Review of Sid the Science Kid Gotta Know Microphone

Does your kid think he's a crack up?  Mine sure do.  If they are not telling very unique knock-knock jokes (that make no sense) over and over again, they are dressing up in the most ridiculous costumes!  Since they think they are on their way to a life of a comedian, I was happy to try out a cute toy that gave some support!

The Gotta Know Microphone featuring Sid the Science Kid is part educational, part ridiculous.  It allows kids to take the stage or conduct Sid-like interviews anywhere, anytime -- with laugh tracks, animal noises, theme songs, and a voice echo mode.  It just takes a button push for any one of the amazing effects, and the volume isn't too terribly loud (making it appropriate for play at most any time of day.)

The batteries in this toy lasted a LONG time, and it's fairly rugged, too.  My boys play with it outside quite a bit, and I know it holds up to being dropped and the regular wear and tear of preschoolers.  Affordably priced at $14.99, it's a reasonable gift for kids ages 3 and up.  If you have a Sid fan at your house, this will be a well-received toy!

Available from Hasbro, Amazon.com and retailers everywhere!

*Sample was received for this review by Hasbro and the Jim Henson Company.  Opinions are 100% my own.

Our Kids Rock Out with Paper Jamz

We sometimes get amazing opportunities to try out new and innovative toys.  This week was no exception, as we received a few of the new Paper Jamz products from Walmart to give them a test drive.  My boys were SO excited.  I had never heard of them before this project, but my kids had apparently seen all the commercials and knew exactly what they were when they arrived.

No sooner did we open the box, then the 3 oldest boys ran into their rooms to put on their "music video" clothes.  This is no lie.  They emerged wearing something from a rock-a-billy band, and then headed outside to set up a cozy spot on our front stoop to jam out.   They even brought the dog's bed so he could get in on the action. (Bonus points if you can spot the chicken in the background.)

These toys were pretty cool.  As a drummer in high school and college, I thought that the drum set one was amazingly accurate in sound and ability to play.  You can use these toys to play along with one of 3 songs or do a free-style session.  My boys were content to play song #1 on the guitars (which was "Sweet Home Alabama") over and over again.

Parents can find out what songs each toy plays before they buy,  if they have any concerns on the music picks.  There was nothing inappropriate about the songs, but you may or may not want your 3-year-old singing "Rock Star" throughout the day.  Choose a toy that has songs you'll want to hear over and over.. because you will.

Here is the video that my kids put together.  It features two guitarists and one kid that thinks being in a band involves wearing a fake mustache.  We couldn't hear the guitars well over the wind since they were playing outside, so we used an overlay of the exact song that they were playing.




You can get the Paper Jamz toys at the Walmart website for under $25.  This is an incredible way to get kids excited about music.  (And my hubby keeps playing the guitars, as well.) 


Want to see some other really fun Paper Jamz videos?  My friends Lynnae and Melissa also made one.  Please check them out!

Disclosure: I am a participant in the Walmart Moms (http://www.walmart.com/walmartmoms) program. Walmart has provided me with product samples and compensation to create the video in this post. Participation in this program is voluntary. All opinions are my own.

Glade Saves the Day!

I buy Glade candles almost every time they are on sale and I have a coupon (I'm thrifty like that.)  I love how they not only smell really awesome, but they are nice-looking, too!

We got to try out a new scent from the The Fragrance Collection last week.  We had some plumbing issues, and while everything got fixed, it left my house smelling a bit musty.  The new Lemongrass and Citrus scent, however, cut through the odor and really energized the feeling of my home!  Since I'm a big believer in aromatherapy and natural scents, this was no surprise.  The right candle can give you a mood boost and put you on track to getting things done.  (I always light a zesty candle right before tackling a big job at home.)

Just one of many exciting scents offered by The Fragrance Collection, the Lemongrass and Citrus is available in multi-wick 10 oz. soy based candles, 2 oz. soy based candles and reed diffusers.  They also make perfect gifts because you can buy them at your local grocer or online sites like Amazon.com!  Learn more about this new addition to The Fragrance Collection at the Glade website.


*Sample/gift was received to help facilitate this post.  All opinions are 100% my own.

Sam's Club Gives Mom the Edge for Back to School

School is back, but many of us still have some shopping to do before the session is in full swing.  While you may not have considered Sam's Club as a shopping resource this year, you should!  Not only does it offer a variety of traditional school supplies, but it has clothing, lunch box snacks, and must-haves like cleaning wipes, tissues, and cold remedies!

We recently stopped by our local Sam's and stocked up on first aid items.  We seem to always run out, and my kids go through so many during the school year!  We also got our fill of General Mills Cereals -- they are having an awesome promotion through Aug. 31st:

 At the Sam’s Club Back-to-School event, you can get a head start on your collection and find 6 Box Tops on participating General Mills products. With your favorite Box Tops for Education brands at a great value, Sam’s Club is your one-stop destination for all your back-to-school supplies you need to send your kids off to school with confidence! 

In addition, Sam’s Club is giving you the opportunity to earn even more Box Tops when you upgrade to a “Plus Membership.” From Aug. 6 – Aug. 13, or while supplies last, visit the Member Services Desk of your local Sam’s Club and upon payment for your Plus Membership, you will receive a certificate for 150 Bonus Box Tops! For more information on how you can take advantage of the Back-to-School event at Sam’s Club, visit www.samsclub.com today! 

Even as homeschoolers, we have a large shopping list.  We were really impressed with how much we saved on staples for running our class time smoothly!

Have you considered using Sam's as your ally in the fight against costly school supply lists?  Why not?  We are even giving one of you a chance to do so for free!

Wanna Win?  We are giving away a $25 Sam's Club Gift Card to a lucky reader!  To be entered to win, just tell us what you would use it for!   You have until September 2nd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you CAN ENTER EVERY DAY!  (Just comment as directed for the first entry, and then enter with "today's entry" for each entry after that. 

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please.  (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways! 

* I received a Sam's Club Plus Membership and gift card as part of this promotion. These, the prize, and all information pertaining to the campaign were provided by Sam's Club and General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Gatorade Keeps Kids Healthy in the Heat

It has been a brutal summer -- so hot, that on most days, I wouldn't even let my kids play outside!  With 3 active little boys and a girl who likes to ride bikes and practice volleyball outside, however, it was inevitable that I let them journey out into the sweltering humidity.

Parents used to not have many options for hydration.  It was water.. and, well, water.  Now, however, there are all kinds of products on the market designed for keeping kids cool, hydrated, and full of good things (like electrolytes) so that they stay healthy.  So many of them, however, are chock full of sugars and empty calories.  What parent wants their kids filling up on calories in a drink?  Not me!

We sampled some of the new flavors of Gatorade G2 Low Calorie drink as part of their Beat the Heat campaign.  Parents are encouraged to practice the following safety tips when allowing children to be active during the warmer months.  They include:

• Understand, that as a Mom, you have an important role in keeping your child safe from heat-related illness.  Educate yourself on how to prevent it.
• Water isn't enough.  While it is necessary for good  health, it does not hydrate and refuel as effectively as a product like Gatorade (which supplies fluid, electrolytes, and carbs to quickly replace that which is lost in sweat and provides much-needed energy!)
• When drinking water, the brain may turn off the perception of thirst before the body gets what it needs.  Electrolytes in products like Gatorade, however, help maintain the stimulus to keep drinking!
• Be aware of the type of equipment your child wears during activity.  Lighter net-type jerseys, and t-shirts are a best bet, and Moms should encourage kids to change their sweaty clothes often.  If kids aren't playing, helmets and other heavy equipment should be removed to avoid having the child get too hot!

You can download a free Gatorade Heat Safety Kit for more useful tips.  For every unique download, Gatorade will donate $1 to "Beat the Heat" charities -- up to $20,000!

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Gatorade’s “Beat the Heat” campaign and received Gatorade samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Wisk Shares a Blast from the Past!

Wisk is about to unveil a new product, and I'm so excited to try it!  There hasn't been much on the topic available, but there has been a sneak preview commercial on TV and online for the past week or so.  You can view it on YouTube and almost feel how exciting it will be!



This famous blue detergent has been around a long time.  How long?  Do you remember the old "ring around the collar" chant from this classic commercial?



While some of us weren't born yet when the classic commercial was made, stains haven't changed all that much.  (I'm still battling ring around the collar on my husband's white shirts!)

While the way we do laundry has changed quite a bit -- I use a front-loading HE washer that would have looked like something from space if witnessed in the 70's -- the need for something dependable that Moms can use to knock out tough stains hasn't.  Moms through the ages have dealt with blood, chocolate, and those pesky mustard and grass stains.  Don't you hate them?

We will be anxiously awaiting the new formula of Wisk, and in the meantime, we encourage you to check out that new commercial again (and stay tuned to this blog for exciting updates from Wisk!)  You can also check out Wisk news on their Facebook page.

Do you have an "old school" stain that is still giving you trouble?  Tell us about it!


*This post is sponsored by Wisk, and I am being compensated for participating in the Wisk Blogger Campaign.  Opinions, however, are my own.

Recall of Magnetic Maze Board Toys

There are several designs of this maze board, so don't rely on this photo alone to determine if you have one in your home.  The wand can break, exposing the magnet (which children can swallow.)  Magnets can be especially dangerous if ingested.  See the full details of this recall at the CPSC.gov website.

Stay Safe!!

Protect Your Mattress from Bedbugs! (Giveaway)

When is the last time you bought a new TV?  How about a phone?  Is it surprising that most people replace these items more often than one of the most-used items in the home -- the mattress?

With all the recent buzz surrounding bed bugs (those icky, nasty bugs that can live inside mattresses and bite you when you sleep), it's important to know the facts about mattress care and purchasing.  According to a study from Kansas State University's Institute for Environmental Research, an innerspring sleep surface (rather than foam or other materials) dissipates heat at a faster rate than other sleep surfaces.  This means that they not only help you to feel cooler when sleeping, they also reduce heat and moisture (which are the best friends of breeding bedbugs.)

You should also work to keep your mattress clean from the very first day you bring it home from the store.  One good solution is with a mattress protector, which keeps bed bugs from getting into your mattress and protects it from sweat and those horrible accidents from a toddler crawling in bed with you. (Know what we mean?)

The Invisicase Surround Protector from Leggett & Platt does both of these functions AND allows the mattress to breathe, which keeps it from getting musty, moldy, or otherwise gross. With 127 years in the business of making mattress innersprings and developing products to protect them, Leggett & Platt is well-versed in keeping nasty things far away from where you sleep!

Wanna Win?  We are offering an Invisicase Surround Protector for one lucky winner (ARV $79).  To be entered to win, just comment on this post with why you want to win.   You have until September 2nd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you CAN ENTER EVERY DAY!  (Just comment as directed for the first entry, and then enter with "today's entry" for each entry after that. 

Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please.  (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways! 
And don't forget to check out these sleep and mattress buying tips from The Better Sleep Council!


*Prize provided by Leggett & Platt.

The Penguins of Madagascar Partner with General Mills!

As a child, I remember digging into the bottom of each cereal box my mom bought, eagerly searching for the next fun prize!  Sadly, most of today's boxes don't hold this same fantastic promise, giving most of their prizes by mail-in offer.  We did recently buy a box of General Mills cereal that had an actual toy instead, however, and it featured one of my kids' favorite cartoon characters - The Penguins of Madagascar!  So when MyBlogSpark asked me to share the recent partnership, I jumped!

Inside specially-marked packages of General Mills cereal, you can get a Skipper, Rico, Kowalski, Private, or King Julien character launcher that kids can fling across the floor.  My kids LOVE these silly little toys.  And since we watch the Penguins cartoon all the time, it's especially exciting for them.

Isn't it crazy how the simplest things (like a tiny toy) can give kids so much entertainment?  

Wanna Win? We have a fun Penguins prize pack to offer a lucky reader that includes one box of Trix cereal, a Penguins of Madagascar launcher (like you get in the box) and the The Penguins of Madagascar Operation: DVD Premier (which features lots of super-hilarious episodes to enjoy with your family!)  To be entered to win, just tell us which character you like the best (I'm a King Julien fan, myself.)  You have until September 2nd at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you CAN ENTER EVERY DAY!  (Just comment as directed for the first entry, and then enter with "today's entry" for each entry after that. 

 Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please.  (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Prize packs and all information were provided by General Mills and Nickelodeon through MyBlogSpark.

Baby Bottle Warmer and Baby Hammock Recall

This Williams-Sonoma Baby Bottle Warmer was recalled due to burn hazards.  Get the details on how to return the product here for a full refund and $25 GC at the CPSC website.

Several models of the MamaLittleHelper Hammock have been recalled due to suffocation hazard.  Get info on whether your product can be repaired or should be returned at the official recall site.

Stay Safe!!

Review of Infantino Firefly Soother

As an Infantino Test Drive Mom, we've gotten to try out some pretty amazing baby gear!  With a fussy baby in the home, however, it couldn't come at a better time.  We took the Infantino Firefly Soother out for a spin this past week, when I was trying really hard to get my little one to stay distracted -- he gets bored really easy!  We placed him on his back, turned the lights down low, and turned on the soother.  Because it has so many settings, it was easy to put it as just the right volume, and the little fireflies and earthworm are just adorable as they move side to side and light up gently!

My son was fascinated by this toy.  He kept his eyes focused on it for about 15 minutes before getting pretty sleepy.  I think that the product will really come in handy for this baby!  (And I can't brag enough about the super-easy buckle system.  Unlike other crib-side soothers which require you to wrestle with latches or straps, this is as simple to secure to the crib as it is to buckle a seat belt.  It took all of 5 seconds!)

The Soother is available for purchase at the Step2 website (and you don't need a crib to use it.  We attach it to our portable play yard!)

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products to as part of my participation.

Lan Enterprises Recalls Zooper Tango Double Strollers Due to Collapse Hazard

*Note: A reprensentative from Zooper contacted us via Twitter to let our readers know about a free repair kit in response to this recall.  Be sure to check it out if you own one!

A couple of minor injuries were reported when one of these strollers collapsed.  Check out the details for this recall at the CPSC website.

Stay Safe!!

Review of Nanny McPhee Returns

It hits theaters today, and it is perhaps one of the most enchanting and entertaining family films we've seen in ages.  It's Nanny McPhee Returns, and my whole family saw a special screening this week so we could tell you about it today!

Based on the first movie, about a magical Nanny (Emma Thompson) who starts out ugly and gets more beautiful with each day, Nanny McPhee Returns makes sense on its own -- meaning, you don't have to watch the first one to understand the second.  In this film, the children are left alone with their mother (Maggie Gyllenhaal) to take care of a farm while their father is at war.  They are joined by their cousins, and soon chaos fills the home!  Before you know it, pigs synchronize swim, a billy goat gets in the kids' bed, a wedding dress is turned into a "pig net", and a whole host of ridiculous and imaginative situations allow the children to learn the values of Nanny McPhee.  Unlike other films, the kids in this movie are very endearing!


It is completely appropriate for all ages of children.  There is no bad language, only a casual mention of an animal with indigestion, and a crow that humorously burps.  All of the humor aimed towards adults is funny - but not something that I would be concerned about my kids repeating.  Families can take their kids to this film as soon as they are old enough to sit through it.  My 3-year-old was completely mesmorized, and didn't ask to get up once!  My 5-year-old covered his eyes during an especially intense (but not scary) part, but it turned out fine. All of my kids laughed during many parts of the movie and left the theater smiling.

Filled with messages of faith, hope, and love, this is one that you can watch and know that everything will turn out in the end.  (And if you like a little magic, you'll really find this movie to be like a fairy tale!)

Nanny McPhee Returns opens in theaters everywhere today!  With more substance and style than some of the other "children's films" on the market, you'll get a little tear and a whole lot of laughs out of this film.  Catch the trailer on YouTube, "Like" Nanny on Facebook, or visit the official website for more info.

Wanna Win?  We're giving away A Nanny McPhee Returns Gift Pack, featuring a youth t-shirt, lunchbox, notebook, and crayon wheel! To be entered to win, just tell us whether you plan on watching the movie in theaters, or why you want to!  

You have until August 30th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you CAN ENTER EVERY DAY!  (Just comment as directed for the first entry, and then enter with "today's entry" for each entry after that. Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please.  (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

Review of mOmma Feeding Products

I have a messy toddler at home, and soon my new infant son will be making messes at the table, too!  That's why we were excited to receive samples of the new mOmma feeding products in bright, bold colors and designed with love.  Why love?  They are BPA and Pthalate-free and they are designed to make eating less frustrating for kids -- and their parents!

The neat sippy cups are round like a bulb, so they rock back and forth rather than tipping over.  They also are super easy to clean, thanks to the cleaning brush that is in the exact same shape as the cup -- so it's a perfect match for all the hard-to-reach areas that often get nasty in other sippy cups.

They also have a nifty fork and spoon set that operate with the same wobble-action, keeping the part that touches the mouth from touching the table (or other dirty surfaces.)  And there is a cover designed to go over the soft end of the utensils, making them perfect for stashing in a to-go bag for eating at Grandma's!

I'm no design expert, but I'm pretty sure that these are modern and, dare I say: trendy?  They'll look good on the table, in the diaper bag, and are perfect for boys or girls.  They would make a great gift!

Learn more about this product at the mOmma website.

Wanna win?  mOmma is giving away over $100 of products to a winner who shares their messiest meal time moments.  One lucky mom will win 2 sets of prizes: one for her and one for a friend!  Get the details on how your photo can win at the promotion page.

*Sample of mOmma products were received for this review from Team Mom.  All opinions are my own.

Dinosaur Train: Dinosaurs Under the Sea Arrives August 20th!

Do your kids like dinosaurs?  Ever since my 3 boys have been learning about them in school, it is ALL they talk about.  They know the names of many dinosaurs and enjoy pretending like they are prehistoric creatures themselves.  Can you imagine how excited they were to screen a new show coming to PBS on August 20th -- Dinosaur Train: Dinosaurs Under the Sea?  They were thrilled!

This television special is brought to you by the people at Jim Henson Company, so you know that it's good!  We took an afternoon to watch it, however, and we were very impressed with the characters, educational value, and the music (which was the best part.)  The songs were infectious, and perfect for my wiggly kids.  They danced along to much of the show!

With an emphasis on dinosaur names and traits, this is definitely what you would call "edutainment."  There's something for all ages, and it's airing on PBS Kids Aug. 20th.  Check your local listings or PBSKids.org for all the details.

Wanna Win?  We are giving away a Dinosaur Train: Dinosaurs Under the Sea DVD (filled with 8 exciting adventures plus bonus features) to a lucky reader. Available in stores on Aug. 24th, it's valued at $14.99. To be entered to win, just share the name of your favorite dinosaur! 

You have until August 30th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in, and you CAN ENTER EVERY DAY!  (Just comment as directed for the first entry, and then enter with "today's entry" for each entry after that. Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please.  (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

Marshalls Is THE Place for Back to School

We recently went back to school shopping and had a blast.  Yes, you heard me... we actually had fun!  How can it be that I could go anywhere with all 5 of my kids and get all my clothes and accessory shopping done in one place?  We went to Marshalls!

Not only do they have a huge selection of all sizes for men, women, juniors, and kids, but their petite section is awesome.  Everything is stylish, because it is this season's top looks.  And I paid 50% or less on the price of what I would pay at a department store.

I gave my daughter a gift card to go crazy with, and she hit the aisles, loading up her cart with looks that she thought would flatter her pre-teen figure.  I was very impressed with the things she picked out, because Marshalls was full of modest but clever looks that Moms can feel good about sending their daughters to school in.  Everything fit so well, in fact, that we had to put more than a few things back because we couldn't buy them all (not because they didn't fit.)

My daughter got 6 tops for less than $50.  I couldn't believe it!  And I picked up a nice pair of denim trouser pants (petite, of course), and a neat layer-look top with a belt.  (I love this year's layered looks -- especially the pieces that put everything together into one easy to wear top.)  Both were purchased for less than $30!

School shopping was so simple this year.  We walked in, grabbed a few things off the rack, tried them on in very nice and well-lit dressing rooms, and checked out with tons of gear for the new year.  I even got a super luxurious and eco-friendly dog bed for my pup.  We had been looking for similar beds online -- but they were all priced at $30 or more!  Marshalls had it for less than 15 bucks!  You can't beat that!

I have been telling everyone I know to head straight for Marshalls this year.  Check them out online at http://www.marshallsonline.com/


*Gift cards were received to facilitate a shopping experience for this post.

Wallables Still Make Decorating FUN!

My kids are still enjoying their Wallables!  As you recall, we got the Buzz Lightyear model, which made my boys super happy!  They still like to take it off the wall and play with it like an action figure. It is one of the ONLY toys that they put away every night -- thanks to the easy velcro attachment to the wall!

Our Buzz Wallable is just one of many available.  This video below shows a few that play music, teach the A-B-C's, and even glow!



You can buy Wallables at your nearest Toys R Us!

SP

Back to School Survey and a Chance to Win!

Want a chance to win a $150 Back to School Gift Card from Amazon? Spend 5 minutes taking this anonymous survey from Unicast about your Back to School shopping, and you can win one of 10 prizes. But don’t wait too long – the survey closes 8 pm ET Fri. Aug. 20. Winners will be emailed on Monday Aug. 23. 


Here’s the survey: http://www.zoomerang.com/Survey/WEB22B385KB4BX

Good luck!

Review of Mead Writing Fundamentals Products

Home school has started at our house, and while I'm super busy with work, a new baby, and a new house (that needs so much work), I'm also a bit relieved.  We found an amazing resource that has helped me with teaching the younger kids -- Mead Writing Fundamentals Products!

These neat workbooks are so much different than your standard workbooks.  They feature various levels of reading and writing readiness, and they all use constructive, built-in tools to aid your child in their activities.
Our favorite one so far has been the Snip-It activity book.  Your child can cut up colored paper strips (included in the book), and then affix them to pages that have sticky shaped surfaces.  Just peel back the paper, and it works like a sticker.  No mess, and no fuss!

Here is a picture of my son (who is just 3) using the book.

Here is a picture of my older sons (5 and 6), with their pictures from the book.  It works for quite a few ages!

Other books in the series that we have tried include:

• Write-On, Wipe Off Cursive Letters (This is a dry-erase white board book that even my 11-year-old can use to practice her cursive.)

• Path Quest (This is a book that has four different "paths" your child can follow in the same book.  The answer to a question determines what they do on the next page.  It's very exciting for my 5-year-old!)

• 4-in-1 Learn to Letter with Guidelines (This book is a standard handwriting book for printed letters.  The difference is in its indented letter outlines.  It helps kids stay on track with their lettering!)

There are many more books offered by Mead, and all of them are printed on sturdy paper.  They will last a long time in a home school or day care environment.  I love that the pages tear out so easily!

You can see the entire line of books at the Mead website!  They are available at Walmart, Target, and Staples stores for a very affordable $3.99 - 6.99 each.

Wanna Win?  We are giving one lucky reader their choice of 5-7 products from their line.  To be entered to win, visit the product page at http://bit.ly/aq5anH  and the detail sheet at http://bit.ly/writingfundamentals and let us know what products you like best and why.

You can earn extra entries by doing one of the following:

• Follow @MeadEarlyLearn on Twitter and send this tweet: I'm following @MeadEarlyLearn for a chance to win thanks to @LKnerl http://tinyurl.com/2bougmh
• "Like" Mead on Facebook (be sure to let us know in the comments)

You have until August 20th at 11:59 pm CST to get your entries in. Giveaways are subject to complete site rules. Open to persons 18+ U.S. only, please.  Winner must not have won a Mead Writing Fundamentals prize within the past 60 days. (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, and be sure to check out all of our other giveaways!

*Sample was received for this review.

Tough Stains? There's an App for That!

I use my iPhone for just about everything, and it came as no surprise that the makers of my favorite carpet cleaning products happened to put together an app that helps get out tough stains.  While the application won't get down on its hands and knees and scrub out latest mess from my carpet, it will give me some direction in handling those horrifying stains that would have renters saying "farewell" to their security deposit.

Bissell (who happens to make my the very lovely steam cleaner that I bought last year) is behind this app, giving users a free tool to decipher the best way to tackle chocolate milk stains, coffee, red wine, and more.  While there is no guarantee that EVERY stain will come out every time, you have the best chance possible when armed with the right info.  (And while the application does tell you exactly which Bissell cleaner will work best on a stain, it also gives you information applicable to non-Bissell products, too!)

I also had a chance to try out their Bissell Professional Oxy Total Spray Cleaner.  This stuff is powerful!  I sprayed it on some really dark and dirty areas that had developed right outside my bathroom door.  After it set, I could see that the area I hadn't sprayed was very dingy (even though I thought it was clean.)  Just goes to show how much dirt this product can get out, and with very little effort.

For more information, or to download the app for free, visit the iTunes store.  You can see more Bissell product on their website.

*Bissell cleaning products were received to facilitate this review.

Circus World Recalls Wireless Video Baby Monitors Due to Overheating Hazard

These baby monitors are being recalled.  Please check your nursery to make sure you don't have them.  If so, please follow the advice on the official CPSC.gov website!

Stay Safe!!