Friday, December 28, 2012

Important Recall on Nap Nanny

Nap Nanny infant recliners have been recalled again!

There have been 70 more incidents since the previous recall!
For more info and to see if yours is included, go here.

Happy holidays and keep those babies safe!

Friday, December 21, 2012

$500 Paypal Cash Giveaway

  pp  
Everyone can use a little cash right? We’ve teamed up with some other amazing bloggers to bring you a Paypal $500 cash giveaway!

Seriously, who couldn't use an extra $500?? Especially at this time of year!
We’re giving away $500 cash via PayPal to one lucky person.

Enter to win $500 Cash via PayPal.

Complete the tasks below to earn entries into this giveaway. One winner will be chosen at random from all valid entries.

Open Worldwide.
Starts 12/22 12:01am EST on December 30th, 11:59pm EST
  Hosted by: Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | S.O.S Mom | Swank Savings | Route 249 | Twinkle Monkey | She Informed | Country Stew | The Deal Fanatic | My Vegan Gluten Free Life

 
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Monday, December 17, 2012

Esio Hot & Cold Beverage Dispenser Review

I was recently offered the opportunity to review a very exciting new product... the Esio Hot & Cold Beverage System. This is an awesome system that lets you instantly make both hot and cold drinks, in one machine!


The Esio has a large water reservoir (almost a gallon) that refills the 1/2 gallon tanks that hold hot and cold water. That way you always have hot and cold water ready for whatever beverage you desire!

Just open the little door,

drop in the flavor of your choice,


You don't even have to open it or do anything to it (except for the first time, when you remove the seal). Drop it in, close the door, select the strength of your beverage, and whether you want hot or cold water.



You can turn the dial and select whatever strength you want (instead of a couple strength options you have 15!)

Hold the blue button for cold (similar to a soda machine) for however much you want. For hot, they have a safety lock. Push in the dial and the red button will light up, and then you can dispense a hot drink. The hot water is HOT (much much warmer than my unnamed coffee-by-the-cup-maker) and the cold water is pretty cold (not ice cold but much cooler than tap water).

Esio makes a HUGE variety of flavors. We received the ones shown below, and several of them were very popular with our family. My kids are already clamoring for more of their favorites, and to try other flavors. Many of these flavors are 0 calories or 10 calories per serving!


Because it's a Multiserve E-Pack, each pouch contains approximately 14 8oz cups (on the middle strength). In our experience, we run the juices at about 25% strength, but the coffees and teas need to be at max (I think we like our hot drinks strong!) It breaks down to only $0.36-$0.46 per serving. Plus, because of the technology, there's no taste crossover between your beverages.

Esio is currently available at select Walmart stores (in my area, only 1 of the 3 closest Walmarts to me carries it), and on EsioBev.com. This machine retails for $199.99, and considering all the options it has and the flavors available, it's a good deal. You can always have any drink you want at your fingertips... think of all the space you'll save in the fridge!

Disclosure: I received the Esio and E-Packs shown above as part of a promotional program with MomSelect in order to facilitate this review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.

Saturday, December 15, 2012

Borsa Bella Design Co. Review and Giveaway

Are you looking for a case for your phone or iPad or camera or ereader? Do you like well made, well protected, sleek bags? Then I have the website for you!

Borsa Bella Design Co. makes amazing bags of all shapes and sizes, and they're perfect for all of the tech in your life.

They have everything from iPad sleeves like this one

iPad/computer bags like this Moxie bag,

DSLR bags like this one (this style of bag is one of my absolute favorites, I mean seriously, does this look like a camera bag or an awesome purse?)

and even some really hot ereader bags for the guys!

I had the opportunity to test out the Small Gadget Roo, and it's one of the best purse/bag/case I've ever used.


It fits my giant phone (and its case), and I still had room for money, credit cards, a chapstick and even a couple keys! I love the fact that it's extremely well padded, (so padded that when Princesa dropped my phone while it was in the Roo I didn't worry). It's an absolutely adorable little wristlet or handbag, but it would also easily clip to a larger bag (or even your belt loop).

Not only that, they offer an adjustable strap for only $5 more to make it into a purse!

This is Little Miss wearing it (on the smallest setting on the strap). The best thing about the strap for me (as I'm a large woman) is that it fits me across the body! Yes, I can wear this bag just like my daughter does, and it looks about the same on me. This strap is amazing, and if you're even remotely a large person, you know the difficulties of finding a strap that goes across your body.

I have to admit, I'm a wallet in my jeans kind of girl, so for me to want to carry a purse is HUGE! I've used this bag several times on different occasions, and on every time people have complimented me on it. I was volunteering at a theater production of the Nutcracker, and I kept my valuables strapped to me (even though I was dressed reasonably nicely), and it NEVER got in the way. It hung close to me and kept my phone safe, even when I bumped into a table.

Borsa Bella Design Co. makes quality bags in a huge variety of styles and colors. They also offer personalization or monogramming. You can truly customize your bag to fit your needs. I love so many of their products that I had a hard time choosing between them.

Want one for yourself? Check out their website, follow them on Twitter or on Facebook. They also have weekly giveaways on their Facebook page!

Want to win one for yourself? Luckily for you, Borsa Bella Design Co. has offered one of my readers a $40 gift certificate! You can have the hard decision of deciding which one is right for you!

Enter on the Rafflecopter below and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm 12/22/2012.

 Disclosure: I received the Small Gadget Roo shown above from Borsa Bella Design Co. to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.

Monday, December 10, 2012

Ozeri Green Earth Wok Review

I'm always looking for ways to make my family healthier, but I've been wary of switching from my (chemical-laden) nonstick pans because I need my food to not stick! I need quick cleanup (and I'm kind of lazy when it comes to dishes).

When I found out about the Ozeri Green Earth Wok, which is 100% PTFE and PFOA free (the nasty chemicals in non-stick cookware), yet it's ceramic and nonstick, I figured it was worth a shot. But honestly, I figured it wouldn't be great, and I'd be scrubbing yet again.

Imagine my surprise when I started cooking with this awesome wok, and not only is it lightweight compared to my other wok, has a hefty base that conducts heat well, and is deeper than my other wok, but NOTHING sticks!

I started out with Bok Choy with a smidgen of oil...
They cooked up beautifully and didn't stick at all.

I tried fried rice, spaghetti sauce, and even a fried egg (with absolutely no oil!) and everything came out beautifully! I love this pan!

It did take a little getting used to for me, since it's a different shape than my previous wok, but I've come to like the shape better. A big plus for me is that the base is smaller, even though it cooks better than my old one, so I can put it on the medium sized burner on my stove, so I can use the large one for another dish at the same time.

If you're looking to replace your wok (or any of your pans) and you're looking for a green, healthier alternative to typical nonstick pans, look no further than Ozeri! You can also find them on Facebook or purchase this wok on Amazon. It's currently under $40, and in stock for Christmas delivery.

Disclosure: I received the product shown above from Ozeri to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from yours.  


Eco Natural Soap Review and Giveaway

Do you ever worry about the products that you put on your skin? Do you prefer eco-friendly products? If so, I've found a great company for you!

Eco Natural Soap makes soaps, balms and even makeup with 100% pure, natural, organic ingredients. Not only that, they try to use as much 100% recycled packaging as possible!

They make eco-friendly, skin friendly products!

I had the opportunity to try several of the products, and I have to say that I'm sold on them! I tried the PM Moisturizer, the Exotic Butters Luxury Dry Skin Balm, the Bath & Body Bar, and Lip Balm. They were all in the Citrus Sunrise scent (I'm a fruity scent lover, so selecting a scent was easy).

These products have no added water in them, so this little tub lasts a LONG time! You only need a teensy bit of it, and it's super moisturizing! I really like the PM Moisturizer, since I wake up with super soft skin.

I was a bit leery of the Bath & Body Bar at first, since I've never been a bar soap user (even as a child we used liquid), but it feels nice and smells WONDERFUL! I've been using it quite a bit. The Citrus scent of all of these products has an herbal undertone, so it's not a pure fruit scent, but I still love it.

I also had the opportunity to try their Mineral Makeup. It works as a foundation and concealer, and works best when applied with a brush. Since I didn't know what color to purchase I chose a sample pack of the light tones, so I could play around with what works best for me. I don't wear a lot of makeup, but I really like the way it felt, and the coverage was even, without feeling heavy.

Want to try these products for yourself? Check them out on their website at econaturalsoap.com. This company is still a very small company, consisting of just 3 people, but they manage to make upwards of 400 bars of soap a day, and keep their products natural and organic.

Want to win some to try them for yourself? Eco Natural Soap is offering one of my readers a prize package that includes 2 soaps, one body balm and one lip balm (you choose the scent for all of them. Choose all the same like I did, or mix and match and enjoy them all!)

Enter to win on the Rafflecopter below, and good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm 12/17/12.

Disclosure: I received the products shown above from Eco Natural Soap to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.   

Sunday, December 9, 2012

Netflix, LG TV and Popcornopolis Giveaway


Sponsors: Netflix | Route 249 | Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | Tinkle Monkey | Country Stew | She Informed | S.O.S Mom | Inside My Head | Mom Does Reviews | As Mom Sees It | Giveaway Maven | Reel Mama

With the holiday season upon us, wouldn't it be great to sit and watch your favorite shows through Netflix on a new TV, while eating popcorn?

December 9th 12:01 am EST-16th 11:59 pm EST

Netflix revolutionizes the way people watch TV shows and movies

With more than 30 million streaming members in the United States, Canada, Latin America, the United Kingdom, Ireland and the Nordics, Netflix, Inc. (NASDAQ: NFLX) is the world's leading internet subscription service for enjoying movies and TV programs. For one low monthly price, Netflix members can instantly watch movies and TV programs streamed over the internet to PCs, Macs and TVs.

Among the large and expanding base of devices streaming from Netflix are the Microsoft Xbox 360, Nintendo Wii and Sony PS3 consoles; an array of Blu-ray disc players, internet-connected TVs, home theatre systems, digital video recorders and internet video players; Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod touch, as well as Apple TV and Google TV. In all, over 800 devices that stream from Netflix are available. For additional information, visit www.netflix.com. Follow Netflix on Facebook and Twitter.    

LG 32CS460 32-INCH Let your TV do the adjustments for you. Intelligent Sensor automatically optimizes the picture to the lighting and color conditions in the room for a more enjoyable viewing experience.    

POPCORNOPOLIS Six regular-sized of our most incredible gourmet flavors jostle for position, nearly bursting out of their cones in their eagerness to overwhelm those unsuspecting taste buds. Creamy Our wildly popular Zebra® Chocolate, Luscious Pecan Caramel, Classic Caramel Corn, Cheddar Cheese, Kettle Corn and Cinnamon Bun.

 One lucky winner will be selected to win all three prizes. Simply enter via the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. GOOD LUCK! 1 Winner USA ONLY 
 
1 year Netflix subscription
6pk Popcornopolis Gourment Popcorn
LG 32" Flat Screen TV
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

Thursday, December 6, 2012

Verizon iPhone 5 Giveaway

   

Sponsored by: Verizon Wireless |Route 249 | Mom Blog Society | Jackie's Reviews | Geeky Gamer Mom | Tinkle Monkey | Country Stew | She Informed | S.O.S Mom | Inside My Head |Mom Does Reviews

This iPhone is definitely one of the hot items this holiday season!

The biggest thing to happen to iPhone since iPhone.

iPhone 5 features a 4-inch Retina display, the powerful A6 chip, an 8-megapixel iSight camera with panorama, ultrafast wireless, iOS 6, and iCloud. Yet it's the thinnest, lightest iPhone ever.
  • 4-inch Retina display
  • Ultrafast wireless
  • A6 chip
  • 8-megapixel iSight camera with panorama
  • 1080p HD video recording
  • Siri - Your intelligent assistant
  • FaceTime video calling¹
  • All-new Apple EarPods
  • Over 700,000 apps on the App Store²
  • iOS 6 - The world's most advanced mobile OS
  • iCloud - Your content on all your devices
     

More Coverage Than All Other Networks Combined.

370+ cities and counting. Covering nearly 75% of the U.S. population. And we're committed to covering our entire 3G footprint with 4G LTE coverage by the end of 2013. That's the 4G LTE network you want for your iPhone.
Why Verizon 4G LTE?
  • You want real-time responsiveness. Download pics and flicks in a blink, seamlessly stream videos, and more. All at 10X the speed of 3G. Verizon 4G LTE is the fastest 4G network in America.
  • Video chat without a hiccup. Verizon 4G LTE gives you America's most reliable 4G LTE speed*.
  • Get rapid-fire access to iCloud and wirelessly push your music, photos and more to all your devices
One lucky reader will win an iPhone 5. Simply enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win. GOOD LUCK!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to USA Only. Giveaway ends December 14 at 11:59pm ET. 

 Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

Wednesday, December 5, 2012

The Happy Trunk Review and Giveaway

Do your kids like arts and crafts? Mine LOVE them (see my craft closet makeover post here)!

I recently found an amazing concept... monthly craft deliveries!

The Happy Trunk delivers a box filled with art, craft and science activities for ages 3-11. And they deliver it monthly, for only $14 a month! And all materials are included, so you just have to open the box and have fun!

We received the October box from The Happy Trunk, and the kids were ecstatic when we opened it.
The October box contained the following projects:


- Glow in the dark monster puppet
- Design your own trick or treat bag
- Design your own cape
- Glow in the dark mummy
- Creativity challenge kit

Here's the contents of the box:

There were all of the necessary supplies, including a bag with scissors, glue and crayons! There were also lots of stickers and foam shapes, so the kids could let their creativity go wild.
Princesa was able to make the trick or treat bag all by herself!









Little Miss made the Glow in the dark mummy








And the cape (which has gotten lots of wear)














Bok Boy made the monster puppet








But my very favorite was the creativity challenge, which had a couple of random items in it and the direction to see what you could make! Bok Boy made a witch door hanger.









We had such a great time with our The Happy Trunk box. My kids would love to get these boxes in the mail every month!

Find out more about The Happy Trunk on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, or their website.

Want to order one for your family or as a gift? You can get 40% off a 3 month subscription with this special coupon code: HT3M40. That makes 3 monthly boxes cost less than $36! What an awesome deal!

Want to win a one month box? The Happy Trunk is offering a one month box to one of my readers! Enter on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm ET 12/12/12.
 
Disclosure: I received a 1 month box from The Happy Trunk to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

Monday, December 3, 2012

Pinypon Party and Review

We had the opportunity to have a Pinypon party recently. If you haven't heard of Pinypon before (which I hadn't), Pinypon is a mini-dolls world inhabited by independent and modern girls, who love fashion, accessories and hairstyles.


To my little one, Pinypon are adorable little dolls that you can interchange. Their hair and bodies come apart so you can change their clothes and hair. Not only that, their faces are double sided, with two different expressions, so you can fully customize your dolls.

See all the little flowers and whatnot in the pictures? Those can be interchanged as hair decorations, jewelry, and even decorations for their RV and buildings.

We received an assortment of Pinypon dolls to share with our friends, along with 2 caravans (one to keep and one to raffle off during the party). My kids LOVE the caravan, even Bok Boy liked to play with it because it had so many uses.
 
Here's a picture of it closed up. It even has surfboards on top (that have wheels under them so the dolls can surf!)

When open, there's a shower that really works, a couple of beds, kitchen, storage area, and even a even a little food stand that opens up on the side!

The roof flips over and becomes a boat, complete with a slide! Every part of this seems to have multiple uses, and it all fits inside the caravan while it's closed up. It even has enough room for a couple of extra dolls! I love these products, and they've been played with literally every day since we got them.

The only downside for me was I didn't open the packages ahead of time, so I was opening boxes and putting on a LOT of stickers on the caravan while a bunch of kids were waiting to play.

We also received 2 Nenuco dolls, one for Princesa and one to raffle during the party.

Princesa and Little Miss have been fighting over this, but Princesa won out (since Little Miss has claimed that she only wants "girl" dolls, not baby dolls!)
We had a great time hosting this MommyParties event! We had many happy little girls after all was said and done, and I know several girls who now have Pinypon on their Christmas lists!

Want more info? Find Pinypon on their website here on their Facebook page here.

Disclosure: I received the products shown above to review and share from MomSelect. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

i play and Green Sprouts November Review and Giveaway

I had the opportunity to review a couple of amazing products this month.

i play is a company that is focused on protecting children and the earth. Their products are high quality, PVC and BPA free, and many are organic, UPF 50+ and made of petroleum-free materials.

For more information about i play and their eco-friendly and child-friendly products, check out their about us page here.

I had the chance to review Green Sprouts Velour Blankie Animal:

This is a wonderful product, with a soft plush head and a plush, unstuffed blankie body. We've had similar products with all of our children, but it was a head on an actual blankie. The kids liked them, but Princesa absolutely LOVES this one. She loves that it's an actual stuffed animal, not a blanket with a head, but it's still snuggly like a blankie.

I love the fact that it's hypoallergenic, made with organic cotton and low-impact, azo-free dyes. And it's so soft and snuggly! I had originally planned to pass this on to a friend with a baby, but my tot adores it, carrying it around everywhere and even sleeping with it (and she never takes toys to bed!) This will definitely be used in our house for a long time.

I also got to try out the i play Fleece Vest:

I love this vest! It's incredibly well made, down to the minute details:

It's double stitched, has a collar liner, has a cloth tab to help pull the zipper, and has this protective cover at the neck to keep the zipper from scratching your little one's neck. It has roomy pockets and is quite warm.

It's also PVC free, hypoallergenic and free of harsh chemicals.

My little one wants to wear this all the time, and I'm having problems getting her to wear her coat now that it's raining! She only wants to wear the vest, never layering it. The only downside for me is that they run a bit small. I ordered a 3, figuring she could wear it this year and next (she's barely in a 2T for shirts), but it fits her very well this year. Keep that in mind when you order your own!

i play is nominated for two 2012 Red Tricycle Awards! They're nominated for their swimwear and for Greenest Gear. Check them out and go vote!

Want to purchase these items or check our their other products? Go to i play and check out their awesome items!

Want to win them for yourself? i play is offering one of my readers a Velour Blankie Animal and a Fleece Vest of your choice.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends at 11:59pm ET 12/7/12.
 
Disclosure: I received a Fleece Vest and Velour Blankie Animal to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.  

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Holiday Gift Guide


Need ideas for those hard-to-shop for people on your list? Here's some of my favorites this year: (follow the links to my reviews) More items will be added often, so check back!





Mona MELisa Designs Review and Giveaway

Are you looking for a way to customize your child's room without spending a lot of money? I've found the perfect company for you.

Mona MELisa Designs makes customized wall art for children's rooms. They have a large selection of growth charts, name signs, Peel & Play packs, and canvas poster murals. Each of these items are original designs, created and hand-drawn digitally by their artist. Therefore, not only can you add your child's name to your creation, but you can choose the color schemes of your mural, the skin tone, hair color, eye color, clothing color and hair texture of the child on the artwork. You can truly make the art customized for your child!

Isn't this awesome??

Mona MELisa's Poster Murals are 24x48" in size, so they're HUGE, and they're made of heavy duty canvas, so they hang easily and clean up nicely.

When my daughter was offered a poster mural, she chose the Pony Girl Mural, which is gorgeous!


Look at these adorable details:



We have it hung on Little Miss' wall above her bed, and it really brightens up her room.

Want one of your own? Mona MELisa Designs is offering 60% off to my readers! Use the code SANITY 1112 at checkout to save yourself a lot of money this season. Want to follow them to find out about discounts, new products, etc? Check them out on Facebook.

Or you can win one here! MonaMELisa Designs is offering a Personalized Mural of choice to one of my readers (a $90 value!)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends 12/5/12 at 11:59pm ET.

Disclosure: I received a canvas wall mural to review. I received no other compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Sanity is for those without children is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment.