bareMinerals Naturally Luminous Skin Renewing Trio Review

 I've been trying out the new bareMinerals Naturally Luminous Skin Renewing Trio with RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex. I was so excited to receive my package because I have been looking for a face care line since having Faith. I was sent the Skin Renewing Trio which contains a cleanser, a moisturizer, and an eye treatment. All 3 formulas are powered by our 100% pure RareMinerals ActiveSoil Complex clinically proven to deliver incredible skin-renewing benefits, including faster cell turnover, smaller-looking pores, increased luminosity and antioxidant protection.

Children's Claritin Review

 Both my boys have allergies so I was excited when Bzz Agent invited me to be a part of there Children's Claritin campaign.

Random Review Tuesday: Shape Sorting Block from Ebeanstalk.com

A few weeks ago I posted a site review of Ebeanstalk.com. Ebeanstalk is a toy website that is dedicated to selecting only the very best toys for your kids! They have great baby toys as well as things for most ages! You can sort by age, by gender, by category, and more! They rely on moms like me to test out each of their toys to make sure they only have the best and the most fun learning toys around!

They have tons of toys for one year olds  so there is no guessing what would work for your child! I can not believe that in a few short months I will be looking for toys for two year olds! I was sent the Shape Sorting Cube by Melissa and Doug to try with Caleb.

At first I was a little disappointed as we own several shape sorters. I can tell you the disappointment faded as soon as Caleb sat down to play. This sorter is wooden and anyone that knows anything about Melissa and Doug products, know they are top of the line for safety. This sorter also contains 12 shapes and they are not the basic shapes. Caleb has mastered his other shape sorters so it was interesting to see how he would work through this one.

The lid on this one slides off instead of the 'normal' lift up lid. This was something that kept his attention for quite a while. I enjoyed watching him find the shapes he already knew and then 'work' on the harder shapes. Overall I am so pleased with this toy and feel it is appropriate 18 - 30 months. What is great is this toy could be so versatile in learning... everything from colors, counting, shapes, and beyond!

The thoughts expressed in this review are mine and mine alone. I was provided with an outfit in exchange for my honest opinion. Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways!

Random Review Tuesday: Organically Grown

Have you heard about Organically Grown? It’s a new company that believes everyone should be able to have high-quality organic products at an affordable price. They are primarily a children apparel site, which features apparel made from organic cotton. The cotton is grown by safe, pesticide-free methods from plants that are not genetically modified, they also support the community of organic farmers!They do offer some selections of adult apparel as well as infant decor.

Random Review Tuesday: Ebeanstalk.com

I have been on a search for some of the best children toy sites I can find to do my Christmas Shopping. Are you done with your Christmas Shopping? Ebeanstalk is a website that provides toys for babies and kids of all ages. You currently have 18 days left to shop their site for your Christmas needs. Have you ever needed to find perfect baby gifts, but weren't quite sure where to look?   Child experts hand select only the best learning toys, so not only is it easy to find age appropriate toys, but you can be reassured that they are great for a baby's development too!

Lunar Antics Book Review

My husband and mother in law are comic fanatics. They truly have a sense of humor unlike anyone I know. As a matter of fact my mother in law often refers to herself as the 'MotherShip'.... long story as to how that got started and it was long before I came along. So when I had the chance to review Robert Walters book 'Boy, I'd Hate to be Made out of that Stuff!' I knew I had to take the opportunity.

Random Review Tuesday: Crystal Light Pure Fitness

Since deciding to cut out all soda and embrace water as my new best friend I have started looking at drinking in a whole new light. I am told you should drink half your body weight in water each day. For me that totals up to over 100 ounces of water. I have never been a big water drinker so this has been a challenge to me. I used to drink Crystal Light (a long time ago) but I hated the after taste from the aspartame. Now since starting my journey into a healthier lifestyle I have realized that aspartame is not good for you at all.

Crystal Light Pure Fitness is the first nationally-available, low-calorie fitness beverage mix with no artificial flavors, preservatives or sweeteners and colored with natural ingredients. With only 15 calories per serving, it’s sweetened with evaporated cane juice and TruviaTM, an all-natural, calorie-free sweetener derived from the stevia plant, and it’s colored and flavored with natural ingredients. Pure Fitness also contains electrolytes to aid hydration during light physical activity, making it a great fitness partner. Each packet will transform a 16.9-ounce bottle or cup of water into a light, refreshing beverage in any one of three flavors – Lemon Lime, Strawberry Kiwi or Grape.

I am absolutely in love with this new Crystal Light Pure Fitness. I still get my water counts each day, yet I don't feel like I am only drinking water. I think Grape is my favorite flavor though I like them all. I was nervous to try the Lemon Lime, I am not a fan usually, but it actually reminds me of a lemonade. For me this is a complete win win situation!

Want to try Crystal Light Pure Fitness out for yourself? Head on over to Vocal Point to snag a sample. You do have to be a member but it is FREE to join and you get cool stuff!





I received a sample of the above products in order to write an honest review. This is my experience and your may vary. For more information regarding reviews on this blog please refer to my disclosure policy.

Random Review Tuesday: Vitalicious SuperSampler Pack! Review

So all of you know (if you read my blog on Monday's) that I am on a weight loss journey. Let me tell you one of my secrets. I am a huge chocolate feign; I mean I LOVE chocolate. So how do you ask have I lost 16 pounds in 7 weeks! (Which by the way I simply can not fathom and wrap my head around) I can honestly say I owe some of it to Vitalicious! Without them I probably would have given into every temptation known to man!

I received the SuperSampler Pack to review. Which includes an assortment of 100 calorie natural muffin tops and brownies:
4 Low Fat Deep & Velvety VitaBrownies
2 Low Fat Chocolate Mint VitaTops
2 Low Fat Banana Nut VitaTops
2 Low Fat Triple Chocolate Chunk VitaTops
2 Low Fat Deep Chocolate VitaTops
2 Low Fat Fudgy Peanut Butter Chip VitaTops
2 Low Fat Golden Corn VitaTops
2 Low Fat CranBran VitaTops
2 Low Fat AppleBerry VitaTops
2 Low Fat RaisinBran VitaTops
2 Low Fat BlueBran VitaTops

This product contains no artificial additives or preservatives therefore we recommend freezing upon receipt.

Let me just say the Deep & Velvety VitaBrownies are absolutly to die for! When I recieved my box I put them straight into the freezer as I was instructed. I did grab a Banana Nut VitaTop to try. My initial reaction is that they tasted wonderful but were a little dry. The next day When I was craving chocolate and went to raid the freezer (which is where we keep chocolate in my house) I seen the VitaTops and was reminded I am on a diet  life style change. I took one of the VitaTops out and popped it in the microwave for about 30 seconds; took a bite, and I was in Heaven! I can honestly say there was not one thing in this sampler box I did not enjoy. (Please not my Mother-in-Law helped me sample these and she is in total agreement. I did not sample the RaisinBran as I can not stand raisin's but she loved them!)

 

I am in shock that these could taste so wonderful and yet be good for you! Oh wait you don't believe me that they are good for you? What if I told you they are only 100 calories and that the normal person can burn the calories from a VitaTop or VitaBrownie in 13-15 minutes.  I mean look at the chart; these are so healthy and yet I swear they are absolutely tasty! I always felt like I should be feeling guilty about eating these!

It was nice to be able to have a sweet snack that was healthy and tasted great on those nights that my husband and son were eating ummmm all those things that are not so healthy!

You can go to Vitalicious site and check to see where you can buy these close to you. I was in awe when I checked and I can buy these at both the Food City and Kroger here in my town! I did not know that..... What about you? If there is not a store close to you don't fear you can always order these great snacks online! Check out how to earn a free sample of VitaTops by playing the Secret Sample game on Facebook! You can also keep up with VitaTops on Twitter and their blog! Oh and before I forget make sure you check out the whole line of products Vitalicious carries: coffee, bake wear, baking mixes, and even cakes!

The Results Are In:     * VitaTops saves TIME~ In a hurry but got a sweet tooth? Grab a VitaTop from the freezer, pop in microwave, and get going!     * VitaTops saves MONEY~ Although a little pricey some items will surprise you. They have cake for 8 for under $13.00!     * VitaTops saves SANITY~ No more depriving yourself sweets just because your losing weight!

 The opinions expressed in this post are mine and mine alone. I was not compensated but I did receive a sample in order to give a fair and honest opinion. Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways!

Thrifty Thursday: Buying Books The Smart Way

We all know how expensive books can be... especially text books. A great alternative is used book stores which sell books at a lower bargain price. I miss living in Tucson and having tons of used book stores at my discretion. What's bad about a used book store is that they are often crowded and not the most organized place to shop in. Also there is no way of telling when something they don't have will come in and then that you will even know that it came in. How neat would it be to have a brain somewhere that knew to alert you when your books on your list became available? Your wish is my command:

What BRAIN does is it allows you to create a book wishlist of sorts that automatically notifies you when a book in matching your title, author, ISBN, or keyword search. You can set preferences such as the minimum book condition, how often & when to get alerted, maximum number of books to include in each alert & more.This service offered by McKenzie Books is so easy to use and makes finding the book you need easy and affordable. McKenzie Books is an online used book buyer and seller (they do sell some new).

McKenzie Books has a GREAT clearance section on their site. They update it daily and prices start at just $1.99; that is a great deal on books! I spent $25.00 and this is what I got out of their clearance section. Also please note if you spend $25.00 or more you get free media shipping. (I received my books in less than a week from when I placed my order) I got Eragon, Eldest (book two of Eragon), The Notebook, Message in a Bottle, My Sister's Keeper, A Walk to Remember, Signed in Blood, The Best Life Cook Book, and My Bible Stories.


I was so pleased when I received my books. They were described PERFECTLY and so I knew what I was getting. Eragon is missing the dust cover but I knew that when I placed my order! No Surprises... how much better can it get. The Best Life CookBook is in BRAND NEW condition and I only paid $1.99 for it! 


McKenzie Books is not only a great place to buy books for cheap but you can sell them your old books as well. Learn more about this on their site! 

The Results Are In:     * McKenzie Books saves TIME~ The Brain does all the work on finding and alerting you to the books you need!     * McKenzie Books saves MONEY~ There Clearance Section can not be beat and you can sell old books to them as well!     * McKenzie Books saves SANITY~ NO more driving all over town to find the book you are looking for!

I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a $25 gift card to order books in order to write a fair and honest review. For more information on reviews please see my disclosure policy.

Whats Cooking Wednesday~ ICBINB Review

Okay so I know I already posted a What's Cooking Wednesday post, but I had to post this one as well. I recently got sent some I Can't Believe It's Not Butter swag, which included recipes. I made this for Mother's Day!

Ingredients

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/3 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
1 Tbsp. orange juice
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1 Tbsp. grated orange peel
3/4 cup I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® Spread
3 large eggs

Instructions

Preheat oven to 325°. Grease and flour 8-1/2 x 4-1/2-inch loaf pan; set aside.
Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; set aside.
Combine yogurt, orange juice and vanilla in small bowl; set aside.
Combine sugar with orange peel in large bowl. Beat in I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® Spread with electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately beat in flour mixture and yogurt mixture on low speed just until blended. Spoon batter into prepared pan.
Bake 55 minutes or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.
Frost, if desired, with Orange Glaze*.

*For Orange Glaze: Combine 1 cup confectioners sugar with 1 Tbsp. orange juice. Adding more orange juice if needed.

Cost per recipe*: $3.01. Cost per serving*: $.38.
*Based on the ICBINB website.

TIP: For LEMON POUND CAKE, use lemon juice and grated lemon peel instead of orange.

And here is my cake. The edges were a little burnt but no one minded. This cake was gone the same night! It will definitely be made again in my home or for any get together I am invited to.

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter!® spread has 0 grams trans fat, 2 grams or less saturated fat and no cholesterol per serving. You can find ICBINB in the regular, light, sticks, and so much more. You can check out detailed nutrition information on their site.Make sure you sign up for their newsletter to get the inside track on promotions and other goodies! You can also follow ICBINB on twitter! I really believe once you try ICBINB you will be hooked; I know I am!

The Results Are In:     * ICBINB saves TIME~ Turn the tub around and see how it's healthy. No more trying to figure out trans fats etc!     * ICBINB saves MONEY~ No more pricey than any other name brand spreads (yet tastes GREAT)!     * ICBINB saves SANITY~ Tastes great and all information is easily found!

So if you would like to try ICBINB then please leave me a message telling me the recipe (there than the one listed above) you would like to make. The first 10 readers to respond withe a recipe AND email addressee.... will get a coupon booklet with a few recipes and to $1.50 off coupons!

 I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a samples of the product in order to write a fair and honest review. For more information on reviews please see my disclosure policy.

Random Review Tuesday: Entenmanns Coffee Review

I am a big coffee drinker! Give me my cup of coffee with one Splenda and flavored creamer and no one will get hurt. Since joining Mamavation and working on losing weight I have decided I need to try to find ways to enjoy things just make them a little healthier for me. I was sent some of Entenmann's Coffee to try and boy was I surprised. I received the Entenmann’s Ultimate Café Blend, Ultimate Hazelnut Coffee Cake Blend, and Ultimate Vanilla Bean Blend. 

Each 12 ounce bag retails for $7.99 which is a little pricey if you are used to buying the bigger canisters of plain coffee. This is a HUGE savings if you are going to a coffee shop daily to get your flavored fix. I mean think about it for roughly 12 ounces of coffee you pay around $4.00 per day! How many 12 ounces coffee's do you think you can get from one bag? If your answer is higher then two... your saving money! I noticed the flavored coffee did not need my daily dose of creamer and I was just happy to add my Splenda and be done. Wow that is a $2.00 a week saving's right there for me not to mention the calories I am saving each week. I can not choose a favorite between the Hazelnut and Vanilla as they each were so smooth and comforting; a great way to start my day. My coffee is a little piece of 'me time' each day and this coffee definitely made a great impression in my house hold! I loved the smell that filled my house while brewing this coffee; I mean it smelled like a bakery!


In addition to the flavors I tried Entenmann's carries a flavored Ultimate Cinnamon Crumb Cake Blend.... Can I just say yummy! I so want to try this one out! So your not a flavored coffee drinker? Well Entenmann's has you covered as well! Their Coffee Shop Blend is a medium bodied coffee that is exceptionally smooth. It is available in Regular and Decaffeinated.  This comes in two sizes: 11.5 ounces for $3.99 and 34.5 ounces for $9.99!

The Results Are In:     * Entenmann's Coffee Cafe Blend saves TIME~ Don't have to add creamer or stop at coffee shops!     * Entenmann's Coffee Cafe Blend saves MONEY~ No more pricey coffee shops brew great tasting cafe style taste at home!     * Entenmann's Coffee Cafe Blend saves SANITY~ This is my me time and a tasty one at that!

 You can purchase Entenmann's Coffee online in their store and you can also follow them on Facebook!

I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a samples of the product in order to write a fair and honest review. For more information on reviews please see my disclosure policy.

My new favorite juice: Cheribundi Review

I absolutely love cherries, they are my favorite fruit and oh so good for you! I absolutely dislike artificial cherries and most juices out there are made from artificial cherry flavoring... yuck! Then I found Cheribundi. I was sent samples of this wonderful juice to try out but I will admit they sat in my fridge forever.... I was worried about the taste. WOW WOW WOW  Real cherries and oh my how wonderful they taste! I guess I should have realized this would be the case when you read the bottle and learn that each 8oz bottle has at least 50 cherries in it! What an easy way to get two servings of fruit. Cheribundi not only taste great but these little bottle's have more disease-fighting antioxidants than other juice, are all natural, and not from concentrate. It also contains Vitamin A, Potassium, Iron, Calcium and muscle-growing B-Vitamins! How many other juices can boast the same!

Cheribundi comes in three different varieties: the original Tru Cherry, Skinny Cherry which has fewer calories and contains stevia, and Whey Cherry which is packed with protein. You can connect with Cheribundi, sign up for their newsletter, follow on twitter, and become their fan on face book. You can also check out their website to find a retailer near you. I love that I was looking for just in the store looking for cherries the other day (which are not out yet by the way)... this drink helps curb that craving! YES it is that good!

 

If you are like me and Cheribundi is not available at a retailer close to you, your still in luck! You can purchase Cheribundi on line for just over $2.00 a bottle. Amazon also carries it and this would be a great healthy idea to spend your Swagbucks on!

I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a samples of the product in order to write a fair and honest review. For more information on reviews please see my disclosure policy.

Joe Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill ~Book Review

The Adventures of Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill Cas e#1 The Great Pie Catastrophe is book one in a series by Renee Hand. It is a short chapter book that is a younger childs version of 'who-dun-it'.

The Case: (About the Book)
Down in Acorn Valley just before the 42nd annual Pie Festival could begin, a crime was committed. Someone stole Miss Clucks blueberry pie that she was going to enter into the pie contest. Who did she call to come to her aid? She called the best detectives in the valley of course—Joe-Joe Nut and Biscuit Bill animal detectives. As they discover clues and gather facts, the hunt begins and Joe-Joe and Biscuit follow animal tracks that lead them to four different suspects. Bears, ducks, frogs, raccoons…oh my! But who committed the crime? Use your deduction and reasoning skills to solve the case along with Joe-Joe and Biscuit. Learn about animal tracks and some of the animals who make them. Can the case be solved before the judging of the pies? Come find out in Book #1: The Great Pie Catastrophe.

 About the Author:

I am an award-winning author, educator, tennis coach and various other things. I have been writing for over twenty years and have been a published author for five years with five works published. I write for various chronicles and newsletters, as well as write reviews for various authors of children´s books on my blog, http://thecryptocapersseries.blogspot.com
You can find out more about Renee on her website! 

My Thoughts:

Aaron liked this book and loved all the animals. I like how it is chaptered so gives him something to look forward to and also allowed us to take pieces of the book to discuss. This book is a little advanced for my 4 year old but he loved it all the same. It is nice to see a mystery book geared to the younger child. All in all I would recommended this book for any elementary school children.

Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways!

Shannon Wexelberg I Have A Song CD Review

Shannon Wexelberg is one of those women so many can relate to. How many women fight with their feelings and faith when battling fertility issues? Going through the years of trying to get pregnant and then when finally succeeding and losing the baby can take a toll on any ones faith; I can attest to this after my many loses, After reading Shannons website I feel it important to share this paragraph with you:

I was still feeling somewhat abandoned by the Lord.  Now, my head knew this was not so.  My faith was strong.  I knew the Word of God.  But all my emotions said..."You are being disregarded by Him."  David felt that was so often in the Psalms...I was not alone.  But in that moment, the Holy Spirit awakened my heart to the garbage I was letting stink up my spirit - the anger, the bitterness, the spoiled-brat attitude.  In that moment, I got a picture of the cross in my mind's eye and I sensed the words, "If the cross was all I ever did for you, isn't that enough?"  Immediately, without a second thought, I bowed my knees to the Lord in that kitchen and asked His forgiveness for all the pride and self-entitlement I had been carrying.  I was a wreck again, but for all the right reasons.  I was undone.

I will be honest after reading this on her site I took a moment to stop and pray. I mean who am I to feel the self-entitlement to think I know what God should grant and bestow upon me. One of my favorite verses in the bible is: 'Seek me and you shall find me when you seek with all your heart.'~ Jeremiah 29:13 You can read more about Shannon's story on her website here.


Shannon has had alot of life's difficulties thrown her way and still managed to put her trust and faith in the Lord. This shows so strongly in her cd; you can hear it in every song she sings. There is honestly not one song on this cd that does not move me to worship! You can hear some of her music and purchase her cds by going to her store.  You can keep in touch with Shannon on facebook!


Please   see  my disclosure policy for details about reviews and  giveaways!

Jennifer Shaw Love Broke Through CD Review

Jennifer Shaw is such an amazing artist who God led to her Christian musical talents. She began her singing career as an Opera singer who after praying on her Pastors request started up a church band. The cd Love Broke Through is one of those cds you just won't get tired of listening to.

Jennifer brings her love for the Lord and fills your heart. She helps you to put your life in perspective and realize what is important. I listened to this cd after dropping Aaron off at school and it was the perfect way to start the day. It helps get my focus off what a busy day I will be having and on thanking the Lord for the day.

My favorite song on this album is 'God So Loved the World' based off of John 3:16. I think God led her to really put into voice to place in our heart how that verse should be. Jennifer has shown me that no matter what life throws at me praise God with all my heart; she has.

You can listen to Jennifer Shaws tracks, purchase the cd, and find out more of what she is up to in her service to the Lord by going to her website. You can also connect with her by going to Twitter and Facebook.

Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways!

Shannon The Real Thing CD Review

This cd is a gospel cd that speaks right to the core of women in modern day. Shannon opens herself through her music about the issues that women face today and how we are to trust in God and let him be our strength. I love the song 'Bad Hair Day' because it speaks about how all the things in the world seem to go wrong on the same day. How true is this for moms!

Shannon has preformed with the Houston Symphony and even at Carnegie Hall. When listening to this cd it is easy to get lost in the music and feel like Shannon is right there with you. She is encouraging that all of us women go through the same things and by turning to God we can (with his ultimate hand) overcome anything!

You can connect with Shannon on these media outlets: Twitter Her Blog and her Fan Page on Facebook! See what I mean when I say every Christian woman should own this cd!

Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways!

Tommee Tippee Review

One of the most difficult transitions for a baby is going from a bottle to a cup. The whole process is completely different and not a familiar situation. Caleb is not nine months old and we are working on this transition. There are so many cups out on the market but most are geared towards toddlers who have a handle on drinking from a cup. I decided to contact Tommee Tippee and see how their cups would measure up to the task!

Tommee Tippee®, from the UK-based Mayborn Group Limited, is the number-one brand of infant and toddler feeding products in Great Britain. Since 1965, Tommee Tippee has earned a reputation for its clever ideas, product quality and simply intuitive designs that promote natural development at every age, stage and feeding need. Today, Tommee Tippee innovations provide comfort for babies and peace of mind for parents in 45 countries around the world.

We were sent the Closer to nature ® first sips weaning cup to try with Caleb. Here are the details with this cup:

• Truly non-spill drinking
• Designed to ease the transition from bottle to cup drinking
• Patented advance-flo™ technology for easy drinking
• Super-soft and sensitive spout with flexible ribs
• 150ml / 5 fl oz Capacity
• BPA & Phthalate Free
• Cup base is interchangeable with closer to nature nipples
• Hygiene Cap

 
I can honestly say this cup does not leak, which is so important. The pieces come off very easy for quick clean up. I did think the mouth piece would be a little softer and more pliable. I love the handles as it is easier for Caleb to grasp this cup and hold onto it then others on the market. Overall Caleb is still not interested in drinking from this cup or any cup for that matter. He just prefers mommy or his simple bottles over anything he has to work for. We do and will continue to offer this cup daily until he gladly drinks from it. I am very impressed with this cup's design and plan to purchase several more as Caleb begins to drink from them.

Tommee Tippee products can be purchased exclusively at Babies R Us. This cup retails for $4.99 which is a great deal!

The Results Are In:     * Closer to nature ® first sips weaning cup saves TIME~ Cleaning is a breeze and it does not leak!     * Closer to nature ® first sips weaning cup saves MONEY~ At only $4.99 this is a GREAT deal!     * Closer to nature ® first sips weaning cup saves SANITY~ Did I mention it does not leak!

Stay Connected, you can follow Tommee Tippee on Twitter and on Facebook! Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways!

Random Review Tuesday 4/21~ Sassy Products

So the past two weeks have been all about mom. I decided this week I would give a little bit to our little ones that made us mom. Sassy Has a great commitment: To caring parents, grandparents and gift givers worldwide, Sassy is the brand of products for children that you can trust for nurturing and developing your child because they have premium quality, innovative design and focused coloration, environmentally principled, with credible and helpful purpose and value added features. Read more about sassy and what they are about here.


I was sent a wonderful package by Sassy to try and put through the two boy test. What I mean is my two boys use the products and I tell you if they are worth your hard earned money. I promise you that my boys do every product test to the best of their ability. (they put crash dummies to shame!) So on to the test results!

Pour & Explore Cups (6 months & Up) Inspire Exploration:  This set of three cups offers a different moving part in each.  The movements — a twirling pinwheel, spinning top and floating beads ­­­— are triggered when water is poured in.  Each cup has a brightly colored rim and holes in the bottom to strain water.  Stack the cups in any order to form a tower of spinning, twirling, floating fun.  Pour & Explore Cups fit into Sassy Pour and Explore Water Whirl.  Suggested retail price for the 3-cup set is $6.99.

I can say that both boys enjoy these. Aaron loves to see cause and effect and is starting to get that concept. When both boys are in the bath together Caleb loves seeing the water pour out of the cups. He also tries so hard to get the toys from the inside out. All in all I think they are worth having around!


Catch & Release Net (6 Months & Up) Inspire Exploration:  This toy helps baby build hand-eye coordination as he works to scoop brightly colored sea creatures into the little net.  The fishing net is made of textured, blue plastic with nubby bumps on the handle to improve baby’s grip and a round ball at the end for gripping and mouthing.  Three friendly creatures with smiling, symmetrical faces and textured bodies float on the surface, making them easier for baby to catch.  Suggested retail price is $4.99 for the 4-piece set.

 WOW okay can I say this is Aaron's favorite toy. He loves to pretend he is the little fisher man in the bathtub. We had previously bought him one that had a fishing pole and it just did not work well at all. Caleb loves the little fish and other animals. He scopes them up from the water and of course chews on them. I love that there is no sharp seams on these toys! This set is completley a keeper and well worth the purchase! 


Scrub-a-Dub Car Wash (9 Months & Up) Inspire Imagination:  Working at the car wash has never been such fun!  Baby can keep busy with 8 creative activities offered on this floating platform.  There are lessons in cause-and-effect, opportunities to learn new words, invitations to use the imagination and skills to hone hand-eye coordination.   Baby’s car wash customers include 3 brightly colored vehicles that scoop or strain water.  Moving vehicles through the soft rinse curtain provides baby with a lesson in object permanence.  Squeeze the yellow, terrycloth “road sign” to squirt the cars moving under the car wash and scoop water into the car rinser in the center to watch it wash over the vehicles.  Speed bumps and a hill make driving through the car wash an adventure.  Scrub-A-Dub Car Wash has a suggested retail price of $10.99.

WOW this is a great toy! Aaron has so much fun with it and I can really see his imagination at work. The cars are also a safe toy for Caleb so I don't have to worry when they are in the bathtub together. 


Count ‘n Spell Appliqués (3 years & Up) Inspire Imagination: The writing is on the wall!  These number and letter appliqués spell good times.  Made of soft, durable foam, the appliqués adhere to the tub, tile and other smooth surfaces.  Textured surfaces are fun to touch and easy to grip.  Playing with letters and numbers encourages early reading and language skills.  Available in rainbow and pink assortments, the 36-piece set has a suggested retail price of $5.99. 

I love sitting with Aaron in the bathroom as he plays with these. He tells me what the letters and numbers are. (what he knows so far anyways) We practice colors and counting. This is a set I have to keep up in a separate bin because of Caleb but honestly they are so great for Aaron. I also love how they take up very little room in my bathroom. I think these are a must have for any toddler learning letters!



Soft Touch Rinse Cup (All Ages):  This soft plastic cup is made of a unique material that forms a watertight edge along baby’s forehead, keeping soap and water out of sensitive eyes.  A wide, soft handle is easy for adult hands to grip, even with soapy, slippery bath water.  The cup comes in a variety of bright, bold colors.  Suggested retail price is $4.99.

Okay I will admit I am not impressed with this product. I love the concept but the plastic is to soft and just fold instead of molding to the boy's heads. I still got water down their face and was back to using just a bathroom drinking cup the next time the boys took a shower. It would be better if it was a harder plastic with a piece that formed to their heads.  



Less Mess Metal Spoon and Fork (9 Months & Up) Inspire Independence: This little spoon and fork looks like the ones Mommy and Daddy use!  Curved metal spoon and “spork” bowls have tiny holes to help suction food in place to prevent spills on route from plate to mouth.  The grips are textured and wide enough for little hands to hold in either right or left hand.  The set comes in boy or girl colors with suggested retail price of $3.99 each.

 Okay so Caleb is now nine months old and we are begging the stages of self feeding. I have not gotten tons of use from this set yet as they are a little wide for his mouth but I know when he begins using a fork and spoon this will be the set to have. I love the green grips on this set and it really helps little hands keep a hold of the silver wear. I also love the little holes in the utensils as when he starts eating cereal or anything with liquid it will help with the runny mess all over the place. At $4.49 you can't beat this set!

Dippin’ Diner Plate Set (9 Months & Up) Inspire Independence:  Set baby’s table on the road or at home with these stylish, square plates.  Vary the menu and the plates – two are divided in half to keep foods separated, while two are standard plates.  Non-skid borders on the plates and corners help little ones capture food and get it neatly on the spoon or fork.  Since toddlers love dipping, all four have a little section for dip or sauce.  The set comes with two snap-on lids, making these plates perfect for travel and storage.  A no-skid base helps keep the plates from slipping and tipping while your toddler is dining and dipping!  Set of 4 plates and two lids has a suggested retail price of $6.99.

Okay I can not say enough good things about this set. I use this set 80% of the time I feed Caleb. We always try to give him alot of variety in his meals and this plate set allows me to remember to do that as well as only have one dirty plate. It comes with 4 plates and two lids... Can't be beat. The grip's on the bottom and inside really work to help capture food and not allow the plate to slid!  This will be a life savor when he is self feeding in those early months of learning. I strongly suggest this to any family with a baby or toddler!

On-The-Go Snack Bowl Set (9  Months & Up) Inspire Adventure:  These colorful bowls have snap-on lids to keep snacks tucked inside wherever baby travels.  The set includes three bowls and lids in graduated sizes.  A suction cup that can be attached to the bottom of any of the bowls is included to keep baby’s snacks in place on the highchair tray or other flat surface.  Built-in handles are easy for baby to grasp.  The bowls nest for convenient storage and come in assorted boy or girl colors.  The entire 7-piece set is top-rack dishwasher safe.  Suggested retail price is $6.99.

Okay this set is my favorite thing I received from sassy. It will be something I purchase for baby showers from now on!  The suction cup was a little hard to get on the bowl so make sure you do this step BEFORE filling the bowl with food. The suction cup is and will be great for many months to come (no flying bowls!). The lids pop on really easy yet they are very snug (no flying food!). I loved the different sizes which were so handy for trips to the park, grandma's house, etc. 


Sassy products overall get my seal of approval for Saving time, money, and sanity! I strongly suggest whenever you are looking for a new product for your young child or a baby shower gift that you head over to the sassy products. You just can't go wrong and the amazing thing is that they serve such a wide range of ages! Follow Sassy on facebook and keep up to date on all that is going on with them! I would love for you to share with me your child's favorite Sassy item!

See told you we put the products through the test. Guess Caleb wanted his snack :)The last picture is of another Sassy toy my Mother in Law got him for Christmas He loves it as well!
All opinions expressed in this review are mine and mine alone. I was not paid for this post. I did receive the products mentioned free of charge by sassy to facilitate this review. If you want to know more please refer to my disclosure policy.

Healthy Eating for Kids

So I have recently started my weight loss journey and it is time to get fit. Not just me but my Husband and kids as well. What did we do yesterday? We went for a two mile walk around our local beautiful park. About a mile in I started hearing "I am hungry" from my four year old. I had some Bear crackers with me and that's what he ate but wouldn't it be great to have something even more healthy for my son the next time? Something non messy and that can be stored and eaten on the go. Afterall he needs to be able to keep walking and eat his snack. My son has to have 'fun foods' or he loses interest fast. He also likes the same foods, like spaghetti. Well to get him to try new things I make it fun or the same. I mean any pasta with sauce is spaghetti (if you get what I mean) and I relate his food to his likes. Meatballs, meatloaf, etc is Boulders because he loves rocks. 

How neat is this. GoGO Squeez is an on the go pouch filled with applesauce that is resealable. Currently available in “appleapple”, “applestrawberry” and new “applecinnamon,” “applepeach” and “applebanana” flavors this is a 100% all fruit NO sugar added snack. (shhhh don't tell the kids)  Now I love how healthy this is for my kids, I love that he will eat it because it is fun, but I also love that GoGo squeeZ 4-packs are available for MSRP $2.99. GoGo squeeZ single pouches are available for MSRP 99 cents. So this saves me TIME (don't have to stop my work out so he can snack and no time for clean up), MONEY (did you see how inexpensive they are?), and SANITY (no more fighting to get him to eat healthy foods not loaded with sugar).

Now my son will love the cool packaging and the talking fruit.... well that will win him over! Did I mention I was won over by the NO sugar added part?!

I follow GoGo Squeeze on Twitter and on Facebook; Will you join me? Also since I personally have not tried this wonderful snack yet and can't give an opinion on taste (but we know it's great righ?) listen to this:

 I was not compensated for this post. I wrote this post to participate in the 'Happy Kid Snaking Contest'. Please see my disclosure policy for details about reviews and giveaways!

Random Review Tuesday 4/6

I love coupons and even more then loving coupons I love finding them online. Coupon Chief is a great site that compiles all kinds of codes for all kinds of different store. I love finding a great deal online but it's even better when I can find a great deal and an online coupon code.

Coupon Chief also has a great program called Pays-2-Share. They will actually pay you 2% of the sales if you upload and coupon code and someone uses it. You get paid each time someone uses it and you decide how you get paid... check or paypal.

You can check out Coupon Chief's blog to stay up to date on all the latest coupon codes and deals to be found. They can point you in the direction of reward sites as well as how to maximize the codes found on their site. You can also follow Coupon Chief on Twitter and get updates when new coupons are added... How cool is that!

So what codes can be found on their site? They have stores like Target, Coldwater Creek, and so many more. They have a great search for stores option so see if your favorites are listed. It is so easy to navigate the pages and find exactly what you are looking for. You can also say if it worked for you or not; this allows inactive codes to be easily recognized. I can honestly say I will use this site! Coupons are not just in newspapers anymore!

A simple “CouponChief.com invited me to peruse their vast supply of coupons in April. I was compensated for writing this but all opinions expressed are mine and mine alone. Your experience may vary. Please see my disclosure agreement for more information.