Friday, February 27, 2009

Triple Threat Giveaway!

I can't say enough about some of the amazing giveaways and promotional opportunities we've had lately here at Lille Punkin' Reviews. If you haven't bookmarked us, or aren't signed up for our RSS feed, DO SO! You'll be guaranteed to not miss a freebie again!

Our latest giveaway features three products Moms are sure to love. We are giving away one each of the following:

Fairhaven Health Dreambelly Stretch Mark Cream: Contains ingredients recognized for their ability to revitalize skin during pregnancy and tone skin after childbirth. Ingredients include aloe vera gel, natural butters, moisturizing oils, grapeseed extract as well as rosehip seed oil and antioxidant-rich vitamin E. DreamBelly helps prevent stretch marks by keeping skin supple and elastic and may aid the body in regenerating strained tissues and help fade existing marks. Price: $19.95 www.fairhavenhealth.com

AminoGenesis’ Tripeptinon capsules are designed to lift, firm and strengthen facial connective tissues giving skin the most youthful appearance possible. Tripeptinon™ combines three powerful anti-aging, anti-wrinkle and anti-sagging technologies along with the base formula of 17 amino acids to address surface issues as well as underlying issues such as supporting and connective tissue. Price: $79 www.aminogenesis.com

TOKI: The Collagen You Drink

TOKI reintroduces a youthful look and feel to skin with an extraordinary ingredient base that includes the moisture-rich retention of Hyaluronic acid in a mucopolysaccharide complex. The mucopolysaccharide complex replenishes skin from within, and combines with Collagen Peptide and Vitamin C to restore a more youthful quality. When modified with HAI™ Amino Acid Extract from Hijiki seaweed for enhanced absorption, the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be dramatically reduced. Your skin tone, moisture level and resiliency are revived. In as little as 45 days, skin texture starts to become smoother and tighter and the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles may be diminished. Price: $175 for a 30 day supply. To order, visit www.888ageless.com.

To enter, just visit any of the three sponsor's websites above. Let us know which product (any or all) that you would like to win in the comments. You have until Friday, March 6th at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Thursday, February 26, 2009

Review of Age Before Beauty by Virginia Smith


I have to admit. I rarely have time to read, and sneaking in a good fiction book is pretty much unheard of. When dashing off to my latest conference, however, I decided to tuck Virginia Smith's Age Before Beauty into my carry on. The result was a smooth 2-hour flight and a new-found addiction to good fiction. Thank you, Virginia!

Age Before Beauty had all the trapping of chic lit: a flawed but likeable main female character, complex relationships with her husband and relatives, and a problem to be solved. In this case, the main character was struggling to find purpose in a newly-launched home business. She felt pulled in every direction, and at times, was a bit insecure about her value as a Mom, wife, and entrpreneur. (Folks, I've been there.)

This Christian fiction isn't a sugary-sweet as some -- which was a relief. It had that "I think I know that everything's going to turn out OK ending" but it wasn't boringly predictable. Fresh detail and a feel for how women really think is what made this book entertaining and even a little bit insightful.

Bottom line: You can read it to get away, but will come out of it with a bit more of a sense of what's important in life. Kudos!

The book is available at Amazon.com (and you can search inside for a preview of what it's all about!)

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

Old Navy Recalls Stuffed Toys; Button Eyes Can Detach and Pose a Choking Hazard to Young Children

Picture of Recalled Stuffed Animal and Creature Toys


Check out this recall for stuffed toys from Old Navy stores. They're so cute (but watch out for buttons that can come off and cause a problem.) The toys need to be returned to the store where you bought them (or online) for a full $6-10 credit, plus a $5 shopping card. For full details, see the official press release at the CPSC.gov website.


Yanni Voices a Surprising Delight


When I was first told about the Yanni Voices Project, I was a bit unsure that I'd be a good fit. I wasn't too familiar with Yanni, but I did love music (especially classical.) I really wanted to introduce my children to a wider range of musical talent, so I said that I'd give both the CD and DVD a try!

Wow! What an experience. There isn't enough good stuff to say about it! The talent showcased in the Yanni Voices project is enough to sell anyone on the concept. (And I even got a chance to see the very adorable Nathan Pacheco in person last week at the Mom 2.0 Summit!)


The sounds were amazing. The passion of the performers (and Yanni) was obvious. Surprisingly, I enjoyed the preview performance, and use the CD songs to soothe my cranky toddler on long car trips.

If you're up for a new experience with a classy, vibrant sound, check out Yanni Voices on a PBS station in your area. (Or look for a live performance in their Tour!)

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Blog for Cheese?

Do you blog?

If you are willing to post review and post about Ile de France cheese, they'll send you a sample! (Choose from Brie, Goat Cheese, or Camembert.) Delicious!


Thursday, February 19, 2009

We're Headed to Mom 2.0!


I'm sitting in the airport right now, hoping to fly standby on the next flight out of Omaha. You see, the Airlines are serious when they tell you to check in NO LATER than 30 minutes from flight time... even if you are 30 seconds late, they'll not let you on the plane.

So with an extra 3 hours to waste in the Omaha airport, I'm catching up on blog posts, articles, and maybe even some Twittering. (Do you Twitter?)

I'm excited to meet everyone at the Mom 2.0 Summit in Houston tonight, and surprisingly, I won't be getting in much later than originally planned!

Can't wait to share how it went, but in the meantime, please, please, please check out all the giveaways going on here at Lille Punkin. I can't remember a time when we had so many going on at once!


Tuesday, February 17, 2009

Evenflo® Recalls Children’s Activity Centers Due to Fall Hazard



Picture of Recalled Activity Center with indication of location of end cap

Consumers should immediately stop using the activity table in Stage 3 and contact Evenflo to receive a free replacement end cap. The product may continue to be used in Stages 1 and 2 without changes. For additional details, see the official CPSC press release or visit www.exersaucertriplefun.com.

Win Rain-X® Latitude™ Wiper Blades and Cleaners


Did you change your car's wiper blades this past Groundhog's Day? If not, you may want to do it pronto (and use the annual holiday as a reminder that your car's blades need replacing.) Thanks to Rain-X, we had a chance to do just that, and I feel so much safer in my car!

My biggest pet peeve is the streaky, messy haze that a worn-out blade can leave you with.. so be sure to change your blades at the first sign of wear and tear. Whether you're battling grime, snow, rain, or that yucky muddy slush that comes at you from a passing truck, we're pretty sure you'll be impressed with the effective squeegee action of the Rain-X blade.

I also took my mission for a clear view of the road one step further, and used the Rain-X® Weatherbeater® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner & Rain Repellant on all my windows and kept things in tip-top shape with Rain-X® X-treme Clean. Now I'm ready to hit the road in any weather!

You can win a Rain-X Car Care Kit just like I use! All you have to do is comment on this post with how often you change your wiper blades (be honest!) One lucky winner will get the Rain-X® Latitude™ Wiper Blades specific for your car, a bottle of Rain-X® Weatherbeater® 2-in-1 Glass Cleaner & Rain Repellant, and a bottle of new Rain-X® X-treme Clean. You have until Saturday, February 28th at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

*** Looking for additional car care and safety tips? Rain-X and Jody DeVere, the President of the Women’s Automotive Association International and CEO of the auto-advice site AskPatty.com suggests the following:

• Conduct a regular walk around checking your lights, antifreeze, windshield washer fluid and wiper blades regularly
• Ensure your tires are properly inflated and have sufficient tread
• As the temperature drops keep your gas tank at least half full; the extra gas reduces condensation that can plug your fuel line with ice and stall your engine in cooler weather
• Create an emergency pack; items like a blanket, first aid kit, snacks, bottled water, an ice scraper, flashlight and a bag of kitty litter


Deal-lovers, check out the special promotion at the Rain-X site: Buy 2 of the blades, get a free Visibility Package!

Monday, February 16, 2009

A Tia's Pet Product Giveaway!

Puppy-lovers, you have to check this out! Tia's Pet Products is perhaps one of the most fabulous lines of all-natural dog care available, and each product is hand-made with love.

Tia was the name of the dog who inspired the products. A boxer, who suffered from allergies, Tia could only find relief in the natural remedies that her owner created. Sadly, Tia is now gone, but the products she left behind are now helping other dogs with their skin and coat health. With natural ingredients like lavender, citronella, and tea tree oil, they are highly effective and smell wonderful, too!


We are giving one lucky winner their very own Gift Set from Tia's. It is valued at over $20, and it contains the Dog Shampoo Bar, Bed and Dusting Powder, and the Miracle Salve (which is great for people, too!) Simply visit Tia's website and leave a comment on this post with what you think you'd like about the products. You have until Friday, February 27th at 5pm CST to get your entries in. (Note: Site is best viewed with Internet Explorer.) Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

The Energizer EasyCharger is Really That Easy!


As part of the awesome relationship I have with Energizer, I get to test first-hand some of the most amazing rechargeable products on the market! This last review is no exception: I adore my Energizer EasyCharger!

First, let me tell you some of the benefits of this charger:

  • It plugs directly into the outlet. No need for a bulky cord to keep track of (score one for the disorganized Mom in me!)
  • It has removable face plates to match your decor (black, white, silver) and is sleek and modern-looking. (No one will be asking about the awkward-looking device in your dining room, because this charger is comfortably sleek.)
  • The charger is safe, and has a on/off button to start the charging process (or stop it.) You know that your batteries are done, because the light will change from red to green, and the charger will shut off.
While this charger isn't as speedy as the 15-Minute Charger (it takes a scant 4-6 hours, depending on the battery type), it's also not as clumsy. You won't have to find a place to set it while it works, and I love that I wasn't digging around the junk drawer for the cord! Perfect for all your AA and AAA battery-charging needs, the EasyCharger comes complete with unit, 3 face plates, and 4 AA batteries. It's a great value at just under $24.00 (or get it at Amazon for around $19!)


Friday, February 13, 2009

Win LashFood and a Romantic Meal in NYC!


We love celebrating Valentine's Day, and while most of you have already planned your night of love, it's not too late to look ahead for other "sweet" opportunities to share with your special someone.

We are so excited to be able to brighten the day of one lucky Lille Punkin' Reader. Our latest giveaway includes two fabulous prizes, and here's all the details:


Nourish your lashes with this natural conditioning stimulant. LASHFOODTM uses natural ingredients that provides you with stunning results: thicker, darker, stronger, longer, more beautiful lashes. Apply LASHFOODTM in the same manner as if applying eyeliner twice a day (morning and evening) and see results within 2-4 weeks!

Uniquely formulated by cosmetic scientists, this breakthrough natural, liquid formula of biotin and arginine (natural amino acids) and iris extract (natural oriental medicine complex extract) promotes the natural growth of healthy lashes.



LASHFOODTM can be used:
- On lashes to transform frail and brittle lashes to become healthy and strong.
- On eyebrows for a smooth and even brow line
- Simultaneously with eyelash extensions to strengthen lashes, leading to a longer
bonding life between your natural lashes and your extensions!

This amazing beauty treat retails for $129, and will last up to 5 months!

This giveaway also includes a $50 gift certificate to New York's Bruno Jamais Restaurant Club. This Asian-inspired French restaurant lets guests dine in style until 3am with delectable cuisine such as chocolate soufflé and Foie Gras? The service and décor are equally impressive. The restaurant received the “Best Interior Design” award by Hospitality Design Magazine. There is also live entertainment on Monday nights with the best of jazz and soul.



Reservations are suggested and chic attire is requested. (Note: This restaurant is located in New York City. Please only enter if you are able to attend.)

This prize package has a total value of $179! To enter, please comment on this post with confirmation that you could use both portions of the prize, and why you'd like to win! You have until Tuesday, February 24th, at 5pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!


Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Lubriderm Giveaway!

Just yesterday, we raved about the effectiveness of Lubriderm's lotions for sensitive skin. Now you can get in on the silk, smooth action, too! Visit yesterday's review for more details. (There are 5 winners.)

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Kashi TLC Cookie Recall

We recently review this cookie, and loved it. Unfortunately, we just received the following message regarding a recall for the cookie (and other varieties as well.)

"Here at Kashi, we consider our consumers family. That’s why we’re taking a proactive position on the peanut product recall and recommending the following steps to protect your health and that of your families.

Since you received a Kashi™ TLC® Oatmeal Dark Chocolate cookie sample in the mail last year, we want to be sure you have the most updated information.

No doubt you have heard of all of the recalls involving peanut products from Peanut Corporation of America. Initially, our products were not involved, as only peanut butter and peanut paste were recalled—ingredients that we do not use in our products.

As Peanut Corporation expanded their recall to include additional peanut ingredients, we learned that the facility that bakes our TLC cookies used the recalled peanuts in products produced on the same line as our Oatmeal Dark Chocolate cookie. Therefore, we have voluntarily recalled all of our Kashi TLC cookies, including the cookie sent to you. If you still have the cookie, please throw it out just to be safe; we would never want to put our consumers’ health at risk.

Also included in this recall are:

• Kashi® TLC® Chewy Granola Bars in Trail Mix and Honey Almond Flax varieties, 7.4-ounce box with a "Best If Used Before" date prior to September 19, 2009 and followed by the letters CD (SEP 19 2009 CD)

• Kashi® TLC® Chewy Granola Bars Peanut Peanut Butter, 7.4-ounce box with a "Best If Used Before" date prior to August 8, 2009 and followed by the letters CD (AUG 08 2009 CD)

• Kashi™ TLC® Chewy Cookies in Oatmeal Dark Chocolate, Happy Trail Mix and Oatmeal Raisin Flax varieties only, 8.5-ounce box with a "Best If Used Before" date prior to July 30, 2009

If you have purchased boxes of any of these products, you should throw them out and call us at 877-701-5868 for a refund. For more information, visit us at www.kashipeanutbutterrecall.com"


Review of Lubriderm Sensitive Skin Therapy Moisturizing Lotion


I'm a lotion girl. I've got very dry, sometimes cracked skin that gets a bit painful in the dry winter months. But I also write for a living, which means that I can't have greasy slippery fingers fumbling all over the keyboard and making my computer nasty.

When I tried a bottle of Lubriderm Sensitive Skin Therapy Moisturizing Lotion last week, I was certain that it would work for most of my body, but was doubtful that I could comfortably use it on my hands while at work. I was glad that I was wrong!

The lotion was super light, but very effective at managing my "dish pan" hands. It also had no fragrance, which makes it perfect for my son's eczema and rough patches. With no lanolin or dyes, I felt good about using it for every member of my family. (And to answer your question, it jived beautifully with my typing routine.)

Look for the bottle with the greenish-blue top -- that's the Sensitive Dry Skin formula. And to see all the other kinds of Lubriderm lotion, check out www.lubriderm.com. (And sign up to get your $1.00 of coupon!)

Wanna win? Lubriderm is giving 5 lucky readers their own bottle! Just comment here on the website with how you would use Lubriderm to enhance the health of your skin. You have until Friday, February 20th at 5pm to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Monday, February 9, 2009

Review of BurpieBlocker


I was one of those moms who always had a vomiting infant somewhere attached to my body. Worse yet, I never could seem to locate the receiving blanket in time to catch what came out. (Ewww.)

I got a chance to learn about the wonder of the BurpieBlocker, and let me tell you, it's a fashionable alternative to draping a bath towel over your shoulder! These cute baby burp cloths are so very soft! (Baby will love laying their head down on these.) Perhaps the best part of the BurpieBlocker, however, is the convenient neck strap. I can fasten one to me at all times... making the possibility of a missing burp cloth a faded memory.


These wash up nicely, and are made from a durable 100% cotton material. (Stains can be worked out easily.) I also really, really dig the fashion statements that these things make: I have no baby girls, but I can't stop myself from the entire Sugar & Spice collection!



The BurpieBlocker is sold in individual cloths, or cute pairs (which save you money). If you order now, you can also take 10% off all your order with code BPMG10! Just visit www.burpieblocker.com to start shopping.

Wanna win? We are giving one lucky reader a Pair of BurpieBlocker Baby Burp Cloths (valued at $25.) To enter, just visit the BurpieBlocker website and pick out your favorite design or burp pad or blanket. Then comment here with your choice! You have until February 20th, 2009 at 5pm to get your entries in. Giveaway is subject to complete site rules. (Be sure to give us a way to reach you if you win, and remember that we will never use your email or contact info for anything other than to send your prize.) Good luck!

Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Review of Clorox Green Works Natural Biodegradable Cleaning Wipes


I love the convenience of disposable cleaning wipes, but as I've written before, I hate the effect that they could potentially have on the environment. Naturally, I was stoked to find out that Clorox Green Works has come out with a new wipe -- and they are naturally biodegradable!

My biggest aversion to cleaning wipes is usually the smell. I admit that they can be a bit too potent and chemical-smelling for my tastes. The Clorox Green Works wipes are fresh-scented (kind of citrus-like) and don't bother me at all!

I wondered how well these wipes would work. (It crossed my mind that maybe they wouldn't be as sturdy as other wipes due to their "natural" components.) The 100% wood fibers that make up the wipes, however, keep them strong and help them to last through all the stiff cleaning that can go on in my kitchen.

There are 30 wipes in a container, and while I can usually go through several standard wipes in a cleaning project, I only had to use one or two for my whole kitchen. (Very good value!) I'll be gladly adding this product to my regular cleaning routine.

If you haven't learned about Clorox Green Works and their initiatives, be sure to visit the website. (And check out how you can be part of securing $10,000 in project money for sustainable efforts in your community!)

Monday, February 2, 2009

There's Something Fresh in the Air

I've got a case of the winter "blahs." I'm sure a little floral therapy, could help! If you haven't checked out the stunning collection of Martha Stewart arrangements over at 1-800-Flowers.com, you're missing some inspiring colors, textures, and ideas for fresher living.

These exclusive arrangements are affordably-priced, and they can be delivered the same day. (Plus they've got some really great promotions going on right now, like 15% off your order when you use PayPal, and a one-year free subscription to Martha Stewart Living magazine.)

These flowers can be used to do some really good things. Try brightening up an otherwise drab room (or person). Pick a theme for a romantic Valentine's dinner. Use them to give purpose to an unused corner or spare room. Whatever you choose to do, it'll be your freshest idea ever!

The containers used in the Martha Stewart collection are useful and beautiful. I was impressed with the clean look of the vases, and how bamboo and galvanized metal were included in the materials. (This means that long after your flowers fade, you have a super-nifty container for whatever you'd like.)

1-800-Flowers can get your flowers from a florist to your loved one (or yourself, if you're wishing to indulge) quickly, and without hassle. Sometimes, fresh ideas don't have to take much work, at all!

 
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