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Bamboo Dreams by Yala Designs – Sleep, Dress, and Dream Soft Cotton Goodness Giveaway

February 14, 2012 By 88 Comments

By: Ashley

Two weeks ago, you could have asked me the difference in Bamboo Dreams viscose from bamboo and plain old cotton, I probably wouldn’t have been able to tell you much. That was 2 weeks ago though, and that was before I tried on a dress from Yala Designs Bamboo Dreams Collection.

Yala dress

The Bamboo Dreams Collection is incredibly soft. I am not kidding when I tell you that I said “Oooo” when I first put on the Bamboo Dreams Izzy Dress and felt how amazingly cozy the Infinity Scarf was. I’ve always been a fan of high quality clothing, and gorgeous colors are just an add on. Wearing something made from bamboo? Even better! However, once I really looked into the story behind Yala and read about their personal and company values, I knew I was in love with a new brand.

The Bamboo Dreams Collection has an amazing line of clothing for men, women, and children. aptly named “Bamboo Dreams” since it is made from bamboo! The collection actually started out as their famous “sleep sack” though. They still sell sleep sacks and now have complete lines of bedding sets, too. All of the Bamboo Dreams collection is Oeko-Tex certified. That means that the pieces have been screened for harmful substances. It also guarantees the safety of the fabric and dyes and it lets you know that their production methods are environmentally friendly.

Yala began as a family business… and it still is! They seem to have a very close connection among each other, and a close relationship with all of their workers around the globe. They work hard to speak with workers and friends, visit all of their facilities often, and celebrate special occasions. It’s obvious to see how much Yala honors the relationships it makes far and wide.

Scarf

As for me and Yala? I can honestly say that I will be a regular Yala customer. The fit of the dress combined with its ease of wear is amazing. The viscose made from bamboo is the perfect suitcase, on the go, mom, busy woman fabric. You can dress their pieces up for business, or down for relaxing with your family. I was so excited about my Yala dress that I even wore it when we went to film our segment for Lifetime’s The Balancing Act. That dress took me through the entire day, endured a couple of spills, an airplane flight, and was still comfortable and stylish by the time I went to bed. After a trip through the washer and dryer it was good as new.

According to the tag, “To Yala is to wander this world with intention, a joyful step, and an open heart. It is to delight in the right now and to embrace what’s next…” Well, I am ready to Yala. Are you? If so, you should enter this giveaway!

You could win a $75 gift card to Yala Designs!

YALA COUPON CODE:

If you can’t wait until the giveaway is over, we also have a coupon code for you. You can enter the code START20 to get 20% off of your Yala purchases! This code won’t last long, so use it quickly.

Enter to Win:

$75 gift card to Yala Designs

To Enter:

Leave a comment telling us what your favorite item is from Yala Desings:

Extra Entries:

Enter on the Rafflecopter below and leave a link to how you entered we will be checking.

 

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T-Shirt Craft: Make Your Own Valentine’s Day Clothing

February 13, 2012 By 8 Comments

By: Ashley

I’ve been on the look out for simple, fun, and easy crafts that anyone can do… and that anyone can do last minute. I know that I always have these daydreams of getting my Martha Stewart on and having cute, homemade décor for whatever holiday happens to be just around the corner. It never happens though. I’m a procrastinator. I’m also a planner. Odd combination, right? Nevertheless, I’ve been lucky enough to stumble across yet another awesome craft that anyone can do for Valentine’s Day… and that you can do at the last minute.

Stamping With Paint

How to Make a Valentine’s T-Shirt

You will need:

You Will Need

- One pre-washed t-shirt
- Fabric paint in a contrasting color
- Paper doilies (heart-shaped)
- Sponge paint dabbers
- Piece of poster or cardboard

Directions:

1. Lay the shirt out flat. Put the cardboard in between the layers of the shirt so that the paint will not bleed through.

2. Place the heart-shaped doily on the center of the shirt (or use this chance to express some artistic freedom if you’re brave).

3. Dip the sponge into the paint, dab off the excess, and begin stamping the dabber all around the doily. Use the doily as a stencil.

4. Once you have covered the entire doily area with paint, carefully remove the doily. Allow the paint to dry. Remove the cardboard and VOILA! You have a cute Valentine’s Day shirt to wear every year!

Finished ShirtThis was really easy to do and you could make shirts for you, your kids, even your dog if you wanted! If you decide to try it out, leave a comment (better yet a picture) and let us know!

Happy Valentine’s Day!

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and active with our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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Jewelry Craft: Ring Around the Kisses for Valentine’s Day!

February 10, 2012 By 13 Comments

By: Ashley

I have to say that one of my favorite things to do when I was a kindergarten teacher was allow students to decorate bags to hold their little Valentine cards. To be honest, I’m not that big on the store-bought chocolates, comic book character overpriced pieces of cheap cardstock, or the dozen roses that seem to be SUPER expensive during the month of February. What I DO like though, is celebrating love, friendship, and how much you value relationships. A day to tell someone “I love you” just because? YES! I’m in. You don’t need to buy a $5 greeting card or $50 bouquet of roses. In fact, all you need is 2 pipe cleaners and a chocolate kiss! Here is a super easy craft idea that you and your kids can have fun with. I saw this in Family Fun and had to give it a try!

You will need:

- Regular craft pipe cleaners (color of your choice)

- Chocolate drop candies (I used Hershey Kisses)

Instructions:

1. Cross the pipe cleaners and twist them in the center.

2. Bring the pipe cleaners around the tip of the candy and twist to secure them around the Hershey Kiss.

3. Mold the pipe cleaners into a ring. Wrap the excess around the base of the Hershey Kiss or snip off the ends.

4. If you want, you can add a little note to your ring and use them in a class Valentine exchange.

Let us know if you try this out. Feel free to leave a picture of your own “Ring Around the Kisses” experiments in the comments.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and active with our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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Inside Funky Monkey Snacks with CEO Matt Herzog

January 25, 2012 By 11 Comments

By Ashley

This is a product that once you’re heard of, you can’t forget. Say it out loud: “Funky Monkey!” You can’t help but smile a little when you say the name. The bright yellow package, the silly name, the ALL NATURAL ingredients… it all adds up for one delicious (and super healthy) freeze-dried fruit snack. I’m trying hard to steer my family in a more natural, less processed direction. When I had the chance to review Funky Monkey Snacks I was swinging from the chandelier with joy. (Maybe not ACTUALLY, but great correlation to monkeys, right?) Funky Monkey Snacks have no artificial sweeteners, no added colors, no added flavors, are gluten free, Kosher, and 100% natural. There are 3 servings (according to the FDA) of fruit in every ounce of Funky Monkey Snacks. AWESOME!

Funky Monky Product package

Atticus and I tried out Funky Monkey Snacks and loved it! They have some smooth flavors like Banana-Mon (Banana + Cinnamon) and things that are a little more tart like Mang-OJ (Mango+Orange). My personal favorite is Pink Pineapple (Pineapple+Guava) because it tastes JUST like a juice I had in Hawaii! That’s how fruity these freeze-dried fruit snacks are.

Kid & Funky Monky Product package

For this review, the CEO of Funky Monkey Snacks, Matt Herzog (whose favorite flavor by the way is Carnival Mix), took some time out of his day to talk with me about their great line of snacks. I had such a great conversation with Matt who is thrilled to be working for a “good for you” company. I had no idea how young Funky Monkey Snacks were. According to Matt, there was about a year of getting everything together and then 4 years sending the snacks out to the public. Now Funky Monkey Snacks are available at 1/3 of all Target stores and all Whole Foods and I’ve even seen them at our local Safeway. Funky Monkey Snacks are also available online at drugstore.com, greenpolkadotbox.com, and Amazon. When I asked Matt what plans Funky Monkey had for the future, he said that Funky Monkey plans to keep moving with all fruits and experimenting with new flavors. As a cost conscious mom I also asked him how moms on a budget could afford all natural, organic snacks like Funky Monkey. Matt gave great advice by saying that moms should “shop sales, use lists, don’t go to the store hungry, and sign up for coupons when you can.” He let me know that there is a Funky Monkey Newsletter that includes coupons! Make sure you sign up ASAP! I just signed up for mine and can’t wait to get my coupons.

Samples were received.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and active with our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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Simplify & Save Time Meal Planning with E-Mealz

January 10, 2012 By 3 Comments

First we shared the recipe using e-Mealz, the Italian Style Chicken Breast Recipe, now we’re going to give you the full review.

Tired of Planning Meals? Let E-Mealz Do the Work!

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By: Ashley

All of those years I asked my mom, night after night, the agonizing question, “What’s for supper?” We said “supper” but I guess some of you might say “dinner.” Either way, I didn’t realize until I was the mom how annoying and taxing creating week after week of meal plans can be. Last week, I learned about a really cool website called EMealz. If you are the head of a family and in charge of planning every single dinner, this could seriously rock your dinner planning world.

If you sign up for E-Mealz, they will plan your entire week of meals for you and to top if off they will give you a grocery list with everything you need for the week! When I first heard about this, I had my doubts. I was worried that the recipes would be unhealthy, or too expensive, or wouldn’t be very family friendly. I WAS WRONG! E-Mealz has a wide variety of specialized menus that you can choose for your family. They offer menus for everything from “Picky Family” to “Gluten Free” to “On a Budget.” Financial advisor, Dave Ramsey (most famous for his Financial Peace University) even supports E-Mealz saying that it helps solve the problem of the “food, the biggest budget buster of all.”

For this review, I signed up for “Portion Control.” This menu is incredibly family friendly, healthy, and EASY. One of my favorites was the Italian Style Chicken Breasts. Within 30 minutes, I had a healthy dinner on the table that all of us enjoyed. I’d say that’s a success! Some of the other options this week? Firecracker Turkey Chili, Spice Rubbed Chili, and even a Broccoli and Cauliflower Cheese Quiche – such a wide variety!

Interested in trying EMealz? If you hurry, EMealz is offering 10% off of new subscriptions through January 15 with the coupon code “2012.” Even without a coupon code, E-Mealz is a great deal!

Check out the Italian Style Chicken Breasts Recipe.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and active with our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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The Bobble Jug – Helping You to a Healthier 2012

January 9, 2012 By 2 Comments

How much water do you drink every day. You know you’re supposed to drink 8 glasses of water every day and even more if you drink caffeine or exercise. I’ll admit that I don’t drink enough water, I drink maybe one glass of water and about four glasses of some form of caffeine so I need to change my habits. I find that Ashley’s review for the Bobble Jug came in just in time to inspire myself to drink more water. What’s your healthy living goal this year? If it’s exercise you need to drink more water, if it’s eat healthier you need to drink more water, if it’s eating less you need to drink more water. More than likely no matter what your health goal is this year you should be drinking more water.

The Bobble Jug – Helping You to a Healthier 2012

By: Ashley

So many of us have made resolutions and set goals to live a healthier life this year. Well, the Bobble Water Jug can help you reach those goals and keep those resolutions one glass of water at a time.

bobble

The Bobble Water Jug has been sparkling in the media on MTV, CNN and recently featured in Family Circle Magazine. Even celebrities like Kristen Bell, LeAnn Rimes and Sophia Bush are fans of this simple, sleek, and USEFUL product.

What makes the Bobble so special? Its unique design replaces the traditional squatty water filter pitchers taking up less fridge space while still holding 64 ounces of water! This thing filters water FAST too! Instead of having to go through a second reservoir, like most traditional water pitchers, the Bobble filters water straight through the jug in an instant! No more hanging around waiting for the water to flow through before you can have a glass of water!

bobble2

Bobble has a complete line of products that filter water quickly and thoroughly! Using water jugs and personal water bottles is a great way to drink more water during the day! Not to mention, by using your own bottle or cup, you are GOING GREEN and keeping those pesky plastic water bottles out of use.

We received samples on behalf of Bobble.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and active with our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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Why You Need Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System

January 8, 2012 By 10 Comments

By: Ashley

Here’s your first scenario. You knock over the bottles of soap on the kitchen counter trying to put a dish in the sink to wash. Now you’re annoyed with the need for different soaps on the kitchen counter? You need one for hand washing, one for dishes, one for cleaning up counters… It gets cluttered! It’s either cluttered, or you have to un-lock your cabinets (for those of us using child-locks) and get something out to clean up a mess… adding time onto a job that should have been quick and easy! Obviously you don’t have the new Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System. I didn’t realize how annoying these things were until I had the chance to test out this product. I know it’s “just soap,” but this “just soap” has helped organize and sanitize my kitchen counter. This one soap works for sanitizing your hands, cutting grease and cleaning your dishes, AND cleaning and sanitizing your counter tops! It doesn’t leave your dishes slimy, your counters filmy, or your hands dry! Top that with the great scents that Lysol offers (Sparkling Tangerine, Shimmering Berry) and you’ve got a wonderful product!

lysol

How about when you’re cooking, have some type of contaminated something on your hands, and then you have to answer the phone, go to the door, or pick up your little one. That can possibly present 2 problems. 1 you have to touch the hand soap dispenser getting it gross and/or you go to use the built in hand soap dispenser and it’s empty (GRRRR!). Once again, new Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System to the rescue! The whole “no-touch” thing is SO useful. I’d seen it on hand soap dispensers at other people’s houses, but didn’t really realize how important it was. If you’re soap itself is actually covered in germs and yuckiness, it doesn’t really do any good. Well the Lysol No-Touch Kitchen System keeps that problem out of your kitchen.

 Lysol 2

Thanks, Lysol for giving me the chance to try out your new No-Touch Kitchen System. It’s helping me, my family, and my kitchen stay cleaner!

 

We received samples on behalf of Lysol.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and active with our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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A Compact PC: The Sony VAIO Y Computer Review

December 12, 2011 By 11 Comments

By: Ashley

For the past few months my current laptop has been in a gradual decline. Things have slowed down, it has to be restarted more often, programs have “errors”… all those lovely signs that signify the end of days for a laptop. I’ve been trying to figure out what to do next though. Since I’m starting to do a little more traveling, and often take my computer to meetings, out to coffee, etc. I was really looking into a mini-laptop. I just wasn’t sure how I would handle the smaller keyboard and screen. Well, thanks to Sony, I’ve been able to test out a Sony Vaio Y Series laptop. Now, keep in mind that I am NOT a techy person. This review will be as tech-knowledgeable as I can make it, but forgive any obvious mistakes in lingo.

Sony Y 3

From the moment I opened it up, I was in love. Yes, I know this will sound pretty lame, but the cute pink cover was one of the first things I loved. It just adds a nice personal touch to something as everyday as a computer. Sony Y 1

Anyway, the Sony Vaio Y Series has a TON of amazing features. Here are the super techy features!

Sony VAIO Y Specifications:

Windows 7 Home Premium 64-bit
Camera: Built-in MOTION EYE® camera and microphone
AMD® Dual-Core Processor E-350
Speed: 1.60GHz
Dual Core Technology
Installed: 4GB (2GB x 2)Memory
Type/Speed: DDR3-1066MHz
Max. Memory: 4GB
Sound System: Intel® High Definition Audio
11.6" Screen
Resolution: 1366 x 768
Back Light Technology: LED
Graphics Processor: AMD Mobility
Radeon™ HD 6310 Graphics
Weight: 3.23 lbs. (with Standard Capacity Battery)
Measurements: 11.42” (W) x 0.99” – 1.25” (H) x 7.99” (D)

I do know that this laptop is super lightweight and portable. It’s small in size and weight. I can also say that I absolutely LOVE the battery life on the computer. I have never had it run out on me while working. As far as the size of the keyboard and screen goes, it does take a little getting used to, but I’ve adjusted pretty quickly and now prefer using the tiny compact version as opposed to my normal 15” laptop.

Sony Y 2

If you’re computer shopping and trying to decide what’s best for you, the Sony Vaio Y Series is a great option for Moms (or anyone) on the go!

More Technical Specs:

It’s powered by a dual-core AMD E-450 accelerated processor (APU), which combines a CPU and a graphics processing unit (GPU) on a single chip, helping to accelerate daily applications while also delivering lower power consumption. The APU can quickly offload demanding tasks and applications from your CPU to the GPU, enabling you to do more with your computer in less time.

You can connect this VAIO to a compatible HDTV via the HDMI port to display your creations to a larger audience via a single cable. It also includes Wireless-N Wi-Fi networking (802.11n), which offers ultra-fast speeds, wider range, and compatibility with 802.11b/g networks as well. And the integrated camera with face-tracking technology and microphone makes it easy to video chat with family, friends, and co-workers.

The 11.6-inch LED backlit widescreen display Sony Vaio laptop offers lower power consumption for improved battery life while providing incredibly high brightness levels that amplify colors and deliver clear, crisp picture quality to bring your movies and pictures to life–even spreadsheets will look amazing. It’s only 3.23 pounds.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and President of our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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NoJo Beautiful Butterfly 7-Piece Crib Bedding Set Review

December 6, 2011 By 5 Comments

By Ashley

When we first found out we were pregnant, we decided then and there that we were not going to find out the gender of the baby. As tough as it was, I’m so glad that we decided to go that way. Now that we’ve got our wonderful baby boy, we’ve talked about whether we will have another little one… and if so… would we find out? I’m not sure, but products like this make me want to say YES!

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I have 2 HUGE raves about the NoJo Beautiful Butterfly 7-Piece Crib Bedding Set. The first thing that is SO awesome is that it is a beautifully girly print… but done in rich purples and greens. Don’t get me wrong, there is nothing wrong with pink. Purple is my favorite color though, and if I had a little girl, I’d love to have a beautiful purple-themed room. If purple isn’t your cup of tea, no need to worry. There are other prints to choose from.

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The second huge plus to this bedding set is that it truly does have EVERYTHING! From the bag, here’s what’s included:

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· Comforter
· Fitted Sheet
· Dust Ruffle
· Window Valance
· Diaper Stacker
· Keepsake Box
· 4-Piece Secure-Me Bumper by NoJo

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The fabric is soft, the colors are rich, and all of the stitching seems secure, durable, and ready to cuddle your little bundle of joy.

We received samples

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The Brainy Company Glowberry Bears: The Glowing, Giggling, Cuddly Cute Night-light Bears

December 3, 2011 By 4 Comments

By: Ashley

Glowberry Bears are one of the great toys The Brainy Company offers for young children. The recommended age for the Glowberry Bears is 3+, but I can see how even a little guy like my (almost) 18-month-old would love to cuddle, snuggle, and giggle with Twinkleton, one of the Glowberry characters.

This is a great interactive toy that can bring smiles to any little one who loves stuffed animals. The Glowberry Bears aren’t just ordinary stuffed animals. These bears have a glowing belly that is activated by a tickle of the tummy (which also makes the bear go into a silly giggle spell) or by simply pressing the bear’s right paw. Pressing the right paw actually turns on the night light feature which can help comfort little ones as they go to sleep at night. The light stays on for about 1 minute and then turns off automatically as the bear says “Night Night.” If you press the bear’s left paw, the bear will talk to you and ask questions. Unfortunately, the bear can’t answer back, but the imaginations of preschoolers will make the conversation keep going. With a little imagination, Glowberry Bears can even talk to each other!

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You may be asking yourself what “Glowberry” is all about. Well, from the Glowberry packaging itself, I learned that:

“Behind mountains of snow and glaciers of ice, is nestled an island of magical delight. On Glowberry Island, flowers bloom, and berries glow, streams meander and waterfalls flow. Houses are orange and pink and blue, the island comes to life in every hue. It is on the island where Glowberry Bears thrive – Little Glow, Twinkles, Twinkleton, Dusty McStardust, Summer Lightly – all five!”

If you’re searching for a gift for a special little one, Glowberry Bears… or any of the great toys that The Brainy Company has to offer might be just what you’re looking for.

Disclosure – A product was provided to me free of charge by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the writing of this review; however, opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.

About Ashley:

Ashley has a background in teaching Kindergarten and working with children K through 8th grade. She is now a SAHM and President of our local MOMS Club chapter. She writes her own blog at Momicles.

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