# Interactive storyline, including love story, winning friends and making enemies # 7 Mini games - Styling/dressing, Make up, Hairdresser, Fitness, Photo shoot, Catwalk., Catfight # Roam freely through an open world environment, including the model mansion, seaside town, and giant outdoor shopping plaza # Shop for clothes! Customize outfits, make-up, hairstyle and more

Do you have what it takes to be America’s Next Top model?  Well now is your chance to prove it, all from the comfort of your living room.  ‘America’s Next Top Model Is the official video game of the wildly popular TV show, and it is available on the Nintendo Wii.  This is one of the most fun video games I have played.  My daughters love it!  You get to take control of one of the 10 aspiring models and have to master the catwalk, light up your photo shoots, and choose your hair designs and makeup while being graded in each activity against the other models.  Who wouldn’t love a game where you get to go shopping??

This game can be very addictive as it places you in an interactive real life storyline that involves meeting friends amongst the other contestants as well as making enemies, the ability to move about through multiple real world environments and adopt an entire real life atmosphere all while trying to master contests that come up as I mentioned earlier.  It is so much fun.  As you choose your various outfits and makeup for the weekly contests, consult with your coach about tips for the weekly challenges and even steal secrets from the other models, you are brought before the panel each week and one girl is dismissed just like the show!  Master all of your unique tasks and it won’t be you and you can go on to be America’s Next Top Model.

This game is so realistic that it can be very addicting.  I am sure your thinking  ,you don’t get any exercise, SORRY but You  get a real workout at the fitness center and during catfights.  Me and my daughters love it!  Don’t say we didn’t warn you!

*I received this review as a member of the Game Review Network all opinions are My own.

Last Friday I was able to receive this gorgeous Sago Palm Bonsai tree courtesy of ProFlowers.com.  I was able to choose from quite a selection of bonsai trees, and gift baskets and although they were all great, I decided to pick the Sago Palm Bonsai tree.  I have my living room and kitchen décor in Palm trees so of course this was my pick and it fits perfectly!

Item Description: * Easy to care for, our miniature version adapts to indirect light or full sun and needs only occasional watering * Comes with an ornamental river rock * Arrives in a cream-colored, hexagon-shaped, glazed ceramic container (similar to container shown here) * Plant: 14"-17"H * Pot: 7" x 5" x 2 1/2"H * 4-7 year old tree * NOTE: Plant maybe toxic when ingested by animals or humans. For safety, keep all plants out of reach of pets and children. If ingested, please contact your veterinarian or doctor. * Item #30002001 Practiced for centuries in China and Japan, the art of bonsai captures nature's beauty in a confined space. Not your traditional bonsai tree, the exotic, tropical Sago palm brings a bit of paradise down to earth.

I’ll admit this is my first bonsai tree.  I didn’t know what to expect.  I just knew it would be delivered by FedEx.  I have had flowers ordered and shipped but never a plant.  The day it arrived I was working and couldn’t slip away to open it. I worried the whole time but, hey then I start thinking it’s been on a FedEx truck so I’m sure it’s ok sitting upstairs by the cool air vent.   When I got off from work I ran upstairs to open it.  Wow that was a job itself!

I was very impressed how well this was packaged. It took me 10 minutes I know to get it opened and unwrapped.   I was getting a little annoyed to say the least. HEY I WANTED TO SEE MY TREEE LOL.  After I got it unwrapped with the kids all around I was in awe! It’s so gorgeous.

The pictures on the ProFlowers site OR MINE don’t do this tree no justice.  My Daughter Jasmine even started begging for it so she could put it in her room!

I was also very happy that it had care instructions with it!  I also love the fact that I don’t have to water it EVERYDAY! I am a busy mom I forget things!  Lucky for me it says water every 5-7 days!

I can’t wait to enjoy watching it grow. I have already planned on ordering a 2^nd one just like it.   I highly recommend checking out the bonsai trees from proflowers. They would make great unique gifts for that special person in your life that will be something to keep forever!

If you read my last post you know that I was involved in the Diaper Pail test Drive tour From Mom Central. Where I tested 2 of the biggest name brand Diaper Pails.      The Diaper Genie has been around for a while.  I remember having one when my oldest was a baby.   Time sure has changed.

With the Diaper Genie II Elite System is incredibly simple to use with its foot pedal for hands-free disposal.  The taller ergonomic design means it’s easy for you to hold your child and dispose a diaper at the same time. Just step, drop and go. The Diaper Genie II Elite System takes care of the rest. To empty the pail, use the internal childproof cutter and seal. Diapers and odors are gone in an instant. Double-Lock design seals in odor keeping your baby’s room odor free. It has five-layer refill with odor-barrier technology. Foot pedal allows for easy, hands-free disposal unlike original Diaper Genie System, no twisting required.

Product Description

Antimicrobial. Odor-inhibiting. Hands-free. Words only a mother could love. Parents and babies alike can enjoy the fresh smell of their nurseries with the Diaper Genie II EliteTM Advanced Disposal System. This next generation Diaper Genie is #1 in odor control and includes other new features to make diaper changing more hygienic and easier than ever. The Double-Lock design and multi-layer film seals odor into the pail and out of your nursery unlike an ordinary pail and plastic bag. Diaper Genie II EliteTM System is the only pail with Ultra-Fresh* Antimicrobial Protection built into the plastic to inhibit odor-causing bacteria. Diapers only touch the film, not the pail, so there is one less thing to clean and less worry. Plus, the Diaper Genie II EliteTM System is incredibly simple to use with its foot pedal for hands-free disposal. The taller ergonomic design.

Being a former owner of the older Diaper Genie I already thought this would be my favorite one. However, even with some nice changes I am not that impressed.  Don’t get me wrong the Diaper Genie is still a very great diaper pail but with anything it has its con’s.  I love that the new design is taller and also has the foot pedal. Now what I hate is the older diaper Genie twisted each diaper up in the plastic and makes a chain of diapers to throw away and this one don’t.  I was not really pleased with that because I felt that helped control the odor control better.  I also had more odor control issues with the Diaper Genie than the Munchkin Arm & Hammer pail. each time the pail is opened to deposit another one, the room is immediately filled with that horrible smell.  However, I have read other reviews say just the opposite.

My Older kids decided to put this together before I had a chance and I had a hard time Fixing it so Just make sure you read the instructions because if you put something together wrong, it is very hard to get apart to correct.

Over all I rate this product a B+

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.

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

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 1^st 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 2^nd 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!

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

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

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.

Do you like to do surveys and to voice your opinions? I know I do.  When I first started signing up for survey sites I admit I went crazy! I signed up for almost every site I could find.  Some were good and then others; well let’s just say not what I was expecting.  I also received a lot of spam from some companies.  Now I have a separate email I use just for survey sites to prevent it from clogging my personal emails.

Ipsos I-say Panel is one of the legitimate survey companies that pay you for your opinion. I think it was one of the first ones I signed up for. They’re currently looking for more survey panelists, especially more moms just like you and me!  So, if you not signed up for   Ipsos, you may want to go ahead and register to see what happens.  They don’t spam your inbox with extra stuff, and you are never required to do a survey. You can pick and choose what you want to do. Which, is always a plus.

i-Say panel members earn Reward Points for every survey they take. Earn just 500 points and you can “cash them in” for money (in the form of an authorized check), donations, American Express Gift Cards and more. Points add up fast – most surveys are worth 10 to 100 points and members get an average of 1- 4 surveys each month.

Remember Doing surveys are not going to make you big money and those that claim otherwise don’t trust it.  You will read good reviews and bad reviews about any survey site so when signing up for one make sure you use common sense.

Now It’s sound off time! What survey sites do you like and why?