Glass Water Bottle from Reuseit.com Review

I have a cool product for you all. I was able to review a glass water bottle. 

Here is some product info:

Along with plastic bags, plastic bottles are one of the most prevalent sources of pollution found on our beaches. Plus, many studies show that the quality of bottled water may be no better than tap water. We help you reduce wasteful consumption of disposable beverage bottles with our huge selection of high-quality bottles that are all BPA and phthalate free. All our reusable water bottles save you money while saving precious natural resources by cutting down on the trillions of cans and bottles trashed each year. 

My take on the product:

We love water bottles in our household. Since we like to do a lot of outdoor activities, we get thirsty and like to have some water with us. My daughter also likes to use one when she has her dance classes. 

I was given the choice of some different glass water bottles - not just the one's pictured above (check website for selection.) But my daughter wanted one of these - she picked the red one shown above.

I really like the fact that it is BPA free. And it seems so natural. I never buy plastic disposable water bottles. And love using reusable ones. This glass one is terrific, because it isn't plastic or metal. And doesn't have that after taste. I can especially taste that on metal type water bottles. It is made out of really durable glass, so you can take it with you and have great tasting water, just like you would at home. We have been using it a lot since we got it and it's a really nice bottle. Check them out for yourself!

Disclosure: 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.

Funny Irish T-Shirts Review

Hey guys, I have a really cool review for you. It' is for a t-shirt website.

Here's their guarantee from their website:

We are committed to providing you with only the highest quality products and service. When your order arrives if your shirts don't fit properly, please contact us within 24 hours to exchange them for the correct size.

If you find that a shirt is damaged or unsatisfactory, please contact us for a refund or replacement within 72 hours of receiving your order.

If for ANY reason, you are not completely satisfied with your order,
contact our customer service dept. and we will make it right for
you. Guaranteed!

I was given the the opportunity to pick out a t-shirt from the site FUNNY IRISH T-SHIRTS. I browsed through the shirts and thought some of them were hilarious. I figured these would be more appropriate for adults then kids. So I asked my husband if he would be interested in one of the shirts.

He decided on this one: 

This will be really fun - especially to wear on St. Patrick's day. If you are looking for a funny Irish t-shirt check out this site. They have some really funny ones. And in tons of styles, sizes and a huge selection of colors. My husband actually got this in a Military Green. Check it out! 

Disclosure:  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.

MathBlaster.com Review & Giveaway

I was recently given the opportunity to review the website Mathblaster.com. This is a new website that was recently launched from the makers of Jumpstart.com. I've heard of Jumpstart.com and my daughter has played that before, but I wasn't aware of Mathblaster.com

Here is some product info for you:

 For more than 15 years, Knowledge Adventure has set the standard in kids’ software by creating the finest educational products for use in the home and the classroom. In addition to www.JumpStart.com, we have launched our next browser-based virtual world at www.MathBlaster.com for kids ages 6-12. Kids can create avatars called Blasters for themselves as they become the newest cadets at Blaster Academy. After completing arcade-style math challenges and racing through high-speed missions, they become members of the Intergalactic Space Patrol and explore a futuristic world, voyage to strange new planets and discover wacky alien races, all while practicing their math skills. This site was just launched last January, and we continue to add more challenges, planets, and math games. I encourage you to check it out at www.MathBlaster.com.

My Take on the product:

When I first mentioned to my daughter trying out a new website, she was skeptical at first - because it had the word "math" in it. So I decided to try it for myself. I logged on to Mathblaster.com and made an Avatar. Which was fun to do, then I proceeded to play some games. One game I played was called Hyper Blast Training. It is pictured below:




Here is the description of this game:

• HyperBlast Training (located in the Academy)
• Blasters race through a high-speed tunnel packed with alien robots, razor sharp obstacles and mind-bending math! Players master math facts with addition, subtraction, multiplication and division levels.

This game was really cool. Not only did it incorporate math but it was a fun and fast arcade game too.

After trying this game I told my daughter that she should really give MathBlasters a try. She logged on and of course changed the Avatar I had created for her. She likes picking out the outfits, etc. Then she tried some games.

Of course she really loved the website and she has wants to play everyday now. I asked her what 3 of her favorite things on the site are and she picked the Space Port - the main hub of the space craft & where there are Red Alerts which I guess are fun. The game Ice Cubed and the Mutt pod - where you can create your own pet. She has a little dragon of some sorts she has to take care of. (all pictured in order below)

 

I would really recommend this website to kids 6-12 - my daughter is almost 12 and she really likes it so it is not as she would say "to babyish." And she had reservations at first because of the math aspect of it. But Mathblaster.com makes the math fun so it is subtly incorporated into the game. So kids are using their math skills but in a fun way. I really think technology such as this is a great way to teach kids.

I also found the Game Guide helpful - which tells you what the games are and the curriculum taught in them. And the Math Blaster Blog which updates you on new things going on in the game. Which I better tell her when she gets home - I just read on there you can make your own room. Which I don't know if she is aware of that.


Win it! One lucky reader will win a 3 month subscription to MathBlaster.com (Membership includes complete access to MathBlaster.com and JumpStart.com)

• Membership includes access to thousands of learning games based on the curriculum taught in preschool through 6th grade.
• Membership encourages creativity by allowing kids to personalize their avatars even more.
• Membership allows players access to higher game levels to practice advanced math concepts.

Please Enter Using Form Below:

WW - Chorus

My daughter took Chorus this semester at school. They had a little concert last week. The last song they sang was pretty cool. "Africa" by Toto. They did some sound effects that sounded like rain & stuff. I wish I had it on video.

Oh well here is some photos. She is in the front row, with a pink shirt & panda on it:

Cellitused

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

Hey everyone. I have some really great information for you. This is terrific news for those who are concerned about the environment. I know I am - and I like to help out in anyway that is available. Well if you do too -  and you also want to make some extra money than read on for a way to do that.

I just learned about a website called Cellitused.com. This website helps you to recycle your old cell phones and electronics. This is a very important matter. Because I was just reading that making mobile phones really causes a lot of chemicals into the environment.  These are very hazardous to everyone. Some  such chemicals could be arsenic and antimony. Whoa, I just looked up what antimony is and it said it was a toxic chemical! So it obviously be great if we could cut back on the manufacturing of cell phones.

Well now Cellitused.com is helping with that. They can help reduce the risks to the environment by recycling and reusing your old cell phones. This site makes it so easy to sell your old phones and you can even Sell Your iPhone. Even if they are broken. Check it out to see what other electronics you can sell.

But why not make some extra cash and help the environment? Sounds good to me!

Tophatter - a new auction site

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

Hey guys, and fellow Moms too. I have an exciting new website to tell you about. I would like to let you know about, a site called Tophatter (tophatter.com). And what this is is a new ecommerce site. They conduct live, real time auctions for unique items. Doesn't this sound interesting and super cool? Well read on, to find out more.

With Tophatter live auctions you can purchase cool products for the kids in an exciting social format. I was just checking out the site. And I went through the tutorial that they have. This really looks like a cool way to do an auction. Every day at 9AM PT there is a live auction that you can participate in. What is called a lot goes up for bid and you have a certain amount of time to bid, you can see the current bids and it is all live which I think is so neat. 

What also is different about this site is that they are creating a social experience too. Buyers can hang out and join a chat during the auctions. That is so cool! You can hang out and connect with others with similar interests - in buying like the different categories they have. Such as kids stuff. 

With their new launch - they are also offering 10% off your first purchase. Just by sharing on Facebook. Check it out today! Because I saw some really cute things up for bid over there. Many homemade items too - like some really cute knit hats for kids - for example! 

YesterYear Soap Company Review & Giveaway

I recently received some YesterYear Soap to review & giveaway. Here is some product info. from them:

Our soaps are made from all natural vegetable oils, scented with pure essential oils from plant extracts and colored with organic herbs. We use no synthetic fragrances, colorants or preservatives in any of our soap products.The result is a gentle bar suitable for all skin types, even for those with sensitive skin.

My review:

The fragrances I received were Lavender, Mississippi Mud, and Orange Patchouli. One thing that happens in my house when I get a package is the kids swarm on it like crazy. They usually pick up the mail when they get home from school, so they always want to see what is in the package.

The YesterYear Soap was no exception. We ended up having to divvy up the soap. I took the Orange Patchouli, my son took the Mississippi Mud, and my daughter took the Lavender. We've all been using them and really like them.

The first time my daughter used it she said her skin felt really clean and soft. We looked at the ingredients and where really happy about what we saw. Ingredients: Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, Soybean Oil, Organic Shea Butter, Water. Wow, this is so natural & great for your skin! I really like these soaps and they smell great too.

Win it! One lucky reader will win a 3 bar gift set of YesterYear Soap. Please use form below to enter:

Recipe Share: Cheesy Tomato-Chicken Skillet

Hi y'all (I'm a "Yankee" who lives in Virginia - gotta start picking up on the lingo.) Anyway I wanted to share a recipe I've been using lately.


One-pan dinners, like this creamy pasta entrée with chicken, tomatoes, and a touch of basil, save time and cleanup.

Prep Time: 20 Min
Total Time: 25 Min
Makes: 4 servings (1 1/4 cups each)


INGREDIENTS
2 cups uncooked pasta nuggets or radiatore (7 oz)
3/4 lb chicken breast strips for stir-fry
1 can (10 3/4 oz) condensed cream of chicken soup
1 1/2 cups chopped plum (Roma) tomatoes (4 to 5 medium)
1/2 cup milk
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (4 oz)
DIRECTIONS


1 Cook pasta as directed on package. Drain; cover to keep warm. 2. Meanwhile, heat 10-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken; cook 4 to 6 minutes, stirring frequently, until chicken is no longer pink in center. Reduce heat to medium; stir in soup, tomatoes, milk and basil. 3 Stir in cooked pasta. Cook about 8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until bubbly and thoroughly heated. Sprinkle with cheese. Remove from heat. Cover; let stand until cheese is melted, 2 to 3 minutes.
Italian plum tomatoes, also called Roma tomatoes, are small, oval tomatoes that retain their shape when cooked.

Notes: you can use any kind of shredded cheese you want - I used cheddar, parmesan, etc on occasion. Also I add a little more milk to it if needed.

My son really loves this - he is not a picky eater - but gets sick of the same thing. He said he wouldn't get sick of having this - that's how much he likes it.

Source: I originally found this recipe on Pillsbury.com. This is not a sponsored post.

WW Roller Skating

She went to a party a couple of weeks ago. Roller Skating. Considering she just got over a broken arm a month ago on another wheeled shoe, and has never roller skated before - I was somewhat nervous.

Of course she loved it and we have been back 2 other times.

Here's some shots I took with her iPod touch she got for Christmas:

Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks Giveaway {4 Winners!}

I have a great review and giveaway for you all. Read some product info:

So you want a snack your kids will love and that you can feel good about? With new Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks, you need not look any further! Available in two delicious varieties, Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks provide kids with the great tasting snacks they crave and parents with the confidence that they come from a good place. Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks are:
†Made with real fruit juice and natural colors* and flavors. 80 calories, gluten free and contain 100% of the Daily Value of Vitamin C. Available with year round Double Box Tops.


My review:


When these came in the mail, of course my kids were super happy. They love fruit snacks, and have really been loving the Ocean Spray Fruit flavored snacks. And I like how they are made with real fruit and only 80 calories!


You can click here to download a coupon for $1.10 off the purchase of (2) Ocean Spray Fruit flavored snacks. 

Win it:  4 winners will win 6 boxes (3 of each variety) of Ocean Spray fruit flavored snacks. (Berries & Cherries/Assorted Fruit)

Please use form below to enter:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Ocean Spray^® Fruit Flavored Snacks, information, and giveaway have been provided by Ocean Spray^® through MyBlogSpark.

Walgreens Prescription Savings Club

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

Hi all! I have some very interesting and important information for you. It is in regards to Walgreens and Express Script. Maybe you have heard about what has happened or maybe you are like me and just learning about this. 

But I was just reading the press release on this and it has some very useful information for everyone in this situation. Basically Walgreens had negotiated with Express Scripts for the past year. But as of December 31, the contract expired. And January 1, Walgreens is no longer part of the Express Scripts Pharmacy providers.

As you can imagine this has left Walgreens customers feeling upset. This was unnecessary by Express Scripts, but now Walgreens customers, are having to go elsewhere because they can't fill them at Walgreens if they use Express Scripts. This will be a hassle for these customers to find a pharmacy that is less convenient and further away then the Walgreens they were using.

Walgreens is helping to ease the burden to these customers. They are offering a significant discount in the Walgreens Prescription Savings Club. For $10 a year you can get a family membership. This includes you, spouse, and dependents 22 years and younger - even your pets! Individuals can also join for $5. You will receive discount prices on your prescriptions. 

Please help support Walgreens by finding them Here: Walgreens on Twitter and Walgreens on Facebook

Cafe Well

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

Hi everyone. I found out about a really cool website. I want to share this information with you so you can check it all out for yourself. But the website and program is called Cafe Well. 

This is a really cool idea! Cafe Well is a social network that helps you to get well and stay well. This really is the way of the future. With social networking so popular it was only a matter of time that the health industry get involved.

Cafe Well provides a safe and secure destination for you. It is an anonymous health care social network site that can connect you with other people who share your health care needs and interests. All this information about the site is available there. There is so much more info. too - please visit for yourself.

I also want let you know about a corporate wellness program called Race to the Moon. The aim is to get people more active, by walking or running. They are offering free pedometers to members to keep track of their steps. Also to let you know - only select Health America members can participate in Race to the Moon. 

In fact in just a short time participants have walked over 50 Million Steps! An average of 2.5 million steps a day. This program is really working! What kind of health challenge would you create? I would love to have a healthy food challenge. That is one of my goals this year to eat healthier. You could also have an office weight loss challenge. Or perhaps a workout challenge with friends! 

Pepper!

Here's a somewhat blurry picture of my cat - her name is Pepper. I took this before we decorated our little tree.

I had to leave her for a week - when I went to visit my family. I really  hated to do that, but luckily we had someone come & check on her about every other day. So that was good.

But she really missed us! She has been so affectionate since. She's the best kitty ever!

Alpha Hydrox Skin Care Review

Hey guys! I have another review for you. I'm kinda behind on this one too. So here is some product info for you:

Product Description 

Alpha Hydrox skin care works on all skin types and all ages. It  features alpha hydroxy acids, which exfoliates skin, reducing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, while evening skin tone and texture, and unclogging pores. Alpha Hydrox skin care is very affordable and contains the highest percentage of AHA's available without a prescription.  

My take on the product:

I received this product over 2 weeks ago, and have been trying it out. I got one 6 oz. bottle of Foaming Face Wash and a full sized one of 10% AHA Enhanced Lotion.

When I wear makeup I especially like to wash my face. And the Foaming Face Wash was perfect for that. It even removed eye make up great. And there was a nice clean feeling afterwards. I also like the fact that it is fragrance free - I don't like fragrance - especially on my face.

Then the perfect  accompaniment to the face wash is the 10% AHA Enhanced Lotion. I put some on after I washed my face and it really felt great. It has vitamin E and really will help me this winter with my dry skin.

Connect with Alpha Hydrox:

Website: neotericcosmetics.com
Twiter: @AlphaHydrox
Facebook: Alpha Hydrox Skin Care

Also if you like them on Facebook by January 31, 2012, you will be entered to win $500 cash! Check it out!

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.

Tylers Coffee Review & Giveaway

Hi Guys, hope your New Year's is off to a great start! And what better way to start it then with a good cup of coffee - right? I received a sample of coffee. Here's some product info for you:

Product Description 

The Difference

Tyler’s Coffee uses a “Z-Roasting” process that optimizes the time the coffee beans are cooked; the result is high levels of caffeine and free of acid. Benefits of an acid free coffee are tooth enamel is protected and teeth are stronger leading to fewer cavities.

 “If the acid level of the saliva stays below the point for an extended period of time, the outer layers of tooth structure begin to lose minerals and a cavity can from. Beverages that are high in sugar and acid content can cause the pH level of the saliva to reach this critical point. Drinking no acid coffee is a good alternative to high acid beverages."

-Dr. T. Richard Ziehmer, a dentist in Tucson, AZ

A little cup of java can mean a big problem for stomachs. Acid levels in coffee, as well as impurities and resins, may wreak havoc on the digestive tract. Our customers with sensitive stomachs are relieved to learn that they can still continue enjoying a great cup of coffee whenever they want.

Regular Acid Free
--Rockets you forward with level of caffeine that exceeds most other coffee brands.

--Our computerized “Z-Roasting” system optimizes roasting time to assure that Tyler’s Coffee is acid free with maximum flavor.

Decaf Acid Free
--Tyler’s coffee uses a Swiss Water Based Process to decaffeinate our Arabica coffee beans. Our Arabica beans are shipped from South America to our roasting factory in Arizona.

--We use No Chemicals to decaffeinate our coffee!

My take on the product:

No offense to my family back home, but I realized I don't like their coffee. So after a week of that, I came home to find my sample of Tylers Coffee. My husband and I really enjoy our morning cup of coffee. So we brewed a pot & we really enjoyed the Tylers Coffee.

I like the fact that is acid free - less stress on your tummy! Not to mention your teeth.

Now a lucky reader can win a bag of Tylers Coffe (enough for a pot of coffee). Please use the form below to enter! 

Franklin’s Bumpy Buggy Race-Off

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

Remember the show Franklin? That show is so cool. I remember my son really loved that show! It is so cute and always had a good life lesson to it. 

Well now as they say - there is an app for that. Now you can Download Franklin's Bumpy Buggy. This app only costs $1.99. It can be purchased at the App Store on iTunes. I'm not an expert on dowloading these apps. but I'm sure it is pretty easy. I think my daughter would know how to do this. She may really like this app, and I should tell her about it when she gets home.

She just got an iPod touch for Christmas so she may like this one. Because it looks pretty cool. And it is  Compatible with iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad. Requires iOS 4.3 or later. You can show off your soap-box skills with this one - in a race to the finish line. 

Franklin will fly through the air in a bumpy buggy that you choose. And you can also collect special boosts and combos by avoiding obstacles. This sounds so cute and is perfect for kids! 

You will also be able to select from six bumpy buggies, race 10 tracks, save & watch your races. You can also upload for other kids to watch. Check it out! 

 

WW Holiday Pictures

Shame on me for not taking more pictures. But no one ever wants to get in the pictures anyway! lol.

Went back home from Dec. 23-30th. It was great to see everyone after 6 months. And I hope we can see each other sooner next time.

P.S. I hate Cancer! My step-sister has lung cancer and my sister who has the brain tumor - (no one was saying cancer before - but now she keeps saying it  is) I am so devastated by this!

Anyway here is some pics of my kids & husband - I guess I'll put one of me too.  (My step-sister took some different ones -  and is supposed to email me them.)

Here's some cute hats the kids picked up after Christmas with some money they received:

Natural House Cleaning Products - Review & Giveaway

Hi everyone. I'm so behind on this giveaway. Want to get it going here though. Here is some product info from Natural House Cleaning Products:

• Our products use an eco-friendly cleaning method of probiotics that create a beneficial, odor eating ecosystem to naturally drive out and digest odors at their source.
• Natural House's plant-based ingredients are eco-friendly, non-toxic and biodegradable to naturally fight the toughest problems you face in your house. 
• Our products, Sinky and Flushy even break down and digest fats, oil, grease, and solid waste to ensure your disposal, pipes, drain lines or septic tank run smoothly.
• Our cleaners contain good probiotics which continue to scour, clean, consume odors, grime, grease, and germs, and they continue to do so until your next weekly treatment! 
• We earned the coveted Retailers’ Choice Award” at the 2011 National Hardware Show!

My take on the product:

I have been using these products for over two weeks and I really like them. Check out these product names and pictures. We have Trashy, Sinky and  Flushy.

Use Trashy when you empty your trash can. Spray some in trash can for a nice clean smell. Use Sinky once a week for disposable scrubber & drain maintenance. Lastly  is Flushy, use this fresh mint scented packet once a week. Great for toilet bowl cleaning & drain & septic treatment.

I love that these products are natural probiotic action. I liked them all, but personally really liked the Flushy best. I've become sort of a neat freak and these products are really coming in handy!

Watch this video for more info:

Also you may purchase these products directly at:  Natural House Website or at Amazon.com


One lucky winner will win a 30 day supply of all three products! Please use form below to enter:

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.

Sponsored by Tomoson.com