Crane Hello Kitty Humidifier Giveaway 1/20 ($49.99 Value) - US Only

Crane's motto is Design for Better Living and that sums up the products available from Crane.  If you are about as old as I am, you remember those older, plain looking humidifiers that were purely functional and had no kid appeal or decorative appeal.  Crave has products that are not only functional, they are perfect for so many  decors.  I can honestly admit that I've been a Crane customer for years.  Given my children's chronic medical conditions, I'm right there on the whatever I can do to offset colds.  A humidifier is one of my first defenses once a cold hits and I'm thinking of running one now because the air is so dry lately which I don't know why I'm only thinking of it now!

 

Crane has a host of products ranging from humidifiers to air purifiers to germ defense humidifiers and purifiers to heaters and fans. I have not tried any of the other products other than humidifiers.  We currently have the Dragon Adorable Humidifier and have had it for a few years.  My oldest has the Hello Kitty Humidifier for her baby.   We will be reviewing the Hello Kitty Humidifier but I wanted to give one of my readers the giveaway first as I know you will love it!


Why I like the Crane Humidifiers:

• Increases air moisture which helps for easier breathing
• Helps to relieve colds, cough and flu symptoms to include nose bleeds, dry skin and more.
• The one gallon tank will operate for 24 hours so no worries for having to refill it through the night.
• Mists provides up to 2.1 gallons of moisture per day.
• Provides moisture to a room up to 250 square feet which is ideal for a bedroom.
• Includes a night light function on many of the models.
• Auto shut off safety sensor.
• Energy efficient as it uses less energy than a standard light bulb.
• Does not require a filter so you save money.

Stay tuned for my review but again, I can tell you from the Red Dragon Humidifier, it works great and I've had it for a few years.  It's nice to have more than one especially when you have more than one child.

Don't forget to enter the Crane USA Facebook Name that Toon contest!


Don't forget to enter my other giveaways!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclaimer:  I will receive a Crane Hello Kitty Humidifier in exchange for this review and giveaway.  The opinions are my own and were not influenced by the opportunity.

Intimina by Lelo: Women's Intimate Care via Kegel Exercises Giveway 1/18

I remember talking to an older woman not too long ago complain about urinary incontinence.  I know about that subject as I used to work at a pharmaceutical company that was working on a drug for that condition that prevents women from doing many activities and can be quite frankly, embarrassing.  One thing that comes to mind about urinary incontinence is the cause behind it. I may not know conclusively what that is but I do know that giving birth causes the weakening of the muscles that causes urine leakage.  I've read repeatedly about the benefits of Kegel exercises to help build up the muscles or prevent them from weakening.  I think it was always in the pregnancy literature I read.  For women who have those concerns, you can now purchase the Laselle Kegel Exerciser to help ensure you are doing it correctly.
  Intimina by Lelo has introduced a product line just for women to help with their intimate health.  Whether it's the Kegel Exerciser or the Feminine Moisturizer required for the exerciser, they have products made for women.  The Laselle Kegel Exercisers are small and discreet and offer an easy and effective way of strengthening the muscles of the pelvic floor.  You can wear it discreetly inside during daily activities.  They provide the private workout by helping you to locate your pc muscles while providing a solid object for you to flex around.  Within each of the Exercisers is a small weight that responds to your body's movement causing gentle kinetic vibrations to help prompt pelvic floor muscles to contract and relax as you walk around.  As you progress through the exercises, you can increase the weight of the ball.

The Exercisers are FDA approved and made of phthalate-free silicone and ABS making them safe for the body per the Intimina site.  There is a leash for easy removal.


The Giveaway:


One reader will win a Laselle Kegel Exerciser and Feminine Moisturizer.


To Enter:


Please use the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway *Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post or giveaway.

Why Purple?

Ever wonder why I use purple for my blog?  I only mention it because I was reading a comment about the dark colors for my blog so I thought I would explain.  I have two children with chronic medical conditions. One almost died when she was a little over a year from an unknown pulmonary condition in which she takes two medications twice a day.  The other one, who is eight, was diagnosed two weeks before my now four year old with Benign Rolandic Epilepsy or BRE as it's called.  Purple is the official color for epilepsy awareness and it's the reason I chose it for my blog.


At the very top of my blog is a woman with a purple ribbon again acknowledging epilepsy.  My daughter will most likely outgrow this type of epilepsy which I'm praying it is so.  We started a non-profit to help bring awareness to epilepsy as well as to deliver gift bags to children hospitalized at various times throughout the year.  Epilepsy is very important to me as through our journey with it over the last three years, I have met some pretty incredible people.  One of our volunteers, Stacey, is a prime example of inspiration.  Stacey has epilepsy and not too long ago, had brain surgery as a last resort to get her seizures under control.  She is an amazing young lady and continues to encourage my involvement with the epilepsy community.  There are so many others that it would take a long time to complete this post.






I just wanted to write a little about the inspiration between my blog colors and perhaps bring some awareness to epilepsy.  Epilepsy can be a devastating diagnosis and what many don't realize, there is no cure and epilepsy does kill.  Whatever your passion is, for 2012, make a difference even if it's just writing a post, sending out a tweet, voting on some social contest to raise funds or whatever.  Bring awareness as it can be easy and it can be free.  


Happy 2012!

Few Hours to Win Camcorder, iTunes & More Prize Pack

Are you ready for the holiday season?  From family get togethers to office parties to neighbors and friends getting together for the yule tide celebrations, there will be a lot of eating and drinking.  This is where Pepto-Bismol comes in to play.  Turducken and shrimp and chocolate, oh my!  With more than 46 million holiday parties planned this season, discomfort related to overindulgence of food and drink can become the unwanted gift that just keeps on giving.  Pepto-Bismol is teaming up with a holiday Elf to encourage people to enjoy their favorite holiday treats knowing that Pepto has them covered. 


I have been fortunate and not had to endure any over indulgence or stomach issues in some time but I do vividly remember Pepto-Bismol coming to the rescue.  Pepto-Bismol, in addition to national TV commercials, will have the Elf featured in a series of funny web videos being released throughout the holiday season.  The first of the web videos, can be seen here: http://bit.ly/ytpb.   


As you will see, the straight talking Elf is not shy about sharing his wisdom on all your favorite holiday indulgences!  

 

As part of the celebrations, Pepto-Bismol is going to give one of my readers this really nice Pepto Party Pack that I have to admit, I'm slightly jealous ...okay, I'm very jealous!  It's a great party pack and I cannot wait to be able to award this to one of you!  Here is what you will get to not only help you through the holidays but all year round.

·        Preparing for the Celebration: Crate and Barrel Tripoli Server (value $49.95)
·        Enjoying the Celebration: iPod shuffle with iTunes gift card (value $75.00)
·        Recording the Celebration: Toshibo Pocket camcorder (value $119.99)
·        Saving the Celebration (if needed!): Pepto-Bismol*use as directed


Click here to enter!

Have a Safe & Happy New Year

As today is the last day to an eventful year, I wish all my readers, friends and family a safe and happy celebration ringing in 2012!  I hope everyone is blessed with good fortune, health and an even better year than last.  If you suffered misfortune in 2011, January 1st starts the clock ticking for a brand new chapter in our wonderful book we have of life.


Happy New Year!

What is Personal Branding Review by Jim Kukral and Murray Newlands

Are you interested in personal branding?  Do you know and understand how important a brand is let alone personal branding?  If not, this is the book for you.  It's an easy to read book based on two authors, Jim F. Kukral and Murray Newlands, that provides valuable insights into personal branding.  It not only tells you what it is but gives numerous examples on how to achieve it.  It's full of examples on how best to approach the idea as well as how to effectively get yourself out there. 


It's a great book for job seekers, small business owners and others that are interested in getting their product or themselves out in the public eye.  The authors cut to the core of how to do this and with examples to reinforce engaging your audience and solving problems, it's the perfect set up in creating success.  It discusses the social media craze that's sweeping the world as well as the offline relationships you have.  This would be a good book for anyone especially that has an online presence.  



*Disclosure:  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Alexa Blog Hop

EVERY WONDER WHY YOUR BLOG ISN"T RANKING LIKE OTHERS?

Make Your Rank Lower With our 4 day Alexa blog hop hosted by Mom Blog Society, Mom Does Reviews..

• Alexa ratings are based on how many people, with the Alexa Toolbar installed, (it takes less than 5 minutes to get it installed) visit your blog, how much time they spend there and how many pages they look at while there. The more the better.
• If you're looking for advertising sponsors on your blog, chances are they are going to look up your Alexa rating. The lower the better.
• One of the NUMBER 1 things to get your Alexa rank down is ALEXA REVIEWS.
• Follow Them either via GFC, FB, or Twitter.
• Leave them a COMMENT SO THEY CAN RETURN THE FAVOR TO YOU!

1. If you can't do all of the the linkup, do a few.
2. Let them know with a comment!
3. Spend a few minutes on the blog
4. View some pages on their blog
5. Click the stars or notepad in your Alexa toolbar and leave them a review.
6. They will return the favor.

NOTE: It typically takes members 2 weeks to finish this hop. It can't all be done in a day!

After Christmas Cash Giveaway 1/8

I am so glad that Christmas is over but so sad to be so broke! Debbie Does Coupons and 23 fantastic bloggers got together and decided to offer up some cash to refill your pockets after Christmas. There will be (2) winners of this giveaway. (1) will win $180 cash, payable by Paypal and (1) will win $60 cash payable by Paypal.

You must be 18 years old or older to enter and have a valid Paypal account. Winners will be chosen within 48 hours of the end of this giveaway and contacted via email. Winners will have 48 hours to respond with their Paypal email address or a new winner will be picked if there is no response.

Enter to win by filling out the rafflecopter below. The more entries you do, the more chances you have to win!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Perfect Snack: Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches #CBias #TysonGoodness

My kids seem to be always hungry and being both girls, I'm surprised as I always heard that is how boys are.  They are regular eating machines and regularly snack.  My eight year old has epilepsy so eating and drinking are vital to help offset seizures.  For this reason, I like to be able to have something quick to make either through the afternoon or evening.  This is where I just found out about Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.  We are regular buyers of the various Tyson products as it's my favorite brand of chicken and in fact, it's the only brand I ever purchase due to the quality, variety and price.  

The girls like small sandwiches as they are easier to hold and probably easier to eat than an adult sized sandwich.  Since they both like chicken and sandwiches, it was ideal.  My youngest wanted to make her own.  She helped with getting them on the plate to microwave.  I'm a sometimes lazy parent and use paper plates so this was an easy task!  After popping in the microwave for 55 seconds, they were done.  She likes spreading the Miracle Whip on her sandwiches so this was something she enjoyed doing.  She very carefully spread a thin layer on her sandwich and then devoured it.  My oldest wasn't as big on the idea because for a change, she wasn't hungry but I could tell she was interested!


I had to venture out a little further than normal as not all Walmarts carry Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.   Here is a store locator to see if your local Walmart has them.

Here is a great Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwich offer available at Walmart when you purchase two Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.  You will get a $5 Walmart Gift Card! 


Check out my update on Google+ too!






*Disclosure:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias #TysonGoodness

Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches Perfect for Afternoon Snack #TysonGoodness #CBias

My kids seem to be always hungry and being both girls, I'm surprised as I always heard that is how boys are.  They are regular eating machines and regularly snack.  My eight year old has epilepsy so eating and drinking are vital to help offset seizures.  For this reason, I like to be able to have something quick to make either through the afternoon or evening.  This is where I just found out about Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.  We are regular buyers of the various Tyson products as it's my favorite brand of chicken and in fact, it's the only brand I ever purchase due to the quality, variety and price.  






The girls like small sandwiches as they are easier to hold and probably easier to eat than an adult sized sandwich.  Since they both like chicken and sandwiches, it was ideal.  My youngest wanted to make her own.  She helped with getting them on the plate to microwave.  I'm a sometimes lazy parent and use paper plates so this was an easy task!  After popping in the microwave for 55 seconds, they were done.  She likes spreading the Miracle Whip on her sandwiches so this was something she enjoyed doing.  She very carefully spread a thin layer on her sandwich and then devoured it.  My oldest wasn't as big on the idea because for a change, she wasn't hungry but I could tell she was interested!


I had to venture out a little further than normal as not all Walmarts carry Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.   Here is a store locator to see if your local Walmart has them.

Here is a great Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwich offer available at Walmart when you purchase two Tyson Mini Chicken Sandwiches.  You will get a $5 Walmart Gift Card! 










*Disclosure:  This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias. #CBias #TysonGoodness

Getting in Shape with HOTPANTS Review

The new year is approaching and are you ready?  I started out my pre-New Year's Resolution back in October and to date, lost 16 pounds!  I did most of it via counting calories and exercising.  When I did exercise, I tried out the new HOTPANTS.  Straight across the ocean from London, the latest exercise wear sensation are comfortable designed sports shorts that contain bio-ceramic technology.  What does that mean?  They emit far infrared rays and reflects back the heat naturally generated by the body to deliver warming up of tissue deep below the skin's surface.

These bio-ceramics emit far-infrared rays that promote deeper warming of tissue and a breakdown of fat cells.  This leads to higher levels of perspiration which promotes a "flushing out" of toxins and edemas that contribute to the appearance of cellulite.  They are not restrictive like many other types of exercise gear and are very comfortable.  They can be worn over clothing or under clothing so they are perfect to wear all day especially if you are SAHM.  I can definitely vouch that they work and that after wearing them, my skin was wet from perspiration.  It's not a great feeling but losing those pounds certainly is!  I can't say that they did work conclusively as I did incorporate a regiment of calorie counting and exercising but I can say that it didn't hurt!  I felt better wearing them knowing that there was an increase in heat being generated.

Perspiration is good as it does in fact release toxins in the body so that was a big draw for me.  I recommend HOTPANTS if you want to start getting healthier!  


Follow HOTPANTS on Facebook and Twitter.




I was offered the chance to review Zaggora HotPants through Mom Bloggers Club and received the HotPants for my review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% mine and I do not guarantee the same results.

Zarbees: Treating Colds and Coughs Naturally

If you are like me, you don't know really where to turn when your child gets a cough or a cold due to the all the information from the FDA and the recalls.  It's scary business and when it comes to children, you don't want to take a chance.  Every year, hundreds of children are either poisoned or die due to over the counter cough and cold medications.  Due to changes with labeling, most if not all medications have a warning not to give to a child under the age of four.  This makes it difficult if you are the parent of one of those children under the age of four.

My now four year old was one of those coupled with the fact that she has an unknown pulmonary issue that almost led to her death when she was a little over one, it's hard finding something to treat her that is safe for her.  This is why I like all natural medications such as Zarbees.  It contains no Dextromethorphan or other drugs and only has all-natural, gluten-free remedies.  No alcohol or dyes which I also prefer.  Since I just learned of Zarbees, I will have to give them a try the next time one of my children comes down with a cough or cold.

About Zarbee’s:

The fastest-growing children's cough and cold brand in the country, Zarbee’s is proven safe and effective for children 12 months of age and older. Developed by Dr. Zak Zarbock, one of the country’s top pediatricians, Zarbee’s products—a children’s cough syrup with a special blend of honeys fortified with immune-boosting vitamins that is also safe for women who are pregnant or nursing and a nighttime drink that soothes coughs and promotes healthy sleep—are recommended by more than 40,000 pediatricians nationwide. Zarbee’s products are all natural and gluten free, contain no drugs, alcohol and dyes, have no side effects and carry no risk of overdose.  Zarbee’s All-Natural Children’s Cough Syrup and Zarbee’s Nighttime Cough & Sleep Drink each retail for a suggested $8.99 and may be purchased at Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, Kmart, Kroger, Winn Dixie, Albertsons and Meijer stores nationwide as well as on www.zarbees.com. For more information, visit www.zarbees.com.

*Disclaimer:  I received no compensation for this post.

Crane USA Facebook NAME THAT TOON Contest

Want to have some fun?  How about having your likeness next to a Crane Humidifier in an Adorable Land cartoon short that will be posted on the Crane USA Facebook page and website in 2012?  sounds like fun doesn't it?  You can enter the Crave USA Facebook Name That Toon contest!  Check it out on Crane USA Facebook here.

You can see all the details in this YouTube video here.

The winner will receive:

• Animated likeness of the winner next to their Humidifier, along with all the winners, in the final Adorable Land cartoon short which will be posted on Crane USA Facebook and website in 2012.
• A complimentary humidifier
• A custom made tee-shirt with the animated humidifier along with the winner’s first name.
• The winning humidifier name will be included in Crane’s 2012 packaging.

Perricone MD Giveaway ($150 Item or Less) 1/11 (US Only)

Are you fighting aging as much as I am?  I do not like it and I try to take care of my skin.  I wished I had known how important it was to pamper my skin when I was younger and I express that to my oldest who is 23.  She shrugs me off probably as I would have my own mother but nonetheless, I can always quip, "I told you so!"  Well, I might not say it so mean rather more sympathetic.  One of the places I have turned to in the past and still do is Perricone MD.  I have purchased products in the past but I was able to try out a complimentary product recently and love it.  There is another product that I want to try to reduce the appearances of creases in my forehead and neck area.  

Acyl Glutathione cream has over 100 wonderful reviews.  You can even watch actual customer reviews.  It reports that it dramatically reduces the appearance of creases, improves papery-thin skin texture and restores the natural radiance of youthful skin.  If you are a bit older like I am, you might remember those mornings waking up with glowing skin in your younger days and I long for that.  This sounds like the perfect product!  I have not tried it but based on the reviews I have read, it is something I would try.  


Perricone MD has a variety of products to help gain a healthy life to include skin care products and supplements.  What I also like about Perricone MD is how Dr. Perricone reaches out to his customers and provides useful information in achieving what we may want in our health and skin care. I love the interactions and for that, I was originally drawn to the Perricone MD line of products.  This is why I'm excited to share another giveaway to my readers of one product $150 or less!


To enter, please use the rafflecopter form below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway




*Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary product in exchange for this giveaway but I have been a long time Perricone MD customer.

Guilty Pleasures of Re-watching Movies

Do you have those movies that you watch over and over again?  Are they movies you watch a certain time of the year like It's a Wonderful Life?   I have a set for different times and I've become a huge fan of movies adapted from Jane Austen novels.  One of my favorites is not an adaptation rather an compilation of what could have happened when Jane met Tom Lefroy called Becoming Jane.  Perhaps it's because I think James McAvoy is not too bad looking helps to enhance the story but Anne Hathaway does a great job playing Jane.  I also have been taken with the Kiera Knightly version of Pride and Prejudice, Emma Thompson's Sense and Sensibility and Persuasion.  I also enjoy Young Victoria and think that Emily Blunt did an amazing job playing Queen Victoria and Rupert Friend plays Albert.  It's a great love story.


At Christmas, I enjoy The Family Stone which is a good comedy with Sarah Jessica Parker and her bad experiences one Christmas at the man who is about to propose.  I also like watching the Winona Ryder version of Little Women.  There are a couple of others but I cannot remember.  I was disappointed as Time Warner didn't show It's a Wonderful Life unless I missed it somehow.  Why I don't have the movie is beyond me!  Luckily, I have all those old Christmas cartoon classics that my oldest despises compliments of Warner Brothers.


What's your guilty pleasures when it comes to movies that you watch over and over again?