Thumbuddy to Love Review/Giveaway from Mompact

Thumbuddy is the cutest invention that I've seen to date to help children stop thumb sucking! Not to mention it is a product invented by moms, for moms, it was awarded PTPA Award and Mom’s Choice Award!

Why you should stop thumb sucking:
                

Thumb sucking can create a very embarrasing situation for children, it can cause a misalignement of the teeth and jaw, speech problems, a raised palate, and it can cause icky calluses and infections due to germs. It is recommended that children stop thumb sucking by the American Dental Association. That is where Thumb Buddy comes into action, it is a safe, innovative, hygenic way of weening children off of thumb sucking. Thumbuddy is suited for both boys and girls, and there is even a Binky Fairy too! (Find Thumbuddy on Facebook) Retails at $24.99

I've been relatively lucky with Isabella being two, never really took to a pacifier or sucking her thumb for comfort, but recently she's starting sucking her two fingers (index & middle) and I remember our youngest before her did that all the way until 7 years old and guess what? Now she needs braces. So in attempts to avoid this, I've introduced the Thumbuddy to Isabella.

She Immediately identified with the princess ballerina and wanted to read the story, once I showed her how the princess ballerina is supposed to "hang out", she wanted to keep her there all the time. I really enjoyed the adorable story and it made for an enjoyable fun and positive way to putting an end to the sucking of the fingers, a way that won't leave any "scars" and it'll provide her with an alternative way of comforting herself without having to suck her thumb. In the back of the book, there is a little chart, for every day she doesn't suck her fingers, she'll get a sticker added to her chart, what a way to implement positive rewards too!

Kids learn best through positive encouragement and reinforcement, always remember to be patient too! "You can do it"!

Mompact is giving away an awesome prize pack in their Meet the Moms Giveaway : AqueDuck, Baby Dipper Bowl, 3R Cards Chore Chart, Antsy Pants, and the Thumbuddy for a total $100 Value

You can enter it here or on the Mompact Facebook Page:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer: I received this review opportunity as part of Mompact.com. All opinions expressed are my own.

Until Next Time,

New and Improved Vaseline® Total Moisture® - Smiley 360

I love Smiley360 Missions because you never know what to expect each time they ask you to take a survey to qualify for the next mission. This was a mission where they sent me an unmarked tube of lotion to sample. I supposed they wanted me to try the lotion out without a biased opinion. I loved it, though the scent (while decadent) smelled familiar, but I couldn't pinpoint it.

It wasn't until Smiley360 unveiled the true contents of the tube that I was "oh...but of course".

Now I've got some super dry, cracked, ashy skin and there aren't too many lotions that smell good (in my opinion) that can both conquer my level of dryness, by making my skin feel soft, silky and smooth, all the while smelling delicious. But Vaseline Total Moisture did it for me.

Why?

Vaseline Total Moisture is supposed to provide your skin with a "clean feeling lotion for healthy soft skin". The NEW formula contains pure oat extract  and stratys -3 multi-layer moisture, which is supposed to promote deep down moisture in a quick absorbing formula.

It comes in three different scents:

Aloe Fresh: Light feeling lotion for healthy fresh skin
Total Mositure: Clean feeling lotion for healthy soft skin
Cocoa Radiant: Rich feeling lotion for healthy glowing skin

Which brings me back to my initial statement, it is hard for a lotion to both smell good and show true results, Vaseline Total Moisture states that it is a multi-layer moisture, meaning that it's going to infuse your skin at each layer of  your skin! Now that is impressive.

What lotion are you currently using? Does it stack up against Vaseline Total Moisture? Or does it fall flat between hand washings?

For more information:

New and Improved Vaseline® Total Moisture®: Thx @VaselineBrand 4 my free #TotalMoisture! Click 4 a chance 2 claim yours http://on.fb.me/HhJ2E7 limited supply

**I received a free sample courtesy of Smiley360 in order to provide my thoughts and opinions. I was not compensated nor asked for this post. All thoughts and opinions expressed are in fact my own.**

Until Next Time,

Recalls Plus ~ SheSpeaks (Review)

When I was younger, I never worried about anything, I just floated through life carelessly, freely, and didn't stop and think about the products I was using or consuming on a regular basis and how dangerous they could be... But now that I'm a parent, I've got to be concerned with more than just my well-being, I have to have care and concern for the welfare and well-being of 4 children. I tell you what, no one ever told me having 4 children would be something of a juggling magician act, I'm amazed at how I keep it all together, make it from point A to point B, both on time and in one piece with everything I need, my life is so on the go, that I don't have the time to stop and research this product or that product, or really focus on if that toy my child is using was recalled, or if that food she's consuming has something in it, that she shouldn't be digesting. That is why I am so grateful to SheSpeaks for introducing me to the Recalls Plus App.

This App is super handy for me especially since I'm constantly on the go, it helps me keep track of my children's product and food allergen recalls all on my handy dandy iPhone! (Its not just for iPhone either, its also available on Facebook and Android as well)

About Recalls Plus (Taken directly from Recalls Plus):
Recalls Plus is a newly launched app that helps busy parents to proactively monitor recalls on their kids’ strollers, cribs, toys, formula, and other items for greater safety and peace of mind. The app is created by SAP, a market leader in software applications whose vision is to help the world run better.

Our diverse team consists of parents and others who are focused and passionate about parenting issues -- working around the clock to make sure we don’t miss catching a recall on kid’s products or food with undeclared allergens. Recalls Plus is designed and built for busy parents like you so you can focus on the important things in your life.

Recalls Plus is created by SAP—a market leader in enterprise application software, who’s vision is to help the world run better. Recalls Plus marks the first consumer-facing app developed by SAP – and more apps are on the way!

So what I love about Recalls Plus is that it is a useful and resourceful tool that can be used around the clock and is accessible virtually anywhere so long as I have my handy dandy iPhone with me, and it was completely easy to use.

1. Choose your option

2. Add your product

3. Click Done!

Simple as that!

Now that you've read a little about RecallsPlus and seen a little bit on how it works, want to download the app? Download RecallsPlus App

You can connect with Recalls+ via Twitter by using @shespeaksup & @recallsplus using #RecallsPlus hashtag

Disclaimer: I am being compensated for this post, thoughts and opinions expressed within this post are in no way shape or form influenced, they are in fact my own. 

Until Next Time,

Three Pretty Young Ladies ~*Wordless Wednesday*~

Spur of the moment photo opportunity! I love these girls... Now  if only I could get my son to strike a pose every now and again, that would be great!


Until Next Time,

Easy Canvas Prints Review

I've always dreamed of being an artist, the thought of painting a portrait on canvas, ah so beautiful. But I can admit, that dream never came to fruition, my ability to be able to create proportional faces, well, my rough sketches seemed to have favored the all so famous Picasso.

Picasso's Portrait of Dora Marr

So I put that dream to rest, so how on Earth would I have perfectly posed portraits on canvas hung throughout my home? Well, of course, Photos on Canvas would be a great alternative. I was very excited to learn about Easy Canvas Prints, an easy, affordable, and exquisite site that would enable me to have those photo portraits that I craved.

Now, you go to the website,  select the size of the canvas, the canvas wrap thickness, and upload your photograph (you can even grab photos that you've uploaded to Facebook, I really love that), the site will indicate the quality of the photograph (awesome tool, especially when using photographs taken from a cell phone, it indicated that the above photograph was of good quality),you can then adjust your photograph, click next, pick your display and border options, click next, you choose your optional color finishing and image retouching (items that are optional require an additional fee) and then add it to your cart! Wasn't that easy?

Right now, canvases of any size are 25% off with FREE standard shipping, so the above 8x10 canvas will run you just under $34!

Don't you love that? I know I do!!! I'm seeing a beautifully taken family portrait on an 11x14 canvas for Father's Day in my future!!!

For more information or to connect with Easy Canvas Prints visit the following links below:

On the Web
Facebook
Twitter
Pintrest

Until Next Time,

StyleUnited Review

I just love SheSpeaks, a site where women collaborate together, share their thoughts and opions and yes, sample great products in exchange for their honest thoughts and opinions. Now they've partnered up to share StyleUnited!

Style United is a NEW website  brought to you by brands including Olay, Frederic Fekkai, DDF Skincare and Cover Girl, where beauty meets fashion, a site where your you'll compose your stylefile and gain knowledge on what products will work for you, based on your likes and dislikes. With this level of personalization, beauty tools, and expert support, you're sure to find a style that is perfectly suited just for you!

There are several different pieces to this website, starting with my StyleFile, the style file houses information on your style. My Fashion Style is "Edgy Bold with a hint of Casual Cool", in there I'm able to find information about my likes/dislikes/style choices in Fashion, Make Up, Hair, and Skin, this information is based on the the activities through Style 360 where you'll be able to actually build your stylefile based on your selections within the quizzes offered. It's your own virtual makeover diagnostic tool, this is very exciting because I've been wanting to go from drab to fab and this tool has been giving me ideas on how to spice up my wardrobe. Once my profile is complete, Style United gives me a series of products that are suitable to my style and I have the opportunity to purchase those items as well through various retailers. I took the fashion focus quiz and loved some of the items they recommended, so I wanted to share my choices with you and gauge your opinion, what do you think?:

There is still so much more for me to explore, I think this is a site that I'd probably visit on a weekly basis, see if my likes have change, what new ideas I can incorporate into my fashion regime and connect with other like-minded beauty fashionistas in my inner circle (inner circle is where you can connect with your most trusted ladies and collaborate on fashion, beauty, share tips, gain advice and then some). Plus I can go 1-on-1 with a beauty expert live if I wanted to as well. In addition to the aforementioned, you can visit StyleUnited and learn about current fashion tips & trends, as well as gain knowledge on Beauty News, new products and recommendations just for you!

Fashion for me is not just how I look, but it is how I feel, so I'm not one to fall into what is on trend if it doesn't feel good or like its a right fit for me, but I'm also all about trying something different and new, so I'm hoping with the help of StyleUnited, I can learn how to incorporate some of that Edgy Bold and Casual Cool style that apparently exudes from my inner fashionista.

For more information or to connect with StyleUnited:
Connect online
Connect via Twitter & use hashtag #StyleUnited
To join

Disclaimer: I've been introduced to StyleUnited by SheSpeaks, I am a member of the site and the blogger society, I am not being compensated for this post, however, I will receive a small gift as a token of their appreciation for my participation in the StyleUnited Program.All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

Until Next Time,

Unique Expressions of Love ~* Wordless Wednesday *~

As I went to prepare breakfast for myself, I found this very unique expression of love from one of my adorables! I've yet to discover which one of my little lovies left this message, but it warmed my heart! In what unique ways do you express your love?

Until Next Time,

My Eldest Girls ~* Wordless Wednesday *~

"My Eldest Girls"
As you grow older,
the more beautiful you become,
you've got a powerful combination
beauty, brains, and big hearts,
I plan for your future,
steer and guide you the best I can,
I pray when the day comes,
you'll choose the right man,
but for now,
we'll focus on what matters most,
your education,
your future,
and the ones you hold close,
you are my heart,
my beautiful blessings from above,
no matter what, you'll always have my love.
I pray and hold you dear,
~*My Eldest Girls*~

Copyright © 2012

4 Years in the making and Dryel (Review)

Today is a very special day in the Powell household. It is a day to be remembered and celebrated. After 4 long grueling years of hard work, dedication, and determination, my husband graduates from his Electrical Apprenticeship.  Oh most will say, congrats, good for you, awesome, but I want to shout it from the rooftops, because the road to get here, wasn't always easy. In order to be enrolled in an Electrical Apprenticeship School, you have be employed with a firm that lets you practice being an Electrician, there have been road blocks (jobs shutting down, don't know if you'll be placed) and forks (2 lay-offs) in the road... with that dreadful thought of giving up and pursuing an alternative career altogether. Perseverance prevailed and we decided together that this goal would become a reality against all odds fighting against us.

But what makes today so special you ask? There aren't too many occasions that we get to dress up, go out and mingle together, and today is an actual celebration, his graduation! Being so proud of my husband, I wanted to look and feel as radiant as I feel about his accomplishment. I'm not much of a get all dolled up kind of lady, but I like to look nice, while keeping it simple, there is no way I want to outshine my man tonight!

I'm entrusting my outfit to Dryel. I'll admit that my husband was afraid to entrust his digs to dryel, but I'll try anything once and I'm praying that I won't regret it. dryel is made for special care clothes, hand washables, fine fabrics and dry clean only garments... The kit includes a Cleaning Booster, 2 ULTRAcleaning Cloths, and a reusable Fabric Protection Bag, and in just 30 short minutes you've saved yourself a trip to the dry cleaner...


 The process was relatively simple. Open dryel's reusable Fabric Protection Bag, open and unfold the ULTRAcleaning Cloth and place in bag, zip bag shut and place in dryer on medium heat for 30 minutes.... That is where I hold steadfast, waiting for my dryers buzzer to buzz indicating that it is done......

30 Minutes Elapsed Time......

So I pulled my clothes out of the dryer, I can admit that there was a fresh scent, but they didn't have that dry cleaned appearance, slightly disappointed, I've placed them back into the dryer on my regular drying cycle and wondering if because it didn't receive high heat, well that may be why it just didn't wow me..... Working for another 30 mins elapsed time....

After waiting an additional 30 minutes with an adjustment to the heat, I felt a little better about my clothes, granted they'll still need to be pressed for ultimate beautification and that Dry Cleaner feeling, but overall I love the way my clothes felt and smelled. My dryer along with dryel could be trusted with my special clothes! 

Note: The ULTRAcleaning cloth was a little blue tinged, I didn't see any problems with my garments, but it is definitely something to watch when entrusting it with very special clothing items.

Disclosure: I received a sample of dryel in order to share my true thoughts and opinions, I was not compensated for this post.

Until Next Time,

 

Live Below The Line May 7th - May 11th on $1.50 a Day

What is Live Below the Line:

Live Below the Line is a campaign that challenges individuals and communities to eat and drink on just $1.50 per day for 5 days. By exposing participants to a glimpse of some of the daily difficulties experienced by the 1.4 billion people who live in extreme poverty every day, for everything, the campaign provides a unique window into understanding the realities of life for so many. --Taken from BzzAgent.

Why I'm choosing to Live Below the Line:

I've decided that my entire family and I would participate in this campaign to our fullest capabilities, not just because it would save us money, teach us a different way of living, but because it would expose us to the realities of so many people around the world today, and essentially it would teach us to appreciate the things we do have. We will be "Living Below The Line" May 7th - May 11th.

I'm going to be upfront and honest by telling you that I cannot hold my children 100% accountable while they are at school because well they eat both breakfast and lunch at school, but I will say that I hope to keep my mother and my husband completely below the line.


I briefly considered not shopping at all, working with the items that we currently have in the house. Specifically because, we tend to overlook what is in the cabinet and go with what we want to eat for that day, or week, then we'll over shop, well over buy and we'll over stock, things end up hiding in the back of the pantry that we never knew or realized we had. But I wanted to prove that I could spend just $52.50 and feed my entire family for the week, sticking to the campaign as much as possible was going to be an extreme challenge.

With that being said, I had to use my use of coupons and thrifty shopping in order to make this work, I shopped somewhere I've never shopped before and spent about 75% of my budget there, but was able to add a little luxury to the meal plan.

The shopping trip to Aldi's:

Canned Vegetables: Carrots, Green Beans, Corn & Mushrooms (2 each)
Bag of Idaho Potatoes
Bag of Rice
Penne Pasta
Lactose Free 1/2 of Milk
1 Gallon of Vitamin D Whole Milk
2 Cartons of Eggs (if I don't use both, I'll be able to reduce my budget)
4 Cans of Tuna
4 Cans of Vienna Sausages
2lbs. of Chicken Breast
1 12pk box of Ramen Noodles
________________________________
Total: $33.79

The next shopping trip was for what I call a little luxury, for those whom I've coerced into doing this with me, these are the luxurious items they require to maintain their happiness and functionality....

The Shopping Trip to Shopper's Food Warehouse:

2 packs of instant decaf coffee (these were $1.00 a piece, hoping to use just one package)
1 Jar of Jiffy Peanut Butter
2 Loaves of Martin's Potato Bread
1 Jug of Coffee Creamer
________________________________
Total: 18.46 (It was actually $16.46, but I added $2 for the Jelly already in house)

Totaling: 52.25

Where I've already failed: I didn't account for items that I have on hand that I use to season or cook with, I'm going to have to either not use some items purchased in this week's meals or I'm going to be over budget by not accounting for the items I cook with.  Bonus though is that I can divvy out what I will use for the week and then divide the cost by what it would cost for that portion I'm going to use! OUTSTANDING! I've already decided that my goal is not to exceed one carton of eggs, and perhaps not to use the tuna, then I'll have room for my condiments and such.

It's going to be a rough tight week... Wish me luck!

(Please note that if the items aren't used, I will deduce my budget by that sum)

I'm requesting that all of my readers please find out about this cause, visit me on the web at Live Below the Line, and if you're so inclined please donate to the cause.

Final Notes:

I'm a member of BzzAgent, BzzAgent introduced me to this campaign, I have not been required to post, influenced to post and am not being compensated for this post in any way, shape, or form. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I was not required to LIVE BELOW THE LINE to share this campaign, It was only requested that I become knowledgeable and share the campaign with others, anything outside of that scope was a decision made solely by me.

Scrapbooking with Tombow (Review)

Lately, I've been thinking about the future, considering what will I be leaving behind. When I think back to my childhood, there are many gaps, I'll be told stories about things we'd done and places we've been, but there is nothing documented for me to be able to get a visual of that, and it makes me kind of sad. I love learning about the past and history, I love flipping through photo books and looking at all of the old photographs and learning the story behind them, but I don't really have that, my family didn't document our lives, our traditions, our comings and goings, there are no photographs cataloged or strategically placed in albums, I've got nothing?!

Sad, but true, so I decided that it was important for me to document for my children. It is rather sad, but my greatest accomplishment this year, was finally filling an entire album. Now I have so many more pictures, that I need more albums! I love creating photo books, and designing photographs, but my most favorite treasure, is scrapbooking. It really creates "art" for your photographs, it takes a lot more time and creativity and that is something I want my children to treasure and enjoy in the future.

This photographs shows of postcards and notes and trinkets from our trip to Savannah, GA. For me it doesn't always have to be anything specific or themed, but I love buying postcards from every place I stop, and so they will all eventually make their way into this book or into an album.

When I started this book, I began using the glue stick that came with the book, and as I review the pages, I'm noticing that the edges (I assumed I smothered in enough glue), are now raising, I'm wondering how long will these photographs stay in place. One of the ideas of this said SMASH book was that everything you need is right there in place for you to just SMASH and go, but it doesn't help if my smashing designs are lifting at the seams, does it? So I was really excited to be introduced to Tombow Adhesive Glue. This is a permanent, acid free, adhesive glue, just perfected suited for archival projects such as my delectable Smash,  and especially safe for photographs!

What I like, appreciate and love about the product:

Tombow adhesive glue is so easy to use. I simply lined the edges of my postcard (it displayed a blue tint, so I knew where I was placing the glue) with one downward swipe of the ergonomic Tombow Adhesive Glue Applicator. There wasn't any excess residue or over use of the product necessary to secure the postcard, which really saves on waste.

The glue applicator has a cap so it doesn't accidentally unravel or get items accidentally stuck to it, as I don't have the best storage system for my scrapbook tools.

Tombow adhesive glue secures my photographs into place instantaneously (no wait time, no drying necessary), after I lined the edges, I decided on the placement and set it on the page. It was just that easy!

And lastly, it has super convenient refills... so you're not spending extra cash to buy a whole new applicator, and you're also recycling and saving on waste. I love that!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.


Until Next Time,