Sage and Savvy

MagnetStreet Weddings Promotion

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 01:55:00 +0000

If you're planning a wedding, you know how expensive things can be, so it's always great to find discounts on wedding necessities.

MagnetStreet Weddings is currently offering 50 free RSVP's with a $250 minimum purchase.

Offer is valid through 3/29/10.

MagnetStreet Weddings is a Sage and Savvy affiliate.

Jelly Belly Easter Promotion

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 22:26:00 +0000

Celebrate Easter with Jelly Belly!

Spend $35 and get a FREE Carrot Bag!
Coupon Code: CARROT
Dates:March 16, 2010 through March 23, 2010

Jelly Belly is a Sage and Savvy affiliate.

My Island Views Giveaway-$20 Gift Card to Your Favorite Restaurant

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 15:59:00 +0000

On My Island Views, where I'm a contributing editor, we're giving away a $20 Gift Card to your favorite restaurant!

Just suggest a restaurant that hasn't been featured yet--it could be a chain restaurant, a fast food joint--anywhere you love to dine, as long as the location is on Oahu (you could check the company's website if you're unsure).

For more information, check out the giveaway details.

We appreciate your input!

Weaning Woes

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

I planned to gradually stop nursing Smiley Boy when he turned a year old (with Little Music Man I just completely stopped when he turned one and I paid for it dearly---painful!).

But several months after he turned a year old, I'm still nursing him.

Smiley Boy just won't let it happen. I am nursing much less than before, but several times throughout the day he'll sign for milk and/or bring me the nursing pillow.

When this happens, I try to give him a snack instead, but sometimes he'll just scream until I nurse him.

At this point I think he's nursing more for comfort than hunger.

I'm hopeful one day SOON that he'll be ready to stop nursing on his own.

If you nursed your child(ren), did you have problems weaning?

Any tips on how I can successfully wean Smiley Boy?

EyeBuyDirect.com BOGO Sale

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:37:00 +0000

This week only at EyeBuyDirect.com, we are giving away prescription eyeglasses for FREE! With hundreds of new frames starting $7.95, there has never been a better time to get a new pair of glasses! Visit EyeBuyDirect.com now to select your favorite frames.

EyeBuyDirect.com SALE - Buy One, Get One FREE
Monday, March 15th-Sunday, March 21st.
Get 2 for the price of 1, now!

EyeBuyDirect.com is a Sage and Savvy affiliate.

Finalists in "Single Best Town" and Free Download of World Wide Open

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 22:30:00 +0000

America’s favorite brand of American cheese – KRAFT Singles – and Disney ABC announce the top ten finalists in their search for America’s “Single Best Town” and invite America to vote for the winner. With more than 400 submissions coast to coast, the top ten towns boast one-of-a-kind features that make them special and uniquely American – whether it’s annual Outhouse Races in Richmond, Mich. or Girard, Ill.’s old-fashioned soda fountain!

Now through April 11, consumers can vote for their favorite “Single Best Town” by visiting www.familyfun.com/best-town-contest. The winning town will receive an unforgettable block party featuring Lyric Street recording artists Love And Theft, who are gearing up to tour with country music superstars Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum. The block party will also feature appearances by ABC Soap Stars.

“Eric, Stephen and I have been inspired by the towns we grew up in, so we’re excited to be a part of celebrating the unique traits that make the winning town like no other place on earth,” says Brian Bandas of country music trio Love And Theft. “Like these towns, country music is uniquely American, and we can’t wait to give the winning town a show to remember.”

Visit www.familyfun.com/best-town-contest now through April 11 to vote for America’s “Single Best Town” and receive a FREE download of Love And Theft’s hit song, “World Wide Open” while supplies last. Plus, consumers can find recipes, arts and crafts and more!

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Sterling Children's Books Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

I recently posted about Sterling Children’s Books new Listen-Along Storybook program, and if you haven't downloaded your free audiobook yet, what are you waiting for?March 2010 brings an exciting new program of free audiobooks. LISTEN-ALONG STORYBOOK, a website and iTunes podcast, lets consumers download audiobooks of select Sterling picture books. It will delight children and bring backlist titles back into the spotlight. LISTEN-ALONG STORYBOOK rolls out with eight of our most popular titles. Every book in the program willl have a sticker directing readers to the website, www.listenalongstorybook.com, where they can get the free downloads or listen to them as streaming audio.

The boys and I really enjoyed Cesar Takes a Break, one of the titles currently available on audiobook. The characters came to life, and the various voices and sound effects made the book even more entertaining!

I think the Listen-Along Storybooks are a great complement to the actual books, and the best part--they're FREE!

So what are you waiting for? Download your free Listen-Along Storybooks today!

Win: Three lucky winners will receive a copy of each of the 8 storybooks featured on Listen-Along Storybook (Twelve Dancing Princesses, Perfectly Arugula, Cesar Takes a Break, We Go Together!, I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Track, Cowboy Camp, Tex & Sugar, Jack and the Beanstalk, total ARV $117), so you and your family can enjoy the actual book while listening to the audiobook!

To enter, visit Listen-Along Storybook and comment on which audiobook you downloaded or which audiobook you think would be a favorite of yours/your kids.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Listen-Along Storybook (leave the link in your comment)
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 22, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 23, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.
By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

The products for review and/or giveaway were provided free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

POM Wonderful Review

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Sun, 14 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Lately I've been reading a lot about the health benefits of pomegranate juice, and I finally got to try some thanks to POM Wonderful.

POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice is a little bit sweet, a little bit tart and a whole lotta healthy. Bursting with superior levels of naturally occurring antioxidants and backed by $32 million in medical research, it’s also 100% authentic, 100% delicious and 100% pure, meaning there’s no added sugar, colorants or cheap filler juices. So raise a glass to life. And the pursuit of healthiness.

All of POM Wonderful Juices:

contain no added sugars, preservatives or colors
are a good source of potassium
are gluten-free
are flash pasteurized to retain both flavor and nutrients
are certified kosher

I was fortunate to receive some samples of POM Wonderful 100% Pomegranate Juice in sleek 8 oz. bottles.

When I first took a sip, I admit I was a bit thrown-off by how tart it was (DH thought it was pretty tart too)! But after taking more sips, I got used to the taste, and it wasn't long before I started to enjoy the pomegranate juice!

DH often drinks a juice that is a pomegranate blend, but I'm sure he would agree that drinking POM Wonderful is so much more beneficial for his health, even if it may not be as sweet as the juice he usually drinks.

Not only does POM Wonderful offer a variety of health benefits (click here to read more on the scientific studies based on drinking 8 ounces daily), but it's actually quite versatile, as you can incorporate it into a variety of recipes!

Although I think POM Wonderful is a little bit pricey for me to drink 8 ounces daily, the next time I'm out shopping I wouldn't hesitate to buy a bottle or two!

I can't wait to try out the other POM Wonderful products and incorporate the juice into some of the recipes (especially the desserts)!

Shop: To purchase POM Wonderful products, click here to find a store near you (ARV $2.50/8oz bottle).

Thank you to POM Wonderful for providing the products for review free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Lucky Ladybug?

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

The other day, I was about to wash some lettuce for a salad.

I opened up a brand new bag, took out a couple of heads of lettuce, then I heard something drop on the floor.

I was hoping it was just a rock, but when I picked it up, it was a ladybug.

It looked dead, so I just threw it in the trash (A few hours later I threw something else in the trash and out flew the ladybug! It wasn't dead after all!).

Well, I proceeded to clean the lettuce, all the while in the back of my head I was wondering if it was still okay to eat.

I even looked online to see if ladybugs were poisonous (you know, in case it laid eggs or something and I accidentally ate one).

Although I'm sure it was okay for me to still eat the lettuce after a good washing, I just couldn't stomach it.

I know...it's just a little ladybug.

But I just couldn't.

Have you ever found a bug in your food? or something worse?

6pm.com Spring Sale

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Sat, 13 Mar 2010 04:24:00 +0000

6pm.com, the sister site of Zappos.com, is planning a week long spring wardrobe make-over sale from Sunday, March 14 – Saturday, March 20 - so you can save time and money switching over to your new spring wardrobe! The sale includes apparel, footwear, even belts, jewelry, bags, sunglasses and a whole lot more – with savings between 55% - 85% off! And the sale includes some of our favorite brands name designers, including Bandolino, The North Face, Teva, Just Cavalli, Jessica Simpson, Reebok, New Balance and more!

Take a sneak peek, and be sure to mark your calendars – because these deals will go fast!

Sunday, March 14
Franco Sarto Footwear All Styles Up to 85% off This Week
http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/287/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc
Via Spiga Footwear All Styles Up to 85% off This Week
http://www.6pm.com/via-spiga-on-sale

Monday, March 15
Patagonia Footwear & Apparel All Styles Up to 60% off This Week
http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/1745/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc
The North Face Footwear, Apparel & Accessories All Styles Up to 55% off This Week
http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/610/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc

Tuesday, March 16
Tarina Tarantino Jewelry All Styles Up to 50% off Today Only
http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/2314/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc
Handbags - Hobo Select Styles Up to 65% off Today Only
http://www.6pm.com/search/bags/filter/hide%3AproductTypeFacet/%22Bags%22/gender/%22Womens%22/attrFacet_Bag_Types/%22Hobo+Bags%22/sort/percentOff/desc
Handbags - Clutch Select Styles Up to 75% off Today Only
http://www.6pm.com/search/bags/filter/productTypeFacet/%22Bags%22/gender/%22Womens%22/categoryFacet/%22Handbags%22/subCategoryFacet/%22Clutch%22/sort/productPopularity/asc
Watches All Styles Up to 45% off Today Only
http://www.6pm.com/search/watches/filter/hide%3AproductTypeFacet/%22Watches%22/sort/percentOff/desc

Wednesday, March 17
Ryan Rowe Footwear All Styles $60 Today Only http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/2125/filter/onSale/%22true%22
Softwalk Footwear All Styles Up to 85% off Today Only http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/264/filter/productTypeFacet/%22Shoes%22/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc

Thursday, March 18
Bandolino Footwear All Styles Up to 85% off Today Only http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/321/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc Bronx Footwear All Styles Up to 55% off Today Only http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/483/filter/productTypeFacet/%22Shoes%22/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc

Friday, March 19
Ugg Footwear, Apparel, Bags & Accessories All Styles Up to 50% off This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/288/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc Deer Stags Footwear Select Styles $50 or less This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/42/filter/onSale/%22true%22/priceFacet/%22%2450.00+and+Under%22/sort/percentOff/desc/
Minnetonka Footwear All Styles Up to 50% off This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/101/filter/productTypeFacet/%22Shoes%22/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc

Saturday, March 20
Nike Footwear & Apparel All Styles Up to 60% off This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/111/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc Adidas Footwear & Apparel All Styles Up to 50% off This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/1/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc Puma Footwear, Apparel & Bags All Styles Up to 60% off This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/125/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc New Balance Footwear & Apparel All Styles Up to 55% off This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/107/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc Asics Footwear & Apparel All Styles Up to 55% off This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/11/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc Reebok Footwear & Apparel All Styles Up to 85% off This Weekend http://www.6pm.com/search/brand/128/filter/onSale/%22true%22/sort/percentOff/desc

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers Review

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

I eat Healthy Choice products fairly often (especially the Fudge Bars!), and thanks to Mom Central, I found out that Healthy Choice introduced 11 new entrees, and I was able to try out a couple of products from their Cafe Steamers line.

With crisp vegetables, tender meat, firm pasta, and fluffy rice, Healthy Choice Café Steamers™ deliver unbelievably fresh taste. And, the taste just got even better. We've recently improved the quality of our Asian Inspired meals. In fact, people prefer the new taste nearly two to one. Steam any of our healthy, fresh-tasting meals in your microwave today.

Healthy Choice now offers Mediterranean Inspired Cafe Steamers (in addition to a new Asian Inspired Cafe Steamers--Chicken Pad Thai).

The Grilled Vegetables Mediterranean and Lemon Garlic Chicken & Shrimp looked and sounded delicious!

In just a matter of minutes, I had a hot, tasty meal, and the sauces were quite flavorful!

The Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers are great to have on hand when short on time or fresh food. Although to me, nothing can beat a home cooked meal, the Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers were still pretty good and satisfying!

They're also low in fat and calories, contain no preservatives, and are a good source of fiber and protein.

I think the concept of the steamer bowl is quite neat, and it's big enough to allow adequate stirring with the sauce (with other frozen meals I noticed mixing food with any existing sauce is often quite difficult in their teeny containers).

I was pleasantly surprised with how much I enjoyed the Healthy Choice Cafe Steamers, and I've already purchased a 4-pack of the Cafe Steamers in other varieties from a local warehouse club. I can't wait to try them out!

Shop: You can purchase Healthy Choice products at various grocers nationwide (Cafe Steamers ARV $2.88-$3.29)

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

Dick's Sporting Goods Starting Lineup Contest and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Dick's Sporting Goods, one of the most popular sporting goods stores in the nation, is currently running a really cool Starting Lineup Contest.

Enter on Twitter (http://twitter.com/dickssportcmo) for a chance to become a member of Dick’s Sporting Goods “Starting Lineup." The 10 nominees with the most votes by March 31, 2010 win.

What does it mean to be on the “Starting Lineup”?
• A chance to try out and preview new products
• A spot on an online panel of experts for one season (for approximately 3 months)
• Access to exclusive online surveys
• A chance to sound off on all things sports

How does someone try for a chance to be on the “Starting Lineup”?
• Follow http://twitter.com/dickssportcmo, if you’re not doing so already.
• Recruit people to follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter and have them vote for you by Tweeting @dickssportcmo your Twitter ID and stating why you should be nominated.
• Vote for yourself by Tweeting @dickssportcmo with your Twitter ID and stating why you should be on the “Starting Lineup.”
• You can only vote for the same person once per day, but you can vote for multiple people in the same day. Sample Tweet: “@dickssportcmo I nominate @TwitterID for the #startinglineup because...”

Isn't that a cool gig?

If you or someone you know would be a perfect addition to Dick's Sporting Goods' Starting Lineup, make sure to submit your nomination via twitter and don't forget to cast your votes!

For official rules, click here.

Click here to find a Dick's Sporting Goods near you.

Win: One lucky winner will receive a $50 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card!

To enter, follow @dickssportcmo on Twitter and nominate or vote for yourself or someone else to be a part of Dick's Sporting Goods Starting Lineup (leave your Twitter name and link in your comment)
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Dick's Sporting Goods (leave the link in your comment)
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
6)Comment on what you'd buy with the $50 Dick's Sporting Goods Gift Card.
The deadline for entries is March 18, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 19, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.
By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

The products for review and/or giveaway were provided free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Futuro Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

When I was working full-time in an office, hosiery was not required, although our boss would often suggest we wear hosiery to maintain a professional appearance within our office.

I did not enjoy wearing hosiery. It was often uncomfortable, and by the end of the day, I couldn't wait to take them off!

Now that I'm a SAHM, hosiery is no longer an issue, but if I were still working, I would definitely consider trying Futuro.

Futuro offers a complete product line of supports and compression hosiery products in 42 countries around the world. Holding over 70 patents, Futuro continues to lead the development of innovative products that provide the comfort, support and proper fit that enable you to live more.

Futuro offers a variety of products that combine fashion and comfort, using different compression levels to help with everything from swelling to varicose vein support.

There are different collections designed to provide different benefits, and the following are descriptions of just two of the products in the Revitalizing and Energizing collections.

Futuro Revitalizing Trouser Socks for women provide a perfect combination of smart styling and revitalizing support to help you look and feel great all day. Made from soft, comfortable fabric with a fashionable diamond pattern, the socks also feature built-in comfort pockets at the toe and heel that prevent scrunching or shifting as you move. Great for your commute across town or flight across the country, you’ll always travel in comfort and arrive in style with these Revitalizing Trouser Socks.

Futuro® Energizing Ultra Sheer Pantyhose for Women provide an empowering boost! If you’re constantly in motion, traveling, or working in a hectic office, these Ultra Sheer Pantyhose will help keep your legs feeling energized throughout the day and into the night. These comfortable, silky-soft pantyhose look sophisticated and stylish and will help keep you looking and feeling fantastic too.

If I find myself back in the workforce again, and hosiery becomes a part of my daily wardrobe, I would definitely try out Futuro. Although they are pricier than the kind of pantyhose I used to wear, to me it's worth it if I'm able to work and go through an entire day in comfort.

Shop: You can purchase Futuro products at various retailers online and nationwide.

Win: Three lucky winners will each receive a Futuro Prize Pack consisting of the following: Revitalizing Trouser Socks, Energizing Ultra Sheer Pantyhose (French Cut), and Energizing Ultra Sheer Pantyhose (Brief Cut); winner to provide size/color where applicable (total ARV $70).

To enter, visit Futuro and comment on a fact or feature you found most interesting.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Futuro (leave the link in your comment)
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 17, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 18, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.
By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

The products for review and/or giveaway were provided free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Dr. Seuss's ABC eBook Review

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Little Music Man is enjoying yet another app from Oceanhouse Media--Dr. Seuss's ABC eBook.

The beloved classic "Dr. Seuss's ABC" is now available for your iPhone or iPod Touch.

From Aunt Annie riding an Alligator to the Zizzer-Zazzer-Zuzz, Dr. Seuss teaches young readers the ABC's through hilarious words and pictures, guaranteed to entertain any young child...By combining the original text and artwork of Dr. Seuss with features that entertain and promote reading, this e-book appeals to readers of all ages.

Dr. Seuss's ABC eBook is so cute and so much fun, and it introduced Little Music Man to several new words in imaginative and fun ways.

Little Music Man already knows his alphabets and was already familiar with most of the words, but there were still many words he had never heard before, such as fiffer-feffer-feff. Those words were sure fun to hear and say!

Little Music Man had no problems turning the pages and following along as the ebook was read to him (you also have the option to read it yourself), and I like how words are emphasized when images are touched.

The words are large and clear, and I think the wonderful narration and sound effects (e.g. a horse eating hay) really make the ebook come alive.

Dr. Seuss's ABC eBook is an entertaining way to both introduce and reinforce the alphabets and words to little ones, and I know Smiley Boy will enjoy the app too once he's old enough!

Shop: You can purchase Dr. Seuss's ABC eBook on iTunes (ARV $3.99).

The product(s) for review and/or giveaway were provided free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Sterling Children's Books Listen-Along Storybook Program

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Sterling Children’s Books recently launched the Listen-Along Storybook program!

March 2010 brings an exciting new program of free audiobooks. LISTEN-ALONG STORYBOOK, a website and iTunes podcast, lets consumers download audiobooks of select Sterling picture books. It will delight children and bring backlist titles back into the spotlight. LISTEN-ALONG STORYBOOK rolls out with eight of our most popular titles. Every book in the program willl have a sticker directing readers to the website, www.listenalongstorybook.com, where they can get the free downloads or listen to them as streaming audio.

The boys and I listened to one of the eight titles that are currently available in this program, Cesar Takes a Break.When the children are away…the animals will play. Susan Collins Thoms makes a sparkling picture book debut with this hilarious story of class pets on the loose; colorful and humorous pictures by Québécois artist Rogé add to the great fun. Life is great for Cesar the iguana. After all, he went from living in Pets-A-Plenty to an excellent new home in Ms. Lee’s elementary school classroom—with 25 best friends to pamper him. But now spring break has arrived, the kids are gone, and poor Cesar’s a puddle of sadness. Until…he takes a vacation too! From classroom to classroom he wanders, meeting all the other school pets and making hilarious notes in his journal. Before long, he’s feasting on strawberries, dancing the Iguana Shuffle, and playing hockey in the teacher’s lounge. Will he ever want to return to his cage? Cesar’s having a blast—and young readers will too!

We really enjoyed the listen-along storybook of Cesar Takes a Break. The different voices and the ability to hear each characters' emotions really brought the book to life, and the boys loved whenever they heard music--they'd always dance!

Not only was it fun listening to the audio book of Cesear Takes a Break, but it was also neat to see the audio book being made:

It seems like making the listen-along storybook was not only a lot of hard work, but it was a lot of fun too!

I can't wait to listen to the other storybooks, especially Perfectly Arugula, a book that we already have and love.

I think the Listen-Along Storybooks are a great complement to the actual books, and the best part--they're FREE!

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Stubby Pencil Studio Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

One of the first companies I worked with when I started Sage and Savvy was Stubby Pencil Studio.

Stubby Pencil Studio was launched in 2006 by Kate Rosenthal, after she realized there was a need for eco-friendly, do-it-yourself stationery products for young children. Her inspiration - twin two-year-old daughters and the thank you notes she created for them to send to family and friends. The cards were a big hit, treasured by all who received them.

To compliment the line of recycled stationery, Kate sourced biodegradable soy crayons and color pencils made from FSC certified wood. The response from parents seeking eco alternatives for their children was overwhelming. With a commitment to offering quality and earth friendly goods, at an affordable price, Stubby Pencil Studio has grown to become a resource for green shoppers. Browse today and find an expanding collection of creative products that are unique, non-toxic, recycled, fair trade, educational, sustainable or environmentally responsible.

I posted about the great eco-friendly supplies we were fortunate to receive, all of which we loved, but my personal favorites were the Smencils, Sketchbooks, and Soy Crayons.

If you're looking for items for school, a party, crafts, or any special occasion, Stubby Pencil Studio has a great variety of products that I'm sure would be a hit with both kids and parents!

Shop: You can purchase Soy Crayons, Recycled Cards, and more at Stubby Pencil Studio.

Win: One lucky winner will receive a Wildlife Theme Eco Easter Basket from Stubby Pencil Studio (ARV $55) which includes the following: Re-usable paper rope basket, E-color-gy Washable markers, Wildlife Mammals Go Fish cards, Wildlife Color Pencils, Wildlife Giraffe Pencils, Wildlife Parrot Pencils, Soy Crayons, Animal Hands Tattoos, Pack of Color 'n Kids Safari cards, Monkey Pencils, Pencil Sharpener.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Leen!

To enter, visit Stubby Pencil Studio and comment on your favorite product (excluding the giveaway items and anything else mentioned in this post).
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Stubby Pencil Studio (leave the link in your comment)
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 14, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 15, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.
By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

The products for review and/or giveaway were provided free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

MagnetStreet Weddings Sale

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:46:00 +0000

If you're planning a wedding and need a beautiful and creative way to tell your friends and family members to "Save the Date," check out MagnetStreet Weddings to save 15% off the Top 10 Save the Date Designs.

What a great way to remind your loved ones to Save the Date!

Offer expires March 15, 2010.

MagnetStreet Weddings is a Sage and Savvy affiliate.

Rounder Records’ 40th Anniversary Concert

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Sun, 07 Mar 2010 01:35:00 +0000

Rounder just released Rounder Records’ 40th Anniversary Concert, an album of the concert that celebrated the label’s 40 years in the music industry. Recorded in October 2009 at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, the concert will also be presented as a PBS television special that will begin airing on the network in this month and released on DVD in May.

The event is a superb exhibition of Rounder’s diverse roster, and features Grammy® winning Rounder artists Alison Krauss & Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas, Mary Chapin Carpenter, Bela Fleck, and Irma Thomas along with musical host Minnie Driver, and special guests Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas and Jazz/R&B pianist, Henry Butler. The CD will include performances by these artists as well as select performances from Steve Martin’s show at The Ryman Auditorium in Nashville, from Alison Krauss and Robert Plant’s 2008 CMT “Crossroads” special, and from Madeleine Peyroux’s 2009 concert in Los Angeles.

The event was filmed by High Five Entertainment, and a portion of the ticket proceeds were donated to NARAS’ Grammy® in the Schools Programs to cultivate the understanding, appreciation and advancement of the contribution of recorded music to American culture. The Grammy® Foundation influences the lives of young people by opening the windows of opportunity that music can provide for their futures.

CD Track Listing:
1. Cold Dark River – Minnie Driver
2. Beloved – Minnie Driver
3. Outside People – Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
4. Think About the Good Times – Nathan & The Zydeco Cha Chas
5. Rich Woman – Robert Plant and Alison Krauss
6. River Is Waiting – Irma Thomas
7. Don’t Mess With My Man – Irma Thomas
8. Don’t Wait Too Long – Madeleine Peyroux
9. Dance Me to the End of Love – Madeleine Peyroux
10. Restless – Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
11. Gravity – Alison Krauss and Union Station featuring Jerry Douglas
12. Pitkin County Turn Around – Steve Martin
13. Saga of the Old West – Steve Martin
14. Keys to the Kingdom – Bela Fleck
15. Another Morning – Bela Fleck
16. Why Shouldn’t We – Mary Chapin Carpenter
17. He Thinks He’ll Keep Her – Mary Chapin Carpenter
18. Medley: Angels Watching Over Me/ I’ll Fly Away/ Down by the Riverside – Grand Finale

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Tropicana Juicy Rewards

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Sat, 06 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

During both my pregnancies, I knew how important it was for me to get calcium and other nutrients and vitamins, so my drink of choice (besides water) was Tropicana Pure Premium Calcium + Vitamin D. I would buy the 4 packs of Tropicana from our local warehouse club, and I still buy them, but now I'm not the only one that drinks the juice--my boys drink them too!

Thanks to Mom Central, I found out about the recently launched Tropicana Juicy Rewards, and now I'm excited to announce that I'm a Tropicana Juicy Insider Ambassador!Saving money is easier and more fun than ever with Tropicana Juicy Rewards. Explore 20,000 ways to save on everything from golf and workout gear to water park and zoo admissions.

It's quick and easy to sign up for the Tropicana Juicy Rewards Program, and you can receive 1 free point with the code MOMCE-NTRAL.*

When you purchase specially-marked Tropicana products, simply enter the unique code, and before you know it you'll be earning points good towards some great rewards!

It's simple to find rewards--just input your zip code, or you can search by category.

I already checked out some of the rewards that I'll be saving up for, such as a coupons good towards savings on admission to the Waikiki Aquarium and the Battleship Missouri Memorial.

I could also redeem points for shopping discounts, classes, lessons, and so much more!

And if I'm planning to travel, I could also try and find offers for nearby attractions!

Tropicana Juicy Rewards is a great way to save money on shopping and popular attractions and I can't wait to start taking advantage of the discounts!

Don't forget to sign up today and get your free bonus point*!

To get your bonus point:

1. Go to Tropicana Juicy Rewards

2. Set-up your Tropicana Juicy Rewards account

3. Visit the "Enter Codes" page within the site and get started with MOMCE-NTRAL

*This one-time use code is valid for new accounts ONLY. Must be entered within 6 hours of creating your account.

I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.

PhotoWorks Givevaway

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

If you need a gift for an upcoming special occasion, check out PhotoWorks to create treasured gifts with your digital photos!

At PhotoWorks, it's easy and fun to share your digital photos online, order high quality prints, and create unique photo books, cards, calendars, mouse pads, mugs, and more. With our American Greetings creativity and your digital photos, it's easy to make your moments into a masterpiece.

PhotoWorks offers so many gifts--jewelry boxes, magnets, even cutting boards!

They have fresh and modern photo book designs, NASCAR products, and even board books that can all be personalized with your own photos!

Whenever I give photo books and calendars to friends and family they always are a hit, and now I know I can make a lot more great gifts with my digital photos on PhotoWorks for the next special occasion!

Win: One lucky winner will receive a $50 PhotoWorks Coupon Code!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations luckycat1818!

To enter, visit PhotoWorks and comment on what you'd make with the $50 coupon code (excluding anything mentioned in this post)!
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and PhotoWorks (leave the link in your comment)
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
The deadline for entries is March 12, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 13, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.
By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

M80 contacted me on behalf of PhotoWorks and provided the coupon code for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

SproutBaby Acquires EcoMom to Create Premier Eco-Parenting Destination Online

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:25:00 +0000

Eco-conscious parenting e-tailer SproutBaby (www.SproutBaby.com) today announced it has acquired EcoMom (www.ecomom.com), one the web’s premiere eco-parenting blog networks. The acquisition signals a growing trend in electronic commerce – retailers who are combining the information and community pieces that the web does so well with a shopping experience to keep their customers informed and connected.

“We call it ‘social mommerce’,” said Jody Sherman, Founder and CEO of SproutBaby. “By combining a rich network of informed, active parents from the EcoMom community with SproutBaby’s high quality, green product offerings, we’re able to grow our business in a smart, sustainable way and involve our customers and community in our success.”

The acquisition is an important milestone for SproutBaby.com, as it allows the company to take an important step forward in fulfilling its mission of being a one-stop destination for new parents to converse, communicate with childcare experts, compare stories, share experiences and find all the parenting solutions they need for newborns and toddlers.

Founded in late 2008, SproutBaby.com has used social marketing methods and new engagement techniques to capture the attention and loyalty of the eco-parenting community. This strategy has resulted in over 65% of the company’s site traffic coming from blogs, social networks, and social utilities. Recently celebrating its first year in business, SproutBaby offered special promotions and discounts for its customers, including a $2,500 raffle prize awarded to a Marina del Rey, CA mother. Other SproutBaby events include “special mom” Spa Day events, Twitter-based product promotions, seasonal discounts and frequent new offers and product lines to choose from.

“Combining forces with SproutBaby will help our members - a rich network of informed bloggers, parents and families – make the best choices possible for mindful parenting and eco-conscious living,” said Kimberly Pinkson, Founder of EcoMom.com. “This new site will provide active discussion, refined product vetting and insights into eco-friendly parenting solutions at affordable prices.”

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR Review and Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

Although I'm not a huge racing fan, that didn't stop me from enjoying the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR: 101 Stories of Family, Fortitude, and Fast Cars.

NASCAR and Chicken Soup for the Soul join forces, with well-known NASCAR columnist Cathy Elliott leading the charge. NASCAR drivers, their families, and teams slow down enough to share their stories of family, fortitude, and fast cars. Readers will get a behind-the-scenes look at the action on and off the track. Famous drivers and those closest to them, pit crews, families, and fans all share their stories of perseverance, triumph, comebacks, and life. Fans will get a front row view, and be inspired, surprised, and sometimes amused by these exclusive, up close stories from the track, pit, and the road.

Despite not being too familiar with NASCAR, Chicken Soup: NASCAR offered a lot of stories that I could actually relate to.

My favorite stories included Father Knows Best and Kicking the Bike--stories about now famous racers and how their dads made a big impact on their future NASCAR careers without pushing them during their childhoods, and simply encouraged them to love what they do.

I also enjoyed the story Believe, a story that reaffirms the notion of how "everything happens for a reason, as well as Confessions of a NASCAR Convert, about a family who enjoys sharing the NASCAR experience together, during times when connecting with family is often times rare.

There were many other heartwarming stories about love, friendship, and never giving up from people who are both directly and indirectly involved with NASCAR.

Whether you're a NASCAR fan or not, Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR is full of stories that many can relate to in one way or another, and now I hope to one day watch a NASCAR race live with the entire family, and who knows, maybe I'll become a NASCAR convert myself!

Shop: You can purchase Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR at various retailers online and nationwide. (ARV $14.95)

Win: Three lucky winners will each receive a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Oneangel, Darcie K., Heavenly Savings!

To enter, comment on what you love about NASCAR or why you'd enjoy this book.
You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Chicken Soup for the Soul: NASCAR (leave the link in your comment)
2)Subscribe to my feed
3)Add my button to your sidebar
4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)The deadline for entries is March 11, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 12, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
Valid for US addresses only.
By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

The products for review and/or giveaway were provided free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Sleep Struggles and Successes

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 10:00:00 +0000

When I was pregnant with Little Music Man, everyone told me to "get your sleep now!"

Even though I knew there would be many sleepless nights once I had a baby, I wasn't really prepared for how hard it really was to run on very little or no sleep, especially since I NEED my sleep (before kids I'd get at least 8 hours a night, and I'd take 3 hour naps on the weekend)!

In the beginning, with both boys, it was rough, especially having to nurse every couple of hours. I felt like I was just in a constant daze, often times not remembering if I nursed on both sides or how long I was nursing because I was just so darned tired.

Eventually though, it got easier...a little.

When it came to Little Music Man sleeping, by 3 months he was only waking up once a night, and it wasn't too long before he was sleeping through the night. He's been a pretty good sleeper.

Smiley Boy is a totally different story. Ever since he was born it seemed like he would wake up multiple times a night.

I've tried so many things--I'd nurse him to sleep, I'd rock him, I'd even sleep with him on a mattress on the ground, but he would still wake up multiple times.

Then at his last appointment, his pediatrician said I needed to just let him cry it out--just one night, and then he'd learn to sleep on his own.

Now, I've read about sleep training and how crying doesn't hurt the baby and all that kind of stuff, but what really worried me was how he might end up having another breath holding spell.

Well, I was tired of waking up multiple times a night and tired of sleeping on the floor.

I was just tired.

So I just followed the doctor's advice and put Smiley Boy in his crib one night, while carefully monitoring his cries to make sure he wasn't about to have another breath holding spell, and was prepared to not tend to him at all and let him soothe himself back to sleep.

That first night was hard--he woke up 5 times, each time crying uncontrollably, but each crying episode would last no more than 15 minutes, and he ended up soothing himself back to sleep each time.

And all it took was that one night.

So far he's been sleeping in his crib, and most nights he only wakes up once, and if he does wake up he's able to fall back asleep on his own.

I wish we tried this sooner!

The only problem? The crib is in our bedroom!

And why it's in our room is another story for another time...

I'm just glad I'm finally getting more sleep (even though it's on the sofa),

I may not be getting 8 hours of sleep a night or taking naps like before, but I'm just happy that Smiley Boy is finally sleeping through the night!

How many of hours of sleep do you usually get?

Have you had sleep struggles with your kids?

Jelly Belly St. Patrick's Day Discount

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 03:26:00 +0000

Jelly Belly, the Original Gourmet Jelly Bean, is offering 10% off on everything in the Green category!

Use code GREEN to receive 10% off, valid through March 10, 2010

Jelly Belly is a Sage and Savvy affiliate.

Dr. Seuss Apps Price Drop in Honor of Dr. Seuss's Birthday

noreply@blogger.com (SageMom) — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 20:03:00 +0000

Oceanhouse Media is celebrating Dr. Seuss’s birthday and NEA’s Read Across America Day by dropping all Dr. Seuss iPhone/iPod Touch/iPad apps to $0.99 each for one day only, Tuesday, March 2, 2010.

We are excited to honor Theodor Geisel’s birthday in our own special way.

Oceanhouse Media has a license from Dr. Seuss Enterprises to bring the entire line of classic children’s books to the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad. So far we have published six eBooks, games and activity apps. All are available on Apple’s App Store. We began with an enormously successful launch of apps based on “How the Grinch Stole Christmas!” this past holiday season. Recently, we released “The Cat in the Hat” and “Dr. Seuss’s ABC” eBooks. Many more are coming soon.

For more information, visit www.oceanhousemedia.com/drseuss.

I received no monetary compensation for this post.