Eco Fruit Tote, $90 Value ~ Review and Giveaway ~

I am luckily in that my kids LOVE fruit.  Seriously, they love it.  They will throw fits until I give them yet ANOTHER piece/slice of watermelon, apple, pear, banana... you get the idea.  They love it fresh, but the also love it dried.  The Bella Viva Eco Fruit Tote contains over 7.5 lbs of dried fruit and 2 pounds of nuts (almonds and cashews).  The nuts were my favorite part, but the kids went wild over the dried fruits.  The dried Pears didn't last the night.

Three of the Selections are SO2 (Sulfur Dioxide) Free.  SO2 is a common preservative used in traditional dried fruits.  Bella Viva Orchards has a large selection of SO2-free dried fruits if you are so inclined.    Though this collection doesn't contain them, Bella Viva Orchards also offers a wide selection of Organic and Chocolate covered fruits and nuts.  They are available individually or in a selection of Gift Baskets.

The over 9..5lbs of fruits and nuts in the tote includes:

1 lb Dried Yellow Peaches
1 lb Red Flame Seedless Raisins
1 lb Cashews
1 lb Dried Betty Ann Plums
1 lb Almonds
1 lb Dried Slab Apricots
1 lb Dried Pitted Prunes
1 lb Dried Pears
12 oz Natural Dried Blueberries No SO2
8 oz Natural Dried Yellow Peaches No SO2
8 oz Natural Dried Persimmons No SO2:

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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.

Kidzies ~ Review and Discount CODE ~

Kids love anything with their name on it.  This is true, or at least it is true with my kids.  I, however, tend to shy away from such personalized items because the quality of the actual product is severely lacking.  The last thing I need in my house is more junk, even it if does have my kid's name on it.  To that end I am pleased to introduce Kidzies.com to you.  They offer quality, fun, chic products for kids, most of which can be personalized.



I chose to review the "Treasure Bagz" because my oldest is constantly finding things for mommy to put into her pockets...  The Kidzies Treasure Bag is made of durable Neoprene with a decorative front and printed with your choice of message.  It has a sturdy zipper with a keyring on the pull.  My daughter couldn't wait to try it out!

In addition to the Treasure Bagz (in various designs), Kidzies offers Bigger Bagz, Koin Keepers, Huggers (koozies), and so much more.  All are offered at affordable prices.  I encourage you to check them out.

Find Kidzies on the Web and Facebook.

Kidzies.com is offering my readers 25% off with the code blogkidzies2012

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.

Garnier Fructis

Sometimes I really love being a blogger. I get to try products I have never heard of and often add them to my daily routine.  Other times I get to tout the benefits products I use or have used in the past, or new versions of said products.  This is one of those times.  I am a long time user of Garnier Fructise hair care products.  I never use one product for more than a few months, but rotate through them so my hair doesn't get "bored" (trust me it does).  Fructise is always in my rotation, though.

I was recently given the opportunity to try the new Sleek & Shine line from Garnier Fructis.  It has a pleasant fruity scent (apricot based) which I loved (I HATE floral shampoos, which is one reason I love the Fructis line). It leaft my hair clean and shiny without being weighed down.  Now I don't do a whole lot with my hair.  As the stay-at-home-mom to 3 kids under the age of 5 with long, THICK hair and living in Southeast Texas, my hair styles generally consist of either a pony tail or a braid.  but when I did leave it down I could tell a difference in the fell and look of my hair.

 

From the manufacturer:

• Work best on dry, frizzy and unmanageable hair


• Fight frizz and keep hair sleek for three days straight, even in 97% humidity


• Infused with Fortified Fruit Science and ultra-smoothing Argan oil from Morocco to deliver long-lasting shine and hair that's 10x smoother


• Packed with ultra-rich and smoothing conditioners that rinse clean — we dare you to find something that treats your demanding, frizzy hair better!


• Part of a larger Sleek & Shine line that includes Intensely Smooth Leave-In Conditioning Cream, best seller Anti-Frizz Serum and Frizz Defeat Deep Conditioner Treatment


• Have a suggested retail price of $3.99 (13 oz.) and $6.99 (25.4 oz.)


• Available at grocery stores, drug stores and mass retailers like Target and Wal-Mart

 

Find Garnier Fructis on the Web and Facebook

Note: I Received the product in question as part of a BzzAgent campaign.  All opinions are my own.

Waxelene ~ Review ~

I live in Houston, Texas.  Actually with the exception of College and Grad school, I have lived in the Houston Metro area my entire life.  Living in Houston there is one constant... Oil.  Yep Good ol' Petroleum, Black Gold, Bubbling Crude.  Many of the biggest oil companies are based here and those that aren't still have a HUGE presence.  The best way I describe Houston is "Dripping with Oil" (just ask my hubby I use that phrase a LOT).  Actually my husband and I joked about getting booted out of Houston when we moved back from DC with my Hybrid vehicle (a 2005 Toyota Prius and yes I still drive it and YES I get 3 car seats safely in the back seat, but I digress).

I won't begrudge the oil companies their due.  I won't even raise red flags about all the damage they may or may not be causing.  That is not what this debate is about.  I will be honest, living, working, and growing up in Houston I know too many people whose lively hood depends on the Oil industry to begrudge them anything (my family included).  But I will also not say that it is a bad thing to find alternatives to petroleum based products.  In fact I would go so far as to say that finding alternatives to those products that are so ubiquitous in our lives would be a smart and healthy path to take.

Oil has become a ubiquitous part of our everyday lives.  Of course there is the Gasoline we put in our cars, but there are so many other places Petroleum enters into our world, many of which you may not even think about.  Crude can be refined into so many products it isn't even funny.  One that is used from the cradle is Petroleum Jelly (brand name os Vaseline but is also the main ingredient in Aquaphor and many "white" Diaper Rash creams).  Many people have issues using petroleum jelly for one reason or another (again I am not getting into that debate), but there is no debating the protectant and healing properties of the stuff.



Waxelene offers and Petroleum and Hydrogenated Oil free alternative to traditional Petroleum jelly.  It is organic and all natural.  Here is their product description:

Waxelene® is revolutionizing skin care. It creates the same waterproof barrier that doctors recommend petroleum jelly for but contains no petroleum or hydrogenated oil. Instead we use our patent pending aeration process that won’t clog pores and makes Waxelene® highly effective for any kind of dry skin. Not only that, it can be used for hundreds of other things just like petroleum jelly.

Made of Organic Soy Oil, Beeswax, Organic Rosemary Oil, and Natural Vitamin E (from soybeans). That's it, no petroleum or artificial ingredients. 2oz size glass jar. Made in the USA.

It provides the same protective benefits of traditional petroleum jelly, but without the grease and without the oil. I tried in place of usually petroleum based products (mainly Aquaphor) with positive results. It is a bit stickier than Aquaphor, but I found it didn't stain clothing as bad either.

Follow Waxelene on Facebook and Twitter

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.

Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil ~ Review and Giveaway ~

 



When I started my journey to a more healthy me, I discovered Coconut Oil to use as an alternative to butter and veggie oils in my cooking.  I have never been a huge fan of using veggie oils to cook as many of them are soybean oil, and I try to avoid soy where I can.  Canola oil isn't much better for you.

I was a bit skeptical about using coconut oil.  I don't actually like Coconut (unless it is in the form of a good Macaroon, but I digress...).  I have tried a few other "coconut" based products with negative results.  But, for the sake of my health, I decided to forage through.  Specifically I tried Tropical Traditions Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil.  I was pleasantly surprised.  First, a little goes a LONG way, so I was using far less than I would if I was cooking the same dish in Butter (which I generally prefer over Veggie oil).   Second, there is no residual coconut flavor in the dish.  I even used it to cook my beloved Hashbrowns with great success.  It didn't change the flavor of most dishes, though I did notice a difference in flavor on the Hashbrowns, but it wasn't unpleasant.



 

 

Win 1 quart of  Gold Label

Virgin Coconut Oil!

Tropical Traditions is America's source for coconut oil.
Their Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil is hand crafted in small batches by family producers, and it is the highest quality coconut oil they offer. You can read more about how virgin coconut oil is different from other coconut oils on their
website:

What is Virgin Coconut Oil? You can also watch the video they produced about Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil:

Tropical Traditions also carries
other varieties of affordable high quality coconut oil. Visit their website to check on current sales, to learn about the many uses of coconut oil, and to read about all the  advantages of buying coconut oil online.
Since the FDA does not want us to discuss the health benefits of coconut oil on a page where it is being sold or given away, here is the best website to read about the health benefits of coconut oil.

 



 


a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose.  Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Juppy ~ Review and Giveaway ~

As the mom of 3, I have gone through the learning to walk phase many times.  It is both exciting and back breaking. All that leanin over to hold onto babies hands. But more importantly, baby learns to depend on those hands for support, which can actually slow the process down, not to mention that when they fall you can do some damage to those tiny shoulders. I have always been an advocate of NOT walking around with babies hands above their hands With baby girl 8 months old, we are embarking on that journey once again.

Honestly, I think a child's first steps are probably one of the most exciting times for a parent.  It marks the point where the child moves from Baby to "independent" Toddler.  But it can be heck on your back.   The Juppy is designed to help ease that transition.  It is a sturdy Canvas and Cotton harness (for lack of a better term) that allows the parent to support baby securely and still stand straight and comfortably.  In turn it gives baby the confidence to try to move their little feet one in front of the other, which is such and important skill to learn! It allows this psuedo-independence without the dangers associated with wheeled walkers and other "Walking" toys.



You can get the Juppy in Pink, Blue or Black.  You can also have the Juppy monogrammed with your little one's name.

Find Juppy on the Web: Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and The Juppy Blog

PriceBlink ~ Review ~ Coupons and Discounts at the Click of a Mouse!

I am all about saving money.  Seriously, who isn't? Okay MAYBE someone with unlimited funds... but I am certainly no where NEAR that category and I am sure you feel my pain.  I also am all about online shopping.   So saving money while online shopping?  Major score.  I have recently discovered a little browser add-on that helps you do just that.  It is called PriceBlink.  I downloaded the Firefox version but they also have version for Chrome, Internet Explorer, Safari, and iPad.



PriceBlink isn't an ever present toolbar, taking up precious browser real estate.  It only appears when you are on a site that is compatible with it.   An increasing number of websites are compatible, however.  It appears at the top of the screen with fabulous information like current specials and VERIFIED, LEGITIMATE coupon code.  I tested the app using my favorite children's clothing realtor (The Children's Place).  Some other retailers available are: Best Buy, Barnes & Noble, Dell, Kohls, Snapfish, Old Navy, Walmart, Toys R Us, and many many more.



It is guaranteed to be free of spyware and adware and is 100% free to use.  It is, also, easy to install (just like any other browser add on).

Find PriceBlink on the Web and Facebook.

Note: I received a compensation to test this application.  All opinions are my own, and I only recommend those products I believe will be beneficial to my readers.

 

SureFlap ~ Review ~

If you have an indoor/outdoor pet, you know that their ability to get themselves indoors and outdoors can make your life a whole lot easier.  It can also present its own set of challenges if not done right.  A Cat door is a luxury for some and a necessity for others.  If you are going to put in a cat door, might I suggest the SureFlap Microchip Cat Flap?

Some of the benefits of the SureFlap over other cat doors is that it is microchip controlled only the cats it is programmed for can enter through the door.  Thus keeping out unintended visitors.  It works with your cat's existing microchip, so no new chips or collars needed.  It can hold the ID of up to 32 cats.

 

Product Description:
The SureFlap Microchip Cat Door learns and recognizes a cat or small dog's existing veterinarian-inserted microchip and will only allow pets with a recognized chip indoors. This way, strays and other critters are kept outside, giving pet parents peace of mind. For bloggers with cats, I have full retail units, for bloggers who don't I have demo units that come with a stuffed, microchip-embedded cat so they can still test it out. SureFlap retails for $149.99 at www.sureflap.com.

Find SureFlap on the Web: Facebook and Twitter

For a limited time, you can use the code MOMBLOG12 on Sureflap.com to receive 10% off the purchase price!

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

Tombow Glue for Crafts and Scrapbooking ~ Review ~

 

Contrary to popular belief, I am not the craftiest person out there.   I don't have the patience for many of the more tedious, but popular crafts such as scrap booking.  One of the other reasons I don't like it?  Glue is messy and I hate messy.  I admit, shy away from any craft with my kids that involves glue.  Heck, my kids can make a mess out of glue sticks... Needless to say I was intrigued when I saw Tombow Glue.  What makes it different?  Well it isn't a liquid glue.  It dispensed in much the same way as the new form of "white out".  It is a tape that, when run over the area, leaves a film of glue behind.  It is sticky and strong when dried.  It is acid free and photo-safe so it is good for scrap booking and many other paper crafts.  I love using it when my kids do cut and paste activities.  Another advantage of this type of glue is that is can be applied with precision, something sorely lacking in tradition glue sticks.

Overall, I would recommend this product to anyone who enjoys paper crafts such as scrapbooking or who has kids into crafting.  It would even be useful in constructing all those poster and foam board project displays that are ubiquitous throughout your child's educational journey.

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.

SodaStream ~ Review ~

Where do you sit on the Pop vs. Soda debate?  I am a born and bred Texan and I say Soda.  I grew up saying Coke in the generic sense, but since I can't stand and have not actually consumed coca-cola since I was in intermediate school... While living in Washington DC during grad school, I found a more suitable moniker for the fizzy sweet stuff that has become a ubiquitous part of our every day existence.    While in DC, I also gave up Caffeine completely (yes you read that write, I have not consumed Caffeinated beverages since 2004).   Unfortunately, giving up caffeine can put quite the damper on your soda consumption... especially when you aren't a huge fan of Sprite (again I use that in the generic sense).   As such I have slowly given up Soda over the years.  I still enjoy a good Root Beer now and again (as long as it isn't Barq's... they sneak Caffeine in there, sadly), and I will indulge in a caffeine free Dr. Pepper when I manage to find some, but those are few and far between.

My husband, however, has not lost his lust for fizzy, caffeinated, syrupy goodness (his words), so he was suitably excited when the new SodaStream landed on the Carpenter doorstep.  He was itching to try it out, he even got my 4.5 year old in on the act... which is saying something since she has never had soda before.

Here is what you will find in a normal SodaStream box:



The box contains:

• SodaSream Taste Sampler Pack - contains a 1 time use packet of 6 of the most popular flavors


• CO2 Cartridge


• SodaStream Machine with Bottle and Cap

There are over 50 flavors available, including many made with all-natural Cane Sugar (I don't care what you say YES you can taste the difference and YES it is WAY better than stuff made with High-Fructose Corn Syrup). For the Review I also received a nice assortment of  Syrups to try. We tried the Black Currant and Pear.







If you are like me and aren't into a full-on Soda, there is also a set of syrups for flavored sparkling waters (meant to me lighter in flavor than a full on soda).



Hubby and I were a bit worried about the water situation because we don't have the best tap water, but even our tap water worked just fine... though this does give us another excuse to get that Reverse Osmosis system for the house we have been tossing around for about 2 years... The system was easy to set up and with the directions were straight-forward and easy to follow. The result was a suitably tasty Cherry/Pear flavored soda.

SodaStream has some advantages... first of all it is just plain fun to make your own soda.  You could also make your own syrups for your own soda.  There is far, far less waste.  If you are a loyal SodaStream user you will eventually start seeing the savings on your grocery bill as well.

You can get your own SodaStream and many fine retailers including Costco, Kohl's, Bed Bath & Beyond, Best Buy, Target, Williams-Sonoma, and more

Note: I received the product discussed for free for purpose of this review. All opinions are my own.

Vizardz Light Box ~ Review and Giveaway ~

As a photographer, I love finding new and different ways to display the fruits of my craft.  Though I love Canvas and Aluminum has a special place on my wall, there is nothing better than finding that perfect way to display your favorite shot.  Vizardz allows you do do just that.  Using their special 2.5D technology, you can display your favorite shots in a light box, nightlight, or ornament.  You can also get additional Picture inserts for the Nightlight or Light Box, so you can change images with your mood or as the kids continue to grow.

I chose to review the light box.  Here is my original still:



Here is the lightbox:



I am suitably pleased with the results.  My husband was in awe.  I have no idea where I am going to display this beautiful piece, but I will be very proud to do so.

Here is what Vizardz.com has to say about the about the 2.5D process

2.5D pictures combine a three-dimensional topography with your two-dimensional digital photographs and images. This combination adds depth, texture, and contrast to breathe life into your ordinary photos. When light is applied to a Vizardz 2.5D picture, the stunning beauty of our technique is demonstrated, rendering the image in 3D. These 2.5D pictures are available as Night Lights, Ornaments, and Light Boxes. With so many ways to see your photos come to life, why not hold your memories today?

 

Find Vizardz on the Web, Facebook, and Twitter

Win one below!

KnowPhone.com ~ Review ~

I screen calls. No let me restate that, I unapologetically screen calls. Why? Because I am tired of getting up walking into the kitchen or office to get the phone, only to find out that it was a waste of time and effort because it is a telemarketer, or more likely, a scam artist on the line.  I am on the "Do Not Call" registry, but let's face it, as with most things that come out of the government, it is ineffective and only keeps the honest people (somewhat) honest.

Ah the wonders of caller-id.  Used to be that if someone called and didn't leave a message, you never even knew they called, now not so much.  It might just be a bi-product of my personality, but if someone calls I want to know who it is.  I love having access to reverse phone number lookups so I can see who called, even if the name on the caller-id is bogus or vague and even when they don't leave a message!

Sometimes usually when a number comes through I don't know, especially if they leave a message or really annoy me, I like to look up the number and see who it belongs to.  KnowPhone.com is the premier website for reverse phone number lookups.

Knowphone.com is $19.95 per month.

 
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.

10th Anniversary Edition Couponizer + Canvas Mini Tote ~ Review ~

I clip coupons; then they lay around unorganized, unused, and eventually forgotten.  Over the years I have tried various coupon organization methods, but none last long because they are lacking SOMETHING needed to be completely effective for this Type A personality.   So then I stop clipping coupons because it is a waste if I am just going to throw them away unused.

I have seen those "Coupon Binders" around, but honestly, I don't have the desire to put one together.  Enter the Couponizer.  The 10th Anniversary Edition of the Couponizer contains everything you need:

• The Couponizer booklet - 8"x6"x1" (before coupons).  Contains pockets for a 18 categories of coupons, 6 categories for other shavings types (Retail rewards, etc) and 2 pockets for organizing your current shopping trip.


• Shopping List pad


• CoupTracker pad - So you can record your savings


• CoupStacker - A Mat you can lay out to assist you in organizing your coupons as you clip them.  I really liked this.  There are enough categories that you aren't left wondering "which category does this coupon belong in?"


• Vinyl Carrying Bag - clear zippered vinyl bag in which to Carry the loaded binder and scissors


• Pair of scissors - So you are ready to clip at a moment's notice.


• Bonus: Canvas Couponizer Mini Tote - to carry it all around.  It is normally 12.95 + Shipping and Handling, but it is currently free with purchase (from 4/27/12 to 5/9/12).

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.