CupCakes Entries are Still being accepted!
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
We had a bit of a buggy issue while we were gone at BlogHer, and comments were temporarily disabled for the Ice Cream Cupcake Giveaway post. We apologize for any inconvenience, and wanted to let you know that you can now try to enter again if you couldn't get in earlier. You have until the 26th to try and win!
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:38 AM,
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Win With Wet Ones!
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Wet Ones is offering one lucky winner a Portable GPS System and $500 in gas in their photo contest! Other prizes include Satellite radio and (8) $100 Gas cards! To get your photo entered, visit the Wet Ones website, and snap a picture of you and your family using a Wet Ones product.
Just Say "Cheese!" And while you're there, get your coupon for savings on your next purchase of Wet Ones.
Labels: Coupons and Deals, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:54 PM,
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Review of Attachables Clothing from LAF Brand
School shopping wouldn't be complete without a new wardrobe for your kids. Do you shop for a cool fall? Will it be a late summer season? Do you dress for hot days or cool evenings? Sometimes it's just too difficult to figure out if they need summer wear or winter wear, and with your dollars being stretched to the limit, wouldn't it be great to buy both?With Attachables Clothing from LAF Brand, (LAF stands for Lil Angel Face) you can have a shirt "for all seasons." These clever little shirts in styles for boys and girls come with sleeves that can be taken off and reattached with ease (but not so much ease that little ones will be leaving them all over the yard.) We adored the black T-shirt style of the LAF Out Loud Tee. It was soft, thick, and durable (to keep my toddler guy from trashing it in an afternoon.) It also fit well, leaving my 5T son with some room to grow! The velcro holding the sleeves on aren't your typical stuff -- they held on tight, and were placed all along the sleeve, leaving it just where it needed to be for those cool evenings (or when you want to keep bugs away from tiny arms!) Washing the shirts were a breeze (just remember to keep the sleeves attached to keep the dryer from eating them.) And when hot days rolled around, the sleeves came off with a little help from me. Way cool!
Nip Back-to-School spending in the bud with these truly "2-in-1" shirts with style! See all the designs at LAF's website.
Want one for your kiddo? LAF Brand is giving one lucky reader their very own size 3T black Tee. Just visit LAF's website and let us know another cool product you like! Leave a comment here with your pick by next Tuesday, July 22nd at 11pm CST. One entry per person. Contest subject to our full rules and privacy policy.
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:03 PM,
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Review of PhillySwirl Ice Cream Cupcakes
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Last week, my husband and I both celebrated our birthdays (we were both born on July 3rd, can you believe it?)! The first thing we both asked for was an ice cream cake -- but there were none to be found at our local store. Disappointed, we went the traditional cake and ice cream route, until we heard about a fabulous, single-serving solution from PhillySwirl!Since the only thing better than cake is a cupcake, you can believe I squealed at the chance to try new PhillySwirl Ice Cream Cupcakes! Individual chocolate or white cupcakes topped with vanilla ice cream and the most deliciously light and fluffy swirled icing -- plus sprinkles: These are seriously to die for....
I ate one. Then another. (I snuck one in late last night while working...) They are just too good! And with 6 per pack, there's enough to share! (Or get the box of 12 for the best Birthday party EVER!) Did we mention that each cupcake is only 160 calories?
These stay nice and fresh in the freezer, thanks to a resealable plastic pack. Take one and leave the rest, but don't expect them to stay there forever... we had several "sneaky" cupcake eaters at our house!
This is going to change the way we do birthdays forever. And BBQ's. And Tuesdays. They're that good. Available at ALDI's, Walmart, Sam's Club, Costco, and other super cool retailers around the country.
Want to get your hands on a box of these? The folks at PhillySwirl will ship one lucky winner a box of 12 directly to their door (no need to even leave the house, folks)! Just visit the PhillySwirl website, and leave us a comment on this post with a product that you would like to try (besides the cupcakes.) You have until Wednesday, July 26th at 11 pm CST to get your entries in. Contest subject to our official site rules and privacy policy. One entry per person, please.
Good luck!
Labels: food and drink, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 2:29 PM,
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Tips for Keeping it All Together
Wednesday, July 2, 2008
(Photo by Ahmed Rabea)While there is little we can do about the outside distractions, there are a few tips to follow for keeping our insides stress-free and healthy. Follow these top-notch hacks for almost-instant relief!
- Write it down! Sometimes we just have so much going on – and finding the time to do it is nearly impossible. While a giant to-do list can seem daunting to some, for others (like myself) putting worries to paper helps them to feel in control. Grab a few sheets of paper and a colorful pen to put priority to those things that are bugging you. (For long-term planning in a Mom-friendly model, consider keeping a Bizzi2Go Planner, or some other small, ringbound binder.)
- Talk it out! If you’re not already setting aside an hour or so a week to have coffee with a friend or some pillow-talk with a spouse, start scheduling! An honest communication of your anxieties and fears are not only good for you, but it can help others to understand you better. (And maybe stop asking so much of you?)
- Take a walk (Or a jog, if your knees can handle it.) Getting a good flow of blood to your brain can help you to see things more clearly and give you an opportunity to recharge. If you have to take the tykes with you, grab a stroller and some tunes! Just 15 minutes can get you back into “action” mode, sans the stress.
Have some tips for us? Share what keeps you sane in the midst of it all, and we’ll pick one lucky winner to receive a set of (2) Roll-on fragrances from I Am (read the review here), valued at $29 each! You have until this Saturday, July 5th at 11 pm CST to get your entries in! One entry per person. Giveaway subject to our full site rules.
(*Earn 5 extra entries if you link to this giveaway! Just leave us an extra comment with a link to your mention.)
posted by Kylinsmom @ 3:58 PM,
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Win a $5,000 Savings Bond from Baby Einstein!
Love of learning can't start too soon, in our opinion, but preparing for the future also takes a little cash! That's why we were excited to hear about the new promotion from Little Einstein, where the Grand Prize winner can receive a $5,000 Savings Bond for a special child in their life. Other cool prizes include a $1,000 Savings Bond and lots of great Baby Einstein gear...
Want to learn more? Just visit the Lifetime of Discovery Sweepstakes to get signed up (don't enter on this post!) Promotion ends July 30th, so don't waste any time!
(For more information on Baby Einstein and their full line of quality products, see our review!)
Labels: giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 1:22 PM,
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Win $350 in Free Gas from RedPlum!
Friday, June 27, 2008
Gas prices got ya grumbling? Looking to save a buck or two on the hottest shopping trends? Red Plum has you covered in both ballgames -- with their amazing deals and their hot giveaways...
Enter to win one of (2) gas cards -- worth $350 each! Or just browse around for tips and tricks to make your life easier and more affordable. Either way, I think you'll love it!
Head on over!
Labels: Coupons and Deals, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 7:16 AM,
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Review of OFF! FamilyCare Smooth & Dry Insect Repellent
Thursday, June 26, 2008
'Tis mosquito season at our hot and humid farm. Working in the garden, playing in the yard, or simply watching a bit of TV (yes, I get to once in awhile) brings about opportunities for the icky skeeters to harass my family and leave those nasty, itchy welts all over our bodies.
As if the irritation wasn't enough, reports of West Nile Virus have us more than concerned for the safety of our family. Is there any option for protection that isn't as oily or stinky as conventional bug sprays?
When we had the chance to add OFF! FamilyCare Smooth & Dry Insect Repellent to our list of products to review, I was psyched. From the makers of Skintastic, this was ONE product that wasn't going to wait its turn before I got around to trying it. I sprayed some on before my very late (11 p.m.) weeding routine in my overgrown garden, and headed out into the night. I could hear them buzzing around me -- but not one mosquito touched my skin!
How is this formula of OFF! better than others? In addition to the superb protection it offers, the smell is rather pleasant (just don't breathe it in, people.) But the best part is how it doesn't leave you feeling heavy, sticky, and like you just stepped out of a corn syrup fight. It really is dry. It really is light. It really does feel like a dusting of powder!
The fine mist comes out of the spray can with ease, so there's no goofs (like accidentally spraying into the eyes or mouth.) An effective way to ward off unwanted visitors, we give OFF! top shelf space in our outdoor arsenal!
For more info on the complete OFF! line, visit their website at OffProtects.com! (And for more great product info on OFF! products, check back with us for a review of the new OFF! Powerpad Lamp.)
Want to win some OFF! gear? Just visit the OFF! website from now until Monday, June 30th at 11 pm CST and comment here with the OFF! product you would like to try most! We will randomly pick 2 lucky winners to score some Smooth & Dry for their own family (as well as one of those cool Powerpad Lamps we mentioned). Giveaway subject to site rules.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, giveaway, health, household
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:23 AM,
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We Have More Winners!
Yeah! We loved drawing names for the last few giveaways (and our winners enjoyed themselves, too!)
Here are the latest winner lists. Be sure to check out all of our ongoing giveaway opportunities here and at our favorite websites!
Barbie Giveaway:
Zoe H.
Barbara B.
Tonya F.
Ashley G.
Energizer Emergency Backpack Giveaway:
Maja M.
Joel G.
Kim G.
Family Talk Game Giveaway
Cindi H.
Michelle H.
Cahootie Giveaway
Linda H.
(Winner pending verification)
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:11 AM,
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Fun Prize from 5 Minutes for Mom!
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Running out of clean undies for the kids? Find more socks getting run over by the mower than ending up in the hamper? Maybe it's time for a shopping sprees at Hanes.com!
5 Minutes for Mom is gracing 2 lucky winners with $50 GC's to my fave underthings dealer. Check it out!
Labels: giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:45 PM,
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Review of "Joy Is the Greatest Gift" Book
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
We all have days where we get a bit grumpy. Maybe we just can't get our "chin up" and look at the world in a positive way. How do you get out of that slump? You take a moment to learn about JOY!
The sweetest and most enlightening children's book I've read in forever has made quite an impression on my children. It has also taught me some things that I had forgotten were important to me. Joy Is the Greatest Gift is the first book by Lisa Rey Marks in the Focus Friends series. The words alone will show your child how joy can be had in a simple, yet personal way. The illustrations will further capture their imagination and bring the story to life, leaving a beautiful impression on young minds -- one that is sure to make children giggle and parents breathe easier.
This book (with it's simple message and delightful main character) acknowledges that everyone has a bad day, and there is nothing wrong with it. It goes on, however, to encourage positive behavior that brings about true happiness. More quality content than "feel-good fluff," this is a precious read that is sure to become a favorite.
We are already looking forward to the next book in the series, and have come to trust that author Lisa Marks is a mom who knows her stuff! Visit the Focus Friends website for the full story behind this charming tale, and to learn more about all of their enchanting products (including breath-taking framed art!) Registrants to the website can get a free bookmark.
Would you like to share joy with your child? One lucky reader can get their very own copy of Joy Is the Greatest Gift (valued at $16.99) just by visiting the Focus Friends website and sharing your favorite design from the framed art section. One comment left before June 29th at 11 p.m. CST will be picked at random to win the book! See our full site rules for contest details. Good luck!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, books, gifts, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 4:41 PM,
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Wells Fargo Someday Stories -- You Could Win $100,000!
Thursday, June 19, 2008
We've got some great news from Wells Fargo! If you're a dreamer (and I think we are all), you could share your dream for a chance to win big!
All the details are on their website, and in addition to the Grand Prize of $100,000 -- there are weekly prizes of $1,000 and First prizes of $10,000 and your story made into a video! Just share your dream (retirement, a new home, a new business, etc.) for your chance to win. Entries must be received by July 25th, and you can enter at their online entry form.
Dream Big!
Labels: giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 12:03 AM,
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Are You Prepared for an Emergency?
Friday, June 13, 2008
"According to a recent survey by Energizer, nearly seven out of 10 Americans expressed having little to no concern regarding an emergency situation happening in their area, and nearly half of those surveyed (43 percent) say their family is not prepared for a potential disaster. "
These past few weeks have brought violent storms and tornadoes to our area of the country. It has been a constant reminder of just how important it is to keep your family safe and secure with the added convenience of an emergency preparedness kit. Some recommended items to include in your kit are:
- Water: at least sixteen 8 oz. bottles per person per day for 3 to 7 days
- Food: enough for at least 3-7 days
- Non-electric can opener
- Cooking tools and fuel
- Paper plates and utensils
- Clothing: seasonal / rain gear / sturdy shoes
- First aid kit (including medicines and prescription drugs)
- Specialty items for infants and the elderly (diapers, formula, hearing aids, etc.)
- Flashlights and batteries
- Cell phone charger
- Cash
- Important documents (social security cards, birth certificates, medical records) in waterproof container or resealable plastic bags
Just leave a comment on this post letting us know that you want to win. You have until next Thursday, June 19th at 11 pm CST to get your entries in (one per person, please.) We will randomly pick 3 winners to get their Energizer prizes, and alert them by email. Please include a way for us to reach you on your entry comments! Full site rules are listed HERE.
For a complete line of high-quality products designed to help prepare you for the unknown, see Energizer's website. They have chargers for phones and iPods, batteries for every portable appliance, and solutions for keeping you fully charged and ready to go! (They are also offering another chance to win the preparedness kits on their Plan... Prepare... Protect... page)
Labels: giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:57 AM,
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Update on Winners!
Monday, June 9, 2008
We had so much fun giving away prizes these past few weeks! (Please be sure that you are providing a way to contact you when you leave your entry comments.) We have some updated winners lists for you:
Beech-Nut Giveaway:
Laurie S.
Michelle R.
Jennifer R.
I Am Fragrance Giveaway:
Ruby P.
(winner pending verification)
RoC SkinCare Giveaway:
Belinda M.
Misty W.
Presto Printer Giveaway:
Cheryl K.
Labels: giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:03 AM,
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Review of Family Talk Game
Thursday, June 5, 2008
Dinner can be ho-hum in many households. And while statistics show that kids who are engaged in meaningful conversation with their entire family do better in school and life, it is hard to get the ball rolling!
No problem with our new favorite dinner activity -- Family Talk! A simple but effective "card" game -- it's not really a game at all! Various thought-provoking questions secured on a sturdy clip provide many meals' worth of chatter for families that want to grow closer!
We loved that the questions ranged form the truly personal (What's the best thing about your life?) to the silly (What is your favorite kind of cake?) All ages can enjoy this chance to share, and it can be used away from the table, as well. (We love it for long car rides!)
Around the Table Games offers Family Talk, Family Talk 2, and Grandparent Talk! (We loved the idea of videotaping the family sessions for a forever keepsake.)
My kids LOVED this game, and it was amazingly simple. Just when you think your kids will want something high-tech or fast-paced to keep them entertained, Family Talk comes through. What a wonderful change to our meals!
Would you like to own one of the 3 Games? Just visit the website, and tell us which one of the featured video clips is your favorite! We'll pick 2 winners from all the entries left at this post before Sunday, June 8th at 11 pm CST and notify them by email! They will get their choice of game for participating! (Be sure to leave an email or a way to reach you on the post. See our full site rules for privacy details.)
Don't want to wait? Lille Punkin' Readers can get free shipping on any purchase by using code: LILPUNFMT at checkout.
Good luck, and join us for all of our other Girl Week giveaways!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, games, gifts, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 8:07 AM,
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Review of Cahootie
Wednesday, June 4, 2008
Cahootie. (Bless you.)I bet you're wondering just what a Cahootie is. While it's best explained by showing you, I'll try my best. Cahootie is that paper-foldy game that we used to play when we were kids. You know, where you dream about who you'll marry and how many kids you'll have (and what color house you'll live in!)
Cahootie is a cool way to introduce your daughter to a novel idea from our own past. With some brilliant design options and a more durable structure, Cahootie is for every girl! (You can make your own -- Cahootie's website gives you all the directions. But their version is glossy, bright, and comes with removable stickers for hours of fun future play!)
It truly is a modern twist on the classic paper-folding fortune game. Each Cahootie comes with 40 peel-and-stick fortunes, so the game can be played hundreds of ways! (Did we mention that Cahootie is 100% made in the U.S. ) Cahootie comes in several designs, including: Sporty Girl, Wishes and Dreams, Truth or Dare, Birthday Wishes, and even Republican and Democrat!!!
We're giving a couple of Cahooties away to some lucky readers! Just visit Cahootie's website, and leave us a comment here on this post with your favorite Cahootie anytime before Sunday, June 8th at 11 pm CST. We'll randomly pick the winners and notify them by email! (Be sure to leave an email or a way to reach you on the post. See our full site rules for privacy details.)
Good luck, and join us for all of our other Girl Week giveaways!
Labels: 2008 Reviews, games, gifts, giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:51 PM,
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Review of Barbie® Totally Hair™ Braid It!™ Dolls
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
How could we possibly celebrate Girl's Week without a dedicated review to Barbie's latest products? The classic doll has stunned us once again with a new model that my 9-year-old daughter just calls, "Cool, Mom.."
Barbie® Totally Hair™ Braid It!™ Doll is cute, classy and comes with her own braiding tool (and yes, it really does work.) Not only can you twist Barbie's locks into crazy and coiffed combinations, but the styling tool works on your own hair! For the purposes of my own peace of mind, I tried out the nifty little styler when no one was looking... easy to use, and admittedly a very neat look (too bad I'm too old to pull it off for real!)
Barbie maker Mattel has also thoughtfully included an extra outfit, cool hair accessories, and a styling brush to complete Barbie's look. Hours of fun for Barbie fans, the Braid It! Doll was a hit at our house! (Barbie's friends Teresa and Nikki are also available in this line.)
Want to know more about Barbie's newest products? Check out the new Bike With Me Barbie accessories that fit directly on the handles of new Barbie bikes!
Would you like to win a new Barbie® Totally Hair™ Braid It!™ Doll or Barbie® Totally Hair™ Color It!™ Doll? 5 lucky winners will get a special doll, perfect for aspiring stylists or fashion fans! Just leave a comment on this post anytime before Sunday, June 8th at 11 pm CST. We'll randomly pick the winners and notify them by email! (Be sure to leave an email or a way to reach you on the post. See our full site rules for privacy details.)
Good luck!
posted by Kylinsmom @ 3:07 PM,
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Be a Winner with Lifetime!
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Love giveaways? Lifetime has a bunch of fun stuff to give away, including $5,000 to treat your mom!
Check out several chances to win a grill, spa retreats, cash and more! All the details are on their Sweepstakes and Contests page. Let us know if you get lucky!
Labels: giveaway
posted by Kylinsmom @ 9:33 AM,
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Review of RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Daily Moisturizer SPF 30
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
I'm only 29, but I feel the wrinkles coming on. When I frown, they stay just a bit longer than I'd like, and I can tell that my skin doesn't have the elasticity it used to!
Wouldn't I just love to find a product that goes on as easily as my normal daily moisturizer, but also provides the safe benefits of a wrinkle corrector... I think that I have!
After just 3 weeks of regularly using RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Daily Moisturizer SPF 30, I can see the difference. My wrinkles have started to fill in, and my skin looks glowing! I haven't suffered from the drying effect that the sun usually gives my skin in the summer, and the best part: no clogged and yucky pores (pimples). The product is light, smells nice, and is highly effective at plumping up my wrinkly spots. It even has started to diminish my pores!
Typical results can be seen in 8 weeks of use... (or less in cases of younger skin -- like mine!) This oil-free product contains Retinol, so be aware that you may need to apply it every other day to start with. After you know how well your skin will react, you can go to every day.
Do you want to start experiencing the benefits of Retinol? RoC and Lille Punkin' are giving three lucky winners the chance to win their own tube of RoC® RETINOL CORREXION® Daily Moisturizer SPF 30 (valued at $20 each). Just leave a comment on this post, telling us the areas of your face that need the most help anytime before Sunday, May 25th at 11 pm CST. You may enter daily. See our full site rules for details.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, giveaway, health
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:27 AM,
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Review of I Am Fragrances by Danica Aromatics
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
Who are you? On any given day, you may answer this question differently. Perhaps you feel overworked, stressed, tired, or confused. Wouldn't you rather feel hot, wild, good, or rich?
The fragrances from Danica Aromatics that we recently tried out are fabulous beyond belief! Why? Because they address the age-old question of "Who Am I?" And they give you a scent to match how you really feel (or should, at least) about yourself.
Are you in the mood to feel peaceful? Maybe you desire to be real... Whatever your true feelings or moods, the I Am Fragrance line empowers you to be your best -- and gives you the scent to match!
There are so many ways a perfume can make you feel. Pick a fragrance from I Am to help you be who you truly want to be. My favorites? There are too many wonderful scents to choose just one:
- I Am Hot is perfect for my romantic nights out (or in) with my hubby...
- I Am Wild works well for times that I really don't care what anyone thinks of me!
- I Am Rich is best for days when I want to dazzle others and feel great about it!
With natural-smelling notes of everything from patchouli to jasmine to honeysuckle, there IS a scent for you (and for any day.) These fragrances are so natural, they work well for any occasion, and you'll feel confident wearing them.
The I Am fragrance line comes in a 1.7 oz Eau de parfum spray and a super-convenient .33 oz Eau de parfum roll-on (for taking with you, wherever you go!)
Want to feel rich? Passionate? Real? We are giving two lucky winners their very own scent from the I Am line, as part of our Beauty Week Giveaway! Each winner will get a Eau De Perfume Roll-On, valued at $29.
Simply comment on this post with a new name for I Am fragrances, based on how you feel today. You have until Sunday, May 25th at 11pm CST to get your entries in (you can enter every day!) See our site rules for full entry details.
Labels: 2008 Reviews, Bath and Body, giveaway, Mom
posted by Kylinsmom @ 10:15 AM,
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