Bed Head Wave Artist Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

Congratulations! Winner  #123  STYLEEZTA

I am very familiar with Bed Head hair products. While I am not big on hair products when it comes to my hair, I do love their line of  hair smoother's and frizz tamers and my husband regularly uses Bed Head hair gels and waxes. What I was not familiar with was their styling tools. In fact I wasn't even aware that they have a line of styling tools which include Hair Dryers, Straighteners, Curling Iron and Specialty Tools like the Wave Artist. The Wave Artist is a Tourmaline Ceramic Deep Waver.

I was very impressed with the Wave Artist itself, it is attractive and very good quality. I love that it heats up quickly and has multiple heat settings. I also like that the styling barrels have a lock option which makes for easy storage and you don't have to worry about the barrels being scratched or damaged. I wish my hair straightener had this feature! The Wave Artist is used similar as you would a  hair straightener only instead of running it straight down the hair you would clamp sections of your hair for a few seconds and then let go revealing  frizz free, shiny, wavy, flowing locks. You can check out a video here and see exactly how this product works.

Now I have a short bob hair style, it is right below my chin and above my shoulders in length so I did not have high expectations on how this product would work for me. It did leave waves in my hair but I think this product was made for woman with longer hair lengths. This sorta bummed me out because for awhile I had been letting my hair grow out but was sick of how my fine, limp hair just laid flat on my head with no body, so I cut it. I think if I had the Wave Artist then I would have been a lot happier with my hair. Who knows maybe I will let my hair grow out again. The Wave Artist can be purchased at Ulta retail stores as well as on Amazon.

Bed Head has offered one of you girly girls a chance to win a Wave Artist of your own.

To Enter: Leave a comment letting me know if you use any Bed Head products. You can also get extra entries for liking Bed Head on Facebook and following them on Twitter. As usual I will also give extra entries for following us through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on March 15, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

Glow Crazy Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

Congratulations! Winner  #115  Hannah

 

A few weeks ago my little girl Penelope went crazy on her bedroom walls and created a dry erase marker masterpiece that I still have yet to get completely clean.

Now I am all for Penelope showing her creativity but I would prefer it if it wasn't displayed directly on her bedroom walls. At least that's what I thought before I learned about Glow Crazy.

Glow Crazy Distance Doodler is the hottest new glow in the dark toy that lets your kids draw on their walls with light. Their artwork will glow in the dark for an extended period of time and there's no mess to clean up! Glow Crazy Distance Doodler comes with a Magic Light Wand, 2 Jumbo Canvas Wall Clings and 4 Stencils. The wall clings can be stuck to any smooth surface and leave no residue when they are removed. If you wanted to you could even cut up a wall cling and place around the room to decorate with glowing shapes like stars on the ceiling or whatever your imagination thinks up. Their are so many possibilities with this toy. One of the coolest things about Glow Crazy is that the magic light wand works from 10 feet away. So your child can lay comfortably in his/her bed and doodle away with the lights out. The only problem you will have is trying to get them to put it away and go to sleep, it's that much fun!

The age recommendation for Glow Crazy Distance Doodler is 6 and up but Penelope is only 3 and she is having a blast playing with it. I tried to get pictures of her glowing artwork but they wouldn't show up on my camera. The best I could do is this...

I had to keep the flash on in order for anything to show up and unfortunately you can't see how cool this looks in the dark. However if you visit Glow Crazy online you can check out a video that shows how it works. The only problem I found with this toy is that some of the wall cling flaked away from its backing and so their are a couple of spots that no longer glow. I am not sure if this is usual or not but I am sure you can contact customer service to purchase replacement wall clings. In fact, if you purchase Glow Crazy Distance Doodler online not only is it only $24.99 but you can get a Bonus Magic Light Wand, 5 Wall Clings and 4 Stencils all for FREE. So you don't have to worry about the kids (or adults) fighting over who gets to play with it. I love Glow Crazy and Penelope is welcome to go crazy on her walls all she wants with it.

Want to win a Glow Crazy Distance Doodler?

To Enter: Leave me a comment telling me who you would like to win this for. You can also get extra entries for following us through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on March 12, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US and Canada entries only.

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

Photo Freebie!

Here's another deal from Walgreens good today only. Get a FREE 8x10 Photo Collage by clicking on the this link and then clicking REDEEM NOW. Make sure you choose to pick up at store at checkout and you won't have to pay shipping.

***Monica***

Tropical Traditions Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

Congratulations! Winner  #47  Reeva

 

Several weeks ago while searching the web I came across a review for Tropical Traditions Coconut Oil which lead me to do some more research. I found out that not only has coconut oil been a staple in cooking for thousands of years in many countries with tropical climates but it is one of the best cooking oils you can use. According to Tropical Traditions website research has shown  "that the medium chain fatty acids found in coconut oil boosts the body’s metabolism, raises body temperatures, and helps provide greater energy which can lead to weight loss." In addition "Virgin Coconut oil is rich in lauric acid, a nutrient that supports the body’s immune system. Lauric acid is also found in human mother’s milk." 

Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil is an unrefined coconut oil made from organic coconuts. The coconuts are harvested in small family farms in the Philippines by traditional methods with strict USDA standards, insuring the highest quality Virgin Coconut Oil.

I love to cook and I love trying new ingredients so I was very eager to find out how this oil would compare to more widely used oils in the kitchen. Immediately upon opening the jar I was pleasantly surprised. This stuff smells amazing! Like a tropical oasis of fresh coconuts. It did not smell of oil at all so I was curious what it would taste like right out of the jar. That's right! I stuck a spoon inside and scooped up a small amount of this solid oil to taste. It tastes almost exactly like it smells! Coconut oil can be used frozen, in drinks and in cooking and I immediately wanted to make something with it and find out the outcome. You can find many tried and tasted recipes using this coconut oil here but I decided to just use it in my everyday cooking. I have since started using this oil instead of my usual stuff in practically all of my cooking. It really works great in both sweet and savory foods. Their is a slight coco-nutty taste but it just brings another element to your dish that is really good. My favorite thing to make with this oil thus far has been fried coconut shrimp. YUM! It also makes delicious and healthy smoothies. Just melt a tablespoon or two to your usual smoothie recipe and blend. Oh and FYI it is crucial that you melt it before putting it in a cold beverage otherwise it will clump up and not be as appetizing.

Check out Tropical Traditions FAQ page to find out a ton of more information on this healthy oil alternative. You can purchase your jar of Tropical Traditions Gold Label Standard Virgin Coconut Oil online. Make sure you choose “Referred by a Friend” at checkout and enter the code 6935274 on your first order to receive a complimentary copy of Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil book.

Would you like the chance to win a quart of Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil?

To Enter: Just leave a comment saying you would like to win and subscribe to Tropical Traditions newsletter. You can also get extra entries for following us through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on February 27, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US and Canada entries only.

***Monica***

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

Photo Freebie!

Today only! You can get a FREE Classic Photo Book via Walgreens.com if you use the code FAVORITEBOOK2 at checkout. All you pay is shipping. I love these photo freebies and this one would make a great Mothers Day gift!

***Monica***

Super Quick Eco-Frugal Tip

Start growing those veggie seedlings indoors.

Shabby Apple Giveaway Winner

After a huge turnout for the Shabby Apple dress of choice giveaway, the day has arrived to announce the winner.

Drum roll, please....

Lisa @ Simplified Saving who said:
I follow you publicly on GFC

Congrats to Lisa!

Lisa--You have been emailed and need to respond to the email within 48 hours to claim your prize before another winner will have to be chosen!

It seems that Lisa failed to respond to my congradulatory email within the allotted 48 hours, so I have drawn another winner to take advantage of this awesome prize!

How about...

Aubre said...
I'm following you on Twitter!

Congrats to Aubre! I will send out the email to award it to her now. I hope she replies!


Side Note: Lisa nor Aubre were actually not the first name selected. The first comment chosen could not be declared the winner because they did not follow the rules of the giveaway. Make sure you read and follow the rules to be eligible to win!

Baby news!

After two miscarriages and three live births I was a nervous wreck these past couple weeks as I awaited my sonogram. My last miscarriage ended after my progesterone levels dropped (not a good sign). Well my progesterone dropped this pregnancy as well and I got on supplements much faster. I still wasn't sure what we'd find at our sonogram. Would we find a baby without a heartbeat? Would we find a live baby? With my tripling hCG would there be twins?!?!?!

To read about what happened at my Valentine's Day sonogram please go over to my personal blog When Does Daddy Come Home?!  I can't wait to see you over there! Also visit my post about Pregnancy, Babies and Births to share your own blog with me. My usual bloggy friends have been so quiet so I'm looking for fresh new blogs to follow. Leave some comment love on the posts so I know you visited and so I can get to know YOU too!!!


=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=
Joy is a stay-at-home-mom to three daughters. She is the wife of a worship leader & youth pastor. She runs her own Etsy shop selling handmade, hand-stamped sterling jewelry. Joy has taken courses in journalism, play writing, poetry, was in Honors English throughout school and has had small publications made of her work (mostly poetry).

Heart Recycled Paper Note Cards Review and Giveaway

*** Giveaway Now Closed***

Winner # 8 rubynreba

If you know me you know I love recycled products a lot, especially hand crafted recycled products. The Heart Recycled Paper Note Cards, from Etsy seller sparklytrash, are no exception. I've been inspired to craft more myself.


First impressions: The first thought that popped into my head when I opened up the envelope the cards came in was, Cute!  I received five cards, but the set actually only comes with 4.  So, I appreciate the extra gift. There are no envelopes included with the set, but they fit into a standard sized envelope and I don’t think they really need envelopes.


Inspired? I was inspired by the simplicity of these handmade cards. What a great eco-conscious craft! While looking at them and how they're made I realized how much my girls would love these cards. I thought about all their friends and how much they would like them too.

I thought the cards are perfect for handing out during a kid’s valentine school or girls scout party. They are perfect for a teacher or someone like a Girl Scout leader to place in a party goodie bag. I’d love to get  a card like this from my husband and children (with organic chocolates and a planted rose bush). I think they would also be a great product for a fundraiser. They could even be used as invitations. They are great for everyday use too. For example, I could grab a few of these cards; write a sweet, I love you. Have a great day at school, note on the inside of each card and then slip them into my kids’ lunchboxes or backpacks. I know they'd love and appreciate it. 


How eco-friendly are these cards? The cards are hand cut out of heavy weight brown paper grocery bags. In addition sparklytrash notes on her product description that, “This set features my hand printed hearts with each in a different shade of purple and pink. To make the prints I cut the design into recycled styrofoam trays and use only water-based block printing ink. This ensures that your cards are eco-conscious from start to finish!” (sparklytrash).   


To be honest though, I don’t know that I would pay the price for the cards. I think they are adorable and quite useful, but the price is a little steep for my frugal thinking. However, I would consider making a purchase if the set was a stack of 10 cards for $4. I would buy 4 sets, 2 for my daughters’ school valentine school parties and 2 sets would be for their Girls Scout Valentine parties.


The Giveaway: The giveaway: Sparklytrash is offering a set of her recycled pair of purple soda can earrings. Take a look at them here. The giveaway deadline is Feb. 28th, 2011. To win visit sparklytrash’s store. Then leave me a comment letting me know what product you are interested in. You can get extra entries for following us through GFC or Subscribing via email. Make sure to let me know in the comments. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please make sure your email is on your profile or leave it in your comment. If you win and I cannot contact you then the prize goes to the next person. Please respond within 48 hours.

Disclosure: I received the Heart Recycled Paper Note Cards for free for review from sparklytrash. My opinions are my own.

JustGANO or JustAVOID?

I do not dish out negative reviews very easily. In fact I've debated posting this and have decided to just relate my personal experience with JustGANO (Just Get A New One), an online jewelry subscription. I saw this company on another reviewer's blog and thought, "Hey I'll try it out!" So I subscribed to one of their subscriptions that cost under $8 a month. I would be sent one piece of jewelry of my choice each month. This price included shipping.

I filled my "Wish List" with items from the website that I thought were beautiful and fashionable. The item in the number 1 spot would be sent to me every month and I was free to rearrange my Wish List so if a more desirable piece caught my eye I could move it to the number 1 spot and get it in my next shipment.

When my first order arrived I was highly disappointed. It looked like something from the dollar store and all the packaging said, "Made in China" on it. Some of the beads were glued on with hot glue and you could clearly see the glue.

The woman who runs JustGANO put out an inquiry for people to submit reviews of their items for her website. I submitted mine stating that the jewelry looked and felt really cheap. She never posted it online. When a company can filter their own reviews and only post the positives it is a huge red flag to me. Consumers should get honest reviews from other consumers.

I decided to keep giving JustGANO a chance thinking perhaps I chose my first piece poorly. They ended up sending me a ring with one of my regular shipments for the purpose of reviewing it. They sent the Forever Blooming flower ring and I will admit that this ring was very nice compared to the other items I had been receiving. You must note that on most rings it is one size so if you have larger fingers some rings may not fit you. The Forever Blooming is an adjustable ring and has a nice, heavy feel to it. However the other rings I chose (and paid for) were a one-size set of stackable rings and they were size 5. I can't wear them at all. Another subscription paid for and disappointed with.

And then my computer crashed. Which meant I had to close my online Etsy shops and also meant my PayPal was empty. JustGANO debits your PayPal without authorization each month. Because my computer was down and it was the last thing on my mind I ended up having my PayPal debited which reflected to my equally empty bank account (for my business; not my personal). I just now, months later, got the overdraft fee reversed

When I did notice that the incident happened with my account overdrawing I contacted JustGANO for a refund and to cancel my subscription. I was very unhappy with the customer service (I had to contact three separate times for her to cancel and to explain my account overdrew). Without a word of apology or any help my account was canceled.

I am responsible for the fact my bank account overdrew and that I didn't cancel the jewelry subscription at some point during my computer being out of order. BUT... I believe JustGANO should authorize payments each month or send a reminder message to customers so they remember to put the money in their PayPal. As of my subscription there were no prompts to remind customers that their upcoming fee was due. If something doesn't change... there will be a lot more unhappy customers with overdrafts and cheap jewelry to show for it.

Do you have a subscription with JustGANO? Do you like it?
If you don't subscribe, would you? Why or why not?

I truly feel horrible posting a negative review but I felt my story should be told. There may be better experiences for people out there but for me I'm better off without this service.


JustGANO was a paid subscription by me. This company did send me a free item to review along with one of my regular shipments.

=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=
Joy is a stay-at-home-mom to three daughters. She is the wife of a worship leader & youth pastor. She runs her own Etsy shop selling handmade, hand-stamped sterling jewelry. Joy has taken courses in journalism, play writing, poetry, was in Honors English throughout school and has had small publications made of her work (mostly poetry).

Super Quick Eco-Frugal Tip: Join a CBA

If you don't have a CBA in your area ask for one. If you do have one in your area join one. It's similar to a CSA, but for locally baked goods. Read this story with video to learn more about it. How to Start a Community Supported Bakery (Video)

Smartfish ErgoMotion Laser Mouse Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

Congratulations! Winner  #8  Kelli

Smartfish Technologies was founded by Dr. Jack Atzmon. A chiropractor who after many years of treating patients with RSI (Repetitive Stress Injury) or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome wanted to develop products that would alleviate if not prevent this ailment. It is known that every day computer use specifically, repetitive and static positions while using mice and keyboards contribute to RSI. Therefore Dr. Atzmon began to develop computer accessories that were not only ergonomic but used the ErgoMotion ™ technology. ErgoMotion™ is built on the concept that movement is the key to healthier computing. Basically the tool you are using moves along with you increasing blood flow and reducing inflammation while eliminating the risks of RSI.

I spend a lot of time on the computer so I was eager to try Smartfish's Whirl™ Laser Mouse w/ Anti-Gravity Comfort Pivot.

The Whirl™ uses ErgoMotion™ technology as it pivots along with the movement of your hand. It takes a little to get use to the slight tilting at first but after awhile you begin to realize how comfortable it is. I also love that because the mouse is on a base there is no need for a mouse pad. My husband plays video games on his free time and therefore uses his mouse a lot. I let him try out the mouse and boy was that a mistake. He won't give it back! He loves that it is wireless and says his wrist doesn't feel strained after a while of playing the way it use to with his old mouse. I fear I will never get my mouse back.

Check out the YouTube video to see the mouse in action. Also be sure to check them out on Facebook and Twitter for more information. You can purchase your very own Smartfish Whirl Laser Mouse with Anti-Gravity Comfort Pivot on Amazon. The mouse retails for $49.99 and is well worth the investment, especially if you are regularly on your computer.

Smartfish Technologies would like to give one of our readers the chance to win a Whirl™ of their own.

To Enter: Leave me a comment telling me who this mouse would be for. You can also get extra entries for following us through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on February 19, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

Original Sprout Review and Giveaway

*The original winner of this giveaway did not respond in the 48 hour time frame. I drew a second number and the new winner is...*
CLOSED

Congratulations! Winner  #25  kellyr78

I am very selective about the bath products I use on my little girl Penelope. She has very sensitive skin and tends to break out in  rashes if I use products that are not hypoallergenic or contain added fragrences. I also am very weary about certain ingredients that many beauty products contain and the safety of these ingredients. I try to stay clear of anything that sounds like it shouldn't be there and tend to buy more natural and organic products. That's why I was very excited when I heard about Original Sprout's products. Original Sprout is a line of natural, high-performance hair and skin care products that can be used by both children and adults alike. Created by a master stylist and mother these products not only contain safe ingredients but offer salon performance quality. In fact Original Sprout products are very popular with many of Hollywoods "who's who".

This is what you get with Original Sprout products:

• Free of phthalates, phytoestrogens, soy, gluten, animal products,
parabens, and propylene glycol with no added dioxanes or formaldehydes.• Free of skin penetrators & photosensitizers (plasticizers & nanoparticles).
• Extracts are certified organic. The majority of ingredients are plant
derived & from natural sources.
• Fragrances are made with naturally derived ingredients & are certified
FREE of phthalates, lavender, tea tree, PG, DPG, parabens, dioxanes,
benzenes, formaldehydes, acetaldehydes, styrene, toluene, chlorobenzene &
glycol ethers.
• Products are vegetarian/vegan & biodegradable. 

Original Sprout agreed to send me three of their many products to review including thier Scrumptious Baby Cream, Natural Shampoo, and Miracle Detangler.

The Scrumptious Baby Cream smells absolutely scrumptious! It smells fresh and clean and gives my little girl that newborn baby smell. I love it! It also goes on smoothly with no greasy feeling and leaves her skin super soft to the touch. I even used it on myself and had to have my husband smell and feel how wonderful this cream is. Penelope loves the smell and feel of her skin after using this cream she sniffs and says "mmmm" and guess what. This stuff deos not irritate her sensitive skin one bit. I have found my new favorite cream!

The Natural Shampoo is another great product. It is sulfate free which is hard to find in a lot of shampoos and is perfect for all hair types and for babies and adults. I love the lather of this shampoo it feels luxurious and you only need a small drop of it. It has a light clean fragrence and does it's job of cleaning your hair very well.

Miracle Detangler- This is the product I was especially excited to receive. In fact I was told that it is one of Original Sprouts #1 products and continously sells out in salons. I had been wanting to find a good detangling spray for Penelope. She loves taking a bath but she hates me trying to comb the wet tangles out of her hair. Not anymore! This stuff works great and she no longer winces in pain while I comb her hair. This product is also great for the frizzies and static. Seriously, it must be living in the cold dry air of Alaska that causes her to have the worse case of static hair. Now whenever I see her looking like she just stuck her finger in a light socket I just spritz a little of this spray, comb through and her flyaways are all gone. This stuff leaves her hair silky smooth. This is definitely a product I will continue to purchase.


You can get all these products and more online or at a variety of health food stores & salons worldwide. If you use the code FIRST_ORDER_10-U on your first order you can get 10% off. In addition they are currently offering a Free 1oz Miracle Detangler on orders $50 & Up!

Original Sprout would also like to offer one of our readers the chance to win a $50 gift certificate good for any of their products online.

To Enter: Visit Original Sprout online and tell me one product you are interested in trying. You can get extra entries for following us through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

This giveaway will end on February 16, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile.

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

Kisses For My Valentine Flat Cards Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

Winner # 7 Marci J

Etsy shop owner Jodi Passwaters (rethinkink) has a lot of eco-friendly and homemade crafts at her store, including valentine cards. Late last month she sent me a set of Valentine cards to review. She is also giving a set away.

In the box: I received a set of 4 "Kisses for my valentine" flat note cards with matching envelopes carefully wrapped and stuffed in wide envelope sealed by a rethink ink logo sticker. By the way I love the simple, but lovely design of the rethink ink logo. The set is valued at $7.50.

 The cards are blank on the back providing plenty of space for personal messages. The text on the cards read just like they do online, "Kisses for my valentine". The cards look professionally made, presentable and they also look like they do online, except the colors are more vibrant in person. The ready to give a kiss dog on the front of the cards makes the cards appealing to a variety of people including: animal lovers and kids.

Green facts: The cards are made of 100% pcw (post consumer waste) recycled paper. They are also made using renewable green-e certified wind energy and are FSC certified.

According to rethinkink's store site, "All items are digitally printed with flat printing. Each piece is a one of a kind, created just for you with great care. I cut, fold, score, assemble, design and package each piece by hand in my home studio. All designs are my own original hand drawn illustrations, digitally printed, and designed with the environment in mind. My goal is to be environmentally responsible while letting you show your style and personality. Rethink ink's designs are printed on smooth 100% pcw recycled papers that are created using renewable green-e certified wind energy and are FSC certified".

The giveaway: Get the set I got. There isn't much time though. The giveaway deadline is Feb. 7th, 2011. To win visit rethinkink. Then leave me a comment letting me know what product you are interested in. You can get extra entries for following us through GFC or Subscribing via email. Make sure to let me know in the comments. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please make sure your email is on your profile or leave it in your comment. If you win and I cannot contact you then the prize goes to the next person. Please respond within 48 hours.

 Disclosure: I received the Kisses For My Valentine Flat Cards for free for review from rethink ink. My opinions are my own.

Are You READY?!

I am not a sporty girl. But when the Super Bowl rolls around you can find me at the party because I love me some parties! Okay so I really just love me some good party food. This year I'll be making the most amazing Spinach Artichoke Dip. I stumbled across it a few Christmases ago when trying to figure out what I wanted to make for a party. The reviews sounded promising so I gathered the ingredients and made one pan. I made a few of my own tweaks here and there making the recipe uniquely my own as any good cook would do.

Well the one pan I made for our Christmas party a few years back? It was not enough. The men were literally hovering over it and fighting with spoons to get the last of it on their plates. This year I'm tripling the recipe and I'm hoping it'll be enough for all the hungry guys (and gals) while they enjoy the game.

Want the recipe? Find Hot Spinach and Artichoke Dip II on AllRecipes. And it isn't "hot" as in spicy. It is a hot, not cold, dip.

Psst.... substitute sour cream for the mayonnaise! And mix your cheeses into the dip instead of putting on top so you don't get a layer of hard-to-dip-through cheese crust. I plan on serving ours with a sliced up baguette and some tortilla chips.

When you first mix all the ingredients it is pretty thick... but once you pull it out of the oven it is this creamy, gooey concoction that just melts in your mouth. The flavors are absolutely sinful and delicious! I could probably eat half a pan all by myself.

Now tell me what are YOU making for your Super Bowl or upcoming parties?! I need new ideas so leave me some links or recipes.


*This was not a paid or endorsed review. I just felt like sharing because I truly love this recipe! I use this website every time I want to try a new recipe because I value the reviews that people put up. I also use their Recipe Box feature. Just a great site all around!

=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=
Joy is a stay-at-home-mom to three daughters. She is the wife of a worship leader & youth pastor. She runs her own Etsy shop selling handmade, hand-stamped sterling jewelry. Joy has taken courses in journalism, play writing, poetry, was in Honors English throughout school and has had small publications made of her work (mostly poetry).

Preserves Tableware from Green Ostrich Review and Giveaway is

 *now closed*

The Preserves Tableware from Green Ostrich Review and Giveaway winner  is 3 Giggly Monsters
CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment. Keep an eye out for future eco-friendly product reviews and giveaways. Remember to please make sure it is easy for me to contact you or I wont be able to let you know you are the winner and the next person in line will get the prize. Either have an email on your profile or leave it on the comment.

Money Savvy Piggy Bank Review and Giveaway

CLOSED

Winner - #12  Claudia

My little girl is only three years old but she is already starting to understand the concept of money. Whenever we go out shopping she always asks us if we have money for things like candy, toys and of course horsey rides. A few months ago we decided to get her a piggy bank so that she could start filling it with change from our shopping trips. I told her that the money in her bank was for her to save for something special and of course she loved the idea. Then just a few weeks ago I came across what I thought would be the perfect replacement for the small traditional ceramic piggy bank we got her, The Money Savvy Piggy Bank. As soon as I saw this new piggy bank I knew we would love it. Not only do I not have to worry about her breaking it but it is clear plastic so she can actually see her money collecting. But...that's not the best thing about this new generation of piggy banks. The Money Savvy Piggy Bank has four chambers, Save, Spend, Donate and Invest. What a great way to teach a child about money management!

Being a personal banker Founder and CEO of Money Savvy Generation, Susan Beacham  saw the difficulties adults had with basic concepts of personal finance. Along with her husband they set out to teach elementary school aged children money management skills in hopes that they could instill good financial habits before the bad ones set in. Starting on a volunteer basis they went into schools and taught  "Mrs. Money Talks Money" an eight week curriculum in local schools. WOW! Since then the Money Savvy Kids Basic Personal Finance Curriculum is now taught in one or more districts in 26 states and The Money Savvy Piggy Bank has been sold worldwide.

I truly believe this is a great product for any child. It is important to teach your children skills while they are still young that help them into adulthood. Whether those be healthy eating habits, social skills or money management. While my little girl might be a little too young to fully understand the concepts of donating and investing. I think this bank is a great tool that I can use to continue to teach her the importance of being financially responsible. It's also so much fun for her! She loves filling her bank with change for "saving for the future", "buying toys or candy", "giving to others in need", and "saving up for family time". The Money Savvy Piggy Bank comes in several colors and retails for only $16.99. Visit Money Savvy Generation to purchase one today. You can also check out a variety of other products aimed at helping children, teens and even adults with their finances. If you would like some more information on "Helping Kids Get Smart About Money" sign up for their monthly newsletter here.

The generous people at Money Savvy Generation would like to offer one of our readers a chance to win a Money Savvy Piggy Bank of their own.

To Enter: Please like Money Savvy Generation on Facebook and leave a comment here telling me who this bank would be for. You can get extra entries for following us through GFC, Subscribing via email, liking us on Facebook and following via Twitter.

Deadline: This giveaway will end on February 14, 2011. I will choose the winner using Random.org. Please leave a valid email address if it is not visible in your profile. US entries only.

***Monica***

The featured product{s} in this post were provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or pr company representing the company. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way by anyone.

We've Got Girly Winners!

The random winner for the $40 e-code to CSN Stores is comment #7 by Domestic Diva! Please make sure to check your email for your code. If you do not see it please check your spam folder.

The random number chosen for the Toodlebugz giveaway was #44 ColleenMarie82.

Both winners have been emailed. Congratulations!


=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=
Joy is a stay-at-home-mom to three daughters. She is the wife of a worship leader & youth pastor. She runs her own Etsy shop selling handmade, hand-stamped sterling jewelry. Joy has taken courses in journalism, play writing, poetry, was in Honors English throughout school and has had small publications made of her work (mostly poetry).

Nature Made Prenatals

Several months ago Nature Made sent me several bottles of their new Liquid Softgel Prenatal Multi + DHA Prenatal Vitamins. My husband and I were beginning the journey of trying to conceive our fourth baby. Because of a secondary infertility issue I was diagnosed with in 2008 I didn't think having another baby would come easy.

I began to faithfully take the prenatal vitamins offered by Nature Made, one of the leading producers of vitamins in the United States, to prepare my body for a new baby and also because it is recommended for nursing mothers and I'm still breastfeeding my 15-month-old. I think it should be important to note that Nature Made processes and manufactures and packages all of their product right here in the USA using very vigorous quality control measures to ensure that only the very best is reaching consumers.

One at-home way to test a vitamin for effective absorbency that I learned (not through Nature Made) is to put a pill in vinegar. If it begins to bubble and dissolve your pills are still fresh (not old!) and can effectively be absorbed by your body. These vitamins are not only easily absorbed but they didn't make my stomach hurt. On the bottle it also states it is formulated for easy absorption! They are a little larger than other prenatal vitamins I've taken in the past but I don't have a problem swallowing pills. Because it is a softgel it is easier going down despite the size.

Nature Made wants to make one thing very clear to consumers - be careful of fads. Nature Made prides itself in quality and effectiveness and thus does not follow current fads or trends. Instead they stick to stringent protocols for producing their vitamins based on strong, lengthy research. This is what they have to say about fads:

Sound health decisions are generally based on solid research studies over time, as opposed to a single, attention-getting headline. Anything claiming to be a miracle cure or a “quick fix” should be viewed with skepticism.  -Nature Made

While prenatal vitamins cannot get you pregnant they do provide your body with key nutrients to help prepare your body to nourish a new little life. In addition to the prenatal vitamins I also took a Folic Acid. Four months later I'm staring at a positive pregnancy test!

That is right my readers; I am pregnant! And I want to thank Nature Made for helping me provide my unborn baby with proper nutrition long before they enter the world. Don't forget you can LIKE Nature Made on Facebook!

=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=+=*=
Joy is a stay-at-home-mom to three daughters. She is the wife of a worship leader & youth pastor. She runs her own Etsy shop selling handmade, hand-stamped sterling jewelry. Joy has taken courses in journalism, play writing, poetry, was in Honors English throughout school and has had small publications made of her work (mostly poetry).

How Do You Like Your Coffee?

Don't forget to fan Coffee-Mate on Facebook and visit their page on Friday, February 4 12pm EST for your chance to get a coupon good for FREE Coffee-Mate. They will be giving out 100,000 coupons!

***Monica***

GoPicnic Kids Fun Food Care Package Review and Giveaway is

 *now closed*

The GoPicnic Kids Fun Food Care Package Giveaway winner is Jennifer W
CONGRATULATIONS!

Thank you to everyone who left a comment. Keep an eye out for future eco-friendly product reviews and giveaways. Remember to please make sure it is easy for me to contact you or I wont be able to let you know you are the winner and the next person in line will get the prize. Either have an email on your profile or leave it on the comment.