/):


The deadline to submit entries is February 19, 2010.

1. Read the Contest Rules. Please note that you may only submit one photo.
2. View the example below on how to send a valid submission which must include your name, email address and a description (50 words or less) telling us why this is a meaningful or memorable moment. Then visit www.lifefoundation.tumblr.com/submit
3. After entering the information and clicking the submit button, your photo will post to http://www.lifefoundation.tumblr.com/ once it's been approved by the moderator. This means you may not see it appear at first until it has been approved.
   

The Grand Prize winner, as determined by the LIFE Foundation, will receive a $1,000 Travelocity gift certificate toward a romantic getaway. LIFE will also award five runners-up with $100 American Express gift cards.



*Disclaimer:  I received nothing for this blog post.  I am entering a contest to win a $250 American Express gift card and Insure Your Love family Gift Basket filled with Valentine's Day-themed children's books, DVDs and toys.

Design & Win Your Valentine's Day Look at FashionPlaytes

Create your perfect Valentine's Day look and share it with FashionPlaytes! Four lucky winners will be selected -- one every week starting January 19th until February 14th. The winning designers will get their designs produced and shipped to them, absolutely free!

To enter the contest:

1. Go to FashionPlaytes and design your own unique Valentine's Day shirt or dress.
2. Save your design to your collection
3. Click the “share” button & send to weeklydesign@fashionplaytes.com.

Happy designing and good luck!

Get FREE shipping on all orders over $35! Use discount code ship35 at checkout.

Contest Rules: Designs must be received by midnight EST each Saturday between January 19, 2010 and February 13, 2010 to be considered for the prior week's design contest. The winner will receive her design produced and shipped to her at no charge and may be selected to appear on the website as Fashion Playtes' “Designer of the Week”.


Winners will be selected by the design team at Fashion Playtes and any ties will be decided by Sarah McIlroy, CEO of Fashion Playtes. We ask winning designers (and parents) to submit a photo of the designer in her creation to include on our site.

The Next Giveaway Poll: You Decide

I've decided to send out some reader loyalty love.  You get to decide the next giveaway so all you have to do is leave a comment and let me know which giveaway you want to see.

1. $100 Walmart Gift Card
2. Two $50 Walmart or One $50 Walmart and One Macy's Gift Card to Two Winners
3. Four $25 Walmart Gift Card to Four Winners
4. $100 Fashion Playtes Gift Card
5. Two $50 Fashion Playtes Gift Cards to Two Winners
6. Four $25 Fashion Playtes Gift Cards to Four Winners
7. EA Sports Active and EA Sports Active More Workouts

Stay tuned for the results and encourage others to vote!

Free Samples: IdeaPaint, True Lemon, Purex Complete

IDEAPAINT is a creative way to cover your walls and allow your kids or the artist in you to draw.  Per IDEAPAINT, "the family needs a better place to gather than in front of the TV. IdeaPaint can turn virtually anything you can paint into a high-performance dry-erase surface, giving your family a place to interact, communicate and fully explore your creativity. No matter where you use it, it can keep your family connected. Who knows, it may even help end the battle over the remote control."

Click here for a free swatch:  Samples & More

True Lemon

People love using True products for flavoring water (as alternatives to sweetened water enhancers, flavored waters, diet sodas or sweetened drinks) as well as for adding to their hot/iced teas, beverages or drinks. They're also great to season food with (especially for those following low-carb, low-fat and low-sodium diets), and for any recipe that calls for lemon or lime juice. Made with 100% all-natural ingredients, each packet has:

• Fresh-squeezed taste
• 0 calories, 0g carbs
• 0g sugars, no artificial or natural sweeteners
• No preservatives or sodium

100% guarantee of satisfaction .  For a free sample and coupons: True Lemon

Purex Complete 3-in-1

Want a free two pack?  Click here to receive it:  Purex Complete 3-in-1

If Mama Ain't Planning 2010 Devotional/Organization Review

If Mama Ain’t Planning, 2010: Daily Devotional Planner

Format: e-book

Price: $9.99

Available at: If Mama Ain’t Planning!

Affiliate Program also available!

This is a Mama Buzz review. The product was provided by:  Anitra Elmore for this review.

About the Author:

Anitra Elmore has two children and has been married for 15 years.  She has a Master's Degree in Elementary Education, a Bachelor's Degree in Sociology, and has completed courses at Masters International School of Divinity.

Anitra combines her passions for writing, teaching and encouraging women, while blogging at If Mama Ain't... (because if mama ain't right, things can go terribly wrong) and The MamaZone (where you'll find great T.I.D.B.I.T.S to make your mama-life easier). She has participated in various capacities of ministry for the last 17 years and currently lives in North Carolina with her family.

The Review:

The If Mama Ain't Planning 2010 is truely a unique experience at least for me who is raising the bar of spiritual enrichment.  I have always considered myself a Christian but lacked the Biblical teachings to fully understand the Christian experience of learning and studying the Bible.  I have a friend who hammers me constantly about reading and studying the Bible every day and although I have good intentions, I always seem to fail.  That is the main reason I wanted to participate in this review. After reading If Mama Ain't Happy, I realized everything Anitra stated was true.  There is so much weight on being the mama of the house and whether we like it or not, our actions do reflect upon everyone in the house.  For myself, I am more than happy to serve this role.  After I read all about Anitra's take on If Mama Ain't Happy, I knew this was for me.

The eBook contains:

• 12 monthly devotional articles
• 12 month-at-a-glance calendars
• A prayer focus for each month
• A spiritual habit for each month
• 3 key memory verses per month
• Reflect, Project and Connect each month
• Space for what you must do and might do
• Space for daily meal planning
• Space for weekly goals
• Print all at once or one month at a time
• Supplemental pages added to the website regularly (see Stay Updated tab
  

Every portion of the contents of the eBook is arranged in a great user friendly manner.  Each area is inspirational to encourage spiritual learning.  The idea of incorporating devotional time into getting organized is logical yet I never thought about connecting the two.

Devotional Reading:

Each month, there is a devotional reading.  This sets the stage for the theme to focus on to maximize your learning and organizational time.  The thought provoking questions also reinforces the need to study and ponder what you just read.  The area for notes and reflection is also nice as you will have the ability to not only capture your thoughts but it's a resource to refer to in the future.

Monthly Calendar:

The ability to see the months at a glance is another nice feature of this eBook.  The calendar's aspects encourages reflection of the prior month by jotting your honest thoughts.  Anitra also encourages the reader to consider what you want to see for that particular month.  Given that I'm a novice at devotion, I really appreciated the section suggestions on readings.  The beauty of the eBook it tries to help with suggestions versus mandates.  This allows for any level of spirituality to partake and learn.  The three memory versus are also excellent in increasing your knowledge of scripture.

The monthly prayer encourages the reader on what to focus on or by using the theme, it will help to guide the prayers. 

The area on walk  also promotes the reader in developing key spirtual habits or disciplines.

Weekly Calendar:

This area breaks it down even further in order to concentrate fully with key versus and goals, suggested reading and dailly reminders, must do and might do items to help with organization and even a menu section to record your daily food ideas or intake.

Supplement Pages:

The supplemental pages are equally nice to have.  The Task Tracker is something I can use for work, at home and for my blog.  I know I can definitely put the Weight Tracker to good use since I'm trying to get healthier.  There is a Full Year on One Page option and a Grocery List.  I like the set up of the grocery list which again, helps you to get and stay organized. 

eBook Instructions:

The instructions for printing is very easy to understand and they are flexible in allowing the reader to choose how they want to format their printed information.  The helpful hints are logical and appreciated such as ensuring you have enough ink in the printer to holding everything in a binder for easier organization of the eBook.

I really enjoyed using the eBook this past week.  I learned a lot, it encouraged me in furthering my devotional time as well as it did help to organize my busy life by writing out what I had to do and categorizing into what was a must do versus a might do.

I would encourage this great eBook for anyone interested in increasing their spiritual knowledge while organizing their lives.  It really does go hand in hand and Anitra does a fantastic job in making this path forward easy and practical.  I would love to see a kid's version!

10% of proceeds go to Friends of Mirembe in support of the African Children's Choir.

You can find Anitra's writings online at Blissfully Domestic, Gospel360 Online and Faith Writers.

Win Your Own HP Mini or a Cottonelle Gift Basked Just by Commenting

Don't forget to comment for the Simplify Your Life post for a chance to win one of 3 HP Mini's being given away!  Winners will be announced 1/29 so hurry and comment!

Click HERE and leave a comment.

Also, MomBloggerClub and Cottonelle have teamed up and some lucky readers will be randomly chosen to receive one of 10 gift baskets.  Winners will be chosen on 1/29 so hurry!

Click HERE and leave a comment.

        

Albert Pujols Fan?

If you are a Albert Pujols fan, don't miss this great Pssst opportunity to win an autographed Wheaties FUEL box.

Read more from Pssst:

Ready to jump-start your fitness-related New Year’s resolution? Take a cue from one of today’s top athletes — first baseman and three-time baseball MVP winner Albert Pujols — who helped co-create Wheaties FUEL™, the newest Breakfast of Champions® cereal. You can even enter to win an Albert Pujols autographed Wheaties FUEL box…keep reading!

Albert worked closely with his Wheaties FUEL teammates — Peyton Manning, triathlete Hunter Kemper, Kevin Garnett, gold medal-winning decathlete Bryan Clay, and sports nutritionist Dr. John Ivy — to develop the new cereal now available at your local grocery store. Wheaties FUEL is a lightly sweetened, crunchy whole wheat flake with crispy rice and a touch of honey and cinnamon, and is the first-ever cereal designed from the ground up by an elite champion co-creation team to help meet the nutritional needs of today’s athletes. Each serving contains whole grains and 100 percent recommended Daily Value of five B vitamins, and is an excellent source of fiber — a combination engineered to deliver long-lasting energy and help fuel your wins!

View this exclusive video message from Albert now, and be one of the first to see his new Wheaties FUEL box! And, if you become a fan at www.Facebook.com/Wheaties you can download a product coupon.

Click HERE to join Pssst!

CoverGirl ShineBlast Lip Gloss Review

My oldest is always looking for that great new lip gloss or product that adds some shimmer without the greasy, filmy feel.  She's almost addicted to lip gloss as she is with chocolate.  So far, unlike chocolate, she's not found that magic product.  When Shine sent three CoverGirl ShineBlast Lip Glosses for review as my next Beauty Guru assignment, I grabbed her and my husband to help test out the ShineBlasts.  Okay, I didn't make him try it on rather I did make him endure the face twisting, arm turning request of 'let me kiss you to see how much comes off.'

Container:

The difference with Covergirl ShineBlast is in the applicator (coming up next).  The twist off applicator prevents excess lip gloss as it's pulled out of the sleek container. It doesn't pull out smoothly and has a little resistence but this is not an issue for me as I would rather have just the right amount of gloss versus too much which not only wastes the product but leaves an unnatural appearance. 

Applicator:

The applicator is definitely slimmer on the end and was at the right angle for easy, precise application.  Covergirl states this "features a breakthrough ShineSculpt applicator expertly designed to hug the contours of your lips and its tapered tip is perfect for precise shaping."

Fragrance:

Each of the three ShineBlast I received had a different fragrance and unfortunately, the one my daughter preferred has no name so I am unable to provide that shade.  The other two are Ignite and Ember.  I didn't notice any different smell but I liked the berry aroma each one had.

Coverage:

The gloss went on smooth and what we both liked was it did not leave a greasy, film to our lips.  Many lip glosses leave behind an unpleasant taste or a waxy film behind.  I thought the texture, taste and smell were perfect.  CoverGirl provides tips on getting the maximum results from the ShineBlast Lip Gloss:

• For a daytime look: just apply the gloss to the top lip, then kiss the bottom lip for a wearable high shine.
• For a super sexy, pouty look: dab an extra amount on the center of the bottom lip for a high shine focal point.
• To make your gloss last longer: apply a thin layer of lip liner in the shade of your natural lip color, all over your lip.  This will help the gloss wear longer.

For me, this was different from applying other lip glosses as one application from the container would suffice for both the upper and lower lip.  With the CoverGirl ShineBlast Lip Gloss, you only need to apply on the upper lip unless you opt for the "super, sexy, pouty look."  Each application was enough for one lip, not both.  If the tips are followed, this isn't an issue.

The polymer and oil-rich formula delivers the high shine with luminescent droplets of pearlized pigment.

The high gloss coverage appearance doesn't last long but I could still feel it on my lips for about an 30 minutes.  It does come off with contact but in all fairness, the product is not marketed to resist rubbing off.

Two of the three shades had a rosy or red appearance and the third, Ember, was semi-clear.  There was a slight coloring with the unknown shade and Ignite.  The array of fun shades leave a subtle wash of coloring on your lips that givess you a more natural look but with knock out shine.


The 16 shade palette was co-designed with Celebrity make-up artist Pat McGrath to give you a blast of shimmer behind the shine.

Overall:

My daughter recommends the CoverGirl ShineBlast Lip Gloss.  She thought the coverage was just right, it didn't leave a heavy feel and the amount of gloss was ideal for her complexion and tastes. 

I also recommend CoverGirl ShineBlast Lip Gloss due to the lightweight feel, fun vast array of shades, the taste and how my lips feel more moisturized.  I would like for the gloss appearance to last a little longer but overall, it's a good new product that is designed perfectly for the contours of my lips.  The small container makes it easy to conceal if you are going out on the town or just want to throw it in your purse or slip in a pocket. 

Extra:

• Visit CoverGirl for the latest Beauty Buzz, Looks, Tips and more.
• Check out the MakeUp Mirror where you can upload a picture and try out the hundreds of shades available.
• Join the CG Text Club for specials and tips.
• To purchase, go here: http://www.covergirl.com/products/product.jsp?productId=shineblast_lipgloss

*Disclaimer:  I was provided three complimentary shades of CoverGirl ColorBlast Lip Gloss in exchange for my review and opinion.

BzzAgent and Philips Lifeline Review with Coupon

BzzAgent's latest campaign that I'm participating in is the Philips Lifeline.  This is an important one to me as I have two elderly parents that I worry about.  My primary concern is my father who, in his 70's, is still active but I always worry about him falling or being alone while my mom is away.  When I signed up for the Phillps Lifeline campaign, I received the special Lifeline Phone with a Timex special watch that has an alert button for help.

Setup:

The setup was effortless.  All I had to do was follow the easy to read instructions to set up the phone.  Once I set up the phone, I had to hit the panic button to have a representative from Phillips Lifeline call me back.  The representative was very friendly and professional.  He was also patient in ensuring that all the information they had was correct and offered tips and suggestions in ensuring the appropriate help would be sent pending the potential emergency.  He was thorough in the instructions and ensured all my questions were answered.  I was impressed with the level of customer service exhibited by this agent.

Active:

Once I provided the phone and watch to my parents, it was again, easy for them to undertand the process.  Luckily, we've not had to utilize the service and you are free to test the service to ensure it's in working order.  My father's only complaint is he wishes the watch had some protective functionality as he's always worried he will set off the button.  I explained to him that the agent said to not worry if that happens.

As of date, I would recommend the service for peace of mind if something happens to where your loved one is alert enough to be able to push the panic button.  The watch is a nice feature in that no matter where they are in the house or yard, they will be able to receive help if needed.

If you would like to learn more, visit Philips here:  http://www.lifelinesys.com/

Trusted by Doctors, Hospitals and Professional Caregivers: Philips Lifeline, the #1 medical alert service, is easy-to-use and designed to reduce the risk of living alone. In the event of a fall or an emergency, help is available at the push of a button. The Lifeline Personal Help Button connects you to a trained Personal Response Associate who can send help quickly - 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Click here for a valuable coupon for free activation.

*Disclaimer:  As a BuzzAgent participant, I received the Philips Lifeline phone and watch system in exchange for my trial period and review.  At the end of the trial offer, I have the option to keep the unit at a cost or I can return the unit.  I was not financially compensated for this review.