Cleanlogic Review and Giveaway

What is it?

Cleanlogic is a line of body washes, lotions and body buffers which are unlike any on the market. The exfoliating stretchable fibers are ONLY manufactured at their factory. Every item also incorporates functional Braille on the packaging so blind and visually impaired customers can easily identify these products by touch because in many cases, body washes and body lotions “look” the same to a blind person. Also, a portion of every purchase is donated to the Inspiration Foundation; a nonprofit org our CEO created in 2006 as an ode to his mother who has been blind since she was 7. The organization awards adaptive computer technology to legally blind adults which turns text into speech, and they also give a significant amount of the donation to local blind centers in the region where the sale was made.

They are also first in the industry to incorporate nopal cactus extracts in their formulas. Nopal has all of the same benefits of aloe vera but also contains antioxidants which fight against free radicals that your skin may come in contact with.

What products did I review?

• Exfoliating Bath Gloves
• Exfoliating Round Dual Texture Body Scrubber
• Soup + Sponge
• Mesh Bath Sponge
• Restorative Spearmint Body Lotion
• Restorative Spearmint Body Wash

What do I think?

I love Cleanlogic's line of products! The spearmint body wash and lotion smell amazing and leave my skin feeling really soft! Even though I am not blind myself, nor do I know anyone personally who is blind, I think it is so thoughtful that this company puts Braille right on the packaging!

The soap + sponge was a new product concept for me! It is really neat and my husband and I both loved it! If you prefer bar soap over body wash, than you'll love this! You'll get a great exfoliating experience out of the bar of soap--this sponge---well, it truly is both! All you need to do is add water, and you're in business! It really is so unique--you just need to try it out for yourself!

I've been using my exfoliating round dual texture body scrubber a lot, in conjunction with the body wash. My legs have started getting softer and smoother! It took me a little while to get used to wearing gloves when I was taking a bath, but I've found those to work really, really well too! The mesh bath sponge is perfect for days I don't need to exfoliate.

Check out their entire product line at http://www.cleanlogicbodycare.com/, then follow them on their blog, on Facebook and on Twitter!

Cleanlogic would like to give away this awesome prize pack to one of my readers! Just fill out the form below to enter. Good luck!

*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

Today's List of Giveaways

This will be the first of hopefully many giveaway listings. I will try to update and post a new list every day, as I'm able. If you'd like to add your giveaway to the listing, please fill out the form. You can find it HERE!

• Crafts by Moosey 500 Fan Giveaway. Once we reach 500 fans the giveaways will begin. Items are donated by Alliecat Bowtique, Shop*Zebra Bows, Enchanted Jewels, Schultz Crafts, and Liz's Loops. Make sure you stop by today and tell your friends! Ends at 500 fans.

• This giveaway is for a Barn Owl Bums AI2 diaper. My website, www(dot)fluffynutters(dot)com, is not really a business, but a fun blog about cloth diapering for busy moms. I try to make my entries for giveaways as easy as possible. I know it can sometimes be a hassle to enter other contests, so mine are pretty simple. Ends 4/9/2011

• Doing a giveaway of an item of choice when I reach 1,000 fans. I make boutique style diaper covers, bow ties, hats and diaper wipe cases and holders. I also have my new website up and running www(dot)melsathomecreations(dot)com

Share Your Giveaways with My Fans!

Rock A Thigh Baby Review and Giveaway

*Giveaway Extended until April 21, 2011!*

USA-made, eco-friendly, Rock-a-Thigh Baby thigh-length socks are designed by a WI mom of four girls who recognized the need for a children's sock that stays up and stays on while providing full leg coverage.Rock on! http://www.rtbsocks.com

Rock-a-Thigh Baby LLC, is a woman-owned company based in Janesville, WI. The company designs functional and fashionable thigh-length socks for infants and children. RTB socks are eco-friendly and made in the USA.

There's nothing I love more than dressing up my little girl in a cute jean jumper. It's even more enjoyable when I get to add some cute, colorful leggings/socks to her outfit! Rock a Thigh Baby sent me their Rockin Rainbow thigh-high socks. We love how they look with her jean jumpers!

I love the fact that these thigh-high socks have no-slip grippers on the bottoms of the feet. Although most of our house has carpet, our kitchen is linoleum. Since Maggie is learning to walk right now, she needs that extra gripping power on her feet, and I hate to put her in shoes when we are home. We also frequently visit her grandparents who have hardwood floors and these will work great on those as well!

The socks are so soft, and they wash up really well! I also love being able to use these thigh-high socks with my cloth diapers! If Maggie is wearing one of her extra cute diapers, no need for pants, just throw on a pair of these socks and her legs stay warm while she shows off her cute tush. It also makes diaper changing quick and easy. In addition to cloth diapers, they also work great with her baby carriers! Her pants tend to get bunched up when she's sitting down in the carrier, and with these, she can go pantsless!

Rock A Thigh Baby has 16 different colors/prints to choose from--you'll be sure to find many that you like for your girl OR boy! Check them out online or on Facebook!

Normal prices for these socks are $14 a pair. Become a fan on Facebook though, and find out about all of their sales!

Here's a little bit more about Rock A Thigh Baby:

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR WORLD:

We strive to be good stewards of our environment and are mindful about our ecological footprint.

• RTB socks are an environmentally friendly, sustainable textile product made with top-notch quality, soft recycled yarn blended with 100% "Pre-Consumer" fiber with virgin dyed acrylic fiber; dyes are certified by OEKO-TEX standard 100 (an internationally recognized environmental standard).
• Our shipping and packaging materials are 100% recycled and 100% recyclable. Please remember to recycle the package.
• We use USPS for shipping to cut down on the use of fossil fuel since they're already coming to your home 6 days a week.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR ECONOMY:

We feel strongly about supporting the U.S. economy and American jobs. We are proud to say that our socks, from the yarn to the manufacturer, are 100% made in the USA.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR COMMUNITY:

We believe a company has the privilege and duty to help others when success allows for it to do so. For Rock-a-Thigh Baby, this includes donating 10% of every online sale to one of our several designated charities.

OUR COMMITMENT TO OUR CUSTOMERS:

We are committed to being an honest, ethical company while providing an exceptional product. We are passionate about our values and are committed to living out those high standards as a company, and as people. Furthermore, we will provide the highest quality product and best customer service we possibly can.

Rock-a-Thigh Baby socks are for boys and girls and available in sizes:

0-6 months
6-12 months
1-2 years
2-4 years
4-6 years
6-8 years

Rock-a-Thigh Baby would like to giveaway 2 pairs of their socks, to 2 different winners; winner chooses size and style! And, everyone is a winner with this 15% off code! Just type in "tnm15" at checkout! Act fast, the code expires on April 8th! Use the form below for your chance at winning!

*This is not a paid post. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

Discount Magazines For Canadians

I'm in the USA and almost all of my posts are for US products/services. It's not because I don't like our neighbors up North! I actually,  in fact I have some friends up there! It just seems to happen that I get contacted the most from companies in the US.

Well, this post is for you my Canadian neighbors! I've got a link for you where you can get some of your favorite Canadian magazines as low as $1.25 (plus tax) a month. They have a big selection of men's magazines and women's magazines to choose from.  I'd go for the Parent's Magazine myself!

*I was compensated financially for this post. Although I do not frequently participate in paid posts, I am willing to share them when I feel like the posts will be relevant to my readers. As someone who loves to find magazines at a great discount, I hope this is helpful to you! Thanks to the company for the opportunity for this paid posting. Monies I receive from my blog are put right back into it, to help with shipping prizes, purchasing prizes for giveaway , etc.*

Talking to Your Child About Bullying

I'd like to share a guest post with you tonight from Debbie Vandeven about bullying. I hope this information will help some of you who are dealing with these issues in your families.

It can be hard to talk to children about sensitive topics. Sometimes we just want to say what first pops into our head, but that is not always the best answer to their questions. Whenever your child brings up the problem of being bullied, your first response is very important in the process of dealing with the situation. I'd like to show you some examples of how to respond, and first of all, how not to respond.


Do NOT say:

- Ignore them and it will eventually go away.
-They're just jealous, walk away from it. You're the best.
- Don't let them see that it bothers you. Stay tough!
- Just punch them in the face, it will show them who they're dealing with.


Although some of these comments still sound like they make sense, eventually they can make it worse. They also sound like a quick solution and don't send out the message that you truly care about the situation and that you're planning on dealing with this the very best way you can.


Do say:

- Thank you for sharing this with me, it must have been hard for you.
- Together we will find someone to talk to, and we will create a strategy for this to stop
- You don't deserve to be treated this way and you didn't ask for this. We should work on this.


Assure your child that reporting bullying is not the same as tattling. Seeking for help is the most sensible thing and can add to any other strategies that you both come up with. Whether it is working on their self-confidence to prevent future bullying (this can be done through subtle changes of behavior) or working on making friends and eliminating the bullying from the inside out, seeking for help is always a good starting point. Explain this to your child when the first signs of bullying occur and he or she will feel like you're taking the problem seriously.

Debbie Vandeven is an expert on bullying and is the author of Better Than The Bully, a blog about actionable strategies to stop bullying in school. Find out more on her blog: http://www.betterthanthebully.com/

Winners for Giveaways Ending 3/24

Bippity Bows: Crystal Kramer
Thirty-One Gifts with Tricia Simpson: Teressa McClurg

Congrats Ladies!

Miles Outside Dehydrated Baby Food Review

Maggie eats a lot now! She is loving her solid foods and really enjoys trying all sorts of new items. We were both excited for her to try out the food she received from Miles Outside.  Miles Outside makes organic dehydrated baby food. I'm sure your baby will enjoy this baby food any time of day, but to me it's "breakfast food," and so that's when I gave it to Maggie.

She wakes up every morning now signing "more." We have been trying to teach her the sign for food, but she has figured out that "more" gives her more food, and therefore she just skips the "food" sign.  She can barely contain her excitement as she waits for me to get her breakfast ready. We've tried all 5 varieties that Miles Outside sent us, (Monkey Meal, Day Hiker, Apple Harvest, Monkey Pudding, and Picnic Outside) and Maggie loves them all. Her favorite seems to be Day Hiker! Here's some info about Miles Outside:

We are an active couple who love nature and being outside, and we wanted to continue our thirst for adventure after the birth of our son, Miles.



While preparing for our first camping and backpacking trip with Miles, we realized that we would need a baby food that meets the same high standards that we apply at home. Before we embarked on our Appalachian Trail excursion, we created a dehydrated food for babies that is easy to prepare, light to carry, and above all... nutritious and organic! Miles loved it, so we decided to share it with families just like ours.

We hope we make your days easier in this hectic world, and let you enjoy Mother Nature with many more Miles Outside!
 

Maggie loves this food because it tastes great (honestly, I've tried it!) and mommy loves this food because it's organic, wholesome, and nutritious. It's also really easy to feed. All you do is add water, formula, breast milk, or like me, juice (I've found that adding juice to Maggie's breakfast keeps her regular!) I feel good about feeding her Miles Outside, and I think you will do!

Miles Outside is offering FREE SHIPPING right now off of all orders! Check them out online at http://www.milesoutsideorganic.com/
 
*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thank to the company for the complimentary review items.*

Jasmere Review

I love the websites that keep popping up where you can purchase products at 50% or more off of their normal selling price! Jasmere is one of these exciting sites that always has great deals to offer!

Here's how Jasmere works:

Jasmere seeks out lesser-known specialty retailers that deserve national attention. Our small team of New York, Los Angeles and Washington, DC- based shopaholics personally tests every product we feature, using jasmere's negotiating power to offer you an exclusive discount. But don't let the low prices fool you. Every merchant we feature on jasmere meets our highest standards of quality. You may not have heard of these websites, but you can be sure their products and services are the best around. We guarantee it.

I recently ordered from them. I got "Vazu" off of this site. It is a new type of collapsible vase! It was really easy to place an order, and it arrived at my door just days later! If you like getting deals, I would definitely recommend that you check out this website, http://www.jasmere.com/!

*I was not paid for this review. I did receive a free store credit to use at this website; this however did not affect my opinion. I only share what I believe to be true.*

Vedette Store Review and Giveaway

Okay, well this review was for myself, but really at the same time it was for Thrifty Nifty Daddy. You see, I was reviewing a corset from Vedette Store. I was sent the Julianne Corset. Yes, of course it's important to me that I look good, but I also want my husband to think the same! Here is a description of the corset:

Be seen in a stylish dress, showing off your hour-glass shape, harnessed by this dual-control corset with lace finish. With it's advanced powernet fabric and latex front panel, it flattens your abdominal and shapes your waist and back. To secure tightness and a tailored fit, it has a double hook and eye front closure and adjustable straps.

 I took a before and after shot of me without the corset, then with it on. Can you see the difference?

When I first started to put it on, I thought, "no way!" This is NOT going to fit. It's just not going to go on. I pulled and tugged though, and finally I managed to get all of the hook and eye closures secured. I was expecting to pass out promptly afterwards from not being able to breath. Amazingly, once it was on, not only could I breath, but I was comfortable! I love the way it looked! It definitely gave me an hourglass figure!

And, what does Thrifty Nifty Daddy have to say? In his own words,"It is HOT! You look HOT, I love how tight this fits you! LOVE it!!!"

So, there you have it! Get a corset from Vedette Store and you'll look not only skinnier, but hotter as well! They also have a lot of other body sculpting undergarments! Check them out!

They want to offer a fabulous giveaway to my readers! They are giving away 5 products, to 5 different winners! They are offering 3 of the Nina garments in size 36 - Medium and 2 garments in Gaelle in size 36 - Medium! Enter below for your chance to win!

*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

A Cure For the Hiccups

Everybody gets hiccups. Even babies in the womb get hiccups! They are so annoying, but I'm here to tell you about my cure for hiccups. Now, you will read this and think I'm nuts. You will! You will laugh and say, this will never work. But, the next time you get the hiccups, I double dare you to try my method and see for yourself that it works. I don't know how and I don't know why, but it works. So, what do I do? Here you go:

1. Fill a glass with water about 3/4 the way full.
2. Put a clean paper towel over the glass.
3. Drink about half of that water through the paper towel. That's right--drink it with the paper towel on the glass.
4. Take the paper towel off and finish drinking the rest of the water.
5. Enjoy being hiccup free.

That's it, that's all and it WORKS! I have been doing this for years now. Every time someone sees me do it I get this strange look and I have to explain to them why I'm doing it. And then they look at me as if they are thinking, "sure, you're crazy!" BUT, I've had a lot of people try it now, and although they are skeptical, they've become a believe too!

So, try it next time you have the hiccups--and make sure you come back and tell me about the results!

Eco-Friendly Deal Today at ThriftySeeker

Listen up my Eco-friendly-product lovers!

http://www.thriftyseeker.com/ will have a deal today that you're sure to love! Today's deal is $10  for $25 worth of Eco Friendly products. LetsGoGreen.biz has been a one-stop web superstore selling eco-friendly green products for every home, office or business.

Using eco-friendly products provides the peace of mind that comes with knowing you are doing your part to protect the environment. It's all the more enjoyable when the products are wallet-friendly as well.


LetsGoGreen.biz carries trusted eco-friendly brands. Here is your opportunity to save some serious green while going green. Do your part, along with LetsGoGreen.biz, to protect our priceless natural resources.

Get your coupon at ThriftySeeker.com

Extra details you might want to know: Only one coupon per order. Coupon good for only products.6 month Expiration date from when the deal ends. Free shipping on all orders or $49.

Febreze Carpet Care Products Review & Giveaway

How do you liven up your carpet care and spring cleaning experience?

It's the first week of spring which means your carpet is soiled, depleted, and dirty from the winter's elements. Cleaning your carpet can sometimes be a mundane task, so let Febreze® Carpet Care help make it fun!

I am really excited to tell you about the new line of Carpet Care products from Febreze. Febreze always makes products with the nicest smells, and their line of carpet care products is no exception!

I own a bagless vacuum cleaners, but they sent me a few bags anyways so that I could check them out. They smell really good, and I'm sure they would make your house smell wonderful as you are vacuuming. They also sent a sample of their filters, and they smell so good too!

With Maggie and our 2 dogs, our carpet takes a beating! I was excited to get a chance to try out their carpet cleaners.  I'm pleased to say that they work really well at getting out the dirt and stains, and left my carpet smelling so wonderful!

I would recommend this line of carpet care products to anyone! I think you'll love not only their performance, but you'll also love the wonderful smell they leave behind!

Right now, you can save up to $10 on the Febreze Carpet Care Products by going to their website, www.febrezecarpetcare.com. You can find these products at your local Wal-mart!

{WIN IT!}

I wanted to offer you, the readers of Thrifty Nifty Mommy, something special so I asked the folks at Febreze® Carpet Care to pair up with me to give you the chance to try out their new carpet care product line. Leave a comment and let us know how you liven up your cleaning and vacuuming experience! Whether you listen to music, have the kids help, or dance while you clean...we want to know.  Febreze® Carpet Care will select the most exciting and creative cleaning experience. Good luck! The winner with will receive a $100 gift card along with the Febreze® Carpet Care product sample of their choice. 5 runners up for the livest cleaning experience will receive a Febreze® Carpet Care product sample of their choice.

How fantastic is that? I can’t remember the last time I was rewarded for cleaning!

{MANDATORY ENTRY}

To enter all you need to do is leave a comment on this post sharing with us how you liven up your carpet care and spring cleaning experience?

Winners will be chosen by independent marketing association, MME on behalf of Febreze® Carpet Care Products.  The best responses will be the chosen for the gift card and free product samples. So make sure you share with us your best answers!

Announced winners will need to visit http://www.febrezecarpetcare.com/ to select the (1) product they would like to receive as their free sample. Please allow 6-8 weeks for shipping after winners have been announced, contacted and shipping address has been exchanged.

Contest is open to all U.S. and Canadian residents 18 years and older.  Contest deadline is April 11th, 2011

Remember to give us your honest and best answers to win a chance at a $100 gift card from Febreze® Carpet Care and help spread the word about this great giveaway!

Disclosure: This is a Thrifty Nifty Mommy promotion, not a promotion run by Febreze® Carpet Care Products. Thrifty Nifty Mommy did not receive any monetary compensation to run this giveaway. Winners will be encouraged to share their thoughts about Febreze® Carpet Care products on their own website and blog. All opinions are honest and my own. I wish to thank Febreze® Carpet Care for pairing with me to offer my readers this great giveaway of their products.

Skin MD Natural Review & Giveaway

My husband will tell you that I take scalding hot showers. What can I say, I love how relaxing the hot water feels! This though, results in excessively dry skin.

Skin MD Natural sent me a bottle of their lotion and I'm in love! The lotion is very light and absorbs quickly, without leaving a greasy feeling behind. I've been using it on my hands and face. I works great at moisturizing them and leaves them feeling really soft!

I personally don't have any issues with eczema, psoriasis, or other skin problems, but I've read that this lotion is great for these type of problems.

Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion was formulated after years of research into how the skin functions. It was found that the primary function of the outer layer of skin is to prevent irritants from penetrating into the body. Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion is a new type of skin care product that becomes part of the outer layer of skin to restore this natural function. It helps damaged skin by preventing moisture-robbing irritants from entering its deeper layers and helps reduce moisture loss.

They offer a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee! You can try it, and if you don't like it, you send it back for a full refund! I honestly don't think you'll need to utilize this offer though! Skin MD Natural is a great product! Here's your opportunity to win a free bottle for yourself!

*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

Swaddlekeeper Review & Giveaway

I was sent SwaddleKeeper--Sleep in a Box--Baby Sleep System to review. Maggie of course is no longer being swaddled when we put her down to sleep, but I remember those days like it was yesterday!

The swaddle blanket that this set comes with is very  unique. It makes is so easy to swaddle! Just look at these pictures and you'll understand.

There's no special folder required. Just put baby in the middle, pull up one side, and then the other. It so easy, anyone can do it!

The kit is really nice because it comes with everything you'll need to get more sleep with a newborn in the house. Some of the things that come included in this kit (besides the SwaddleKeeper swaddling blanket) are:

• Quiet Baby Sleeping Sign
• Newborn Care DVD
• Feeding and Activity Log
• Parent Relaxation mask and earplugs
• And More!

I think this kit is great and would make a wonderful baby shower gift! There's only one thing I'd change about this set. The "Quiet Baby Sleeping" sign is a paper sign. I would prefer a sign that was made out of something a little bit sturdier; I'd love to see it come with a ribbon or something attached to it so it can be easily hung.

Whether you're looking for a great shower gift, or you're due to have a newborn in your own house soon, make sure you check out SwaddleKeeper! Enter below for your chance to win your own SwaddleKeeper!

*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

In tem pe ran tia Chocolate Review & Giveaway

What's better than chocolate? Organic chocolate! You can get some from In tem pe ran tia! They sent me some of their chocolates and they are really good! If you are looking for a nice gift for someone, or just would like to indulge in some gourmet chocolate, make sure you check them out!

You thought chocolate just tasted good too, right? Well, I'm here to tell you that chocolate actually does have health benefits too! So eat up, and enjoy your organic chocolate from In tem pe ran tia!

health benefits of chocolate


Dark chocolate contains 13,120 per 100 grams of antioxidants. This is higher than both red wine and green tea. Chocolate also contains potassium and magnesium and other vitamins such as B1, B2, D, and E.


pregnancy
University of Helsinki researchers found in a study of 300 women, babies born to women who ate chocolate daily during their pregnancy were more active, smiled, laughed and showed less fear of new situations. The study does not prove a definitive link between chocolate and happier infants. The chemicals in chocolate that produce a positive mood may be passed onto the fetus in the mood.


sore throat
An ingredient of chocolate called theobromine, is nearly a third more effective in stopping persistent coughs than the leading medicine codeine. Theobromine works by suppressing vagus nerve activity, which is responsible for causing coughing. The hot chocolate is recommended as dark and less sweet. The hot chocolate produces fewer side effects than conventional treatment - and would not leave people drowsy.


depression
Modest amounts of chocolate and darker chocolate can give a real lift to someone who is feeling depressed as chocolate contains chemicals Tryptophan, phenylethylamine and anandamide. Tryptophan is a chemical that the brain uses to make a neurotransmitter called serotonin. High levels of serotonin can produce feelings of elation. Phenylethylamine works by acting on high levels of this neurotransmitter help promote feelings of euphoria. Phenylethylamine stimulatings the brain's pleasure centers and reaches peak levels during orgasm. Anandamide is a neurotransmitter that targets the same brain structures as THC, the active ingredient in cannabis.


heart

Chocolate contains large quantities of flavonoids. Flavonoids prevent fat-like substances in the bloodstream from oxidizing and clogging the arteries, and make blood platelets less likely to stick together and cause clots. Flavonoids also help the body process nitric oxide, a compound critical for healthy blood flow and blood pressure. Blood platelets responded to a flavonoids in preventing platelets from sticking together or clotting impeding blood flow.

aging
Polyphenols found in chocolate neutralize harmful free radicals. Free radicals are aggressive waste products from biochemical reactions that occur in our blood and body cells. These free radicals attack our cells and can destroy the vitamins in our bodies. This can benefit you both by eating and topical. Have you tried a chocolate mask lately? Look in our recipe section for more.

acne
Several studies over three decades have failed to show the link between chocolate and acne. Acne is caused by:
•Hormonal changes related to menstrual periods, pregnancy, birth control pills, or stress

•Greasy or oily cosmetic and hair products

•Certain drugs (such as steroids, testosterone, estrogen, and phenytoin)

•High levels of humidity and sweating

Here's your chance to win a box of 12 truffles from In tem pe ran tia! Just enter with the form below.

*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

Chicken Soup for the Soul "Grieving and Recovery" Book Review and Giveaway

I love being a member of the Chicken Soup for the Soul blogger network! I get a new book from them to review each month and I'm always so happy with the selection!

This month I received a copy of the new book, "Grieving and Recovery." This edition of Chicken Soup for the Soul includes 101 inspirational and comforting stories about coping with loss, regaining your strength, appreciating life, and finding new joy.

When you're hurting, it helps to read stories from other people who have been through the same thing. Losing a loved one, whether a parent, a child, a spouse, a sibling, or a dear friend, is a shared human experience. Take comfort and find inspiration in these personal and revealing stories from people who have been there. Read about how they handled loss and found their way to recover, finding acceptance, new happiness and meaning in their lives. This book is like having your own portable support group.

I have been fortunate enough to not loose any close relatives yet; even both sets of my grandparents are still living. I still found this book to be inspirational and think you'll love it, especially if you are going through a difficult time in your life!

Chicken Soup for the Soul would like to giveaway 3 copies of this book! Enter below for your chance to win!

*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review and giveaway items.*

Modern Crafting Giveaway

Do you like crafting? Then you'll love this new website, www.modern-crafting.com! This website is devoted to modern craft ideas and projects!

Here's what the ladies behind Modern Crafting had to say about their business:

We are a mother and daughter team with a combined 80 years of crafting experience.  We created Modern Crafting as a way to display the things we create.  We try to adapt the modern style to traditional crafting techniques. 

Modern Crafting would like to offer a giveaway to my readers. They are giving away a felted bird purse. It is so cute!

Winners from Giveaways Ending 3/17

The Following Winners all left their shipping addresses. Your information has already been forwarded onto the company and you should receive your prize soon!

Baby Nari Winner: Kimberly Cook
Scooby Doo Prize Pack Winner: Brandi Gilvaja
Three Little Birds Winner: Lorrie Rodgers
Midnight Lullaby Winner: Layne Lanpher

The following winners have been sent emails. Please respond within 48 hours to claim your prize:

Home Furnishings Giveaway Winner: Amber Zrust
Mommy Time Designs Winner: Nikki Muroski

Congrats to all the winners!

Our California Vacation!

Most of you know that we spent the end of the month of February/beginning of March on vacation in Southern California! Here's a recap of our trip, for those who are interested. :)

We flew out of Washington Dulles airport and made the almost 6 hour-long flight into LAX. Maggie was wonderful! Luckily she had 6 adults to keep her busy. Although she did sleep for about an hour, the rest of the time she spent reading books, playing with a few toys, watching Baby Einstein's Baby Neptune DVD and walking around the plane. We were very proud of her! We were met at the airport by my husband's sister and her family. It was so nice to get to spend the whole week with them, since we are unable to visit with them very often.

We made it to our condo in San Diego late that night and were so happy to collapse into bed! The following day we visited the USS Midway Aircraft Carrier in San Diego. I must admit, I'm not a history/military/ship buff, so this did not interest me very much, but Maggie and I enjoyed walking around the gift shop!

The next day we headed to SeaWorld! Our first stop was the attraction that lets you PET a dolphin! I was so excited about this because I love sea animals and I've always wanted to touch a dolphin. We waited for what seemed like an hour (in reality it was probably only 5-10 minutes) but finally a dolphin swam over to us and let us pet him. Apparently though, this dolphin enjoyed playing and, after letting us pet him, turner around promptly and splashed us--a lot! Poor Maggie. I tried to run, but we got very wet! This was San Diego, but it was cool and windy--way too cold for wet clothes that's for sure! Luckily I had packed her a change of outfit, so after a few minutes, we were on our way again.

Maggie's favorite show was the Sea Lion and Sea Otter show. She watched everything and had big smiles. She was also able to pet a starfish and a stingray--although she wasn't happy about the stingray. She also really loved the polar bears and Beluga whales. It was a fun day!

The next day was our planned trip to Disneyland, but we were rained out. Instead, we opted for a day visiting the San Diego beach. It was so pretty, and we were even able to see a few dolphins out in the ocean!

We drove the following day about 2 hours North to attend my husband's cousin's wedding. It was a beautiful outdoor wedding and we enjoyed visiting with family. Maggie unfortunately was still not used to the 3 hour time change and pooped out just as dinner started. Luckily for us we were staying the night at the reception location, and I was able to take her up to bed.

Finally--it was Disney day! :) I had never been to any of the Disney parks, and of course neither had Maggie. Most of the rides she was unable to get on, but she did ride the carousel with me, and the submarine ride. She loved getting to meet Mickey! Although in the picture it looks like she's trying to get away from Mickey, really she wants to get down and crawl around.

Our excitement of the day came when none other than Nicholas Cage walked by us at Disneyland, and actually ended up sitting right next to us during the Star Wars show! No, we did not get autographs. He was there with his family (his son is very cute!) and we didn't want to bother him. We did however get some pictures!

After Disney, we rounded out our trip by taking a quick trip to my husband's hometown of Ridgecrest, CA. It was a long, busy trip! It was nice to get away, but also nice to come back home!

Two things we took on our trip that we could not have lived without: My Bella Baby Carrier and my Neatnik Saucer. I LOVE both of these products and highly recommend them both!

Disrupting Grace Book Review

On our recent vacation, I took a book along for the plane ride and was actually able to read the whole thing by the end of our trip! It was so nice having Grandparents and Maggie's Aunt along on the plane ride to help keep her busy and give me a little break!

I took along the book, "Disrupting Grace," and I couldn't put it down! It is a true story written by a lady who adopted a child from Thailand. In this book, a mother tells her own story of adopting a child who has severe attachment problems, due to the foster care she received as an infant. It is a sad and heart wrenching story and yet one that I really think needed to be shared. Very seldom do you hear of adoptions gone wrong, but obviously it does happen. I find it to be very courageous of this mother to be able to share with others that, after trying for 5 years to make this girl a part of their family, they eventually had to relinquish their parental rights, for the sake of everyone involved.  I am sure there are families are over who are struggling right now with this very same issue, and reading her book will be like medicine to their souls.

Let me quote from the back cover so you get a good idea what this book is about:

Often we hear stories of adoption and happy endings, but what about the adoptions that don't work out? What are families to do when despite all efforts, their child isn't thriving, and the rest of the family is coming apart at the seams? Isolated families are running out of hope, battling paid, experiencing grief and the loss of a dream. Kristen Richburg sadly admits the inability to meet the needs of her adopted daughter and how five years later she reliquished her parental rights of a child she had so hoped to love, nurture, and cherish for life. What now?

Aren't adoption stories supposed to have happy endings? How did we get here?

Disrupting Grace describes Richburg's journey through mothering and relinquishing an adopted child, and how through that experience, her shallow and small understanding of grace was enlarged and forever changed. It is in heartbreak, that she learned about love, in loss, that she experienced spiritual gain, and in brokenness, that she was made whole.

My husband and I for many years have concidered adopting one or more children at some point in our lives. I do not feel as though this book is meant to discourage you from adopting. It is mearly written as encouragement to those who themselves are struggling with an adoption that has not gone as smoothly as those involved had envisioned. It has also prepared me for the fact that, should we decide to adopt one day, there are no guarrenttees that life will be perfect. Adoption is a wonderful thing, but should not be taken lightly!

*I was not paid for this review. I only share my honest opinions. Thanks to the company for the complimentary review book.*

Ebeanstalk.com Review

Just found an awesome new website to share with you. Check out http://www.ebeanstalk.com/. This is a website full of children's toys! They have a huge selection which I love! I also found it very easy to navigate this site. I am currently shopping for birthday presents for my little girl, and they have a great selection of toys for 1 year olds .

I searched around and found a great 1st baby doll set in their toys for 1 year old girls section that I think Maggie will love! 

They also have a top selling toys for 1 year olds section where I found this adorable floor puzzle!

I even checked out their toys for 1 year old boys and found a cute little ride on toy that I think my nephew will love!

They have so many different toy brands, I'm sure you will find some lots of toys the kids in your life will love!

*I received a complimentary store gift card in thanks for reviewing this website. This did not affect my opinions. I only share how I honestly feel.*