Tidbits From A Mom

Sweetest Kid Photo Contest

2012-02-10T11:50:00.000-05:00

Enter your kid's photo now! Guaranteed cash is waiting for you! It's so easy to enter and free!

Funny Irish T-shirts Review

2012-02-09T21:40:00.000-05:00

St. Patrick's Day will be here in a little over a month. I have never owned any St. Patrick's clothing or jewelry - nothing festive! How boring! I have seen people wear funny Irish t-shirts in the past and I was definitely happy to have the opportunity to review one.

I recently received the "I'm Irish, Do I Get A Free Beer?" t-shirt (as seen in the photo above) from Foul Mouth Shirts to review. The t-shirt I received is black. The t-shirt fit fine and the quality of the t-shirt is good. In checking out the Foul Mouth Shirts website, I was a little shocked at the language, but I guess that's why they named it "Foul Mouth Shirts!" It makes sense :) I guess I'm a bit more conservative than these shirts. Considering I have young children, my husband and I wouldn't be customers here. However, people who are younger and single may be a better fit of clientele.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Find the best online deals with dealnews!

2012-02-09T16:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of dealnews for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

After working a full day, helping with homework, cooking dinner, doing daily chores, putting the kids to bed, and blogging, I do not have a lot of extra time on my hands. If I do, I do not want to spend it on the Internet looking for good deals. I am certainly all about saving money, but I just do not have the time to compare prices online.

dealnews is a site that gives you the best deals on all the hottest electronics, clothing, footwear, travel, etc. on a daily basis. They search over 2,000 retailers and thousands of product and service deals in order to tell you about the best deals that are happening. dealnews caught my attention because they are doing all the work for me and saving me time, which is a definite plus. With dealnews, you are able to learn about deals that are typically only available on Black Friday!

The deals in which I am most interested in hearing about are clothing deals. My family and I are going away on vacation and we all need spring clothes. I have lost weight and need new shorts. My son and daughter need both shorts and shirts. My husband needs shirts. These new clothes could cost us a small fortune if we do not pay attention to current deals and I need to make sure I take advantage of the ones I hear about! For example, as I was searching today, I found a great deal for clothes from Carter’s for my son. 40% off clothing online and at retailer locations plus $10 off your order of $50 or more! This is an awesome deal!

I would love to hear from you what you think of dealnews. Check them out and let me know what awesome deal(s) you found!

Book Review & Giveaway: Girl Land

2012-02-08T21:16:00.001-05:00

I am no different than any other mother raising a daughter. I hope and pray that my daughter will grow up to be a strong, independent, well-adjusted woman. There are so many days when she the things she does and the comments she makes bring me back to my own childhood. Times are drastically different nowadays, but then again, many things are the same. For example, the whole world of technology instantly changes the manner in which children experience the world and shape who they are. However, in talking to my students everyday, they often complain about the same exact things I complained about so many years ago.

Since I am so interested in learning about other people and why people are the way they are, I was really interested in reading Girl Land, written by Caitlin Flanagan. Flanagan defines Girl Land as the period of time when a girl leaves childhood and enters womanhood. Girls experience tremendous physical, emotional, and social changes that shape who they become as women. Flanagan discusses how Girl Land has vastly differed from generation to generation. She discusses the following in detail in terms of what girls face: dating, menstruation, diaries, sexual initiation, and proms.

I found this book fascinating. I really enjoyed reading about the history behind dating in our culture, how menstruation was taught over the years, the social-emotional purpose of diaries for girls, and how proms came to be a custom. Sexual initiation is a topic that I knew more about with respect to our culture and how sexual behavior has been viewed in the past and how it is viewed presently. I felt this book was engaging - Flanagan discusses events from her own life that bring the reader in.

Girl Land has given me a great deal to think about with respect to my own daughter. I know that my daughter is going to be entering the most confusing, emotional time of her life and I want to be able to help her through it and provide support. Obviously there will be mistakes along the way because no parent is perfect, but I want to be able to understand her world and how she views it. I imagine this can only help. I strongly recommend reading Girl Land if you are the mother, grandmother, or aunt of a young girl.

I am very pleased to have the opportunity to host a giveaway for Girl Land. Three lucky Tidbits From A Mom readers will win their own coy of Girl Land. Simply complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free copy of the book for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Winter Blast of Cash GIveaway sign-ups are open!

2012-02-07T21:27:00.000-05:00

Winter Blast of Cash Giveaway sign-ups are open at Giveaway Promote. I’ve signed up and will be participating! JOIN ME! The event will be held from February 20th-March 4th. There is an increasing cash prize, currently at $350. When you sign up, tell them that I sent you!

Prepare for Blogging Conferences with Tiny Prints Business Cards!

2012-02-06T21:20:00.002-05:00

I am dying to go to a blogging conference. Each year, I read other bloggers’ posts and see all their wonderful pictures and I am so jealous. I think it would be wonderful to get together with other people who are as interested in the blogging world as I am. I do not have business cards yet for Tidbits From A Mom. I have different cards for my small jewelry business, but have yet to design them for my blog.

If I can have my way, I would like to attend BlogHer this summer. I know I have to have plenty of business cards on hand and I need to make a lasting impression with the people I meet. Even if I have a great conversation with someone, I need my business card to be memorable as well. They need to be able to look at my card and have our conversation stand out of the crowd. Tiny Prints has so many beautiful business card designs from which to choose – it’s hard to make a decision. Tiny Prints has a variety of ways to personalize your card, including the shape, color, design, paper type, and size.

Tiny Prints has an easy to use website. I have had fun creating all sorts of business cards that are “in the running” as my business card of choice. I have created cards with my logo and without the logo. I like simple cards that are classy. I imagine there are many bloggers out there who have advice for me and I would love to hear it! Should I choose bright colors or more subdued colors?

Here are a few of the designs I like the most:

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I have written this post in partnership with Tiny Prints and I am receiving free business cards as compensation. The opinions expressed here are my own and are not altered by compensation.

Smiley Cookie Valentine's Day Cookies Review & Discount Code

2012-02-02T21:58:00.002-05:00

My family has a wicked sweet tooth. We don’t discriminate – cookies, cakes, pies, candy…we love them all. We balance our love of sweets with a healthy diet so that when we do indulge, we don’t feel as guilty and we can maintain our weight. We were given the opportunity to review Valentine’s Day Cookies from Smiley Cookie last week. I had never tried cookies from Smiley Cookie before and I was pretty excited. I have read so many positive comments on others’ blogs, but I certainly wanted to taste for myself.

When I first opened the adorable box, my daughter and I both said “WOW!” The cookies were huge! I was certainly impressed, but would their taste live up to my expectations? Absolutely!! Yes! They were delicious! I was pleasantly surprised at how soft the cookies were. I thought they were going to be harder. My daughter and I both loved the frosting as well. The remaining cookies were scarfed down my neighbors that same evening with rave reviews!

What is wonderful about these heart shaped cookies is that they are not seasonal items on the Smiley Cookie website. They are available year round! Valentine’s Day is fast approaching and Smiley Cookie has a Valentine’s Day Gift Basket available for your loved one. This would be such a nice surprise for anyone :)

Discount Code: Smiley Cookie is offering you 10% off your cookie gifts when you use the coupon code "BLOG10" at checkout!

Follow Smiley Cookie on Facebook!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Forgiveness is No Small Task

2012-02-02T10:25:00.002-05:00

I read a great post this morning on the topic of forgiveness at Welcome to my La-La Land. It made me think about the people in my own life that I can’t seem to find forgiveness for as well as my inability to forgive myself. I’ve heard of people who are able to forgive others for the most heinous crimes. Why is it that I can’t seem to find it in me to forgive a family member for wronging my family? It wasn’t like a heinous crime, but it felt like being stabbed in the chest.

In retrospect, the people that I have forgiven throughout my life have shown remorse. They have been truly sorry – not just saying it to move through the problem. They have also shown me they are sorry through their behavior. They change the way they act or at least show me that they are trying. However, with this particular family member, she does not see how she hurt those around her. She doesn’t accept responsibility. She doesn’t show remorse. So….how can I forgive that? How can I just pretend that she didn’t hurt us? Do I just sit at the Thanksgiving dinner table and make idle chit chat. I can’t...So, does that mean that I am an awful person? I think I’m a pretty good person and I want to surround myself with people that treat us well.

We only live once. One time to get it right. I don’t want to live my life second guessing this person and waiting for @%#^ to hit the fan again. It is inevitable that it will again. I can’t afford to have toxicity around me. Maybe in time, we will be on speaking terms with this family member. That will be a baby step. Then, in time, maybe there will be another baby step. But, really - who knows?

As far as forgiving myself, I think I will have to take one issue at a time. Even though I am young, I have many regrets. Regrets about things I have done and things I didn’t have the guts to do. I have tried to live my life honestly and be true to myself. I think that I will forgive myself in time. I need to keep in mind that I have always tried to make the right decisions and that I had the best intentions at heart. I guess that's the best I can do for now.

Sneakpeeq - 2 Free Friendship Bracelets + $10 Credit

2012-02-01T14:25:00.000-05:00

sneakpeeq is giving all NEW members 2 FREE Badges of Friendship Bracelets! Plus, it gets better - NEW members also get $10 FREE to use on their first sneakpeeq find!

Free RecipeLion Valentine's Day eCookbook!

2012-02-01T14:22:00.000-05:00

Free eCookbook Sweets for Your Sweet: 22 Cute Dessert Recipes for Valentine's Day, featuring 36 pages of dessert recipes!

Facebook Amazon Blast - Win $100 Amazon Gift Card!

2012-02-01T00:00:00.000-05:00

Win a $100 Amazon Card in the Facebook Amazon Blast! You could buy a great Valentine’s Day gift with this money! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

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Savvy Rest Soap Shape Pillow Giveaway!

2012-01-31T20:43:00.000-05:00

I recently reviewed Savvy Rest's Soap Shape Pillow. Read my review here. I have great news! Savvy Rest has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for a Soap Shape Pillow! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Family Moved - Guest post written by Arnoldo Acevedo

2012-01-31T12:43:00.000-05:00

My family and I recently moved into a new home and I made sure we had direct tv Austin all hooked up before the first box was even unpacked. It's hilarious because we have become obsessed with singing talent shows as a family… Everything from American Idol all the way through the X factor wrap our attention any like to watch them together as a family and vote on who we think will win. I don't think it's the worst thing in the world to watch competition shows with your family in my kids could be doing much worse things with their time than hanging out with their parents. I love having a TV show or two that we can all agree on and sometimes we even watch after dinner. The kids aren’t usually allowed to have TV although I think it’s great for us to have a show they can watch sort of as a treat. I think giving them the trust to watch what they want is important because it shows them we believe in them.

*Disclaimer: I received monetary compensation for this post.

Oliver’s Labels Review

2012-01-30T21:52:00.002-05:00

It is essential to label your child’s belongings when they go to daycare or school. My son goes to a home daycare with other little boys and it is inevitable that, on occasion, sweatshirts and sippy cups get mixed up. I really do not like writing on belongings with marker…Maybe that’s just my OCD . I have seen other parents who have printed, colorful labels for their children’s belongings and I have always wondered whether they hold up in washing and normal wear and tear.

I had the opportunity to review personalized labels from Oliver’s Labels recently and experiment with them for myself. In personalizing the labels, I was able to choose the name typed on them as well as a design theme. I chose my son’s nickname and the “Transportation” theme. I received a pair of shoe labels, mini labels, original size labels, and clothing labels. I placed the clothing labels on his sweatshirts and the shoe labels on his shoes (obviously). I placed the original size labels on his sippy cups and the mini labels on the underside of his toys. His daycare provider was really happy to see this!

I was most interested in seeing whether the labels lasted under the normal wear and tear of the week as well as held up in the wash. I figured the mini labels and shoe labels would hold up, but I was a little skeptical about the clothing labels and the original labels. I was pleasantly surprised to see that both held up in the washing machine and the dishwasher. The labels still look awesome! My son loves that he has little pictures of trucks, trains, cars, and motorcycles on his cups and giggles that they are in his shoes as well!

*Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Deal or No Deal - Play for Free!

2012-01-30T17:51:00.002-05:00

Play Deal or No Deal for Cash and Prizes on GSN!

New Coupons from Coupons.com!

2012-01-30T17:32:00.001-05:00

$0.30 off 4 oz. or larger HARIBO product
$1.00 off any JOSÉ OLÉ brand item
$1.00 off 1 Cream Cheese w/1 Keebler Toasteds
$0.40 off one Frigo Cheese Heads String Cheese
$3.00 off when you buy Citracal and Bayer
$1.00 off eighteen cans of Elegant Medleys
$1.00 off twenty-four cans of Fancy Feast
$2.00 off twelve Mighty Dog cans or pack
$1.00 off one bag Fancy Feast Dry Cat Food
$2.00 off any one (1) Clearasil PerfectaWash
$1.00 off one bag of M&M'S Pretzel
$1.00 off ONE 6-pack Snapple Tea
$0.55 off Florida's Natural Ruby Red Juice
$1.00 off Cat's Pride cat litter
$0.75 off any TWO (2) Bagel-fuls (4ct)
$1.00 off two (2) packages of ARMOUR Pepperoni
$0.50 off 5 Campbell's Spaghetti0's pasta
$1.00 off ON ANY ONE (1) GARNIER FRUCTIS STYLE
$1.00 off ON ANY ONE (1) GARNIER FRUCTIS SHAMPOO
$0.50 off ONE MARIE CALLENDER'S FRUIT PIE
$1.00 off any TWO (2) UNCLE BEN'S Whole Grain

Vistaprint Snow Day Ideas! Day 1: Magnets as drawing boards!

2012-01-30T08:56:00.000-05:00

On day one Vistaprint features Magnets! Order one with lots of blank space for drawing. When you need an activity, stick it to the fridge and let your kids draw their own artwork with dry erase markers! Kids can draw their own colorful artwork for display in your kitchen. Today they are 50% Off, with FREE Shipping! That's $4.99 for a small magnet (11.25" x 8.5") or $9.99 for a large one (17.3" x 11.25"), including free shipping!

Savvy Rest Soap Shape Pillow Review

2012-01-29T23:00:00.001-05:00

I fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow. I wake at 5am and drop at 10pm. If I am living it up, I am up until 11pm! My husband considers sleeping a talent for me. I can sleep any time of day, with noise, and after drinking coffee. My son, on the other hand, was a different story. As with many kids, once he started teething, he became a terrible sleeper. He hated his crib and ended up sleeping with me in my bed for months. Therefore, my husband and I slept very little for months! I am so happy to say that he has moved into his little racecar bed and sleeps like a champ now.

My son was very excited to receive his racecar bed and never asked to come in with us again. However, we still had one issue. We didn’t have a pillow that was appropriate for him. He loves to sleep on his stomach and all the puffy pillows we have seem as though they consume his little head. I was pleased to be introduced to Savvy Rest, a business that provides organic mattresses, pillows, and bedding.

Savvy Rest developed their products due to the concern that conventional mattresses contained toxic chemicals. I have to admit that I was never aware of this. It makes me wonder what is in my own mattress because I know it is not a natural mattress. As stated on Savvy Rest’s website – “In conventional mattresses, flame retardants have been identified as the biggest health threat to individuals. Conventional cotton culture is toxic to the planet, accounting for 30% of pesticide and herbicide use and a huge negative effect on ecosystems. Conventional wool processing releases harsh chemicals and solvents into the environment. And petroleum-based foams are common in furniture items, including many mattresses”. Why haven’t we heard about this before?? Savvy Rest’s products are all organic, including organic latex, cotton, and wool.

I chose to review Savvy Rest’s Soap Shape Pillow. I was really curious about each of their pillows; however, the concern about my son’s sleep was at the forefront of my mind. I was drawn to the Soap Shape Pillow because it is a low pillow and a good choice for young children who sleep on their stomachs. Also, “the Soft Dunlop molded latex design has hollow channels throughout to promote air flow”.

My first impression about the pillow when I received it was that it is heavier than what I am accustomed to. This makes sense considering my pillows are so fluffy. I tried the pillow out for myself prior to giving it to my son. I was pleasantly surprised that this low pillow provided so much support and comfort. I felt so relaxed! My son has been sleeping peacefully with his new pillow and I am resting easily as well knowing that it is organic!

Follow Savvy Rest on Facebook!

Follow Savvy Rest on Google +!

Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product from Savvy Rest for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are strictly my own.

Free Samples from FreeFlys!

2012-01-29T11:49:00.000-05:00

Free sample of Tena Twist
Free sample of Versace: Yellow Diamond Fragrance
Free sample of Depend
Coupon for a free Kraft Macaroni and Cheese Product
Free sample of Golf Pain Away

Diabetes Clinical Study Opportunity

2012-01-28T14:58:00.000-05:00

See if you qualify for a clinical research study on diabetes. If you qualify, you may receive monetary compensation, free medication and doctors care and more.

Blooms Today - 50% Off Valentine's Flowers & Gifts

2012-01-28T14:42:00.000-05:00

Receive 50% off from America's 4th largest online florist retailer! Send your loved one the perfect flower arrangement this Valentine's Day.

Prepare for First Communion with Communion Cards!

2012-01-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

My daughter is going to be making her First Communion in May. I participated in RCIA last year and had my First Communion last Easter. It was emotional for me, but I won’t get into that here. I am so happy for my daughter and I cannot wait for the big day. I have been thinking about ways in which I can make the day more special for her. We will certainly invite family and friends over for supper and a cake from our local bakery that will be personalized for her. She will receive gifts, of course, as well. But, I wasn’t sure if there is anything else I should do.

Maybe it was “divine intervention”, but I received an invitation to check out the Communion Cards. This invitation came at the perfect time! Communion Cards is a business that provides Invitations, Response Cards, Thank You Notes, Bookmark Keepsakes, and Candy Wrappers for First Communions. The designs are simply beautiful! They have Classic, Elegant, and Modern design themes. I found the perfect invitation for my daughter that is dark pink with a rosary necklace on it. I decided that even though we have a small family, it would be nice to send them a formal invitation. In addition, I can purchase Thank You Notes in the matching design! I was able to use the website easily in personalizing an invitation and a bookmark. I liked that I was able to preview the designs immediately and change the wording as I saw fit.

In visiting the website, I learned that Communion Cards has been in business since 1982. I think it’s wonderful that once you place your order, your order is printed on-site. Your order does not need to be sent to another facility, printed there, and then shipped. No middle man!

Communion Cards has affordable products that can add that extra touch of personalization to what I consider a very special day. Please consider checking them out if you are also preparing for your child’s First Communion.

*Disclaimer: I received monetary compensation for this post. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and are not influenced by compensation.

Bacon Wrapped Tees Review & Giveaway

2012-01-27T19:33:00.002-05:00

I know bacon isn’t exactly the healthiest of foods for you to eat, but oh my….I just love it so much. I splurge when I go out to breakfast. I have to have bacon with my omelette. These Funny Bacon T-shirts caught my eye and I just loved their tagline of “Everything Tastes Better Wrapped in Bacon”. Isn’t that the truth? I haven’t seen any t-shirts like this – they are definitely unique!

“At Bacon Wrapped Tees, we're on a mission to tell the world how funny a bacon t-shirt can be. We believe bacon is proof that god loves us and wants us to be happy. Our bacon shirts will not only put a smile on your face every time you wear them but will cause everyone that sees your bacon t-shirt to burst with joy!”

I reviewed the Bacon Elements t-shirt featured in the photo above. I admit that I am a little bit nerdy just a little :); therefore, this t-shirt is perfect for me. As you can see from the photo, the t-shirt spells “Bacon” using the periodic table. My t-shirt fit perfectly. In visiting their websites, I liked the fact that you can personalize your t-shirt by color. They have many options from which to choose, which was impressive. I saw many that made me chuckle. A few of them are posted below:

Bacon Wrapped Tees are eager to give customers a funny, entertaining t-shirt, but they are also committed to providing a quality experience. Their t-shirts will be printed and shipped within 24 hours!

Bacon Wrapped Tees has kindly offered to sponsor a giveaway for one of their t-shirts! One Tidbits From A Mom reader will win their choice of tee. Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

C3* for Stress Drink Mix Review & Giveaway

2012-01-26T17:11:00.000-05:00

Stress affects us all. No matter who you are, there is stress in your life. However, stress affects us all differently. Stress impacts our health, relationships, work and school performance, etc. There are a variety of ways that people can manage stress, including diet and exercise. Each individual needs to figure out what works best for them.

One of my New Year’s resolutions is to relax. This is probably the toughest resolution I have ever chosen because I am an anxious person by nature. I have stress throughout my day for numerous different reasons. The kicker is that I am a licensed mental health counselor! I am really trying very hard to listen to my own advice, but it can be difficult. One of the reasons why I am so stressed is due to the fact that there are simply not enough hours in the day to accomplish what I need to accomplish. My head is swimming with “To Do” Lists. While at work, I attempt to focus energy and attention on one thing and before I know it, someone is requesting something else, and then I am sidetracked.

I was intrigued when I heard about C3* for Stress, which is an all-natural lemon-lime drink mix that contains vitamins, minerals, and botanicals that help provide energy and keep you calm. “C3* keeps you focused allowing you to me more productive when you need it most and when you can’t afford to slow down”. This is sounded perfect for me and I was excited to be chosen to review the product.

More information about C3* for Stress:
• Conveniently packaged in single-serve packets, the drink mix can be enjoyed anytime, anywhere
• Works quickly within 15 to 20 minutes, yet is naturally gentle
• Stimulant- and sedative-free – your mind stays clear, focused, and alert
• All-natural, preservative free
• Sugar free; no artificial sweeteners
• 100% of the RDA of Vitamins B6, B12, Zinc, and Niacin
• Only 15 calories

I received a box of five packets to review. I tried my first packet while at work to see if it could really help me in focusing my attention and provide energy. I have to admit that I was slightly skeptical. I was pleasantly surprised to say that I did feel a burst of energy and I felt driven to accomplish my “To Do” list. I also initially thought that I would not like the taste since it is an all-natural product (sorry, I was being judgmental), but I was surprised once again. The lemon-lime taste was fine. I did feel a difference in the afternoon, once the effects wore off. Since I have more energy in the morning anyway, I decided that I should drink C3* for Stress in the afternoon when I need an energy boost.

In addition to the box of C3* for Stress, I received a ton of information about the botanicals that are included in C3* for Stress. This was truly educational for me because I am not knowledgeable about what botanicals can actually do for the body. For example, licorice root has been used for more than 2,000 years in Western and Eastern systems of medicine to ease anxious states and mild inflammation. This is only one example – there are actually 8 other botanicals included that have majors benefits for your body. I also learned some statistics about stress in general that were very informative. For example, 75% - 90% of all doctor’s office visits are for stress-related ailments and complaints. That’s amazing! If people could manage their stress better, imagine the benefits to the healthcare system!

If you want to read more about C3* for Stress and learn about stress and management tips, visit www.c3forstress.com!

Right now, C3* for Stress is FREE for new customers! You just need to pay shipping and handling! I am a new fan of C3* and loving the fact that I have an all-natural tool to help me through my day. This does not discount the fact that I need to eat a healthy diet and exercise to relax as well, but this is another tool that can be used without having to visit my doctor for a prescription.

I am very happy to have the opportunity to host a giveaway for you! One Tidbits From A Mom reader has the chance to win a $50 gift card to SpaFinder.com AND one month’s supply of C3* for Stress (two 15-packs)! This is a great giveaway so enter today by completing the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received free samples for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

American Family Sweepstakes - Win $50,000!

2012-01-25T11:25:00.000-05:00

Click HERE to enter the American Family Sweepstakes where you have the opportunity to win $50,000!

Action Campaign - Raising Awareness About Nyanya Project

2012-01-24T21:23:00.000-05:00

The Nyanya Project is a non-profit organization in North Carolina that assists grandmothers in raising their grandchildren who were orphaned as a result of AIDS. They help these women in forming working cooperatives, which help them earn money, healthcare, and education. The Nyanya Project has been operating a preschool in the slums of Kibera in Nairobi for the past three years. They would like to open a new school in Rwanda as well. The Nyanya Project has a goal of raising $20,000 by Mother’s Day 2012 - $20 for 1,000 people.

Learn more about the Nyanya Project at www.nyanyaproject.org and visit their ChipIn page at http://nyanyaproject.chipin.com/nyanya-project

Free Babytalk Magazine Subscription

2012-01-24T20:49:00.000-05:00

Get your FREE subscription to Babytalk Magazine today by clicking on the image above!

Free eCookbook - Mr. Food - Lighten Up

2012-01-24T20:40:00.000-05:00

20 Tasty & Healthy Recipes for the New Year from Mr. Food, features 20 pages of our favorite recipes made lighter + Mr. Food Recipe eNewsletter for FREE! Get this brand new FREE eCookbook collection full of exciting new recipes to brighten your 2012 mealtime line-up. In our latest eCookbook, the Mr. Food Test Kitchen has collected healthy versions of your favorite recipes, whether you're looking to lose weight or simply eat healthier. We've also got the tools you need to make healthy choices: each recipe in our Lighten Up! free eCookbook features complete nutritional information! From healthy appetizers & bites and soups & salads to easy main dish recipes and light easy desserts, these great-tasting recipes are also simple to make. The eCookbook has step-by-step instructions for easy recipes like Parmesan Spinach Dip (page 1), Fruit-full Tossed Chicken Salad (page 8), Guilt-Free Beef Stroganoff (page 14), Not Fried "Fried" Chicken (page 15), Peanut Butter Cup Pie (page 17), Lighter Chocolate Chip Cookies (page 20), and lots more.

Find Personalized Valentine's Day Gifts at the Personalization Mall!

2012-01-24T17:48:00.000-05:00

Find a huge selection of exclusive personalized gifts for Valentine's Day at the Personalization Mall! All the gifts are personalized for free! Click HERE to find a great gift!

Everyday with Rachael Ray Magazine Subscription for only $4.99!!

2012-01-24T09:10:00.001-05:00

Everyday with Rachel Ray Magazine Subscription, $4.99 with Coupon Code: 'EVERYDAY': (Up To 4 Years!) Click Here

Couponing: The Extreme Video Course Review

2012-01-23T21:55:00.001-05:00

I am newbie to the world of couponing. Sure, if I found a coupon in my local paper or a manufacturer’s coupon attached to a product, I would use it. But, I have not been actively seeking coupons on the Internet or reading through circulars each week. I have been naïve to the amount of money that can be saved! The truth is that my husband and I spend a ridiculous amount of money on our grocery bill every month and we need to make some drastic changes.

I had the opportunity to review Rayven Perkins’ Couponing: The Extreme Video Course. This course peaked my interest when I heard I could possibly save $5,000 per year on my grocery bill! Who wouldn’t be interested in hearing more? This course was comprised of 14 video segments plus 2 bonus videos, which included the following:

• Couponing Basics
• Collecting Coupons
• Organize Your Coupons
• 7 Rules of Couponing
• Double Coupons
• Free Item Coupons
• Shopping at Target
• Shopping at CVS
• Shopping at RiteAid
• Shopping at HEB
• Shopping at Walgreens
• Couponing Ethics
• YMMV – Your Mileage May Vary
• Your Stockpile
• Bonus Video: Other Food Savings
• Bonus Video: Resources

In addition to the videos, I received a free Companion Workbook in a PDF format. This has been great to have to turn to as a reference, so I don’t have to listen to the audio file all over again.

The videos were brief, yet comprehensive in explaining the basics to me. I think Perkins has done a fabulous job explaining how to go about acquiring coupons, storing and organizing them, and then finding the best deals possible. I really like how the Perkins discusses the best way to shop at CVS and RiteAid because I often shop in these two stores.

I have been so motivated to find any and every coupon possible within the past couple of weeks. I have been paying close attention to the papers and the circulars and even attempting to educate my husband. He is not as willing to change brands to save money, so I will need to impress him with a seriously lower grocery bill in order to catch his attention!

I also visited Perkins’ website - Stay A Stay At Home Mom, which was chock full of information for mothers who are trying to stretch every dollar and earn extra money from home. Perkins discusses many opportunities for mothers. It is definitely worth the time to check this site out for yourself.

*Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Goalforit Chore Chart Review

2012-01-22T20:47:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of lists and charts – it’s the OCD in me I guess. I often create behavioral charts for my students and my daughter has had chore charts in the past. One observation I have made is that my daughter, similar to so many other children, wants to earn money or a reward, but is not overly thrilled with completing the chores or maintaining the chart.

Goalforit is a website that allows parents and children to create personalized charts for behavior, chores, and goals. You can also create lists to help with organization. This website is perfect my family! I was most interested in creating a chore chart for my daughter because this is a daily/weekly struggle for us. I wanted to be able to create a chart that clearly lists what we expect of her.

The chart took just minutes to create – it was super easy. You are given two different chore chart options – one for kids and one for tweens and teens. My daughter is only eight, so I chose the chart for kids. I plugged in her name, age, gender, and how often I wished to receive an email to remind us about the chart (I chose weekly, although you do have the option of not having a reminder email sent at all).

You are provided a whole slew of design themes from which to choose. My daughter chose the “Rocker” because she stated that this is her “style”. We then selected the chores we wanted to include. I kept it fairly simple – I didn’t want her to take a look and groan when she saw it. After choosing all the tiles you would like added, you can easily maneuver the boxes so they are in the right order by clicking on the up and down arrows. You can also dictate on which days you would like certain chores completed. For example, I am only asking my daughter to help me with the laundry on Sundays. In addition to Chores & Responsibilities, there are categories for Behavior, Healthy Habits, and you are also given the option of creating your own custom tiles. Essentially, you can structure your whole child’s day on the chart. Once you have completed it, you have a colorful, fun chart for your child. The chart can be maintained online or printed out to place on the refrigerator.

One additional aspect of the chart that is worth mentioning is the ability to place weight on how much each chore/responsibility is worth in points. Points can be added towards a particular reward or they can represent the money that will be earned. This can certainly be very motivating for a child to see on their chart and help keep them focused on what they are working towards.

My daughter has reacted positively to her new chore chart. She states that it is “pretty” and she thinks it is “cool” that she can take care of it herself. I like the fact that it can be easily edited if we decide to change things around. I played around with creating a chart for my son for when the time is right to introduce one. We have yet to need one because he is so young, but once he is ready, I will certainly be inclined to create one on Goalforit!

*Disclaimer: I did receive monetary compensation for this post. I was asked to participate in this review as a Mom Select member. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Save on prescriptions with Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

2012-01-22T17:00:00.001-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Walgreens for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Purchasing prescriptions can be a source of stress at times in some families. It certainly was for my family about four years ago when his doctor was attempting to mask my husband’s stomach problems with one new medication after another without truly attempting to find the root cause. The amount of medications he was prescribed over the course of a few months was insane. Recently, I carried two plastic bags full of pill bottles to our local police station in order to turn them in to be destroyed and thrown away (instead of simply throwing them in our own trash bag). Not only was I in shock that these meds were prescribed to him, but I couldn’t help thinking about the amount of money that was spent on them.

The Walgreens Prescription Savings Club would have been very useful for us years ago. Right now they are offering a discount on their annual membership. For only $10.00 per year, your entire immediate family is covered under this membership, including spouses, dependents 22 years old and younger, and even pets. Individuals may join for just $5.00.

The Prescription Savings Club also has other benefits. They have savings for over 8,000 brand-name and generic medications. People can receive discounts on pet medications, flu shots (which can be expensive if your insurance doesn’t cover them), diabetic supplies, and supplies for asthmatics. In addition to these great perks, you can also receive discounts when you purchase Walgreens brand products and photo services.

Follow Walgreens on Twitter!

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Family Cookbook Project - Create and print your own family cookbook!

2012-01-21T21:22:00.003-05:00

FREE Photo Book from Vistaprint!

2012-01-20T09:12:00.000-05:00

For a limited time, get one FREE customized Photo Book for Valentine's Day! This 10 page, 4x6 photo book is a great way to give a personal, meaningful gift without spending too much money. Choose from a variety of designs to compliment your style and add your own text! The photo book is free, just pay shipping and processing. Shipping Starts at: $6.16.

Click HERE to purchase one today!

Sign-up for Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel and earn rewards!

2012-01-20T09:02:00.000-05:00

Join Nielsen Home Scan Consumer Panel! Earn valuable points, which are redeemable for electronics, household items, jewelry, toy, gift cards, and more.

I have been scanning for a few weeks now and it is so easy! I’m looking forward to being able to redeem my points!

Click HERE to sign-up today!

Sneakpeeq Sweepstakes! Ends 1/27!

2012-01-19T12:27:00.001-05:00

When it comes to the Tidbits From A Mom/sneakpeeq giveaway, everybody wins!

What is sneakpeeq you ask? Sneakpeeq is the fast-growing social shopping company on Facebook. In December 2011, sneakpeeq was named as one of the “Top 10 Best Social Apps of 2011". You will find new items every day, including fashion, food, and home products. The products you see are unique and not found in your local stores! Here are a couple of photos that I wanted to share with you:

sneakpeeq is giving away 20% off your next purchase just for entering, plus a chance at the Grand Prize: One winner will receive a $25 gift card to use on your favorite food, style and home products. Three runners-up prize winners will receive a $10 gift card—that goes a long way in sneakpeeq’s amazingly low-priced boutiques!

Enter the giveaway by clicking on this link: http://bit.ly/wUByy2

and joining sneakpeeq! Good luck!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I am publishing this post in collaboration with sneakpeeq.

My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Review & Giveaway and $20 Discount Code!

2012-01-18T11:41:00.000-05:00

I have admitted in the past that I can be somewhat of a hoarder of books. I have yet to admit my other hoarding passion – photos! I am extremely sentimental about my photo albums. I have albums that span my life as well as albums that chronicle my children’s brief lives so far. Amongst my hobbies, I have yet to venture into the world of scrapbooking. I have always been jealous of other women who create elaborate scrapbooks. They are so beautiful and unique! However, I do not have the space to store all the scrapbooking supplies, nor do I even have the money to purchase them right now!

I have a friend whose passion is digital scrapbooking. She was describing it to me last year and I was intrigued with the idea. She brought in an album that she had created for her baby and I was so impressed with the details. I felt that sudden urge I get to try a new hobby immediately (I had the same urge when I began making jewelry). I loved the idea of being able to create my scrapbooks digitally – no supply cost, no storage problem. Sounds perfect for me!

I received the opportunity to review the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software and I jumped at the chance. I was eager to see if this software program could help a scrapbooking-challenged woman like myself. Once I downloaded the program and opened it, I have to admit that I had a little anxiety. What if I am not creative enough to use this program effectively? That’s my perfectionist side speaking. Then, I snapped back to reality and said to myself, “It’s a software program! I can delete it if I don’t like it!”

I have to admit that I could easily spend hours using this program. I have years of photos that I would love to embellish and include in an album. However, I chose a couple of my favorites to feature here. As you can see, I haven’t done anything fancy to them yet. I was simply taking the time to learn the ins and outs of the program. The program is easy to use and provides so many options for you. You can use one of their many templates or you have the freedom to complete design your own. In addition, the My Memories website has more templates available for purchase.

I tried a variety of templates, changed colors, altered boxes, added embellishments, etc. If I didn’t like something that I had tried, I simply removed it and started over. No pressure. I loved the freedom of being creative and not having to worry that I was going to wreck it. Again, this digital scrapbooking software is absolutely perfect for me!

I am currently working on individual baby albums for my daughter and my son as well as one of my husband and me. I am looking forward to becoming a “digital scrapbooking aficionado” (is that a term?)

DISCOUNT CODE: Visit My Memories and use the code STMMMS94242 to receive a $10 discount off of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store. That’s a $20 value!

I am so excited to be able to have the opportunity to host a giveaway for My Memories! One Tidbits From A Mom reader will win a free copy of the My Memories Digital Scrapbooking Software! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

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* Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Oops!: TJ and the Time Stumblers

2012-01-17T21:49:00.001-05:00

I have been on the hunt for a different book series that will interest my daughter and get her hooked on reading independently. She is a phenomenal reader for her age and has a brilliant imagination. She is quite inconsistent with her level of interest in reading – it completely depends upon the book.

I learned about the TJ and the Time Stumblers series and I immediately thought that my daughter might get a kick out of it. TJ is a young girl and a future world leader who receives help from two 23rd century boys – Tuna and Herby – while learning valuable lessons that will help prepare her for her leadership. In Oops!, TJ learns the importance of thinking and saying kind things about others, even when you are angry and your feelings are hurt.

I loved the concept of this series and love the messages that are conveyed to readers. I am always trying to teach my daughter to “love thy neighbor”, which can be so incredibly hard – even for me! As I read this book, I found myself laughing at the situations that were playing out for TJ and her friends and the thoughts she had. I think the humor the author used was clever! I was often describing “snippets” of what I was reading to my daughter and her eyes lit up. Yes! She was interested! When I finished the book, she said, “FINALLY! It’s my turn”. I am happy to report that she was glued to the book until she finished. She chuckled in parts and laughed when she was describing what she read (even though she knew I had already read the book!). I was so pleased she enjoyed it.

Overall, great book for kids and I look forward to acquiring the rest of the series for my daughter. I love books that have an important message to share and can encourage strong moral and ethical character development. This is so needed in our society today. The book is not preachy – it teaches the message in a thoughtful, sweet way.

More details about the book:
Reading level: Ages 8 and up
Paperback: 192 pages
Publisher: Tyndale House Publishers (August 31, 2011)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1414334559
ISBN-13: 978-1414334554
Product Dimensions: 7.3 x 5.3 x 0.5 inches

About the author:
Bill Myers (www.billmyers.com) is the author of several best-selling youth series, including Forbidden Doors, The Incredible Worlds of Wally McDoogle, and McGee and Me! His work as a writer and director has won over 60 national and international awards and his books and videos have sold nearly 8 million copies.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a sample for the purpose of this review from Tyndale House Publishers. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Tropicana Trop50 Orange Juice Review & Gift Card Giveaway!

2012-01-17T21:44:00.002-05:00

We are already about mid-way through January. How are you doing with your New Year’s Resolution(s)? I was ambitious this year and I am committed to working on a few different resolutions. One of which is to get my body in healthier shape. I don’t need to lose weight, just tone my muscles more and build up some strength. I certainly hope that I can achieve my goals this year and I hope that you can too!

I believe that I do a pretty good job at picking healthy foods and drinks. However, I do neglect juice. Mostly, this has been because I don’t want the intake of extra sugar. Well, I am so pleased to have been introduced to Tropicana’s Trop50 Orange Juice. Top50 has only 50 calories as well as PureVia, which is a zero-calorie, all-natural stevia-based sweetener. Trop50 has additional benefits as well – a full day’s supply of Vitamin C, a good source of vitamins A & E, 35% daily value of calcium, and 25% daily value of Vitamin D. I was able to try Trop50 and I fell in love with the taste. I love the fact that my family and I can enjoy juice without being concerned about the calories.

Tropicana Trop50 also wants to help everyone with their resolutions. They’re doing this with their Trop50 True Resolutions Facebook App. If you share your secret motivation, you will earn a $1.00 off coupon for Trop50 and 50¢ off coupons for up to 50 of your friends. Regardless of whether or not you submit your motivation, you can enter their contest to win a $1,000 gift card!

Trop50 has kindly offered to provide the opportunity for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to win a $50 Spa & Wellness Gift Card by Spa Week! Fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

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*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free sample of this product for the purpose of this review post. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Guest Post: Ways to include children in a wedding ceremony

2012-01-16T07:51:00.002-05:00

When you bring your kids to your wedding ceremony, you let them transition to the new relationship. On this special day, the bride and the groom not only tie the knot, but they also form a family with their partner's children. So, without a doubt, this day is special not even as a couple, but as a family. Listed below are the ways to include children in your wedding ceremony:

1. Include family vows

Including family vows in your wedding ceremony is as important as saying the wedding vows. Like you’re would be, his/her children are going to be a major part of your life. Say vows to your son or daughter after the exchanging the wedding vows. The family vows say that you all are a part of a family now. The groom promises the bride's son or daughter that he will give him/her endless love and care and vice-versa. You tell them that they are special for both of you. This way he feels comfortable and happy!

2. Gift a watch

After exchanging the wedding and family vows, you can gift a watch to the child from both of you. It would be a perfect idea if you engrave it on the back. This special gift will mark the important day of you and your child's life. He will cherish this special day, every time he will look at this watch.

3. Gift red roses

Red rose is a symbol of love. If your kids are grown up, they'll understand its meaning well. After exchanging the rings and the wedding vows, you can gift him/her a rose. By this gesture, you tell them how much you love and care. Hold the rose together while gifting it and do not forget to mark a kiss on his forehead and give him a warm hug.

4. Put children's names in vows

Ask your officiant in advance to put the names of children in the vows. As you both say them vows including their names, they will feel special and will consider your would be as a family. They are going to be a major part of your partner's life, so putting their names in vows creates an emotional bond.

5. Sand ceremony

Including the sand ceremony in your wedding is a cute idea for a strong bonding. It goes like this: if your partner has one child, then you will need four vessels - one large and three small and three different colored sands. Then saying vows, the bride, groom and the child pour sand on the containers. Their names are included in the vows.

The separate vessels represent each member's individual life at that moment. They then pour their sands from the separate vessels into the big one. This symbolizes the unity of that family. The message of this ceremony is, like the combined sand cannot be separated and poured again into the separate vessels, in the same way, a family once united cannot be separated. This ceremony is sweet and leaves a message in your and your children's heart.

Be very careful while involving your kids in your wedding ceremony. A little mistake can spoil your relationship with them. Let them play a crucial role on this very special day.

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About the author: Rebeccais a blogger by profession. She is fond of TissotWatches . These days she is busy in writing an article on PurpleBridesmaid Dresses.

Sign-Up for the Facebook Amazon Blast!

2012-01-14T11:20:00.000-05:00

Enter the Facebook Amazon Blast with Makobi Scribe! You can sign-up to participate in this giveaway event with your Facebook account by forwarding $1.50 to jennifer@makobiscribe.com.

Click HERE to read all the details and participate!

TurboTax – Free Edition!

2012-01-13T22:46:00.002-05:00

Get an early start on your taxes! The TurboTax Online Free Edition is here! Your biggest tax refund, guaranteed. 100% accurate calculations, guaranteed. Up to date with the latest tax laws to help ensure your taxes are done right. Fastest refund possible, with free e-file.

Get your TurboTax Online Free Edition HERE!

Uglee Pen Review & Giveaway

2012-01-13T12:54:00.003-05:00

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

I am that woman that has a million pens. I keep them everywhere – heck, you never know when you are going to need one. I admit that I was intrigued to hear about The Uglee Pen. It has an interesting name, one that you are certainly going to remember. I first heard about Uglee pens last year when I first started blogging. I entered another blogger’s giveaway, but never won. I was on a mission to try one of these pens! I was excited to be given the opportunity recently to review a set of Uglee pens. I had heard that these pens were comfortable to use, but I wanted to feel them with my own hands!

Once I received my pen set, my initial impression was “No, they’re not the prettiest pen”, but appearance does not need to matter. Then pens have a full size grip attached, which allows you to comfortably write. Instead of gripping the pen or having your hand cramp up after writing a great deal, you can relax your hand. I like the company’s quote, “You don’t have to grip this material, it grips you”. The pen was designed to fit the contours of your hand; therefore you don’t have a pen rubbing or painfully pressing against joints.

Once I checked out its appearance, it was time for the test run! I began writing and was immediately impressed with how smooth it was. I certainly felt relaxed writing and I like the feeling of the rubber under my fingers, instead of pressing on hard plastic. My hands at this time of year are really dry and I know it’s gross and maybe it’s too much information, but my fingertips can sometimes crack as well due to all the hand washing I do. This ergonomic pen is soothing on my cracked skin….much relief.

Uglee Pen has offered to sponsor a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to win a set of their own Uglee Pens! Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

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I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Healthy Child Healthy World Searches for 2012 Mom on a Mission – Nominate someone today!

2012-01-13T11:28:00.002-05:00

Are you a mom on a mission? Do you know of a mom on a mission? There is a search going on right now for eight extraordinary parents, one of whom will become the 2012 “Mom on a Mission”. You can nominate this person at http://www.healthychild.org/mission. One finalist will be chosen each month, from January to August. Then, in September and October, the general public will vote to choose the winner. The winner will receive a grand prize at a gala event in New York City in November.
Celebrating its 20th anniversary year, Healthy Child Healthy World began in 1992 after five-year-old Colette Chuda died of a rare form of non-hereditary cancer linked to environmental factors. Playing a leadership role in one of the most important public health and environmental movements of the 21st century, today Healthy Child Healthy World ignites the movement that empowers parents to protect children from harmful chemicals. More information can be found at www.healthychild.org.

Diamond Candles Review & Giveaway!

2012-01-12T21:55:00.002-05:00

I have become somewhat of a candle hoarder over the years. I love the various aromas that can fill my home depending upon my mood or the time of the year. Working in an elementary school, I have received many candles from students as gifts. They make wonderful teacher’s gifts and I certainly appreciate them!

I was so pleased to be invited to participate in the Diamond Candles Campaign and review one of the soy candles. Diamond Candles are 100% soy wax and earth-friendly! They are about 6 ½ inches tall – a great size! They come in a variety of scents, including Cinnamon Roll, Fresh Snow, Strawberry Bliss, and various Christmas scents to name just a few. In addition to the great size and the beautiful aromas from which to choose, Diamond Candles also includes a ring inside of each candle! This ring can be valued from $10 - $5,000!

I received a Vanilla Cream candle to review. I was so impressed with the overall quality of this candle. It burned so cleanly and made my house smell simply amazing. I could see the little pouch that contained the ring on the side of the candle. My daughter and I tried to estimate how many nights it would take to burn the candle down far enough so I could retrieve the ring. It took me approximately five nights of burning, roughly around two hours each night. The ring I received was a silver ring with a a purple stone in the center, most likely a $10 ring.

I would love to purchase these rings for family members and friends for gifts, particularly during the holidays. I will need to keep them in mind when I need a gift. Unfortunately, they are only available online. I would LOVE to see them enter my local brick and mortar stores.

Follow Diamond Candles on Facebook!

I am so excited to announce the Diamond Candles giveaway! There are 30 candles to be given away! Imagine the possibility – win a candle and a beautiful ring at the same time! Complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

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*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Top 10 Survey Sites to Earn Cash & Prizes!

2012-01-12T09:04:00.001-05:00

These are all great sites to earn cash and prizes! I have been filling out surveys left and right and it is so nice to be able to receive a check in the mail!

Springboard America – Take Surveys and Enter $1000 Sweepstakes!

Survey Spot

Global Test Market

Surveys.com

NPD Research Panel

Consumer Advisory Group

Vindale Research

Dollar Surveys

Survey Downline

Opinion Outpost

Protect Your Identity with IdentityHawk

2012-01-11T22:57:00.004-05:00

I have heard such sad stories about people who have had their identities stolen and lost money (sometimes a significant amount) and had to endure immense stress and emotional upheaval in order to clear their name. My husband and I are extremely conscious of sharing personal information; therefore, we invested in a quality shredder a couple of years ago in order to shred every piece of paper that leaves this house that has our names on it.

We realize that this is only one strategy and I was interested in hearing about IdentityHawk. IdentityHawk is a website that provides identity theft protection. IdentityHawk’s website is comprehensive and provides a great deal of information that I found both interesting and educational. They discuss Identity Theft Basics, Prevention, Protection, and Recovery.

IdentityHawk has a cool feature called the Identity Health Score, which provides you with a number on a scale of 1 to 100 of how vulnerable your information is. Based upon the information that you provide to Identity Hawk, they will monitor the Internet to see if your information is being used. If it is, you are alerted immediately. They are an identity theft “watchdog”!

In the unfortunate event that someone uses your information or steals your identity, IdentityHawk has identity theft experts available to assist you immediately in repairing the situation. The aftermath of a situation is extremely stressful and I would certainly want to have a trained expert helping me through this kind of crisis.

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and are not swayed by compensation.

World of Ink Book Tour: Good Table Manners Made Easy by Maryann Sawka

2012-01-10T21:55:00.007-05:00

I have a student that I work with that displays extremely poor table manners. He chews with his mouth open, talks while he is eating, and opts to use his sleeve and the back of his hand instead of a napkin, to name just a few. I am constantly providing table manner tips to him; however, they do not seem to be having an impact. I also work with many students on autistic spectrum and they need life skills books read to them that provide concrete information about how they are to behave.

I was so excited to hear about the book Good Table Manners Made Easy, written by Maryann Sawka. I have students that would benefit immensely from reading or listening to a book on table manners, which is not a book that I have found in the past. Good Table Manners Made Easy is a book that comprehensively discusses table etiquette in a way that people of all ages can understand. The illustrator, Amy Rottinger, provides colorful illustrations to support the Sawka’s main points and give much needed visuals to individuals, such as my student. Numerous topics are addressed, including hygiene, conversation, and even what to do with your napkin when you need to excuse yourself from the table for a moment.

Regardless of the fact that I am an adult and believe that I display proper table manners, I found it interesting to learn a few facts. For example, I was not aware that there are two different positions for placing your silverware on your plate that indicate whether or not you have finished your meal. Sawka taught me about the “Resting Position” and the “Finished Position”. I will remember this the next time that I am out to eat!

This book will be a great resource to use with my elementary students as well as with my own children. It is comprehensive, yet brief enough to hold the attention of a child.

More details about the book:
Publisher: Halo Publishing, Int.
ISBN Number(s): 978-1-61244-046-0
Genre of Book(s): Children’s, Self-Help, Etiquette
Publication Date(s): 2012

More About the Author:

As an educator and parent, Maryann has always embraced the notion that good manners are stylish and timely in every situation. She founded Charming Manners, a training company that educates all ages in the quest for civility and self-confidence. Maryann introduces good manners with a fun, engaging approach that makes the pursuit for knowledge an enjoyable experience. She resides in southwestern Pennsylvania with her husband and two daughters. Learn more at www.charmingmanners.net.

Good Table Manners Made Easy can be purchased from the following sites:
www.halopublishing.com
www.charmingmanners.net
www.amazon.com
www.barnesandnoble.com

As part of this book tour, I am very pleased to have the opportunity to host a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to win a copy of Good Table Manners Made Easy! Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

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New Year’s Resolution Blog Carnival Event is here! #happynewyear

2012-01-10T00:00:00.000-05:00

Hauling & Trucking, Medical Transcription Source and Makobi Scribe Present New Year’s Resolution Blog Carnival. My New Year's Resolution is to spend more time with my family and to try and lower my stress level :) I am sponsoring the giveaway for this event with a $25 Gift Card to Barnes & Noble!

Enter on the Rafflecopter form below:

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Now hop along to the other blogs:

Get Fit at Work with the Race to the Moon Wellness Program!

2012-01-07T17:00:00.003-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Cafe Well for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I am a member of the Wellness Committee at work. During the school year, we brainstorm various ideas for exercise programs, incentive programs, and educational programming to implement. Many staff members participate and they find it motivating to work together.
I recently learned about Cafe Well, which is a social network that offers corporate wellness programs. Café Well offers members the opportunity to learn about various health issues and connect with members who are interested in the same topic(s). You can become involved in daily challenges that motivate, inspire, and teach! You also have the ability to create your own discussion groups.
Race to the Moon is a corporate wellness program that is hosted by Café Well and sponsored by HealthAmerica. By providing free wireless pedometers, Race to the Moon encourages and motivates members to get fit by walking and/or running. Believe it or not, the program has members that have walked over 50 million steps and average 2.5 million steps per day. That’s simply amazing! Race to the Moon participants have the opportunity to win great prizes!
Race to the Moon sounds like a fabulous well program for our staff members. It is difficult for so many of us with young children to either get to a gym or complete a full workout. If I am not at work, I typically have a toddler strapped to my leg! It makes it nearly impossible to complete a workout regimen unless it is 9:00pm! I think that creating challenges with staff members could be really fun and motivating. I can envision us doing a challenge for total steps taken in a week or month, eating more fruits and vegetables, and total weight loss in a month. I will certainly be mentioning this to my colleagues on Monday!

Jump Into 2012 Giveaway Event! Enter now!

2012-01-07T00:00:00.001-05:00

Are you ready to jump into 2012 with some cold hard cash? Do you have a resolution that is going to take a little bit of money or are you just in need of some spending money? What ever your reason, OutnumberedMama from The Busy Woman's Guide to Surviving Motherhood has organized an cold hard - PayPal - Cash Payday of $500 for you to Jump Start 2012. A second prize of a $50 Amazon.com eGiftCard and a third prize of a $30 Amazon eGiftCard is also up for grabs.

All you have to do is use the Rafflecopter below to follow, friend, like, and subscibe to the participating blogs and you are entered to win one of these great prizes. You can do all or just some of them, it's totally up to you. Remember whenever you are using a Rafflecopter it is best that you are only viewing that particular post on the blog you are using. If you are having trouble, refresh the page.

Since this prize will be awarded using PayPal and email, this giveaway is open Worldwide - if you have a PayPal and/or an email address you can win!
Giveaway Starts January 7th and ends January 31st at 11:59PM PST. Winner will be selected by using Random.org via Rafflecopter and will have 48 hours to respond to their notification email before another winner is selected.

Please visit all of the Participating Blogs:
The Busy Woman's Guide to Surviving Motherhood
Retail Therapy Lounge
Thifty Divas
Burning Moon
Travel Contests & Sweepstakes
Disney Contests & Sweepstakes
Savvy Sister Shop
As Mom Sees It
Chic Monkey Boutique
Indiana Coupon Saving & Giveaways
Sprinkle Me Pink
Finger Click Saver
My Style Spot
Peanut Butter and Whine
Unconventional Librarian
A Girl Worth Saving
Hearts Content of a Mama
Maxwell's Mommy
3 Boys and a Dog
Powered by Mom
Deal Seeking Bliss
Best Fragrances and Beauty Supplies
Simple Wyrdings
Craft Yourself
My Little House of Treasures
Tidbits from a Mom
Counting My Kisses
Babushka's Baile
Momondealz
Healthy Concepts
Libby's Library Reviews & Giveaways
Family Fun and Life
$uper $aving Momma
Money Saving Mindy
Mom on the Run
Mark Your Savings
Coupon Scribbles
Babes and Kids Review
Theresa's Mixed Nuts
Write What Inspires You! Donna McDine
The Working Writer's Club
Rants and Raves of a Crazed Mom
Madame Deals
Carol Fraser Hagen - Literacy Specialist
Punk Rock Mommy
A Family Village
Foodie Gems
Diary of a Working Mom
Debbie Does Coupons
Mompreneur Mogul

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: This cash was collected from each of the blogs listed in this post. There was no outside sponsorship by a major corporation. Chances of winning are dependent on the number of entries.

ChildUp Learning Game Cards & Early Zoo App Review

2012-01-06T10:01:00.000-05:00

My son is amazing us on a daily basis with the words he is learning and his improved language skills. He does not have the interest in listening to books as much as my daughter did at his age, but he does like to look at the pictures. He has a short attention span, which is completely normal for his young age, but it makes me wonder how much more he could be learning. I have been eager to find an educational tool or game that will peak my son’s interest. I was intrigued to hear about a company called ChildUp. After years of research, the ChildUp Team created several educational tools, including the ChildUp Online Parenting Courses, the ChildUp Early Learning Game Cards, the ChildUp Early Learning Applications, and the ChildUp Early Learning Method.

I was fortunate to be able to review the ChildUp Early Learning Game Cards and the Early Zoo Application. I received both the Teach Your Child to Count to 10 – Math & Logic #1 Game Cards and the Teach Your Child to Count to 20 – Math & Logic #2 Game Cards. These game cards are meant to be used with children aged 1 to 5. Each pack features quality cards with adorable animals that teach children to count, learn the symbols for the numbers, as well as provide the first steps to learning addition. First off, I was impressed with the overall quality of the packaging, the cards, and the illustrations. I was also impressed with the amount of information that ChildUp provides to parents within such a small box. The information provided to parents discusses the process of learning and language development from infancy, the influence that parents can have on their children’s learning, and general information on how to best utilize the cards. I love the fact that this box can be kept in the car, diaper bag, purse, etc. and pulled out for “on the go” learning wherever you are.

We are still in the process of using these cards with my son. He has not yet learned to count to 10, but again, he has a short attention span, and is “on the go”. He will briefly look at the cards prior to moving on. He very clearly enjoys looking at the animals and repeating their names back to me. He will attempt to copy my counting, but cannot yet say the numbers clearly with the exception of “Two”. You can tell by the up and down of his intonation that he is trying to copy us though, which is a start! I like the fact that the cards come in four different theme sets of animals, including Domestic Animals, Birds, Aquatic Animals, and African Mammals.

My son absolutely loves the Early Zoo Application that we downloaded for our iPad. He works with the iPad very well and knows how to flip the pages and press the button to hear the animal sounds. He repeats the name of the animal to me as well. He is so proud of learning the names and being able to communicate with us. I can see that this App is going to be a favorite of his for a long time!

I recommend both the ChildUp Learning Game Cards and the Early Zoo Application to parents. They are wonderful, quality tools to help support your child’s learning!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received free products for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

"I Am Gifted and Called" Poem

2012-01-02T19:44:00.002-05:00

I didn't write this poem. The Deacon at my church sent it to me and it hit home for me, so I thought I would share it with you all.

"I Am Gifted and Called"

In all the world there’s nobody like me.

Since the beginning of time, there has never been another person like me.

Nobody has my smile.

Nobody has my eyes, my hair, my hands, my voice.

I am gifted.

No one can be found who has my handwriting.

Nobody anywhere has my tastes for food, music or art.

No one sees things as I do.

In all of time there’s been no one who laughs like me.

And what makes me laugh or cry

will never provoke identical laughter and tears from anybody else. Ever.

No one reacts to any situation just as I would react.

I am unique.

I’m the only one in all of creation who has my set of abilities.

Oh, there will always be somebody who is better at one of the things I’m good at,

but no one in the universe can reach the quality of my combination of talents, ideas, abilities and feelings.

Like a roomful of musical instruments, some may excel alone,

but none can match the symphony of sound when all are played together.

I am a symphony.

Through all of eternity no one will ever look, talk, walk, think or do like me.

I am special…I am rare!

And, in all rarity there is great value.

Because of my great rare value, I need not attempt to imitate others.

I will accept, yes, celebrate, my differences!

I am special!

And I’m beginning to realize it’s no accident that I am gifted as I am.

I am beginning to see that God made me special for a very special purpose.

God must have a job for me that no one else can do as well as I.

Jump Into 2012 with $1200 Cash Giveaway!

2012-01-02T15:47:00.000-05:00

Are you looking for a great opporutunity to grow your social media following? Then join me in giving one very lucky winner $1200 to kick off 2012. This multi-blog collaborative giveaway is being organized by OutnumberedMama and there are still plenty of spaces.

You might be asking yourself "What's in it for me?" Well, it boils down to this: For just $10 per social media entry method, you can get the exposure of a $1200 giveaway without having to put up all that cash on your own. To give you an idea of what that means, during the last giveaway OutnumberedMama Organized (a $500 cash giveaway) the participants averaged a growth of 300 NEW Followers per social media entry in just under three weeks.

Registration has been extended to January 2nd - but hurry as the spaces will fill up with this great opportunity. To get all the details and sign up please visit: The Busy Woman's Guide to Surviving Motherhood and tell her I sent you!

Currently Participating Blogs:

Retail Therapy Lounge
Thifty Divas
Burning Moon
Travel Contests & Sweepstakes
Disney Contests & Sweepstakes
Savvy Sister Shop
As Mom Sees It
Chic Monkey Boutique
Indiana Coupon Saving & Giveaways
Sprinkle Me Pink
Finger Click Savings
Cindy Batchelor
Peanut Butter and Whine
Unconventional Librarian
A Girl Worth Saving
Hearts Content of a Mama
Maxwell's Mama
3 Boys and a Dog
Powered by Mom
Deal Seeking Bliss
Best Fragrances and Beauty Supplies
Simple Wyrdings
Craft Yourself
My Little House of Treasures
Tidbits from a Mom
Counting My Kisses
Bohemian Babushka
Momondealz
Healthy Concepts
Libby’s Library Reviews & Giveaways
Family Fun and Life
$uper $aving Momma
Money Saving Mindy

Hello, 2012! Cash Giveaway Sign-ups are open!

2012-01-01T09:20:00.000-05:00

Sign-ups are open for The Hello, 2012! Cash Giveaway! The Hello, 2012! Cash Giveaway, which is being hosted by Cute Like Me, Taking Time For Mommy, and The Penny-Wise Mama, will begin at 12:01pm ET January 15th and will end at 11:59pm ET January 30th.

Visit HERE if you would like to learn more and/or sign up!

New Year's Resolution Blog Carnival is coming soon!

2011-12-31T12:56:00.000-05:00

The New Year's Resolution Blog Carnival, hosted by Hauling & Trucking, Medical Transcription Source, and Makobi Scribe, is coming on January 3rd! The giveaway event includes over 100 blogs and runs until January 11th. There are some awesome prizes involved, so you will want to get hoppin' as soon as the event goes live! I'm not going to announce my prize yet - I will just surprise you!

Cook'n Recipe Organizer Version 10 Review

2011-12-31T12:42:00.002-05:00

This year has been the year of organization for me – well, a real driven attempt at it anyway. I feel as though I can be proud of what I have achieved. Part of my organizational goal included organizing my recipe books and cards. I made an attempt and it has been working somewhat. However, there has been one looming hole in my organizational success. I am not organized with the recipes that I save online. I subscribe to various food networks, websites, blogs, etc. in order to keep tabs on recipes in which I am a fan or would like to make one day. I then lose track of where I have kept such and such recipe, which can be frustrating.

Cook'n Recipe Organizer Version 10 is a recipe software for the computer helps people manage their recipes and keep track of where they find recipes. “Cook'n features an embedded web browser with advanced recipe search capabilities and, best of all, the ability to capture internet recipes with one click and save them into your personal cookbooks for easy access later”. Cook’n has numerous capabilities! It allows people to organize their recipes into categories, analyze nutritional information, plan weekly menus, create a shopping list, and even create a family cookbook.

This software was easy to download. I read through the instructional manual so I could familiarize myself with it. I am pretty computer savvy, but there are so many components to this software that I wanted to make sure I was using it to its full capacity. In trying out the search tool, I used “Shrimp Scampi” as my recipe of choice. The first page of search results included all the websites that I frequently visit. I clicked on my first choice, which was a Shrimp Scampi recipe from the Food Network. I clicked the “Capture” button and instantly the entire recipe, ingredients and all the background information included, were plugged into the Cook’n Bookshelf page in front of me. It was that easy! One click and all the information is organized perfectly! I loved that I could then draft a menu for the week and create a shopping list all from the information in front of me. I also thought it was amazing that with the click of a button, all of the nutritional information for the recipe appears! Ingenious!

Cook’n is an easy software to use and once you are aware of all its capabilities and educate yourself in how to use it, it will instantly assist you in your organization of the multitude of recipes you collect. I would strongly encourage you to check it out! Cook'n Recipe Organizer Version 10 has only been released recently and has already received a great deal of positive reviews. Once you try it, you will see for yourself how beneficial it is to maintaining your organization in the kitchen.

There is a deal right now where new customers get a free cookbook with purchase (over 130 to choose from! http://www.dvo.com/cookbooks.php?CID=blogger-review)

*Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Dell Streak 7 4G/ Wi-Fi Android Tablet Giveaway!

2011-12-30T08:15:00.000-05:00

Cyber Connect Social Networking site for all bloggers and businesses worldwide has been launched today.

Cyber Connect is bringing together all bloggers and businesses worldwide in one spot. Generate more audience and traffic with the help of Cyber Connect social network in your businesses and blogs.

Join now and take advantage of what they got to offer from blogging tips to monetization.

Learn more about them HERE.

GIVEAWAY

Cyber Connect Social Network is giving away an amazing product.. They want you to kick start your new year in a grand style with DELL STREAK 7 4G/Wi-Fi ANDROID TABLET OR $270 Cash via Paypal.
Just for one lucky person and it could be you!

Dell Streak 7 Android Features:

The Android-based Dell Streak 7 is the ultimate entertainment hub for those craving a rich multimedia and web experience. It features a brilliant 7-inch WVGA multi-touch display made of damage-resistant Gorilla Glass that's ideal for Web browsing, streaming video, watching TV and movies, reading books and magazines, or playing games wherever you roam. And so many other amazing features.

N/B: This giveaway will end on the 21 January 2012. The draw will be made by Cyber Connect team not me. And they are responsible for the shipment of this item if you win.. Goodluck and Happy new year..

Enter Giveaway with Rafflecopter, it takes few seconds to load...

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Winners!

2011-12-29T23:07:00.000-05:00

Thank you so much to everyone who entered these giveaways! These winners have each confirmed their win. Congratulations to all the winners!

Bellfower Books - #31 Sherrie Cruson

Piczzle Puzzle - #2 Heidi

Book Giveaway: An Invisible Thread #12 Brenda Melendez

Lazoo Books – #19 Kris Italiano

Crossword Cubes – #20 Kasee Jones Johnson

Softlips - #13 Michele Boyd

Lose weight with new Slim Fast shakes and the 3 2 1 Plan!

2011-12-24T01:01:00.003-05:00

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Slim-Fast for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

My major battles with weight loss and dieting took place after my two pregnancies. Despite my two very different pregnancies and the fact that I tried to eat much healthier the second time around, I gained exactly fifty pounds with both babies. I remember losing the weight pretty quickly the first time and struggling a bit more last year after my son was born. I did eventually lose the weight using a variety of strategies. One of the strategies I considered and the products I was eyeing were the Slim-Fast products.

I have known many people over the years who have used Slim Fast when trying to lose those last few stubborn pounds. Slim Fast is proud to announce their new line of shakes, which are reported to be the best-tasting shakes ever. The benefits of the Slim Fast shakes include that they are reported to give people up to four hours of hunger control, contain 10 grams of protein, and five grams of fiber. Protein and fiber are essential in your diet when you want to lose weight. I love the idea that they can help in controlling my hunger because I feel hungry all the time, which causes me to snack.

The Slim Fast shakes are part of the Slim Fast has the 3•2•1 Plan, which allows you variety in the foods you eat and flexibility in your schedule. The plan is based upon the following: 3 snacks per day (which can include 100-calorie snack bars, fruits, nuts, or veggies), 2 Slim Fast shakes or meal bars, and 1 500 calorie meal per day. The flavors of the shakes include: Creamy Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Rich Chocolate Royale, Cappuccino Delight, and Strawberries N’ Cream. They are found in the pharmacy section or grocery stores and retailers nationwide.

I believe that if I were to purchase these shakes, I would be particularly interested in trying the Creamy Milk Chocolate or the Cappuccino Delight. I have eyed the snack and meal bars before and I have often thought, “What a convenient way to diet!”

Follow Slim-Fast on Facebook!

Affordable Scarves Review & Giveaway

2011-12-23T22:10:00.000-05:00

I’m sure you have heard the expression, “Accessories make the outfit”. I have always been a firm believer in this expression. I think it is important to find the right jewelry, belts, scarves, etc. to coordinate with any outfit in order to complete the whole ensemble. I’m no “fashionista”, but I do love shopping! I often wear knitted scarves as accessories simply because that’s what my mother likes to make for me. My style can vary from funky to classic. I recently learned about a company called Affordable Scarves. Affordable Scarves has an enormous variety of scarves from which to choose of every shade, style, material, and style for both women and men. In particular, I was eyeing the striped scarves and crinkle scarves.

I was very excited to be offered the opportunity to review a scarf from Affordable Scarves. It was not an easy task to choose a scarf to review – there were so many choices. I found scarves I liked simply based on color or by material or by shape. There were so many I liked! I finally decided to go with the particular color that I like. I often wear cream, black, and gray, so I chose a scarf called, “Erica Colorblock Scarf”. As soon as I unwrapped it, I was so pleased with my decision. The Erica Colorblock Scarf is long, soft, and simply beautiful. The quality of the fabric is wonderful. It matches my style perfectly and I have received many compliments!

Prior to visiting the Affordable Scarves website, I had only known a couple of different ways in which to tie a scarf. However, the website contains a video that teaches you 37 different ways in which to tie a scarf! Who knew there were so many different ways?! Not me!

Not only was I simply blown away by the sheer variety of scarves available, but I was completely impressed by their prices. They are the epitome of “affordable” and certainly earn the title of “Affordable Scarves”. No one can deny that. In addition to the prices and the insane variety of scarves to choose from for women, I was also impressed by the number of choices of men’s scarves as well.

You can follow Affordable Scarves on their blog, Facebook, and Twitter!

Affordable Scarves has been very kind to offer one Tidbits From A Mom reader with the opportunity to win a scarf of their choice! Please fill out the Rafflecopter form to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Humbug – A Christmas Carol

2011-12-22T14:12:00.002-05:00

My daughter is very creative. At the beginning of December, she decided that her holiday advent calendar was going to be a Christmas book reading list for her and my son. I thought this was a wonderful idea and we quickly drafted her list on the computer and she has done a wonderful job reading through the list this month. Our latest addition to the list is a book entitled, “Humbug: A Christmas Carol”, written by Lee Baker and illustrated by Kienan Lafferty.

Synopsis of the book:
“Humbug: A Christmas Carol” is about a freezing cold, dark, gloomy town called Winterton, whose citizens are cold, miserable, and never smile. Christmas is not celebrated. A young orphan girl, Mimi, enters the town. She is not like these citizens in that she smiles and is friendly. She is also unique in that she has Humbugs as pets. Humbugs are bugs that hum, which attracts reindeer and ultimately brings Santa. “Humbug” is a story about the girl’s experience in town and her impact on the town collectively.

My thoughts on the book:
Upon taking “Humbug” out of the package, I gasped because I was so impressed by the illustrations. I just stared and stared at the detail of them all. This story is a beautiful story about Christmas. My daughter really enjoyed listening to the story. Although she is eight-years-old, a phenomenal reader, and can read the book, she preferred that I read the book to her because it was a bit more lengthy for her to read in one sitting than what she is used to. We thoroughly enjoyed the fact that the bugs’ humming draws the attention of the reindeer and thought that this was extremely creative for the story. I thought this book was very unique and beautifully written.

About the Author:
Lee Baker is the president of Sandman Studios (www.sandmanstudios.com) a visual effects and animation company. Lee has taught courses at UCLA Extension, Loyola Marymount University, the University of Utah and the Utah Education Network in the subjects of English, Writing, Educational Technology and Digital Video Editing. Lee earned a degree in English at the University of Utah and currently lives in Utah with his wife and four children.

About the Illustrator:
Kienan Lafferty is talented artist at Sandman Studios and has worked on a variety of projects including Nanovor, The Littlest Pet Shop video game, and many upcoming feature films.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free copy of the book for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Annoying Orange Products Review

2011-12-22T10:33:00.000-05:00

Have you seen the Annoying Orange video clips on YouTube? My daughter has been a huge fan since she discovered them months ago. They are pretty funny, I have to tell you!

“The Annoying Orange has taken the Internet by storm with an impressive 840 million total views and more than 100 episodes at: http://www.youtube.com/user/realannoyingorange. Created by Dane Boedigheimer, the popular web series features an endearingly annoying Orange that playfully heckles other fruit and vegetables”.

Annoying Orange and the entire Kitchen Crew have an array of cool products out right now, including talking plush, clip-ons, collectible figures, and apparel that make great gifts and stocking stuffers. My daughter and I had the opportunity to review the Annoying Orange and Midget Apple Talking Figures. My daughter was so excited to open the containers and try them out. I have to admit that it was slightly addicting to repeatedly tap the buttons on the bottom of the figures to make them speak. They are pretty entertaining and I think my students would enjoy them as well.

More information about the Talking Figures:
These plastic talking collectibles are textured with detail and include TRY ME feature to hear the classic jokes and puns from each Kitchen Crew member. Each 2.5” figure is packaged in a gift-like window box for added collectability. Collect them all: 4 Orange styles, Pear, Midget Apple, Marshmallow and Passion Fruit. SRP: $9.99 Available at Toys “R” Us and ToysRUs.com.

I know that it is too late to purchase these products online in order to receive them in time for Christmas; however, if you have a Toys R Us store nearby, I highly suggest going and checking them out. They are quite amusing. Please visit the Toys R Us website to view all the Annoying Orange products available!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received free products for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

My Guest Post for Allstate: Strategies for Teaching Your Children the Value of a Dollar

2011-12-22T09:46:00.002-05:00

There are many kids who do not understand the value of a dollar, including my own daughter. She has always had everything she needs and has been given so many things that she wants. There are numerous ways in which we can teach kids the value of a dollar. I wrote a guest post for Allstate on this topic.

Please come read my article here:

http://community.allstate.com/community/allstate_blog/blog/2011/12/08/strategies-for-teaching-kids-about-money

Shutterfly Photo Book Review & Giveaway

2011-12-18T21:24:00.001-05:00

I love looking at photos, regardless of whether they’re my own or someone else’s photos. I enjoy sharing the stories and wonderful memories I have for them. I have albums and albums of my daughter’s life and I am currently in the process of creating my son’s album to document his short life so far. I never get sick of them.

Photos tell a story and it is only natural for the photo books you create to tell a story to others. I recently had an opportunity to create a photo book through Shutterfly. I created a book that told the story of my children’s past year, which highlighted our favorite moments. Shutterfly has a Storytelling destination that provides customers with tips on how to best represent your stories and memories within photo books you create. These tips are provided by Shutterfly Chieft Storyteller, Heather Maddan. New content is presented each month. This month’s theme is “family storytelling” and more specifically, tips on sharing your family’s story through holiday photos is discussed.

As I mentioned previously, I was able to create a photo book of my own. I received an 8x8 photo book, which was a wonderful size and does not take up a great deal of room. It is a beautiful hard cover book. I chose the theme design called “Confetti”. The colors are so bright, which make my photos truly pop out. This photo book is perfect for keeping on our coffee table and my kids have been picking it up often to look over. The book was easy to create and I ended up purchasing a book to give to my mother for Christmas as well. By giving her this photo book, we are able to share such memorable times of her grandchildren's lives!

Shutterfly has been very kind to offer one Tidbits From A Mom reader with the opportunity to win a photo book of their own valued at $35! Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Crossword Cubes Game Review & Giveaway!

2011-12-18T07:46:00.000-05:00

I really enjoy playing word games. I have apps on my iPad and I often play against friends on the computer. I love the competition against others as well as competing against myself to improve my scores. I find these games relaxing. I can zone out and I have added “word games” to my stress management list.

My family and I had the opportunity to review a new game recently from Marina Games called Crossword Cubes. Essentially, it is a cross between a crossword puzzle and Scrabble. Each player takes turns placing all the cubes in the cup provided, shaking the cup, and then pouring the cubes out. The player arranges the cubes into words in order to build their score. Each of the words needs to be built off of the other as you do when you are completing a crossword puzzle. The player to score 300 points first wins.

This game was a huge hit with both my family as well as my elementary school students! The game moved quickly. Even though we were playing against each other, my daughter and I were helping each other because it was exciting to point out when we saw a word in the cubes. I did need to assist my elementary school students a little bit more because many of them have issues with reading and spelling. However, this did not deter their interest in the game. They appreciated the help and were still challenged to try and beat me!

I think this game is wonderful. I also like the fact that it is in a really small container; therefore, it takes up no space at all. It can be brought on trips to pass the time. I am looking forward to bringing Crossword Cubes on our trip to Florida in the spring!

Marina Games has been very generous to offer one Tidbits From A Mom reader the opportunity to win a Crossword Cubes games of their own! Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Steam Team: Comprehensive Carpet Cleaning Services and More!

2011-12-18T06:43:00.001-05:00

The carpets in my home are long overdue for a cleaning. No matter how careful my family is about removing their shoes when they come in the house, the dirt builds up. We have a big black Labrador retriever that I believe is doing the most damage. I have a rug cleaner that I can use to clean myself; however, this never seems to provide the deep cleaning that is necessary.

I would love to be able to afford a rug cleaning service, such as The Steam Team, to come into my home and clean every carpet. The Steam Team provides a variety of cleaning services for both residential and commercial properties. These services include carpet, oriental rug, upholstery, leather, drapery, air-duct, hardwood, and pet odor cleaning services. Additional services include smoke and fire restoration, construction services, marble polishing, and ceramic tile and natural stone cleaning. I am amazed by the sheer variety of services. They are a “do it all” company!

The Steam Team has been Carpet Cleaning Brushy Creek, just one of the numerous areas in TX, for years. If you live in or around this area and are in need of one of their services, it may be well worth looking into them.

If you are interested in hearing more about The Steam Team’s cleaning services and you live in the Austin, TX area, visit http://www.thesteamteam.com/austin-carpet-cleaning/

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and have not been swayed by sponsorship.

Trimback.com: A Site Full of Coupons & Deals!

2011-12-17T15:28:00.000-05:00

I have numerous different email subscriptions to coupons sites, which email me weekly or even daily with deals for food, clothing, and events in my area. It is quite time consuming to search through emails to see if they are relevant to me and my family. I don't have that kind of time. I was introduced to Trimback.com recently. Trimback.com is a site which provides coupons for over 8,000 online stores as well as Red Plum coupons. What is different about Trimback.com is that anyone can add a coupon code. I know many of us like to share the deals we hear about and Trimback.com is another venue where we can do this.

Coupons at Trimback.com

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post on behalf of Trimback.com. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and are not influenced by compensation.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Softlips Review & Giveaway

2011-12-15T21:15:00.000-05:00

Not only do I dehydrate easily, but I also blast my heat during the winter months in my car and my office. This leads to dry lips and skin. I have been a fan of Softlips for years and I was very happy to hear about their new winter flavors - Winter Mint, Sugar Cookie, Sugar & Spice, and Sugar Plum Berry! I was sent these flavors to review and they certainly did not disappoint. The Softlips tubes came in a pretty light purple organza gift bag, which would be perfect for a Christmas stocking or a gift for a teacher. I loved all four flavors; however, if I needed to choose the Sugar Cookie is my favorite. One of my favorite features of Softlips besides the flavor and that they keep my lips moist for a great deal of time is the fact they have SPF 20.

Jenn Falik, beauty & style expert, shows how easy it is to be "so thoughtful," and give the gift of beauty this holiday season in the YouTube video below. Some tips are also provided below!

Give a Lip Treat This Holiday Season with Softlips
Be "so thoughtful," and give the gift of beauty this holiday season! Softlips' beauty and style expert, Jenn Falik, offers great beauty gift ideas that you can customize for someone special, whether it's a homemade beauty basket sampler, a glittery holiday stocking filled with pretty presents that pamper or the "little extra" finishing touch of a treat of Softlips lip balm pack tied with a ribbon on a gift! Perfect for sisters, mom, teachers, babysitters....beauty is the gift that keeps on giving.

Basket of Beauty: So many stores offer gift sets, but the person you’re buying for might not use or like everything in the set and it can come off like you were in a hurry to buy a gift. An easy solution is to buy a basket or small bin and fill it with items that you know they like. Each basket or bin can be customized to the person whether it’s a basket of beauty products including Softlips lip balm or a bin filled with hair products for the hair junkie. Finish the look by covering the gift set with cellophane and tie it with ribbon.

Glamorous Stocking Stuffers: Holiday stockings are an easy way to stash a variety of beauty goodies. You can find a glittery stocking to fill with pretty presents that pamper such as makeup brushes, shimmery jewelry, nail products for a manicure and Softlips lip balm.

Stylish Gift Wrapping: No matter what the gift is, with just a few simple steps you can transform an ordinary gift to an extraordinary gift. Add a touch of glam or beauty to your gift by attaching a pair of shimmery earrings or bangle bracelets to the ribbon or look for beauty products with peg holes in the card, like Softlips lip balm, and attach it to the ribbon on the gift bag or present.
For the latest information, news, consumer offers, and Softlips. So You. videos, connect with Softlips at:

www.softlips.com
www.facebook.com/softlips
www.twitter.com/ilovesoftlips
www.youtube.com/ilovesoftlips

More about Softlips availability:
Softlips availability: Now throughout the holiday/winter season, there will be select dual-packs (Winter Mint/Vanilla, Sugar Cookie/Raspberry, and Sugar Cookie/Cherry) available at stores such as Walmart, Target, and Rite Aid for $3.99. There is also a Winter 5-Pack that’s available exclusively in the Softlips online store, Softlips.com that offers all four winter flavors and a bonus flavor of Mint with a Hint of Vanilla. This set is packaged in a festive, blue sachet for $9.99.
Great news! I have the same four-pack of winter flavors to give away to one Tidbits From A Mom reader! Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received free samples for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

“My Grocery List” Game Review

2011-12-15T20:58:00.001-05:00

I love that my son is finally getting to the age that he can play games with my daughter, husband, and I. He is discovering so many new things each and every day and so excited about what he is learning. This is not to say that playing games always goes smoothly. He does grab many game pieces and he does wreck the board sometimes. We just try and be patient with him – he is only 20 months!

My Grocery List is a new game by Marina Games that my family recently reviewed. My Grocery List is a matching game where you are given a grocery list with pictures of food items. You then take turns in turning over small square game pieces to attempt to find a food item on your list. It is similar to memory/concentration. If you find a match, you place it in your grocery basket, which is another card with the picture of a grocery basket.

Although my son is a little young for this game, he did enjoy looking at the game pieces and was extremely proud of himself for being able to say the words for the foods listed on his card. My daughter had a great time with this game and took such pride in beating me swiftly! The suggested age range of the game is 3 – 7, although I can see that my son will probably be able to play this game more easily next year when he is two.

I was impressed with the game box – it is a thick, quality cardboard box. The same can be said of the game pieces. They are made of quality cardboard and I liked that the pieces are so colorful and bright. I encourage everyone to check it out. Overall, I think it is an adorable game!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

JustAddressPlaques.com - Affordable Address Plaques For Your Home

2011-12-15T12:29:00.001-05:00

We have a very plain mailbox by our driveway. It’s your typical black metal mailbox with stickers placed on it to identify our house number and street. Our mailbox is attached to a very nice granite post, which makes me feel like there should be a nicer mailbox attached to it. I have seen that other people have residential address plaques outside and I think they look very classy.

JustAddressPlaques.com sells personalized address plaques for residential and commercial properties. There is a vast variety of styles of plaques from which to choose, including wall, lawn, and hanging plaques. The plaques are made from rust-free recycled aluminum, so your address plaque is sure to withstand the weather and “test of time”.

JustAddressPlaques.com has a wide variety of prices that will accommodate everyone’s budget for custom address plaques. Why travel from store to store searching for the right address plaque when you have one site that has a wide selection laid out for you?

*Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. However, the opinions expressed here are my own and are not influenced by sponsorship.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Book Review & Giveaway – An Invisible Thread

2011-12-14T22:01:00.000-05:00

An Invisible Thread, written by Laura Schroff and Alex Tresniowski, is the true story of how a chance meeting between an 11-year-old panhandler and a business executive changes the lives of both individuals for the rest of their lives. Laura Schroff, a New York advertising executive, passes Maurice on the street as he is asking for money. She decides to turn around and she asks to take the boy to McDonald’s for lunch. This lunch then leads to weekly lunches and ultimately a lifelong friendship. Maurice is a young boy who comes from a drug-addicted family and is essentially taking care of himself. This book tells their story and how two people from completely different worlds are able to build a strong relationship and learn from each other.

An excerpt from the book:

“Excuse me lady, do you have any spare change? I am hungry.”

When I heard him, I didn’t really hear him. His words were part of the clatter, like a car horn or someone yelling for a cab. They were, you could say, just noise—the kind of nuisance New Yorkers learn to tune out. So I walked right by him, as if he wasn’t there.

But then, just a few yards past him, I stopped.

And then—and I’m still not sure why I did this—I came back.”

My thoughts on the book:

I have included this book in my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide because it is hands down one of the best books I have read this year. I was glued to the book. My heart tore for Maurice’s living conditions and the manner in which he needed to care for himself. I was in awe of Laura Schroff’s caring and nurturing heart and the fact that she integrated Maurice into her family. This book reminded me very much of the movie “The Blind Side”. It is simply an amazing story and I am strongly encouraging people to read it. I know you will love it as much as I do.

More about the authors:

Laura Schroff is a former advertising executive who has worked with several major media companies, including Time Inc. and Conde Nast. Born and raised on Long Island, Laura was part of the advertising team that made USA Today a successful national newspaper. Before helping launch three of the most successful start-ups in Time Inc. history—InStyle, Teen People, and People StyleWatch—she was also the New York Division Manager at People magazine. Laura has also been the New York Ad Manager at Ms. magazine and Associate Publisher at Brides. Laura loves spending time at her condo on Long Island and visiting with her family in New York and Florida. She lives in New York City with her feisty poodle Coco.

Alex Tresniowski is a writer living and working in New York City. He has been a senior writer for People Magazine since 1998, writing numerous cover stories and focusing on human interest, crime, and sports. He is also the author of six books, including 2005’s The Vendetta, a true crime story that was purchased by Universal Pictures and used as a basis for the 2009 Johnny Depp movie Public Enemies.

I am so pleased to announce that I have one copy of An Invisible Thread to give away to one Tidbits From A Mom reader! Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free book for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Piczzle Review & Giveaway!

2011-12-14T12:06:00.004-05:00

Sponsored by Tomoson.com
I recently commented in a post about my family’s love of puzzles. It is a great activity to do by yourself as well as together as a family. I have seem photo puzzles advertised on certain websites; however, I have never ordered one or been given one as a gift. I was recently introduced to Piczzle, which is a company that allows you to upload your own photo to create a photo puzzle. The puzzles are fully customizable – you can choose the size, the shape, as well as how many pieces you would like.

“Our success is based on adding value for our customers. We offer you an easy, convenient and fun way to:
- preserve your memories for family, friends as well as yourselves;
- share your sentiments with friends and family through a thoughtful, personal and fun photo-based experience;
- achieve joyful self-expression through creativity and the telling of your stories with a combination of photos and words.”

My family and I were given the opportunity to review a Piczzle personalized jigsaw puzzle recently. I chose the photo of my children that is on our holiday photo card. I think it is my favorite photo for the year! I was able to easily upload the photo to Piczzle’s website and choose my preferences for puzzle size, shape, and how many pieces we would like. I liked the fact that a message could be included with the puzzle image. I chose, “We Love You Daddy!” because my kids will be giving the puzzle to my husband. I received my puzzle in mail the following week.

I loved that the puzzle came in a quality cardboard box with my kids’ photo on the top. When I opened the box, I was pleasantly surprised to see that the puzzle pieces were of a quality, thick cardboard and we within a zipped bag for storage. My kids and I had a great time completing the puzzle and my kids got a real kick out of seeing their own faces smiling back at them!

I have written numerous times about my love of personalized products and gifts. Piczzle puzzles are certainly a unique product that could be created for anyone on your list.

Follow Piczzle on Facebook!

Piczzle has kindly offered to sponsor a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to receive a free puzzle! Please complete the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Children's Book Review: What Are You Thinking?

2011-12-13T21:55:00.000-05:00

Our minds are extremely powerful. Our thoughts control our emotions, which then drive our actions. This is sometimes a hard concept for people to grasp. So much of what occurs in counseling involves helping people think differently about their situations and/or problems. If this is difficult for adults, it is certainly difficult for children to understand.

What Are You Thinking?, written by Valerie Ackley, is a children's book that teaches children about the power of their thoughts. This book teaches children that their thoughts, both negative and positive, will influence the feelings they have, and ultimately affect the decisions they make. Creative and fun illustrations are used to help children in understanding that they can completely alter their thought processes and change what occurs during their day.

I was instantly drawn to this book because I have not seen any children's book like it. I spend so much time of my work day discussing this very concept with children. I repeat "You can change your day around" over and over. I currently have students whose depressing or anxious thoughts completely drive their day. They have extreme difficultly with changing their thoughts. I love the fact that What Are You Thinking? has such amazing, fun, and creative illustrations to help teach the concepts. The illustrator, Lori Nawyn, provides fabulous pictures that capture children's attention. They make the context more meaningful, which ultimately will help children retain the information. I look forward to reading this book with my students!

More about the author:
Valerie Ackley lives in a beautiful valley at the base of the Wasatch Mountains in Utah. She is married to Jeff Ackley and together they are raising five sons.

She graduated from Brigham Young University with a degree in Business Management and worked eight years in the telecommunications industry before becoming a full-time homemaker.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free book for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Lazoo Children's Products: Review & Giveaway

2011-12-12T20:56:00.002-05:00

I really enjoy finding unique clothing and books for my children that cannot be found in any local shop or the mall. Lazoo is a company that sells unique products, including clothing and accessories for boys and girls and activity books. Apps will be available soon as well. Lazoo places an emphasis on the child's imagination - "In this world, kids are encouraged to think independently; "coloring outside the lines" is celebrated and all types of creative self–expression are honored".

My daughter was sent two Lazoo books to review recently. They are two new titles - "Holes" and "Squiggles"! Both books are such unique and fun activity books that truly foster a child's imagination that I definitely needed to include them in my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide! My daughter loves art and spends a great deal of time coloring the images from her mind.

Both "Holes" and "Squiggles" are like no other coloring book I have ever seen. In "Holes", children are encouraged to color within the holes of a page and when the page is turned, the color that was inside the hole has become a detail for the picture on the next page. Very cool! In "Squiggles", children are asked to draw squiggles, which ultimately become other objects or details for the picture, such as the details of a dress, a decoration for a cake, or clouds. Both of these coloring books instantly bring a child's imagination to life.

I am very happy to announce that Lazoo has kindly offered to sponsor a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to win copies of both "Holes" and "Squiggles"! Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received free products for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Hartstrings Review

2011-12-11T21:49:00.000-05:00

My husband and I have often referred to our daughter as a “little Punky Brewster”, in that she has a style all her own. She loves to make a statement and stand out in the crowd. Her style typically incorporates bright colors and items that do not always match. I have to admit that when she was a little younger, I wanted to control what she wore. I quickly learned to appreciate her style and her individuality and refrained from controlling her clothing choices (within reason!).

Regardless of her wild style, my daughter can certainly appreciate a beautiful outfit. She loves dressing up for special events, holidays, and when we are having company. The outfits she chooses for these occasions are much more subdued and traditional.

Hartstrings is a company that has beautiful clothing for babies, girls, and boys. Whether you are searching for outfits for school or a special event, you will find numerous choices that are simply adorable. My daughter was given the opportunity to review the Multi-Stripe Sweater Dress from Hartstrings recently. While unwrapping the sweater dress from its packaging, my daughter and I whispered “Wow!” at the same time! I was amazed at the quality of the dress - it is made with a thick, soft yarn. Modeling the dress for me, my daughter instantly fell in love with this dress and declared it her “Christmas Eve outfit”.

In perusing their website, I was “oohing” and “aahing” over so many of the outfits, particularly the holiday outfits. I also felt that many of the prices were reasonable and comparable to some of my local stores. There are several items for both my daughter and my son that caught my eye. Here are some of items in which I was most interested!

Thank you very much to Hartstrings for allowing us the opportunity to review one of your products!
*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Guest Post: Cozy Winter Afternoons with the Kids!

2011-12-09T14:52:00.000-05:00

Cozy Winter Afternoons with the Kids!

There is very little more exciting to a child than the arrival of Christmas, and with it, those precious days away from school. What could be more worthy of anticipation than long days spent at home in pajamas, watching cartoons, eating cookies and shaking presents? But, for mom, those long days can provide some sources of anxiety when it comes to planning activities for the kids and finding things to do to keep them busy and not sucked into the TV for the majority of the day. If you’re looking for some fun holiday activities you can do with your kids this season, here are a few of my favorites to share with you!

Make an Advent Calendar
You don’t have to do this in advance, you can use it this year and just start off where you are in the month, or you can save it completely for next year. Either way, crafting an advent together is a wonderful way to while away chilly winter afternoons and get in the holiday spirit too! Get out some felt, some buttons, some boxes, you name it! You can even make one with just paper, whatever you happen to have on hand. Let the kids draw and craft and help you think up ideas for a theme. One of my favorites is a calendar of one thing to do every day, ie: “make a snow angel,” “do something helpful for a neighbor” or “bake cookies.” Once you’ve got a theme, let the kids come up with 25 things!

Have a Baking Day!
Baking was my ultimate favorite holiday activity. Create a list of different cookies and treats that the kids can get involved with for starters, make sure you have all the ingredients on hand and then bring them in for a day of fun in the kitchen! For little, little ones consider things like pretzels dipped in white chocolate and covered in sprinkles. For the older ones, let them cut out sugar cookies with cookie cutters and get carried away decorating gingerbread men!

Gift Your Treats
If you make some extra treats on your baking day (which I highly suggest you do!) take an afternoon to wrap up goodie plates or place a yummy variety in a holiday tin. These make wonderful holiday gifts, especially for those who are unlikely to be able to make their own. Send them to the kids’ cousins in college, friends who might not have any nearby family this year or maybe even grandma and grandpa.

Visit the Elderly
Consider taking some of your treats to your local assisted living center as well (just make sure to get approval from the resident manager first) and you can make an afternoon of visiting the elderly and perhaps even playing card games or singing them carols. You’ll make their day and your kids will get a chance to experience Christmas giving in a new way.

Create a Skit to Share
In this new age of technology, there’s absolutely no limit to how carried away you can get with sending out some holiday e-cards to your family and friends! This is an activity you can stretch out over numerous days if you’d like, depending on how in-depth you want to go. The first step is to find a skit online or create your own (or even singing Christmas carols works!). Come up with some fun accessories (reindeer antlers, Santa Clause hats, etc.), even props if you’re feeling ambitious, and then let the kids have fun in front of your camera! (Even your phone camera will work, there’s no need for anything fancy if you don’t have one!) Upload to your computer and you’ve got an instant hit that the extended family will adore!

All it Comes Down to
In the end, the main thing that your kids are going to remember are the things you all did together. So whether your activities consist of baking cookies, taking strolls through the snowy neighborhood or driving around together at night and scouting out the best Christmas light displays, it’s really just the time together that matters. There’s simply no need to stress about what to come up with, just have fun together and cherish those extra days with your extra time with them!

Freelancer Jocelyn writes for an online heating/cooling site and is focused on writing their winter content for electric floor heaters at the moment but branches out to write family related content whenever she gets a chance!

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Bellflower Books Review & Giveaway

2011-12-08T21:47:00.000-05:00

I love creating photo books for family members. They are meaningful and sentimental gifts that become treasured keepsakes. They are fabulous gifts at any time of the year, not just the holidays! People love to give and receive personalized gifts. These are also great gifts when the person you need a present for already has everything. It is so difficult to shop for these people! For example, my grandmother is 92 years old. She has everything she needs and she doesn’t want anything that takes up much space.

With my grandmother in mind, I was excited to hear about Bellflower Books. Bellflower Books allows a group of people to create a personalized photo book online; however, it includes enables people to also include letters, poems, stories, etc. to make it even more meaningful. There are numerous beautiful design ideas for all sorts of occasions – Anniversaries, Birthdays, Sorority Gifts, Grandparents Gifts, etc. The completed book is 12x12 and contains 20 pages (10 double-sided sheets) with the option to purchase more if necessary.

I was given the opportunity to create a book of my own and I truly wanted to create a book for my grandmother. However, due to time constraints and the fact that even though I have a miniscule size family, it was not feasible for us to complete the book in an appropriate amount of time because we are each going in a million different directions at once. Therefore, I ended up requesting that a sample book be sent to me so I could see what the finished product looks like. I did play around on the website a bit to experience the creation process and I was so impressed with its ease of use. I even uploaded a few photos to get a sense of what my book might look like. At one point, as I was writing a message to my grandmother in a book I knew she would not receive, a big lump formed in my throat. I knew a gift like a Bellflower Book would be really special for her.

As I previously mentioned, I requested a sample book in order to see a finished product. I was awestruck at the quality of the hardcover photo book and its pages. Although the family inside the photo book was not my own, I could see the love amongst them in their photos and their personal messages. If there is a family member that has a birthday, anniversary, or special event approaching, I would highly consider creating a keepsake from Bellflower Books.

Bellflower Books has very generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for a $75 gift code to Bellflower Books! Don’t let this contest pass you by – it is a great prize! Please complete the Rafflecopter entry form below to enter.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a sample product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: PhitGrip Review

2011-12-08T21:19:00.000-05:00

Within the past couple of weeks, I have been so leery of using items from public areas (grocery stores, shops, restaurants, etc.), such as utensils, sinks, toilets, grocery and store carts, hand railings, etc. My family has been so ill and I cannot seem to rid ourselves of the germs. We have colds and stomach bugs…ugh…and the never-ending disinfection efforts!

I recently received PhitGrip and I have to share that this simple piece of rubber has helped relieve my anxiety a bit. The PhitGrip is a cool American made piece of rubber that fits on any grocery cart handle to protect you from the disgusting amount of germs that are covering the handle. In 2007, researchers at the University of Arizona found that grocery cart handles have more germs than public restrooms. With PhitGrip, there is no more need to wipe down your cart with hand wipes.

PhitGrip is made with a soft rubber and opens easily – no prying needed! The rubber has been liquefied, then injected with oxygen to give it a light, cushioned feel. It is very bendable, so you can place it in your grocery bag or purse. The whole PhitGrip is also “coated with an all-natural, mineral based antimicrobial agent that helps inhibit the growth and spread of bacteria. Users simply rub their hands together occasionally to spread the microbial agent over the entire surface of the palm. When the smooth layer wears off the grip (0-12 months), it’s time for a new PhitGrip”.

I learned that PhitGrip was originally designed for gym equipment as a pal-sized grip, which is great considering the amount of germs on gym equipment and the fact that people don’t wipe them off as well as they should after use. The PhitGrip featured here is 18 inches long.

I do admit that there were several mothers that gave me a glance when I put it on my cart, but they were not strange glances. They were looks of envy. A couple mothers commented to me, “What a great idea!” and “I have to get myself one of those”. No one can deny the benefit of using PhitGrip!

The price of each grip is $11.99, which is cost effective considering the amount of wipes that you would need to carry around with you for the year to disinfect all the carts you use.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Winter Wonder Week is here! Win AMAZING prizes!!

2011-12-08T00:00:00.003-05:00

Welcome to Winter Wonder Week! I have teamed up with 99 other bloggers to offer some great prizes to help you celebrate the Winter holidays! These are amazing prizes! Up for grabs are:

$500.00 CASH paid via PayPal from all of the participating blogs
Epson Artisan 837 all in one
$100 Gift Card from Howard Computers
3pc. Gaming Bundle from Newbie Technology
Kindle from Jolly Savers
iPad 2 from a Super Secret Sponsor (they’re a nonprofit who have asked to remain anonymous – they just ask you remember the pets this holiday)

As you hop along to the different blogs you’ll find some may have a secret image. That image shows you have earned an extra 5 entries! Without further ado, let the wonder begin!

Master Lock Holiday Safety Sweepstakes

2011-12-07T10:09:00.002-05:00

As my daughter gets older, we are finding it harder and harder to hide presents. They are currently in the basement hidden within Rubbermaid containers and cardboard boxes. I refuse to go in our attic because we tend to have bees up there and I will admit – it’s just creepy :) Therefore, we need to be creative in our hiding. I always laugh when my mother recalls how she hid my presents within my own bedroom when I was 7 years old. She hid them on the top shelf of my closet because (1) I couldn’t reach and (2) I was too busy searching the rest of the house and didn’t think to check my own bedroom!

Master Lock wants to help people have a safe and secure holiday season. From now through December 16th, Master Lock is sponsoring a Holiday Safety Sweepstakes. Do you have a great spot to hide gifts from curious eyes or tips on how to avoid decorating disasters as you prepare for the holidays? Share your holiday safety and security tips on Master Lock's Facebook page for a chance to win gift cards and gift packs full of Master Lock products to help keep your home and belongings secure!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I am writing this post in partnership with the One2One Network and have the chance to win a gift card. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Ultimate Christmas Giveaway Event - Win a Wilton Ultimate Decorating Set worth $199.99!

2011-12-07T00:00:00.004-05:00

Welcome to The Ultimate Christmas Giveaway Event!

You have a chance to win the Wilton Ultimate Decorating Set worth $199.99!

If bought separately, the items in the kit would cost $250!

The Ultimate Decorating Set contains the following: 9-inch & 11-inch Straight Black Handle Spatulas, 9-inch & 13-inch Angled Black Handle Spatulas, 10-inch Featherweight Bags - 2 Pack, 12-inch Disposable Bags - 50 Pack, Practice Board with Patterns 4 - Standard Couplers, 6 Pc Forming Cups, Large Lily Nail, - 2 Pack 15-inch Parchment, Triangles Round Tips: #1, #3, #5, #12 Star Tips: #14, #16, #18, #21, #1M Petal Tips: #59s, #101, #104 Leaf Tips: #352 and #366 Bismarck Tip #230 Drop Flower Tip #2D Multi Opening Tip #233 Thin and Thick Foams Flower Nail Templates Brush Set, Gold Foil Cut, & Press Button Flower Pansy Cutter, Wave Flower Former, 2 Pack 2 Pc Mum Cutter Set, Calla Lily Cutter, Calla Lily Former, Scallop Ruffle Cutter, Lily Stamen Set Tip, Dishwasher Pouch, Dusting Pouch, Green Ball Tool, Green Veining Tool, Fondant Smoother Ribbon Cutter/Embosser, 12-inch Dowel Rods, Round Cut Out Set, Rose Cutter Set, 5 pc 8-inch Cake Circle, Silicone Tip Covers, 9-inch Rolling Pin Thin, and Thick Modeling Sticks, 4 Pc Decorating Nail Set, & The Ultimate Tool Caddy!

There are 28 blogs participating in this event. To not make the Rafflecopter entry list too long - all entries are MANDATORY (worth 5 entries each) with JUST ONE optional entry (to Tweet about the giveaway - worth 5 points as well)! Going through 28 blogs to win a $199.99 prize is not hard to do at all! I went through the list myself & didn't run into any problems - I was done in less than half an hour. :)
The giveaway is December 7 till the 14th (ending at 11:59PM EST on 12/14) but the winners will not be announced until December 16, 2011 so we can make sure that everyone who entered followed all the rules.

I know Google Friend Connect widgets can do disappearing acts so please give all of the pages time to fully load or refresh a page to see if the widget shows up.

This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canada readers only – we wish we could include international readers as well but we hope you guys understand. (If you're in Canada, please check our Giveaway Policy to make sure you qualify to enter You may be asked to answer a question if you win.)

Must be 18 years old & older to enter. Winner will be chosen using Random.org. Winner will be e-mailed & will have 48 hrs. to reply or we have no choice but to pick another winner.

Below are the following blogs participating in this giveaway along with the Rafflecopter! It’s only 28 blogs total so not a lot of work on your part! We all have the same Rafflecopter code so just as long as you enter in one blog, it’s okay – as long as you make sure to visit each blog to follow them according to the Rafflecopter form below (we check for duplicate entries)! Happy linking & Good Luck!

1) Life According to Damaris
2) Building Our Story
3) Force Family Journey
4) Gumdrop Pass
5) Our Crazy Bunch
6) Little Miss Nerd Girl
7) It's a Vol
8) The Mommyhood Chronicles
9) Mama Luvs Books
10) Frugal Plus
11) Our Life is a Jungle
12) Ever Changing
13) The Mama Pirate
14) Banana Hammocks & Tutus
15) Little Free Radical
16) Tidbits from a Mom
17) Keenly Kristin
18) Another Day in Paradise
19) Domestically Unemployed
20) Healthy Mom on the Run
21) Our Pregnancy Roadtrip & Beyond
22) Sweet Peas & Bumblees
23) Thrifty Frugal Living
24) My Messmerized Life
25) Ethereal Influence
26) Mamalou's Gems
27) Africa's Blog
28) Why We Love Green

(Make sure you have Javascript enabled to see this giveaway!)

Winners!

2011-12-06T10:27:00.002-05:00

Thank you so much to all who entered these giveaways! These winners have already confirmed their wins.

$80 Gift Certificate to EdenFantasys - #415 Angie Ramirez
Book Giveaway: Howard B. Wigglebottom
and the Monkey on His Back - #14 Kris
Book Giveaway: Daria Rose and the Day She Chose - #2 Kris
$50 Gift Code to Nano Jewelry - #44 Shay
Amazon Rain Lluvia Refreshing Mist - #13 Rita Spratlen
Harry Potter - #37 - Tabathia

Bloggers Needed for Diamond Candle Review & Giveaway Campaign

2011-12-05T15:33:00.000-05:00

The Diamond Candles Company is searching for bloggers for a review and giveaway campaign. You can read more about this opportunity and apply here: http://bit.ly/rOFUpe

Wet Ones Review & Giveaway!

2011-12-05T08:36:00.001-05:00

Within the past few weeks, I have become a fanatic about cleaning our house. My son seemed to have an upset stomach and cold symptoms, which he kindly shared with me. Then, to top it all off, my husband and I were up the entire night last night as my daughter heaved. She can't even keep ice chips down right now. I have been following her around wiping every possible hard surface with Wet Ones wipes. I have been using Wet Ones for years! They are a brand I know and trust to diminish germs and help me in fighting the good fight.

I recently received a gift pack of Wet Ones to review that contained a 40 count canister (which is designed to fit into a standard car cup holder), a 15 count travel pack, and a 24 count box of individually wrapped single wipes. I have been using these Wet Ones for the past couple of weeks in a variety of situations, including the car, at home, and at work. However, I have pretty much used every last wipe as of this morning. I have been using the Fresh scent, which is light and not overwhelming. Wet Ones also come in a new and improved Citrus Scent if you prefer.

I have a Wet Ones Prize Pack to give away to one lucky Tidbits From A Mom reader! Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received the products featured above free for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Winner Wonderland Giveaway Event – 2 Carat TGW Garnet Earrings Giveaway! ($179.99 Value) #winnerwonderland

2011-12-05T00:01:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Winner Wonderland Giveaway Event. This event is hosted by Put A Little Umbrella In Your Drink, Seeds of Life, And The Little Ones Too and Taking Time For Mommy. This event features giveaways with a value of $25 or more at each of the participating blogs! Check out all of the great Winner Wonderland Sponsors being featured in this event! Be sure to visit each blog from the linky below and enter for your chance to win! This event will close on December 4th at 11:59 pm EST.

I am sponsoring my own giveaway in the Winner Wonderland Giveaway Event! I am giving away a pair of the 2 Carat TGW Garnet Earrings with Genuine Diamond Accents seen in the photo below! They are sterling silver and have butterfly back closures. These earrings are valued at $179.99 and are sure to catch everyone's eyes!

Please complete the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

Now go enter all of the other WinnerWonderland Giveaways! Good luck!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. This contest is sponsored by me. Pleaseunderstand that Put A Little Umbrella In Your Drink, Seeds of Life, And TheLittle Ones Too and Taking Time For Mommy, along with the "WinnerWonderland Event" bloggers are not responsible for sponsors that do notfulfill their prizes. However, we are responsible for contacting our sponsorsregarding the winner's prize at the close of the giveaway. We expect that oursponsors will fulfill their prize agreement and ship them to the winners in atimely manner.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Kids Puzzle Planet Review & Giveaway

2011-12-04T09:41:00.000-05:00

I have always enjoyed puzzles. I can remember sitting with my grandmother as a little girl and trying to finish an impossibly massive puzzle that was way too hard for my age. I do not recall having that phase me in the slightest bit though. I find puzzles relaxing. I am so happy that my daughter and my son both love puzzles as well. With the impressive new technology we have nowadays, my kids can do puzzles on the computer, the iPad, and my iPhone as well!

Kids Puzzle Planet provides software that is fully compatible with Windows, Android and Mac OS X operating systems. There are a number of puzzle themes available, including Oceans, Animals, Christmas, Children, and Free Funny Puzzles. Being ocean lovers, we chose to review the Ocean Puzzle set. The set included 10 puzzles in all. There are two different levels from which to choose – 20 pieces and 48 pieces. My daughter, who is almost 8, chose to complete the 48 piece puzzles. My daughter simply needed to click on the piece she wished to move and then click on where she thought it should go. There was no need to drag the piece. The puzzles were entertaining and my daughter thinks the pictures are “pretty”!

More information from the website:
Since our software is for kids only, it has a number of peculiar features:
- very simple, intuitive and vivid interface;
- animation and sound effects for every action;
- convenient two-click relocation of puzzle pieces;
- full-screen mode that will prevent your kids from clicking something else outside the game.

Additional screenshots:

Each puzzle set is $12.95. You can purchase the Big Cartoon Puzzle, which includes the Animals, Oceans, and Children sets for $25.00. The puzzles are easy to download and so fun to finish!

Kids Puzzle Planet has kindly offered to sponsor a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom Reader to win a free puzzle set from Kids Puzzle Planet! Please fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free product for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Kudzoom $25 Giveaway!

2011-12-02T21:30:00.002-05:00

I have been paying close attention to daily deal sites lately and I have found some great gifts for the holidays. I was recently introduced to Kudzoom, which is a woman owned site that provides brand name clothing and merchandise at an affordable price. Products are available for babies, toddlers, kids, tweens, and women. Kudzoom announces new items every morning at 7am CST. It is free to join and you can actually earn $15 in free credit when you invite your friends and they make a purchase. Kudzoom.com also has some awesome perks, such as free shipping over $50.00 as well as Loyalty Programs.

Here is some information from their website about the loyalty programs:

Frequent Guest:
• Bronze: 5 purchases shipped - $10 Kudzoom credit
• Silver: 15 purchases shipped - $25 Kudzoom credit
• Gold: 25 purchases shipped - $50 Kudzoom credit
• Platinum: 50 purchases shipped - Permanent free Priority ground shipping

Grow The Family:
• Bronze: 5 of your referrals have completed a qualifying purchase - $10 Kudzoom credit
• Silver: 10 of your referrals have completed a qualifying purchase - $25 Kudzoom credit
• Gold: 25 of your referrals have completed a qualifying purchase - $50 Kudzoom credit
• Platinum: 50 of your referrals have completed a qualifying purchase - Permanent free Priority ground shipping

NOTE: For every 25 after 50 in both categories you will receive a $75 Kudzoom credit.

In scoping out the website, I saw adorable clothing, books, and purses! I was impressed with the quality of their products and their inexpensive prices. In reading about the company further, I loved hearing about their involvement with the community. Kudzoom.com supports Mitchell’s Place and the Glenwood Autism and Behavioral Health Center, both of which involve assisting people with autism.

If you would like to join Kudzoom, you can receive $5.00 off your order by using the code – Z5I16789U

Kudzoom has very kindly offered to sponsor a giveaway for $25.00 to one Tidbits From A Mom reader! Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below to enter!

Book Review: Decision Points

2011-12-01T14:20:00.001-05:00

As many people do, I have mixed feelings regarding Obama, past Presidents, and other politicians. I know that many have done a wonderful service to this country and others have failed us in numerous ways. President Bush is no exception to this. I will not delve into my personal feelings too much here, but i believe there were pros and cons to his presidency. I do admit that I have been one of so many that have been naive about politics, including what occurs in our nation and what occurs globally.
I recently had the opportunity to read George W. Bush's "Decision Points". This was my first time reading a book written by a President. President Bush provides an account of us upbringing, his education, and his decisions and influences that lead him to politics. President Bush discusses his successes and failures on a variety of subjects, including stem cell research, September 11th, and the war in Iraq, to name a few. Decision Points is a detailed account that provides an immense amount of information that the average American may not have known unless they were glued to MSNBC or CNN.

My thoughts about the book:
As I mentioned previously, I had mixed feelings about President Bush. However, I had little to no knowledge about him as a person and I certainly did not have background information about his politics. I, along with so many others, am guilty of judging politicians based upon their actions. This is not to say that this is not without cause; however, I was not aware of why certain decisions were made; therefore, who am I to judge? For example, scores of people have judged Bush regarding his actions on the day of September 11th. This is the worst attack we have ever had on our nation's soil, of course people are going to judge; however, so much was happening that day of which people were not aware. I, for one, appreciated reading why various decisions were made and it certainly helped me wrap my brain around the events of that horrible day. This is only one example of what the book discusses. There are so many others.

This is not a light read. It is deep serious content and it took me a while to read. However, it is worth it. I feel more educated. On a lighter note, it reaffirmed my belief that I would never want that job for all the money it he world!

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this book. I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: BeautyMint Review

2011-11-30T18:42:00.005-05:00

My birthday was this past Monday (“Happy Birthday” to me!). As I turned another year older, I feel as though I have aged five years since last November. I have become more concerned with my appearance lately and I want to dig my fingernails into my youthful appearance and never let go! I will not grow old gracefully! I would like to fight wrinkles and improve the tone of my skin overall.

I was introduced to BeautyMint recently, which is a company created through the collaborative efforts of Jessica Simpson and Nerida Joy, a renowned skin care expert. BeautyMint provides skin care products that are tailored to your needs. Once you visit the website, you are asked to complete a free skin care consultation. Based upon your results, you are provided with a customized skin care regimen. In addition, your profile provides links to suggested articles to read based upon your consultation results.

I have been using BeautyMint’s Essential Cleanser with Aloe and the Ultra Replenishing Serum with Marine Collagen. The Essential Cleanser is oil-free and fragrance-free. It contains aloe, cucumber, and chamomile, which are ingredients that are soothing to the skin. The Ultra Replenishing Serum fights the natural sagging that occurs over time in skin. Made with 50% marine collagen, it “targets signs of anging from every angle”.

I utilize the Essential Cleanser at night in preparing for bed. I love the way my skin feels afterwards. It is soft and does not feel dried out. Also, I like the fact that there is no odor. I have become a huge fan of the Ultra Replenishing Serum! I have noticed that my skin is no longer where it used to be due to age. Although it’s only slight, it still bothers me a little. I believe the Ultra Replenishing Serum does make my skin appear more youthful and it definitely gives it glow. I like the fact that it is not greasy. It is light and makes my face feel smooth.

I am very impressed with the BeautyMint website and the Essential Cleaners and Ultra Replenishing Serum. I am highly interested in also trying the Renewing Moisturizer, Sculpting Treatment, and Resurfacing Treatment, which were recommended to me based upon my consultation results.
*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received the above products free for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide: Oransi Fridge Air Purifier Review & Giveaway

2011-11-29T22:33:00.000-05:00

Cleaning out the fridge is one of my many weekly chores. By the time Saturday rolls around, our fridge can be pretty sketchy. The food builds up a bit and leftovers certainly do not smell appetizing! I was introduced and able to review the Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier this past week. The Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier (MSRP $29) purifies the air within your fridge to help remove the smells that build from your various meals and snacks.

Here is some technical information about the purifier:
•Patented Piezo-electric ionizer (ozone safe - 0.011 ppm, that’s more than 78% below the FDA limit)
•Micro CPU controls the operation of the air purifier to cycle between on/off mode
•LED display indicates mode of operation
•Noise Level: Silent
•Dimensions: 4” x 2.8” x 2.5”
•Weight: 0.2 lbs
•Power: 0.1 watts, 2 AA batteries
•Warranty: 1 year
•Certifications: CE, GS, RoHS

When I unwrapped the purifier, I was immediately struck by how small and cute it was. It is small enough to place in the fridge and not occupy too much space to become a nuisance. Once I placed the batteries in and turned the power on, I could hear the faint sound that it was working. I was pleased that there was no loud hum - it really is silent. I placed it on the top shelf and let the little machine get to work!

The Oransi Fridge Air Purifier is easy to use and certainly cost effective. For $29, you can help keep your fridge smelling clean and you can actually keep your produce fresher! This is a HUGE bonus for us because my husband and I toss out so many fruits and vegetables that do not maintain their freshness and therefore, we are uncomfortable eating. Also, replacing two AA batteries every month is well worth fighting the evil smells that can emenate from one's refrigerator!

The final benefit I want to mention is the fact that this little machine is "green", in that there is no filter. So, no worry about negatively affecting the environment!

Oransi has generously offered to sponsor a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to receive an Oransi Fridge Air Purifier! Please complete the Rafflecopter entry form below:

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free sample for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Progressive International Motorcycle Shows & Beauty Basket Giveaway!

2011-11-28T22:00:00.002-05:00

Looking for something exciting and entertaining to do with the family? Do you or a family member like motorcycles?? Why not go to the Progressive International Motorcycle Show? This show features a variety of exhibits, even those that allow you to be interactive! For example, you could have the opportunity to become an artist for a day by using a digital paint can to design your own bike! Also, you can watch a stunt show featuring the Smage Brothers who were made famous but their top 10 finish in a nationwide television competition. Sundays are a great day to attend because they are designated as “Family Day”, in that kids under 12 get a free admission with a paid family member.

If you would like to purchase tickets and/or would like to read more about the event, please visit http://www.motorcycleshows.com. If you plan on attending the event, you may use the promo code MOTOINFO to receive $2.00 off your ticket.

IMS has kindly offered to sponsor a Beauty Basket Giveaway featuring products that are valued at over $50.00! Included in the gift basket are the Defiant Body Spray, Defiant Body Lotion, and the Rebelicious Lip Stain seen in the photos below.

Here are the details of the giveaway:
Win It: One winner will receive a Beauty Basket with the products featured above.

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment letting me know whether or not you have ever ridden on a motorcycle. If not, would you like to? Please leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

Bonus Entries:
1. Follow Tidbits From A Mom publicly on Google Friend Connect. (1 entry)
2. Leave a comment on any of my non-giveaway reviews on my blog and leave a comment and let me know which review you commented on. (2 entries)
3. Follow me on Facebook or Twitter. (1 entry each)
4. Enter any of my other giveaways (1 entry each)
5. The following may be tweeted daily: (1 entry each day)

#Win a Beauty Basket worth over $50! Ends 12/12! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/c6tfamz

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 12, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.
*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. The opinions expressed here are my own.

2011 Holiday Gift Guide - Book Review & Giveaway: See Mix Drink

2011-11-28T21:01:00.001-05:00

I fully admit that I am no bartender. I know very little about alcohol, with the exception of what I like and do not like. However, there are drinks that I really enjoy and yet - I don't know how to make them! I rely on others to make them for me. I have discovered a book entitled "See Mix Drink", written by Brian D. Murphy, that has become the ULTIMATE drink reference for me! I have been raving about this book to family and friends since I received for numerous reasons.

First off, I was impressed with the quality of the book. See Mix Drink is a hardcover book comprised of quality paper and bright colors. The beginning of the book contains educational content regarding important "Bar Essentials", or tools of the bar (i.e., shaker, muddler, different types of glasses, strainer, etc.), as well as the different kinds of alcohol.

There are eight chapters of drink recipes:

Brandy
Champagne
Gin
Rum
Tequila
Vodka
Whiskey
Liqueurs

Each drink recipe has two full pages of information. Included are the correct pronounciation of the drink, a "snapshot" of the drink which colorfully labels each ingredient and how much is used, a description of the drink, suggestions for the occasions when the drinks are best served, estimated preparation time, proportions and calories, and text and visual instructions.
I am a visual learner. My favorite cookbooks are those that include photos. I feel they are easier to follow and it helps remove the stress when I am attempting to prepare something new. See Mix Drink is a visual reference guide that lays everything out for you and instructs you in the process. I love the fact that so much practical information about the drink is provided, but I am absolutely thrilled with the color coded visual representation of the drink. This makes it so much easier for me!

I have included See Mix Drink in my 2011 Holiday Gift Guide because I believe it is a great gift for those non-bartenders out there (like me)! Many people host holiday parties at this time and wouldn't it be nice to be able to impress your family and friends with your drink-making abilities?

More about the author:
Brian D. Murphy is a cocktail enthusiast, designer, and recovering investment banker who lives in Minneapolis, where he can frequently be found mixing drinks for friends and family. His favorite cocktail is the Old Fashioned.

I am so happy to tell you that the The Hachette Book Group has offered to sponsor a giveaway of TWO copies of See Mix Drink! Please see the details of the giveaway below:

Buy It: See Mix Drink can be purchased on Amazon.

Win It: Two winners will each receive a copy of See Mix Drink.

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment letting me know your favorite alcoholic beverage and leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

#Win a copy of See Mix Drink! Ends 12/11! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/clqxb37

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 11, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Book Review: Healthy Eating for Kids

2011-11-28T13:22:00.000-05:00

My husband and I attempt to plan and prepare healthy meals and snacks as often as possible for our kids. My daughter has a hollow stomach and can honestly eat “until the cows come home”; therefore, it is crucial we make sure she eats healthy balanced meals. My son wishes he could live on Goldfish crackers. Fortunately, I am blessed to have two children who love fruits for snacks; however, vegetables are a different story. My children are also huge carbohydrate fans, so they prefer spaghetti and meatballs, macaroni and cheese, and bread, bread, and more bread.
I recently reviewed an ebook entitled, “Healthy Eating for Kids” that provides easy to prepare healthy recipes for foods kids love. Included in the book are 60 recipes for Snacks, Drinks, Lunches at Home, Packed School Lunches, Evening Meals at Home, and Desserts. The recipes have creative names that peak children’s interest and make snack and mealtime fun! For example, wouldn’t your child like to have Ants on a Log and some Berry Blaster for snack? This is more fun than simply crackers and cheese!

“Your child will look forward to healthy eating instead of rebelling against it. We've included recipes that are bright and flavorful, while including a wide variety of ingredients that are packed full of essential vitamins and minerals”.

My family’s favorite recipe was the Sneaky Spaghetti Sauce! It is just what its name implies - sneaky! Included in the recipe are zucchini, bell pepper, broccoli, and eggplant! This is a delicious recipe and my son had no idea that he was eating all his veggies while eating his pasta. In addition to loving the variety of the recipe choices, I think it is wonderful that the recipes are provided in kid-size portions. There have been SO many times when my son has refused to eat what I have prepared for the family. I end up heating something fast and easy like chicken nuggets as an alternative, which is ridiculously unhealthy. I like the fact that if this happens again, I can simply prepare one of the recipes in this book as a fast, easy, and HEALTHY alternative.

I'm looking forward to the opportunity to prepare more fun and delicious snacks and meals for my kids! Healthy Eating for Kids is available on their website and the Kindle version is available on Amazon.

*Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Guest Post for Allstate: Volunteer Opportunities for Kids: Teaching Your Children Empathy Through Social Service

2011-11-21T21:37:00.000-05:00

I recently wrote a guest post for Allstate that I want to share with you. I love doing social service projects with both my daughter and my students. I think it's such a wonderful way to foster empathy and character development. Within this article, I list a variety of ways in which you and your children can be involved in various social service projects. Please read my full article here.

Book Review & Giveaway: Froggy Boots Go With Everything

2011-11-21T21:07:00.003-05:00

My son has recently discovered his love of books. He is proud of himself that he can say enough words to communicate to us what he sees. "Froggy Boots Go With Everything: is a board book that instantly grasped my son's attention. Written by Jill Zabkar Martin and illustrated by Kristen Gaede Van Mourick, "Froggy Boots Go With Everything" is about a boy, his love for his froggy boots, and how he wears them during every part of his day. A small frog accompanies the boy throughout his day and can be found on each and every page. My son laughed continuously while we read the book! He thought it was so funny that the boy wears his froggy boots in every picture. He repeated over and over, "Shoes! Shoes!" because he doesn't yet say "Boots".

Personally, I adore the illustrations. The pictures are sweet, colorful, and funny. I think it is so clever of the author to include the frog throughout the course of the boy's day and include him in every illustration. I also loved the fact that the last page of the book includes a list of objects that the children are asked to go back and find. This is a nice touch to have the child interact more with the book. This book has now been included in my son's book basket of favorite books!

Thank you to The Cadence Group for allowing me the opportunity to review this book and for sponsoring a giveaway! One winner will receive a copy of Froggy Boots Go With Everything! Please read the details of the giveaway below:

Win It: One winner will receive a copy of the Froggy Boots Go With Everything.

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment letting me know you wish to win and leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

#Win a copy of Froggy Boots Go With Everything! Ends 12/6! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/6t9tw7g

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 6, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I received a free copy of this book for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

The Ultimate Recipes ebook - 5000 Recipes - Giveaway!

2011-11-19T10:47:00.005-05:00

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

In recent years, I have viewed cooking as a chore. It was a chore I took no pleasure in, most likely due to the fact that I had no confidence in my abilities. I am happy to say that my feelings about cooking have completely changed this year. My daughter and I began cooking together and cooking no longer seemed like a chore. My time with my daughter is a blessing! I began looking forward to our meal planning and the time we were spending together in the kitchen. This new interest in cooking influenced a new addition for me – cookbooks! Yes, I now have a very full baker’s one! It had a great deal of empty space in the past!

We had the opportunity to review the Ultimate Recipes ebook 5000 recipes last week. This ebook is just what its name implies – it’s the ULTIMATE recipe ebook! When I originally opened the ebook, the first words that came to mind were, “Oh my goodness!” There are so many mouth-watering recipes which I knew instantly that my family would love. I began making a brief list of the recipes that I want to prepare in the upcoming weeks, including Apple Pie Coffee Cake, Chicken Divan, and Apple Glazed Pork Roast. With my husband traveling so often now, I have a real interest in using my crock pot on a regular basis. 470 crock pot recipes! Let the meal planning begin!

The Ultimate Recipes ebook 5000 recipes contains recipes from the following categories:
1000 Atkins Diet Recipes
101 Camping & Outdoor Recipes
101 Recipes For The Deep Fryer
111 Egg Recipes
120 Lip-Smacking Good Jam Recipes
300 Chicken Recipes
470 Crock Pot Recipes
65 Tried And True Traditional Amish Recipes
Cat Head Biscuits And Garlic Fried Chicken
Cheesecake Recipes
Chocolate Recipes For Chocolate Lovers
And Many More .....

There are so many recipes that I do wish that a Table of Contents was included in each of the recipe files. There are several that have a Table Contents and some that do not. It would be a huge time saver for me to know exactly what page I need to go to.

Included within the ebook is The Complete Library of Cooking: A 5 Volume Set Covering Everything You Need To Know About Cooking. This is an enormous reference guide to cooking. I needed this! This volume set provides an immense amount of information about food and preparation. My goal is to not only learn to cook a variety of foods, which this ebook is certainly going to help me do, but I really want to learn about cooking as well.

I laughed to myself when I thought about what this ebook would look like if it were printed. It would take up my entire baker’s rack! Personally, I love the fact that recipes are contained in an ebook and therefore, take up less space. However, I do like to print out the recipes I use most often so I can easily pull them out when I am ready to cook. I do not like to keep my computer near the kitchen – God forbid something gets on the keyboard!

Now, I have great news! You can win your own copy of the Ultimate Recipes ebook! Please read the details of the giveaway below:

Win It: One winner will receive a copy of the Ultimate Recipes ebook - 5000 Recipes!

Mandatory Entry: Please leave a comment letting me know what category of recipes from above interests you the most and leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

#Win the Ultimate Recipes ebook - 5000 Recipes! Ends 12/4 ! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway http://tinyurl.com/72rgyoj

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 4, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Cow Watches in Chick-fil-A Kid's Meals & Giveaway

2011-11-17T22:27:00.001-05:00

The Cow Watches are coming to Chick-fil-A Kid’s Meals! During the holidays Chick-fil-A Kid’s Meals are featuring the never before seen Cow Watches to reach families with a simple and fun message: In your busy holiday season make sure to stop and take a few moments together as a family to spend quality “time” with one another.

How do you and your family spend your time together? My family and I decorate the tree, make cookies, create Christmas crafts, and wrap presents. This time together gets us in the holiday spirit and we revel in the time we’re allowed together to celebrate this time of year.

Check out the Chick-fil-A Cow Watch widget below! If you click on the widget, you will find fun activities for your family, worksheets and a Holiday Quiz!

Friends of PartnersHub are sponsoring a giveaway for one Tidbits From A Mom reader to win a Free Chick-fil-A Calendar($30.00 Value) that contains coupons so you can enjoy Chick-fil-A throughout the year! Please read the details of the giveaway below:

Win It: One winner will receive a free Chick-fil-A Calendar ($30.00 value).

Mandatory Entry: Please take the Holiday Quiz and leave a comment telling me your results. Please leave your email address so that I may be able to contact you if you win.

#Win a Chick-fil-A Calendar full of coupons! Ends 12/2! @tidbitsfromamom #giveaway
http://tinyurl.com/72yretg

6. Grab my button and let me know where you placed it (3 entries)
7. Subscribe to Tidbits From A Mom through RSS feed or email (3 entries for each)

This giveaway ends on December 2, 2011 at 12:00am EST. *Giveaway is open to U.S. residents. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. The winner will be notified through email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Disclaimer: I did not receive monetary compensation for this post. I have written this post in collaboration with PartnersHub. The opinions expressed here are my own.

Enter the Tiny Prints Talent Search Contest!

2011-11-17T21:10:00.000-05:00

Enter the Tiny Prints Talent Search Contest today for your chance to win the grand prize of $1,000 cash and a $500 Tiny Prints gift certificate! This is a great prize for the holiday season!

Tiny Prints is looking for the cutest photos in the following categories:
• Cutest Baby (From ages of 0-24 months)
• Cutest Kid (From ages of 25 months - 10 years old)
• Cutest Family
• Cutest Couple
• Cutest Pet & Owner

The entry period has been extended to November 21st. Once the entry period is over, Tiny Prints will open up the contest to the entire Community to vote for their favorites and determine the winners.

You can enter the Tiny Print Talent Search Contest via Facebook or on their website. For Official Rules, click here.