New Purex Complete Crystals Softener Review

Photo courtesy of EverythingChanges.com

I despise doing laundry and I can't imagine anyone enjoying it other than someone who gets paid to do it.  I want the easiest way to do the dirty task without much effort.  As part of the Purex Insider program, I was lucky to be able to try out the new Purex Complete Crystals Softener that is new and innovative.  I do have a washer that allows me to put in the detergent and softener at the same time so I never have to worry about forgetting that step but many people don't have that luxury which is where Purex's new product is a definite bonus.

Here are some facts you may not be aware of when it comes to fabric softeners:

1. Almost all traditional liquid fabric softeners are oil-based which means they work by coating your fabric in oil.
2. Over time, this oil builds up on your clothes allowing dirt and other debris to stick to the fabric thus decreasing the life of your fabrics.
3. The same oily residue also interferes with the absorbency of fabrics such as towels.
4. Oily residue can also interfere with the flame retardent process of our children's clothing making it less effective.
5. Oily residue also interferes with the sportwear's wicking fabrics that are designed to draw moisture and perspiration away from the body.

Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are 92% natural, not oil based, so they work by penetrating the fabric and infusing fibers with freshness that lasts for weeks.  It's also the first major fabric softener that is 100% safe to use on children's sleepwear that doesn't impair the flame retardant qualities and it also does not interfere with the wicking fabrics.

I found the Purex Complete Crystals Softeners easy to use and liked how you can just pour them into the wash with the clothes at the beginning of the cycle.  The product design is also visually pleasing and although I know it doesn't make a product better, I still like a well packaged design.  The fragrance is nice and not overpowering and I like to be able to still smell the fragrance on the clothes after they are ready to wear.  It also just takes a small amount per load.  

They are available in three scents:

• Fresh Spring Waters
• Lavender Blossom
• Tropical Splash

Overall, I liked it and it's becoming the replacement to my old fabric softener due to the natural qualities and not being oil based.

Check out Purex for more product information, tips and promotional opportunities here.

*Disclaimer:  I'm a member of the Purex Insiders and I received a sample for the purposes of this review.  My involvement does not impact my honest opinion of the product.

Readers Decide: $50 Hasbro or $50 Staples Gift Card Giveaway

I have two gift cards valued at $50 that I received from SocialMoms for blog posts.  I thought it would be a nice Happy New Year gift so I figured I'd ask my readers which one they would like me to post:

$50 Hasbro
$50 Staples

Thanks and Happy New Year!

Cinch! by Cynthia Sass Book Review

It's the new year and with that comes all the people wanting to lose weight including myself.  This year, I've resolved not to just lose weight but to get healthy.  I realized that it's a state of mind and an alteration of habits to promote a lifetime of healthy eating.  Fad diets are a course to losing weight while being miserable whereas changing a lifestyle is an all around great way to feeling better, having more energy and hopefully living longer.  As part of my membership with the One2One Network, I received a complimentary copy of Cynthia Sass' new book titled Cinch!: Conquer Cravings, Drop Pounds, and Lose Inches.  

Cynthia is the coauthor of the successful Flat Belly Diet and has researched further into newer ways to become even more effective in the pursuit of getting healthier.  The book features the "why" of what each component of the diet backed by research that lends credibility to the approach which I like.  It's also full of recipes that makes following the plan much easier than someone telling you which food groups are permissible and which are not.


Cynthia also promotes organic foods and provides the research to back why it's better.  She also provides  tips on how to eat organic without busting the bank account and includes a resource of many other questions that are not exclusively to the Cinch diet plan.  She covers all aspects of getting healthier from choosing the right food, how the foods work together to maximize results, the importance of exercise and getting in the right mental state to be successful.  She clearly understands that getting healthy is an all around evolution to past, bad habits.


I definitely recommend the book to get a good idea on how important food is to your body and if you are struggling to lose weight, the concept is great with the start of a 5-day, 5-food fast forward phase full of good healthy foods.  The plan offers up to a seven pound weight loss in the first five days and 15 pounds in 30 days.


Want more Cynthia, check out these links:

• Click here for more tips and informative reading
• Follow Cynthia on Twitter
• Like her on Facebook
• Click here for her site

You can pre-order at any of the sites below:

• Amazon Pre-Order: http://amzn.to/o2oCinch
• Barnes & Noble Pre-Order: http://bit.ly/CinchBN
• Borders Pre-Order: http://bit.ly/CinchBrdrs
• IndieBound: http://bit.ly/CinchIndie

I was provided a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for this review.

Bejool Tiffany Inspired Floating Heart Jewelry Review & Giveaway 1/18: WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....

michtuck said...

I follow via gfc and am a member of their newsletter.
michedt (at) gmail (dotcom)

An e-mail has been sent and she has responded.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Watch for great deals from Bejool!

Have you tried out any of the sample sites yet?  I have and I love them and have been waiting for one that promotes jewelry.  Bejool offers "spectacular jewelry incredible prices" with a daily offering of some amazing designer jewelry at great prices.  Although Bejool has not launched yet, they are coming very soon this month.  You can sign up to win one of three beautiful pieces of jewelry in which winners will be randomly selected and announced no later than January 15, 2011.

I received a beautiful Tiffany inspired floating heart necklace for review.  It was lightweight which I prefer as I don't like heavy necklaces and I love silver.  Silver is a great choice because it resembles platinum or white gold and no one will know the difference.  You never have to worry about it tarnishing or fading like some yellow gold does.  Overall, I like it and will definitely check out Bejool once they launch.

The Giveaway:

One lucky winner will receive their very own Tiffany Inspired Floating Heart necklace.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and sign up for the Bejool newsletter here.

Extra Entries:

• Like Bejool on Facebook
• Follow Bejool on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet this giveaway (can be done daily - two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 1/18 (just in time for Valentine's Day) at midnight (EST).  US only please.




*Disclaimer:  I received product in exchange for my review.

Blogmania Beautify Your Blog Contest 1/1 - 1/31

Have you hit the gym yet?! Well there is NO NEED! Besides who really cares about shedding 5 pounds or even 10 pounds? What we all really care about is looking good and feeling better in general!  Well BlogMania and Infusion Design Studios wants to help you do just that! We Want to Beautify your Blog for the New Year! Consider it a gift from me to you.  This gift requires a little challenge thought, and I'm pretty sure it's the PERFECT challenge for YOU! Yes, YOU!

Here is what we are asking YOU to do!

Starting TODAY, January 1st, at 9 am EST - January 14th at 11:59 am EST

YOU get to nominate a blog that you believe deserves and needs a makeover!

Maybe that blog is YOURS or MAYBE it isn't! We will have to wait and find out!

NOMINATE A BLOG HERE!

Please take the time to submit this form for your nomination.

What's up for grabs you might ask?

3 Ultimate Custom Blog Makeovers (WP or Blogger)

(Disclaimer: This does not include istock images/design kits.)

Who can Win?

1 Dream Team Winner

2 Winners from ANYWHERE

and there may be more, but you will just have to wait and see!

NOMINATE A BLOG HERE!

You are allowed to vote once per day!

On January 17th thru the 28th you can cast your votes for the Top 10 Finalist with Winners being announced on the 31st!  There are several promotions going on throughout the entire month of January (view calendars for details), and to get you name on the list you better act quick!

Any Questions or Concerns? Want to know more about BlogMania or about Joining the Team for 2011?! Email me at Jes.InfusionDesign@gmail.com (preferred contact)

P&G & Walmart Family Movie Night: Change of Plans

I love family movie night and we take it a step further and call it family fun night as we have a movie but we also include making dinner or something else to add to a fun filled night.  I love that P&G and Walmart are promoting family movie night and are getting ready to introduce their fourth installment of their Family Movie Night with Change of Plans on January 8th (8/7c on Fox).

It's a touching story of how lives can change with a simple phone call.  The lead character, Sally Danville played by Brooke White from American Idol, learns her best friend was tragically killed and now her and her husband find out they are the new caretakers for the four children left behind.  It follows the trials and tribulations of a childless married couple adjusting to a full house.  I enjoyed seeing Phylicia Rashad play the social worker helping to make the transition.

It's a good family movie in spite of the death of parents that some children might not like but the overall theme overshadows the mission of the movie.  I like that they incorporated prayers and the mentioning of God within the movie.  Kids love watching other kids and each character provides a great inclusion into the entire dynamics of the family.

Check out the trailer here:

Blogmania Beautify Your Blog Contest 1/1 - 1/31

Who cares about shedding 5 pounds what about just looking better in general! Want to Beautify your Blog, but don't have the time or money to spend?! Well I have the PERFECT challenge for YOU! Yes, YOU!

More Info: http://infusiondesignstudios.com

What's up for grabs you might ask?

3 Ultimate Custom Blog Makeovers (WP or Blogger)

(Disclaimer: This does not include istock images/design kits.)

Who can Win?

1 Dream Team Winner

2 Winners from ANYWHERE

and there may be more, but you will just have to wait and see!

IMPORTANT DATES:

From January 1st thru January 14th:

Fill out a form (provided January 1st) to nominate YOUR blog or someone else's blog for a complete Makeover! You are allowed to vote once per day!

On January 17th thru January 28th :

Cast Your Votes for the Top 10 Finalist. You are allowed to vote once per day!

On January 31st:

The Winner's will be announced!

There are also many promotions going on throughout the month. (see calendar below)

Promotion is ONLY for the date listed on the Calendar!

Wall Art and Decor at AllModern.com (Part of CSN Stores)

I managed to take down most of the Christmas decorations but left the trees up as I was always told that it's bad luck to take them down before the new year.  After taking down everything, I noticed how bare my walls are and with getting ready to put the house on the dreary market, I realized how bad they need a make over.  I have had months of experience with CSN Stores given that they have over 200 online stores where you can find anything you need whether it be wall art and decor, fitness equipment, or even cute cookware!  It's really a great place to shop for hundreds of items.

I think the hardest part is figuring out what to purchase.  I have only one mirror and those really dress up a room's atmosphere with the right shape and size.  I also have quite a few pictures but I'm lacking a few in the dining room.  There are over 600 different types of mirrors to choose from but here are some of my favorites:

  

The nice thing is there are so many great ways to search for the perfect mirror whether it's by price, size, style, frame and more.


There are even wall stencils that would really dress up my grandchild's room.  The variety is endless and knowing that I can decorate an entire room from one store is a bonus for me.  I love to shop but I don't want to have to order items from many stores and prefer a one stop shop like All Modern.

 

*Disclaimer:  This post was written as a teaser to a gift card giveaway from CSN Stores.

Want More Followers OR Want to Win $1000?

Join the party and enter to win $1,000 cash starting on the 14th! All you have to do is follow others (see information at link).  Also, want more followers to your blog, FB page and/or Twitter?  How Sweet it Is will be an event from 1/14 until 2/14 that will secure more followers to your blog, FB or Twitter account or just two or all three.  You decide how you want to participate.

Followers will be drawn to your blog, your FB page and Twitter page in an effort to win $1000 and you win by increasing your followers.

Sign up today by clicking here to add your name to the linky list. 

Please include Health, Beauty, Children & Family in the Notes section in PayPal when you sign up.

PishPosh Mommy Stuff Carryall Review

Just because you are a mommy or mommy-to-be doesn't mean you can't be stylish.  When I was pregnant with my first child 22 year's ago, there wasn't much choice in being fashionable or stylish.  Times have changed and now moms can look haute and organized.  Nothing is worse than having to lug around all that baby and child gear and not being able to find what you need.  Now, PishPosh Mommy Stuff has the solution with this cute, fashionable PishPosh Carryall.

The PishPosh Carryall was designed by two women who were longed for the days when they could grab their purse and go.  The PishPosh Carryall allows you to keep all the items you need in one handy carryall and it's mobile.  This means you can put it in one bag and replace in another bag with ease.  What a great idea!

I received a complimentary sample and love it!  Both my younger children have chronic medical conditions that require carrying medication anywhere we go.  I still have to worry about diapers, wipes, etc so not having a purse over all these years has not been fun.  The pull-string functionality of the Carryall makes it even more convenient to grab and go.  The choices of patterns are also fun and vibrant.  There should be a choice for any personality.

 

The Carryall consists of seven pockets of varying sizes around the perimeter of the bag with a pull-string to close the inner pockets.  Within the inner pocket is a large pocket for diapers and wipes, two smaller pockets, one secure zippered pocket and two elastic pockets to hold bottles and cups.  This is great for my children and my new grandchild as she lives with me so having the functionality to carry all ages of items within my purse is wonderful.

The Carryall is made of soft, quality material and it looks very durable.  Since it's made of 100% cotton, I can wash it.  It's 10" wide x 10" tall x 5" deep thus fitting into a variety of purse sizes.  There are also matching diaper clutches available when you just need to take a quick trip to the store without having to tote everything.

 

You can purchase the Carryall here along with diaper clutches, PishPosh pads and bundle sets here.  Overall, I would recommend the PishPosh Carryall for any mom or mom-to-be as a gift.

Follow PishPosh Mommy Stuff on Facebook and on Twitter.

DYI Make Your Own Wine Labels

Every year, I like to give a bottle of wine to my parents and sister.  I used to purchase my labels until I found how easy they are to make.  It's an easy and somewhat inexpensive way to give a gift designed by you.  I used regular print sticker sheets and I downloaded an image from the net but any image can be used or you can use your digital cutter if you prefer.

After you select your wine, removing the label is easy.  Soak in hot water for about 10 minutes being careful to not let the label on the back get wet.  Some people like to read that part of the label.  I found after I scraped the label off with my finger nail, a SOS pad works perfect for removing the last sticky residue that remained.  Make sure you dry the bottle since the ink will bleed.

I use rhinestone/diamond stickers to add a final touch and it's all ready to give.

Save $150 on Alex Ready, Set, Go! Red Trike ($49.99)

Amazon has this great adjustable trike on sale for $49.99!  That's $150 off!  The Alex Ready, Set, Go! Red Trike is a three in one trike that grows with your child.  Tempting to buy for my new grand baby ...

Gossip Girl Complete Third Season DVD Giveaway (US/Canada) 1/5 $45.49 Value WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

jsc123 said...

I am following via Twitter as jlsc123.

jweezie43[at]gmail[dot]com

January 4, 2011 9:30 PM 

An e-mail has been sent.  This winner won because the first two randomly selected did not comply with the mandatory entry requirement of following my blog.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Here is an easy giveaway for those that like Gossip Girl.  The entire third season on DVD and perfect for Valentine's Day or any birthday coming up. 


To Enter:

Follow my blog and leave a comment

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (worth five entries)
• Tweet this giveaway (worth two entries - can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (worth five entries)

Giveaway ends 1/5 at midnight (EST) - Open to US & Canada

The Vampire Diaries Complete First Season DVD (US/Canada) Giveaway 1/5 $34.99 Value WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Elly said...

Entered Gossip Girl giveaway. #2

January 4, 2011 11:46 AM 

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond.

The first winner was disqualified because she did not follow my blog as part of the mandatory ONLY requirement for entering the giveaway.  

Thanks to all those who entered!

Product Details

• Actors: Nina Dobrev, Ian Somerhalder
• Format: AC-3, Box set, Color, Dolby, Dubbed, DVD, Subtitled, Widescreen, NTSC
• Subtitles: English, French, Spanish
• Region: Region 1 (U.S. and Canada only. Read more about DVD formats.)
• Aspect Ratio: 1.77:1
• Number of discs: 5
• Rated: Unrated
• Studio: Warner Home Video
• DVD Release Date: August 31, 2010
• Run Time: 935 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (119 customer reviews)
• 
  

Special Features

Into Mystic Falls: Bringing Vampire Lore and the High School Experience from Page to Screen
When Vampires Don’t Suck!: The Popularity of Vampires and the Fans Who Love Them
The Vampire Diaries: A New Breed of Vampires -- Casting the Series
The Vampire Diaries: Vampires 101 – The Rules of the Vampire
Creators/Director pilot commentary
Unaired scenes
The Vampire Diaries: A Darker Truth Webisodes
Second Bite: gag reel
Downloadable Audiobook of the Bestselling Novel The Vampire Diaries: The Awakening by L.J. Smith

The Giveaway:

The Vampire Diaries Complete First Season DVD ($34.99 Value)

To Enter:

Follow my blog and leave a comment

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like me on Facebook
• Blog about this giveaway (worth five entries)
• Tweet this giveaway (worth two entries - can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other giveaways (worth five entries)

Giveaway ends 1/5 at midnight (EST) - Open to US & Canada

Gift Idea: GetGlovd 100% Natural, Sustainable Bamboo Gloves

In an ever increasing demand for more eco friendly, green products, GetGlovd has introduced a new product that is constructed using 100% natural, sustainable bamboo.  What is even better, especially for those families with children with chronic medical conditions like mine, GetGlovd can protect you against viruses and bacteria.  Click here to learn more about versatile bamboo and how it's manufactured.

It's the new alternative to providing an effective defense against germs and bacteria, anywhere you travel.  These lightweight gloves, with a luxurious silky feel are fashionably designed in three sizes to comfortably fit men, women, and children.  GetGlovd can help guard you and your family from contact with flu viruses and harmful bacteria.  

You can’t always be near soap and water, and even frequent use of hand sanitizers can cause harmful bacteria to become immune to germ killing active ingredients in your body causing the skin to be more susceptible to spreading germs.  Click here to get more facts on hand sanitizer risks.

Conventional gloves may provide an invisible breeding ground for germs to linger. However, GetGlovd is designed using 100% mechanically processed, naturally anti-bacterial, anti-microbial bamboo yarn that checks the spread of contagion.          

They are also priced at $19.99 for men and women and $10.99 for children.  For a limited time, you can get free shipping to the continental US if you purchase two pairs.

GetGlovd can be purchased directly at www.getglovd.com.

 

Stay up to date and like GetGlovd on Facebook.

Follow GetGlovd on Twitter.

*Disclosure:  This post was written prior to receiving a complimentary sample.  I have not reviewed the product and the purpose of this post is to relay information on a new product.

Mamas & Papas Lightweight Stroller Collection Now Available in US

Mamas & Papas has created a fleet of lightweight strollers that are perfect for situations where flexibility is paramount.  As a parent to three children, we all know how important lightweight strollers are.  I wished I had one when we went to Disney last summer.   All Mamas & Papas lightweight strollers also feature an over-the-shoulder carrying strap for when the stroller is folded and in transit.  This is an amazing feature as even though mom's are amazing creatures in themselves, it's a definite asset.  My father always marveled at how moms can juggle so much in their attempts at carrying everything and this feature allows for even more flexibility.

With a culmination of 29 years experience in baby transport, and in-house design force that is second to none and unequivocal quality and style has evolved the new lightweight umbrella stroller range from Mamas & Papas - the chic new design-led baby brand from Great Britain.

• Trip – This stroller offers vented side panels and is the must-have getaway product. 
• Trek – Featuring a simple seat recline system, little ones have the option to nap while on the move.
• Tour – Increased seat padding and a deeper recline will ensure comfort during longer journeys
• Cruise – Perfect for everyday use, this stroller features a five-position recline, adjustable foot rest, easypeek canopy window and additional storage pockets. 
• Voyage – Features an integrated sun visor and sun canopy, quilted seat and removable toddler pillow and chest pads for extra comfort, this stroller is the highlight of the new Mamas & Papas lightweight stroller range.

 

Mamas & Papas is new to the U.S. baby gear with their lightweight stroller collection.  There are many other products offered in the US to include:  strollers, bouncers, high chairs and other nursery essentials. 

To see more, just click here and to purchase online, click here.

Like Mamas & Papas on Facebook and follow Mamas & Papas on Twitter.

*Disclosure:  This post was writtem for a chance to win one of five Mama & Papas strollers via Mom Bloggers Club.