Zuvo Water Purator Review and Giveaway 8/26 - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Valancia!

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen by random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered and voted!

Clean water is so necessary for healthy lives and as a parent, I want only the best for my family to include myself.  When we moved to Georgia, the water tasted and smelled so bad that I couldn't drink it so I ventured down the road of bottled water.  Granted I understand that bottled water mostly comes from the same tap water but some places do osmosis and other processes to make it smell and taste better.  I worry about what's truly in the water since I don't know the origin of the source.  Given those concerns, when I first read about the Zuvo Water Purator, I contacted them about providing a review which they generously agreed to do with each of my mom panel of reviewers.

 

My Review:


I found the Zuvo Water Purator extremely easy to hook up.  I even made a video demonstration below and don't fault me as I did it in one shot and this is my very first video review!  Nevermind the camel statue (from one of my husband's deployment to Afghanistan) in the background and the mess in my office that you can see as I've never been a clean freak!   


Pro's:

• Easy to set up - remove from box, unpack, hook to faucet, plug in and turn on.  Very easy!
• Clean tasting water with no smell - I really liked the taste of it over the plain tap water.
• Fits easy on the counter or it can be assembled under the sink directly to the plumbing with the sink.
• Lights up to ensure it's working - this is very nice and the kids like the pretty blue light with swirling water that fills up the tank.  The blue light is actually the UV at work (see below for more information on the UV lighting).
• Versatile in that the pull or push of the knob, enables tap or filtered water - this will save you money on filters by having a choice.
• Saves you money as there is no longer a need to purchase water.
• Better for the planet with no more plastic garbage and packaging to dispose of.
• Two of my children have chronic medical conditions and although I'm not making any medical claims, I feel better giving them something I feel is better for them based on how the Zuvo works (see below).

Con's:

• It's a little noisy but nothing you can't live with as the benefits of clean water far exceed noise.  
• Costs of filter replacements but again, there is a monetary savings with no more water bottle purchases so it should equate to a pro with the long term savings.

This is a definite must for anyone who is worried about the water ingested and your own health.  I like this system better than my existing PUR water pitchers as it's at my disposal all the time and there is no more filling up pitchers.  

April's Review:


The system was easy to set up and use.  The cost savings is worth the cost of the Zuvo since there are no more purchases of store bought water needed.  The water tasted better than the bottle water we usually purchase and the idea of helping to eliminate trash is a bonus.

The part I liked about the Zuvo system is being able to install it under the counter to be out of sight.  It's light and compact while delivering such high quality tasting water.   It is costly and for someone on a fixed income, it would be a stretch to be able to afford it.   I recommend the Zuvo Water Purator if you are concerned about your drinking water as it's easy to install, easy to use and is a healthier alternative to tap water.  Being pregnant, I feel better about consuming water that has had the contaminates removed.  

Mary's Review:


Overall, I found the Zuvo filter system easy to use, convenient and helps to assure me that my grandkids have a healthy alternative to our tap water.  They loved the blue lighted cylinder and I think that helps to promote and encourage them to drink more water which is far better than soda.  


I was surprised at how easy it was to set up and install.  My husband, who is elderly, had no issues installing it and it went on in a breeze.  We don't have a lot of counter room but the cylinder is small enough that it doesn't really take up a lot of room.   If you don't have a lot of room, you might consider putting it under the counter.   The benefits of the system over the little amount of counter space it takes, exceeds that.  


Note:  I have one more review pending but due to a death in the family, it will be added at a later date.


How Zuvo Works:


The Zuvo has a five step patented process:

• Step 1:  Ozonation - the Zuvo mixes ozone with the incoming tap water to treat the taste and odor contaminants and improves taste.  Ozone leaves no chemical residue.
• Step 2: Ultraviolet Light - High intensity UV light floods the saturated ozone water that helps to clean.
• Step 3: Photo-Oxidation - The Zuvo combines UV and ozone in their patented process which releases powerful oxidizers.
• Step 4: Filtration with Lead Removal - Water is passed through a Class 1 Particulate Reduction Filter that reduces the chlorine taste, odor, lead and tiny particulates.
• Step 5: Post Filtration UV - The filtered water is exposed again to the UV light as it leaves the Zuvo Water Purator.

There are different models available depending on where you purchase it from.  Amazon has one model listed at $205 while they have another model at $289.99. 

Overall, we all recommend the Zuvo Water Purator and feel you will enjoy it too!  The cost of the system will pay off in the long term with the elimination of purchased bottled water, less garbage and a healthier feeling knowing the water has a process to filter out contaminants.

The Zuvo is available at many retailers and to find one, just click here.

The Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive their very own Zuvo Water Purator! 

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me one thing you like about the Zuvo.

Extra Entries (optional):

• Fan Zuvo on Facebook (two entries) and leave a comment on their wall you entered from Health, Beauty, Children & Family.
• Tell me something you learned about Zuvo (two entries).
• Follow me on Twitter (two entries)
• Fan me on Facebook (two entries)
• Subscribe to my blog (two entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway & leave your URL link (two entries - can be done daily)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)
• Vote for Angels4Epilepsy for a Pepsi Grant - (can be done daily - five entries)

Giveaway ends 8/26 at midnight - winner chosen by random.org

Thanks for entering and good luck!

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

Shaping our children is a task we learned from our own upbringing and those around us.  It's not an easy task but it can be a fun, rewarding and heartfelt one.  I remember telling my childless friends who were single how the love of a child is indescribable and can only be experienced by having one.  It's one where you fall in love but not the love you have for the opposite sex.  It's an intense love full of the most protective traits and innate feelings that aren't learned.  As I try to decide if the internet is good or bad due to the bombardment of what seems to be never ending bad news, I can't help but ponder it's weight.  I don't want to be an ostrich living in fear or of the unknown as I feel it's why our country, our world is where it is today.  Too many people shrug off the bad and keep surrounded by their own little world.  


I took this picture of one of my little ones today as my middle one tried to make her laugh.  It's these every day joys that I'm blessed with in realizing our time with our children is precious and must be embraced.  We shape their future and our actions are paramount to their lives.

When I look at my children, it breaks my heart to read the stories of other children abused, murdered and mistreated.  It's beside me how any person, especially a parent could act so viciously on someone so innocent, defenseless and pure.  My daughter told me of a case that it's in the news right now in Arizona where a mother fell asleep and woke up to discover her two year old son was gone.  They found his body and are investigating.  Nancy Grace and a slew of others are slamming this mother for falling asleep.  I don't know if she should be or not but it seems she's mourning and paying the price for that one moment she will question forever of "if only."  


I am over protective but I always say it just pads those moments where I hopefully won't ever say "if only."  


The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children is always looking for donations.  It's a great resource for protecting our children.  For more information, click here.

More Opportunities to Get $25 from Gilt: Flat Out Beautiful

Shop Guilt Free Every Week in August by purchasing select sales like Dress Up: Day and Night, Bohemian Chic Jewelry and Flat Out Beautiful.  Spend $125 and get $25!


Click here to find out more!

Wordless Wednesday: Corny

Only you can prevent cave fires....my future son-in-law at Ruby Falls.

Hurry Over to Gilt for a $25 Credit for Children

 

Hurry over to Gilt for a special $25 credit but you have to buy today!  They have a cute selection of items right now.

Shop Gilt Children, Get $25

Big news for your little ones, we're introducing a greater selection of apparel, toys, gear, furniture and so much more. More styles. More toys. More fun.

Offer only valid for Gilt Children sales on August 3, 2010 and August 4, 2010. $25 will be credited to your account on August 6 at 11:59 PM ET. Credit expires on August 20, 2010 at 11:59 PM ET. One credit per member while supplies last.

 

12 Choking Hazards to Avoid for Children

This was just posted on HealthCommunities.com and I had no idea that some of the items on the list were choking culprits like peanut butter!

August 3, 2010

Most choking incidents involve tots younger than age 3. But the danger still exists for children older than four, suggests a study published in the Archives of Otolaryngology: Head and Neck Surgery. Here's what you need to know to protect your youngster from choking.

Pirate's Booty: My Kids LOVE Them

This is my second post on Pirate's Booty snacks out of brand loyalty.  My kids absolutely love them and when the new auto shipment arrived as I order them from Amazon, they went crazy!   Pirate's Booty, Aged White Cheddar, 4-Ounce Bags (Pack of 12) is the one we received this time but we have tried the others and so far, there isn't one they don't like.   I am writing about them because it's a healthy alternative to other snacks.  If you don't know about Pirate's Booty, they are baked, all natural and are gluten and trans fat free!

  

They also come in a variety of sizes for your convenience but they have to be hidden by me because I can eat a whole bag without blinking!  They are delicious!  I purchased the school pack sizes and each one contains 65 calories and are made of corn meal and rice.  They don't have all those preservatives and additives so I feel much better about them eating them.


They are light, crunchy and have an addicting taste to them so be warned!  I think I'll send some over to my husband in Kuwait.  


The first time we tried them, Earth Fare had a display out to try and then we were hooked. I found that I can get them cheaper through Amazon via the auto ship program.   Here is a link to my other post when I was first introduced to them.


Here is their page and you can fan them on Facebook.

Flojos: Kick into Fun. Slip into Style Sandal Review and Giveaway 8/24 - CLOSED WINNER

CONGRATULATIONS TO....


jsc123


An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen via random.org


Thanks for entering!

Ever have a pair of shoes that makes you feel like you're walking on clouds?  I never had one feel so good until I slipped on my complimentary pair of Flojos and all I could think was "wow!"  The motto behind Flojos is kick into fun. Slip into style and that is the truth!    Flojos is the perfect summer flipflop that will leave your feet not aching and wanting more!  What's nice about Flojos is they are available for your whole family ... well, not your pet but everyone else to include your mother-in-law!  Us women have more choices but that's because we are fashionistas and deserve it!


There is a very nice selection to fit anyone's taste whether you want simply casual and functioning or hip and fashionable.

 

For the women, you can choose between Beach Scene, Seaside Chic, Island Style or Shoreline Casuals.  

 

Men can choose between Street Wear or Beach Wear and there are even cool selections for the kids!

I received the Blair which the description does state "take a walk on the clouds with the Blair."   It has a memory foam sock and soft manmade strap.  This was one of the most comfortable sandals I've ever worn.  There is nothing that hurts or causes blisters which most new shoes of this type will rub a blister between my toes when I first wear them.  They have a nice grip type feature on the bottom to avoid slipping since it's not smooth like other sandals.  It's a really nice, well made comfortable sandal for the warm weather. The top layer of memory sock/foam provides just the right softness to keep your feet feeling good!   I haven't taken mine off since I received them other than when I put on my tennis shoes.  

They are available in Black/Lavender, Brown/Violet or Charcoal/Turquoise in sizes 5 to 11 in womens.  They are priced at $31 but the comfort and quality makes this a great bargain!


I definitely recommend them based on the pair I received!


The Giveaway:


One reader will receive a pair too!


To Enter:


Follow my blog and tell me which pair you like the most from Flojos!


Bonus Entries (only after the first mandatory entry has been completed):

• Become a Fan of Flojos on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall you entered from Health, Beauty, Children and Family - two entries.
• Leave a comment on Flojos' Facebook site on which is your favorite sandal - two entries.
• Follow Flojos on Twitter - two entries - leave Twitter alias
• Subscribe to my blog - two entries
• Follow me on Twitter - two entries
• Fan me on Facebook - two entries
• Blog about this giveaway - five entries
• Tweet about this giveaway - two entries - can be done daily
• Always check main page for extra opportunities for more entries!

Giveaway ends 8/24 at midnight - winner chosen by random.org

US only please!

Want to know more about Flojos?  Click here to read more!

Disney Extends Free Shipping, Build-A-Bear & FashionPlaytes Savings

Disney Stores is extending FREE Shipping On Your Entire Shipment With Any Back-to-School Item at DisneyStore.com with Promo Code: SCHOOLSHIP. Shop Now! Don't miss it!

Build-A-Bear has a save up to 25% on select stuffed animals from Build-A-Bear Workshop®!

Fashion Playtes has a $10 off first purchase right now!

Tips for Getting Your Kids Ready to go Back to School

I have a bittersweet view of school and although I'm glad my children get to socialize and learn new things, I miss them while they are gone.  I never struggled with it for my oldest but I think it's because she was healthy and I worked full time out of the home.   Two of my children have medical conditions and so I worry about their health.  Home schooling is an option I'm embracing as it allows me to have the ability to safe guard them while teaching them the recommended curriculum as well as good values and morals.  TwitterMoms and HarperCollins have teamed up again to offer this great contest about your tips for getting your kids ready to go back to school and you can join in here.

  

This was an easy one for me as our routine has been the same regardless of the child.  It's always a ritual to prepare in the same manner to ensure their success each year.  Here are my tips:

1. Make sure all needed supplies are bought before the first day of school.  It's essential the children have their needed supplies as it's disruptive to the class when one isn't ready to begin.  Teachers seem to be burdened with purchasing more and more every year and while I'm purchasing all the things on the school lists, this helps my little ones have what they need for class.
2. I plan, purchase and prepare balanced meals that will not only give them the proper nutrition but also to keep them operating on a full tank.  A hungry child is one that will lose focus easily.
3. Proper rest is paramount to a successful year in school.  One week prior to the start of school, we return to our normal school routine of an early bedtime and wake up to make the transition smooth.
4. All needed clothes are purchases ahead of the first day of school.  A child well groomed is happier regardless of the age.  Kids can be cruel so ensuring they are wearing proper clothing will help with self-esteem.
5. We practice reading so the skill set is not lost.  Whether it's reading to them or them reading to me, the practice never hurts and only helps to ensure they are on the right track.

There are so many things to do to get kids ready for school that it continues on for the remainder of the year.  It's essential that parents partner up with the classroom and the PTO to assist wherever possible.  The success of a school is as good as the parents that support it.  Parents are a part of the equation and with everyone working together, children will have a much better chance at learning and succeeding.

Share your tips on what you do to get your kids ready for school whether it's at a school or if you home school.

Disclaimer:  I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms blogging program to be eligible to get a HarperCollins book set.  For more information on how you can participate, click here.  

GiftZip.com & Win a Wii Giveaway Extended to 8/9!

GiftZip.com extended the giveaway until Monday, August 9th!

GiftZip will be giving out a Nintendo Wii to one lucky winner & a $50 gift card to the blog or website that refers the winner we select!  

Submission deadline is August 9, 2010!


Eligibility

1. Must be a legal U.S. Resident
2. Up to 5 entries will be accepted per person
3. Entrants must follow the Submission Process, #4 of the submission process is required
4. There is no cost for submitting an entry

Submission Process

One entry will be awarded for each of the following:

1. "Like" GiftZip's Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/giftzip
2. Follow GiftZip on Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/GiftZip
3. Retweet the Giveaway. 
4. *Comment on the GiftZip Facebook Page, letting us know you're entering the Wii Giveaway and telling them you heard about the giveaway from http://youthfultips.blogspot.com (this is required in order for them to know that you intend to enter): http://www.facebook.com/giftzip
5. Go to http://www.giftzip.com, locate the shout box & drop them a line.  Click on the "contact us" at the bottom and then click on the "shout."

*Item 4 above is required

Claiming Your Prize 

GiftZip.com will announce the winner on Facebook + Twitter, as well as direct message the winner on both platforms to get shipping information.

Good luck!

Contest presented by GiftZip.com.

Vote for Jillyrh to Win a Treadmill: Voting Ends Tonight!

Want to help out a fellow mom and give her a chance to win a treadmill?  Vote for Jillyrh to win here.

YottaDeals.com is a Sham: Don't Buy From Them

I tried to work out a past purchase with Yotta Deals fairly back before my husband left for Kuwait with no luck. I tried to get the bank involved to get my money back with no luck.  I even contacted the NY BBB and still no luck.  I guess businesses are allowed to rip off consumers and the only recourse would be is to take them to small claims court over $100~.  I think it's sad that online businesses can rip off consumers with no recourse on their part.

My lesson learned:  Look online for complaints before I buy and spread the word that no one should ever by from

http://www.yottadeals.com/

DO NOT BUY FROM YOTTA DEALS!

$100 GC, 2 Kung Zhu & Many Accessories, Shrek DVD & Party Supplies Giveaway 8/31 - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO...


SUSAN J

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen by random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered and voted!

VOTING ENDS AT 6 PM (EST) - THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 6 PM (EST)

This is a special giveaway to help my seven year old daughter get votes for a Pepsi Grant in the amount of $5000 for her Angels4Epilepsy project.  Angels4Epilepsy is her project to help other children with epilepsy who are in the hospital.  We started it this year and delivered one set of over 20 bags to the local children's hospital that has a special ward for epileptic children.   The bags were filled with snacks and toys she bought with money she earned as well as from donations from Ficklets, Operation Sweet Dreams and Waussie Books which can all be found on her site at www.angels4epilepsy.blogspot.com.  I also posted today about the Pepsi grant if you would like to read more about it here.


Here is the prize pack for one winner:

• $100 GC to Your Choice (as long as they have online GC capabilities)
• 2 Kung Zhu Sgt. Serge Battle Hamsters
• 3 Battle Armor Packs
• 1 Kung Zhu Special Forces Giant Bridge Overpass
• 1 Kung Zhu Special Forces HQ
• 4 Special Forces Training Ground Packs
• Shrek the Third DVD
• 16 Piece Shrek Party Set - Invitations, Cups, Napkins, Large Poster & 8 3/4 Dinner Plates

*All items are not shown in pictures

 

  

To enter:


Click below and vote for her idea which will take you to the Pepsi website.  You will have to register unless you link in with Facebook.   Voting is every day until 8/31.  After you vote, complete the form embedded below with your e-mail address and the date you voted.


To make it easier for each entrant, I have set up a Google document that allows you to enter your e-mail and date once per day but it counts as three entries.  Come back daily to vote!


Extra Entries:


You can get five extra entries for blogging about this giveaway and tweeting (worth two entries per day).  Just leave your url and e-mail and it will count for the number of bonus entries.


Just added:  You can also get five extra entries for voting for Healthy Habits by clicking here and/or texting 100214 to 73774 (Pepsi) each day.


VOTING ENDS AT 11:45 PM (EST) - THIS GIVEAWAY ENDS AT 11:45 PM (EST)


Open to US & Canada - winner will be chosen by random.org


Instructions:


Step 1:


Click the Vote for this Idea in the gray box and another window will open.  Register or use Facebook and click "Vote for this Idea."  You should receive a "thank you" when the vote is registered.  You MUST vote on the Pepsi Refresh project for your entry to be counted.

Step 2:

Complete the form below to be entered into the giveaway and don't forget to hit "submit."

Tiny Prints and Free Teacher Cards & More

 

Global Influence and Tiny Prints have a new contest and I couldn't wait to join up!  It's all about teachers and one that came to mind that I think is amazing is one my daughter had.  Her name is Mrs. Howlett and she's a kindergarten teacher that has a great understanding and compassion for her kids.  She's tough when she needs to be but has a very innate motherly quality about her that shines through.  This teacher was a tremendous support to myself and my daughter who started school with a new medical condition of epilepsy.  We had many barriers to climb over but this teacher was there and helpful with every one of them to include her paraprofessional, Mrs. Blount.  The two were outstanding!

Tiny Prints is offering teachers a chance to send each student a personalized greeting card for free!  They can use the cards for the choice of reasons whether it's celebrating something or sending a quick message to the parents .. it's their choice and starting Monday,  August 2nd through October 31, 2010, the program is available here.  Use code Apple2010 when checking out.


There will also be a Twitter party this Wednesday from 4 to 5 pm EST.  Join and participate in the Tiny Prints Teacher Greeting Card Twitter Party with the tag #makeitpersonal!




*Disclaimer:  I am trying to win a gift card in conjunction with spreading the word on this great program honoring teachers!