You are here: Home / Product Reviews and Giveaways

Diaper Pail Test Drive – Arm & Hammer by Munchkin

July 6, 2010 By Jen Leave a Comment

Last month I was chosen to participate in the Diaper Pail Test Drive blog tour Thanks to Mom Central.  I was given two different popular diaper pails Arm & Hammer by Munchkin and Diaper Genie.  I’ll admit I usually just use those scented diaper bags and skip the pails.

The Arm and Hammer diaper pail by Munchkin uses the odor-eliminating power of baking soda, combined with the patented self-sealing system to lock odors away. The pre-filled, vented baking soda dispenser sprinkles baking soda each time the lid is closed and continuously absorbs and eliminates odors even when the pail is not in use. The patented self-sealing system automatically seals the bag when the lid is closed and keeps it sealed when the lid is reopened. The disposable refill bags, each of which can hold up to 25 diapers, shut tight with a snap and can be easily tossed and replaced without cutting or tying.

I liked the baking soda dispenser at the top. I think that helped a lot. At First I will admit I didn’t like it! The dispenser kept falling out and I would become annoyed but then I figured out I was supposed to screw it into the top, not just pop it in like I had been doing. So once that was fixed I was happy LOL. Another feature that I like is that you can refill the little cartridge that holds the baking soda on your own; you don’t need to buy a new cartridge every time, so that helps save some money.

After using both of the Diaper pails,  I Think that I actually like this one  By Munchkin the best.  I also found that Munchkin Arm & Hammer has the refill bags that come with Baking Soda & Lavender Scent. So I can’t wait to see how well that helps controlling the odor more.


I am a member of the Mom Central community and I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central, sponsored by Diaper Genie, and received a free Diaper Genie diaper pail and a free Munchkin Arm & Hammer diaper pail to facilitate my review

Filed Under: Reviews

WNBA Atlanta Dream Game Sunday was great!

July 2, 2010 By Jen Leave a Comment

My family and I were invited by One2One Network and the WNBA (Women’s National Basketball Association) to attend a Atlanta Dream home game.  We were able to pick from 4 Home games.  My oldest daughter Jasmine is a big WNBA fan so I let her pick.  Of course she picked last Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Sparks.  It’s never been a secret that Jasmine’s favorite WNBA player is Candace Parker, #3 on the Sparks.

Atlanta Dream was nice enough to send us T-shirts for the game. The issue was Jasmine told me flat out she wasn’t wearing it.  I had to beg her! She wasn’t really happy but, hey this mommy always gets what she wants!  We are big basketball fans on and off the court in this house. However, it was our first WNBA game, and I’ll admit we really didn’t know what to expect.   It’s No secret that Atlanta fans don’t support our teams like we should so I wasn’t expecting a big crowd.  I am VERY HAPPY TO SAY WE HAD A LOUD EXCITED CROWD.   The atmosphere was great! The kids  had so much fun!

Jasmine was a little disappointed because Candace Parker did not get to play because of a left shoulder injury, but I quickly convinced her that it meant she could root for the home team without feeling guilty!  Go Dream!  That also started a little rocky as the Sparks came out the gate roaring and were leading by 8 points after the 1st quarter, and held a 49-38 halftime lead.

That was before Iziane Castro Marquez came to the rescue!  I must also mention that this is Jasmine’s new favorite player, and I don’t blame her!  Iziane led a furious 2nd half comeback scoring 21 of her 25 points in the second half, bringing the home team back from 16 points down.  That included 4 three pointers!  We had a great time watching such a spectacular come back after falling behind 49-33.  Jasmine teased my son that Iziane Marquez could probably beat his favorite player in the NBA who is Dwayne Wade.  After the way that she played you won’t get an argument from me.  Go Iziane! Dream won 102-82!!

Overall it was a great time, and we all enjoyed the way both teams played such fundamental team basketball, something which is often missing from the flashy NBA.  The kids were also able to meet some of the players and even go shoot some free throws on the court after the game which they really enjoyed.  We all had a great time and now that my daughter’s new favorite player is Iziane Marquez, I know we won’t be waiting until the Sparks come back into town before the next game we attend.

I would also encourage all of you to go to http://bit.ly/WNBADreamTix and enter the promo code WNBABLOG for a chance to purchase tickets at a 20-40% discount!  Go Dream! I’ll see you at the next game.  Just look for my daughter with the “Iziane Castro Marquez #1 fan” sign!


Be sure to check out my Facebook Fan Page for More  pictures from the game soon!

Photobucket

Filed Under: Reviews

We love Uncle Ben’s Brown Rice

June 23, 2010 By Jen 1 Comment

A few weeks back I shared with you about Uncle Ben’s™s new whole Grain white rice. I am happy to say the brown rice lover that I am That Uncle Ben has developed a few types of whole grain brown rice – Natural Whole Grain Brown, with the traditional cook time (40 minutes), plus Fast & Natural Instant Brown Rice and Boil-In-Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice (both ready in 10 minutes) so you can decide which type of brown rice fits the type of meal you are preparing, but still know that you’re getting whole grains on the table.  I was very excited to be able to review this thanks to Mom Central and Uncle Ben’s™s.  I like white rice but I have always preferred brown rice.

To help showcase the versatility of their Whole Grain Brown Rice, Uncle Ben’s created a few recipes that will be a hit this summer such as: Chicken & Brown Rice Sloppy Joes; Tex Mex Rice with Shrimp, Corn and Lime; Chicken, Apple and Walnut Brown Rice Salad; and Mediterranean Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms.”

I tried the Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry For lunch the other day and the kids loved it! Here is the Recipe and to check out more great Recipes head on over to UncleBens.com today!

Beef and Broccoli Stir-Fry

Serves: 4

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Meal Occasion: Main Dish, Lunch, Dinner
Cuisine Type: Asian, Asian-American

Ingredients

2 bags UNCLE BEN’S® Boil-In-Bag Whole Grain Brown Rice uncooked
1/2 lb. beef sirloin steak thinly sliced
2 cups broccoli florets blanched
4 green onions thinly sliced
2 cloves garlic minced
2 Tbsp. soy sauce
non-stick cooking spray

Instructions

1. Prepare rice according to package instructions.
2. In a large skillet, spray with non-stick cooking spray and saute the beef until browned.
3. Add the garlic, green onion, broccoli and soy sauce; saute  for 1 minute.

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Uncle Ben’s and received samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.*

Filed Under: Product Reviews and Giveaways

Infiniti by Conair You Curl Curling Iron *Review and Giveaway*Closed*

June 23, 2010 By Jen

Is your curling iron clamping your style? Sometimes you just gotta let loose! Soft, sexy curls are now easy to create with the new Infiniti by Conair You Curl. The You Curl has a unique, clamp-free design and a cone-shaped barrel that creates a softer, less structured curl. Simply wrap hair around the barrel, hold for a few seconds and then release.  The conical design allows the curls to start closer to the root, allowing more volume through the middle (large portion of the barrel) and the bottom will have a tighter curl (small section of the barrel).  The effect is trendy, free-flowing spirals with no clamp kinks.

I am sure by now you know my Princess Jada Loves to have her hair done. We love trying new styles, products and new tools. We were able to review the new Infiniti by Conair You Curl tonight after its been sitting on my desk for a week and princess Jada asking me when are we going to use it. So Tonight I decided that we would have some girl time and put this to the test! I must say  WE LOVE IT!

The powerful ceramic heater features Tourmaline Ceramic™ technology which provides more protection, reduces frizz, helps eliminate static and does not have damaging hot spots. The ultra-high heat levels are instantly restored during use, and the 5 LED settings provide the ideal temperatures for all hair types. The stay-cool safety tip protects fingers during use.

Instant style with no clip – simply wrap

  • Fast & easy with no kinks
  • Tourmaline Ceramic technology
    • More protection
    • Reduces frizz
    • Helps eliminate static
    • No damaging hot spots
  • Powerful ceramic heater
  • 30-second instant heat*
  • Ultra-high heat
    • 400°F/204°C
  • Auto shutoff
  • LED indicator lights
  • Professional-length line cord
  • Limited five-year warranty

    How To Use

    1.Take a 1-inch wide section of hair, starting 2 inches from the scalp.

    2.Wind the section of hair around the thicker portion of the barrel toward the cool tip.

    3.Hold the end of the hair in place at the cool tip for 5 to 8 seconds depending on hair type, and then release. Because there is no clip, you can easily curl hair without kinks. For tighter, bouncier curls, roll less hair. For loose, free-flowing curls, roll more hair. To “set” the curl, do not comb or brush hair until it cools.

    4.Repeat process on additional sections of hair until you achieve the hair style you desire.

    If you want tight curls then wrap small sections of hair tightly round the barrel and leave to curl for a few seconds.

    If you want looser curls then wrap wider sections.
    For a modern look don’t wind the barrel up to the root. Leave a couple of inches straight at the root
    For best results, use a light styling product before blow-drying hair. Take a 1″ wide section of hair, starting around 2″ from the scalp. Wind the section of hair around the thicker portion

    I will admit it took a few times to get the hang of it because of course there is no clamp. I actually even burned my finger! So make sure you watch the video before you start and don’t just dive in like i did lol!  After I actually watched the video and read the Instructions the process was a breeze.  I was very happy with the outcome. Jada usually don’t like “curls” since her hair is naturally curly but as you can see in the pictures she actually likes this style.

The Infiniti by Conair You Curl is available nationwide at mass market and drug store retailers, as well as at www.conairyoucurl.com, for an average retail price of $49.99.

Now for the best part ONE LUCKY WINNER WILL WIN ONE!! To Enter please tell me how this would help you!  I will pick the lucky winner 7/7 @ 11:59 PM EST!

Extra Entries

1. Follow Me and Conair_Hair on twitter (1 entry)


2. Tweet this Giveaway (1 entry,tweet per day)

@Conair_Hair I just entered to win a You Curl Curling Iron @ Mommy’s Hangout http://www.mommyshangout.com/?p=4215 #mommyshangout

3. Go To Conair Corp Fanpage on facebook  and become a fan aka hit like..And post ” I just entered to win Conair You Curl Iron @ Mommy’s Hangout.” (2 entries)

4. Follow my Blog on Google or network blogs or fan my facebook page (1 entry for each!)

5. Subscribe to my blog either by reader or email (2 Entries)

6. Grab my Button or add me to your blogroll (5 Entries)

7.  Share a hair tip that you have learned or like to use to.  ( 1 per day)

CONGRATS THE WINNER IS JULIE!


Filed Under: Product Reviews and Giveaways

Febreze Home Collection: No-Spill Wood Diffuser & Flameless Luminary *Review & 15 walmart GC Giveaway*Closed*

June 22, 2010 By Jen

I have always been a sucker when it comes to making my house smell nice. I admit I spend a lot on different products each month so my house has that “clean and fresh scent”. I have always been a big fan of Febreze and was very happy when other cleaning products I used started adding Febreze to them.

Febreze Brand keeps growing and of course I keep buying. I was glad to hear about the newest addition to the Febreze Home Collection, the No-Spill Wood Diffuser, combines everything you love about WoodWick diffuser technology and Febreze scents, offering a unique fragrance experience. The scented oil is drawn up through the dowel into the wood top, creating a hassle-free way to freshen your home.  

If you use Diffusers you know that this No-spill is a great addition! When you live with children and pets, accidents happen. Luckily the No-Spill Diffuser with WoodWick® ambiance makes spills a thing of the past. Good looking and thoughtful, too — it’s exactly what you’ve been looking for.

If you’re looking to add character to your decor, then the Febreze Flameless Luminary is for you!

The Febreze Flameless Luminary has interchangeable shade styles and the refreshing atmosphere of a burning candle without the danger of a flame. For a limited time, you can fill your home with the newest scent, Honeysuckle Orchid. Turn heads with the soft flickering glow of a Flameless Luminary. Once you have a reusable base, changing scents is as easy as changing shades.

I was very happy when blogsparks contacted me to do a review on these two items. I am very happy with the new products from a brand that I have trusted since they first came out.  The Febreze Home Collection is available in an array of premium designs.   To learn more about the The Febreze Home Collection Go To facebook.com/febrezehomecollection Or walmart.com/febrezehomecollection

Now for the great part I am giving one lucky reader a $15 walmart gift card for you to try it yourself!  To Enter please tell me why you would like to try it and what scent is your favorite! I will pick the lucky winner 7/6/10 @ 11:59 PM EST.

Extra Entries

1. Follow Me and  Febreze_Fresh on twitter (1 entry)

2. Tweet this Giveaway (1 entry,tweet per day)

3. Follow my Blog on Google or network blogs or fan my facebook page (1 entry for each!)

4. Subscribe to my blog either by reader or email (2 Entries)

5. Grab my Button or add me to your blogroll (5 Entries)


*This product review was based on using complimentary Febreze product provided by P&G.  Bloggers also received a Walmart gift card to share with their readers.  P&G does not represent or warrant the accuracy of any statements or product claims made here, nor does it endorse any opinions expressed within this blogsite*

Filed Under: Product Reviews and Giveaways

Yoursphere Test Drive Mom has ended.

June 20, 2010 By Jen Leave a Comment


The yoursphere blog tour has come to an end.  I am sure by now you know how much my oldest 2 kids loved doing this campaign.   I love that it is geared towards tweens and teens.  I feel safe with its online safety policies.   However I still am not sure if this will stop tweens and teens from going to myspace or facebook.

I can’t wait to watch Yoursphere grow which I know it will.  My kids loved the site but really would love to see more games on there.   Also don’t forget  Yoursphere is completely FREE if you want to go ahead test the site out yourself, have your kids sign up by using this code referral code: YSMC-0005

*I wrote this review while participating in the Yoursphere Test Drive program by Mom Central on behalf of Yoursphere. I received a free lifetime Gold membership on Yoursphere.com, Yoursphere t-shirts, and a $50 American Express gift card to facilitate my review*

Filed Under: Product Reviews and Giveaways

Infantino Twist & Fold Gym

June 19, 2010 By Jen Leave a Comment

If you are like me, you want your kids to be active.  I also want products that are quick and easy to set up and provide hours of fun!  This is exactly what the Infantino Twist & Fold Activity Gym –  All Around Zoo does.  I have always liked outdoors activity gyms that I can place in the backyard, and this brings all of the fun right to living room floor for my baby.  Activity Gyms are excellent products because not only do they provide numerous fun activities, but they also sharpen your child’s skills of thinking, mobility, vision, and awareness.  The Infantino Twist & Fold gym succeeds in all of these areas.  With the colorful animals like the Lion and monkey that rattles when you touch them and the giraffe and elephant the numerous options encourage reaching and movement from your baby which are great!  They also love the cute sounds the animals make when you touch them.  The animals come as removable dangle toys that can be used as teethers!  This activity gym is great.

There are so many things I love about this Gym.  It is easy to clean, promotes sensory development and mobility, the colors are stimulating and hold your child’s attention, and it is easy to take along for instant fun no matter where you go.  Lastly I like that the product tends to grow with your child as the toys have 2 different options for hanging height depending on the size of your child!

One of the things I love the most about this Gym is how easy it to set up.  All you have to do is push down the circle on the top of the gym and it folds out and you are ready to go! Talk about instant fun.  It is just as easy to clean up when your baby is done!  All you have to do is twist the top of the circle and fold it up and secure the Velcro tabs.  In its closed position it takes up very little space so you can easily keep it in the living room by a cabinet or behind the couch and always be ready for instant fun!

Disclosure: I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation

Filed Under: Reviews

iFrogz EarPollution CS 40 Headphones *Review*

June 19, 2010 By Jen Leave a Comment

The iFrogz EarPollution CS 40 Headphones stand for “Comfort Series” and they do not fail to deliver on that promise! These headphones combine the main things that you want in a pair of headphones which are rich sound with deep bass, a comfortable fit, and a lightweight design.  I hate clunky and uncomfortable headphones and these are perfect.  They weigh barely over 1 pound and fit right on your ear with a heavily cushioned ear cup design so they are comfortable to wear for extended periods of time.  Don’t let the sleek lightweight design fool you though.  With crisp 9 mm speaker drivers and the noise isolation design of the headphones pulsating sounds are delivered cleanly to your ears!

I like that these headphones comes in 5 colors including Blue, Black, White, Red, and Pink.

They are easily compatible with virtually media playing devices including the iphone so you can enjoy all of your music on the go regardless of what type of device you own.  Last but not least is the price.  When you hear the sound from these headphones you will think they might cost at least a hundred bucks like some of the higher priced headphones out there, but they are only $39.99.

Tech Specs:

  • Driver Unit: 40 mm
  • Impedance: 32 ohms
  • Sensitivity: 120 dB +/- 3 dB
  • Frequency Response: 30 Hz to 20 kHz
  • Cord Length: 1.2 m
  • Plug: 3.5 mm
Filed Under: Product Reviews and Giveaways

Check out Love & Luck Greetings For all you Greeting card needs

June 17, 2010 By Jen Leave a Comment

We moms know having kids comes with a lot of responsibilities.  From late night feedings, constant childproofing, and a complete lack of attention to your own personal needs, we definitely have our hands full on every day.  Now with Father’s Day coming REALLY Fast it’s just another thing we have to do..(Show dad how much we appreciate everything he does, lol even if us mom’s do most of it)

This year, let Love & Luck Greetings take control! Featuring a line of cards fitting for any father, these crafty creations match the personality of any dad.  From the new to the old, the athletic to the artsy, the close to the long distance, he’ll be able to share a little chuckle, smile or tear while reading your heartfelt message.  Priced for $4.75 a piece, the cards feature dazzling drawings and added details – like Swarovski crystals.

I was able to receive the father’s Day cards to see for myself how great they were.  The quality was great and not just your standard boring father’s day card either. These cards are very special and will be the ones dad always remembers.   I will admit the pictures do not do these cards any justice. I was planning on doing a giveaway for these cards but with a delay in shipping and my hectic life, I was not able to get this post live in time so the card would make it in time for Father’s Day SUNDAY!  I am so sorry.  I am happy to say that I donated 4 of these cards to some less fortunate little girls and boys who really wanted to give their dad something for father’s day.  So with that we were able to make some great kids happy and special Father’s day for someone else.

I let my kids pick one to keep and of course they decided to go with this one..we all know Dad is going to love it..

If you have a special event coming up and need a greeting card I highly recommend you to check out Love & Luck Greetings first.


ABOUT LOVE & LUCK GREETINGS
Javier and Alana Marmanillo, The Design Duo Behind the Love & Luck brand is new to the stationery scene, bringing a dynamic aesthetic, sweet sense of humor and clever craftsmanship to the mailbox marketplace.After twelve years of endless love, Alana and Javier tried their luck on a new joint venture, creating a brand based on their congruous artistic gifts

Filed Under: Reviews

Steribottle Ready to Use Disposable Baby Bottles

June 17, 2010 By Jen Leave a Comment

As a mom you are constantly on the move.  Anything that can increase convenience and save a little of that time is always appreciated! This is exactly what steri-bottles do!  Good to go right out of the packaging, these bottles are made of a very safe Bisphenol-A (BPA) and phthalate free plastic and come in convenient packages of 5 or 10 bottles and nipples per box. The 5 bottle packages are $5.99 and the 10 bottle packages are $10.99. With the Steri-bottle the late night feeding becomes fast and simple without skimping on any sterilization.  They are also perfect for the mom on the go when you and the kids are traveling.  These bottles stay sterile for up to years as long as they are kept in the packaging, and are for more sterile then you could do on your own at home.  When your baby is crying from hunger and wants their bottle immediately, Steri-bottle eliminates the time it takes to get everything ready, just open the package and they are ready to go!

Steri-bottles are quick, convenient, recyclable, and a perfect supplement to sterilizing your own bottles.  While they may be a little expensive if used as a standalone option, the convenience it provides when trying to accommodate a busy schedule with feeding your baby is worth it in my opinion!  These bottles can be safely put in the freezer if you are breastfeeding and overall have saved me a lot of time.  In addition I think one of the best things about these bottles is the anti-colic valve which limits excess wind from accumulating while the baby is feeding.  Any mom that has tried to soothe their baby while they are dealing with colic knows how important this is!  They are available for sale at many retailers across the country such as Buy Buy Baby, Kidspace, and Lullaby Lane, or you can order them online at amazon.com and babiesrus.com.

Filed Under: Reviews
« Older Posts
Newer Posts »