Peek e-mail service for on the go moms #giveaway

July 5, 2009 By MomStart 252 Comments

Peek Classic - Charcoal Gray Peek contacted me to do a review for them but I fit under a unique situation where they do not service my e-mail provider. This is a very small umbrella that we’re talking about and they did everything they could to try to get it working for me and I didn’t even have to call them on the phone. I call that excellent service.

So now I have one to giveaway and they will give you one month free service so you can decided if you want to continue using it. It’s very easy to set up and depending on the version of Peek that you get you can have up to two e-mail accounts on it. Which for someone like me is exactly what I need.

Here is a quote about Peek:

Peek is a super easy-to-use, stylish and affordable mobile email gadget made for busy moms who need to check their email on-the-go. It looks lovely and only takes 2 minutes to get going. And it has no contract and a pay-as-you-go monthly fee — very un-smartphone.

You know, I do find that most smart phones are way to complicated for someone that is really busy to figure out. I have a smart phone that is supposed to be capable of quite a lot but I only use it for e-mail and talking on the phone. My kids who are two and one have figured out how to get it unlocked which should not be possible so I’m sort of fed up with my smart phone. This is how the Peek came into existence:

Because the idea for Peek was born when Amol (our founder) tried to convince his way-too-busy and way-too-stressed pregnant wife to use a smartphone to stay on top of email. Her "no friggin’ way" reaction was the light bulb that got us started. And watching her use Peek to check emails from her friends one handed while the baby slept in the other arm….well, that made it all worthwhile.

Feel the speed with the power of push email! Peek Pronto gets your emails as soon as they’re sent. Enjoy unlimited email and texting with no contracts!

Product Features:

Push Email
(instant delivery)

Supports up to
5 email accounts

Unlimited mobile
email and texting

To Win my Peek, No Box but everything else:

Visit the Peek community and tell me something interesting.

Extra Entries:

None Bloggers get and extra entry for every e-mail they send out linking to this giveaway cc louise@looksblue.com (be sure to leave a comment for every person you e-mail, for example if you e-mail 10 different people leave 10 different comments)

Subscribe to my blog
Follow me on twitter tell me your twitter ID
Blog about the giveaway include a link to me for five extra entries
Tweet the giveaway (every time you tweet you get an entry) Link to the giveaway please!!!
Add my button to your blog/blog roll
Dig, Stumble, or fav me on Technorati (two entries for each one)
Leave a comment for every entry and the giveaway ends July 27th.

The contest will run until Monday July 27th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: email handheld device, Peek

Kashi Snack Crackers and Cereal Bars Review

July 5, 2009 By MomStart 2 Comments

I think Kashi was recently purchased by Kellogg’s or at least they decided to start advertising in all the same places that Kellogg’s advertises. I wrote to Kashi, I was going to just ask for some coupons so I could purchase a few things because their food is so healthy and we like to eat it; but then I asked them if I could do a review on my blog. I was extremely surprised that they said yes and sent me a lot of stuff to review.

I’m in love with their TLC Snack Crackers Pack. This is a variety pack of crackers that comes in cheese, seven grain, and fire roasted veggies. I have a little concern in the fact that each bag has about 130 calories, but they have protein, iron and fiber in them. I mean they are good for you. So when I’m looking for a snack for my daughter if she’s going to get the calories they need to have good things in them.

We haven’t had time to try everything sent to use but we also opened the box of strawberry cereal bars. I can split one bar between the two of them for a hearty afternoon snack. I tried them and I enjoy them too. I could eat one for breakfast and get some much needed nutrients. Again like the snack crackers, you are getting protein, fiber, and iron.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: Cereal Bars review, Kashi Snack Crackers

Horizon Eggs, Milk, organic dairy and farm products review

July 5, 2009 By MomStart 5 Comments

Horizon raises cows and chickens on their dairy farm to make organic products for consumer consumption. I don’t usually buy their products because I’m still on the precipice of change. I’m having trouble finding the reason to spend more on organic. Yes it tastes better, yes there aren’t chemicals in it, but it’s hitting my wallet.

Horizon sent me some coupons to try out their eggs. I was surprised at my husband’s response when I brought them in after grocery shopping. He said,

“Are we switching to a new brand”. I was expecting something more negative but then I remembered that I’m the one that worries about a budget and he’s been wanting eggs that taste better.

They are brown, I’ve heard that eggs straight from the chicken are blue, or at least from our local mom that makes enough eggs she sells them to all of us. Her eggs are blue these were brown and they were nice. I mean, they are eggs and I can’t taste a difference in them and the grocery store brand, but my husband is the oober taster in our family. He didn’t have a problem with them at all.

They also make milk, cheese, cottage cheese, yogurt, eggnog, sour cream and butter.

Filed Under: review Tagged With: Horizon egg review, organic dairy farm

Wear Your Music #giveaway

July 5, 2009 By MomStart 229 Comments

Wear your music makes jewelry that is musically inspired. They contacted me for a review and giveaway and I said ok. Send me something cool. They sent me a bracelet made out of guitar strings. I like it because it is simple in design and fits my wrist and adjusts and would fit most women. I think it’s simple enough that some men would like wearing it as well. My DH doesn’t wear any jewelry except a wedding ring but I have seen some men wear “man” bracelets.

So this is a picture of the bracelet that I received. I noticed that they had a red white and blue one in honor of the Fourth of July. I would have liked that one. I do like a little color but silver is perfect too because it goes with everything. It matches all of the jewelry that I already own as well. They have many different color options and artist bracelets. They also have some cute necklaces with different instruments on them or earrings.

About Wear Your Music:

Wear Your Music®is a company whose philosophy centers round our love for music and our desire to contribute to more than our own pocketbooks. We make Rock’n’Roll jewelry that ROCKS!

Hannah Garrison began crafting bracelets made from used guitar strings for musician friends and their families. Steve Bernstein was trying to find a unique way for guitar strings to garner advertising attention. He posted an ad on Craigslist that read: “Do you have any ideas for interesting products made with guitar strings?" Hannah contacted Steve and the Artist Bracelets were born.

Enter to Win a Bracelet like mine:

Visit Wear your music and tell me what other item you would like or what color of strings you would want if you had the choice.

Extra Entries:

The contest will run until Monday July 27th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: guitar string bracelet, wear your music review

K9 Cuisine Organic Dog Food Review

July 5, 2009 By MomStart 2 Comments

WOW

K9 Cuisine sent me a box full of stuff for my dog. I was really unsure about doing this review so I wrote them an e-mail. I told them about my dog Jack. He’s a German Sheppard totally afraid of fire works and picky about his food. If he doesn’t want it he spits it out and lately he’s gone to dumping his food on the floor. What kind of crazy dog does that?

We also have to spend a bit more money on his food so we don’t have to smell his gas all the time. I told them he loves to chew on chews.

I never heard back so I figured my dog was way too picky and I was too much trouble. So, when the box full of goodies came I was in shock.

When we switched him to the organic to try it out his gas increased as he adjusted to the change. But it seems to have leveled out.

There was a time would I would laugh at the thought of feeding a dog organic food. I mean why would you spend the money right? Well, I’m spending the money anyways buying him higher quality food so that he doesn’t have gas. I can’t laugh at people buying organic food anymore.

They have excellent dog chews strong enough to keep my dog busy for quite a while, even longer than one sitting. The dog food doesn’t smell. The treats are large in variety. Some of the treats do smell like fish but I have to let that go because that’s what they are made of. They sent us two dog toys too and my kids are enjoying it more than my dog but my dog seems to only like balls and Frisbees. Thank you K9 Cuisine for all of the goodies. We still haven’t made it through all of them.

About K9 Cuisine:

At K9 Cuisine, we know how you feel about your pet. We understand that you want to provide your canine companion with the healthiest food for a long, happy life. So we offer only the highest quality dog supplies.

When you order from K9 Cuisine, you can be assured you’ll receive not only quick, courteous service, but also healthy, high-quality food and treats. We do not sell products that contain additives or preservatives, or ingredients that may otherwise be harmful to your dog. Many of the brands we carry use human-grade ingredients.

We have a passion for dogs, and we want to share our knowledge. We fully explain each product and provide a complete list of all ingredients so you know exactly what you’re getting.

Only fresh, high-quality foods and treats are sold here, and we can tell you the benefits of each product. We love our pets as much as you love yours, and we only sell those brands that meet our highest standards.

If you’re looking to give your pet the best food for a long and happy life, you’ve found the right place. At K9 Cuisine, we’re committed to providing our customers with the knowledge, and the products, to help their faithful friends be the best they can be.

Filed Under: giveaway, review Tagged With: Dog Food Review, K9 Cuisine

Today’s Farm Freeze Dried Fruit Justus Foods

July 4, 2009 By MomStart 1 Comment

Justus Foods contacted me and asked me to review their freeze dried fruit. I’ve actually had freeze dried fruit before from a different company. The other company has a funny taste along with the fruit but I buy it because it’s convenient. We can get it at Costco for a decent price and it’s a healthy snack.

The Justus Foods freeze dried fruit is another healthy snack option and it doesn’t have a funny taste. To me it has a funny crunch though. I don’t really care for the crunch. My kids didn’t mind it though and it was lots of fun trying out the different flavors. I liked all four flavors, pineapple, strawberry, peach and apple cinnamon.

* A low calorie snack!
* 100% All Natural!
* No Preservatives!
* No Fat or Cholesterol!
* "Crispy-Crunch" texture!
* "On-the-go" convenience!

I do think they are a bit expensive so before I switch from the brand I am using they are going to have to come down in price. Perhaps some of you would find the taste worth changing. Since I buy them for my kids and they eat just about anything price makes my decision. 2.00 a bag is just a tad bit too high.

But Good Job with the taste!!

Filed Under: review Tagged With: freeze dried fruit snack, Justus Foods

Happy Fourth of July

July 4, 2009 By MomStart 2 Comments

Today is about our freedom and Independence. What better way to express that than with music or shopping the sales at the mall. I actually won’t be shopping today I’m going to take my kids to Bellevue for some good music and eating. Then we’re going to a friends and family party.

So here are some great music picks according to the Karaoke Channel.

The KARAOKE Channel ONLINE offers you access to the largest catalog of karaoke song licenses in the world in addition to providing access to social sharing features and user profiles and ratings. This library includes American classics such as, but not limited to (in no particular order):

American Girl - Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Yankee Doodle - Traditional
American Pie - Don Mclean
This Land is Your Land - Traditional
American Woman - Lenny Kravitz
An American Trilogy - Elvis Presley
Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue - Toby Keith
Heartland - George Strait

9. Surfin’ USA - Beach Boys

10. Grand Old Flag

11. America (My Country ‘tis of Thee)

America the Beautiful - Ray Charles
Honky Tonk America - Sammy Kershaw

God Bless the USA - American Idol Finalists
Thank God I’m a Country Boy - John Denver
Our Country - John Mellencamp
R.O.C.K. in the USA - John Mellencamp
Kids in America - Kim Wilde
I Am a Patriot - Little Steven
Stars and Stripes Forever, The - Traditional
Where the Stars and Stripes and the Eagles Fly - Aaron Tippin

22. Star Spangled Banner – Whitney Houston

23. Living in America – James Brown

24. America – West Side Story

God Bless America - LeAnn Rimes

The starter kit has a suggested retail price of $39.95, or comes for free with an annual subscription on the Karaoke Channel Online (www.online.thekaraokechannel.com). The Ultimate Karaoke Experience starter kit includes:

A USB vocal mixer with echo and volume controls
Two uni-directional dynamic microphones – great for soloing or duets
Is PC and MAC compatible

Filed Under: announcements Tagged With: Fourth of July, Karaoke Channel

A Natural Way to Care for your child Mommy’s ER

July 3, 2009 By MomStart 2 Comments

Mommy’s ER is a series of DVD’s that teach you how to care for your child in a natural way. I watched the DVD’s and learned a lot from Jennifer Crain. You can see that she is very passionate about teaching others. I honestly don’t know much about nutrition and natural remedies and not sure that I’m going to use any of them because my step mother used one growing up and it was so disgusting that my sister and I hated it. Regardless of if it worked or not it was disgusting and I’m not putting my children through that.

We used to use garlic and honey as cough syrup. The garlic was to boost our immune systems and the honey is to coat your throat keeping us from coughing.

I did like how when the video began there was a disclaimer saying that you should always consult your doctor if you have any questions and I think I’ll be asking my doctor about some of the advice in these DVD’s because in my opinion it is sound advice. I do believe in vitamins and minerals which are natural things that our bodies need. I also believe there are natural things that garlic does for our bodies but I would much rather take a garlic tablet than have garlic in my honey. I agree with what Jennifer has to say that it’s about a combination of Western and Eastern medicine.

“It’s really about empowerment and helping your child achieve optimal health, energy and calm in a positive way, through simple, yet effective techniques,” says Jennifer. “Whether it’s the work I do at the clinic or at home with my son, all of it has informed and inspired me to continue to seek a balance between eastern and western medical care.”

About Mommies ER

Mommy’s ER is a 3-part instructional DVD series that teaches moms (and dads!) safe, simple, at-home methods to treat common children’s ailments naturally. Created by holistic pediatrics specialist Jennifer Crain, L.Ac., the series has been featured on Austin’s Fox 7 “Health Edge Extra,” the People’s Pharmacy radio show, and in a special episode of DadLabs (airing this summer.)

Filed Under: review Tagged With: combining eastern and western medicine, Jennifer Crain, mommy's ER

Robin Miller Rescues Dinner Tyson #giveaway

July 3, 2009 By MomStart 382 Comments

I recently had the opportunity to interview Robin Miller. It wasn’t the best interview for me. I had a hard time with my children and I think that bothered Robin. When she came on the line I was expecting her to introduce herself and that a conversation would start flowing, but I think as the interviewer I needed to be more organized and efficient with my questions.

It would have been a lot easier if I had gotten my children settled before I started the interview but oh well. My next one will go better because I talked to the rep afterwards and Robin actually felt concern for me and the fact that she could tell I was having a rough day. Thank you Robin. I appreciate that. I had a few questions that I didn’t ask, so if you visit my blog. I was wondering

“What can I fix for my family as a main dish other than a salad that is healthy and doesn’t use the oven?”

Everyone in my MOMS Club wants to know that answer to that question. I had it in front of me but for some reason just felt awkward asking it.

What I was able to find out:

Robin likes to rescue dinner for average people. She has a degree in Nutrition and then worked as a writer for a magazine. She knows what’s in with people when it comes to needs for dinner.

In her new book, Robin Rescues Dinner, she came up with 52 weeks of meals with some side dishes and dessert ideas. I’m really enjoying her book because she has a plan where things lead into other meals.

I asked her about her prep work because most of the meals are very quick and easy to throw together but they take some prep work. She told me that as a mom like me, it became an absolute necessity to do as much at one time as she could and throw the rest in the freezer or fridge for later use. Let’s say your steaming some celery for soup well steam more than you would need and save the rest for another meal or veggie side. She never spends very long doing prep work, just a little bit with dinner every night. Sounds like a piece of cake.

I asked her how do you deal with picky eaters? She told me that when you have small children that let them get involved and then they usually want to try what they made. Let them pick out the food at the grocery store. If they are in a high chair, have them in the kitchen with you and let put a little bit of what you are cooking on their tray while you are making dinner. This creates two things, you have the peace you need to cook and they are getting to experience different foods. Her and I have another thing in common here we have both used our Bjorn for cooking. Strap that baby in and get that meal made. She didn’t have an answer though for picky husbands other than saying that she’s a picky eater herself and she tries new things but has some allergies and strong dislikes.

She has lots of ideas to share, like 17 different ways to use pasta. So she hopes that she can help rescue your dinner. I have one copy of her book to giveaway and a few coupons from Tyson for free chicken or steak. The fully cooked chicken strips or steak strips that you can find at your local super market.

Thank you to Tyson, Food Network and Robin for working with Mom Start.

To Enter:

Leave a comment saying something about a Tyson product and then you can leave a comment telling me something else about Robin Miller. That’s two entries to start with!

Extra Entries:

The contest will run until Monday July 27th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Food Network, Robin Miller, Robin Resues Dinner, Tyson

Fancy Fortune Cookie #Giveaway

July 3, 2009 By MomStart 362 Comments

WOW, I have to say. Yummy is another word, umm how about Fantastic, Can’t stop eating them. Where did you get these were only some of the responses that were uttered when these little delights were being eaten.

Fancy Fortune Cookies sent me enough of these for a party of 50. I didn’t count them all but the cookies that were left over were taken to our business meeting and gone leaving some moms wanting more. Erin from Fancy Fortune Cookies was a complete pleasure to work with. She even made sure that the fortunes inside were personalized to our event. It gave us all a smile.

She sent us strawberry flavored dark chocolate covered fortune cookies. It was reminding me of chocolate covered strawberries (not quite as good but completely different and still wonderful). She also decided to sponsor of giveaway for one lucky reader of Mom Start.

They make all kinds of flavors from orange to raspberry and even mint. I was really surprised at how good they really are. Even Oprah loves these as great party favors.

About Fancy Fortune Cookies:

Founder & Flavor Guru - Mike Fry

In late fall of 1987 he had a "crazy" idea that forever changed my life. (Check out the first newspaper article about my original concept!) While eating in my favorite small, local Chinese restaurant in Fort Wayne, Indiana, he wondered "Why doesn’t anyone make fortune cookies in fun colors and fruit flavors that actually taste good, like Jelly Belly does with its gourmet jelly beans?"

The Old Idea

He was tired of my fortune cookies tasting bland, in one flavor choice and sometimes almost cardboard-like in taste. So, he decided to pioneer the idea and take on the challenge himself. Cold logic should have warned me about how hard my Willy Wonka style idea would be to pull off…

In fact, that "out of the box" decision has become his life’s work and full-time career for the last 15 years! And it’s taken him on a magical journey into the age-old-mystery of fortune cookie making and Chinese proverbs to become Fancy Fortune Cookies.

To Enter:

Visit Fancy Fortune Cookies and tell me what you would order.

Extra Entries:

The contest will run until Monday July 27th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org

Filed Under: giveaway Tagged With: Desiger fortune cookies, Fancy Fortune Cookies, strawberry fortune cookies

Peek e-mail service for on the go moms #giveaway

Product Features:

To Win my Peek, No Box but everything else:

Extra Entries:

Kashi Snack Crackers and Cereal Bars Review

Horizon Eggs, Milk, organic dairy and farm products review

Wear Your Music #giveaway

About Wear Your Music:

Enter to Win a Bracelet like mine:

Extra Entries:

K9 Cuisine Organic Dog Food Review

WOW

About K9 Cuisine:

Today’s Farm Freeze Dried Fruit Justus Foods

Happy Fourth of July

A Natural Way to Care for your child Mommy’s ER

About Mommies ER

Robin Miller Rescues Dinner Tyson #giveaway

What I was able to find out:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Fancy Fortune Cookie #Giveaway

About Fancy Fortune Cookies:

To Enter:

Extra Entries:

Follow Me

Premium Sponsors

Proud to Be

Pages

Meta

Archives

Giveaway Listing Sites

Ways to Save