T.O.M. Reviews

NFLshop.com - GOOOOO Patriots!

2012-01-25T10:33:00.008-05:00

Did you know that female fans make up 44% of the NFL's fan base?

Well, living here in Massachusetts, I can certainly believe it!

Pick a team, any team, and NFLshop.com has you covered. Products range from branded rain boots and handbags to bedazzled sweatshirts and tees. Also launched this year is the Gameday Party collection, bringing the tailgate to your home with cheese boards, coasters, wine glasses and yes, even BBQ sets.

(I think I'll pass on the bikini though.)

I was even sent this bling-bling necklace to sport!

So next Sunday, when all my boyz are decked out in their Patriots gear cheering for our team in the SuperBowl, I actually have something to wear too!

Be sure to check out NFLshop.com! Seriously, they really do have bikinis!

I was sent the above-pictured necklace to facilitate this review. As always, opinions expressed are mine, all mine.

Mat Kearney Young Love Album Review

2011-09-07T08:36:00.000-04:00

I had never heard of Mat Kearney until I attended Blissdom, where he performed live and put on a great show. My Niece, on the other hand? LOVES HIM.

So when the opportunity arose from One2One Network to review his new album titled Young Love, I knew that my Niece would never forgive me if I didn't let her take a shot.

In my 13-year old Niece's own words:

"Mat Kearny is definitely a cool, down to earth, and relatable singer. I’ve listened to his music for a long time now and this album Young Love has met my high expectations. Mat's songs show many stories of love, but from different angles. The hit album has made number four on the Billboard 200 and number 22 on Canadian Albums chart. My favorite song, Ships in the Night, is catchy and cute."

PartSelect

2011-06-21T10:46:00.000-04:00

How utterly annoying is it to:

1) Have an appliance or an electronic device break on you?

And then:

2) Have to call a repairman??

And then even worse:

3) Have to wait for the repairman to come???

(You know the drill: "Yep, we'll be there sometime between the hours of 8 and 5. But only if there's a full moon. And if you promise us your firstborn child. Then we'll show up. Maybe.")

Well, I'm here to tell you that there is a very helpful site, called PartSelect, (with a kinda cute repairman in the bottom corner who talks to you!) that can help you to perform your own home repairs, thus saving you time (waiting waiting waiting) and $$$$.

On the PartSelect site, there is a Virtual Repairman link, which is essentially a free tool that will instantly helps you figure out what’s wrong with your appliance or electronic device. Simply enter your model number and from there it will take you to a list of symptoms that your particular model experiences and then by clicking on one of those problems, it will take you to a list of parts that will fix that specific problem (and how often it actually does) for your specific model.

Another option is to start right at the PartSelect home page and enter your model number. Doing this model search right from the home page gives you several ways to locate the EXACT NEW PART you need: by symptom, by searching for its name, and by location. And then it gives you exploded diagrams for each section of the appliance.

In short, the PartSelect site is the only one in their industry that helps customers at every stage of the repair: diagnosing the problem, figuring out the part needed, getting the part, and then installing the part!

Just by typing all this, I feel empowered and kinda wanna put on my hard hat and tool belt.

Minus the plumber's crack, of course.

I received compensation from PartSelect for this sponsored post. As always, opinions expressed are my own.

Weird Sports

2011-06-21T10:01:00.000-04:00

We were sent a review copy of Michael Teitelbaum's book Weird Sports. This was perfect reading material for the boyz in my Trenches!

Ostrich racing, anyone? How about cheese rolling or extreme ironing? This book shows children just how weird, wild, and amusing athletics can be. Or how about underwater hockey? Elephant soccer? Extreme unicycling?

Needless to say, the day after we received this in the mail, Eldest had it in his backpack, all eager to take it to school to show his friends. And apparently, according to him, it was a HIT at 3rd grade storytime.

This would be a perfect gift idea for that sports-loving child in your family!

I was sent a copy of Weird Sports to faciliate this review. As always, all opinions expressed are my own.

Gilgal Wine Review

2011-06-16T16:37:00.001-04:00

Okay, okay, so while I do cop to admitting that I will review anything pertaining to dental hygeine, there is definitely another thing that I will ALWAYS say yes to.

And that?

Is wine. (Actually, who are we kidding? Any sort of alcohol, thankyouverymuch.)

So when contacted to see if I would like to try a new wine sourced from "an amazing place with a rich history and a beautiful story", I said absolutely. Who am I to turn down a chance to try one of the first bottles available in the U.S.?

Enter Gilgal. (Don't you love this gorgeous website?!)

"Gilgal Refaim, a celebrated site located near the Sea of Galilee in the Golan Heights region of Israel, has long been shrouded in mystery and wonder. Defined by a ring of over 40,000 rocks placed in concentric circles by the ancients, Gilgal Refaim has been an inspiration to many - and today inspires a new wine release - Gilgal."

~~Already consumed~~ Errr, not pictured: the 2007 Gilgal Cabernet Sauvignon

Both my brother's girlfriend and I thoroughly enjoyed the red. It was full-bodied, with hints of blackberry and cherry fruit, and certainly not overwhelmingly oaky. You know how you walk into a liquor or wine store and become completely overwhelmed? (No? Just me?) Well, because the name and the bottle are so unique, and because it had a taste that was easy to drink, I will definitely be buying more Gilgal wine.

And now, I can't wait to try the Chardonnay, which is described as "exhibiting pineapple, melon, green apple and pear fruit notes". See, it's fruitfully healthy!

Cheers!

I was sent 2 bottles of Gilgal wine to facilitate this review. As always, opinions expressed herein are my very own.

Sunstar GUM Products Review

2011-06-16T15:59:00.000-04:00

The boyz were sent some GUM Crayoloa timerlight toothbrushes and flossers to review.

(Sidenote: I NEVER turn down a chance to review dental hygiene products! Never.)

As you would expect, there was heated discussion about who was going to get what color toothbrush. (We were sent red, blue and green.)

But once that was sorted out, all was well in our Toothbrushing Trenches.

Brush-a, brush-a, brush-a....

You know how if you don't supervise your children, they will ALWAYS take shortcuts? (See: smelling of the hair for shampoo scent after showering, etc.)

My boyz are that way when it comes to brushing their teeth. Ten seconds max and they're done.

That's why I'm totally digging the light-up toothbrushes. Made for children 4-11 years old, these toothbrushes flash in 60-second intervals. 60 seconds! (Perhaps I need one too?)

So now, the boyz know to keep.on.scrubbing. until the toothbrush stops flashing!

Genius!

A special offer for you: My readers can visit Gumbrand.com and receive 30% off any order of $10 or more, using the promo code CR30. This code expires July 15th.

And as always, opinions expressed herein are my own.

I Am a Boymom

2011-06-16T14:49:00.000-04:00

A long time ago, Erica featured a company called boymom on her blog. And I thought to myself, "Hmmm, self. That company sounds RIGHT up your alley - you should contact them."

And then months later (because I am always behind and it's a wonder I manage to even brush my teeth in the morning)...I contacted Amy, the Chief Executive boymom.

Amy was kind enough to let me pick whatever! I! wanted! to review from the boymom shopping site.

I chose a hoodie. A wonderful, comfycozy (it is TOO a word) long-sleeved hoodie...

It fits perfectly with my Trenches!

...that I barely take off. Especially once the sun sets and I'm STILL sitting at the boyz' baseball games. (Pinky-swear I have a full head of hair. It was in a ponytail.)

I can't wait to order the boymom baseball tee for this summer!

Ann Taylor Event

2011-06-16T13:37:00.000-04:00

I was lucky enough to be invited to an event featuring one of my favorite stores - Ann Taylor! Now, you all know that I love me some TJMaxx and Marshalls, but what I love about AT (and Loft!) is that I don't have to flitter around and shop for sizes. I know what size I am in their store. Every.Time. This is comforting. (Well, it's comforting if I have been working out and I feel somewhat skinny, that is.) Anyway, Ann Taylor sizes just fit me.

So I was excited to hear that Ann Taylor is opening up new "concept stores" and that there is one in my area!

The Junior League of Boston hosted an exquisite cocktail party to display some of the newest pieces from Ann Taylor's line:

Additionally, the Ann Taylor executives and employees were modeling Ann Taylor attire and footwear. I absolutely fell in love with this pair of gorgeous sandals:

And now? I can't wait to go shopping at Ann Taylor!

Not only does Ann Taylor rock at fashion, but they also rock at disclosure!

As always, opinions expressed herein are my own. I was provided with an Ann Taylor tote and bracelet for attending this event.

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

2011-06-16T11:13:00.001-04:00

Thanks to Relativity Media, the boyz and I were invited to a free screening of the Judy Moody movie earlier this month. The timing was perfect, as Eldest was actually doing a book project on one of the Stink books (Judy Moody's younger brother) and was required to dress up as Stink for his presentation.

I was nervous that my boyz wouldn't necessarily want to see this movie because they would consider it a "girl movie". But thankfully, that wasn't the case at all! Silly mommy. And while Eldest DID express some reservations, I told him he needed to go, as research for his project, of course. He bought it.

Now, normally I fall asleep during kids' movies. It's a fact. See: the second Diary of a Wimpy Kid movie; all of the Ice Age movies; and ESPECIALLY Shrek films.

This one? I was awake the entire feature. That says a lot.

So two thumbs up and a finger snap from me and all my boyz in the Trenches for Judy Moody!

And even better than watching the movie? Reading the book, of course!

The boyz and I were treated to free movie passes and goody bags with Judy Moody paraphernalia (mood rings!). Opinions expressed, as always, are my own.

Sunbow Sunscreen Review

2011-06-06T08:52:00.001-04:00

When I was contacted to see if I would be interested in reviewing sunscreen products for my children, it was an easy yes. Between beach trips, the ball field, and everyday play, my boyz are constantly exposed to the sun. Plus, it just so happened that we were headed to Myrtle Beach later that month.

I was sent the products you see pictured above from Sunbow. Sunbow products provide natural UVA/UVB barriers without chemical actives such as Oxybenzone or Octinoxate found in many other brands.

Not that my children completely and totally notice what I'm slathering all over their scrawny bodies because they're too busy complaining, but I do have to mention that the SpongeBob was a big hit. I am a big fan of the stick, because it lets my children feel like they have some sort of control over the application thereof.

Messy, yet effective.

I knew that the PINK DORA spray would not be a big hit with my boyz, so I offered it to my friend, who has a daughter with extremely sensitive skin.

She told me it went on smooth, and didn't irritate her daughter's skin. And then proceeded to order more right off the website.

And I? Plan on doing the same!

Sunbow provided my family with sunscreen and sunstick to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed, as always, are my own.

A Fun Morning at Panera Bread

2011-04-16T11:22:00.005-04:00

Getting to spend some alone time with each of my boyz is rare. So when Mommy Niri invited me and one child to a Panera Bread blogger event in Newton, MA on a Saturday morning, I was actually kind of excited to have a morning out with just my Middle!

Trust me, I am no stranger to Panera Bread. I eat there at least once a week. Pre-diet, it was french onion soup in a bread bowl, and yes, I would eat the entire bowl; but now, it's usually a delicious thai chopped chicken salad (it definitely has a little spicy kick).

We were treated to some artisan bread samples paired with dipping oils and we learned about the nutrition and attention given in the Panera bakeries. We got to hear about the Day-End Dough-Nation program (great name!) and other charitable events that Panera participates in.

And then it was time to bake our very own loaves of French baguettes!

And decorate Easter cookies (He wanted to make one for each brother.)

This was Panera's first event in the Boston market, and without a doubt, it was a success! Thank you to Mommy Niri and Panera for letting Middle and me spend a morning with you.

*****

GIVEAWAY: Want to try Panera for yourself? Simply leave a comment below WITH A VALID E-MAIL to win a $20 gift card to Panera Bread! (I purchased the gift card with my own money.)

Winner will be chosen on Friday, April 22nd.

Fresh Produce Clothing Giveaway!

2011-04-15T16:14:00.001-04:00

Free clothing to review? Uhhh, yes please!

When Fresh Produce contacted me to see if I would like to review an outfit from them, at first I was hesitant. My (obviously erroneous) notion of the brand was Old Lady Beachwear. But then I remember that my young and fun and cool friend Shell had written about them, so I decided to give it a shot.

I was sent the Bali Wrap Cafe Dress (in Black) , the Santa Barbara Cardigan (in Tropical Punch), and the Soft Sheen Layering Tank (in Oyster):

And you guys, I really wanted to post pictures of myself wearing the clothes. Really. Because the dress is totally comfy and cute and will definitely be a spring/summer staple and the layering tank is awesome and I've worn it about 10 times already and am going to buy some in a few more colors. But this is what happened when I tried:

Great shot of my knees, eh?

And I'll spare you the one that Eldest took of me that was not. flattering. and the one that Hubby took that was sideways that I couldn't edit.

ANYWAY.

Fresh Produce definitely has a plethora of colorful dresses and comfy clothing to choose from!

Instead of the tag line "Fresh Fun Clothes" that they're using now, I definitely think it could also be "Not Your Grandma's Beach Wear"!

*****

GIVEAWAY! Want to win the exact same outfit I received??? (All 3 items are in size Medium, which I think ran pretty small for a Medium, meaning they are not Land's End size Medium. Probably equivalent to Size 8.

Simply leave a comment with your e-mail address!

Winner will be chosen on Friday, April 22nd.

Win a Family Four-Pack to Six Flags New England!

2011-04-15T15:34:00.001-04:00

As a reward for my boyz' great report cards, I excitedly accepted an invitation from Six Flags New England to attend their Media Day event this week to preview their 10th roller coaster, Gotham City Gauntlet. So I invited my friend Jodie, who, like me, had no qualms about letting her children skip school, and my Sis and my Niece to accompany us:

Having never been to Six Flags before, I had NO IDEA what to expect...

and I was VERY pleasantly surprised. (But then again, it wasn't 95 degrees and there were no crowds. My kind of trip, for sure!)

The park was clean, the employees were super-friendly, and the rides looked Awe.Some. Only two were open for Media Day though, which definitely gives me (somewhat of) a desire to go back and ride them all. Middle and I are the thrill-seekers. Baby, sadly, is still too short, and Eldest, well, he's a chicken. Although I was very proud that he rode both rides. Peer pressure FTW!

They served us a ~~nutritious~~ deeeelicious lunch from Johnny Rockets...

...and as a gift to my readers, Six Flags has graciously allowed me to give away a Family Four-Pack of tickets to Six Flags New England!

Simply leave a comment below, with a valid e-mail address (even if you have a blog) and tell me what your favorite amusement park ride is!

Winner will be randomly chosen on Friday, April 22nd.

Brookstone

2011-04-15T12:07:00.002-04:00

When you think of a Brookstone store, what pops into your head?

For me, it was luggage. I just have always associated that brand with their airport stores. Oh, and electronic gadgets. That too.

Well, lemme tell you, Brookstone is much.more than that these days!

Last week, I was invited to a Brookstone store (their very first blogger event!) to peruse their new catalog and some of their best gadget ideas ~~and to sit much longer than socially acceptable in one of their phenomenal massage chairs~~.

Their selection of outdoor living merchandise will blow your mind! I had no idea that Brookstone sold patio furniture.

Below is a picture of the Zoku Quick Ice Pop Maker. 7 minutes, people! It only take the machine 7 minutes to make an ice pop. How fun would that be for summer?!

And on the list of things I would never buy for my Trenches is this:

See that flat black thing floating over the girl's hand? That, my friends, is a Drone. Some sort of remote-controlled hovercraft. It would be broken in 2.3 seconds in my house. Trust.

Needless to say, I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of both the merchandise and the prices. Brookstone is a store that I normally wouldn't have shopped. Now I will.

****
GIVEAWAY: Brookstone gifted me with this 4-in-1 Power Charger that I'm passing on to a lucky reader, along with a 10% off coupon!

Simply leave a comment with a valid e-mail (even if you have a blog b/c I HATE searching through blogs to find contact info) and tell me what your favorite item is on the Brookstone site.

Winner will be chosen on Friday, April 22.

Healthy Habits Kitchen in Wellesley, MA

2011-03-08T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last month, I was honored to be given a tour of the Healthy Habits Kitchen by its owner, Sue Schochet.

Healthy Habits Kitchen, or "HHK" for short, creates affordable, nutritional, ready-to-cook meals for busy families (like mine)! As a working mom, it's my dream to be able to provide home cooking in my Trenches without the grocery shopping and meal planning!

And all this can be done in just 4 easy steps:

Step 1: Review their mouth-watering menu and select either pickup or delivery of the meal kits.

Step 2: Receive the kits that contain everything needed to create a meal.

Step 3: Cook the meal according to the instructions.

Step 4: Enjoy a family dinner! All of the meals that HHK provides contain no more than 400 calories per serving, less than 30% fat, and no more than 800mg of sodium. WIN.

HHK also hosts private parties (you supply the wine!) and provides a meal registry service--why not give the gift of food?!

Chili's...Baby Back Ribs!

2011-03-08T09:57:00.002-05:00

My family definitely prefers Chili's over (Cr)Applebee's or TGIFriday's, so when I was contacted to see if we'd like to try out the new "Wild or Mild" Menu, I was definitely up for it.

So the five of us headed there last Friday.

Up first: Texas cheese fries! (Soooo not part of my diet.....)

Middle actually dared to try a jalepeno! And immediately after, CHUGGED his blue slushie!

Not pictured: The entire blue slushie that Eldest spilled all over the table.

Off the "Mild" menu, Eldest ordered the Big Mouth Bites (burger sliders). And Hubby was quite delighted with his choice of the Memphis dry rub rack o' ribs.

I was exhibiting self-control (shockingly) and had the delicious Caribbean salad.

Chili's Wild or Mild promotion is this:

To enter, participants upload a head shot of themselves and create a wild or mild avatar on shoutouttoeatout.com. Prizes: One (1) winner will be randomly drawn every day and will receive one (1) $20 Chili’s gift card. The most voted 'Wild' avatar will win a 'Wild' trip to Las Vegas and the most voted 'Mild' avatar will win a 'Mild' trip to Disney World! Ends 4/30/2011.

So which one are you: Wild? Or Mild?

Simply leave your answer below in the comments to win a $20 Chili's gift card! Winner will be notified on Friday, March 11.

*****
Chili's provided my family with a gift card to facilitate this review. Opinions expressed are my own.

BJ's Wholesale Holiday Blogger Event

2010-11-22T14:53:00.001-05:00

Last week, I was lucky enough to be invited to an informal meet and greet where BJ’s representatives gave me and some other blogger friends a tour of one of their clubs and introduced us to a selection of their holiday products.

I was eager to attend this event, as I am a regular shopper at this store. (Please tell me it's not just me. I can't help but giggle everytime I say "BJ's.")

Did you know that BJ's (heh) carries everything you'd need to make your holiday planning less stressful ???(because we alllllllll know it's never stress-free)...From elegant decor to the season's hottest toys to a wide-assortment of top-quality food. And all at great values!

I? Did not know this. So it's not just about the toilet paper and the ribs?! (Which are the 2 main staples I buy there. Seriously.)

Who knew? 400 SQUARE FEET of wrapping paper for $9.99!

The busy store manager graciously took time to speak to our group.

And at the end of our tour through the store, we were treated to a scrumptious array of holiday goodies. Like red velvet cake. And candies.

And then I went back to work and took a nap under my desk. The End.

Kidding.

*****

In addition, BJ’s asked me to enlist my boyz to test out some of BJ's holiday toy offerings this year. We were given the Discovery Kids Digital Photo/Video Camera (only $27.99 at BJ's - normally $40ish everywhere else!)

Can I just tell you that this is a perfect gift for a preschooler/kindergartener? Baby has NOT put it down! Everywhere I turn, he's snapping a picture.

And yes, he's already dropped it a few times. And it's fine.

Eldest, age 9, was not so impressed with the digital quality, as we have let him take pictures with my camera a few times. So he's used to the clearer quality. But, like I said, it's fabulous for younger children.

With its 16MB of internal memory storage, the camera is able to capture up to 120 still photos, plus full-motion video clips! The camera plugs into your computer via the USB cable (included), allowing kids to share their photos and video footage.

So, in summary,

Head to BJ's (*giggle giggle) for your one-stop-shopping needs this holiday season! And yes, while you're there, pick up those bulk rolls of toilet paper too!

A Perfect Gift: Mrs. Prindable's Gourmet Apples

2010-11-21T11:27:00.001-05:00

Did you know that Mrs. Prindable's is the premier provider of deliciously elegant gourmet food gifts?

And lucky me!

I got this in the mail:

The dark chocolate delight caramel apple!

In the interest of conducting this professional review *ahem*, I just want you to know that I had to hide this apple from my children. So I could taste for myself, you see.

And yep, I ate the whole damn thing.

But not in one sitting. That would be just ridiculous!

(It only took me 3 nights.)

Mrs. Prindables' unique specialty gifts make great gifts for any occasion - especially for that person who has everything!

Or, you know, you could buy one for yourself.

And chow down.

Wendy's Pick Two!

2010-10-25T10:07:00.000-04:00

Yes, my family eats fast food occasionally. And while the boyz love Mickey D's (which is convenient because there is one right in our town), their favorite is Wendy's. And Hubby and I ALSO prefer Wendy's because:

Who doesn't love a Frosty?

AND

There are no disgustingly germy playplaces at Wendy's!

Win-win, I say.

But did you know?

Wendy's now offers a Pick 2 meal option for $4.99, allowing customers to choose one of four half-sized Wendy's salads, along with one of seven additional menu options.

- The new half-sized salads are also available as a stand-alone menu item for $3.99.

- The Pick 2 option offers 28 total combinations of menu items, and 18 of those combinations are 600 calories or less. All of them combine fruits, vegetables, nuts, dairy and proteins.

As a member of Boston Parent Bloggers, I was invited by The Motherhood to enjoy a Wendy's "Pick Two" lunch (full disclosure: I was compensated for my time).

I chose the Baja salad and a diet soda...

Delicious! (And a nice break from work to socialize with my blogging friends, new and old.)

Wanna "Pick Two" yourself?

Simply leave a comment below to win three (3!) $7.00 gift cards from Wendy's.

Winner will be drawn on Friday, October 29th.

"Diamond" Earrings Giveaway! Updated with Winner

2010-09-08T09:57:00.002-04:00

Chosen by random.org, the winner is Rachael!

*****
When I was contacted by diamondearrings.org to see if I would like to receive a free pair of simulated diamond earrings as part of a promotion for their site, I said SURE! Because hello? Whether real or (obviously) fake, I'm not going to turn down free sparkly jewelry.

So my expectations were low. But I was actually surprised...

The "simulated diamond earrings" are square in shape, set in sterling silver and are not actually teeny-tiny like I thought they would be.

AND I have worn them every.single.day. since I received them!

Lucky for you and thanks to diamondearrings.org, I get to give a pair away!

1. For one chance to win, simply leave a comment on this post (with a valid e-mail address so I can contact you if you win!)

2. For extra entries to win (their idea, not mine...), please mention diamondearrings.org on either your blog, twitter or facebook. Up to 3 extra entries if you mention it in all 3 places! Come back and leave a separate comment for each extra entry.

Winner will be chosen at noon on Wednesday, September 15th.

On Personal Microderm

2010-08-03T22:18:00.002-04:00

When SkinCareRx contacted me to see if perhaps I would be interested in reviewing a home microdermabrasion kit, I didn't have to think twice. Uh...HELLS YEAH! My 37-year old sun-damaged, crow's footed, freckled face was primed and ready to see what the Personal Microderm System could do (or not do) for me.

*****
So before I even got started, I had to watch a DVD. For reals.

Assembly of the product was quick and easy. Place the disc on the shaft. (giggling). Place the cap over the disc. Connect cord to unit (more giggling) and power supply and plug in.

Next, I washed and dried my face.

And then it was time for the moment of truth - the time to begin microdermabraiding (?) myself.

All cleansed and channeling Aunt Jemima with my hairdo.

So to start, you pull your skin tight for a smooth surface, and keep the unit (heh) moving over your skin. You should move the disc in upward and horizontal motions.

Focused on the forehead. Not focused on closing extraneous closet doors, apparently.

Hey, this is kinda fun. In a grossly weird sort of way.

So it kinda feels like you're vacuuming your skin. And little white flakies come off. (See the Wikipedia explanation of microdermabrasion here.)

And then?

I used the larger disc on my dry, scaly elbows. And a chorus of angels began singing.

My elbows? Became as smooth as little baby tushies. I kid you not.

All in all, I'm psyched to own the Personal Microderm. Per the instructions, I will definitely be using it once a week. But hopefully won't end up looking like this:

In conclusion:

PROS:
Easy to use
Slough off dead skin in the privacy of your own home!
Cheaper than once-a-week microdermabrasion treatments at a spa

CONS:
The price up front. $180.
Having to order replacement discs.
Having to slough off dead skin in your own home. On your own. And safe to say, without the tinkly spa music and relaxed atmosphere.
Having to clean dead skin out of the cap and motor shaft. (Giggle and then ewwwwww.)

Fine print:
Obviously I was sent this home microdermabrasion kit in exchange for a review. The opinions expressed herein are mine, all mine.

Giveaway! MaximumLash Eyelash Conditioner Updated with Winner!

2010-06-22T10:02:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Michele!
*****

I have the puniest, thinnest and sparsest eyelashes known to man. (I'll spare you a closeup picture. You're welcome.) And of course, my 3 darling boyz were blessed with thick, gorgeous eyelashes. WHAT A WASTE.

So when I was contacted to review this "high performance formula" that would help my natural lashes appear "healthier, longer and stronger", I couldn't resist giving it a shot.

I have been applying MaximumLash at night for about 2 weeks now. It doesn't bother my eyes even when I'm wearing my contacts. And honestly? I've already noticed a difference. My eyelashes seem to be a bit thicker and darker. Applying mascara in the morning is easier because it seems like there's more to work with. Truly.

MaximumLash was kind enough to let me host a giveaway! To win your own 3-month supply (1 bottle) that retails for almost $50, simply leave a comment below (please include a valid e-mail address with your comment) and tell me what color your eyes are. (Mine are brownish hazel.) Winner will be drawn on Monday, June 28th.

You're Not the Boss of Me! Updated with Winner!

2010-06-22T09:30:00.002-04:00

Congrats to Rita!
*****

You're Not the Boss of Me: Brat-Proofing Your 4-to 12-Year-Old Child is certainly a handy manual to have around my Trenches these days. Ahem.

With specific chapters on building empathy, independence, respect, honesty, self-reliance and gratitude, what parent couldn't use Betsy Brown Braun's insight?

(Unless you think your children are never brats, that is. In that case, I want to know what life is like there in your little fantasy world. Heh.)

The chapter that resonated most for me, at this point in time, was the chapter on "Eliminating Spoilage in Your Child." Safe to say, my boyz are indeed spoiled. No, they don't know the value of money. Yes, they are materialistic.

"Here's the truth of the matter: Spoiling your child has more to do with parents than with children. After all, your child wasn't born spoiled, was he? It's not his fault. The good news is that while you may be the root of the problem, you also hold the key to the cure." (p. 183)

Thanks to this book, we are on our way to "reducing the gimmes" in my Trenches this summer. Chores will be set. And allowances will be earned.

How about you? Need some "brat-proofing" tips? Simply leave me a comment below (please include your valid e-mail address) to win this helpful parenting guidebook! Winner will be drawn on Monday, June 28th.

***I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of HarperCollins and received a copy of this book to facilitate my review. I'm paying for the postage to send it on to you.

Just Let Me Lie Down

2010-04-22T10:14:00.001-04:00

I was psyched when I was contacted to do a book review and giveaway for this oh so perfectly titled tome: "Just Let Me Lie Down: Necessary Terms for the Half-Insane Working Mom" because if that doesn't describe me perfectly, I don't know what does!

Even better? The author is Kristin van Ogtrop, the editor of Real Simple magazine, whose blog titled "Adventures in Chaos" I have been reading ever since she linked to me back in 2007 about having a girls' weekend. She also has 3 boys!

Anyway, Kristin's book? Hilarious. Divided into chapters from A-Z, it wittily defines those terms that every working mother can totally relate to. For example:

"Boredom fantasy: When you think longingly back to the time when you were fifteen and had nothing to do but lie around the house obsessing over the fact that you would never have long beautiful fingernails or a boyfriend."

"Critical mass: When, after years of sitting at a desk every day, your rear end finally gets big enough that you must face the truth: it's time to go to the gym."

"Getting to yes: Those magical moments when you ask someone to do something and he doesn't say 'But...'"

"PTSD: Post-Thanksgiving Stress Disorder. The state of extreme anxiety you experience during the month of December, what with the teacher gifts and Christmas cards and Secret Santas at work; the tipping of the garbageman and the women who make your hair look acceptable..."

So true, right?!

Need a laugh? Want a quick, light-hearted read? I'm giving away 3 HARDCOVER COPIES!

Simply leave a comment below to enter. (Make sure I have an e-mail address for you.) Winners will be chosen on Friday, April 30th!

Mrs. Prindable's Handmade Confections

2010-04-21T15:43:00.000-04:00

Thanks to Mom Impact and Mrs. Prindable's, we here in the Trenches were sent one of Mrs. Prindable's gourmet caramel apples to sample. (FTC disclosure - check) Unfortunately, the day the apple arrived was the same day that it was a record-breaking 95 degrees in Massachusetts. In APRIL! What are the chances?! Sadly, the caramel and chocolate had melted to mush and even after sticking the bag in the freezer, it was pretty much inedible. I didn't even tell the boyz about it.

Happily though, Jenny at Mrs. Prindable's contacted me right away after she heard about my unfortunate weather situation and offered to send me a fresh, new treat.

It arrived in a nifty gift box, which prompted my offspring to gather round to see what had arrived. So there was much ooohing and aaahing as the treat was revealed:

A GINORMOUS chocolate and caramel apple!

How huDge could it be, one might wonder.

This big! As in, almost the size of my 4 year old's HEAD.

And the taste? Absolutely delish. We have all been enjoying bits and pieces of this apple for a few days now (Hubby cuts slices with a knife). And I figure that hey, the boyz are having some fruit ~~with their chocolate~~!

Not only does Mrs. Prindable's offer signature flavors of petite and GINORMOUS gourmet caramel apples, they also offer gift baskets! Check them out! *cough Mother's Day cough*

Fireworks Over Toccoa

2010-03-17T11:27:00.002-04:00

An advance reader's edition of Fireworks Over Toccoa written by Jeffrey Stepakoff was graciously sent to me by St. Martin's Press.

(Visit the linked site before March 30th for:
1) A note from author Jeffrey Stepakoff;
2) An enormous online excerpt from the book;
3) An audio excerpt;
4) Crazy awesome sweepstakes!
a. 1 grand prize winner will win a romantic picnic basket for two complete with caviar, crackers & cheese, cookies, chocolates & truffles and MUCH more
b. 300 runners-up will receive a copy of FIREWORKS OVER TOCCOA.)

It's definitely a quick read, with a storyline that hooks you early on, hopping from the year 2007 back to 1945 before page 30.

Lily is a proper Georgian girl, awaiting the homecoming of her husband who has been away at war for the past 3 years. (I totally picture Rachel McAdams for this movie role.)

Yet over a mere five days during that fateful summer of 1945, Lily's life changes upon her chance meeting with Jake Russo, an Italian immigrant loner who is in town to create the annual fireworks display. (TOTALLY Adrian Grenier for this part.)

This book reminded me of Bridges of Madison County. Fate. Desperation. Lust. Love. Guilt.

"Lily found herself wondering what would have happened if she had never gotten out of her car to walk into that field and never met Jake Russo...Because now that she knew what this was, what exactly had been missing, and how it had rushed into the void she had felt, how could she now unfill it? How could she ever extract Jack Russo from the emptiness that had once been her soul?...

No, she thought, looking at him, feeling his arms around her, no, she would rather have a few days of this and know what it was...No, she would rather be underwater with her eyes open than above ground, a phantom of a woman in a soulless world."

See what I mean about reminding me of Bridges?

Just like in real life, there are not always happy endings...

Want to read this? I'll send you my copy! Leave me a comment (make sure I have your e-mail address) and I'll pick a random winner on Friday!

(Don't forget about my other giveaway going on right now too!)

Holy IT! Updated With Winner

2010-01-10T11:07:00.001-05:00

The winner is Jen at Our Fine House.
*****

The author of this book, Scott Wittig, and I went to college together. So when he put out a call on Facebook for people to review his new venture, I couldn't help but be intrigued. Especially by the title!

The manual is called Holy IT! The Amazing Power of ClarITy: A Guide to Finding and Doing Your Thing - Your 'IT'.

Scott wants to know: What are you doing about what you aren't doing?

Now THAT is a loaded question!

Scott summarizes, "This book is designed to take that question and go one step further by asking 'What are you willing to do about it?' If the answer is NOTHING, then this book is not for you. If the answer is I DON'T KNOW, BUT I'M DARN SURE GOING TO FIND OUT"...then grab a comfy seat and read on!

I read it in one sitting. And it forced me to think. To ponder. To dream. To become excited, yet fearful at the same time. Reading this book helped me to realize that YES I CAN write more, write better, and write seriously. HOLY IT!

We all have an IT. What's yours?

Want to win a copy for yourself?! Simply leave a comment below with a valid blog or e-mail address. Winner will be chosen on Friday, January 15th.

Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? Updated With Winner

2010-01-10T08:10:00.001-05:00

The winner is Lisa from Chaos Chronicles!
*****

What can I say? I'm a sucker for a perfect PR pitch. Which Lisa from TLC Book Tours delivered.

So no, I'm not pregnant. Nor will I ever be again. BUT. I definitely have issues with my post-pregnancy body stemming from 3 c-sections in less than 4 years (2 of those within 12-1/2 months).

It just killed me to write that. NO WONDER why my belly looks like Shrek's swamp!

Anyway.

Does This Pregnancy Make Me Look Fat? The Essential Guide to Loving Your Body Before and After Baby by Claire Mysko and Magali Amadei is a no-holds barred, realistic guide about body image, the media, style, sex, and even breastfeeding. I found it informative, well-written, amusing and quick to read. And there was more than one section that I found myself nodding my head vigorously in agreement as I read.

Starting with a Healthy Beauty Pledge for Mothers and Mothers-to-Be (that acknowledges that there is no such thing as "perfect") and ending with lessons to be learned in (perceived) "Imperfection", this manual is a wonderful resource for any woman and would make a PERFECT baby shower gift!

Want a copy?

Simply leave a comment below with a valid blog or e-mail address. Winner will be chosen on Friday, January 15th!

Who Lives in a Pineapple Under the Sea?

2010-01-06T13:27:00.000-05:00

Are your children as obsessed with SpongeBob as mine?

(Or do you not let them watch it?)

Courtesy of Special Ops media, I was sent Season 6, Volume 1 of your favorite and mine, (sing it) SPONGEBOBBBBBBBBB SQUARE PAAAAAAANTS! The DVD includes a 2-Disc set that features 24 Spongy Stories, the exclusive SpongeBob history song, and more!

Lemme tell you - this one has been a HIT in my Trenches! On New Years Eve, we hosted a crowd that included 8 children of various ages. As the evening progressed, when it became apparent that some Quiet Time was called for, this was what mesmorized all those rambunctious beasts.

It's a definite thumbs-up from my 3 boyz!

Vemma NEXT - Nutrition for the Next Generation

2009-11-16T15:04:00.001-05:00

When Kim, an independent contractor, contacted me asking if I wanted to try a month supply of her liquid vitamin for children (she referenced this post of mine in her pitch), I said why not?

From the website: "Unfortunately many children have poor eating habits, often eating junk foods, and even skipping meals. The result is a shortfall of balanced nutrition that growing bodies depend on for development. Vemma NEXT can give you peace of mind knowing your child is getting an enhanced full spectrum of vitamins, antioxidants and over 65 plant-sourced minerals."

So I attempted to have my ~~guinea pigs~~ three boyz try it out:

1. Eldest (8 years old): Took one look at it and said No Way. He's my child who NEVER wants to try anything new...unless it's his own idea. (0 for 1)

2. Middle (5 years old): Wanting to do something his older brother wouldn't, Middle gamely stepped up to try the liquid vitamin. He drank it, but made it clear that he wasn't crazy about it. After that, I couldn't get him to drink it again. (Damn, 0 for 2)

3. Baby (4 years old):

He likes it; he really likes it! Baby is my adventurous eater of the bunch. He will try any.thing. He gave it a thumbs up, Mom! And proceeded to be the only one to drink his morning vitamin. (Final tally: 1 for 3)

(But in all honesty? The regular old chewable SpongeBob/Spiderman/Flintstones vitamins work for me. When I'm in a hurry in the mornings, trying to get everyone fed and dressed, I don't want to have to pour and measure a vitamin shot for 3 children.)

Vemma NEXT has partnered with the Children's Miracle Network, so for every month's supply you buy, Vemma will donate a month's supply on your behalf to a child in need.

Vemma NEXT can be purchased here at the Vemma store.

Hi Ho Hi Ho...Updated with Winner!

2009-10-21T09:41:00.001-04:00

Congrats to Sugarbritches - she's the lucky winner of this giveaway!

*****
Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs Diamond Edition Blu-ray and DVD combo pack has been released! For the first time in 7 years, Disney has opened the vault for this childhood classic.

Did you know that this was the first full-length animated film ever made? Yep, in 1937.

And what exactly is the Diamond Edition? Does it sparkle? Heh.

Well, the Diamond Edition includes both a blu-ray disc AND a dvd in one package. So you can use the blu-ray at home, and then toss the dvd in the minivan for those excruciating roadtrips!

Anyway, I got all excited when I was selected by One2One Network to participate in this campaign. I loved Snow White as a child, so I couldn't wait to introduce the boyz to this story.

Ummm...notsomuch. They are BOYZ. Boyz who like SpongeBob, iCarly and Scooby Doo. With an occasional viewing of Monsters Inc., Cars or Nemo thrown in.

Needless to say, the showing of Snow White didn't go over so well. They weren't interested, as much as I cajoled, begged and pleaded for them to SIT STILL AND WATCH THIS GOOD MOVIE ~~DAMMIT~~!

So...I'm giving my Snow White Diamond Edition away. To you!

Just leave a comment below to win. (Make sure you leave a valid e-mail address if you don't have a blog.) Winner will be picked on Wednesday, October 28th.

Aged and Confused Updated with Winner!

2009-10-21T09:09:00.002-04:00

Yay to my pal Michelle - she wins this CD - how could I NOT give it to her?

*****
Bill Engvall, star of the TBS show "The Bill Engvall Show" and the WB's "Blue Collar TV" has released his new comedy CD, Aged and Confused.

I first heard Bill Engvall back in 1998. My friend Michelle and I were road-tripping to Florida from Charlotte, NC to ~~mooch a free place to stay~~ vacation with my parents. We listed to his CD "Here's Your Sign" and just about peed our pants. Ever since then, Bill Engvall has totally cracked me up!

And my all-time favorite comedy sketch? Is from the Blue Collar Comedy Tour with Bill Engvall!

Thanks to Special Ops Media, I have a copy of Aged and Confused to give away! Want to win one for that special redneck in your life? Simply leave a comment below! (And if you don't have a blog, make sure you leave a valid e-mail address.)

Winner will be chose on Wednesday, October 28th.

WAT-AAH!

2009-10-04T13:49:00.002-04:00

When Christine contacted me about the WAT-AAH! Back to School Challenge, I was strangely intrigued. WAT-AAH!s goal is to test the assumption that children are addicted to sugar and think that water is boring...which actually is NOT the case in my Trenches. Soda is a rarity for my boyz (actually NEVER if it's up to me - Hubby is way more lenient), and I always try to hydrate them with water first. (My mantra is "Little boys DON'T DRINK SODA.")

I loved the creative slogan promises of Feel Bettaah! Grow Strongaah! Think Smartaah! and Run Fastaah! (which is how people talk here in Massachusetts anyway!) so we decided to give it a shot.

Roll the tape:

WAT-AAH! from Sarah Viz on Vimeo.

All in all, my boyz (ages 8, 5 and 4) loved the colorful packaging, loved deciding whether they wanted to drink it for their Body, Brain, Bones or Energy, and chose to take their WAT-AAH! to school instead of a juice box when I gave them the choice. I tried it as well, and guess what? It tastes like water. (So it's basically a savvy way to get your children to drink more water, if you feel you need to.)

The WAT-AAH! bottles all ready for school the next morning. Please disregard Momma's bottle of red "water" in the background.

You can buy a 12-pack at Amazon for $12, and it's also available in select states. Check their website for locations.

WAHOO! FOR WAT-AAH! with no sug-aah!

Fisher Price TRIO Blocks Giveaway! Updated With Winner!

2009-09-12T21:01:00.003-04:00

*The lucky winner is Chaotic Joy! Congrats!*

When I was invited by MomSelect (through BSM Media) to review the new Fisher Price TRIO Building Set, (there is a $5.00 off coupon on the website!), I jumped at the chance because hello??? I have little boyz who LOVE that kind of stuff!

So on a quiet night when Eldest and Hubby were at football, I turned off the TV, shut off my computer, and presented the boyz (ages 4 and 5) with their new block set. And lemme tell you...it was love at first sight!

The 3 of us sat on the sunroom floor and surrounded ourselves with the 100-piece set. It comes with an instruction booklet with step-by-step instructions that my 5-year old could follow (with some assistance from Momma). We built a monster. Then we built a ship. Then I let the boys create their own masterpieces:

We had company last night, and again, the TRIO blocks were a big hit:

Guess what? I get to give a TRIO set away! Just leave a comment below to win! (And as always, if you don't have a blog, please leave an e-mail address where I can contact you!) Winner will be picked on Friday, September 18th.

(And aren't you glad that all you have to do is LEAVE A COMMENT??? I read blogs all the time, and those 20 different steps you can take for more entries: click on the site, pick your favorite item, answer a question, then click here, then click HERE, tweet about the giveaway, subscribe to my blog, add me to your Favorites, post my button, promise me your firstborn child, etc....drive me CUH-RAZY. So, you're welcome.)

Four Eyes

2009-09-10T14:47:00.002-04:00

When I was asked by GlassesUSA to try out a pair of their eyeglasses (for free), I jumped at the chance! Hello...I'm the nerd who wore BIFOCALS in the THIRD GRADE! I'm well-acquainted with glasses.

For many years, my prescription glasses looked like Coke bottles. Sadly, I'm not even kidding. I have horrendous vision. But technology has come a long way since...gulp...the early 80's.

So I was eager to check out the site and pick out a brand new pair of eyeglass frames for myself! They have a plethora of choices, and their prices are unbelieveably cheap.

I chose these Hilarie Red frames, which look almost exactly like my current pair that I paid ALMOST $200 for at my optometrist's office. Grrr.

So what do you think?

From now on, GlassesUSA most definitely has my business!

*Use coupon code Mommy5 and receive 5% off your final order at GlassesUSA. This coupon code NEVER expires!*

Grandparents.com

2009-09-10T14:21:00.001-04:00

Did you know that National Grandparents Day is September 13th? Yeah, me neither.

Until I was invited to check out the grandparents.com website. I love that their tag line is "It's great to be grand"! (My mom always wanted her grandchildren to refer to her as "GrandEllen". Yeah, that never really caught on...)

And you all know how I feel about my mom, a/k/a Granny-911. She stays with us every summer and I couldn't imagine those months without her! My boyz miss her when she leaves in August. And I know she misses them like crazy.

The Grandparents website has a great feature on it entitled YourVoice. It's technology that enables the grandparent (or the grandchild, in my case) to record a message via phone line and then send it to their recipient via e-mail!

So on my first Thursday off, Baby and I sat down and I let him sing into the phone to Gramma and Poppa. "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" was the song of choice. (Which actually shocked me because he usually goes around singing "I kiss da gurl and I wiked it...")

So now ~~GrandEllen~~ Granny-911 will be able to hear her youngest grandchild's voice whenever she needs her Baby fix!

Check it out! Send a message to your (or your child's) grandparents this Sunday!

Pop's Authentic

2009-09-08T16:04:00.015-04:00

As a blogger, I receive a fair number of pitches from PR firms asking me to link to, try, write about, test, sample, promote, and/or WHORE MYSELF OUT for their various products, services and websites.

Safe to say, I ignore probably 85% of these e-mails. Oftentimes my name is spelled wrong; the name of my website is incorrect; they want me to test out a new website marketed to teen girls, or infants, or SOMETHING ELSE HAVING NOTHING TO DO WITH ME OR MY BLOG. And they want me to pitch, link to, or market their "fabulous!" and "new and exciting!" product FOR FREE. Out of the kindness of my heart. Because I have nothing better to do as a "mommyblogger". Gah.

So when I received this pitch from Tara with the subject line titled "Add this to your stroller..maybe lighter than pasta?", I couldn't help but be impressed.

(I'm paraphrasing her here because her e-mail was quite lengthy--but not in a bad way. And I added the links to the posts that she referenced.)

"My name is Tara and I'm contacting you on behalf of Pop's Authentic. I have to tell you that I was laughing out loud at your "Cross-Training with Rugrats" and "More Adventures in Strollering" posts...

..I also thought that instead of pasta on the next trek, you might be interested in something else that is easy and filling (and no need for cooking or ziplocks)?...

[INSERT HER ARTICULATE PITCH HERE]

...They may not go so well with the pre-made pomegranite martini, but I'm guessing that if you've gone through a couple of bottles, you need some sustenance! (I can also speak from opinion they go great with a beer!)

...I'm sure you're looking forward to your first Thursday off next week!"

How's that for a clear, concise pitch DIRECTLY TO ME? How could I refuse??

Even Danny-911 tried a Pop's Habanero!

And enjoyed it immensely.

Pop's Authentic Handmade Artisan Meat Snacks are locally sourced and crafted with the highest standards of quality by a family-owned company in Missouri. Made from a family recipe passed down from Pop Jennings, the patriarch of the fam, the snack sticks (think Slim Jims on steroids) are a perfect addition to your backpack...or stroller, in my case.

Eldest, my picky one, wouldn't touch them (except to pose for the above picture). But Middle and Baby each snarfed down an Original Flavor.

*Wanna try for yourself? By entering "SNACK" when you go to popsauthentic.com, you will receive 25% off your order!*

And a special thank you to Tara. For (1) taking the time to read my blog. For (2) pitching to me in a such a personalized manner that you immediately caught my attention. And for (3) being clear, concise and direct in what you wanted me to review. Kudos!

Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind Updated with Winner!

2009-09-04T14:26:00.002-04:00

Congrats to the first commenter, RebeccaMom - she wins a copy of this great book!

*****

Just in time for Back to School season: Phillip Done's thoughts on teacherhood in his new novel creatively titled "Close Encounters of the Third-Grade Kind".

Set up in school-year format, each chapter (starting with September) chronicles the escapades of his students, the thoughts and wisdom of his co-workers and the witticism of Mr. Done himself.

And can I just tell you? I love the way this guy writes! His tales from the classroom are ripe with sentiment and emotion and are just plain REAL.

This would make an awesome present for that teacher-friend of yours, or even better, it's a great teacher gift for the holidays!

To win a free copy, simply leave a comment below with your blog address (or e-mail if you don't have a blog). Winner will be chosen on Thursday, September 10th!

Mrs. Myer's Cleaning Kit Giveaway Updated with Winner!

2009-07-17T12:23:00.004-04:00

The winner is comment #12! Congrats!
*****

Courtesy of my neighbor Leslie, a/k/a The Cleaning Coach, I have this Spring Cleaning Kit to give away!

"Our handy and helpful kit is back with a brand-new springtime scent. Capturing that garden scent of springtime and fresh-picked peas, Snap Pea makes spring cleaning a breeze - and who doesn't like that? Kit contains convenient sizes of our most popular cleaners. Each kit includes 8oz of the following: All Purpose Cleaner; Countertop Spray; Liquid Dish Soap; and Window Spray."

Simply leave a comment below to enter to win. (And if you don't have a blog, be sure to leave a valid e-mail address.) Giveaway ends Friday, July 24th.

Book Review and Giveaway! Updated with Winner!

2009-07-12T08:39:00.005-04:00

*Carma Sez is the winner of both books!

When MotherTalk contacted me to review Return to Sullivans Island, (a sequel to Sullivans Island which I had already read) I was ecstatic. You see, eons ago, Hubby and I, post-marriage, pre-children, lived in Mount Pleasant, South Carolina.

Sullivans Island was literally just down the road!

So when the book referenced Rifle Range Road (the road we used to live on! Quite a southern name, eh?), Billy's Backhome Restaurant (where we ate practically every Sunday morn!) and Dunleavy's Pub (where we uh, imbibed), I got to relive those carefree Southern memories o' mine.

With her melodic descriptions of the sea, Ms. Frank pens the tale of Beth Hayes, a 23 year old woman who has returned to Sullivans Island to man the family homestead:

"They stepped out onto the porch and into paradise. The Atlantic Ocean rushed before them, unrelenting eastern winds whipping the silver stacks of so many small waves to the western end of the island. It was as though the water was in a race with itself, in a panic to imprint the beach with its high watermark. The white sand raced from the dunes across the yet unwashed beach in fiery torrents, leaving ever-changing serpentines carved in its path. The sky was moving toward the deep shades of early night, changing by the minute, the horizon painted in the rich hues of mangoes and plums." (p. 121)

*sigh* Doesn't that make you simply LONG for an ocean view?

Return to Sullivans Island is a fabulous summer beach read. It's about innocence, coming-of-age, love, betrayal, and old-fashioned Lowcountry loyalty.

Wanna experience the lure of the south for yourself?

Well, I happen to have both books for you! Sullivans Island and Return to Sullivans Island!

Simply comment below to win. You must leave a valid e-mail address or blog address. Winner will be drawn on Friday, July 17.

Post-It Notes Giveaway! Updated with Winners!

2009-05-29T09:25:00.008-04:00

Chosen via random.org, congrats to the 2 winners: The West Family and Laurenspired!

Do you use these all the time, like me?

Somehow, our Trenches EATS notepads and memo pads, for whenever I need to make a grocery list or send a note to a teacher, I CANNOT FIND a piece of paper!

*sigh*

But enough about me and my disorganized Trenches.

The Post-It Notes products that you use for fast and effective communication are now SFI (Sustainable Forestry Initiative) Chain-of-Custody Certified!

Huh?

Simply, the paper used to make these products is sourced from well-managed forests where trees are replanted.

So even if your toddler gets a hold of a pack and proceeds to take it apart, sticky note by sticky note (not that I would know anything about this *cough*), you don't have to feel guilty that you've killed a tree! Score!

Wanna win?

I'm giving two (2) winners each a 12-pack of 3x3 sticky notes along with a 3-pack of 4x6 lined memo pads.

To enter:

1. Leave a comment below for your mandatory entry.
2. For another entry, become a follower of this review blog.

Winner will be drawn on Friday, June 5.

Jewelry Giveaway! Updated with Winner!

2009-04-24T09:22:00.005-04:00

And the winner, comment #15 drawn by random.org, is So Bella Creations who said, "I would choose the butterfly charm and have my daughter's name engraved on it."

Congrats!

*****

Back in the late 80's, did you own an ID bracelet? Or did you buy one for your high school boyfriend?

(Yep, I did. A gold chain-link one that I had engraved at Things Remembered. I'm sure I bought it whilst wearing copious amounts of Aqua Net in my high hair with a Swatch watch around my wrist. And Pony sneakers.)

I was totally unaware that Things Remembered was still around!

Well, they are.

And they have a new Charm Story line - a one-of-a-kind collection of more than 50 exclusive silver-plated engraveable charms!

Things Remembered was kind enough to let me pick out something from this new line. First of all, how cute is their packaging?

This is what I chose:

It's the Starter Charm Bracelet with three Crystal Star Charms. And the back of each star is engraved with a boyz' name and their birthdate!

Guess what?

Things Remembered has offered to let me do a giveaway! Winner will received either the bracelet or necklace (your choice), along with one charm and engraving (again, your choice)! It's a $50 value!

How to enter:

1. Leave a comment below with which charm you like best and/or how you would have your charm engraved. (For 1 chance to win.)

2. Follow Things Remembered on Twitter. (To receive an additional chance to win. Make sure you come back here and leave another comment telling me you've done so!)

3. Follow my main blog! (It's on the left sidebar. This is for a THIRD chance to win. Make sure you come back here and leave another comment telling me you've done so!)

4. Follow this review/giveaway blog! (It's on the right sidebar. Make sure you come back here and leave another comment telling me you've done so!)

So that's 4 chances to win!

What are you waiting for? Winner will be drawn May 1st.

10 - 10 - 10 Updated with Winner!

2009-04-20T11:26:00.013-04:00

*Comment #7 (drawn by random.org) was the winner - so congrats to Mom Forever and Ever!

How do you broach the task of making huDge decisions in your life?

Do you make a list of pros and cons? Do you talk it out with anyone who will listen? Do you stress eat? (*raising hand*)

Suzy Welch (wife of Jack) and regular columnist in Oprah's magazine, has come up with a "life-transforming idea". Her process is amazingly direct.

You simply ask yourself: What are the consequences of my decision in 10 minutes? In 10 months? And in 10 years?

(The 10s don't have to be literal though. The first 10 basically means Right Now; the second 10 should be the Foreseeable Future; and the third 10 stands for your Far Off Future. So technically, it could really be 7 days, 6 months and 2 years. Or 4 days, 3 months and 5 years. You know what I mean.)

The author states that the 10-10-10 process also aids in the identification of one's value system and set of beliefs and that "along with identifying our values, one of the great advantages of 10-10-10 is that the process often reveals to us how and why" our values may shift.

But (and this was my favorite part of the book), you don't have to wait for a 10-10-10 worthy dilemma to discover your own set of values. In the book, Welch provides her own Deep Questions for consideration:

Regarding your legacy: What would make you cry at your 70th birthday?

Regarding your character: What do you want people to say about you when you're not in the room?

And regarding your lifestyle: What do you love about the way your parents live, and what do you hate?

Intrigued? Do you have a dilemma or a Major Decision that could be explored further with the 10-10-10 method? Want to know more?

I'm giving away a copy of 10-10-10! To enter, leave me a comment with your answer to one of the above Deep Questions (you can link to your blog if you want to write your answer in a blog post - these questions are good blog fodder, aren't they?) and I will pick a winner at random on Friday, April 24 (which also happens to be my 10-year anniversary!)

Good luck!

What the Heck is Fishful Thinking Anyway?

2009-03-16T21:16:00.008-04:00

Part I of my weekend is here.

Saturday morning dawned bright and early. Too early. Groan.

Thankfully there was bottled water in my hotel room. I was a bit...dehydrated. (How cool is the care package that was left for me?? I felt so special!)

So the seminar kicked off at 9 a.m. and went until 3 p.m., with a break for a spectacular lunch (grilled shrimp!)

Let me tell you, I was riveted by Dr. Karen Reivich (pronounced "Rye-vich") and could have listened to her speak for days. She was a total cross between Kara DioGuardi (the new American Idol judge) and Sarah Jessica Parker.

(Seriously, how cute and tiny is she?)

With 4 children of her own (4!), Dr. Reivich knows that of which she speaks. For sure.

(Great, so you were tired, you ate grilled shrimp and had a girl crush on the Dr. BUT WHAT IS FISHFUL THINKING, SARAH?!)

There are 5 ingredients of Fishful Thinking:

Resiliance, Emotional Awareness, Optimism, Empowerment and Hope/Goal Setting

In short,

Resiliance = being able to bounce back; coping with life's ups and downs;
Emotional Awareness = knowing yourself; expressing and controlling your feelings;
Optimism = thinking positively; having a positive focus;
Empowerment = believing "I CAN"; using your strengths and skills; and
Hope/Goal Setting = achieving your goals.

Think about yourself. Your personality traits. The way you live your life. Are you modeling these types of behavior, these characteristics? It starts with US, Moms.

(I've always been a glass "half empty" gal myself. This is something I'm working on.)

In short, by utilizing "fishful thinking" strategies at home in (all of) our Trenches, we can encourage our children to be happy, resiliant and confident.

And we all want that, don't we?

That's why I'm proud to say that I'm a member of the Fishful Thinking faculty. There are ten of us.

And seriously? A more diverse, more dynamic group of women could not have been chosen.

We are mothers; we are business owners; we are social media gurus. We are stay-at-home workers; we are out-of-the-home workers; we are Northerners; we are Southerners; we are East Coast; we are West Coast; we Twitter; we Facebook; we blog.

We are you.

And we are excited to share more about this program with you. So stay tuned!

Win Pop Star Guitar for your Wii! Upated With Winner!

2009-03-12T21:47:00.006-04:00

*And the winner is...generated by random.org...lucky commenter #12! 3 Bundles For Me. Congrats!*

*****
I think it's about time I got this review/GIVEAWAY blog back up and running, don't you? (Because I certainly don't have enough on my plate already! /sarcasm)

I've got a lot of fun ideas for this site, so please stay tuned!

And to whet your appetite, I'm thrilled to be giving this away first:

PopStar Guitar from Wii! (approximately $40.00 value)

Want to see what it's all about? Click here to play.

"PopStar Guitar is a music-based rhythm-action game for tweens and teens in which the player adopts the role of a lead guitarist forming a band, helping band-members to become stars and eventually winning the "Battle of the Bands" worldwide contest. It features feature original mastered tracks from mega pop artists Miley Cyrus, Maroon 5, Jonas Brothers, Fall Out Boy, 3 Doors Down and Blink 182."

To enter: Easy peasy - simply leave a comment below. Make sure you either have a blog link or a valid e-mail address for me to contact you! A winner will be drawn on Thursday, March 19th. Good luck!

Loose Girl Updated With Winner!

2008-07-21T22:29:00.004-04:00

Giveaway now closed. Congrats to Major Bedhead! Via random.org, her comment (#14) was chosen as the winner! Stay tuned for more book giveaways this summer!

************

I have to admit, my childhood was pretty idyllic. I lived with both parents and 3 younger siblings in a middle class household in a small ~~town~~ village in the middle-of-nowhere New York state.

I think I still played with Barbie dolls in 6th grade. And even (still) went trick-or-treating in 8th grade. Gah.

However, Kerry Cohen's childhood? Notsomuch. A product of the 80's divorce trend, she looked to males for attention and validation.

In her book Loose Girl: A Memoir of Promiscuity, Kerry Cohen writes with rawness about her sexual escapades and the chain of events in her life that lead her to sleep with "close to 40 boys and men".

We all know "those" types of girls (slutty, easy). Hell, maybe some of us have even been "that kinda gal".

She unravels her past with powerful words and memories. Here's an excerpt as she describes a brutal sexual experience:

"What are you doing?" I try to push him away, but he is strong...Panic floods my body...The thought comes: This cannot be happening...Just as I think it, though, I become calm. Numb. The situation is also so familiar, the feel of my underwear sliding off my hips, a person I barely know hovering above me. I don't think the word "rape." I won't associate that word with this moment for many, many years. Perhaps this is why I don't scream or yell out. I whisper instead, "Don't."

But he does anyway...Up, down, up, down...It doesn't matter. Why does it matter? It's just one more guy. Just get through it. All you have to do is get through it...Up, down, up, down...

I don't tell anyone for many, many years. As far as I know, there is nothing to tell. I had sex again.

Yet ultimately, the author's self-destructive sexual path eventually leads her to an inspiring awareness of her very own mind, body and soul.

Kerry Cohen is now a married mother with 2 sons. In her acknowledgments, she thanks them and jokingly writes that she hopes they will forgive her "for writing a book for all their friends to read about their mother's sex life."

Here's to a riveting memoir and to all of us finding meaning in the paths we've chosen.

This review brought to you by Authors on the Web.com.

Want to win a copy of this memoir? Leave a comment below with a valid blog site or e-mail address and you are eligible! Winner will be picked at random on Sunday, August 3rd.

A Giveaway! Updated with Winners

2008-06-25T21:24:00.004-04:00

*Contest now closed. The 2 lucky winners (drawn from random.org) are....comments #8 and #36:

Moosh in Indy (she's seriously on a lucky winning streak!) and Kaza.
*******************************************************************

Every time I enter a Home Depot, I have flashbacks to when I was pregnant with Eldest. We moved into our Trenches in May 2001, so those summer months were spent painting, decorating and fixing.

Thus entailing many trips to, and many hours in, that big orange store.

That big orange store with horrific looooooong aisles, devoid of restrooms anywhere in the immediate vicinity, for a swollen pregnant woman to waddle down.

A nesting pregnant woman who wants to buy baby things! and baby clothes! and baby gear!

NOT paint, door locks, light fixtures, etc.

Yeah, Home Depot is still hell on earth for me.

But! You're in luck! What is my hell may very well be your heaven.

Home Depot is graciously allowing me to give away two (2!) of these Home Hero DC Smoke and Carbon Monoxide Combo Alarms ($50.00 value).

So protect your Trenches and your family through this wireless interconnected system!

How to win? Simply leave a comment below. Remember, no blog address or no valid e-mail address = no winning for you!

Good luck! 2 winners will be picked at random on July 15th.

Welcome SITS gals! You can click here to sneek a peek at my main blog.

WedgEZ *Updated with Winner!

2008-05-12T20:34:00.005-04:00

*Congrats to Mom of 5! She wins a WedgEZ. Not to be confused with a wedgie, of course.

For those of us with young children, childproofing is a necessary evil. We have all done it in some way, shape or form. Probably one of the most common childproofing items are outlet covers. You know the ones. The ones that STICK (and then remain STUCK) in the socket so well, that when you need to utilize the outlet to ~~have your husband~~ vacuum, you inevitably break a nail trying to remove it. It's either that or else risk electrocution by trying to wedge the vacuum cord plug behind the cover to pop it out. Am I right?
Well, Dave Miglin and his wife Karen have come up with a solution. Called WedgeEZ, it's a small plastic tool designed to remove those outlet plug covers with ease. And with built-on clips, it can attach easily to your vacuum cord, so it's available whenever you need it (and more importantly, for me anyway, you'll always remember where you left it).

Does it work? You betcha! This handy little tool is certainly one of those creations to be filed under Now Why Didn't I Think Of That?

Want one for your Trenches? Leave a comment below and a winner will be chosen at random on Friday, May 16th. (Please note that no blog address or e-mail address=no prize for you!)

firefly lane *Updated with winner!

2008-04-10T20:38:00.005-04:00

*Hubby drew Suz to win the book! Congrats Suz!*

firefly lane chronicles the friendship of Kate and Tully; from the time they first meet as 8th graders in 1974 through the next 30 years of their lives, as they weather the highs and lows, ups and downs of school, careers, men, and most importantly, their relationship with each other.

In hardcover, at almost 500 pages, the size of this book may look daunting for those of you with ~~pesky needy children~~ limited time to read. But trust me, it's a fast read.

And not to give away the ending (*sob*) but it was very unfortunate timing that I reached the conclusion of this book on the train. In front of strangers. As I sat there fighting back tears (unsuccessfully). ("Hey look at the woman over there clutching that book. Is she crying?")

So are you in the mood for a great beach read? How about a book that will remind you to cherish your bestest girlfriends? How about one that will bring a tear to your eye?

firefly lane, by New York Times bestselling author Kristin Hannah, does all that and more.

(This review brought to you courtesy of authorsontheweb.com)

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Just leave a comment below and you will be entered to win this book! A winner's name will be drawn on Thursday, April 17th.

No e-mail address or blog address=no winning for you. So leave an e-mail address in your comment if you don't have a blog!

Engines and Escapades

2008-03-28T06:41:00.000-04:00

"They're two, they're four, they're six, they're eight..."

You certainly know this merry jingle if you have little guys in your house.

"Why, it's Thomas! Hello Thomas!"

Middle (age 3-1/2) is my Thomas FREAK. All Thomas, all the time for this boy. So you can imagine his sheer joy when I handed him this new DVD (just released 3/4/08!) that I had received courtesy of the Parent Bloggers Network.

Thankfully, unlike Bob the Builder, he and his little brother have watched this one ~~too much~~ plenty of times.

Their favorite part is the introduction of a new character, Madge the truck. And their second favorite part is when they beg me on a daily basis to take them to Target so we can buy Madge.

Oh yes, Engines and Escapades is yet another DVD masterpiece by Hit Entertainment. Plenty of thumbs up from the Trenches on this one!

Bob the Builder DVD Review Updated With Winner

2008-03-17T06:34:00.001-04:00

*Congrats to Meredith! She's won this DVD for her boys!*

"Can we fix it? YES WE CAN!"

The boyz and I were sent a complimentary copy of this DVD, courtesy of the Parent Bloggers Network.

I figured it would be a great addition to our video library in the Trenches and that Bob would find a comfortable place in the lineup nestled betwixt Elmo (Baby's favorite), Thomas (Middle's favorite) and the irritating SpongeBob (Eldest's favorite).

But through no fault of his own, sadly, Bob didn't make the cut. He tried, though, I'll give him that. I offered him up each and every time a movie was being chosen. He even got played a time or two. But the interest just wasn't there.

Back when he was about three, Eldest was a Bob the Builder FANatic. We had the little playtoys. We had a construction set. We knew all the characters: Scoop, Muck and Dizzy, and Roley too...Lofty and Wendy...Travis and Bird...Pilcher and Spud...(are you singing the song?)

But for some strange reason, Middle and Baby just never succumbed to the lure.

Kids are fickle little creatures, aren't they?

**********************************
Think your child(ren) would enjoy this more than mine? Bob deserves a good home! Leave me a comment below and someone here in the Trenches will draw a name on Thursday, March 20th to win this DVD. If you don't have a blog, leave me an e-mail address. If I don't have a way to get in touch with you, your entry won't be considered!

The Liar's Diary--We Have a Winner!

2008-03-08T10:45:00.003-05:00

The entries

Drawing a name

Drumroll please...and the winner is Swapna!

Swapna, please contact me with your mailing information. Congrats!

The Liar's Diary

2008-02-29T06:33:00.000-05:00

When the dynamic new high school music teacher, Ali Mather arrives in town, school secretary Jeanne Cross, grudgingly at first, befriends her, for this enchanting Ali embodies everything that Jeanne wishes she could be--open, honest and vibrant.

There are deaths. There is intrigue, confusion and dismay. Every time I thought for sure I had solved the age old question of "whodunit", the author had me completely fooled, right up until practically the last page!

The Liar's Diary is a quick page turner combining chick lit, mystery and suspense. I promise you won't be able to put it down. And if you figure out who's lying before page 285 (out of 309), then consider me duly impressed!

This review brought to you by MotherTalk.

Did I pique your curiosity? Well, you're in luck, because I'm giving a copy of this novel away for my Book Giveaway #4! Just leave a comment under THIS post and you're entered to win!

The winner's name will be drawn (out of one of the numerous Boston sports caps cluttering the Trenches) on Saturday, March 8th.

The Middle Place

2008-02-18T12:00:00.006-05:00

Kelly Corrigan could be you. She could be me. She's a 36 year old mother and wife. And a cancer survivor. And certainly a weaver of words.

The Middle Place chronicles Kelly at that exact point in her life: "the middle place"; certainly no longer a child, yet still very much her daddy's little girl, as she and her father, "Greenie", both forge their own separate battles with the demon that is cancer. (Breast for her, bladder for him.)

The author takes us on a journey with her from August 2004 through March 2007, yet also flashes back through moments in her childhood and beyond, ultimately giving us a clear understanding as to why the legacy and bonds of family are so important.

I read this book in a mere two days. It was that engrossing and compelling.
**********************************
It's a giveaway! A hard copy edition of this very book! Leave a comment here (make sure you leave your name if you're posting as Anonymous) and I will have one of the boyz draw a name out of a hat on Sunday, February 24th. One comment per person. Send your friends. More Memoir Mania giveaways here and here!

Ready Set Learn!

2007-12-04T06:36:00.000-05:00

It was like an early Christmas present! The Parent Bloggers Network so kindly sent Paz's Radio Control Fire Truck to the 3 little boyz In the Trenches.

30 minutes later, after I wrangled with the packaging to free the fire truck and remote control from their twist ties, screws and cardboard constraints (why? oh why?), the boyz were set loose with their new toy. With strict instructions to TAKE TURNS.

Eldest (age 6) could maneuver the controller with no help whatsoever. He whizzed the fire truck around and made it chase after his brothers.

Middle (age 3) needed a little help at first, but once his big brother showed him how it worked, he was able to work the remote with very little supervision.

And even Baby (age 2) was able to have a turn. That is, once he figured out that the remote controller was NOT, in fact, a telephone. Even now, a few weeks later, as the novelty of the new toy has worn off, Baby is the one who still plays with this the most. So while the age recommendation is for 3+, if you have a younger child with older siblings, he or she will most likely be able to play with this independently.

The flashing lights and siren noises are an added bonus. Because you know how children are thrilled with toys that make noise! The only complaint my boyz had was that the figures included with the fire truck (Paz, Pig, Dog and Rabbit) don't stay securely in the ladder on the top. This frustrated them.

Buying a product from Discovery Channel Toys is a safe bet. While a little pricey at $34.95, you can rest assured that the product will not only be educational but high quality as well. The Radio Control Fire Truck does not disappoint.

Photo Printing Made Easy

2007-11-30T07:45:00.000-05:00

I have been an avid fan of the Kodak Easyshare line of products for a number of years now. I'm currently on my second Kodak digital camera and printer dock. I rarely venture out of my comfort zone when it comes to technology. This isn't necessarily a good thing. So I was eager to review the HP Photo Printer for the Parent Bloggers Network in order to test drive a new brand and new products.

Setup of the HP Photosmart A620 Series Compact Photo Printer couldn't be any easier! Seriously. Here's what you do:

PLUG IT IN.

After you insert your memory card (from your digital camera) into the printer, the simple and easy to understand touchscreen completely guides you along the way.

Since the printer package includes an introductory print cartridge and a few sheets of photo paper, I used them to play around with my Halloween pictures. I wanted to create a border around a picture of the boyz dressed in their Halloween finery. With the "Get Creative" feature, I was able to add a frame to my photo. There are several categories, including Seasonal and Kids. My final masterpiece was my picture of the boyz framed by spooky spiderwebs and a creepy spider dangling in one corner. Too cute!

Even before I printed out my pictures, I used the Edit Photo function on the touchscreen to remove the red-eye(s) (although it probably would have been appropriate to keep their eyes a glowing shade of red for a Halloween pic). I found the red-eye removal function on this product to be much more accurate than my Kodak program on the computer.

Please note that a USB cable is not included with this photo printer package. One must be purchased separately. You will want to buy a USB cable if you plan on printing photos from your computer, instead of only from a memory card.

After I received a USB cable, I installed the HP Photosmart software that was included. Doing this allowed me to import all my stored computer photos into the HP "Library".

From here, I was good to go to create my very own Photo Books! (which can be yours for 20% off with this coupon code!) Wow. The Photo Books (a/k/a Christmas gifts for the Grandmas) are soooo easy to create. Once my 3,000+ (!) photos were downloaded into my HP Library (yeah, this took some time), it was simply a matter of picking and choosing which photos I wanted in my 5x7 Photo Book for (the boyz') Grandma. Once I had the book formatted (with captions!) exactly the way I wanted it, all I had to do was:

PRINT. It was truly that painless.

So here's my verdict: I would highly recommend the HP Photosmart A626 Compact Photo Printer to those of you who prefer printing from a memory card rather than a computer. It's user-friendly, convenient, and best of all, easy.

Attempting to Organize the Chaos

2007-11-28T07:24:00.000-05:00

When Parent Bloggers Network asked for volunteers to test out the new Day Runner family matters line of color-coded organizational products, I was all, "Pick me! Pick me!" (rapidly waving my hand high in the air). Because, unless you (think you) are Supermom, in which case you're probably on something that I'd like to sample, who couldn't use a little more organization in their household?

With my big life change approaching in just under a week (gulp), the Trenches are in desperate need of some time management and family organization.

Enter the monthly/weekly appointment book. This will be my constant companion in 2008, as I navigate a full-time work schedule. As a matter of fact, I'm meeting with my babysitter (our "nanny" now, for tax purposes) this week so we can figure our our respective vacation times for the upcoming year. I'm glad I now have this appointment book to record all the dates, instead of a random scrap of paper (usually the back of a receipt) that I would normally use.

The color-coded activity folders have already been put to good use in my determination to save some of the boyz' schoolwork for posterity. Each time Eldest brings home a keeper from kindergarten, or Middle brings home a gem from preschool, it gets placed into their folder.

Along with the folders, the color coded storage cases are great for pertinent documents pertaining to each individual in our family (conveniently, it comes with 5!) Copies of our birth certificates, social security cards, the boyz' immunization records, etc. have been filed away for safekeeping. No more digging through random piles of paper in the desk drawer!

All the Day Runner items can be purchased at your local Office Depot!

Now if only the rest of the Trenches could be organized so easily...*sigh*

Rockin' Out With the Boyz

2007-11-20T09:07:00.001-05:00

[Disclaimer: When I told Hubby that I was going to do this review for the Parent Bloggers Network, his immediate response was, "I'm sure it will be a gushing one since they (the boyz) ask to watch it 47 times a day and then we LISTEN TO IT everytime we're in the car!"]

So yeah, listen up, because this is a good one...and hey, just in time for the holidays! (Keep reading for a coupon code!)

When Eldest was 2 years old, ~~the annoyingly doofy and creepy~~ Barney captured his attention.

For Middle, it was any Baby Einstein DVD.

But Baby, who is 2 now, has never been one to sit. Ever. He's way too busy being a tiny hell-on-wheels tornado.

Until now. Thank you thank you, Rob and Lisi Wolf, creators of That Baby DVD! This Mommy now is able to have some sanity in the form of 11 catchy (read non-annoying) tunes and eye-catching videos.
Can you say mesmerized? The particular video shown in this pic is my boyz' favorite: "Brass in Pocket". It's a montage of kids lip-synching and dancing to the classic Pretenders song.

Here's what the boyz in the Trenches had to say:
Eldest: "My favorite is Brass in Pockets."

Baby: "Po bee Boy". (Pony Boy, written by Bruce Springsteen)

Middle: "I like dat song wif all da kids (Brass in Pocket) and dat flower one (Garden Song-Inch By Inch--also recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary, John Denver, and Arlo Guthrie. Click here to see for yourself!)

If 3o+ minutes of peace and quiet isn't enough to sway you, there is also a That Baby CD which contains all the songs from That Baby DVD, plus 3 bonus tracks. This CD has gotten plenty of air time in our car. I can't even begin to describe how much more enjoyable it is to listen to rather than some squeaky high-pitched Backyardigans garbage.

Receive 20% off at checkout by using the coupon code "PBN for 20% off!" There is a no questions asked money-back guarantee and a lifetime replacement for both the DVD and CD. Can't beat that.

So right before the holidays, do yourself a favor and stop the hell that is Cars/Backyardigans/SpongeBob music (yes, I'm ashamed that we actually own all those CDs) and place an order. Just think how cool and hip you'll feel when you hear your little ones singing the 10,000 Maniacs song "These Are Days"!

Beauty Confidential

2007-11-01T20:23:00.000-04:00

I am a product whore.

Who is forced to keep her legs closed (ahem) due to finances.

That is, I have Chanel taste on a ~~Target~~ Wal-Mart budget.

So of course I jumped at the chance when the Parent Bloggers Network asked me to review a copy of Beauty Confidential: "The No Preaching, No Lies, Advice-You'll-Actually-Use Guide to Looking Your Best."

So as one of those gals who gets completely overwhelmed in Sephora, or heck, even in the ~~Target~~ Wal-Mart beauty aisles, this book has been a godsend. My copy is now dog-eared, underlined and has pages folded down. Yep, I'm a dork. But now, thanks to "Jolie in NYC" (the author Nadine Haobsh's blog pseudonym), I'm a dorky fashionista (in my head, anyway.)

Here's a quick recap of some of the knowledge I've gained:

Chapter 2: Hairstyling. More specifically, learning how to air-dry my hair properly. ("Yes! There are things you can do to make a visible difference.") You see, I have that in-between hair. Not totally curly, not totally straight. Just totally annoying. Some days I just blowdry it straight. Other days I blowdry it straight, then use a straightener. ~~Other~~ Most days I throw it in a ponytail and fuhgeddaboudit.

So I followed Nadine's 6-step approach and holy-cow....a miracle! My Roseanne Roseanneadanna 'do actually looked curly, not frizzy, and dare I say? Luscious. I swear, I've gotten more compliments on my ringlets than I ever imagined. It's a whole new (easy) look for me! Her secret? Ya gotta read the book!

Not only that, I have also, upon the author's recommendations, purchased new moisterizer, mascara and concealer. Without going broke!

And the best part of this book? There are cheat-sheets! The end of each of the chapters lists a product price guide and where the items can be purchased.

Beauty Confidential is an awesome guidebook for all you fellow product whores out there. This slut wouldn't steer you wrong.

Run, Forrest, Run!

2007-09-20T11:31:00.000-04:00

I admit, I've always been more of a Nike/Saucony sneaker girl. (By the way, why do Southerners call them "tennis shoes"? It's not like you only wear them when you're channeling Serena Williams, right???)

So when Ryka partnered with the Parent Bloggers Network, the Nike snob in me was all "Ehh...Ryka? Heard of 'em, but aren't they kinda generic?"

But then the ~~cheapskate~~ frugal, footwear ~~obsessed~~ lovin' gal in me figured, "Sure, why not?"

I was sent these Ryka MC2 running shoes in size 7-1/2--my normal shoe size. (The color--gray, white and almost a fluorescent yellow, has grown on me.) I could tell immediately they were a bit snug. Regardless, I wore them 3 mornings in a row to run, and by the end of that 3rd morning, I had a blister the size of a silver dollar on my instep. Ack--not good! So keep in mind that they run a 1/2 size small.

New Size 8's were sent. Perfect! I've been running in them ever since.

And yes, dorks that we are (evidenced by the picture above), my Sis and I both wore our Rykas (she has the Solace) when we competed in the Ryka Iron Girl 5 mile run in Boston on Labor Day. Her Solaces have much more arch support than the MC2s, so if you need good arch support, I wouldn't recommend the MC2s.

So while they were not normally a brand I would have typically chosen, Ryka has managed to make me a convert (I just won a free pair from the Blog Blast!) Thanks Ryka! I appreciate the chance to ~~feed my shoe fetish~~ try something new!

School Zone Kindergarten Products

2007-09-15T11:45:00.000-04:00

Please pardon me whilst I rave and gush (both at the same time--could get messy, folks!) about these fabulous School Zone products that are part of a Parent Bloggers Network campaign:

The Kindergarten Magnetic Tin and the Start to Read Kit Level 1

First, a little background: Eldest will turn 6 in 3 weeks (crap! 3 weeks?). He just started kindergarten. Unfortunately, the kindergarten program in our school district got cut to only 1/2 a day. As in, his school hours are merely 8:15am-10:45am. Yeah, don't even get me started on that...

So I was feeling a bit of pressure to come up with some tactics in the Trenches to keep Eldest motivated and more importantly, NOT BORED, with learning, as he's been reading (competently) now for awhile and has a memory bordering on photographic.

These School Zone products do just that. Every night before bed (as has become our new routine), Eldest and I retire to my bedroom to work on "homework".

Kindergarten Magnetic Tin:
Eldest was instantly drawn to all the magnets and activity pages included with this kit. The activity pages focus on sequencing, patterns, simple math, phonetics and more. It was interesting to me to note the connection between Eldest's reading abilities and his actual comprehension. Urging him to read the instructions on the page and then follow the commands on his own was very enlightening. And it can be noted that these pages could be used as well for children much younger, if the parent were reading the instructions to the toddler and helping them along. (I just haven't had time to test this out on Middle yet.)

And the math activity pages? Let's just say we're working on them. (Eldest, much like his Momma, doesn't like to do things that he can't instantly master.) So I have been struggling to get him to try these activities. Math hasn't yet "clicked" for him. (I know, I know, he's still only in kindergarten. I realize this and am trying not to push.)

So 5 +2? Eldest knows enough to hold up 5 fingers on one hand and then 2 on the other and then count all the fingers he is holding up; but each and every time, he still counts the 5 fingers. Even though he realizes that there are 5 on that hand. It's interesting to observe. I think the more we practice, though, the easier it will be for him.

Word of caution: The magnets in this kit come in one flat sheet. It takes easily 30 minutes to remove them and place them properly in the tin. Also these magnets are small. Like bite-size, if you have babies and toddlers.

Start to Read Kit Level 1:
Our kit came with the Jog, Frog, Jog story and the I Want a Pet story. Both included an audio CD and activity pages. The story activities are on laminated pages for use with a wipe-off marker. Genius! Can be used over and over again.

A lot of the reading comprehension activities seemed similar to the kindergarten schoolwork that Eldest has been bringing home: "Draw a line from the color word (pink) to the animal that it describes (pig)" and so on.

Eldest's favorite activity is the dot-to-dot. He's done that one page countless times (wipe-off marker!)...and each and every time, lo and behold, he's made A FROG! [Yes, the boy will be receiving a new dot-to-dot book for his birthday.]

CONCLUSION:
I'm impressed with how compact, durable and organized these School Zone products are. They will certainly be utilized in the Trenches for many more years.

And the best part?

No lead paint.

Because Skin Cancer Sucks

2007-08-20T11:50:00.000-04:00

I am very excited to be a part of the Parent Bloggers Network! I'm even more pumped that my first review is a vital summer product--SUNSCREEN.

Of course, we all have our preferences when it comes to purchasing a sunscreen for ourselves and for our families: SPF factor, cost, brand, and application type (lotion vs. spray; rub-in vs. no rub). I am a "no rub" type of gal. My 3 boyz are slippery little squirts. Getting them to stand still is a feat of prolific proportions. Therefore, if a product like KINeSYS comes along touting FAST DRYING WITHOUT RUBBING, I'm all over it.

KINeSYS Performance Sunscreen regards itself as the "original oil-free and alcohol-free spray-on sunscreen for today's active lifestyle." Cha-ching. We've got activity galore here In the Trenches. Let's check it out.

I used the travel size Kids SPF 30+ Funscreen Spray, along with the SPF 30+ Sunscreen Spray. The Funscreen Spray was the perfect size to just throw in my purse. I was armed and ready to use it while we were at the ballpark sitting in the hot sun.

Whoops.

The instructions state that you're supposed to spray on exposed areas 30 minutes prior to sun exposure and reapply every 2 hours. Bad mommy. I sprayed the boyz anyway. The Funscreen Spray goes on clear, and is neither smelly nor greasy. And nary a sunburn on anyone! A great tool for those kids on-the go, if you're not afraid of looking dorky running after them, arm outstretched, spraying them down. I'm not.

Hubby and I used the Sunscreen Spray while on vacation at the beach. I loved the mango scent, but Hubby complained that it was a little "too girly" for him. And again, we were negligent in applying 30 minutes before sun exposure, but it protected us just the same.

All in all, I'm a fan. What I'm not a fan of is the price for these products. $15.00 for a bottle. $6.00 for travel size. Gulp. Additionally, they aren't readily available in Wal-Mart or Target any stores where I (and all busy mothers) shop.

Therefore, I think I'm going to stick with my cheap-o Banana Boat for $3.99, thankyouverymuch

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