Happy New Year's Eve!

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day. ~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Top 10 of 2010

2010 was packed full of awesome reviews and giveaways from some really great companies! I had the opportunity to review everything from strollers to hunting boots and I had a blast while doing so. And while I loved (and still love) every product I reviewed, I compiled a list of my top 10 favorites.
10. BabyBox.com - When we moved out of our apartment and into our new place, I knew that I wanted to create a fun and very pink bedroom for Princess P. We got her room painted, purchased her "big girl" bed and new princess bedding, but there was just something missing - the perfect light. Thanks to BabyBox.com we got to review the 3 Arm Stacked Glass Ball Chandelier and it totally made her room. Whenever I walk into her room, it is the first thing that catches my eye.
9. ERGObaby Carrier - Long before I had the chance to review one, I had heard terrific things about the ERGObaby Carrier. Little did I know I would fall in love with it just like everyone else! This carrier has been so helpful, not only with Princess P, but also with my best friends little boy who is 10 months old. He loves it! I keep my ERGObaby Carrier in the car at all times, because you just never know when you might need it.
8. MirrorMate - Transforming our guest bathroom from a plain, outdated bathroom wasn't an easy task. But, thanks to MirrorMate, transforming the plain mirror that hung in there into a stylish new one was an easy transition. The process was simple and fun and the results are terrific.
7. Bright Starts InGenuity Playard - Having never owned a playard before this one, I was totally shocked at how I made it through Princess P's infancy without one! The InGenuity Playard features adorable fabric, a bassinet with two different sleeping positions and a padded playard that Princess P can't seem to stay out of.
6. Dyson DC23 Vacuum - A Suction Release Trigger, Level Three Root Cyclone Technology and a Retractable Cord are just a few things that make this canister vac so special. The cool, futuristic look and it's small size are just added bonuses. The Dyson DC23 has been great at cleaning our hardwood floors, too.
5. Lamps Plus Possini Euro Design Mini Pendant Light - With thousands of lighting fixtures to choose from, Lamps Plus is committed to helping you find the light that is just right for your home. Just take our kitchen for example, I wanted a pendant light that looked stylish above our sink, but there was a ceiling and height issue. However, I was able to find the perfect light, the Possini Euro Design Mini Pendant light, at Lamps Plus!
4. Bass Pro Shops Wolverine Scout Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots - I always thought that finding the perfect pair of hunting boots for C was going to be a challenge. He wanted boots that were comfortable, waterproof, insulated and, of course, cool looking. So, when I had the opportunity to review the Wolverine Scout Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots, I knew we had a winner. He absolutely loves these boots and literally wears them all the time.
3. Micralite Fastfold Superlite - Full-size stroller features with an umbrella stroller function, the Micralite Fastfold Superlite is as much fun to use as it is to look at. Equipped with a breathable mesh seat, adjustable handlebars, 5-point safety harness and 12" all-terrain pneumatic rear wheels, the Micralite Fastfold Superlite can handle most anything you can throw at it. Especially when navigating through mall stores filled with holiday shoppers!
2. Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+ - This cordless 2-in-1 stick and hand vac is small, convenient and ultra versatile. Use it to pick up crumbs in the kitchen or vacuum off the couch cushions, either way you are going to love it! The Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+ has been super helpful to us this holiday season.
1. Britax Marathon 70 - Since its arrival, the Britax Marathon 70 is the car seat that stays in my vehicle permanently. From its side impact protection to its convenient harness holders, the Marathon 70 is unparalleled in safety and design. The color combination is great as well and the fabric has held up great over the last few months despite some minor spills. Because of all it's terrific features, the Britax marathon 70 is the number one product on my list for 2010!

I wish I could have included many more of the companies that I worked with over the past year, (because there were so many more I wanted to list) but then it wouldn't have been the top 10 of 2010. It would have been more like the top 50 or 60!

And, finally, here is to 2011! May it be as fun, insightful and eventful as 2010!

Give-It-Away Thursday

It's that time of the week! Link your giveaways here and spread the word.

Giveaways at Piece Of Me:

$50 Gift Certificate to Wind & Weather (Ends 1/2)

Now it's 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!)

Christmas Recap

We had a terrific (and very white) Christmas around here. It started off on Christmas Eve when we went to C's Grandparents house for our annual Christmas Eve breakfast. There, C's littlest cousin made his first Christmas appearance and Princess P absolutely loved him! All she wanted to do was hold the baby and play with him. I think she will make a terrific big sister, but we have to convince C of that first!
Then, we headed back home to take a nap (because I didn't want Princess P to be super cranky for the day's festivities) and gather up all the presents for the next stop - my Granny M's house. There, we ate, let the kids open up their presents and then the adults played dirty Santa. It was so much fun, especially when we heard on the scanner (courtesy of my cousin who works for the State Police) that Santa had to make an emergency landing on the interstate. The police sergeant and dispatcher did such a good job and the kids just sat listening with such intent - it really made the night!
Christmas Day we woke Princess P up (which was a very hard task) and she ran into the living room saying, "It's Santa Clause day!". This was really the first year that she understood what was happening and it was so much fun. She got way too many gifts and ended up being more tickled with the simpler items, like her flashlight and slinky! Then, came the time to find the big gift Santa left for her. We told her it was outside and bundled her up and let her open the door. And, there it was, her very own trampoline! She was so excited!

After we finished opening presents, we all got ready and headed to my other Grandmothers house - Granny F's. But, right as we were about to leave, it started pouring the snow. So, we had to move all of the presents over to C's truck.

When we got there, we did the same routine as we did at my other Granny's house. Ate Christmas dinner, opened presents and enjoyed everyone's company. But, we had to cut our gathering short because the snow was really starting to add up outside and we had two more places to go!
We left my Granny's house and went right up the road to my mom's house. We opened our presents there and Princess P finally got what she had been asking for - a Pink Guitar! She was having so much fun playing with all of her presents and in thrashing around in the wrapping paper but we had to hurry and load up the truck because we had one more place to go, my dads.

We drove another mile down the road (it is so funny that my family lives within a one mile radius of each other) to my dads house and the roads were really starting to get bad. We found that out first hand when we took a sharp turn and C's truck decided it wanted to go straight instead. Luckily, C got the truck going in the right direction before we went over the bank!

At my dad's we ate some more and visited with everyone before we opened packages. Princess P got another thing she had been asking for from my dad and step-mom, a car seat for her baby dolls. She was ready to go after that and we decided it was probably a good thing. There was about five inches of snow on top of the three we already had and the roads were starting to get slick.
After a drive that took twice as long as it normally does, we made it home and unloaded the truck. Then, I spent the entire day yesterday trying to find places for all the new things we got, including the stand mixer I got from my very thoughtful husband (which was a total shock)!

I hope each of you had a very merry Christmas and got everything you wanted! (And kudos to you for reading this far!) I would love to hear the special moments you had this holiday season or that special gift you got!

Quick and Easy Holiday Cleanup with the Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+

The tree is decorated, the stockings are hung and soon the specially-baked cookies and a glass of ice cold milk will be patiently waiting on our coffee table for jolly ole' St. Nick. Then, tomorrow morning, after the presents are unwrapped, the stockings are unfilled and the tree decides to shed its needles, the real fun will begin - the cleanup!
Each holiday, I dread the after holiday cleanup. I mean, I'm already down in the dumps because Christmas is over and I can't fit into any of my jeans, so the dreaded task of taking down the decorations and cleaning up all of the huge messes that are left behind makes me even more depressed. I guess it is a good thing that I have the Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+ on my side this year.
The Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+ is a Cordless 2-in-1 Stick and Hand Vac that gets the job done! Its lightweight (weighing in at only 5.3 lbs) and versatile design allows quick and easy cleanup with no strings attached. Equipped with a crevice tool, upholstery tool and L.E.D. headlights on the stick vac, the Ergorapido Ultra+ is this mother's dream come true!

Recently, I happened to be the lucky recipient of a Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+ and I am so in love! This handy little Stick and Hand Vac is used everyday, from cleaning up messes in the kitchen floor to vacuuming out the couch cushions. I love that the Ergorapido Ultra+ is cordless and the fact that it has an easy to empty dust cup, makes it that much better.
On the Stick Vac, the L.E.D headlights are a fabulous feature. Not only do they help you spot crumbs that you may have missed, but they are also great for spotting things in dark places, like under the couch for example. Also, the Stick Vac has two different speeds, high and low, for all of your cleaning needs.
The Hand Vac on the Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+ is perfect for cleaning in tight spaces. I love to use it and the crevice tool for cleaning along the baseboards and getting in hard to reach spaces like under our love-seat and around our side tables. The Hand Vac has also been extra helpful this holiday season because it has been perfect for picking up pine needles that have already begun to fall off our tree.
In the past, I have used several different Stick and Hand Vac combinations, but the Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+ has been my favorite thus far. It is small, lightweight and is perfect for everyday use. Also, the charging station (which also holds the extra tools) is great because you just sit the Stick Vac down on it and it starts charging. When using the Ergorapido Ultra+ on high speed, I have found that the charge lasts for about 15-20 minutes. Which is usually more than enough time to clean up the kitchen and living room floors.

If you are looking for a powerful, yet lightweight Stick and hand Vac, I definitely recommend the Electrolux Ergorapido Ultra+!

Buy It: The Electrolux Egrorapido Ultra+ retails for $129.99 and can be purchased on many online sites (and in stores, too!) like Amazon.com or Bed Bath & Beyond. It is also available at Lowes and Lowes.com for $119.99!

A big thank you to Electrolux for this review opportunity!

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

Find the Perfect Gift for Everyone on Your List at Bass Pro Shops

When we decide to make the two hour trek to one of our favorite malls, we usually plan it as an all day event. Not only because of the time it takes us to get down there and back, but also because we allot several hours to spend in one of our favorite stores - Bass Pro Shops!

Bass Pro Shops has something for each member of the family to enjoy. C usually spends most of his time in the fishing, hunting and men's clothing sections while Princess P and I enjoy looking at the women's and children's clothing along with watching the staff feed the fish and browsing all of the wonderfully decorated displays.
Seeing that C loves everything (and I truly mean everything!) from Bass Pro Shops, I knew that a Christmas gift from there would make his entire year. So, when I recently had the opportunity to review an item from Bass Pro Shops, I shared the news with C so he could decide what would best fit his needs. After much consideration (and I'm talking days, people), he settled on the Wolverine Scout Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots for Men.
The Wolverine Scout Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots feature a rubber-lug outsole, mesh lining and 400 gram Thinsulate Ultra insulation for extra comfort and warmth. The outside of this rugged boot is composed of waterproof full grain leather and a 1000 denier nylon upper, to ensure a truly comfortable and dry fit. Also, the Wolverine Scout Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots come complete with a handy side zipper that gives you an easy on/off. No matter what you have in store for them, these rugged hunting boots are up to the challenge.
We happened to receive the Scout Boots from Bass Pro Shops right as we were about to leave for C's brothers house for the Thanksgiving holiday. Of course, for C, that couldn't have been a better time because all of the boys planned on hunting everyday (morning and night!) while we were down there. I was also excited by this because I knew C would put them through the ultimate test while he was out hunting with the guys. The question is, did they withstand the harsh environment or did the fall short?

The first time C wore the Wolverine Scout Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots was actually only a couple of hours after we arrived. C was tired from the drive and from working the day before, but he was ready to hunt and see what these boots were made of. Several hours after all the guys left, I got a call from C letting me know that they just might be his good luck charm!
He said that the Scout Boots were lightweight, comfortable and most importantly, dry! Each of the guys had to walk through a creek to get to their destination and the boots kept his feet completely warm and dry. C also said that having the handy side zipper was a big plus because it saved a lot of time and energy. Also, after he wore the Wolverine Scout Boots out the next morning (when the temperature was around 20 degrees), his feet were sweating while the all the other guys feet were frozen. Ever since the Wolverine Scout Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots arrived, that is all he seems to talk about. Ladies, if you are looking for a good hunting boot for the man in your life, C says he recommends these all the way!

Buy It: The Wolverine Scout Insulated Waterproof Hunting Boots for Men ($99.99) are available at Bass Pro Shops and online at www.bassproshops.com

A big thank you to Bass Pro Shops for this review opportunity!

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

Give-It-Away Thursday

I don't know how many of you are entering giveaways this week, but I thought I would still put up the linky just in case. Also, you may notice that most of my giveaways have already wrapped up, but be sure to come back next week because I have several giveaways lined up for you, including one huge one that I know you will love! I hope everyone has a wonderful Christmas!

It's that time of the week! Link your giveaways here and spread the word.

Giveaways at Piece Of Me:

$50 Gift Certificate to Wind & Weather (Ends 1/2)

Now it's 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!)

Winners

The winner of the My Twinn Giveaway is (586 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

77 

Timestamp: 2010-12-22 16:54:19 UTC

Shannon 77 said...

I subscribe to your emails. shannonstokes(at)live(dot)com

December 13, 2010 9:32 PM

The winner of the Olive Kids Giveaway is (582 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

318 

Timestamp: 2010-12-22 16:58:15 UTC

klcmaher 318 said...

I adore the sleeping bags! My grandkids could use them when they stay over.
theblackat at hotmail dot com

December 19, 2010 4:30 PM

The winner of the Rubbermaid and Sharpie Giveaway is (639 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

631 

Timestamp: 2010-12-22 17:00:49 UTC

Lexigurl 631 said...

I entered the woven photo blanket giveaway

December 21, 2010 11:09 PM

The winner of the PhotoWeavers Giveaway is (372 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

332 

Timestamp: 2010-12-22 17:04:10 UTC

tina reynolds 332 said...

i follow your blog

December 21, 2010 9:08 PM

The winner of the Things Remembered Giveaway is (299 entries)...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

120 

Timestamp: 2010-12-22 17:07:05 UTC

CherylS22 120 said...

GFC follower
megalon22 at yahoo dot com

December 18, 2010 2:27 PM

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

Cruise 'n Sort Bus from Bright Starts *Review*

Princess P isn't lacking in the toy department, that's for sure. But, like most kids, she will play with a toy for a while and then it usually ends up in the toy box only to be discovered every now and then. So, finding a toy that she actually plays with over and over again is a big deal - like the Cruise 'n Sort Bus from Bright Starts!
The Cruise 'n Sort Bus is a fun, educational toy on wheels! It features eight unique shapes, each with a letter or number on it, and two characters that baby will love. The large colorful bus has a place for each of the shapes to fit in and its push motion (thanks to four rolling wheels) encourages baby to crawl.

We recently received the Cruise 'n Sort Bus from Bright Starts to review and it has been a big hit! Princess P loves to call out the name of each shape (octagon, square, diamond, etc.) and its color before putting it into the shape sorter in the bus. We have also been working on identifying the letters and numbers on each of the shape.
When she is done playing with the shapes, Princess P puts all of them in the bus and takes them for a spin around the living room floor, with the characters in the front seats, of course. Then, after she is done doing that, she will go back to shape sorting again. P literally plays with the Cruise 'n Sort Bus everyday!

The recommended age for this toy is 12 months+, so I was a little worried that she would be too old for the bus. But, as you can tell, she loves it! If you have a baby or toddler that is interested in shape sorting, the Cruise 'n Sort Bus from Bright Starts is definitely the toy for them!

Buy It: The Cruise 'n Sort Bus ($14.99) is available at Amazon.com, Target, Wal-Mart and on the Bright Starts website.

A big thank you to Bright Starts for this review opportunity!

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

Husky 13-Piece PowerTek Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set ~ The Perfect Stocking Stuffer!

With the majority of C's Christmas presents having one of two themes, I decided that I need to go in a different direction with his stocking stuffers. Normally, I end up doing the boring socks and underwear thing, but this year he is going to be thrilled when he looks in his stocking - thanks to the 13-Piece PowerTek Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set from Husky.
The Husky 13-Piece PowerTek Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set is perfect for toys, electronics, eyeglasses, on-the-go and much more. Its ergonomic design allows you to easily work on the most precise jobs while still having the ability to do everyday repairs. The cordless screwdriver has an easy to grip, soft touch handle and it also features a forward and reverse switch for maximum usage.
Enclosed in the compact storage case is 12 easy-to-use precision bits, including Phillips, Flat Head and Torx. Simply find the one you need, place it in the end of the screwdriver and you are ready to go. The 13-Piece PowerTek Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set from Husky comes ready to use, with 2 - AAA batteries, and also features a lifetime warranty.
I have to admit, that since receiving the PowerTek Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set, I have used it several times. It is the perfect size for unscrewing the battery covers on Princess P's toys and it is also great for tightening up loose screws on my guest bathroom table. I also have a feeling that C will be putting it to great use on Christmas morning trying to get all of P's new toys out of the box!

Buy It: The Husky 13-Piece PowerTek Precision Cordless Screwdriver Set is available at Home Depot for $9.88


A big thank you to Husky for this review opportunity!

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

Four Giveaways Ending Tonight!

Personalized Floor Pillow from Olive Kids

Rubbermaid and Sharpie Holiday Goodies Gift Pack


Woven Photo Blanket from PhotoWeavers


Meaningful Gift from Things Remembered

Be Dazzling this Holiday with LuShae Jewelry

When the holidays roll around, I try to make use of all the dressier clothing in my closet by wearing them to all of the holiday functions we are invited to. But, dressier outfits require dazzling accessories and it just so happens that I am a bit lacking in that department. Well, that was until I received a pair of stunning earrings to review from LuShae Jewelry.
LuShae Jewelry is an online retailer of art inspired jewelry. They offer a wide variety of pieces, ranging from promise rings to pendants and even bracelets and earrings. Also, LuShae Jewelry's entire line is backed by their 100% satisfaction assurance to ensure total piece of mind. They also have jewelry gift guides, cleaning and maintenance tips as well as sizing information to help make your experience at LuShae Jewelry a more enjoyable one.
For review, LuShae Jewelry sent me the Silvertone Spiral Double Twist Earrings. These earrings are casual enough to wear with a cute sweater and jeans, yet elegant enough to match your holiday best. The Silvertone Spiral Double Twist Earrings feature a White Gold Rhodium Bond that gives them a platinum luster for ultimate elegance.
I recently wore the earrings from LuShae Jewelry to a holiday party and got several compliments on their design. They looked great with my red and black silk shirt and really added an elegant, festive touch that I really loved. The Silvertone Spiral Double Twist Earrings are now my go-to accessory to dress up any outfit!

Buy It: The Silvertone Spiral Double Twist Earrings are available on the LuShae Jewelry website for $66

A big thank you to LuShae Jewelry for this review opportunity!

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

Tarantula Planet ~ Creepy Crawly Pets from Uncle Milton

Ever since Princess P entered the world, I have been surrounded by all things girly. So, when it comes time to shop for presents for my three lovely nephews, two (very boyish) little cousins and my friends darling little boy, I am always at a loss and always looking for suggestions. Good thing (for them!) I happened to find out about the very cool Tarantula Planet line from Uncle Milton just in time for Christmas!
Founded in 1946, Uncle Milton offers a line of toys that have outstanding play value and maximum kid-appeal. Their primary brands, Star Wars Science, Explore It!, Back 2 Nature, Ant Farm and Tarantula Planet, are focused in the science and nature categories for products that inspire wonder, learning and fun.
Uncle Milton very generously sent us two creepy crawly pets, Tango "The Solider" and Octane "The Racer", to review. Upon first glance, the tarantula's look like colorful spiders with very cool names and awesome accessories, but when you look closer you will find that they are really sound-activated spiders that love to scare.
By simply switching the tarantula's on, their eyes immediately start glowing red (this is how you know they are on and working) and they are ready to run. Sit them on the ground and clap, stomp your foot or make any kind of noise and they take off. You can often find the tarantula's hiding out in their Creepy Crate (purchased separately) ready to scare or down at the Creepy Cactus Raceway (also purchased separately) looking to race.

Princess P immediately took to Octane, the blue tarantula that is ready to race, and affectionately renamed him "isty bitsy spider". She will sit in the floor and play hide- and-seek with Octane and just laugh and laugh. Who knew my girly-girl would end up loving a blue tarantula named Octane?

Buy It: The Tarantula Planet line from Uncle Milton is avaliable exclusively at Toys "R" Us.


A big thank you to Uncle Milton for this review opportunity!

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