MomStart.com
Friends and family sale is for 25% off of everything on their on-line site. I’m pretty excited by this sale, my husband said I can buy one purse for every purse hook I received for a review in the past. We just don’t have any extra money this month, so I’ll have to wait until their next promotion but I wanted to share this offer with you. Maybe one of my readers can use this 25% off shopping code.
Use “ELEF72009” at check out.
I am living the American Dream. I get to stay at home with my kids and play with them and teach them and spend all day every day enjoying them. I have a roof over my head and clothes on my back. A husband that loves me and dotes on me all the time. A husband that is an excellent father and spoils his kids with legos. Who could want more?
In this Economy I would love to save as much money as completely possible so when I see that coupons are available I print them. Unilever now has printable coupons and other special offers. It’s nice to find all of their specials in one area. They have a list of products I can try and I love getting freebies. There is a coupon for 1.00 off Bertolli and a list of which products are sponsoring sweepstakes right now. I would love to win a sweepstakes and pay off some bills or take my family on a vacation.
All time spent with my family is precious. So finding ideas and simple things that I normally do by myself but let my kids help me with lets us all feel like a close family. My children love to be little helpers so letting them help with dinner makes them feel so important and it’s an idea that is shared by Unilever and Jennifer Bushman.
To bring some variety to meal-planning this summer, Unilever teamed up with the author of the "Kitchen Coach" cookbook series, Jennifer Bushman, to create the ultimate Family Fun Book, filled with delicious recipes and affordable meal ideas perfect for the whole family to enjoy – together. The Family Fun Book can be downloaded for free by clicking here
Bushman recommends making meal time "family time" by bringing the kids into the kitchen to help prepare the meal. By keeping a well-stocked refrigerator, freezer, and pantry with versatile and easy-to-prepare ingredients, it’s simple to get the whole family involved in the cooking process. In addition to kid-friendly recipes, Bushman suggests, add in a little fun with creative themes and recipes like these:
- Have an at-home dinner picnic. Spread a blanket out in the living room and prepare simple sandwiches or wraps, like a delicious Chicken & Basil Sandwich. Opt for Hellmann’s Light Mayonnaise, which has the great taste but half the calories and fat of Hellmann’s. Get the kids involved by letting them pick the sandwich fixins and spread the mayo!
- Save on cooking and clean-up time by choosing easy, delicious, one-pot dips and recipes. Use sweet potatoes or yams to prepare Spicy Oven Fries and pair with your favorite dipping sauce. To sneak in some nutrition and receive 20 percent of your daily value of Vitamin D, top with melted Shedd’s Spread Country Crock Calcium Plus Vitamin D. With just three steps, this recipe is perfect for setting loose your child’s inner chef.
- To make nights in even more enjoyable, pair meals with fun at-home entertainment. Spend less time in the kitchen by using Knorr Rice Sides to make an easy one-dish meal like Grilled Chicken & Veggies Over Rice, then create a show by letting your kids sing their favorite songs in your very own "kitchen cabaret."
- Host a camping-inspired sleepover for the kids and create a kitchen retreat with campfire meals. Use whole grain tortillas as a healthy and easy dipper for your favorite one-pot recipes like Super Easy Slow-Cooked Chili with Ragu Pasta Sauce, which packs a full serving of vegetables in every half-cup of sauce. Not to mention that a slow cooked meal leaves more time for "camping" activities!
- Use versatile ingredients from your well-stocked pantry. Wish-Bone Dressings can do double-duty as delicious salad dressings and simple, great tasting marinades for chicken, pork, beef and fish. Pair with soy sauce for a delicious Asian Grilled Steak. You may want to keep your children away from the grill, but they can help by preparing the steak ahead of time.
- Summer and iced tea go hand-in-hand to stay hydrated. Did you know those tea bags can also spice up your cooking? Use Lipton Teabags to create Tasty Tea Baked Apples – a delicious desert with an extra helping of antioxidants for just $1 per serving.
Find topics about beauty, health and fitness, and home and family. There are lots of ideas and you can even find a family summer scheduler because keeping the kids occupied can be a full time job.
Through the One2One Network we were able to receive a Smooshies. This Smooshies is cute and creative but it’s very hard to put together. The piece of velcro is so small that even mom and dad have a hard time putting it together.
I feel that it would work better for the creative child that can sit and do a craft. They will have more patience to play with it as opposed to an active child that can’t sit still. ![clip_image001[4]](http://momstart.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/07/clip-image0014.jpg "clip_image001[4]")
What is a Smooshies?
A Smooshies is a doll, or monster rather that comes with eyes, nose, hands feet, wings, crazy accessories to build him yourself. My kids liked them and they don’t care that the pieces don’t stay on. They just like all the pieces and we put them in our own hair. It was fun and did encourage creativity and thinking. We’re in the discovering imagination phase. They are exclusive to JoAnn and retail for 5.99 and 1.99 for accessories.
Read My Eye Buy Direct Review.
At IBW Books they feel like I do that reading is so important to children’s education. Reading teaches kids to speak. It teaches them how to read, it increases their vocabulary. It’s starting a foundation and continuing it as they grow and learn.
IBW Books contacted me a while ago and asked me to do a review and giveaway for them and I’ve let the fall to the bottom of my stack. I’m so ashamed because I was so excited to receive them. I looked at them and it missed my calendar. I was going through my box and I found them and I thought, Oh I better do that RIGHT NOW!
So here I am writing about the books. It’s such a unique idea. IBW-Books combines books and the internet. I mean, we can’t run away from computers. As some of would much rather burry our heads in the sand than take on that nasty computer we can’t hide from the fact that our children are going to know more about computers than we ever dreamed of. So such it up and learn it. Or how about this,
You Read,
They look at the pictures on the internet while you read
That’s IBW-Books.
“The Interactive Book-Webscene proprietary process combines the reading of a print book with the interactivity of online animations. Here’s how it works: At the end of each chapter, the reader is directed to a specific link on a website associated with the book. Here, the reader views a webscene. Webscenes contain 2D and 3D animations. Each webscene is essential to the storytelling. After viewing the webscene, the reader returns to the book to read another chapter, after which are instructions to view another webscene, and so on. Each book contains 6-10 webscenes.”
My kids both love sitting at the computer so using these readers was a snap and big success. We received two different letter books. The books were written with a lot of words that start with the letter ‘g’ or the letter ‘b’. They love reading and watching the computer was no chore. My daughter can even work the mouse. I gave one of the readers to my daughter just last night and she flipped through it. It doesn’t have any pictures so she just looked that the words and pretended to read aloud.
For readers who want to share IBW books with others and make some extra money in the process, www.IBW-Booksellers.com has all the details on becoming an IBW Bookseller. You’ll not only represent a product with NO COMPETITION… and but also receive an IMMEDIATE 20% commission on all sales at the close of each hosted event!
Making money is easy and the party kit only costs 25.00. You won’t find any other home party business startup kit for that cheap.
Visit both www.IBW-Books.com and www.IBW-Booksellers.com. You will have a choice of one of two IBW prizes:
The Busy Preschooler’s Guide to Learning – fun activities built around the 26 letters of the alphabet, with step-by-step help to guide parents in how to use everyday situations to teach 105 skills their kids need before they walk in the kindergarten door. (Retail value $60.)
THREE (3) KA Readers – beginning readers that use a new kind of storytelling where kids see an animation unfold at the close of every chapter! Dr. Seuss-like rhyming hooks kids on the fun of words. Online activities help parents assess a child’s reading and comprehension. (Retail value $60.)
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
The contest will run until Monday August 10th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org
CarMD sent me one of their units to test out. My husband and I have been very excited to see it and use it. We were disappointed when it actually said there is nothing wrong with our vehicles. Who’s crazy enough to want something to be wrong with their vehicle. Well, you can guarantee that next time the engine light comes one we’ll be using it to find out what’s wrong because last time all they did was use their computer to turn the light off and say there’s nothing wrong and they charged us to hook it up to their computer.
Did you know that for quite a few years now cars have been running like computers. It’s basically a glorified computer and when the light comes on they hook it up to another computer to tell them what’s wrong. What happened to the days of looking under the hood. My dad is not a car mechanic and he can listen to a car and tell you what’s wrong with it. Ahh, I don’t live close enough to my dad anymore for him to be my CarMD so I have CarMD to do the job now. I feel really excited to have one too because when I tell people about it they seem excited too. It retails for 98.99 and comes with software to install on your computer. The set up is simple and the unit is very easy to plug into the car. My husband didn’t even look at the instructions to do any of the usage, setup, or installation.
CarMD is looking for user testimonials for an infomercial they are creating. They will be setting up kiosks in several cities throughout the country where drivers can bring their car to the kiosk and receive a free vehicle health check. Drivers will receive a detailed diagnostic report and cost estimate for any needed repairs. Should they be interested/willing, they can then speak about what they learned, how the device was helpful, etc. Would you be interested in promoting this to your readers? Here are the dates (I will have exact locations/times shortly):
· Salta Lake City, UT – July 10
· Atlanta, GA – July 29
· Alpharetta, GA – July 30
· Orange County, CA – August 7 and 8
Oh she’s so beautiful, and sleeping peaceful. Makes me want to sleep. I’m ready for my Sunday afternoon nap. I’ll be posting more giveaways and review tonight after I get a nap and spend some family time with my DH and kids.
A company contacted me about using greener products and by reducing plastic bottles and paper bags we reduce resources. I know recycling is great, but saving on our resources that use recycling goes even further.
I received this e-mail from New Wave Enviro Products:
My name is Buffy Fletcher and I am with New Wave Enviro Products. Our products are very green and family friendly, helping busy moms save money and save the environment. We have been in business over 15 years manufacturing and distributing Water Products to the Health and Nutrition Industry.
We have a full line of BPA-Free water bottles as well as 304 grade stainless steel water bottles and filters for drinking water, shower filters and a very popular Splish Splash natural bath tub filter that removes harmful chlorine from your childrens’ baths. The drinking water filter and reusable bottles are a great way for families to save money and not waste plastic bottles by filtering and bottling water at home. We also have a couple of new products for a truly green lunch, we have a lunch bag made out of 100% Bamboo, really sustainable and totally reusable, as well as a stainless steel food container.
Our website is www.newwaveenviro.com please take some time to check out our products and I would be happy to send you some samples to review or use in a giveaway.
I haven’t blogged about this much, but my house is for sale so that is putting a cramp in being able to review items. I told the company that I would love to host this giveaway for them and let my readers try out their products. So they have decided to provide one 1 liter blue water bottle and one of their stainless steel lunch boxes, both of these items are pictured above. My only complaint would be that none of this can go in the dishwasher. So it’s have a safe water bottle or use the dishwasher. My laziness probably says something about me.
Visit New Wave Enviro and tell me something about them.
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
The contest will run until Monday August 10th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org
I love doing food drives and helping others out. I really think it’s important so when I know that a company is doing their part I want to blog about it.
Post Shredded Wheat has partnered with Feeding America and they created Bowls of Hope. This program was launched June 1, 2009. For every purchase of Post Shredded Wheat, Post will donate one blow of cereal to Feeding America, up to 15 million bowls. That’s a lot of cereal people so let’s get eating.
I was recently sent a box of Post Cereal to review. This box that I received was Honey Nut and I’ve been giving it to my kids for breakfast every morning. They love it. I love it too. I’ve been eating it as a snack and sometimes for breakfast. I’m really bad about skipping the most important meal of the day. You would never know by how much cereal I buy. Man my family can put the cereal away. I suppose all families do but now that I’m the cereal buyer I see it.
So go buy a box of Post Shredded Wheat Honey Nut.
As many times as I give away flowers you would think my house is full of them. Well, it’s not currently full of flowers. I love flowers, I prefer them outside in my yard where they can live year after year. However, when my DH gets me flowers it still makes me all giddy. He likes to get them for me just because.
Roses make me feel loved and the smell makes me all tingly. Did you know that 1-800-flowers has a guide that specifies which flower produces what scent. Then how that particular scent is supposed to make you feel?
They also include a color chart and how colors make you feel. I do remember learning when I was very young that red is supposed to make you feel angry and blue or green is a cool and soothing color but that was YEARS ago. Let’s see what the current trend is on colors according to 1-800-Flowers.
De-Stress and Recharge Floral Guide:
Scents:
Roses – In need of a pick-me-up? The sweet aroma and bold colors of red roses can help boost energy and improve mood. Check out the Rose Elegance™ Premium Long Stem Red Roses ($49.99 – $159.99)or Sweetheart Rose Bouquet ($39.99 – $49.99)
- Lavender – Considered a natural remedy for insomnia, the scent of lavender can prompt your body to produce a calming compound which promotes relaxation and helps relax and alleviate stress. Check out the Lavender Dish Garden ($49.99) or the Crabtree & Evelyn® Lavender Hatbox (SALE $55.99)
- Mint – With a scent that immediately awakens, the smell of fresh mint is refreshing and purifying to both the body and soul. Check out the Summer Herb Garden Trio ($44.99) or the Taste of Tea ($16.99)
Colors:
Light Purple & Blue – These hues are soothing and can help relieve tension and reduce anxiety. Use these colored arrangements to create an atmosphere of comfort and tranquility. Check out the Blue Hydrangea ($59.95) or the Blue Purple Arrangement By Jane Packer ($100.00)
- Yellow – A cheerful and uplifting color, yellow enhances alertness, increases self-esteem and can strengthen overall wellbeing. Try sunflowers such as Martha Stewart Golden Sunflower Bouquet ($59.95)
I love purple and so does my daughter. My husband took her to Home Depot to buy some flowers and they brought home blue/purple hydrangeas. Did you know that Hydrangeas change color depending on the acidity in your soil. It’s fun to watch them change colors.
Julie Mulligan, 1-800-FLOWERS.COM’s floral lifestyle expert, recently did a blog post about the “power of flowers” so if you’re interested in learning some of her tricks of the trade for easily incorporating fresh flowers into everyday décor, feel free to let me know and I’ll forward the question.
Visit 1-800-Flowers and tell me what your arrangement choice would be.
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
The contest will run until Monday August 10th 11:59 pm Pacific. The winner will be selected by www.random.org
