30.12.12

Keep Your Family Safe With Recalls Plus

I never really knew just how many products are recalled each year until they became more advertised on the news. I remember when spinach was recalled and certain canned items. Then, I found out Josiah's car seat was recalled when he was a baby. How scary that can be as a parent to know that something you own was recalled? Especially when you do not even noticed for months after the fact. Just to think something could have happened to my children gives me a heart attack.  It's best to keep on top of recalls not only for your own children, but for other friends and family members. What if the gift you gave your nephew for his birthday is recalled?

You can easily keep up with all the latest recalls with Recalls Plus, a new app that is totally FREE to download and is available on Facebook, through Google Play and on Apple Store, so you have many choices. I added to Recalls Plus Facebook App and now I get notifications when new recalls are posted. I feel so much better knowing that I will be alerted when things are recalled.  You can easily download this FREE app onto your smart phone, tablet and more. Here are all the ways you can get Recalls Plus:

Download Recalls Plus: Apple Store

Download Recalls Plus: Google play

Get the Recalls Plus App for Facebook

It's so important to keep up with the latest recalls for your safety and for your children. Download Recalls Plus to see what has most recently been recalled. Here are some items that were recently listed on Recalls Plus:

1. Dream on Me Ultra 2 in 1 Infant Tub, Toddler, Niagra, Baby Bath Seats
Hazard: The bath seats can tip over, posing a risk of drowning to babies.
2. Step2 X-Rider Car Children’s Riding Toys
Hazard: Children who lean too far forward on the seat can go over the handle bar and hit the ground. 3. Boden Children’s Pajamas
Hazard: The pajamas fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

**All products listed above where listed on Recalls Plus within the past two months. Product recalls were identified by the appropriate government agency. Please go the Recalls Plus App for more information about the above recalls


On your phone you can keep up with recalls by age and even save items to be alerted if they do become recalled. Don't have a smart phone or tablet? Just get Recalls Plus on Facebook. It's so simple, free and a great way to keep your entire family safe! With the click of a button to download the app I can help keep my family safe. Click the links above or the photos to get the app today!

Thanks to Recalls Plus for sponsoring this very important information. All thoughts & opinions are of my own and may differ from yours.

26.12.12

Soothe & Heal Cold Sores Quickly With Abreva & $25 Amazon.com Gift Card Giveaway

We have a busy holiday season every single year. In fact, we have already been busy preparing for our upcoming feast and family gathering. The four of us always go to my mom-in-law's house for Christmas Eve to be with my husband's side of the family. We stay there until late in the afternoon eating, enjoying seeing family we don't see often, opening presents and eating again! Then, we pile into the car and head towards North Carolina to do it all again the next day.

Unfortunately, another occurrence during the winter season are cold sores. I, along with about 80 million other Americans, am cursed with cold sores every single year when the winter weather comes in with the cold, dry air. Cold sores are blisters that form around the lips. If you've never experienced a cold sore, you are very lucky! These little suckers are painful and unsightly. Trying to cover them makes them worse, so they are pretty much out there for everyone in the world to see and stare at. It's embarrassing, to say the least.

What causes cold sores? There are several triggers, including stress, hormones, fatigue, UV rays, having a weak immune system from other illness, such as a cold or flu and many others. For myself, my triggers are usually either fatigue and lack of sleep or a prior illness that has caused my immune system to be weak. Just two weeks ago I had my first cold sore of the season, which arrived at the end of a horrible virus that passed around our family. Just when I thought I was getting better, my lip started hurting and I immediately knew I was in trouble. However, I always have Abreva nearby in case of an emergency.

Having a cold sore hurts, making it sometimes hard to smile, laugh and even talk depending on how bad they are. I have to watch what kinds of foods I eat when having a cold sore, too. Since they pop up on my lips, they are right in a very sensitive area. I can't even kiss my husband or boys! Plus, they can even stick around up to 2 weeks if left untreated. That's why I keep Abreva in our medicine cabinet and, at the first sign of a cold sore, I break out Abreva and put it to work.
The kids and I love making funny faces. I could NOT do this if I had a cold sore!
As soon as I put Abreva on my cold sore, it begins to tingle just a bit and within a short period of time, it already starts feeling better. It's soothing and sets my mind at ease because I know it will help. Why? It is the only over-the-counter medication proven to shorten healing time! It goes into the skin and strengthens it from inside out, making the cells in the skin barriers against the cold sore virus. No other cold sore medicine can do what Abreva does by soothing and healing skin. The other medicines I've tried usually made my skin more irritated.

The next time you feel a cold sore beginning to form, get some Abreva and put it to the test. You will not be disappointed. It is satisfaction guaranteed, too, so even if you aren't amazed by Abreva like I am, you can get your money back. There is no reason to suffer through cold sores any more!

Ready for a giveaway?
Thanks to Abreva, we have an awesome giveaway to share with everyone for this holiday season!

22.12.12

The Edge Tie-Dye Kangaroo Hoodie Shirt Review & Giveaway

Part of me thinks I should have been born in the 60s. I would have definitely been a hippie traveling around in my VW van, flowers in my hair and enjoying every minute of it. Even though I was born in the 80s, there are many things still around and popular today, including Tie-Dye. I love tie-dye shirts and so do my kids. We actually started an art project one day, trying to make our own tie-dye shirts, but ended up with a huge mess and had no idea what we were doing. I think I will leave it up to the professionals, which is why I was so excited to find The Edge Tie Dye Handcrafted Boutique.

About The Edge
We are a completely handcrafted tie dye boutique established in 1990 and we do all of the dying by hand, one piece at a time.  No vats or bulk dying.  Sometimes the cats help.  Our goal is to create affordable and unique wearable art using the highest quality, brand name, cotton & rayon clothing and to make your purchase of massive quantities a pleasant experience.

We meet some of our fans
We use fiber reactive dyes that we custom mix (with magic) to create our unique color patterns.  All of our items are completely colorfast and safe.  We promise no one will turn blue.  All cotton clothing is machine washable with your other darks, in warm or cold water and you can tumble dry. No running, shrinking or fading... guaranteed!

My Thoughts
I was so excited to look through The Edge Tie Dye's awesome selection of tie-dye items and have to admit it was very hard to decide which one I liked the best, especially since there were options for both adults and children. My son, Liam, really wanted one for his own, so the owner was nice enough to send an item for both of us! I received the Kangaroo Hoodie Shirt and he got the long-sleeved t-shirt for kids.

This is Liam wearing his tie dye shirt! We were actually at the hospital for one of his chemo treatments and I chose this shirt because it is so soft and comfortable. Plus, he loves the colors and design! It has been perfect for the cooler winter months we've experienced here in Georgia.
I, on the other hand, am always cold in the winter and am pretty much always wearing a sweatshirt, so I was very excited when I spotted the Kangaroo Hoodie, which is a soft cotton sweatshirt with a hood. It has quickly become my favorite shirt and I wear it weekly. It follows me around the house so I can put it on when I get cold and take if off when I get hot chasing after the boys. It's the most comfortable shirt I own and I love it!

There were many colors from which to choose and also many different designs. I love the swirls, but you can choose from a rainbow, heart, flame or many other designs, too. I really cannot say enough about my shirt and the quality of it. Since I've worn it so often, it has been washed several times and guess what? Just like the guarantee says, the colors have not faded one bit. It's as beautiful and colorful as it was when I received it.

Ready for a giveaway?
 One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Choice of Kangaroo Hoodie Sweatshirt from The Edge Tie-Dye. Winner can choose whether they want one for an adult or child as well as the colors and design!

21.12.12

Holiday Gift Guide: Boppy Pillow- A Mama Must-Have! Giveaway


When I was pregnant with my first son, Josiah, one of the items I received at my baby shower was a Boppy pillow. I had no idea what it was at the time or how much I would end up using it. This pillow ended up being a lifesaver (or sanity saver) for us and something we put to great use every week!

That Boppy is now 5 years old and has been used for both of my children. With Josiah, he loved sitting up to play and, since he had reflux, the Boppy was a great way to sit him and keep him happy as a clam! With Liam, we breastfed and, after a few days, my arms were so sore from holding him. Who knew something so little would eat so much! The Boppy Pillow was the perfect solution and helped me hold him safely, keep him comfortable and save my poor arms from falling off.

We aren't the only parents who love their Boppy Feeding and Infant Support Pillow! It is America's #1 Baby Product and, for the 10th year, it has won the American Baby magazine's Bests Awards 2012 as the #1 nursing pillow!

That's reason to celebrate, right? 
That's why Boppy wants to give away one of their  must-haves for Mamas! 

One Lucky Reader Will Win Their Choice of Boppy Feeding and Infant Support Pillow! Just use the Rafflecopter form below to enter. This giveaway is open to US Residents 18+ years of age and will end on Sunday, January 13th at 11:59pm. Good Luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway
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20.12.12

Holiday Gift Guide: Kusmi Tea Russian Blends Mini Tins Review


The fascinating story of Kusmi Tea goes all the way back to 1867. From the very beginning, Kusmi tea houses were known for high quality, delicious teas; their prestige was such that even the great czars of Russia partook. The tea's popularity spread far beyond Russia to great cities like London and Paris. And now tea lovers in America are discovering for themselves just why Kusmi continues to be an international sensation.

We received this assortment of Russian black tea blends in lovely decorative mini-tins to try out. They include Prince Vladimir, Anastasia, Troika, St. Petersburg and Bouquet of Flowers. Don't you love the names?


These loose leaf blends can be quickly and easily brewed with an infuser, and in just about the same amount of time that a tea bag does.


I am a self-proclaimed tea connoisseur. Brewing my morning and afternoon cup is a beloved daily ritual. For the past few weeks, I've thoroughly enjoyed tasting (and smelling!) all the Russian tea blends. In a word, the Kusmi teas literally "transported" me with their unique and exotic flavors; I've never found anything like this on my local store shelves.

 In each one, bergamot plays a starring role. Bergamot is a flowering tree which produces a small citrus fruit whose distinctive aroma you will quickly recognize if you've ever enjoyed a cup of Earl Gray tea.

Of the 5 Russian blends I tried, my definite favorite was Anastasia. All five were completely delightful, fragrant and flavorful, but Anastasia stood out to me because of the delicate lemon, lime and orange notes that shine through without overpowering the senses. A close second for me was their famous St. Petersburg blend, which surprises the palette with a sweet finish, thanks to red berry and caramel flavors. The combination of flavors in St. Petersburg also makes it ideal for cold winter days and holiday gatherings. This special blend was actually created many years ago to celebrate the tercentenary of the city of St. Petersburg. I love thinking about the rich history behind these incredible teas while I'm sipping them!


Here are all the ways you can connect with Kusmi Tea:

Kusmi Tea on Facebook
Kusmi Tea on Twitter
Kusmi Tea on Google Plus
Sign up to receive the Kusmi Tea newsletter

Besides making your taste buds incredibly happy, I think Kusmi Tea would make a distinctive and unforgettable gift for any tea lover in your life. You can shop online for the Russian blends I reviewed and also for their very popular wellness teas, traditional teas, gift assortments and decaffeinated blends.

Holiday Gift Guide: 31 Bits Jewelry Whistler Bracelet Review & Giveaway

Sweet Tart Necklace
A few weeks ago I was looking around the internet and entering giveaways when I came across one for a beautiful necklace from 31 Bits. I have to admit I'd never heard of the company, but was enamored with the piece of jewelry, so I did some research and found out the amazing story of 31 Bits. The owner actually traveled to Uganda while in college and was so taken with the beautiful paper jewelry the women created. After completing her degree, she and some friends went back and now buy jewelry from Uganda on a monthly basis! The result is that the women of Uganda have great paying jobs to help counteract poverty and help them overcome obstacles. Plus, 31 Bits shares amazing jewelry with us!

Their program "equips women by providing literacy education, financial and vocational training, holistic care, and strong support systems, empowering individuals to further their careers and attain social equity". That alone is reason enough for me to support 31 Bits, but the fact that the jewelry  is so beautiful just adds to the appeal and uniqueness of the idea.

We received the 31 Bits Whistler Bracelet in Seafoam Teal for review and it is gorgeous. It looks pretty on the website, but in person it just sparkles. I love the color and think it matches perfectly with the copper beads. This bracelet has six strands and comes in Orange, Blue, Seafoam or Purple.
I've said it before and will say it again... I am very picky about the type of jewelry I wear. I'm probably the only woman who will say this, but I don't care for diamonds and gold. I'd rather wear unique handmade items that tell a story. The Whistler fits into this category perfectly. It's perfect to wear with a dress to church or out to eat, but it would also look great with jeans and a t-shirt. I love that it is versatile and can be worn so often.
The bracelet came in this beautiful pouch!

Retailing at only $32, this makes for a perfect holiday gift! Besides me, I know my sister-in-law would love this bracelet. She's a teacher and could wear this with many of her everyday outfits.
I love the beads!
Take a look at the 31 Bits website! I am sure you will find so many great gift ideas for others (and yourself) just like I did.
Are you ready for a giveaway?
One Lucky Winner Will Receive a Teal 31 Bits Whistler Bracelet Just Like The One We Received!

19.12.12

Protect Your Android Phone From Madware With Norton Spot

I was so excited when I purchased my first smart phone and could finally get with the times! Before then, I'd been stuck with old-school flip-phones with no internet. Sad, I know. My kids were also excited because they knew all of the great games they could play since Grandma had one loaded with fun games. I have to admit, I was a bit naive when it came t downloading things to my phone and went a little crazy getting new things, including madware. If you know that word, chances are you have been effected by it. If not, you really need to beware because you honestly do NOT want this to attack your phone.

The first time I noticed madware on my phone was when I tried to send a picture of the kids to my mother-in-law. All of a sudden ads started popping up... everywhere. I had flashbacks to my dial-up modem computer back in the 90s when I got hit by a spambot. Yes, it was very much the same and I knew this was not good at all.

What exactly is madware?
It is aggressive mobile adware that attacks only Android phones, placing ads in your Android device's photo albums, calendars, push notifications and more. For those of us who depend on our phones daily, this is a huge issue, one worth of a heart attack!

Did you know there has been a huge increase in madware attacks? I've noticed they are included in many of the games we have, including Angry Birds. I can't stand those little ads and, as you probably know, little hands can't seemingly avoid them, clicking as soon as one pops up. They cannot resist.

How can you protect your phone?
Just like in the 90s when Norton saved the day, they've come to the rescue once again and now have an awesome app, Norton Spot, that is the solution to madware! It works to detect ads and scans advertising networks that can spam your device via other apps. Not only is Norton Spot FREE, but it can be downloaded via Google Play app store for Android devices.

Norton Spot keeps your phone and your privacy safe, something I believe we all need. So, if you have an Android phone like I do, download Norton Spot like we did. Since then, I haven't had any problems with madware and, since it was free, I really couldn't ask for anything more! You will love this app!

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Norton. I received a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.

Scooby-Doo Mystery Workshop For Last Minute Present Ideas

 Josiah is a huge Scooby-Doo fan and has just about all the movies and many of the episodes on DVD. When we are on the road during the holidays that's what he usually wants to watch in the car. He also has several Scooby-Doo toys, including the Mystery van and the character figures, which are in use pretty much every day. It's so funny because he loves playing with knights and sets up the battleground with Scooby-Doo right in the middle of the action!
This year Christmas has seemed to come out of nowhere. I cannot believe it is less than a week away! Needless to say, I keep thinking of presents I need to buy last minute and am stressing a little. However, I have a great suggestion for those who love Scooby-Doo. Have your children visit the new Warner Bros. Scooby Mystery Workshop site where kids can customize their own holiday gift list of awesome Scooby Doo items. The site offers Scooby-Doo games, toys, costumes, bedding and much more to help Mom and Dad solve the holiday shopping mystery.

One your child has picked their favorite Scooby-Doo items, they can print or email the list to a parent or Grandma! In addition to helping with gift selections, the site also provides additional fun for kids, such as helping The Gang pick out gifts for each other through an interactive poll. For instance, what should Scooby get Daphne for the holidays? They can also compete to win fun prizes or play games with Scooby-Doo and Shaggy! Check out the Scooby Mystery Workshop today.



I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Scooby-Doo. I received a product sample to thank me for participating.

Holiday Gift Guide: Carson-Dellosa Pirates Gold and Homework Helpers Review & Giveaway

Isn't it great to have fun when you're learning? Every week at our house we have family game night, and I love anything that will help reinforce the lessons my children are learning in school. Carson-Dellosa, a wonderful educational publishing company, provides books and games and manipulatives to engage children from grades pre-K all the way up to eighth grade.

Carson-Dellosa generously sent us these products to try out: the Pirates Gold board game (retail $14.99), and three Homework Helpers Activity Books (Number Dot to Dot, Alphabet Hidden Pictures and School Skills), which retail for $2.99 each. What a perfect fit for our family! Benjamin, who is in pre-K, was very eager to try out his new workbooks. And everyone, including my husband and me, couldn't wait to jump in and try Pirates Gold for game night.
Pirates Gold is the perfect game to play with younger children in grades 2 to 5. It took us just minutes to set up and learn and our children immediately understood the strategy: gather 6 gold coins to win the game, and watch out for the pirate ship at all costs! The board and pieces are very appealing and brightly colored, and the children especially loved stashing loot in their treasure chests. We usually finish a game within 20 to 30 minutes. That's just the right amount of time for this age group.
The only issue we encountered with Pirates Gold is that the little tavern made out of paper, which is meant to be assembled and used as a "3D" decoration on the board, doesn't fit back in the box unless you take it apart. We had to tape it to keep it together, and I didn't want to remove the tape, so we just keep it in a separate place. We have enjoyed Pirates Gold so much that I am very eager to check out more of Carson-Dellosa's games!
The pre-K activity books were a home run, too. At about 8x9 inches in size, they are a little smaller than your standard workbook; just right for little hands to hold. And that means they fit better in tiny backpacks. The artwork is simple but cute, and the activities are perfectly suited to the target ages. Benjamin has enjoyed the workbooks so much, he wants to do the activities for fun, even outside of home school time.
The selection you'll find at the Carson-Dellosa website is just incredible! There are easily thousands of items for teachers and parents to use for education and inspiration: colorful charts, games, stickers, activity books, posters, maps and more! You can shop by grade/age, by theme or by school subject to find just what you need to engage your child. They offer $5.95 flat rate shipping and a great Sales and Clearance section with items 50% off or more.

If you get stuck and need help, take advantage of their helpful Live Chat.

Connect with Carson-Dellosa online: 

So, are you ready for a giveaway?

One Lucky Reader Will Receive The Pirates Gold Game from Carson-Dellosa!

18.12.12

Holiday Gift Guide: Bounce Bounce Tigger Toy Review

I grew up reading Winnie the Pooh stories and have always loved that little pudgy bear and all of his friends in the Hundred-Acre-Woods. We even decorated Josiah's nursery with everything Pooh! One of Josiah's favorite stuffed animals was his little Pooh bear when he was a baby and now Liam carries him around, too. I knew they would have a fit over the new Bounce Bounce Tigger toy from Just Play Toys and they most certainly did!

About Bounce Bounce Tigger
Kids will love dancing along with the Just Play Winnie the Pooh Bounce Bounce Tigger Plush Doll! Made of soft, cuddly plush, this lovable Disney’s Winnie the Pooh character shows off his awesome dance moves in sync with a classic hip-hop hit version of his signature theme song. Just squeeze his foot to start the fun and watch as he "wiggety, wiggety wiggles" on his springy, coiled tail!
  • Bounces to the left, to the right and back and forth
  • Made of soft, cuddly plush
  • Dances in sync to a classic hip-hop version of his theme song
  • Bounces on his springy, coiled tail
My Thoughts
In all honestly, we are giving this as a gift for my nephew who loves Tigger, so we have played with it through the box and have seen it in action at retailer. The kids were so excited to get this for their cousin, Ethan, who is always dancing to music. Little do the kids know, the tune Tigger is singing comes from when I was only a little older than they are now, so I find it amusing every time this toy starts singing and bouncing around.

There are many reasons this is a HOT holiday gift item! It's silly, fun and interactive. Kids can jump around and dance along with Tigger. Plus, he is still soft and plush, so hugs are also an option! Ethan is big on hugs, so I know this will be a toy he tots around for many months to come. I have a feeling that Liam, my son, will not be very happy to part with this item when it comes time. He's grown quite attached to the Bounce Bounce Tigger, so Santa may have already placed an order for his very own.

You can find Bounce Bounce Tigger at many retailers, including Walmart and Target. In addition, you can purchase on Amazon for $35.99.

Like Just Play Toys on Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/JustPlay

Follow them on Twitter:  @JustPlayToys

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17.12.12

Consolidate All of Your Loyalty Reward Cards Into One With The LOC Card & Facebook Contest

I am a bargain shopper and get so excited when I find good deals! Coupons, discounts, gift cards and, especially store loyalty cards are things I always look for when shopping, so whenever a store asks if I want to sign up for their loyalty card, I cannot resist. At first this was fine, but over the years my key chain has slowly grown to include more loyalty cards than keys! Not to mention, sometimes when they get old they fall off or get lost somehow, which is just annoying. For these reasons, I was so excited to hear about the LOC card!

Did you know the average household is enrolled in 14-18 customer loyalty programs. I can definitely vouch for that because I couldn't tell you how many I've signed up for over the years. What if you could consolidate all of your loyalty programs into ONE card? Wouldn't that be awesome? Well, now you can with the LOC Card!

What is the LOC Card?
The amazing LOC Card allows you to use a single loyalty card for all participating merchant loyalty programs!

How does this amazing LOC Card work? 
Once you are enrolled at www.loccard.com, you can manage all of your merchant loyalty programs from there! So, you can keep up with all of your loyalty memberships in one secure place to review the status of rewards in all participating programs! No forms are required, no registration is required, you just sign up, enter in your info and you are ready to go. The LOC site does all of the hard work, sorting out the rewards and special offers with the merchants.

Sign Up Today!
Once signed up, you will be sent a wallet-sized card, key fob and free smart phone app to keep up with your account on the go. Plus, it is absolutely FREE to sign up. 

The LOC Card is a new company, so they are still working with grocery chains, restaurants and other retail outlets across the country, but they will be announcing its first merchants very soon! Be sure to check out the LOC Card Facebook page and on the website for all news and updates. 

Show Us Your Cards Facebook Contest
We love giveaways and contests, of course, and you do not want to miss The LOC Card's "Show Us Your Cards" Facebook Contest is going on right now!To celebrate the launch of the LOC Card, just visit the LOC Card Facebook page, upload a photo of all your loyalty cards (wallet cards, fobs, etc.) and you will be entered to win a $50 Visa gift card!!! There will be 3 winners!

Be sure to also follow the LOC card via Twitter and YouTube!

We just signed up for the LOC Card and cannot wait to get rid of the many fob cards on my key chain and all of the cards in my wallet! It will be so nice to only have one card for all of my loyalty programs. Go sign up today and don't forget to tell your friends about it. This is going to be huge!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post, though all opinions written are my own.

Is Your Baby's Crib Recalled? Stay On Top Of All Recalls with Recalls Plus

I never really paid close attention to recalls until I had my first son, Josiah. This is when I started noticing more and more recalls mentioned in the news. I remember there being a recall on certain baby foods and noticed many on toys and other baby products. I found out almost 6 months after the fact that his car seat had been recalled! Luckily, we did not get into an accident or anything, but since that time I've tried to keep up with all recalls. I had no idea they happen frequently, so there is always a chance something in our home will be recalled. It's best to keep on top of recalls not only for your own children, but for other friends and family members. What if the gift you gave your nephew for his birthday is recalled?

Well, now staying in the know about recalls is easier than ever with Recalls Plus! You can easily download this FREE app onto your smart phone, tablet and more. Here are all the ways you can get Recalls Plus:

Download Recalls Plus: Apple Store

Download Recalls Plus: Google play

Get the Recalls Plus App for Facebook

It's so important to keep up with the latest recalls for your safety and for your children. Download Recalls Plus to see what has most recently been recalled. Here are some items that were recently listed on Recalls Plus:

1. Dream on Me Ultra 2 in 1 Infant Tub, Toddler, Niagra, Baby Bath Seats
Hazard: The bath seats can tip over, posing a risk of drowning to babies.
2. Sportspower Sports Authority Parkside Trampolines
Hazard: The trampoline’s metal legs can move out of position and puncture the jumping area, posing a risk of injury.
3. Step2 X-Rider Car Children’s Riding Toys
Hazard: Children who lean too far forward on the seat can go over the handle bar and hit the ground.
4. JoAnn Fabric and Craft Foam Pumpkin Turkey Craft Kit
Hazard: Magnets holding the pumpkin shell pieces together can become loose, posing an ingestion hazard.
5. Boden Children’s Pajamas
Hazard; The pajamas fail to meet federal flammability standards for children’s sleepwear, posing a risk of burn injuries to children.

**All products listed above where listed on Recalls Plus within the past two months. Product recalls were identified by the appropriate government agency. Please go the Recalls Plus App for more information about the above recalls

On your phone you can keep up with recalls by age and even save items to be alerted if they do become recalled. Don't have a smart phone or tablet? Just get Recalls Plus on Facebook. It's so simple, free and a great way to keep your entire family safe! Click the links above or the photos to get the app today! We already have the app on our iPad and love it. Check it out!

Thanks to Recalls Plus for sponsoring this very important information. All thoughts & opinions are of my own and may differ from yours.

Crowd Funding: A New Way to Save for College

These days it may very well take a crowd to send a child to college. That’s the idea behind some new websites that help parents solicit college fund contributions from family members and friends through email and social media.

Following the lead of disaster relief, venture capital, and other crowd funding initiatives, websites like GradSave.com and College Registry by Fipath serve as gift registries for college savings. The sites let you set up a profile for your child and share it with friends and family on social media sites, with links so they can easily make contributions. Grandparents and others can gift your child’s college savings account on Birthdays, holidays, or any time at all. You can also send shower, birthday, or graduation invitations by email and include links to the registry.[1]

Once contributions are received, you can transfer them to your child’s 529 plan or other savings account. Registering your child on these sites is free, but the sites typically charge contributors a service fee, plus a percentage if the contribution is over a certain dollar amount. [2]

A college education is a gift that lasts a lifetime. The registries plug themselves as a convenient (and potentially less awkward) way to lobby family and friends for college money instead of toys, video games, or other gifts that may soon be forgotten.

Donna Parshall writes articles for Allied Cash Advance about frugal living. Allied Cash Advance is a responsible cash advance and payday loans lender.



References
[1] Gobel, Reyna. “3 Ways to Ask for Contributions to 529 College Savings Plans.” U.S. News & World Report.Web. 13 Aug. 2012. http://www.usnews.com/education/best-colleges/paying-for-college/articles/2012/08/13/3-ways-to-ask-for-contributions-to-529-college-savings-plans

[2] Ensign, Rachel Louise. “’Crowdfunding’ College Costs.” The Wall Street Journal.Web. 19 Oct. 2012. http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10000872396390444657804578048461063769132.html

15.12.12

Buzzworthy Twitter Follows Page 4 (Mimi)






























13.12.12

Reija Eden Jewelry Review & Dream Necklace Giveaway

I have to admit I am very picky about the type of jewelry I wear. That's why I get so excited when I find unique styles that stand out in a crowd. I love handmade jewelry, silver and amethyst more than anything else. When I came across Reija Eden Jewelry, I knew this was something I had to share with my readers.

About Reija Eden
Reija Eden Jewelry offers unique and one of a kind contemporary handmade designer jewelry that is perfect for every day and occasion. Reija uses only the finest quality materials in her handmade jewelry designs and is inspired by the beauty of gemstones, precious metals, current fashion trends, sea life and nature. Her designs are modern and contemporary but still capture all the grace, elegance and artistry of traditional jewelry designs without losing sight of current fashion and trends.

My Thoughts
I was sent the Reija Eden Amethyst Cluster necklace ($58 retail value) for my review and it is absolutely gorgeous! I picked it out on the website and thought it looked beautiful there, but it is even more amazing in person. The cluster is much bigger than the picture made it out to be and it shines when beams of light hit it the right way. I have gotten so many complements when wearing this necklace, so I wear it often! It's become my favorite accessory to wear when going out for a nice dinner or party.

The purple matches perfectly against the silver, but for those who prefer gold, the necklace is available in 14k gold as well. What I love the most is that the necklace can be worn with just about everything. For someone on a budget like myself, this is the kind of jewelry for me because I can wear it more often! So, I can wear it with my everyday clothes and I can also wear it as an accessory with my dressy clothes. Either way it looks beautiful.

Thanks to Reija Eden Jewelry, we have an awesome giveaway for you!

Winter 2013 Best Gloves for Women

For a long time, gloves functioned only as simple hand warmers, but looking at recent fashion shows, we can see that gloves have been important accessories of many outfits. Here are the most outstanding trends in gloves for winter 2013. Regarding the fabrics, leather and wool are the most popular materials, and in terms of style, fingerless gloves promise to rock this winter!

1. Leather Gloves
Leather is one of the most popular trends this winter, from leather apparel such as jackets, pants, and dresses to leather accessories such as gloves and jewelry. Another reason for you to invest in leather items is that they will stay with you for more than one season since this material is always fashionable and long lasting.
Two designs below combine the hottest trends while costing a mere $34 each. Studded gloves will be hot in winter 2013, so gloves like this will keep your hands warm while giving you an attractive look. The second design is the perfect combination between leather and knit; this glove is soft, cozy, youthful, and up-to-date! These are only two of the many beautiful glove designs available at Urban Outfitters. And remember to use an Urban Outfitters Coupons Code to buy your favorite gloves at the best prices.
Urbanoutfitters.com
2. Wool Gloves
Wool is a popular fabric in winter because it provides the ultimate comfort and coziness; simple wool gloves look fashionable in trending colors. Popular colors for winter 2013 are reds, whites, and bold hues. The red chunky sweater-knit gloves below will be a simple but prominent feature in your wardrobe this winter. They are just a little more than $12 at Old Navy The white ones are from Zulily – a retailer that is not only famous for kids’ clothes but also loved by adults. This design, like many other products at Zulily, is made of the best fabrics that provide you and your kids the softest touch. The simple style is the most suitable for the trend of pure white this winter. Buy the sweetest gloves and other accessories at a fraction of the price with a Zulily promo code
Oldnavy.com      &               Zulily.com
3. Fingerless Gloves
Fingerless gloves are cute, dashing, and stylish whether they're made of wool, leather, lace, or fur. Additionally, they're convenient; you can use your fingers to do a lot of tasks without taking them off. Knitwear in fall/winter 2012-2013 is inspired by animal prints and figures, so the first design is the best choice for sweet girls.
Lace is also loved by fashionistas; the leather and lace mittens below are a modern classic and give you a dashing but graceful look.
Fur is also fashionable for everyone. We hardly ever see a glove totally made from fur, but they are commonly added to gloves like in the design below.
Urbanoutfitters.com
Now that you have a picture of your ideal gloves in your head and you know how to buy them at the best price, let’s go shopping! Finally, in order to update your wardrobe with the hottest trends and mix your clothing beautifully, read the article Winter Wardrobe Essentials for Women.