A Mom's Balancing Act

New Wisk With Stain Spectrum Technology Summer Science Experiment ~ Protein Stains

2010-09-06T07:46:00.003-05:00

As a mom of two active children I face stains of all kinds on a daily basis. I am still learning what works and what doesn't, and am always open to any help I can get. That's why I was excited when introduced to the new Wisk with Stain Spectrum Technology!
I shared a little bit about how Wisk is reinventing the way we all look at stains last month when I introduced you to their new product! Its powerful Stain Spectrum Technology formula is intended to help tackle a full range of stains which include Carbohydrates (like chocolate milk), Oils (like peanut butter) and Proteins (like grass). I recently had the opportunity to see this first hand when Wisk sent us a kit with the tools necessary to see just how well it fights stains...specifically Protein Stains like grass stains.

The summer science lab kit included:

Protein-Stained Swatch
Plastic Beaker
Child-Sized Lab Coat
Dropping Pipette
Goggles
Bottle of Wisk Laundry Detergent

With the help of a very good little assistant, we got started. The instructions for this lab experiment were to:

1.Fill the plastic beaker with warm water

2. Pour a small amount of Wisk into the cap and dip the pipette in, filling it half way with the laundry detergent.

3. Use the filled pipette to draw on the swatch.

4. Wait a few seconds and allow Wisk with Stain Spectrum Technology to work right before your eyes.

5. Place the swatch in the beaker and swish around.

6. See the results and share.

I thought the easiest way to show how well, and fast, the Wisk with Stain Spectrum works was to make a quick video of the actual experiment.

As you can see, the Wisk works amazingly well at taking out the protein stain! Our 'drawing' on the swatch ended up being more of a blob, but either way...once it was submerged and swished around in the laundry detergent for a bit, you could see the results almost instantly! The part that had the detergent on it came clean.

I have to admit I was very impressed. Although I've seen the commercials claiming similar results over the years, I've often wondered if a laundry detergent could really work that well. I can tell you now, having used Wisk on an actual stain, that it can!

I am beginning to realize that Wisk truly has taken the guessing game out of how to fight stains with their new Stain Spectrum Technology. Be sure to stay tuned, as I have a few more Wisk posts for you over the coming weeks.

Buy It: Wisk is now available at major retailers nationwide (such as Walmart, Target and Kroger) for a suggested retail price of $5.00 for 50 fl oz. bottles that clean 32 loads.

You can connect with Wisk by becoming a fan on Facebook and following on twitter.

*This post is sponsored by Wisk. I received monetary compensation for my participation, but my review and opinions are my own.**

Warner Bros. Releases Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes on DVD August 24th ~ Review

2010-09-03T23:13:00.001-05:00

August 24th, 2010 marked the release date of the brand-new, full-length animated mystery caper, Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes on DVD. I don't know about you, but I have fond memories growing up watching Tom and Jerry. After talking with my hubby, I learned he does too! It's always fun to introduce shows we grew up watching to Kaelyn, which is why I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review this DVD.

This action-packed adventure stars the popular cat and mouse duo as they attempt to nab a clever jewel thief with the help of Sherlock Holmes.

From the Press Release:
Tom and Jerry set out on one of their biggest adventures yet when they visit London to
help solve a series of jewelry heists that leave Scotland Yard completely befuddled and
a beautiful singer named Red framed for the crimes. However, it’s going to take one of
history’s greatest fictional detectives, Sherlock Holmes along with his loyal assistant Dr.
Watson, to find the real thief.

The renowned crime-fighting team is joined by another world-famous duo, the lovable,
ever-squabbling Tom and Jerry. Little do they know that finding clues and cracking
the case will be elementary compared to keeping the peace between the raucous cat and
mouse as they scamper, scurry, scoot and speed along the streets, alleys and rooftops in
the name of justice.

Tom and Jerry’s favorite pals, including Tuffy the mouse, Butch the dog, Droopy and
others, round out the motley crew of characters and possible suspects in this brilliant
fusion of classic detection and energetic animation.

I knew my hubby and I would love the DVD, and we did! I wondered how well Kaelyn would like it though. I was pleasantly surprised to find she really enjoyed it. In fact, from beginning to end she was very interested in what was going on.

I'm very happy to have Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes on DVD and know it will be one we watch time and time again. If you have fond memories watching Tom and Jerry growing up, I would definitely suggest checking this one out! It even includes a bonus How to Draw Tom and Jerry feature which is very neat!

Here's a clip of when Jerry finds a tunnel...

Buy It: You can purchase Tom and Jerry Meet Sherlock Holmes as of August 24, 2010 for $19.98 SRP.

**The product for this review was provided for free by Warner Brothers. All opinions shared here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**

Winner of the 2 Rice Krispies Snap, Crackle, & Pop Bowls Giveaway is...

2010-09-03T23:00:00.004-05:00

The winner of the set of 2 Rice Krispies Snap, Crackle, and Pop Bowls is...
Commenter #14, LeAnn said "we like to make babe ruth squares with rice krispies, peanut butter and chocolate "

I loved reading through all of your comments on the ways you and your families enjoy eating Rice Krispies Treats. I will definitely have to try them out. Such great ideas!

Be sure to check out all of my current giveaways along the sidebar. There are several ending next week.

Preparing My Fall and Winter Wardrobe ~ Is it that time of year already?!

2010-09-03T22:50:00.005-05:00

This is a Sponsored Post written by me on behalf of Ramblers Way. All opinions are 100% mine.

As I've said before, summer is my favorite season of the year. I love the warm weather and being able to enjoy the outdoors as much as possible with the kids. Unfortunately, summer is coming to a close and although Fall is not officially here, the weather is beginning to change. We have already been seeing temps in the 40's some nights, which means winter is just around the corner. As much as I am not looking forward to it, I do love one thing about cooler weather....being able to wear warm, comfortable clothes.
I would have to say sweatshirts are my favorite. One of my least favorites has always been sweaters...especially those that are wool. They are itchy, heavy, and just plain hot. Until recently, I thought this was the only kind of wool out there, but learned differently. Rambler's Way has been able to use technology to develop soft, lightweight wool clothing. Who would have thought this is something that could even be done?! Their American Comfortwear is made to wear year-round. It's considered to be very soft and comfortable against your skin.

Having never liked the itchy and heavy wool sweaters I've tried in the past, I think it's great that Ramblers Way has come up with such a comfortable wool for people to wear. Who knows...this winter I may just have to try it out. I took a look at their website, and they actually have some great options. I would love to purchase their Next-to-Skin Cross Neck Long Sleeve Top and Henley long sleeve shirt. They look very comfortable and warm!

How about you? Do you like to wear wool clothing? Do you think you'd like to wear the soft Next-to-Skin wool clothing from Rambler's Way?

Have a great weekend!

2010-09-03T17:00:00.005-05:00

I just wanted to wish everyone a safe and happy long weekend! I hope you all get to enjoy some relaxation and time spent with family. My hubby has Monday off from work, so things may be a little quiet around here over the next few days. I'm hoping we get to spend some time outside with the kids, as I have a feeling the weather will be cooling off quite a bit over the coming weeks.

Infantino EcoSash Wrap & Tie Carrier ~ Review

2010-09-03T07:40:00.000-05:00

When we're out and about, we often take a stroller for the kids. However, there are many times when a stroller is not ideal. Kaelyn can easily walk with us, but Kaden is getting bigger and harder to carry by the day. That's why having a good carrier is a must! I was excited when I learned we were going to have the opportunity review one of Infantino's new carriers as part of the Infantino Test Drive Program through Mom Central.

When deciding on which carrier to review from Infantino's new line of carriers...I was immediately drawn to the EcoSash Wrap & Tie Carrier. I have worn several carriers over the years, many of which are difficult to adjust for a comfortable fit. I liked that this one is buckle-free and and can be tied to get the right fit.

EcoSash Wrap & Tie Carrier features & benefits:

Designed with style and comfort in mind
Natural, form-fitting design
Adjustable to grow with baby
Three carrying positions
Detachable hood
Reversible fabric prints
Wide padded straps
Mesh Washing Machine Bag
Buckle-free
Suited for 8-35 lbs
Soft Fabric

When the EcoSash Wrap & Tie Carrier arrived, I was really excited to check it out. Kaden was napping at the time, so it gave me some time to check out all the features and read the included instruction manual.

One of the first things I noticed, and really liked, was the Mesh Washing Machine Bag it came in. This is not only great for machine washing the carrier, but also for storing it when not in use.

I was very impressed with the quality. The fabric is amazingly soft, which is great for me and Kaden. I like when baby items are made with a baby's sensitive skin in mind. It's also durable and something I see lasting use after use.

Some of the carriers we've used in the past have been more 'girly'. I appreciate the design of this carrier and the fact that it's something my hubby can easily wear as well. The fabric on it is not too feminine, but even if a person thought it was....one of the great features about this carrier is that the patterned fabric is reversible. It attaches with Velcro which makes switching it very easy.

I have to admit, that when it came to actually figuring out how to use it, I was a little overwhelmed. Being a tie carrier meant it took a little bit longer to figure out and get put on correctly. Thankfully the instruction manual was very helpful. I've referred to it several times, as there are different things you need to do with each position you use it in. I wouldn't say it's confusing, it just takes some time to figure it out. It's like other tie carriers I've had in the past though...with practice, it becomes easier and easier each time you use it.

Something I really like is that there are helpful labels sewn right onto the underside of the carrier. They provide guidance on how to put the carrier on for each position. I really liked this feature a lot.

As Kaden grows, it's nice to have a carrier like this that grows with him. I not only can adjust it to fit him just right, but having three different positions to carry him in is also great! When he was first born, the front position facing toward me would have been perfect. Now that he's older, he would much rather face outward, which is the position I carry him in most. He absolutely LOVES it!

The front forward facing position was pretty easy to figure out. First, I had to cinch the bottom so his legs could easily fit and hang.I then tied it around my waist. From there, I needed (and still do) my hubby's help. I think with more time using it I could probably get used to doing it myself...but it's much easier with someone else to help. He helped me get Kaden in and then criss-cross the straps behind me and get it tied in front tight enough so Kaden was secure and positioned correctly.

It is a bit more time consuming to get a carrier like this put on, but once it is in place...it's wonderful! I love the wide padded shoulder straps. It's not only comfortable for me, but Kaden also really seems to enjoy it.

I tried the back position, but Kaden is still too small for this. He does not sit up high enough and I am much more comfortable being able to carry him in front.

Overall I am happy with this carrier. I think the quality is great, and the fact that it can be used from 8lbs all the way to 35lbs means we'll get a lot more use out of it. I do wish it were a little bit easier and less time-consuming to put on, however, I have to admit that getting such a perfect fit makes it worth it in my opinion. I'd rather be comfortable wearing it and have it take a little more time.

For more information on the Carriers Infantino has to offer, check out the Infantino blog.

Buy It: The EcoSash Wrap & Tie Carrier is available at Babies R Us for $59.99. Check stores for availability. Babies R Us is offering $10 off the EcoSash and Balance carriers from August 11-September 21st.

You can connect with Infantino on Facebook and Twitter as well.

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

Winners!

2010-09-02T12:42:00.002-05:00

Thanks so much to everyone who entered these giveaways and took the time to visit the sponsors' websites!

Sanuk Sandals Giveaway
Commenter #31, Jus and Kat said, "I entered your VeronicaM giveaway."

CSN Stores $60 GC Giveaway
Commenter #193, Misfit Momma aka Missy said, "I entered your fantasy jewelery box giveaway"

Smitten NYC $100 (or less) item of choice Giveaway
Commenter #213, Helena said, "Tweeted this for 8/13/10! http://twitter.com/melahelen/status/21082200030"

Shrunks Kid-Friendly Airbed from HearthSong Giveaway
Commenter #469, Dianne said, "Daily Tweet http://twitter.com/wowcheckitout/status/21546365862"

Personalized Barnyard Birthday DVD Giveaway (3 winners!)
Commenter #88, Polly said, "entered mamaroo"
Commenter #230, akritical said, "I would like the video to sing out the name "Brelyn""
Commenter #155, Suzanne said, "I would want the video to sing "Jacob"!"

All winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to get back in touch with me.

Be sure to check out and enter all of my current giveaways found along the sidebar and below.

Nestle Toll House Back-To-School PackEnds 9/23

Stouffer's Let's Fix Dinner Book OR Placemats (4 winners!) Ends 9/18

Set of 2 Rice Krispies Snap™ Crackle™ and Pop™ BowlsEnds 9/2

AnytimeCostumes.com Costume of choice (up to $50) Ends 9/16

Precious Moments Baby Boutique Ends 9/15

Bright Starts InGenuity Cradle and Sway Swing Ends 9/14

Lady Godiva Cami and Pant PJ Set ($119 Value) Ends 9/13

innovativeKids Green Start Little Learning Books Tower Ends 9/9

Fresh Baby So Easy Baby Food Kit Ends 9/10

Chic Monkey Boutique $25 GC Ends 9/8

Bake Me a Wish! Cake (winner's choice from brownie flavors) Ends 9/7

Gearing Up For Summer: Little Kids Toys Bat and Ball Set OR Bubble Blower (2 winners!) Ends 9/6

Gearing Up For Summer: Cafe Press T-shirt of choice Ends 9/6

Nestle Toll House Back-To-School Kit Review & Giveaway!

2010-09-02T09:28:00.027-05:00

I don't know about you, but chocolate is definitely one of my weaknesses. And, although I do try to eat it in moderation, my cravings get the best of me in the evenings, and I am usually asking my hubby if he wants to make chocolate chip cookies. We are famous for making cookies late at night, and have found Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough to be the easiest way to make our late night snacks. That's why I was excited when I learned that I was going to be a part of the Nestle Toll House Blogger Outreach Program!

Nestle Toll House understands that the transition from summer to school means the start of busier schedules, which can make it more difficult for families to stay connected. With the new school year upon us, Nestle Toll house is sharing new ideas and reasons to bake...because baking is one way we can connect and spend time with loved ones.

The Top 10 Ways Nestle Toll house can help keep families connected during back-to-school season.

1. Brighten your child's day by packing a homemade chocolate chip cookie in his or her lunch along with a note letting them know you're thinking about them while they're at school.
2. What better way to greet your children when they come home from school than with the smell of fresh-baked cookies? Reconnect over cookies and a glass of milk and catch up on their busy day.
3. Keep the family together around the dinner table longer by baking a delicious batch of Nestle Toll House chocolate chip cookies for desert.
4. Play with your food! For fun, after-school activities use Nestle Toll House Refrigerated Cookie Dough to create cookie puzzles and other fun cookie games the whole family can enjoy.
5. Make math fun by baking Nestle Toll House cookies and letting children help with the measurements.
6. Create special weekend moments and enjoy family breakfast together. For a sweet start to ta Saturday morning, try adding new Nestle Toll House Mini Morsel Toppers to chocolate chip pancakes.
7. Help your children Bake Some Love for their whole class by baking cookies for classroom parties.
8. Support your child's sports team or after-school club with a bake sale. No bake sale is complete without Nestle Toll house chocolate chip cookies.
9. Create new, lasting memories together by baking family recipes with your children.
10. Sweeten someone's day by helping your children bake cookies to give to their favorite teacher, secretary, school nurse, or bus driver as a special treat.

I really enjoyed reading through the list of ways Nestle Toll House can help families spend time together, even during busy times like back-to-school season. Even though I don't have children in school, September marks the beginning of busy season for my hubby at work. These ideas inspired me to make sure that the kids and I are spending time with him when he is home at night, and what better way to do that than making cookies together!

We were sent a Nestle Toll house back-to-school kit full of goodies to help get us started. The kit included:

one adult apron
one child apron
exclusive Toll House recipe cards
Nestle Toll house morsels
Coupons for free Nestle Toll House Morsels and Refrigerated Cookie Doughs
Sticker labels to put on a bag of cookies to brighten someone's day

Kaelyn loves to help me in the kitchen, so I knew this was going to be something fun we could do together. When I asked her if she wanted to help make cookies for Daddy, she was more than willing. Of course, the child-sized apron made it even more fun!

We decided to make the chocolate chip cookies. I love the refrigerated cookie dough, because it's so easy to use. The package comes with the cookies individually cut and ready to be placed on a cookie sheet.
Kaelyn likes to help with that part and has gotten very good at counting them as we go.

In just 12 minutes, we have a yummy pan of cookies ready to eat. They were delicious! Daddy loved his bag of goodies too!

Of course, we had to try out the Nestle Toll House Morsels Mini Toppers...so we had a little ice cream with semi-sweet morsels on top! Yum!

The kit included some great Toll House recipes that I can't wait to try out as well. How about these Dipped Chips & Pretzels, or these Make it Your Way Cookie Cups!

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Nestle Toll House Back-To-School Kit like the one we received. It includes: one adult apron, one child apron, exclusive Toll House recipe cards, Nestle Toll House Morsels, 3 Coupons for FREE Nestle Toll House Morsels and 3 Coupons for FREE Refrigerated Cookie Dough, and labels!

Mandatory Entry- Visit Nestle Toll House and leave a comment letting me know a recipe you'd love to try!

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Nestle Toll House) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Spend quality time with family baking! #WIN a Nestle Toll House Back-To-School Kit! #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/23f8rzd Ends 9/23

4. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like Nestle Toll House on Facebook

7. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share - You can click here for easy instructions on how to do this

8. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 23rd and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Nestle Toll House! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

Help! Need a New Camera & Don't Know What to Get?!

2010-09-02T08:00:00.001-05:00

One thing I don't think I could get by without, is a camera. Between all the pictures I take for my blog, and of course, the zillions of pictures I take of my kids...I find that I have it on me, or within reach, wherever I'm at. You just never know when there's going to be one of those 'memories I need to capture' moments.
I LOVE taking pictures (as you may have noticed if you visit my blog often), but the problem is, I've had several cameras over the years and have not been completely satisfied with any of them! I am by no means a 'photographer', so I don't need a camera that's too complex with a lot of features. I just need something that takes quality pictures. Something that makes it easy to get sharp, clear pictures without a lot of hassle.

As with any big purchase I make, I've turned to the Internet to research cameras and prices. I don't know about you, but I've found this to be the easiest way to look at all of my options, and to be honest, shopping online is often the cheapest way to go too. Thanks to Coupon Trunk, a user-friendly site that I've shared about in the past, I can find great coupon codes and deals that are updated daily! They are a fantastic resource for anyone who shops online and wants to find great deals. I know once I find the right camera, Coupon Trunk will make it easy to find great coupon codes for places like Best Buy, CameraKings and more...especially with Labor Day Deals just around the corner!

The hard part is actually finding the camera I want! There are just SO many brands, features, etc. out there, and it's a bit overwhelming. That's why I was hoping you could help me out!

What kind of camera do you have? Do you like it? Does it take clear and sharp pictures? I'd LOVE to hear any input/thoughts you have.

**This post was sponsored by Coupon Trunk, however all opinions and thoughts expressed here are my own and were not influenced in any way. I am seriously in need of a new camera and would appreciate any input my readers can give**

Stouffer's: Let's Fix Dinner Book & Fun Placemats Review & Giveaway (4 Winners!)

2010-09-01T08:44:00.020-05:00

Growing up, dinnertime in my family was a time for us all to sit down and share about our days. It was a great way to connect after a busy day and I appreciate that my parents tried to make sure we had family meals as much as possible. Now that I have children of my own, being able to sit down as a family at mealtime has become something that is very important to me as well. That's why I was excited when I learned Stouffer's has the same view.

STOUFFER'S understands that when families come together at dinnertime, wonderful things can happen. That's why they were more than happy to team up with Todd Parr, award-winning author and illustrator, to create a new children's book called Let's Fix Dinner. They have also teamed up with Habitat for Humanity to help those a little less fortunate be able to experience the many benefits of a family dinner. All net proceeds of the Let's Fix Dinner book will be donated to Habitat for Humanity.

I was excited to learn that we were going to have the opportunity to review the Let's Fix Dinner book. Not only are we big into reading to our kids, but I loved the idea behind this book and couldn't wait to check it out.

When it arrived I was immediately impressed with the quality. I did not expect it to be a hardcover book. I know this may seem like a small thing...but hardcover books always last longer in our household, so I thought this was fantastic!

Kaelyn spotted it right away and wanted to read it together. Of course, I happily said 'yes'. We were both very happy with the colorful pages. They are bright and inviting....something young children will love! The easy-to-read text is also great, as it makes it simple for kids to follow along and understand.
Best of all, the wonderful message is much appreciated. It's a cute story that makes us giggle and grin, while making us think about all the ways dinner can bring families closer together.

Along with the book, we received a set of four placemats, custom-designed by Todd Parr himself! They are fun and make dinnertime even more fun for kids. Kaelyn absolutely loves hers and doesn't like to eat at the table without it now!

We are really happy with the Let's Fix Dinner book. It's very kid-friendly with its bright, colorful pages and simple text...and the message it conveys is great! It's truly a celebration of all the wonderful things that can happen around the dinner table.

Buy It: You can purchase Let's Fix Dinner limited edition for $7.99.

Win It: One lucky winner will receive the Let's Fix Dinner book and THREE others will win a set of 4 placemats like the ones we received.

Mandatory Entry - To enter, visit the Let's Fix Dinner website and leave a comment here letting me know something you learned.

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Let's Fix Dinner) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#WIN a Let's Fix Dinner book OR fun placemats from Stouffer's - 4 winners #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/3xmq9z8 Ends 9/18

4. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like Stouffer's on Facebook

7. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share - You can click here for easy instructions on how to do this

8. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 18th and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Stouffer's! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

Wordless Wednesday

2010-08-31T21:13:00.005-05:00

Enjoying a beautiful summer day!

New Lean Cuisine Market Creations Entrees ~ Review

2010-08-31T09:15:00.010-05:00

Do you ever have those days when making supper is just not something you want to do? I usually don't mind it, but after a long and tiring day, there are definitely times I'd much rather have a go-to meal that tastes great, but one I can easily pop in the microwave. Thanks to Lean Cuisine and their new Market Creations Entrees, we can now have great tasting dinner without the fuss when we want.
The all new Lean Cuisine Market Creations dinner entree's are made with deliciously steamed ingredients including crisp vegetables, tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a variety of savory and creamy sauces.

I was excited to learn that I was going to have the opportunity to try out a couple of their new varieties for myself. We received the Garlic Chicken and Shanghai Style Shrimp.

We've had the opportunity to try both and I have to say, I was pretty impressed with how tasty they are. We don't eat a lot of shrimp, so the chicken was probably our family's favorite...however, they were both very good! Even Kaelyn, who is quite the picky eater, really liked it. The only thing I wish, is that there was more in each package. With three of us eating, it went pretty quickly.

With the ease of being able to throw the bag in the microwave for 5-8 minutes and have a yummy meal ready in no time, makes this a great go-to meal for those nights when making a big supper is just not something you want to do. It's easy, quick, and very tasty. I was surprised how freshly the veggies got steamed...they were delicious!

If you're like me and like a break from making supper every now and then, yet still want a great meal to serve your family....you will want to check out the new Lean Cuisine Market Creations Entrees. We have really enjoyed them!

**The products for this review were provided for free. All opinions are my own and may differ from the opinions of others.**

iCarly: iSpace Out on DVD ~ Hits Stores Tomorrow (August 31st)

2010-08-30T16:14:00.003-05:00

Kaelyn doesn't get to watch a lot of television, and until recently, was not familiar with iCarly. I had heard good things about this hit Nickelodeon show...in fact year to date, iCarly actually ranks as television’s number-one program with kids 2-11 and is the first scripted series to incorporate kid-created original content. I excited when I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review iCarly: iSpace Out on DVD. I read the press release and knew it would be something Kaelyn, and myself would enjoy watching together. I was right!

From the Press Release:
It’s a collection of iCarly episodes that are out of this world! Carly and the crew venture to a training facility to test their space survival abilities. Can they handle being locked in a space pod for 36 hours? On top of this challenge, the iCarly fun continues as Sam decides to reveal a shocking secret, Gibby wants to fight Freddie, Carly and crew hunt for Bigfoot, and so much more when iCarly: iSpace Out lands on DVD Aug. 31st, 2010 for the suggested retail price of $16.99.

iCarly: iSpace Out was created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment . This DVD features 6 new-to-DVD episodes plus a special "iSpace Out" iTrivia feature, as well as a bonus episode of Victorious.

Descriptions:
iSpace Out: An eccentric billionaire asks the iCarly gang to perform the first live web show from outer space and they must go through a series of tests to make sure they’re fit for space travel. Back at the loft, Spencer is visited by a mysterious little girl.

iWas a Pageant Girl: Sam reveals she used to compete in pageants and convinces Carly to compete against her long-time rival in the Miss Teen Seattle pageant.

iEnrage Gibby: When Gibby discovers Freddie and his girlfriend in a compromising position, he vows revenge and challenges Freddie to a fight. Meanwhile, Spencer’s art career really takes off when the local paper incorrectly reports his death.

iFix a Popstar: When Carly, Sam and Freddie agree to make a music video for a pop star who’s trying to make a comeback, they discover that the pop star is out of shape and untalented. Meanwhile, Spencer has trouble dating a woman when he discovers she’s Gibby’s mom.

iWon’t Cancel the Show: When Sam ends up in jail, Carly and Freddie vow that the web show must go on. They try to enlist Spencer’s help at the last minute, but he has a date he can’t cancel.

iBelieve in Bigfoot: Carly believes Bigfoot exists and convinces her friends to embark on a search to prove it.

iCarly: iSpace Out Facts:

Street Date: August 31, 2010
DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: 144 Minutes

**The product for this review was provided for free. All opinions are my own and may differ from others.**

Rice Krispies Recipe Challenge & Giveaway (ends THIS Thursday!)

2010-08-30T14:44:00.018-05:00

One yummy treat that almost every adult and child has had at least once (probably more) in their life, is Rice Krispies Treats. They are a favorite in my family, which is why I was excited when I learned that I had been chosen as one of ten bloggers by TheMotherhood.com and RiceKrispies.com to be a part of a Rice Krispies Recipe Challenge! At first I was unsure of how creative I could be, but with some thought and input from family and friends, I ended up having a lot of fun with this challenge!

To begin, each of the 10 bloggers was sent a package to help give us an idea of what the clue might be. As you can see from it's contents (pic below)...it was pretty evident that the recipe we were to create must have something to do with 'back-to-school'.

To make it even more challenging, and fun, we each received a special word in our packages. Mine was 'Krispies'. When put together (which we all got on Twitter to do), we put our words together and came up with the following theme for our recipes:

Make your Rice Krispies Treats Recipe an after school conversation starter.

Before getting started, we were given the rule of making sure that the recipe included either a fruit or nut (in any form). We were also sent Rice Krispies and a bag of marshmallows to use as well. I have to admit my mind was going in all directions at first. I knew that whatever I came up with, I wanted to make sure it was something kids could help make and something that would be appealing to them, as well as a great after-school conversation starter. It took me a couple of days of thinking and talking to some very creative and helpful family members, to come up with an idea I loved.

Ingredients:

1 bag of large marshmallows
5 cups of Rice Krispies
3 T of butter
1 C of banana chips
5 squares of chocolate almond bark
1/2 C of chopped peanuts
Jumbo popsicle sticks

Directions:
1. Melt Butter
2. Add Marshmallows and melt.
3. Add chopped banana chips
4. Add Rice Krispies
5. Form Rice Krispies into the shape of a banana on a Jumbo popsicle stick
6. While the Rice Krispies Treats set up, melt chocolate almond bark in a sauce pan and pour into a mug.
7. Dip Rice Krispies Treats halfway into the chocolate and then places stick in foam to stand straight up so chocolate can set and drizzle.
8. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on the tops of each Rice Krispies Treat with a spoon.

My inspiration for this recipe came from the popular chocolate covered banana on a stick...a tasty treat many of us have probably tried and love! I decided to add the banana into the Rice Krispies Treats recipe and shape them like a banana. Placing them on a stick not only makes it an easy snack to eat, but also allowed me to write 'conversation starters' on each of the sticks. Here are some of the ones I came up with.

Once the 'banana' was on the stick, I of course, could not leave out the chocolate. With the help of Kaelyn (who absolutely loved helping with this recipe by the way!), we dipped each one into a cup of melted Almond Bark Chocolate and then sprinkled chopped peanuts on top.

Once the chocolate had set, we gave it a taste! All I can say is yum! The banana, Rice Krispies, chocolate and nuts all went so well together. Kaelyn told me they were 'delicious'. We had a great time making these, and it was fun having the opportunity to get creative and come up with a fun recipe that would spark conversation about school too!

Out of the 10 recipes submitted, one will be chosen as the best and will actually be featured on RiceKrispies.com! The winner will be announced on Thursday, Sept. 9!

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a set of two Rice Krispies™ Snap™ Crackle™ and Pop™ Bowls.

Mandatory Entry - To enter, leave a comment letting me know a favorite way you like to eat your Rice Krispies Treats. (Do you like to eat something special with them, put something special in them when making, etc?).

The sponsor's rules state that there be only one entry per person for this giveaway. By answering the question above, you will be entered to win a set of 2 Rice Krispies™ Snap™ Crackle™ and Pop™ Bowls.

This giveaway ends Thursday, September 2nd! It's a short giveaway, so be sure to get your entries in! It is open to the US Only!

**This products for this review were provided for free by Rice Krispies and TheMotherhood.com. I was compensated as part of this program, however all opinions are my own.**

Go, Diego, Go!: Diego's Ultimate Rescue League DVD Review ~ Available on DVD August 31, 2010

2010-08-29T10:46:00.006-05:00

As Kaelyn gets older, she enjoys television shows that allow her to interact with the character. That's why Dora The Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! are probably at the top of her list. It's neat to watch her get involved with the adventures these cartoon characters go on, and learn while she's having fun. She doesn't get to watch a lot of television, but when she does, these are the types of shows I'm happy to let her watch.

When I learned that we were going to have the opportunity to review Go, Diego, Go!: Diego's Ultimate Rescue League, I had a feeling it would be something Kaelyn would love. I was right! She loved helping Diego and his friends save animals around the world on the three episodes included on this DVD. Kaelyn loves animals, so that was definitely something that helped hold her attention throughout this action-packed DVD.

From the Press Release: Diego and his friends test their rescuing skills as they travel underwater and up tall mountains to save animals in the three new-to-DVD episodes featured on Go, Diego, Go!: Diego’s Ultimate Rescue League. In these action-packed expeditions around the world, preschoolers can join the Animal Rescue League as they help Diego and his friends undergo a test to earn a World Rescuers’ patch; help Bottlenose become an ocean animal rescuer by saving the ocean animals from a tsunami-like wave and a devastating oil spill; and climb a treacherous mountain to reunite Prince Vicuña with his parents. The DVD includes the double-length Ultimate Rescue League episode, in addition to two more action-packed Diego episodes.

Episode Synopses:

Diego's International Rescue League - A team of world rescuers will earn their World Rescuer's patch. The team includes Juma (the African desert expert), Shanti (the Indian forest expert), Burgin (an expert diver and surfer from Borneo), Yang (a panda rescuer who can climb up the tallest and most reacherous mountains of China), and team captain Diego. The team races against the clock to identify and return five mystery animal eggs to their habitats.

Ocean Animal Rescuer - Bottlenose wants to become an ocean animal rescuer just like Diego and Baby Humpback Whale. Bottlenose must swim fast and rescue the baby sea turtles from a giant wave that could devastate the population. Then Diego, Baby Humpback, and Bottlenose must work together to rescue the ocean animals from a dangerous oil-spill before it gets too close to their natural habitats.

Diego Rescues Prince Vicuña - Prince Vicuña embarked on an extensive exploration and has yet to return to his parents, the King and Queen, who long for their lost son. Diego and Messenger Vicuña are quick to develop a plan of action. Diego and Messenger Vicuña run into some trouble as they realize the Prince is over the mountain, near Puma Pass. Diego decides to use a special climbing hook and rope to climb up the mountain toward Puma Pass to rescue the Prince. After a successful rescue, we take the Prince back to Vicuña Valley, and reunite him with his joyful parents.

Go, Diego, Go!: Diego's Ultimate Rescue League was created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment. It will be available on DVD August 31, 2010 for a suggested retail price of $16.99.

**The product for this review was provided at no cost. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**

Extra Entry for Sharing on Facebook ~ How to 'tag' A Mom's Balancing Act

2010-08-27T11:36:00.016-05:00

Recently I've had several people e-mail/message me with questions about the following extra entry in giveaways:

1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

The easiest way for me to verify that it was done is by having you 'tag' A Mom's Balancing Act when you share it on Facebook. There has been some confusion on how to do this, so I thought I would post a quick tutorial to help.

If you're entering a giveaway on my blog and would like to do the 'share about this giveaway on facebook' extra entry you can do so in a few easy steps.

1. Click on the blue Facebook share button to the right of the extra entry
2. A screen like the following will then pop up.

3. Before you click 'share' at the bottom of this screen, put your cursor in the box at the top that says 'What's on your mind?'. You can write whatever you want here... ex. "Check out this giveaway at A Mom's Balancing Act", etc. but just make sure you 'tag' (link to) A Mom's Balancing Act when you write it.

To tag, start typing '@A Mom's Balancing Act' and you'll see it pop up under the text box like it shows in the following screen shot. Click it and it will automatically 'tag' A Mom's Balancing Act by linking to my page.

4. Once you have done this, click 'share' at the bottom of the screen.

5. Then, be sure to leave a comment on my blog letting me know that you shared on Facebook so your extra entry can be counted.

I hope that all made sense. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

AnytimeCostumes.com Review and Giveaway

2010-08-27T08:29:00.025-05:00

Can you believe August is almost over already?! As September nears, I can't help but think how fast the next couple of months are going to go. Soon the leaves will be falling, the weather will be changing, and Halloween will be here before we know it. With two kids to find cute costumes for now, I decided to begin my search early.

A family owned and operated company born in 1975, Anytime Costumes started out as a retail party and costume store that grew to be Long Island's leading Halloween and holiday costume supplier. In 1999 their business expanded to the Internet to include AnytimeCostumes.com...a year-round source for adult, child, and plus-size costumes as well as costume accessories, make-up, masks, wigs, and more! AnytimeCostumes.com strives to differentiate themselves from other costume sites by offering a large selection of affordable items, fast shipping and great customer service.

Last Fall we had the opportunity to do a review for AnytimeCostumes.com and were very happy with the quality of the costume. If you missed the review, you can check it out here. When I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review another of their great costumes, I couldn't have been happier. I began browsing their website in search for Kaden's first Halloween Costume. Deciding on one was not easy...they have so many great baby costumes to choose from. Since we thought it would be fun to go with a 'Wizard of Oz' theme for the kids' costumes this year though, the adorable Infant Deluxe Lil' Lion costume seemed like the perfect choice!
Features:

Super soft, lined zippered jumpsuit with snap leg closures for easy diaper change
Attached lion tail
Booties with paw print detail and skid resistant bottoms (made for indoor use only)
Hood with lion ears and plush mane

When the costume arrived, I was very happy with how nicely it was packaged. Once again...AnytimeCostumes.com really impressed me. The package it came in has snaps on it, so if we need to store the costume, we can do so easily with this reusable bag.

As I took the costume out of the package, I was blown away by the quality! Having been so happy with AnytimeCostumes.com last year, I can't say I expected anything less...but I was still very impressed! The fabric is super soft, it's thick and something that could easily be passed down from child to child. The attention to detail is what really sets this costume apart from other lion costumes I've seen though.

I love the snap leg closures so we can easily change Kaden's diaper if we need to.

It's also nice that the hood with lion ears and plush mane are separate from the costume. That way it can easily be taken off separate from the rest of the costume if needed. The same goes for the booties. They are separate and are big enough to easily slip over a pair of Kaden's shoes. The paw print detail adds detail as well as a skid resistant bottom which will be great if he's just starting to walk by then.

The first chance I got, I tried the costume on Kaden. I wasn't sure how he would like having something like this on...but to my surprise, didn't mind much at all. I absolutely love it! It's so adorable, and although a little on the big side, perfect for our growing boy. He'll grow into it even more over the next couple of months I'm sure!

I really love everything about this costume. This is just one example of the many high quality costumes AnytimeCostumes.com offers. If you're in search for cute kids costumes or even fun adult costumes...AnytimeCostumes.com is worth checking out. There's sure to be something for everyone.

Buy It: You can purchase the Infant Deluxe Lil' Lion Costume for $49.99 at AnytimeCostumes.com.

Win It: AnytimeCostumes.com has generously offered one lucky reader a costume of their choice (up to a $50 value)!

Mandatory Entry - Visit AnytimeCostumes.com and leave a comment letting me know which costume you might choose if you won.

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and AnytimeCostumes.com) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a Halloween Costume of your choice (up to a $50 value) from AnytimeCostumes.com! #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/23nhy9f Ends 9/16

4. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like AnytimeCostumes.com on Facebook

7. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

8. 1 extra entry- Join the Anytime Costumes E-mail List (found at the bottom of homepage)

9. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

10. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 16th and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by AnytimeCostumes.com! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

Precious Moments Baby Boutique Review & Giveaway

2010-08-26T14:42:00.016-05:00

One of my favorite things to shop for is baby items! There's just something about those teeny tiny clothes and plush blankets that bring a smile to my face every time. I am always on the lookout for great must-haves for my little ones, which is why I was excited to learn about the launch of a great online destination, the Precious Moments Baby Boutique!

For more than 30 years, Precious Moments has been a name many have come to know and trust when it comes to celebrating life's most special moments, including the birth of a new baby. Now, when visiting www.preciousmoments.com you'll find the Precious Moments Baby Bouqiue under the shop tab which features a great selection of baby gifts and gear, from apparel and accessories to keepsake figurines. Along with the Precious Moments brand, you'll find a variety of items from well-known names like BabyBoom Consumer Products, Luv' N Care, and more!

I was excited when I found out we were going to have the opportunity to review one of the Precious Moments Baby Boutique baby items. We were sent the Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set.
I have been a fan of Precious Moments for years and have always been impressed with the high quality of the products I buy. I had a feeling the same would go for the Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set, and I was right. The moment I pulled it out of the box the quality was exactly what I expected...and more!

This baby blanket is one of the softest I've ever felt! I don't think there is a baby anywhere that wouldn't love to snuggle up to this blankey every night. It's such a great way to keep a baby cozy and warm. It features an applique in the bottom corner. Kaelyn was immediately drawn to the pretty pink color and has not wanted to put down the blanket every since!

The adorable yellow hat is such a great addition to the soft blanket. It features a pink bow and applique of the Precious Moments character. How adorable would this be on a newborn baby girl?! So sweet!

When it comes to buying baby gifts, I am always looking for something unique and useful for the new parent. That's what I love about the products at the Precious Moments Baby Boutique. They make it easy! What new parent wouldn't love this adorable blanket and hat set?! It's perfect for a newborn baby, not to mention absolutely adorable!

If you're looking for the perfect baby gift, or even a little something for your little one...I would highly recommend checking out the Precious Moments Baby Boutique and their fantastic selection of products!

Buy It: You can purchase the Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set at Wal-Mart and Walmart.com.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win the Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set like the one we received.

Mandatory Entry - Visit the Precious Moments Baby Boutique and leave a comment with another item there that you like.

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Precious Moments) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win an adorable Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/2c5o77d Ends 9/15

4. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

7. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

8. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 15th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Precious Moments and Mom Select! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

Lots of Winners!

2010-08-26T10:56:00.005-05:00

I have a lot of winners to announce. I apologize that some of them are coming a little late...we've been crazy busy around here lately with trying to sell our house and all the showings and open houses!

Bambino Mio Swim Nappy and Nappy Swimsuit (Two Winners)
Commenter #99, Owen's Mom
Commenter #127, jackiesmom

VeronicaM $100 (or less) item of choice
Commenter #438, Lynda Del.

Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop
Commenter #591, Amy

Lil' Bettie Beachwear
Commenter #179, Polly

Essential Swimwear
Commenter #88, evilredcaboose

Zuvo Water Filtration System
Commenter #560, ~dab

Dora's Big Birthday Adventure DVD (3 Winners)
Commenter #254, Amanda
Commenter #395, ReggieMann
Commenter #59, thishumanscondition

All winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to get back in touch with me.

Banquet Fruit Pie Review

2010-08-24T23:58:00.000-05:00

One of my hubby's favorite desserts is pie. That's why I was excited when I learned that Banquet has launched a new single-serving fruit pie desserts. Each pie has a half serving of real fruit inside and a flaky pastry shell that bakes fresh and hot from your oven or microwave in just minutes. Having three yummy flavors to choose from: apple, peach and cherry berry...there's sure to be one that any pie lover will like.

When I found out we were going to have the opportunity to review the new Banquet fruit pies, I knew the first one I wanted to get was Apple Pie for my hubby! I'm glad I did...he really liked it. We both tried it, and I thought it was very good too. I had some reservations wondering if would really taste good since it was frozen, but it did! The fruit is so good and the crust tasted homemade. There was a bit too much of a cinnamon taste I thought, but it was still good. I was very impressed, especially considering that it is a frozen pie and only about $1 each. These pies are great and make the perfect dessert or mid-day treat. We also tried the Peach Pie and that was probably our favorite! So good!

Is your mouth watering yet? If so, be sure to visit your local Walmart between August 26th and 28th. 650 select Wal-Marts nationwide will be offering in-store demonstrations with free samples of the pies topped with Reddi-wip! Yum!! You won't want to miss a chance at trying these delicious little pies!

**I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received free coupons to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.**

Bright Starts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing Review and Giveaway

2010-08-24T10:02:00.006-05:00

As a first time parent I remember being overwhelmed by all of the baby products. Which playmat and bouncy seat should we buy? Will we even use them? These are the kinds of questions I struggled with in the beginning, which lead to a baby registry with almost every item on it that you can think of! Needless to say, we ended up with some things we hardly used. Now, after having two babies, I've learned there are many great products out there...some used more than others and a few that I wouldn't want to live without.

One of the baby products I consider to be a must-have for our family, is a baby swing. This is something we've found necessary with both of our kids....especially in those early months. Although we do not use a swing with Kaden much, there are still times when he enjoys sitting in it for relaxation or entertainment, which is why I was excited to learn that we were going to have the opportunity to review the Bright Starts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing.

Bright Starts is the place to go for must-have baby products. They are a company many parents have grown to know and trust and are dedicated to providing the highest quality, innovative and relevant products possible, while still making them affordable for your budget. They also strive to inspire a child's curiosity and confidence.

Having used Bright Starts products in the past, and being able to review their InGenuity Playard last Spring, I was very excited to see how we liked the InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing which is also a part of that line. We have always been very pleased with the quality and innovative products from Brights Starts, so I was hoping we'd feel the same way about this one.

Features and Benefits:

TrueSpeed™ Technology that maintains 6 swing speeds even as baby grows
Swings from side to side or back to front ('cradle' or 'sway')
Whisper Quiet™ operation for peaceful swinging
Battery Savings – more than 2X the battery life of comparable swings
Head rest and cushioned bolster system for ultimate comfort
Comfort Recline™ seat with 2 positions to suit baby’s needs
Easy-to-Remove Tray – can lift up left or right, or can be removed completely
Pivoting Toy Mobile – swings out of the way for easy access to baby
Swing Timer with 3 settings: 30, 45, and 60 minutes
Soft, plush toys on tray and on mobile
10 Melodies and Nature sounds to soothe baby
Machine Washable seat pad and head rest
5 point Harness keeps baby secure
Designed for ages birth and up
Weight/Height - up to 25 lbs

When the swing arrived, I was excited to get it put together. With bigger items, I typically wait for my hubby to help, but I decided to give it a shot on my own. As I took all the parts out of the box, I felt a little overwhelmed at first. After reading through the instruction manual and seeing how simple and user-friendly they had laid each step out....my mind was put at ease.

Although there were a lot of pieces, it was very easy to assemble with the help of the instructions. Most of the pieces just snap into place which means it takes no time at all. In about 15 minutes I had the swing put together and ready to use.

Before even trying it out with Kaden, I was already impressed with the quality. This swing is probably one of the most durable, well built that I've seen or used. It's very sturdy which gives me peace of mind when Kaden is in it. I can tell this is something that will last a long time.

I also LOVE how soft and cushy the seat is.

It includes a headrest and cushioned bolster which makes it even more comfortable for baby. Kaden really seems to enjoy it. Who could blame him?! I'd love a seat likes this too! What's great is that the seat cover, bolster and headrest are all machine washable. This is a must when it comes to baby products in my opinion, and something I really appreciate.

To add to the comfort of the seat, there's a Comfort Recline™ with 2 positions (laying back and sitting up). There is a button on each side of the seat that make it easy to adjust.

It also includes a 5 pt harness which is great for babies of all ages. When Kaden is in it, I know he is safe and secure.

One of the most unique features of this swing is that it allows you to provide your baby with the motion that best suits their needs. The swing seat easily rotates 180º for either a 'cradling' motion (from side to side) or a 'swinging' motion (front to back). Depending on Kaden's mood, I think both settings are great and I really like having the option. This is something we have not had with other swings we've tried.

When Kaden is swinging in it, I noticed that it's very quiet which is not only great for us, but also soothing for him. Thanks to the TrueSpeed™ Technology there are 6 different swing speeds, 10 Melodies and Nature sounds, as well as a swing timer with the choice of 30 min, 45 min, or 60 min....so finding the perfect settings for your baby couldn't be easier. The innovative control unit on the swing is actually powered by Hybridrive™ Technology, making it more efficient than any comparable swing and provides more than 2x the battery life. For anyone with several baby items...you know how often you go through batteries. Having products like this that provide a longer battery life is great!

I think one of Kaden's favorite things about the swing are the soft, plush toys on the tray and mobile. The ones on the tray securely hook with the loops included and he loves to play with them! The mobile toys are absolutely adorable and hold his attention while swinging. Something I really love about the mobile is that it pivots so you can easily swing it out for easy access to the baby.

We have been very happy with the Bright Starts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing! The quality is fantastic, the innovative features are great and make soothing baby easier than ever. I would highly recommend checking this swing out!

Buy It: The Bright Starts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing can be purchased for $139.99.

Win It: Bright Starts is generously offering one lucky reader an InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing like the one we received!

Mandatory Entry- Visit Bright Starts and leave a comment letting me know another product you like.

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- leave a comment letting me know what your favorite feature of the InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing is.

2. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

3. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Bright Starts) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a @BrightStarts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/2fns2bl Ends 9/14 RT PLS!
5. 1 extra entry- Follow Bright Starts on Twitter

6. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like Bright Starts on Facebook

9. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

10. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

11. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 14th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Bright Starts! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

Nickelodeon Favorites: Happy Halloween ~ Out on DVD August 24th (TODAY!)

2010-08-24T07:35:00.001-05:00

Kaelyn doesn't watch a lot of television, but when she is able to, she has her top favorites shows she enjoys watching the most. I'd have to Say Dora the Explorer, Blue's Clues and Go Diego, Go! are right at the top of her list. You can imagine my excitement then, when I learned all these fun characters could be found on one DVD for Halloween!

From the press release:

Trick or Treat? Halloween is a special time of year and this DVD has all of your favorite Nickelodeon friends as they discover candy, costumes and haunted happenings. This year, celebrate Halloween with Dora the Explorer, Go, Diego, Go!, Wonder Pets!, Yo Gabba Gabba, Blue's Clues and Ni Hao, Kai-lan - all together on one DVD!

Includes -
Dora The Explorer - Boo! - It’s Halloween, and Dora and Boots are out trick-or-treating when a cute Little Monster surprises them. Dora and Boots must embark on a spooky journey to help Little Monster hurry home before the arrow on the big clock strikes 12 – and in time for a Halloween party!

Go Diego, Go! - Freddie the Fruit Bat Saves halloween
It’s Halloween! Diego, Alicia and Freddie the fruit bat are setting up trick-or-treating booths for all the animals when suddenly they hear a cry for help. Diego uses Click to try and see what animals are in trouble and finds out it’s the llamas! They were bringing goodie bags to the Rescue Center when suddenly a bridge broke. Amigos, we’ve got to fix the bridge so that the llamas can bring the treats to our party! ¡Al rescate!

Wonder Pets! - Save the Bat/Save the Acting Donkey
Save the Bat

The Wonder Pets travel to Transylvania to help a Baby Bat who is afraid of the dark.

Save the Acting Donkey

The Wonder Pets head to the Old Globe Theatre in England to help a Shakespearian actor Donkey who is not prepared for his performance.

Yo Gabba Gabba - Halloween - It’s time for the Yo Gabba gang to dress up in outrageous costumes and take part in gathering their own private stash of candy. “The Fall Song” celebrates the changing seasons, while the “Halloween Party Song” and “Trick-or-Treat Song” teaches shows kids what happens on Halloween. “Too Much Candy” helps showcase that eating candy in moderation is best. Come sing along to these great tunes!

Blues Clue's - What is Blue Afraid of? - Blue is scared and we play Blue’s Clues to determine what’s frightening her. As we search for clues, we investigate shadows and conceptualize what objects are making them; decipher extreme close-up photos taken by Mr. Salt and Mrs. Pepper; and label the source of scary sounds within a haunted house!

Ni Hao, Kai-lan - Ni Hao, Halloween - Trick or treat, it’s Halloween! Kai-lan and her friends dress up to go trick or treating with YeYe. Kai-lan is a dinosaur, Tolee’s a panda, Hoho’s the Monkey King, and Rintoo is his favorite – a dragon! But just when they set out to trick or treat, Rintoo sprains his ankle and realizes that means he can’t go trick or treating. It’s up to you and Kai-lan to make things better for Rintoo, so that he can have an amazing Halloween.

I was pleasantly surprised with how entertaining and interesting this DVD was, even for me. Of course Kaelyn loved it, especially Dora the Explorer! Seeing them trick-or-treating has got her all excited for Halloween this year already. I really thought the Go Diego, Go! one was cute as well. If you're kids love these Nickelodeon favorites, you'll definitely want to check out this DVD.

Street Date: August 24, 2010

DVD SRP: $16.99

DVD Running Time: Approximately 149 Minutes

American Public University Blog Tour

2010-08-24T06:22:00.001-05:00

Although I went to college and got my BA several years ago, I often find myself thinking about graduate programs and continuing my education at some point. I don't know if it's my background in education or something lots of moms think about from time to time, but it especially comes to mind this time of year as I walk the isles and see all the 'back to school gear'.

I don't know if I will end up doing it or not, but if I do it would need it to be something flexible and still allowed me to put my family and children first. Probably something online. How about you? Have you ever taken online courses or looked into it?

American Public University is especially valuable for moms who are trying to balance it all. They offer a diverse, online curriculum that makes it easy to participate in more than 100 degree programs tailored to your own schedule. Between their flexibility and some of the lowest tuition rates in the country (undergraduate classes cost $750 per 3-credit course), I have been quite impressed with all they have to offer. Whether a person is looking into undergraduate degrees or graduate programs...they have a little bit of everything and a great opportunity to help people advance their careers.

Flexibility, variety, quality and affordability are all things I would look for in an online university...so I thought APU sounded like a great option and something to consider at some point.

If the thought of taking online classes has every crossed your mind and you'd like to look into APU more, they offer live chats which allow people to speak with other Moms about their experience going back to school at APU. Their next one is:

Jenn Deater: Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Management
Thursday, August 26 at 12:00 pm ET.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of American Public University. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Eberjey Lady Godiva Cami & Pant Set Review & Giveaway

2010-08-23T16:51:00.016-05:00

As a mom I spend a lot of my day running around. By the end of the day I'm tired and look forward to putting on my pjs and relaxing. For as long as I can remember, my bedtime attire has been a t-shirt and a comfy pair of pants or shorts. Although I don't mind wearing this on occasion, it's also fun to have a pair of pj's that are cute...something I feel good wearing and provides the comfort I want. I've been on the lookout for a pair of high quality, cute and comfortable pajamas for quite some time now, which is why I was thrilled when I came across Eberjey!
It was June 1996 when founders, Alejandrina and Mariela, decided to quit their corporate jobs and create a line of lingerie that would make women feel good about their bodies...pieces that are pretty and actually flatter real bodies! Eberjey was born and over the years has become very successful, becoming a favorite of magazine editors, fashionable women and Hollywood celebrities all across the country!

What began with the signature Boy Short, or French Brief, expanded into a collection that now includes must-haves for women: maternity wear, bras, loungewear, sleepwear, panties, swimwear (for both women and girls), and a variety of underthings in luxurious stretch mesh nylon, super-soft pima cottons and more! It is their goal to continue to make pieces that "express life, love and above all, JOY, taking Eberjey from 'lingerie brand' to 'lifestyle brand'".

When I learned I was going to have the opportunity to review one of Eberjey's amazing pieces, I couldn't have been more excited! The hard part was deciding which item. I finally decided on the Lady Godiva Cami and Pant Set in black/beige and am so happy I did!

When the set arrived I couldn't wait to check them out. As I opened the box, I was pleased with how cute and neatly they were packaged! I love it when companies take the extra time and care to package products with a personalized touch like this.

Once I pulled them out of the packaging, I was VERY impressed with how soft they were! This 100% polymodal jersey material is absolutely amazing.

Of course I couldn't wait to try them on. As soon as I had a moment, I tried them on and instantly fell in love! Not only are they comfortable, but also so feminine and beautiful. I really like the added touches like lace trim on the cami and along the bottom of the pants.

The bow detail on the front of the cami is also very cute!

I am very picky with the way things fit, especially when it comes to my pjs. I want them to be flattering, yet comfortable....something that's not too loose and not too tight. I was a little nervous about how they might fit, but the moment I got them on I couldn't have asked for anything better!

The cami lays a bit more losely over my stomach and has a longer length which I love! The adjustable straps are great...they allowed me to find the perfect fit for me. The pants are also very nice. I love the length and the fact that they are just loose enough to be very comfortable.

Along with the Lady Godiva Cami and Pant Set, I also received some of their Pure Delicates Wash, gentle enough for all your hand-washables. I enjoyed having this product to try as I washed my new pjs! Using it couldn't have been more simple. All I had to do was pour the contents into lukewarm water and gently soak the garments, rinse and hang to dry.

I couldn't be happier with the Lady Godiva Cami and Pant Set! It is so comfortable and make me feel great when wearing it. I love wearing them to bed as well as lounging around in at the end of a long and tiring day. I'll definitely be turning to Eberjey again!

Buy It: You can purchase the Lady Godiva Cami and Pant Set for $119 on the Eberjey website.

Win It: Eberjey is offering one lucky reader a Lady Godiva Cami and Pant Set like the one I received in the color of your choice!

Mandatory Entry- Visit Eberjey and leave a comment letting me know another product there that you like.

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- visit Eberjey and let me know which color of Lady Godiva Cami and Pant Set you'd choose if you won.

2. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

3. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Eberjey) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a super comfortable & cute cami/pant pajama set from @eberjey #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/292awxf Ends 9/13 RT PLS!
5. 1 extra entry- Follow Eberjey on Twitter

6. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like Eberjey on Facebook

9. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

10. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

11. 1 extra entry- Join the Eberjey E-mail Newsletter (on homepage)

12. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 13th and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Eberjey! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles Forever DVD Review

2010-08-23T09:43:00.002-05:00

I didn't watch a lot of television as a child, but the ones I did watch I remember quite well. One in particular was the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles! This was a television show my brothers and I enjoyed watching together. That's why I was excited when I learned that Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and Paramount Home Entertainment are celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles by releasing the first time on DVD, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles Forever on August 24, 2010 (tomorrow!).

When I found out we were going to have the opportunity to review the new movie, I wasn't sure how Kaelyn would like it...but new hubby would probably love it! I was right. :) It was also a television show he grew up watching, so he really enjoyed it. Kaelyn wasn't familiar with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, so this was new to her. She was much more interested in this action filled movie than I thought she would be and enjoyed the DVD a lot.
From the Press Release:
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles meet...the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles? The turtles from one dimension meet the turtles from another dimension when a teleporting mishap occurs. Together, all the turtles much locate the Technodrome to fix this mess. Meanwhile, Shredder tracks down his counterpart, Ch'rell, who devises a master plan to travel back to the Prime Universe to get rid of the turtles once and for all! As worlds collide, the turtles come face to face with classic characters like Splinter, Casey and April, and a slew of archenemies including Krang, Hun, the Foot Soliders, the Purple Dragons, Bebop and Rocksteady.

The Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles are a team of four mutant turtles trained by their beloved rat sensei, Master Splinter, in the art of Ninjutsu. Named after four Renaissance artists, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Donatello, and Raphael, they battle petty criminals, evil megalomaniacs and alien invaders, all while remaining isolated from society at large in their home in the sewers of New York. The chracters initially appeared in comic books before being licensed for toys, cartoons, video games, films and other merchandise to become one of the most popular franchises of the last 25 years, earning $260 million worldwide!

If you have a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles fan in your house, or have fond memories growing up with the Turtles, you may want to check out the new Turtles Forever movie.

DVD SRP: $16.99
DVD Running Time: 73 minutes
Street Release Date: August 24, 2010

**The product for this review was provided at no cost. All opinions are my own and may vary from those of others**