Get Crafting with the FedEx Out Of Office blog

With Princess P turning two in just a few short days, we are trying to give her a jump-start on learning. We have worked on numbers, shapes and our ABCs, and now we are turning our attention to reading. Which, with a two year old, can be a bit of a task. But thanks to the wonderful bookmark template at the FedEx Out Of Office blog, we will never loose our place again.

Mom Central provided us with a wonderful opportunity when they sent Princess P and I a crafting pack that included everything we needed to create special, customized bookmarks. Inside the package we found: ribbon, stickers, crayons and bookmark templates in varying colors from the Out Of Office blog.
To create the bookmarks, I setup a special "work station" at our kitchen table complete with everything we needed to get crafting. As soon as I sat Princess P down at the table, she reached for the crayons and got to work coloring her yellow bookmark. We worked on the proper way to hold a crayon and she had so much fun adding her special touch to it. Next, we added some stickers for a bit of pizazz. Of course, when she saw the dog and bunny stickers, she just had to have those!
When we were finished coloring and decorating, I got out the hole puncher and created a hole near the top of the bookmark. Then, I let P decide on ribbon and we looped it through the hole and tied it off with a knot. This gave a perfect finishing touch to our bookmarks.
This definitley turned out to be a fun activity to do with Princess P. It was not only a fun learning craft for her, but it will also serve a purpose when she is finished reading for the day. Next time we decide to do this craft, though, I will be sure to stop by our local FedEx and have the bookmarks laminated. It only costs a few dollars and it will make the bookmarks last a whole lot longer. Also, be sure to check out the FedEx Out Of Office blog for a variety of other templates to create with your kids this summer.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of FedEx Office and received the items necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Winners

The winner of the Coco Bonbons Giveaway is (639 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

584 

Timestamp: 2010-06-01 01:43:33 UTC

Dana 584 said...

dt
http://twitter.com/zebastyandylan/statuses/14622702037

zippieee@msn.com

May 24, 2010 9:27 AM

The winner of KidsCraft Giveaway is (458 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

151 

Timestamp: 2010-06-01 01:47:39 UTC

Betty N 151 said...

daily tweet
http://twitter.com/Grandma3710/status/13931823598

May 13, 2010 4:06 PM

The winners of the Axl's Closet Giveaway are (371 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

105 356 326 277 

Timestamp: 2010-06-01 01:55:37 UTC

Nicole C. 105 said...

I would get the Spacecraft Morgan Beanie.

choateorama(at)gmail(dot)com

May 17, 2010 2:22 PM

nightowl 356 said...

#2 I "like" Axl's Closet on Facebook.

May 28, 2010 11:24 PM

FDP 4 Life 326 said...

i would spend it on Roxy Cookie Dough Hoodie - Little Girls

susansmoaks at gmail dot com

May 28, 2010 1:59 PM

Bethany 277 said...

follower

logan 4301 at yahoo dot com

May 26, 2010 11:32 AM

Congratulations! I have sent you all an email and you have 48 hours to contact me.

Busy, Busy, Busy

Our schedule is booked solid for the next several days. This weekend, C's brother and sister-in-law and their three kids are coming up to stay with us and we have all kinds of fun things planned. Tomorrow, we are going to a cook-out for a family member who is graduating high school. This is an extra special day for him (and our entire family) because his mother was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and was only given a short while to live. When she was diagnosed, her only wish was to see him graduate. Tomorrow he will make his way across the stage with her watching proudly from the crowd!

(Princess P catching a ride from her cousin.)

After the cook-out, we will head to my in-laws river lot hang out and eat dinner. Then, us girls are spending girls night out by going to go see Sex and the City 2! I am so excited! I bought our tickets online today because I feared that if we waited to get them at the theater, they would be sold out. Better safe than sorry!
Sunday and Monday will be spent by the river just hanging out with the family. There will be lots of fishing, swimming and, of course, eating!

Then next Friday, Princess P turns two! I can hardly believe it! I am busy getting ready for her party, which is next Sunday, and I am up to my neck in Yo Gabba Gabba! party supplies. I decided to get creative and make several of the decorations myself. We will see how they turn out. I might be making a last-minute dash to the party supply store for some help!

(Our baby shower two years ago. This was a month and a half before my due date.)

On another note, today marks my two year due date anniversary. It was so hot and I was so miserable and big! I begged the doctor to induce me but he polity declined. That is when I whispered to Princess P that if she was going to continue to stay in her nice, comfy home that she better stay in there until after I went and watched Sex and the City on May 30th. She did and I sat in the theater two days overdue balling my eye's out when Charlotte told Carrie she was pregnant. Then, five days later, Princess P came into the world! My world was forever changed.

Matilda Jane (Review + Giveaway)

When I first started blogging I kept hearing moms rave about the clothing from Matilda Jane. Being unfamiliar with the brand, I quickly turned to google to see what it was all about. When my search landed me at the Matilda Jane website, I became smitten with each and every design I laid my eyes upon.
The story behind Matilda Jane isn't one of unique stature. It happens to be quite simple, really. One day, a friend of the designer, Denise DeMarchis, suggested that she should make clothing... and so she did! Being a bit of a risk taker, Denise figured "What is the worst that could happen?". The result has had overwhelming success and has captured the hearts of moms nationwide. And even today, Denise, still doesn't think of herself a "designer". Instead, she considers herself as "just a girl who can't stop her brain from spinning".

When I found out that I was being given the opportunity to participate in a review for Matilda Jane, I quickly headed over to the website to browse through the designs. Unaware of the items being sent, my mind wondered with excitement as I patiently waited for the package to arrive. As soon as the package arrived to my doorstep, I tore into it like a little girl on Christmas morning. After looking back on it, I never pictured myself getting so giddy over clothing for Princess P!
I opened the package to find the Holiday Knot Dress and the Sparkletown Tee from the Sparkletown Collection placed neatly inside. I picked up the Holiday Knot Dress and took in all of its adorable beauty. This fun and colorful dress contains a variety of different colors and patterns that coordinate perfectly. And since the dress has so many different elements, you simply cannot take your eyes off of it! The straps can be adjusted, thanks to the handy knots that keep them in place, to ensure that your little one can wear it through several seasons. And while the title my read "Holiday Knot Dress", I found that this adorable dress is perfect in the spring, summer, winter and fall!
I found the Sparkletown Tee to be a super fun shirt that can be worn many different ways. On cooler days, the tee looks adorable under the Holiday Knot Dress while still keeping Princess P warm and stylish. Also, the shirt looks awesome by itself thanks to the creme dot pattern and jeweled accents across the lettering. The bell sleeves add a fun and fashionable element, while the stretchy, soft fabric keeps your little one comfortable all day long. Both pieces from Matilda Jane are top quialty and I highly recommend them to everyone!

Buy it: The Holiday Knot Dress ($49) and Sparkletown Tee ($26) are available to purchase at the Matilda Jane website.

Giveaway Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a Limited Edition Art Fair Knot Dress and Coordinating Pants (the company will choose) in their choice of size from Matilda Jane!

*This giveaway is now closed.*

To Enter: You must visit Matilda Jane and comment on something else that caught your eye. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave a comment on which one(s).
5. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. You can tweet once daily for an extra entry each day.
Celebrate spring in style by entering to win a Limited Edition Art Fair Dress and Coordinating Pants from Matilda Jane http://bit.ly/d2VVUK
6. Add the Springtime Celebration button to your sidebar. Leave an address where it can be found.
7. 1 Extra Entry if you placed the Springtime Celebration button on your sidebar before the start of the event and left a comment on the event announcement post.
8. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on June 11th at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to everyone!

A big thank you to Matilda Jane for this review and giveaway opportunity!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Matilda Jane provided the dress and tee free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

Give-It-Away Thursday

Its that time of the week! Link your giveaways here and spread the word.

Giveaways at Piece Of Me:

$20 Gift Certificate to Axl's Closet - 4 Winners

ATGStores.com $75 Gift Certificate

Tee of your choice from barley & birch

$25 WalMart Gift Card from Pantene

$96 Gift Certificate to Hapari Swimwear

Stearns Puddle Jumper Life Jacket from Coleman -2 Winners

Apparel item & matching Mini Art Card from The Modern Baby Co.

all Oxi-Active Laundry Detergent - 2 Winners

Now it is your turn. You can link up as many giveaways as you would like. Just remember to leave your site name, giveaway prize and ending date. Be sure to spread the word! (Please no SPAM!)

all Oxi-Active (Review & Giveaway)

It seems that the warmer the weather gets, the more time I spend in the laundry room trying to get stains out of Princess P's clothes. From grass stains to melted ice cream, I have battled it all this spring. But thanks to the wonderful people at all, I will have a lot more time on my hands this summer.
I was recently sent the new all Oxi-Active 2-in-1 laundry detergent to review. This new detergent delivers advanced cleaning power thanks to Oxi-Active Stainlifters that removes stains while keeping colors bright and whites vibrant. The new all Oxi-Active cleans tough stains like: grass, blood, grape juice and chocolate ice cream, better than the leading Oxi liquid detergent. Which is music to any mothers ears! It is also safe for both traditional and high-efficiency washing machines.

One of the main deciding factors in choosing laundry detergent for our family, aside from the stain lifting power, is the smell. I want something fresh and clean without being overpowering. So the first thing I did when the all Oxi-Active detergent arrived was smell it! The fresh Waterfall Clean scent had a very pleasing aroma. I only hoped it smelled as good on our clothes.

When it was time to wash clothes, I immediately noticed that the all Oxi-Active detergent was not as thick as the other detergents I have used in the past. Which is not necessarily a bad thing. It just took some getting use to because I spilled on the washing machine several times. After I poured the recommended amount into the washing machine, all I could do was wait!

The timer on the dryer sounded and I headed up the steps as fast as I could go. I opened the dryer door and picked up an article of clothing to see what the results were. As soon as I brought the item up to my nose, I could smell the fresh, clean scent. So, it smells great, but does it remove stains? I am happy to report that the new all Oxi-Active removed dried-on cheese sauce as well as juice stains without any pre-treating! However, when it came to the grass stain on Princess P's brand new khaki shorts, I took no chances and pre-treated the area with the all Oxi-Active. After removing them from the dryer, I was pleasantly surprised that the stain had been removed!

Buy it: The new all Oxi-Active is available at mass merchandise, drug retailers and food stores nationwide. Average prices range from $4.49 for a 28 load bottle to $13.49 for 96 loads. Also, you can save $1.00 on all Oxi-Active here.

Giveaway Giveaway

Two lucky readers will win a bottle of new all Oxi-Active!

*This giveaway is now closed.*

To Enter: Tell me what the deciding factor is for you when purchasing laundry detergent. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave a comment on which one(s).
5. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. You can tweet once daily for an extra entry each day.
Don't let stains get you down! Enter to win new all Oxi-Active Laundry Detergent @PieceOfMeBlog (2 winners) http://bit.ly/cYklOz
6. Add the Springtime Celebration button to your sidebar. Leave an address where it can be found.
7. 1 Extra Entry if you placed the Springtime Celebration button on your sidebar before the start of the event and left a comment on the event announcement post.
8. 2 Extra Entries if you "like" all on Facebook.
9. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on June 9th at 11:59pm ET. The winners will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winners will have 48 hours to contact me or new winners will be chosen. Giveaway open to US residents.

A big thank you to all for this review and giveaway opportunity!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Mom Select and all provided the new all detergent free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

The Modern Baby Co. (Giveaway)

Last fall, I hosted a giveaway for The Modern Baby Co. to help celebrate the launch of their new line. Well, it seems that they are at it again. The Modern Baby Co. just released a brand new line dedicated to the littlest loves in your life.

"As parents we understand the need for kid friendly, fun and practical children's products. We believe in the possibility of bringing sophistication and modernism to parenting by providing stylish color pallets and clean, simple designs. We also believe in taking steps towards offering eco-conscious items at affordable prices. This is why we choose to work with USA based printing companies, provide a line of baby apparel that is created with eco-friendly inks, and limit our packaging to only that which is necessary. We take pride in our ethics, partners and the quality of our product line. At The Modern Baby Co., we look forward to sharing our enthusiasm for beautiful modern design with you."
The new line from The Modern Baby Co. is full of fun prints and bright colors. I love the fact that the prints used on the one-piece apparel items are also available in matching mini art cards and mobiles. If Princess P was smaller, she would definitely be sporting the Little Bird: Girl onesie from The Modern Baby Co. I also love the Little Whale one-piece apparel item for a boy.

Giveaway Giveaway

One lucky reader will a Short Sleeve Apparel item and matching Mini Art Card of their choice from The Modern Baby Co.!

*This giveaway is now closed.*

To Enter: You must visit The Modern Baby Co. and tell me which one-piece apparel item you would choose if you were the lucky winner. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave a comment on which one(s).
5. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. You can tweet once daily for an extra entry each day.
Enter to win a @TheModernBabyCo One-Piece Apparel item and matching Mini Art Card of your choice @PieceOfMeBlog! http://bit.ly/aky3Hu
6. Follow The Modern Baby Co. on Twitter.
7. Add the Springtime Celebration button to your sidebar. Leave an address where it can be found.
8. 1 Extra Entry if you placed the Springtime Celebration button on your sidebar before the start of the event and left a comment on the event announcement post.
9. 2 Extra Entries if you "like" The Modern Baby Co. on Facebook.
10. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on June 8th at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to US residents.

A big thank you to The Modern Baby Co. for this giveaway opportunity!

This post is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. No type compensation was received for this giveaway post.

Coleman Review & Giveaway

I am excited to say that the weather is finally getting warm enough to be outside in a bathing suit. In fact, Princess P spent the better part of the day yesterday playing in her kiddie pool at her grandparents river lot. But being the paranoid parent that I am, I constantly worry about her safety in the water.
While there is always someone watching P when she is in the water, I still like to have extra protection on her just in case something were to happen. That is why I was so excited to find out that Coleman was sending us the Deluxe Puddle Jumper from Stearns to review.

Coleman sent us the Stearns Deluxe Puddle Jumper in the unisex, green crab design that makes safety look fun. This life jacket not only provides protection in the water, but it also helps kids learn to swim. It is made of soft woven polyester fabric for less chafing and it has an adjustable buckle that snaps in the back for easy on and off. The Puddle Jumper life jacket is approved for children 30-50 lbs and it is U.S. Coast Guard approved.
As soon as the Stearns Deluxe Puddle Jumper arrived, Princess P was dying to try it on! The life jacket has easy to follow instructions located on the inside that ensure a perfect fit. The back buckle is easy to adjust and provides a snug fit while still allowing free range of motion. The Stearns Deluxe Puddle Jumper offers great stability and confidence building while in the water. It is perfect for use in the lake, pool or beach and will help keep your little one safe in style!

Buy it: You can purchase the Stearns Deluxe Puddle Jumper life jacket directly from the Stearns website for $32.99

Giveaway Giveaway

Two lucky readers will win a Stearns Puddle Jumper from Coleman!
(Coleman will choose a gender appropriate design for the winners.)

*This giveaway is now closed.*

To Enter: You must visit Coleman and comment on another item that you would love to have. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave a comment on which one(s).
5. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. You can tweet once daily for an extra entry each day.
Keep your little one safe this summer by entering to win a Puddle Jumper Life Jacket from @ColemanCampfire (2 Winners) http://bit.ly/a642NF
6. Follow Coleman on Twitter.
7. Add the Springtime Celebration button to your sidebar. Leave an address where it can be found.
8. 1 Extra Entry if you placed the Springtime Celebration button on your sidebar before the start of the event and left a comment on the event announcement post.
9. 2 Extra Entries if you "like" Coleman on Facebook.
10. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on June 7th at 11:59pm ET. The winners will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winners will have 48 hours to contact me or new winners will be chosen. Giveaway open to everyone.

A big thank you to Coleman for this review and giveaway opportunity!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Coleman provided the Puddle Jumper free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

Winners

The winner of the Kate Quinn Organics Giveaway is (346 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

113 

Timestamp: 2010-05-22 14:28:20 UTC

Jennifer 113 said...

I have your button in my blog: http://whateverandbeyond.blogspot.com

May 4, 2010 10:14 PM

The winners of the Mineral Fusion Giveaway are (358 entries)...

Here are your random numbers:

330 176 

Timestamp: 2010-05-22 14:32:38 UTC

Anonymous 330 said...

Mineral fusion fan on FB
entry 1
babybunny1983@comcast.net

May 18, 2010 4:19 PM

Angela 176 said...

I subscribe via email
veniceangel@hotmail.com

May 8, 2010 4:51 PM

The winner of the Mead OrganizHer Giveaway is (1005 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

936 

Timestamp: 2010-05-22 14:40:29 UTC

CarrieAnn13 936 said...

i really like the write n wipe calendar

May 19, 2010 2:25 PM

The winner of the Sleep Number Giveaway is (1058 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

681 

Timestamp: 2010-05-22 14:45:59 UTC

chlorinebrain 681 said...

I would love to have the standard down pillow medium density and standard fill.

May 16, 2010 3:36 PM

Congratulations! I have sent each of you an email and you have 48 hours to contact me.

Hapari Swimwear *Giveaway*

It's no secret that summer is one of my favorite seasons. I love the warm temperatures, the lush green grass and the long summer days. There is only one part about summer I dread, getting into a swimsuit!

In the past, before my life as a mom, I had no problem slipping into a tiny bikini. But that all changed when Princess P came into the world. My stomach is now covered in stretch marks and I have a "mommy pooch" that I think will never go away. So, I had to trade my itsy, bitsy bikinis in for tankinis that cover much more.
After scouring the internet for a hip and stylish tankini to sport this summer, my search landed me at Hapari Swimwear. There, I found a wide selection of modest swimwear with a flair! The tankini tops from Hapari are super versatile (they can be worn three different ways) and you can mix and match them with a variety of bottoms to change up the look. They also offer a wide range of styles, like sport, V-neck and butterfly, to flatter everyone's figure.

But it's not just the tankini tops that make Hapari Swimwear so special. Their wide range of bottoms is sure to please everyone. I especially love the Tummy Tuk bottoms that have a built-in control panel to hide the dreaded "mommy pooch". The bottoms from Hapari Swimwear are super comfortable and provide great coverage.

Hapari also offers skirts and cover ups that match the tankinis perfectly. You can also find a selection of bikinis, plus size swimwear along with swimwear for juniors and men.

Giveaway Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a $96 Gift Certificate from Hapari!

*This giveaway is now closed.*

To Enter: You must visit Hapari Swimwear and tell me what you would spend the gift certificate on if you were the lucky winner. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave a comment on which one(s).
5. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. You can tweet once daily for an extra entry each day.
Enter to win a $96 Gift Certificate from @Hapari Swimwear @PieceOfMeBlog! Giveaway ends 6/4 http://bit.ly/awC8Y5
6. Follow Hapari on Twitter.
7. Add the Springtime Celebration button to your sidebar. Leave an address where it can be found.
8. 1 Extra Entry if you placed the Springtime Celebration button on your sidebar before the start of the event and left a comment on the event announcement post.
9. 2 Extra Entries if you "like" Hapari Swimwear on Facebook.
10. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on June 4th at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to everyone!

A big thank you to Hapari Swimwear for this giveaway opportunity!

This post is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the products listed above. I will receive a $96 gift certificate from Hapari Swimwear at the close of the giveaway to be used for a swimsuit for myself. No other type compensation was received for this post.

Give-It-Away Thursday

Its that time of the week! Link your giveaways here and spread the word.

Giveaways at Piece Of Me:

True Silver Blanket from Sleep Number

Item of your choice from Coco Bonbons

KidsCraft Creation Cottage or Shuttle Imagination

$20 Gift Card to Axl's Closet - 4 Winners

ATGStores.com $75 Gift Certificate

Tee of your choice from barley & birch

$25 WalMart Gift Card from Pantene

Now it is your turn. You can link up as many giveaways as you would like. Just remember to leave your site name, giveaway prize and ending date. Be sure to spread the word! (Please no SPAM!)

Pantene Customized Solutions (Review & Giveaway)

Whenever I see that there is shampoo and conditioner on my weekly shopping list I know to allow for some extra time in the store. Because in most cases, I end up standing in the hair care aisle with several bottles in my hand and a puzzled look on my face as I try to find the best option for my hair type. In the past several months, I have purchased a different brand each time, but in the end I have yet to find a shampoo and conditioner that meets my specific hair type - until now!

Recently, I was given an amazing opportunity from MyBlogSpak and Pantene. I was selected to become a Panteneologist and put the new Customized Solutions products to the test. I was sent a complete Pantene Scientific Hair Test kit to turn my home into a lab. In the kit, I received my very own lab coat and glasses, a tablecloth, specific instructions on how to determine my hair type and samples of the new products.
I knew that conducting the simple science tests were going to be fun, so I invited my mom over to join me. Once we got the special Pantene tablecloth spread over the table, we began setting up the four different tests. The four different tests we conducted were to determine if we had Fine, Thick, Curly or Color-Treated hair.

Fine Hair -
Fine hair has up to 50% less protein than thick hair. That can make it less durable and flexible and prone to breakage.

The Solution -
New Pantene Fine Hair Solutions provide reinforcement to keep hair from falling flat. Go from lifeless to light and bouncy.



Medium-Thick Hair -
Thick hair absorbs up to 40% more moisture than fine hair. That leads to frizz.

The Solution -
New Pantene Medium-Thick hair solutions offer options designed to make unruly hair shiny and manageable.



Curly Hair -
Curly hair has weakened cuticles due to the twists and turns. This can leave hair rough and difficult to control.

The Solution -
New Pantene Curly Hair Series transform curly hair to help loosen or define curls, control frizz, and repair damage.



Color-Treated Hair -
Color-treated hair is changed at a structural level. Its natural protective layer is removed. This is one reason why over time, your color may look dull.

The Solution:
New Pantene’s Color Preserve collections create a water-resistant layer to slow water absorption and leave your color vibrant.

After we conducted the four tests, we learned that my mom has fine hair and I have color-treated and medium-thick hair. Since I am always looking for products that nourish my hair and lock in its vibrant color, I decided to use the Color Preserve collection from Pantene first.

(My hair right after I used the Pantene Color Preserve shampoo and conditioner.)

When I got in the shower and opened the Pantene Color Preserve shampoo I immediately noticed its pleasant aroma. I applied the shampoo to my hair and I really liked how well it lathered up. The Color Preserve shampoo was also very easy to rinse out of my thick hair. I followed with the Color Preserve conditioner and left it in my hair for a minute or two. Before I rinsed, I ran through my hair with a comb (something I always do) to get out all the tangles. After drying, my hair was left super soft and shinny!

Buy it: The new Pantene Customized Solutions products are available at local retail stores nationwide. But wait! You could be one of the first to try the new products by getting a free sample at pantene.com!

Giveaway Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a $25 Gift Card to Walmart so they can purchase the new Pantene collection that is right for them!

*This giveaway is now closed.*

To Enter: You must read over the new Pantene Customized Solutions collection above and leave a comment on which hair type you think you have. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave a comment on which one(s).
5. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. You can tweet once daily for an extra entry each day.
Try the new @Pantene Customized Solutions products for free by entering to win a $25 WalMart Gift Card! http://bit.ly/c7oP9S
6. Follow Pantene on Twitter.
7. Add the Springtime Celebration button to your sidebar. Leave an address where it can be found.
8. 1 Extra Entry if you placed the Springtime Celebration button on your sidebar before the start of the event and left a comment on the event announcement post.
9. 2 Extra Entries if you "like" Pantene on Facebook.
10. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on June 2nd at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to US residents.

A big thank you to Pantene for this review and giveaway opportunity!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. Pantene provided me with the Pantene Scientific Hair Test Kit, information and the $25 gift card through MyBlogSpark.free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

Playtex Bra Makeover

Did you know that seven out of ten women are wearing the wrong size bra? That explains all the slipping straps, riding up backs and lack of support that we have all faced at one time or another. Wearing the wrong size bra can not only affect the look of your outfit, but it can also cause back and shoulder pain, as well as bruising and digging.

I know first hand that busy moms don't always have time to update their bras or even check to make sure they are wearing the correct size. So, when I received some exciting news from Mom Select today, I just had to pass it along.

Playtex recently launched www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover or nominate a friend. If chosen, the winner will be flow to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Alison is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger.

The 10 winners selected for a Bra Makeover will also star in their very own webisode wherein a makeover candidate will receive a fitting with Deyette and walk away with the perfect Playtex products. A new webisode will premier on www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com every two weeks.

Apply for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today. The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st 2010, so go apply now!

By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.

barley & birch (Review + Giveaway)

As a parent, I always want what is best for my daughter and I believe that the clothing she wears in no exception. That is why I always try to keep an eye out for items that are made of organic materials when shopping for her clothing. I was recently introduced to barley & birch and fell in love with the clothing and the idea behind it.
barley & birch first opened their doors for business in January 2009. From day one, they have remained focused on maintaining the highest environmental and social standards in the industry. Created to help make a difference, barley & birch gives parents and children the safest and most environmentally friendly clothing possible. Each item is made with only certified organic cotton and water-based inks, so the air and water is not polluted with chemicals. They are also largely paper free and any paper that is involved with the line is 100% post-consumer recycled. barley & birch goes beyond the level of convenience to be fair to the planet and to their customers.

In addition to being environmentally friend, barley & birch gives 15% of their profits to a variety of organizations working all over the world to improve the lives of others. They fund everything from educating rural farmers on sustainable agriculture to providing shelter to victims of abuse.
Princess P was lucky enough to receive the chainlink tee from barley & birch to review. When the tee arrived I could not believe how incredibly soft it was. Made from 100% certified organic cotton, the chainlink tee is printed with toxin-free, water-based inks and is available in a variety of sizes. The colors on the tee are very vibrant and do not fade when washed. The tee's design is very original and unlike any other I have seen on children's clothing before. I do have to admit, though, it is a welcome change to Princess P's pastel colored wardrobe.

Buy it: You can find the chainlink tee at a variety of online stores listed on the barley & birch website. But coming soon, you will be able to shop directly at barleyandbirch.com!

Giveaway Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a tee of their choice from barley & birch!

*This giveaway is now closed.*

To Enter: You must visit barley & birch, view their Spring 2010 catalog and tell me which tee you would choose if you were the lucky winner. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave a comment on which one(s).
5. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. You can tweet once daily for an extra entry each day.
Celebrate spring in style by entering to win a @barleyandbirch tee of your choice @PieceOfMeBlog! http://bit.ly/990kBZ
6. Follow barely & birch on Twitter.
7. Add the Springtime Celebration button to your sidebar. Leave an address where it can be found.
8. 1 Extra Entry if you placed the Springtime Celebration button on your sidebar before the start of the event and left a comment on the event announcement post.
9. 2 Extra Entries if you "like" barley & birch on Facebook.
10. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on June 1st at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to US residents.

A big thank you to barley & birch for this review and giveaway opportunity!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. barley & birch provided the tee free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

ATGStores.Com Review & Giveaway

When Princess P was born, we were determined not to become those people that had their kids toys scattered all throughout the house. We figured that we would keep them out of the way in a storage tote that would fit neatly in a closet or her room. Boy, were we wrong! It seems that when Princess P was around six months old her toy collection began to grow and grow. After her 1st birthday, it exploded! That little storage tote that had kept all of her toys neatly organized was overrunning onto the floor. We knew we had to get something bigger, but we were unable to find a solution that would accommodate all her toys and also fit our home decor.

After being contacted by ATGStores.com for a possible review opportunity, I quickly headed over to their site to see what they offered. When I got there, I was greeted by not only one store, but over 400 stores to choose from! I browsed around in home decor and outdoor products before I realized what would be most beneficial to our family, a toy chest! When I clicked over to CoolKidsUniverse.com, I found a site that was neatly organized and very easy to navigate. I headed to the Toy Chest section and found over 110 options available.
When I came upon the Austin Kid's Toy Chest by Kid Kraft, I knew we had a winner. The different color options allowed me to pick the perfect finish (espresso) to match our living room and the bench style toy chest is a neat addition to our home decor.
Since the item was on the larger side, I expected it to take some time to ship. But I was pleasantly surprised when it arrived not long after I had placed the order. When we got it inside, I told C that he must put it together immediately. There was only one problem, he was getting to ready to leave for work. After some convincing, he said that he would get what he could done before he left and finish the rest when he returned home. Luckily, the instructions were very detailed and he was able to finish the toy chest before he had to leave.
At first, I was a little worried that the Austin Kid's Toy Chest would not hold all of Princess P's toys but I ended up being very surprised at the amount of room inside. Another great feature about this toy chest is that it provides additional bench seating on top. I also love that the lid is held up by a safety hinge that protects little fingers. Princess P can very easily open the toy chest and get out what she needs, then close it back when she is done. The Austin Kid's Toy Chest by Kid Kraft has organized all of P's toys in style!

Buy it: The Austin Kid's Toy Chest by Kid Kraft is available at CoolKidsUniverse.com for $134.75

Giveaway Giveaway

One lucky reader will win a $75 Gift Certificate to ATGStores.com!

*This giveaway is now closed.*

To Enter: You must visit one of ATGStores.com 400 websites and tell me one item you would love to have. Please leave your email address in the comment or make sure it is visible in your profile.

Extra Entries:
1. Grab my button. Leave an address where it can be found.
2. Subscribe to my feed. Must be verified to count.
3. Follow me on Google Friend Connect.
4. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave a comment on which one(s).
5. Follow me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway using the text below. You can tweet once daily for an extra entry each day.
Enter to win an @ATGStores $75 Gift Certificate @PieceOfMeBlog! Giveaway ends 5/31 http://bit.ly/bjJFD4
6. Follow ATGStores.com on Twitter.
7. Add the Springtime Celebration button to your sidebar. Leave an address where it can be found.
8. 1 Extra Entry if you placed the Springtime Celebration button on your sidebar before the start of the event and left a comment on the event announcement post.
9. 2 Extra Entries if you "like" ATGStores.com on Facebook.
10. 5 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on May 31st at 11:59pm ET. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed. The winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Giveaway open to US and Canada.

A big thank you to ATGStores.com for this review and giveaway opportunity!

This review is based strictly my opinion. Others may have a different opinion or experience with the product listed above. ATGStores.com provided the toy chest free of charge and I provided my honest opinion. No other type compensation was received for this review.

Birthday Fun!

Last weekend, we headed down south to visit C's brother and his family. Their daughter, M (she is only 28 days older than Princess P), was celebrating her birthday and we just couldn't miss it! When we got down there it was so hot that we just had to let the kids get in the pool. They spent the entire afternoon playing around and splashing each other. Which ended up being a great thing because when bedtime rolled around they went right to sleep!
Saturday started off early when C and his brother went to go get the highlight of the birthday party (besides the birthday girl) - a huge inflatable slide. When they got it home the kids sat patiently as they set it up and got it ready to go. As soon as it was good to go, they all jumped on it at once. Of course, I had to try it out!
Princess P was a little scared at first but as soon as she went down, we couldn't get her off of it!
After the party was over, the girls got ready and headed out for a girls night! It was so nice enjoying a dinner without anything being spilled or having to deal with any screaming fits. Although, we did almost get kicked out of Logan's, but that is another story! :)

(The birthday girl!)

We had a blast the entire weekend! I cannot wait until they come up next month for Princess P's birthday. Maybe, we will even rent a bounce house!?