Product Review Archives - A Day in Motherhood

Adventures of Bailey: A Night in Cowtown DVD Review & 3 Winner Giveaway

May 21, 2013 By Lori 24 Comments

Gather your family ’round for an action-packed, tail-wagging good time in the Adventures of Bailey: A Night in Cowtown! This Dove-Approved family film had me and my girl laughing, jumping up and down trying to help Bailey and smiling at the sweet pups working together!

In this third installment of THE ADVENTURES OF BAILEY, everyone’s favorite golden retriever pup has settled into his new home and has developed a crush on the neighbor’s female dog. When her brother Felix is snatched and about to be sold at “the Exchange” in historic Cowtown, Bailey sets out to rescue him in order to win the love of his sweetheart. Chaos ensues as Bailey encounters one comical obstacle after another in this warm-hearted, fun-filled adventure! Featuring lessons about acceptance, honesty and teamwork, THE ADVENTURES OF BAILEY: A NIGHT IN COWTOWN is sure to rustle up plenty of viewing fun for the whole family!

In this case of missing identity, lessons are learned as the dog snatcher forms an unlikely bond with his kidnapee. And as the kids become more of a pivotal character in this installment, we learn that the love between human and canine is always a strong bond!

This is a family friendly movie. I watched it with my kids and I was done but my kids love to see the antics and the talking dogs. So they have watched it a few times. I can feel confident that I can walk away and let them watch it without worrying about inappropriate content or language. And I love that.

Introduce your kids to the lovable pup, Bailey and let them follow his adventures as he enjoys life in his new Texas town!

And to help you out, (3) of my readers will WIN this fun DVD! Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!

**I received this DVD for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.** [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: a night in cowtown, adventures of bailey, bailey dog movies, dove approved movies

Rod Stewart’s New Album ‘Time’ is Simply Awesome #TimeWithRod

May 20, 2013 By Lori 1 Comment

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Some artists never lose their ability to impress us with their talent. It does not matter how long they have been on the scene, how many albums they put out, or how often we hear their name.

So when we wait 20 years to hear new music from an artist whose ‘old’ music had stood the test of time, we are excited, happy and can’t wait to get our hands on it!

Rod Stewart is BACK! His new album TIME is ready for you to purchase, download to your iPod, your MP3 player or computer and sit back and let yourself get lost in the soothing voice that has entertained us for 4 decades!

Along with the release of Time, Stewart is set to embark on the European leg of his Live the Life tour onJune 1st, while American dates with Steve Winwood will kick off October 17th.

Let me tell you, this album is worth the purchase and download. That traditional, Rod Stewart, soulful voice radiates through every track. Some songs remind me of the old, but forever classic, songs and some, like Sexual Religion, offers a new sound – a softer sound- meant to entice your thoughts as your feet and fingers tap along to the beat.

Suddenly ideas for lyrics were piling up in my head,” he says. “Next thing I knew, I had a song called ‘It’s Over’ about divorce and separation. And now I was getting up in the middle of the night and scrambling for a pen to write things down, which has never happened to me. I finished seven or eight songs very quickly and I still wasn’t done, and it became apparent that I would eventually have a whole album of material to record.

Mr. Stewart lets us in in this CD to stories and experiences in his life. And as we are listening to lyrics that we all can relate to, like “Don’t go looking for a pot of gold, Over that miracle mile; Happiness lies in your own back yard, Utopia can take a little while.”

The album was born from a burst of inspiration that came while Rod was reviewing his life for his recent memoir. Rod rediscovered his voice as a songwriter and rekindled his gift for writing the honest, nerve-touching narratives that have been the cornerstone to the first three decades of his career.

This CD is a must own. Especially since Mr. Stewart does such a phenomenal job with the songs he wrote and produced. Take a walk through the history of a classic artist. Your ears will thank you for it!

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Filed Under: Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: rod stewart, rod stewart 2013 tour, rod stewart time cd, time cd

WhoopTee T-Shirts Are Fun and Easy to Create Review & 10 Winner Giveaway

May 20, 2013 By Lori 20 Comments

I am the loudest promoter of my blog. And why shouldn’t I be? It is my life story, my kid’s story and my favorite products all wrapped into one website!

And it is my favorite place to talk to and learn about my awesome readers. So when I get a chance to reward you and promote what I lovingly call, ‘my internet true story’, I am raising my hand and jumping up and down like a crazy lady!

WhoopTee.com is the place I wanted to go to create some awesome T-Shirts for me and for 10 of my readers! And why not? Reading other reviews about the T-shirt creating online shop shows that the quality I see in my shirt is proven to others as well.

At WhoopTee.com, we’re here to prove that superior customer service, quality custom tees, and speedy printing and delivery times are well within your budget.

I worked closely with the representative at WhoopTee and she created the awesome T-Shirt that I proudly wear today. But you can create your custom T-Shirt of your own with the super easy T-Shirt designing tool that they have on their site. Just upload an image – like your baby’s 1st birthday cake mess shot – add a text line – like “I’m going to need a napkin!” - and then choose your color and other fun designs. It is that easy and that fun to do!

Make T-Shirts for that summer family reunion. Get shirts for your whole family that you can wear to Disney World so that you don’t lose anyone. Or promote your small business – or large one – with ease!

I love this online T-Shirt printing shop. The quality of the T-Shirt is awesome. I have worn my shirt many times and washed it and the print stays on, the color has stayed sharp and I can continue to show off my blog any time I want!

Do you appreciate what I offer you? How would you like to win a FREE WhoopTee shirt? If anything, you get to tell people that “I read this blog all day and all I got was this AWESOME T-Shirt!”

Or just enjoy a high quality T-Shirt that promotes a sometimes pretty cool blog – if I don’t say so myself!

Enter below to win a shirt of your size! 10 Will WIN! Good Luck!

CONNECT WITH WHOOPTEE

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**I received this product for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.** [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: custom shirts, custom t shirt designer, custom tshirts, tshirts

TheSoothingCompany.com Small Gardenia Bonsai Tree Review & Giveaway

May 20, 2013 By Lori 47 Comments

I have a confession. I was not born with a green thumb. In fact, if it is green, I generally kill it. My parents – who are master gardeners – are so confused as to how I did not pick any of their skill up at all.

But I love plants and I want to beautiful, living things growing all around me!

The Soothing Company offers thousands of soothing products for your home and garden. Everything from outdoor fountains to bonsai trees to a wall mounted fireplace.

Bonsai Trees have long been a favorite of those of us who have no idea how to make a plant grow. So when I was offered the beautiful Small Bonsai Gardenia Tree from The Soothing Company, I was all over it. I was bound and determined to get this thing to grow and flourish and decorate my back patio with style!

The Soothing Company

When it arrived I was anxious to see how it looks coming straight out of the package. I was amazing that it was instantly ready to display! It has a beautiful porcelain base and the tree was healthy and green and so pretty! I have had it a few months now and have willed it to bloom with water every day and the perfect spot on the patio. But, it turns out, it is not time for it to bloom so I could have told you about this months ago!

The Bonsai seems very slow growing, which I like but – even when neglected – is green and healthy looking. And when I do get it to bloom, I’ll share that picture with you too! Right now, I’ll have to show you stock photo though!

This beautiful and low maintenance Bonsai Garndenia Tree has me convinced that I can care for a plant!

I love this website! I am currently stalking for a wall mounted fireplace. I mean, how cool are those? And since we are going to be outside a lot this summer, I really want an outdoor fountain!! Maybe soon!

Check out the entire selection and tell me what you would purchase!

And since The Soothing Company thinks everyone should have a plant that will be beautiful on their pation, (1) of my lucky readers will WIN a Small Bonsai Gardenia Tree! Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!!

**I received this product for review purposes only. All writings and opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.** [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews

ProHomeStores.com Adds Elegance and The Sounds of Water to Your Home Review

May 18, 2013 By Lori 1 Comment

If you are anything like me, the sounds of trickling water is soothing and relaxing. But, aside from letting your faucet run – which can be annoying – it can be hard to enjoy that beautiful sound indoors. And if you have ever looked for fountains at home improvement stores and such, the prices can make your eyes bulge out!

Pro Home Stores offers thousands of home and office decor items with free shipping and no sales tax. Everything from floor fountains to a wall mounted fireplace and even a air conditioner cover.

Lucky for those of us who want a unique, beautiful item in our home that creates a calming, soothing atmosphere, Pro Home Stores has affordable, elegant fountains for tabletops to floors. All available and shipped free and with no sales tax!

I was so lucky to receive the 8″ Pouring Pot Tabletop Fountain and I have to say, it is so pretty and elegant that I have it on all the time. Forget noisy televisions. Let the gentle sounds of water accompany the daily routine!

This fountain sat in the box while I traveled and when I did open it, I was truly nervous about how hard it would be to put together. Well, I had zero to worry about. First of all, it is so lightweight. It is made of durable plastic so it is well weighted but easy to move. The assembly took about 3 minutes. I just attached the tube and placed the pot portion on top of the base.

I added distilled water to keep calcification from building up and plugged it in. I could hear the pump working and then, water… that clean, fresh sound of water flowing, delicately dancing out of the mouth of the pot to the base. It is so nice. I have it in my living room on my table and every time I plug it in, I smile.

Don’t be afraid of moving water into your house. Don’t want a tabletop fountain? Dress up your walls with affordable floor fountains! How lovely would one of these be as you have guests over for a relaxing evening?

My next goal is to get an amazing wall mounted fireplace! We don’t have one in this house and I would LOVE to have one of these elegant pieces! I miss that ambiance that fireplaces give homes!

Check out all of the awesome home items that ProHomeStores.com offers! Need an air conditioner cover? How about a fire pit cover? Check out the entire line of home decor and more today! Remember, FREE SHIPPING and no sales tax on anything!

**I received the product above for review purposes only. All writings and opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.**

Filed Under: Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: free shipping sites, home decor, prohomestore.com, table top water fountains, water fountains

The Barbie Color Magic Mermaid Doll is Now a Permanent Water Companion Review

May 15, 2013 By Lori Leave a Comment

The things toy companies come up with to entertain and educate my children never cease to amaze me! One of our favorite characters that get my kids playing with each other, exploring different stories and using their imagination is Barbie!

Yes, I know I have three daughters and yes, I know that Barbie in my house is not a shock. But what is so cool to me is that they are always coming up with awesome dolls and toys that only enhance my children’s playtime!

With summer right around the corner and entertainment needed that does not include screen time, I was so excited to get the NEW Barbie Color Magic Mermaid Doll in the mail! Available in both blonde and brunette hair, these beautiful fun dolls take your children under the ‘sea’ with magical results.

The Color Magic Mermaid Doll’s tail and hair change colors under cold water. Perfect for the summertime swimming pool, she is detailed with a crown on her color changing hair, great details on her tail that also changes color and three bendable spots that make her fun to position next to a pool or bath tub.

And she comes with a brush and squirting seahorse companion!

My girls absolutely love this doll. They fight over it as all good sister’s do! We have noticed that when you put her under really cold water, her hair gets to be a darker pink and her tail turns dark blue! And then, when you put her under warm water, she changes back.

Do you have children who love to play in the pool and the bath? Do they love to use their imagination and have it enhanced by a doll that changes before their eyes? Do they LOVE Barbie?

Then pick up the NEW Barbie Color Magic Barbie Doll today and watch their face light up time after time!

**I received this product for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.**

Filed Under: Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: Barbie, barbie color magic mermaid, color changing doll, color magic, mermaid doll

Lactaid Makes Lactose Free Easy + Melissa d’Arabian’s Lactose-Free Blueberry Muffin Recipe & FREE Coupon Giveaway #Lactaid

May 10, 2013 By Lori 21 Comments

This is a sponsored post in partnership with Lactaid® and The Motherhood. Please see below for more disclaimer information.

Years ago I say in a doctor’s office, describing symptoms of terrible stomach cramping, untimely gas and other indigestion issues that seemed to gradually be showing up more and more. My doctor listened and then told me that he thought I might be lactose intolerant. Basically, it meant that my body did not have enough lactase in it to break down the dairy I was consuming. He told me that it generally happens gradually and in people who are getting older, but more and more of the population was having this intolerance.

Well, I was not giving up my ice cream, milk and cheese. And I was adamant about it. So my doctor told me about an over the counter pill I could take called Lactaid® that would help me digest my dairy a little better. Basically, Lactaid gives your body the amount of lactase you need so you can enjoy dairy without the discomforts that I experience.

From that day on I have taken it when I need it. And I am always so excited when new Lactaid® products hit the shelves! Like Lactaid® Ice Cream, Cottage Cheese, Milks and even EggNog, now readily available in my grocer’s freezer and refrigerated section.

Find out about all if the amazing Lactaid® products – including their 5 flavors of ice cream – and put them on your grocery list!

In fact, now you can even get whole milk and 2% milk in half gallons and gallons making life just that much easier! I can use it to make mac and cheese, blend smoothies and more! Just like I would with regular milk. And I can enjoy ice cream and cottage cheese without feeling the pain of my indulgence later!

But even more exciting, I can create fun and delicious recipes with Lactaid® too!

Melisssa d’Arabian is a mom of 4 and Lactaid® Spokesperson. She is also a celebrity chef and NY Times best selling author of Ten Dollar Dinners. Melissa is making appearances on the Today Show to show off some awesome lactose free recipes that we all will love!

Below is her first appearance where she is creating some scrumptious lactose free Blueberry Muffins and Almond Mocha Iced Coffee!

Catch Melissa again on June 25, 2013 when she shares some delicious Entree’s that are lactose free! Set your DVR’s or just come back here to see the clip!

While you are waiting on her second appearance, check out these recipe videos available that can help you create awesome lactose free recipes for your family! I am watching and can not wait to create these recipes. Maybe I’ll even create one on my own and share it with you soon!

Here are some great tips from Melissa for cooking with Lactaid®!

Cooking with LACTAID:
* LACTAID does have a slightly sweeter taste, but typically no one notices when
adding it in a recipe
* Melissa likes to put in in her coffee instead of flavored creamer or sugar
* Melissa finds that her kids prefer smoothies with LACTAID compared
other milks, probably due to the slight sweetness
* Melissa says she simply swaps LACTAID for regular milk in recipes, cup for cup
*When substituting LACTAID for cream in recipes, work in a teaspoon of corn
starch (this would be the same for any milk)
* Substitute lactose-free milk for buttermilk by adding vinegar

Have you had issues with dairy digestion? Have you tried Lactaid® products in the past? Have you seen the expanded line of products that can help you make your favorite recipes without the pain later? Tell me about your experience! I want to hear!

And as a great way to get you started with Lactaid® in your home, (1) of my readers will WIN a free product coupon! Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!

review disclaimer

Nickelodeon Favorites: Once Upon a Rhyme DVD Review & Giveaway Expired

May 10, 2013 By Lori 37 Comments

The Nickelodeon gang is back in a seven episode DVD that will have your preschoolers enjoying their nursery rhymes with their best friends!

Nickelodeon Favorites: Once Upon a Rhyme DVD includes 7 episodes that will have your kids loving their favorite fairy tales in a whole new way!

Once Upon a Rhyme

With pals like Dora, The Fresh Beat Band, The Wonder Pets, Bubble Guppies and more, the adventures never end! Running about and hour and a half, these episodes entwine Little Red Riding Hood (Blue), the Three Little Pigs, a royal wedding, and even the Big Bad Wolf in an entertaining, problem solving way.

All of the Nickelodeon DVD’s are awesome! And I love that they can see all of their favorite characters without having to deal with commercials. Plus, they get to see all of their friends without having to work around the TV schedule. So much easier for mom!

My girls LOVE fairy tales so to have their favorites dancing and singing and teaching them is amazing!

Pick up your copy in stores on online NOW!

And because Nick Jr wants every child to love their fairy tales, (1) of my readers will WIN this awesome DVD! Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!

**I received this DVD for review purposes only. All opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.** [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: diego dvd, Dora DVD, nickelodeon, nickelodoen favorites, once upon a rhyme, team umizoomie dvd

Clifford & Ms. Frizzle Teach Kids Science from The Young Scientists Clubed*

May 9, 2013 By Lori 45 Comments

It is never, ever, EVER too early to teach kids about the amazing world of Science and how it can enhance their lives. And when a friend, like Clifford, can help them learn amazing things – you know he is 50 in human years now, right? – why not introduce your kids to this vast world?

The Young Scientists Club is ready and willing to help your little one learn how to use a pipette, measure and mix with favorite characters like Clifford and Ms. Frizzle. If you don’t know Ms. Frizzle, you should! Check out this DVD I reviewed and LOVE!

I love all of these kits. From the Young Scientists series to the Adventure Science Series, there is a kit for everyone! Help your kids discover bubbles, rainbows and more and watch their imagination soar as they create amazing things!

Dogs love to chase bubbles, so who better to teach children about the intriguing science behind these soapy spheres than Clifford in the Bubble Science kit. Young Scientists will feel like real scientists when they use the Rainbow Science kit’s colorful lab tray, measuring cup, test tubes, pipette, and funnel to perform their experiments. If you’re still craving more fun with the Big Red Dog and heaping helping of more science, just head to the kitchen for a snack and to get started on the Kitchen Science kit; featuring an exploding Volcano!

With the kitchen fully in post-science shambles, kids can head outside with Ms. Frizzle to learn about how the weather works with the Weather Lab and The Wonders of Nature kit. Young Scientists get to spin a pinwheel, make a tornado in a bottle, swirl a paper snake, recreate the water cycle, create a rain cloud, use a sundial, construct a barometer, catch a rainbow, and learn about the greenhouse effect.

My girls were lucky enough to get the Rainbow Science Kit and we have had soooo much fun with it! They learned to make rainbow book marks, LOVED pouring oil and water into the test tubes to see the rainbow bubbles and so, SO much more. We are still doing activities and science to this day.

The kits are comprehensive, easy to use and store and the instructions are super easy to read. The kit contains all of the things you need to measure, create and learn. Just add a few things from your home to make the experiments complete!

These are AWESOME and fun and educational and none of them include a TV!

Help your kids get the science bug with the new Clifford and Ms. Frizzle kits from The Young Scientists Club! You will be so glad you did!

And because every child should have a chance to learn, (1) of my readers will WIN a Clifford or Ms. Frizzle Kit of their own! Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!

**I received this product for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.*

Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: clifford, ms. frizzle, science kits, the young scientist club

My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic – Princess Twilight Sparkle DVD Review & Clip

May 7, 2013 By Lori 2 Comments

**I received this movie for review purposes only.**

Hasbro Studios and Shout! Kids Factory are teaming up to create one of the most fun franchises in the little girls movie sector. My Little Pony was a loved character by me when I was a little girl and I am so excited to bring them to my daughter’s. And as the movie franchise grows, so does my girls love for them all!

Out on DVD now, My Little Pony, Friendship is Magic: Princess Twilight Sparkle, includes 5 episodes that will thrill your little one. Ponyville is full of friends, adventures and lessons that every girl will love.

On this DVD the stories center around Twilight, a pony that learns Celestia’s most valuable lesson: the meaning of true friendship. And as she learns to work with others and understand her strengths, she earns her Princess wings and has all new adventures and responsibilities as a princess.

See a clip below:

Along with the awesome episodes, the DVD includes bonus materials as well. There are printable coloring sheets on the DVD and a sing-along that my girls LOVE!

Be sure to pick up the entire line of toys for My Little Pony as well online and in stores!

And get all of the My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic movies for your little girls courtesy of Hasbro and Shout! Factory Kids!

**I received this movie for review purposes only. All writings and opinions are mine. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.**

Filed Under: Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews

Angry Birds StarWars Millennium Boost Game Review + Discount Code & FLASH Givaway

May 4, 2013 By Lori 2 Comments

**I received this game for review purposes only. All writings and opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.**

May 4th, 2013 marks a HUGE day for Angry Bird and Star Wars fans combined! It is National Star Wars Day and Hasbro has just the games to help you celebrate!

Use the Promo Code SWFANDAY for 20% off any Star Wars toy on HasbroToyShop.com, only on May 4th!* That means you can pick up some of Hasbro’s great Angry Birds Star Wars games and toys, based on the hit mobile game from Rovio Entertainment!

Now. Why should you be excited about this besides the fact that you can enter to WIN the Angry Birds StarWars Millennium Boost game at the end of this review? Because this game ROCKS and Hasbro and StarWars have teamed up to create some serious fun for your family!

I go this game last week and the first chance my girls and I had, we set it up to play! It took no time at all to create the StarWars ship. And a super cleaver idea? They use the inside of the box as the background to the ship! My kids loved that!

The basic concept is akin to the actual Angry Birds game. Set them up and knock them down! Set them up again, throw the Angry Bird balls, and knock them down . Each player gets a turn and everyone gets a turn at throwing the balls at the birds on the ship and knocking them off. My kids has a BLAST playing this and it was out in the living room for their throwing enjoyment!

And Angry Bird fan and any StarWars fan will love this game and it should be on the Family Game Night list for sure!

Want to see how much your family loves it? Enter the 6 hour only giveaway below and win this game for your family! You will love it!

All you do is leave a comment on my Facebook Page! Check for the link to this giveaway!!

**I received this game for review purposes only. All writings and opinions are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.**

Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews

Thanks to HABA, Götz Dolls are Back in the US and My Daughter is IN Love

May 3, 2013 By Lori 1 Comment

**I received this product for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my disclosure statement for more information!**

My youngest daughter, Megan, is a mommy in the making. She has baby dolls galore and baby beds, accessories and a heart that loves them all individually. She has always been that way and does not seem to be outgrowing her compassion for her dolls, which I am happy to see.

One of her absolute favorite things to do with her dolls is to fix their hair. But she wants to do more than just brush it. She wants to wash it, dry it, ‘play cut’ it and more. Unfortunately, most of her dolls now have matted hair as a result.

But her newest doll is a treasure. And not just because she is beautiful and she “sleeps” – which Megan LOVES – but because she is the only doll we have that has hair meant to be played with!!! Yep, Götz dolls, made in Germany, are back in the US and my daughter is IN LOVE!

Get awesome ideas on how to style and play with the hair on the Götz Doll YouTube Channel.

We got the so, so sweet Maxy Aquina doll and Megan was smitten from the beginning. She immediately took her and put her to bed. She was amazed that her eyes closed.

Since we got her, Megan has taken her on bike rides and given her baths with her little frog she comes with and her blanket. See this video below to see what else this doll does that she loves:

I’m sorry, I had to pause for the cute.

The doll we got is from the Aquinis line. They are vinyl or soft-bodied bath babies that are waterproof and can be purchased either anatomically correct and not (unisex) depending on the preference of the parent. Some Aquinis are even able to drink and use the potty, which is especially great for children who are being potty-trained!

And another thing I, personally, love, is that I can wash this doll in the washing machine. Yep, you heard that correctly! Place the doll in a pillowcase, turn the water to cold, delicate cycle, then let the doll lie, belly down, until dry! Only the standing dolls can’t be washed like this.

If you have a little girl of any age that loves her baby dolls, the entire line of Götz dolls brought back to the US by HABA Toys, are perfect, expertly made, long lasting babies. Get yours now and watch her become your daughter’s favorite toy too!

**I received this product for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my disclosure statement for more information!**

Filed Under: Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: aquini doll, baby doll, baby dolls, children, gotz doll, haba, haba toys

Big Cookies are A New Kind of YUMMY + Discount Code & Dozen Cookie Giveaway Expired

April 30, 2013 By Lori 50 Comments

Just go ahead right now and get your milk, put your feet up and get ready to bite into a Big Cookie that you will not want to share – no matter how cute your kids are!

Started by an Engineer – yes, a man – who was so completely awesome at baking cookies that co-workers productivity went down 96% (OK, I made that up, but his office was full of cookie hungry people wanting more!), Big Cookie is a labor of true talent and love. Aaron – that’s the baker – quit his job, tightened his apron and changed his life. All for the love of cookies.

And in each Big Cookie - they weigh 2.63 ounces each…. uh huh! – is a delicate blend of flavors and sweet tooth satisfying morsels that will make any cookie monster sit down and savor every.little.bite.

Raising my hand as the ever so willing cookie monster, I was the very lucky recipient of a Big White Chocolate Pecan Crunch cookie, a Big Oatmeal Raisin Harvest Cookie and the cleverly flavored Big Smooth Butterscotch Walnut cookie.

Yes, I will pause for your “lucky duck” whisperings under your breath!

Now… I can tell you the truth, right? I can trust you with the deep, dark secret that these cookies lasted in my house for about 15 minutes. And though I let me kids have bites… nibbles…. well, crumbs, actually, I can trust that you will understand my weakness for expertly created bakery items.

The flavor is amazing. Deep, rich layers of sweetness- but not too sweet – make Big Cookies very edible in one sitting. These are surprisingly light cookies, dense in weights and ingredients, but easy to eat. And though one should probably only enjoy one at a time, it is nearly impossible not to crave another instantly.

I am proof.

Me and my empty box.

Luckily, I can use the discount code, BC10-motherhood to get 10% off my 1st order through May 31, 2013! You can use it too. And I highly recommend that you use it. Now. You’ll thank me, I promise!

Because Big Cookie is generous on more than the quality ingredients and size of their cookies, (1) of my readers will WIN a Dozen! And I bet a bonus cookie weighing 7 ounces will come with your order too!

LIKE BIG COOKIE LLC ON FACEBOOK

Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!

**I received the products above for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.** [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews

Octonauts Toys Are a HUGE Hit for my Fans of the Show

April 29, 2013 By Lori 1 Comment

Sound the OCTO-ALERT! Octonaut Toys have hit retailers everywhere! And when they swam into my house, I was the coolest mom on the planet forever and ever and ever!

Fisher Price has developed these toys based on the beloved Disney Junior show, Octonauts. My kids play with all of the fun characters from the his show on DisneyJunior.com, so to have Kwazii, Captain Barnacles and all of their other favorite characters come home was A MAZ ING!

It all started with the fun and imagination grabbing Fisher-Price Disney’s Octonauts Octopod Playset. I put it together in no time and my kids squealed and laughed as they acted out shows they have seen and added their own special story telling skills!

Watch as my kids explain to me who everyone is:

We also received the Octo-Compass (a HUGE hit that my kids can carry EVERYWHERE with them), the awesome submarine, GUP-B & Kwazii, Barnicles & Tunip, GUP-C & Shellington, Kwazii & the Slime Eel, and CUP-D & Barnicles!

Yep – we are an Octonaut house and, I have to tell you, as much as my kids play with this and talk about sea life and the transfer of knowledge they use from the show to the toys is impressive, I am more than thrilled to help their imagination expand with the whole collection!

Check out the slideshow below to see more:

I love how awesome these toys are. From the color changing sea life that comes with each set to the stickers for the Octopod that have my kids pretending to launch to explore, there is something in every set that will capture your children’s attention.

The Octopos is home, or ‘base’ as my kids call it, and when Peso, Kwazii and the gang head out in their submarines to explore underwater worlds and rescues stranded sea creatures, Captain Barnacles holds down the fort. And for my kids, when they get everyone safely back to the Octopod, they have saved the day! Just like their friends on the show! So I would say any collection starts with the purchase of the Octopod!

My children have almost every sea creature in the tub now and they put the air helmet on Barnicles and take him swimming. It is such a treat to watch and enjoy! They get so excited when some of them change colors and their eyes light up as they talk about each one and squirt each other with the Eel!

It is a true joy to see my children interacting with toys that can make a difference in how they see the world, the environment and themselves in it!

**I received these products for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.**

Filed Under: Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: disney junior, kids toys, kwazii, octonaut, octonaut toys, octopod

MOTORWORKS Customizable Cars from Manhattan Toy Review & Giveaway Expired

April 29, 2013 By Lori 23 Comments

Don’t tell me girls don’t like cars! And that they don’t like to drive them, customize them and crash them into each other just as any other child would! My girls are IN LOVE with their new MOTORWORKS cars! Especially since the accessories kits available to help make them their own are super fun and give them bragging rights!

We were very lucky to receive the XT-Sports 1.0, the FX Tuner Wagon and the Custom Car Decals to play with!

Here is what I LOVE about these cars:

* My kids have not managed to destroy them! This is BIG here -as my little one just snapped a toy necklace that she got yesterday and sent the beads flying all over the place. They are made of durable wood that does not seem to dent, scratch or split. They are soft to the touch – no splintering to worry about- and are not too heavy for my kids to fling down the hallway for optimum crash activity!

* They all come apart in pieces so that the kids can use their fine motor skills to put them back together! The tops come off, the wheels and even the underframe. My little one has had so much fun teaching herself how to put the cars back together.

See my kids telling what they love about these cars:

* There are a lot of different styles of cars! The collection includes three different trim levels: Street Series, Speed Series and Extreme Series. We got ours from the Street Series. But it was very hard to choose! They wanted them all and I am definitely adding to their collection on birthdays!

* Every car available can use the accessories kits to make them super special for your kid. From lift kits to super cool racing wheels, these accessories make these cars unique!! MOTORWORKS™ is the only line of customize-able wooden toy vehicles, accessories and play sets.

My girls had a BLAST decorating their cars with the decals. And they still move them, swap them, share them and play with them to this day. And we have had the cars a few weeks.

I think that these are the perfect safe, imagination encouraging cars and Manhattan Toys wants you to love them too!

ONE (1) of my readers will WIN A car and accessory pack of their choice! Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!

**I received this product for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my disclosure statement for more information!** [Read more...]

Filed Under: Giveaway, Product Review, Product Reviews, Reviews Tagged With: accessory kits for motorworks, cars, manhattan toy, motorworks, motorworks wooden cars, play cars, wooden cars

Labriola Pretzel Bread Recipes That are Delicious + 5 Winner Giveaway Expired

April 29, 2013 By Lori 13 Comments

I am always looking for new and fun ways to feed me and my kids. Anything that can be fun and nutritional is on my radar! So when I found out that Labriola Pretzel Bread was being sold at Costco nationwide, I had to see what this was about!

I was lucky enough to get a bag of the Pretzel Slider Buns and I could not wait to open them up! And I was glad I did not wait. This rich, hearty bread has a light flavor and is something unique to offer my kids! I was boring and topped the slider buns with ham and cheese and egg salad, but there are some amazing recipes you can make as well!

TEMPURA PRETZEL BREAD WITH ICE CREAM

Recipe courtesy of Jess De Guzman-Executive Chef-Sunda and Mike Morales-Executive Sous
Chef-Sunda

Ingredients
8-10 pcs. Labriola Pretzel Bread, cut into 1 -2” pieces
3/4 cup beer (do not use a dark beer!)
3/4 cup rice flour
3/4 teaspoon salt
1/4-1/2 teaspoon scichimi togarashi (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder (optional or to taste)
vegetable oil (for deep frying)
1 cup chocolate sauce
1 cup caramel sauce
powdered sugar

Directions
In a bowl whisk beer with the rice flour until very smooth. Add in salt and garlic powder and chili pepper (if using). Let sit out at room temperature for 10 minutes. Heat oil to 375 degrees. Dredge the pretzel bread into the batter coating completely with batter, letting any excess drip off. Deep-fry turning once until golden (about 3 minutes). Transfer to a plate lined with paper towels. Place tempura pretzel bread in a bowl, add your favorite ice cream. Top with chocolate sauce, caramel sauce and powdered sugar.

KOBE SLIDER ON PRETZEL BUN- KEWPIE MAYO, SRIRACHA KETCHUP

Recipe courtesy of Jess De Guzman-Executive Chef-Sunda and Mike Morales-Executive Sous
Chef-Sunda

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce
2 tablespoons granulated sugar
4 ounces pineapple juice
1 ounce fresh ginger, peeled and chopped
2 ounces shallots, chopped
½ cup kewpie mayonnaise
½ cup ketchup
1 tablespoon sriracha hot sauce

1 lb high quality ground beef (such as wagyu)
1 1/2 teaspoons onion powder
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon curry powder
3 green onions, chopped, green part only
12 Labriola Pretzel Rolls, sliced in half
12 slices triple-cream brie cheese (sliced very thin)

Directions

To prepare the glaze: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine soy sauce, sugar and pineapple juices, ginger and the white parts of the 3 green onions. Cook until mixture is reduced by half. Strain the liquid and discard the solids. Makes 1/2 cup. Set aside.

To prepare the soy-ginger mayo: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise and 1 tablespoon of theprepared glaze, above. Chill.

To prepare the sliders: In a mixing bowl, combine the beef, 1 tablespoon of the prepared soy ginger glaze (above), onion powder, garlic powder and the green parts of the 3 green onions. Form into 12 patties. Set aside. Preheat oven to 300 degrees. Preheat the grill or a griddle.

Place the bottom half of the rolls, cut side up, on a serving platter and dress with a teaspoon of the soy ginger mayo. Place the top half of the rolls, cut side up, on a baking sheet and top with the cheese slices. Heat in the oven until the cheese is softened, about 5 minutes. Meanwhile, grill or sear the patties until they reach the desired doneness. Place the patties on the bottom half of the buns, brush with soy ginger glaze and top with the other half of the bun and serve.

Don’t these look amazing? My kids and I have these on my list for our trip to Costco later this month and then I am all over trying even more delicious recipes! Like top them with butter, tomatoes and Swiss cheese and bake? Oh – my – YUM!

Next time you are at Costco, pick up some and create some delicious fun for your family!

And to even further show excitement for this great baking company, (5) of my readers will WIN Labriola Pretzel Bread Slider Buns! Just enter below and GOOD LUCK!

**I received this product for review purposes only. All opinions and writings are my own. Please see my Disclosure Statement for more information.** [Read more...]