Uncle Goose United States Blocks

OK moms!  If you are anything like me, you are always on the quest for the best gifts for your little ones!  I want things that are unique, well-made, will last a long time, are educational AND fun!  That's a hard list to fill, but I've done it!  Uncle Goose has some AMAZING blocks!!!!  And they've gone WAY past the traditional alphabet and number blocks - although they have those too and they are also amazing!  But they've taken the learning block to a WHOLE NEW LEVEL with their United States Blocks!!!



Green Toys Dump Truck Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

If you read my blog at all, you've seen many RAVE reviews of Green Toys!  I can't say enough good things about this company!  Their toys are made in the US - which is a BIG DEAL to me.  Their toys are environmentally friendly - they are all made from recycled milk jugs!  Seriously!  Their toys are all ADORABLE -  I haven't seen ONE item that wasn't well-thought-out and absolutely cuter than words!  And their customer service is fantastic! - I once had a small issue with a toy and they responded immediately and went way above and beyond to fix the issue!  (And this was handled as a customer.  It was a toy I had purchase, not one I received for review, so I did not inform them that I was a blogger.  Customer Service has no idea who I am, so this was handled well because they are fantastic, not because I'm a blogger.)  But I have a new favorite characteristic of Green Toys - they make "boyish toys" for girls!  That's right!  I have two little girls who LOVE pink and purple, but they also love typical "boyish" toys - like tool sets and dump trucks.  What's a mom to do?  Shop at Green Toys, of course!!!

Kiwi Crate Thanksgiving Turkey Crate

You may have seen my previous reviews of Kiwi Crate.  If you haven't, you can check them all out HERE!  We LOVE LOVE LOVE Kiwi Crate in our house!  Not only do they send incredible boxes each month with crafts/projects for you and your little ones to do, but their boxes are exceptional!  They include EVERYTHING to make the 2-3 projects in the box!  And, unlike many craft subscriptions, if the craft requires crayons or markers, they usually include a FULL-SIZED package!!!  So you are constantly replenishing that stash of broken crayons and dried up markers!  (Come on!  Everyone with little kids knows all about broken crayons and markers that have dried up because the tops were left off!  LOL!)  Well, the folks at Kiwi Crate often make special edition crates as well and today I want to share one with you - the Thanksgiving Turkey Crate!

 

Burgers' Smokehouse Bacon Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I love bacon.  Let me say that again.  I LOVE bacon!  So when the folks at Burgers' Smokehouse offered to send me some bacon for review, I JUMPED on the opportunity!  I had already done a review of their Baby Back Ribs and a review of their Sauced Ribs, and my family and I thoroughly enjoyed those, so I was pretty sure their bacon would be awesome as well! - And I was right!  The awesome folks at Burgers' Smokehouse sent me 3 different types of bacon to review!  Holla!!!!

 

Now, tell me that isn't some bacon-y goodness right there!  :)

 

Erin Condren 2014 Life Planner Review and $30 in Discounts!!!!

OK.  I'm in love.  In love with my new Life Planner from Erin Condren!!!  It arrived today and I just love it so much!!!  And I got a great deal on it, which I'm gonna share with you guys!  But first, let me say, that I am so excited about how this is gonna help keep me organized!  This planner is so amazing!  It has room for everything!  And its SO PRETTY!!!!!  And now's the perfect time to order a planner for next year!  Go ahead and order it so you have time to transfer all of your numbers, birthdays, etc. before the new year starts!  Or make it a Christmas present! 

Citrus Lane October 2013 Boxes Review and 50% off Your First Box!!!

Its Citrus Lane time again!  WooHoo!   (Actually, these boxes arrived a couple of weeks ago, but we've been swamped with sickness, trips, and lots of other things so I'm just now getting around to the review.  Once again, Citrus Lane sent us some FABULOUS boxes and the girls loved them!!!  (By the way, if you are looking for a great Christmas or birthday gift - or a "just because I love you" gift - Citrus Lane is great!!!  Use this link and get $10 off!)

So here's what the girls got!  First, the baby!  This box was for an 8 month old -



Barefoot Books Holiday Book Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

You will soon see just how much I LOVE CHRISTMAS!!!!  We are BIG on Christmas in our house!!!  First, and foremost, we celebrate the birth of our Savior!  But we also love the family time, decorations and fun!  And I LOVE giving gifts!!!  One of my favorite gifts to give my kids is a good book!  After all, a good book will last for years, will inspire togetherness (as I read it to my child), and will instill a love of reading in my kids!!!  So I'm thrilled to be able to share a few, great Christmas books!!!

The first one is Fireside Stories - Tales for a Winter's Eve...

Wisconsin Cheeseman Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I was recently contacted by The Wisconsin Cheeseman about doing a review!  I was super excited!  (I gotta say, I LOVE reviews that have to do with food!  LOL!)  Over the past several weeks, I received 3 different packages from them that will give you an idea of what types of delicious items they have.  The first item I received was the Ultimate Snack Mix...



Shutter Huggers Christmas Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Yay!  Christmas is coming!  That means PICTURE TIME!!!!!  You may remember my previous review of Shutter Huggers.  They make ADORABLE stuffed animals that go on your camera or camera phone to help get your little one's attention during picture-taking time.  I mean, let's face it, it can be hard to get your kids to pay attention when you are taking pictures!  Well, at Christmas, its gonna be a LOT easier if you have one of these...



Sheila G's Brownie Brittle Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Yum!  That's really all I have to say in this review.  Seriously.  This won't be a long review because all I really have to say is YUM!!!!!!

Parenthood Survival Subscription Box Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

As many of you know, I LOVE LOVE LOVE a good subscription box!  There's nothing better than receiving a fun package each month!  Its like Christmas in the mailbox!  Haha!  So I was thrilled when I heard about a new subscription box - Parenthood Survival - and they offered to send me a box for review!



Mothers Month and "The Barefoot Book of Mother and Daughter Tales"

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I recently read about The Mothers Month Movement online.  (Mothers Month is November!!!)  This movement was the brainchild of  Ced Funches in preparation for the release of his childrens' book "A World Without Mothers."  Ced almost lost his mom to cancer, but she battled back and survived.  That experience inspired him to write his book and begin The Mothers Month Movement in an effort to inspire others to tell their moms just how much they love them!  What an amazing idea!!!

In honor of Mother's Month, I'd like to say a little about my mom.  She was funny, sweet, and EXTREMELY creative!  That's where I get my love of crafts from!  We could sit together and cross stitch for hours.  I have tons of things that she made for me and my family!  And those are true treasures now that she is gone.  (She passed away of pancreatic cancer 2 months before my first child was born.)  And she was always willing to help others.  I can remember seeing her pack the vacuum cleaner, broom, and all her cleaning supplies in her car and head over to the house of a sick friend to clean it for them.  She did that a lot.  I can't even count the number of chicken pot pies she made for people who were sick or had suffered a loss.  She had a servant's heart and I know she is rejoicing in heaven with her Savior now!

I thought this post would be a good time to also present another Barefoot Books collection to you guys - The Barefoot Book of Mother and Daughter Tales! 



The lovely folks at Barefoot Books sent me this collection for review and I thought it would be the perfect time!  This lovely book contains 10 classic tales of mothers and daughters from around the world: Demeter and Persephone (Greek), The Waterfall of White Hair (Chinese), Mother Holle (German), Vasilisa the Beautiful (Russian), Great Mother Earthquake (Iroquois), Snowflake (Slavonic), The Mother's Mirror (Japanese), Katanya (Turkish), The Girl and Her Grandmother (Norwegian), and Naomi and Ruth (Hebrew).  I love that the book contains stories from all over the world!  Its interesting to see how storytellers from different cultures describe the mother-daughter relationship.  And this book also makes a great educational tool because of it.  For example, the first story in the book is the Greek myth Demeter and Persephone.  This is a great story to ready if your child is studying Greek mythology in school.  The book also has 2 CDs - the stories narrated by Juliet Stevenson (Emma, Bend It Like Beckham, Mona Lisa Smile).  Her beautiful, British voice adds a lovely, sweet, motherly tone to the narration.

Now, in the spirit of The Mother's Month Movement, I encourage you to post a tribute to your own mom at mothersmonth.com.  And, if you like, please leave a little message to or about your mom here in the comments section of this post!  Moms deserve to be celebrated!

Check out all of the fabulous books at barefootbooks.com.

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If you'd like to learn how you can become a Barefoot Books Ambassador and earn money, you can do so Here. They will send you a free informational packet - including a free book for your family to enjoy.
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Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

PlaSmart "Squashed" Game Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Recently I was given the amazing opportunity to review one of PlaSmart's new games!  I was super excited!  There were several cool games to choose from, but I picked the super cool Squashed...

This game is pretty nifty!!!  Its very similar to games like parcheesi, but its 3D!!!  So you can actually "squash" your opponents!!!! 

Here's what PlaSmart has to say about this very creative game - "Squashed changes the paradigm of board games by forcing players to think in three dimensions. The very nature of the Squashed results in the cube being flipped multiple times, causing dramatic shifts in power in the omnipresent race to the top of the cube. Would you risk squashing one of your own pawns to take out many others? And should you align with players to take out a major threat? It all comes down to you. Play the game, think in three dimensions, and squash your competition out of the game!"

I think its so cool how the 3D nature of this game makes it very strategy-based.  For example, you can "squash" all of your opponents on one side of the board, but if you have pawns on that side they will get squashed too.  You have to decide if its worth it.  It makes it a very interesting and fun game to play!!!

And I LOVE LOVE LOVE how everything fits neatly inside the cube!  One of the biggest issues with board games is keeping all of the little pieces with the game.  But that's not an issue with this one!  Love it!!!!

You can check out all of the great toys and games at plasmarttoys.com

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Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

JumpingBalls.com Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Have you heard of jumpingballs.com?  They sell some really fun products for kids!  The awesome folks at Jumping Balls were kind enough to send me a couple of products for review!  I received 2 of these blue elephant Hop Balls...

Hatch Baby Essentials Cloth Diaper Accessories Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site. 

You may remember my previous review of the Hatch Baby Essentials "Curious About Cloth" Diaper Package.  That was the package that really converted me to cloth diapering!  The package is thorough - with lots of helpful info and lots of great starter items!  Well, now that I'm cloth diaper on a regular basis, the wonderful owner of Hatch Baby Essentials has sent me a few more items to help along my journey...

The Art Pantry Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site

I've mentioned it many times before, but we LOVE to do arts and crafts in our house!  My grandfather was an artist and my mom and her 2 brothers were/are all very talented as well.  My sister and I also inherited that gene.  My sister can take a plain wooden object and make it BEAUTIFUL!  (She got the painting gene.  LOL!)  Anyway, I'm always looking for ways to encourage artistic creativity in my little ones, so I was thrilled when I found The Art Pantry!

Dri-Line Cloth Diaper and Potty Training Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I recently had the opportunity to review a great company called Dri-Line Baby.  They sell cloth diapers, cloth training pants, and even waterproof pads!   Having one child who is potty training and one in cloth diapers, I was thrilled when they asked me to review a few items!!!  I received 2 cloth diapers, a pair of training pants, and a waterproof pad for review...



Adorable Boutique Knit Owl Scarf Flash Sale!!!

You may remember my reviews of My Giggle Box!  They are a kids' craft box subscription company and I love them!  Well, they've recently started selling boutique children's clothing and accessories!!!  And they are SUPER INCREDIBLE PRICES!!!!!!!  This week's Flash Sale item is a precious Knit Owl Scarf!  "These adorable scarves are made with a soft material so your little ones can stay warm and comfy all season long. They measure 6.5 inches wide and 42 inches long. On sale this week for only $5.99!"

 

 

How cute is this scarf!!!???!!!  You can purchase your own adorable owl scarf by clicking this link to their "Make Me Giggle" Deals Page.  Stay tuned!  More amazing deals to come!!!..  :)

Chicago Steak Company Cheesecakes Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.
Well, its always a good day when we get a package from Chicago Steak Company!  And the day these cheesecakes arrived was no exception!  Now, I'm just gonna be honest with you.  I don't like cheesecake.  Never had.  I know.  I know.  I'm the weirdest person on the planet.  LOL!  But my husband LOVES cheesecake, so I couldn't pass up this opportunity!  Here's what we received -

A New York Style Cheesecake...



Pink Lining Children's Overnight Bag Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Several months ago I did a review of the Pink Lining Queensdale Tote Diaper Bag.  That bag is seriously AWESOME!  It holds tons of stuff and everything has its place!  Love it!  Well, the awesome folks at Pink Lining were kind enough to send me one of their kids' products - their Overnight Bag!

 

Schoenhut Twinkle Tunes Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I was recently given the great pleasure of reviewing the Twinkle Tunes Piano Book on my blog.  This inventive little instrument-and-music-book-in-one was created by Schoenhut Music! 

 

Kidorable Ballerina Backpack Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Well, the school season is officially in full swing!  WooHoo!  That means its time for school supplies and backpacks!  Now, my little ones aren't in school yet, but our oldest still needs a bag.  In fact, she has several!  Haha!  She takes her pull-up and snack to the nursery in one.  She takes one when we go to visit the grandparents.  And now that she's in ballet class I really wanted to get her a cute bag to carry her ballet slippers and her water bottle in, so I immediately thought of Kidorable!!! 

Chicago Steak Company Wagyu Steak Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Yesterday we decided to grill out the Wagyu steaks we received from Chicago Steak Company! If you've never heard of Wagyu beef before, its a Kobe-style beef, known for its wonderful marbling and tenderness. We put a little olive oil and some of the Chicago Steak Company Steak Seasoning on these steaks...





Oka-b Fall Shoe Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site

During the Summer I did a review of Oka-b shoes.  I was REALLY impressed with them!  I received 2 pairs - a fun, dressy pair (that I wear to church or out to dinner sometimes) and a cute, green "everyday" pair.  And when I say "everyday" I'm not exaggerating.  I wear them EVERY DAY.  They are great!  So I jumped at the chance to review their Fall collection!

This time I decided to go with the Vida...

Blue Orange Games Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Now that my little one is getting older, I really love getting new games for her to play!  Games are great for teaching sportsmanship (good attitude whether you win or lose), taking turns, being patient, following directions, etc.  They are great fun and wonderful learning tools!  And Blue Orange makes some FANTASTIC games!  The kind folks at Blue Orange were nice enough to send me a couple of games for review!

The First game I received was KeeKee the Rocking Monkey...

The Happy Trunk

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Several months ago I did a review of The Happy Trunk subscription box.  The Happy Trunk sends a box of fun activities for you to do with your kids.  I love subscription boxes that send me projects to do with my kids!  It takes some of the pressure off.  The Happy Trunk sends you a themed box with activities and all the supplies you'll need to accomplish them!  Its great for homeschool, craft time, or rainy days!  hey were kind enough to send me another box for review!  This box was called "Paint Party."



Weelicious and Weelicious Lunches Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I was SUPER excited to get to review these two books!  I've heard great things about the Weelicious cookbook and the Weelicious Lunches book - which is brand new - looked equally great!  The books are very nice and have lots of wonderful, color photos - which is something I love!  And they are filled with healthy recipes for you and your kids!

 

ShaveMOB Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

There are lots of fun subscription boxes out there!  And I love most of them!  Haha!  But, let's be honest.  Most of them are frills - things you get for fun.  Here's a subscription service that falls in the necessity category.  And its a pretty smart idea! - ShaveMOB!







iChameleons Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free or at a discounted rate, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Several months ago I did a review for iChameleons.com.  I really liked the items I received - especially the Hello Kitty wall stickers.  They look great in my little one's room!  The folks at ichameleons were kind enough to send me a couple of items to help me get the school year off to a great start!



The first item I received was this 6ft Blackboard Decal...

 



Citrus Lane September 2013 Reviews and 50% Off Your First Box

Woohoo!  Our Citrus Lane boxes arrived yesterday and they were a BIG hit!!! We've been getting Citrus Lane for more than a year and we love it!  Our oldest even recognizes the boxes now!  In fact, yesterday they came during naptime so I thought I'd take some if the items and put them away for Christmas.  But "somebody" must have heard the mailman and peaked out of her room because she said, "Mama, our boxes are here!  Can I see what I got?" Haha!  So here's what we got! - 

 

7 Month Old Box - 

Zipadee-Zip Review

Hi guys!  You may remember my Zipadee-Zip review several months ago.  If not, Zipadee-Zip is a great transition from swaddling!  Its a sack, but the hands are also covered - which is great for keeping little hands warm and also protecting your little one from scratching their face with their finger nails!

  

Coqui Baby Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

As I've mentioned before, I am newly in love with cloth diapers!  Besides being eco-friendly and saving lots of money, they can also be SUPER CUTE!!!  - Just like the Coqui Baby diapers!  The nice folks at Coqui (pronounced "ko-KEE") Baby were kind enough to send me one of their Hero diapers AND a wet bag for review!  Woohoo!!!



Blogging Through the Alphabet: K is for Kiwi Crate!"

I've been trying not to do too many reviews as my "Blogging Through the Alphabet" series, but this is a newer company to me (we just started receiving their boxes) and I'm SUPER excited about them!  And since it was time for my "K" post, I just had to post about Kiwi Crate (Use this link for $10 off your subscription)! 

Blogging Through the Alphabet: J is for "Jump for Joy! Its National Play Doh Day!" (Sept. 16, 2013)

OK.  OK.  I know.  I'm stretching things quite a bit to make this my "J" post, but COME ON!  Its National Play-Doh Day!  Whoop!  Whoop!  Did you know the original "Play-Doh" was actually invented as a wallpaper cleaning agent?  Seriously!  We LOVE Play-Doh in this house!  But what I REALLY love is making our own!  Yep!

 

 

Homemade Play-Doh:
1 cup flour
1 cup water
1/2 cup salt
2 tsp cream of tartar
1 tsp vegetable oil
food coloring

SunBaby Diaper Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I'm currently on a cloth diapering craze!  Cloth diapers are great!  They are eco-friendly, which is great!  And thanks to newer designs, they are MUCH easier to use and much cheaper than disposables!  (And all in one diaper can last you from birth to potty training!)  So here's another cloth diaper that I'd like to introduce you guys to - SunBaby Diapers!



My Giggle Box July "Light Up the Sky" Box Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

In January I did a review of My Giggle Box.  I love subscription boxes!  They are so much fun!  And Mu Giggle Box is particularly fun because its a box of projects and crafts for you and your kids to do together!  Well, the good folks at My Giggle Box were kind enough to send me another box for review!  This time they sent me their "Light Up the Sky" Ultimate Giggle Box!  (This is the box they sent out in July of this year and it is LOTS of fun!!!!)



Blogging Through the Alphabet: I is for "Incredible Heroism"

This week's "Blogging Through the Alphabet" post will be short.  Its my only post today.  I didn't feel right posting anything else today.  Its September 11th.  And all day today I've been reflecting on what happened on this day 12 years ago.  So today I'd like to say a few things about "incredible heroism."  We saw a lot of it that day.
1.) First Responders - There were thousands of firemen, paramedics, policemen, etc. that worked tirelessly to save lives that day.  Even after the second tower was hit and it began to sink in that this was no accident, but an attack on our country - and that more attacks could be imminent - these men and women worked to save lives.  Many of them died saving others.  And afterward, first responders came from all over the country to serve with their brothers and sisters - searching for survivors, recovering bodies.  Thankless, excruciating, horrific work.
2.) President George W. Bush - This is not a "political blog."  So be advised that if you leave a derogatory comment about the former president - or President Obama, for that matter - on this post it WILL be deleted.  (Those are my rules.  Its my blog.  If you don't like it, get your own blog.)  Today is a day to drop political views and just admit that President Bush had an unbelievably difficult job to do that day.  He had to lead our country while remaining calm.  And he did it beautifully - displaying calm, courage, and determination.  He made us feel that we would be OK and that those that had committed this act of terror would be found and brought to justice.
3.) Flight 93 - I can't imagine what went through the minds of those men and women.  But they decided to sacrifice their own lives rather than let the hijackers on their plane succeed.
4.) The Military - The men and women of our military ALWAYS deserve our respect.  They are heroes - just for enlisting.  They protect us, serve us, and represent us around the globe.  And, to me, they are MUCH better role models that the movie stars, athletes, and socialites we "worship" today.
5.) The Secret Service - I can't imagine what these men and women went through that day.  Their job is to basically throw their body in front of the president (or the other protectees the watch).  At a time when our country was being attacked, they kept our president safe and able to lead our country.

These aren't the only people that proved to be heroic on 9-11, but they are a sampling.  And it makes me proud to be an American.  GOD BLESS AMERICA.

Naughty Baby Diapers Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I recently switched to cloth diapers - at least while we are at home.  We still use disposables sometimes when we are out, but for the most part we are cloth diapering.  I love it - for a couple reasons.  First of all, its more eco-friendly.  And secondly, it saves money!  Disposable diapers are PRICEY!!!!  So when the folks at Naughty Baby offered to send me some diapers for review I jumped at the chance!  Here's what I received...



Green Toys Rocket Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Let me tell you guys a little story.  Once there was a mom (ahem... me) that wanted to recycle some of the items in her home.  So she and her AWESOME toddler made crafts and toys out of items found in their kitchen.  An egg carton turned into a caterpillar.  A paper plate turned into a clock...

And the mom thought she was pretty awesome and pretty creative - until she found some moms and dads that REALLY knew how to do it!  Enter the good folks at Green Toys!  They've take recycling to a whole new level!  And they turned your old, used plastic milk jugs and turned them into this...

ProCook Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

Have you checked out ProCook.com?  They have some great items for folks that love to cook!  The awesome folks at ProCook were kind enough to send me several items to review...



MommiesFirst Subscription Box Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I was recently offered the opportunity to review a subscription box by MommiesFirst.  Now, if you know me, you know I LOVE a good subscription box!!!  And MommiesFirst definitely sent me a good one!!!  With my little one just about to turn 6 months old, they sent me their 6 month box...



Kinderfeets Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

I recently had the opportunity to review a really nifty kid's item! - The Kinderfeets!  Its a wooden pushbike.  Its meant to ease a toddler's transition to a pedal-powered bike and its pretty cool!!!!



Chicago Steak Company Steak Burger Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, at a discount, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

You may remember my previous review of Chicago Steak Company's fabulous steaks.  We really enjoyed those steaks!  They were delicious!  Well, the folks at Chicago Steak Company were kind enough to send me several of their steak burgers for review!!! 

I received 4 (8oz) steak burgers...



Burgers' Smokehouse Sauced Ribs Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.

You may remember my previous review of Burger's Smokehouse's dry rub ribs.  My husband and I really enjoyed those.  They were easy to thaw, easy to cook, and tasty!  Well, this past weekend we pulled out the sauced ribs they sent.  Again, we had planned on making them on the grill, but it started raining AGAIN.  Oh well, that's the summer in the South!  No problem though!  I simply followed the directions for cooking them in the oven!  I cut them in half so they would fit in the pan and then I poured the rest of the sauce from the package on top...



Hatch Baby Essentials Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.
As I've mentioned time and again, I LOVE reviewing mom-run companies!  Or dad-run companies, for that matter!  I just find that parent-run companies tend to be more picky about the items the sell.  They tend to want to sell items they feel are safe and important - items they themselves would use!  So today I have a BRAND NEW mom-run website to introduce you to! - Hatch Baby Essentials!  Alisa at Hatch Baby Essentials has really chosen the products she is offereing very carefully and I love that!  When we spoke, I told Alisa that I was interested in cloth diapering but I had no idea where to start, so she offered to let me review her "Curious About Cloth" Package...



Barefoot Books "Fall-Themed Books" Review

Disclosure - Per FTC Regulations, I am disclosing that I received product(s) from this company/website, free of charge, for review. I was in no other way compensated for my review. The views expressed in this review are my own, honest opinions and any claims should be verified on the sponsor's site.
I LOVE books!  (You may already know that by now.  Haha!)  I love to get my girls books as special gifts.  I especially love to buy books that have to do with special holidays or seasons of the year.  So, with Fall approaching (Have I mentioned that I LOVE LOVE LOVE Fall?) I thought I'd share some great "seasonal" books from one of my favorite sources - Barefoot Books.  (You can find my first Barefoot Books review HERE.)



Blogging Throught the Alphabet: H is for "Haystacks"

Its almost Fall!  Yay!!!  Fall is my FAVORITE time of year!  Cooler weather, football, pumpkins, scarecrows, Thanksgiving, changing leaves, etc., etc., etc.!  So, with that in mind, I thought I'd share a fun little recipe!  And its one you can let the kids help make!  Haystacks! Really, these are great any time of the year, but the name "Haystacks" puts me in mind of Fall.  And they are great as a football snack or a Thanksgiving appetizer!