Rubbermaid: Hidden Recycler

Rubbermaid is always coming out with ways to make our lives easier. One of their newest products is the Hidden Recycler. This is basically a bag that attaches to the inside of a cabinet door by using screws or simply using over the door hooks.

Recycling is really big in our house. We are teaching our daughter from a young age what she should put in the garbage and what she should recycle. But I am totally guilty of letting the recycling stack up on the counter and take up precious counter space until my husband carries it all out to the garage.

So I was really excited when I learned that I was going to get the chance to check out the Hidden Recycler from Rubbermaid. I keep my garbage can under the sink on one side of the cabinet, so I hung the recycler on the door of the other cabinet under the sink. Now all I have to do is rinse my recycling, let it dry, and toss it right in the bin.

Gourmet Gift Baskets Review and Giveaway

I have been a fan of Gourmet Gift Baskets for quite some time now. They have a basket for every occasion, for every person, for every interest and more. From the major holidays, like Christmas and Easter, to the every day birthday well wishes, get better baskets of cheer, or the simple gesture that you're thinking about someone... you can find a basket that will make the recipient smile. The baskets are filled with goodies and presented in such a way that you almost feel bad digging into them!

Well, I am very happy to tell you that in addition to their wonderful selection of baskets they also offer quite the variety of baked goods. I am a huge fan of everything sweet, so when given the opportunity ti sample the flavors of brownies that make up their Brownie Sampler I jumped right on board.

Within a matter of days a box arrived with six nice size brownies. And when I say nice size I mean that my husband, my daughter, and myself split one each night. They are pretty big! This sampler included one of each of the following flavors of brownies: Belgian Chocolate Chunk, White Chocolate Macadamia Blonde, Butterscotch Blonde, Cheesecake, Peanut Butter, and Walnut Fudge.

These brownies were very moist and incredibly delicious. They didn't last long in our house! I think my all time favorite from this selection was the Belgian Chocolate Chunk. It was just an explosion of chocolate from it's moist chocolatey center the the chocolate pieces on top. Yum! Each brownie was individually sealed for freshness.

I would highly recommend you check out Gourmet Gift Baskets for the wide selection of products, including their tasty baked goods!


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Guy and Eva Review and Giveaway

Guy and Eva is a high quality, fashionable jewelry company. But they make buying jewelry even more fun through their unique style of business.

Become a Style Advisor:
Guy and Eva offers some amazing opportunities to serve on their team as a style advisor. They have three different areas that would allow you to have the career you've dreamed off with flexibility. It also allows you to work from home! Take a look at their website for even more details.

Host a Guy and Eva Jewelry Party:
Invite all your girlfriends over and get your hands on the latest styles being offered by Guy and Eva. By being a hostess you can take advantage of some great freebies and incentives! It's fun and rewarding! Take a look at their website for more details on setting up your Guy and Eva party!

Shop:
Guy and Eva offers a fabulous selection of items in a wide range of prices. No matter your style you are bound to find something you can't live without!

Guy and Eva launched their new spring and summer collection on March 1st and it is full of fun and stylish pieces to complete your summer ensembles. They gave me the wonderful opportunity to browse the selection and pick a piece to check out in person. It took me quite some time to decide on which piece because they offer such a nice variety of styles and colors. I had a blast flipping through their catalog, and I finally decided on the Connor necklace.

I love the color combination in this piece. I imagine myself strutting the streets of a beach town on my way to a seafood dinner wearing this necklace. I wore this with an orange sweater and got tons of compliments. I think the colors make it stand out as an unusual piece.

My experience with Guy and Eva was a very positive one. The necklace arrived quickly and was safely wrapped up in a soft bag inside a beautiful lined box. The piece has a nice weight to it. It's not to heavy hanging around your neck, but it's a quality piece. I think this one is made to last and I look forward to getting lots of use out of it!

You can check Guy and Eva out online, follow them on facebook and twitter, and keep up with them and their products on tumblr and pinterest.

Since I love this piece so much I am thrilled to be able to offer the same necklace to one of my readers (a $39.00 value).

Happy Toy Machine Review and Giveaway

A couple of weeks ago I had the most unique opportunity. I had the chance to sit down at the computer with my daughter and build a friend on a website called Happy Toy Machine.

She was able to start by picking what type of friend she would like; bear, puppy, bunny, monster, are a few among the choices. Once she chose her critter (she picked a kitty cat) she then got to completely customize it. She picked the colors for the feet, legs, hands, stomach, head, tail.. the whole nine yards. She decided that she wanted to add wings and she wanted her name on the front. She even picked what kind of eye and the color of them. From head to toe this friend was completely created by her.

J3LL Watches Review and Giveaway

Does anyone else view their watch as an accessory? I love to mix up my watches to go with my outfits. I have my fancy watch for parties, weddings, holidays, those kind of events. Then I have several casual watches with different color faces, different kinds of bands, and different styles to help me mix it up with what I'm wearing. Well, recently I was introduced to this really cool site that offers an easy and cool way to mix up your watches.

J3LL let's your build your own watch by choosing the color and the type of watch face you would like. But then you can switch out the faces to mix and match and create a watch that matches your mood and style! I think this is so awesome. The watches are more of a casual style, but these jelly watches are perfect for summer!

The Popcorn Factory Love Ya Gift Giveaway

The Popcorn Factory is full of delicious treats that would be sure to make your loved one smile this Valentine's Day. From buckets of flavored popcorn to candy and sweets, there is something for everyone on your list.

The Popcorn Factory is making this Valentine's Day extra special with a limited edition Love Ya Gift! This popcorn heart comes with 4 foil wrapped chocolates and is only $4.99! It also comes with a special coupon for the recipient to receive 20% off their next order.

You can learn more about The Popcorn Factory and all it has to offer on their Facebook page. You should also check out this perfectly corny video!

3 Lucky Winners will receive a Love Ya Gift!

Cheryl's Valentines Day Hug Bug Gift! Giveaway

Valentine's Day is quickly approaching and Cheryl's is the place to go for sweet treats.They have an amazing selection of cookies, brownies, and more that you can send directly to the door of your loved one. And this Valentine's Day they have a treat that is too sweet to miss!

You can send a Hug Bug Greeting to someone special for only $5! This delicious cookie also comes with a $5 reward card. Check out this sweet deal today!

You can learn more about Cheryl's and all their great products on their website and on the facebook page! 

And THREE lucky winners will receive a Hug Bug Gift!

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City Grips Review and Giveaway

I first came across City Grips on twitter and when I read the little blurb about them in their profile I immediately headed over to their website to learn more. I sometimes feel like my stroller is another limb. I never leave home without it and I use it at almost every stop I make. Oh the places it has been.

It was these same experiences that prompted mompreneuer, Camie Gobtier, to take action. When Camie thought about the amount of sweat, dirt, and germs that were on the handle bar of her stroller she became hesitant to then handle her child. Imagine passing those germs to your child who them immediately puts their hands in their mouths.

As moms we take every step we can to protect our children. And now there is an easy and stylish way to help avoid the buildup and transfer of germs from our child's stroller. City Grips are handlebar grip covers that are easy to attach with the use of velcro. You quickly strap them on and start moving.  And the best part is that they are machine washable. So you can wash them as often as you would like and ease your mind of the worry about collecting germs and bacteria.

Purex Crystals and Jockey - A Perfect Team Review and Giveaway

With the new year just getting started and I am looking forward to working on me! I still have several pounds to shed to get back to prebaby weight and I feel like this is my year to do it. So  I was really excited to get the opportunity to check out the 2012 Jockey Tech Terry Performance Sports Bra.

My biggest complaint with sports bras is usually how uncomfortable they are. I feel like in order for me to keep things in place while exercising I have o be squished into something that doesn't let me breath. So when I heard that this new bra has breathable mesh panels to keep you cool AND a soft bottom band to keep you comfortable I was really excited to try it.

Doodle Darlings Giveaway!

Great news... Doodle Darlings is now offering a giveaway! I posted a review of their organic onesies and adorable plushes last week. I am a huge fan and I am so excited that one of my readers will get the chance to check out these darling items too!

Judith Raye Art Review and Giveaway

Judith Raye has a slogan at the top of her website; Unique, affordable art that brings joy and a smile to all. This statement is incredibly true of this very talented artist. Judith Raye began her journey into art by painting for her granddaughter and quickly realized her passion and a way to escape the business of life and find a sense calm in her work.

Her Inspired by Caden Collection offers bright colors and whimsical characters that are sure to bring a smile to any child's face. From the cute and fluffy animals to the beautiful dancing ballerina, there is something for every little boy or girl.

My Memories Review and Giveaway

I love to scrapbook! There is something so special about taking your precious memories and creating a book that you can share with friends and family. And since I take a ton of pictures, it's important for me to organize them and keep up with them. But scrapbooking takes a tons of time. From cropping and mounting to digging through your supplies, it could be hours before you finish one event. So when I was offered the chance to try out My Memories I was intrigued.

My Memories is a scrapbooking software that allows you to create digital scrapbooks. I love the idea of this because it seems like a time saver and I can share my scrapbooks with family and friends who live far away.

A New Spin on the Cookie Exchange: Host a Chex Party Mix-Change!

The holidays are coming and I am always looking for tasty treats to serve my guests. But lets face it... the holidays are a busy time, and finding the time to create the perfect snack can be tough. So Chex Party Mix might just be the perfect answer! You can create a tasty treat with minimal ingredients and minimal time.

This past weekend we had a Chex Party Mix Party! MyBlogSpark provided me with a great party package to get me started.  It included 2 boxes of Chex Cereal, 5 yummy recipes, 10 take-out containers to share my party mix, and a $20 gift card to get more ingredients!

Holiday Gift Guide: PetCakes Review and Giveaway

Seriously, are these little guys not just the cutest? I saw these and fell in love. This is the 2nd Series of PetCakes, the Forest Animals Assortment. In this series there are 4 adorable friends, Honey Cakes, Bamboo Berry, Nutty Nicky, and Roco Coco.

Each PetCake comes in their own little cozy cupcake holder. The plushes come completely out of the cupcakes, so you can mix and match or play with them outside of the cupcake.

My daughter absolutely adores her PetCakes! She loves to set them up and swap their cupcake wrappers around. She thinks their "hats" (the frosting) is just the funniest thing ever! She even pretends to eat them when she's feeling extra silly. And they are the perfect size. I imagined they would be much smaller than they are. But they are a really nice size.

Holiday Gift Guide: ZipBin Review and Giveaway

The idea of the ZipBin came from a parent. Could you have guessed? Parents are geniuses because they know exactly what they wished existed. So when a parent invents a product I am usually fairly confident that it's brilliant. And ZipBin most certainly is!

ZipBins are toys that make less mess. Yay! Why? Because you open them up to play and close them up to clean up. Poof...gone! It's like magic!

ZipBin sent me their Dollhouse PlayPack and I think it's one of the best ideas ever. It's a backpack that unzips and opens up to be a dollhouse. It even comes with a doll. Here is some information about this product:

Holiday Gift Guide: Green Toys Review and Giveaway

As parents we have a lot to worry about. From the moment they are born we worry. About everything from their health to their happiness to their future... and all the little things in between. One thing we should never have to worry about it whether or not their toys are safe.

Parents spend time, money, and effort picking out toys they think their children will enjoy. We shouldn't have to worry about whether or not they are safe or contain toxins. But sadly, in many cases you do have to worry about those things. But not with Green Toys. Green Toys makes their very own line of children's toys that are made from recycled plastic and other environmentally friendly products.  With their toys you are protecting your children and the environment.... win win!

Green Toys offers a great selection of toys for babies and kids. They have trucks, play food, gardening tools, and more. And I got a chance to check out their newest addition, the Sandwich Shop!

Holiday Gift Guide: HearthSong Review and Giveaway

If you are looking for fun, exciting, and unique toys this holiday season... then you have to check out HearthSong! HearthSong prides themselves in offering their customers quality toys that allow kids to be kids and get lost in their imaginations. Their website is designed in such a way that you can easily browse their selection to find exactly what you are looking for. The option to browse by age allows you to look at safe and age appropriate items. You can also shop by interests, such as cooking gardening and arts and crafts. The easy layout makes it fun and easy to shop for the perfect gift!

I had a blast checking out all the great toys, games, and crafts that HearthSong offers for boys and girls ages toddler to about 12. I came up with a great list of items to share with family and friends that I think my daughter would love this holiday season. But for this review I chose something that I knew would encourage her imagination, a Corolle baby doll.

Holiday Gift Guide: Nonni's Biscotti Review and Giveaway

With the Holidays coming my mind is on all the wonderful things we have to look forward to. And at the top of my list is spending time with family and friends. Of course, that doesn't come without some planning, stress, and worry. When I have family and friends come to visit during the holidays I want everything to be perfect! So I spend a lot of time thinking about what to serve. Nonni's Biscotti has now taken care of that for me!

Nonni’s Biscotti grew out of true Italian tradition. In the little town of Lucca, Italy along narrow cobbled lanes surrounded by elegant piazzas, our Nonni (an endearing term for Grandma) made biscotti to share with family and friends. When Nonni came to America, almost a century ago, she brought the family recipe with her. To this day, the same family recipe using real eggs, butter and gourmet bittersweet chocolate is still used to give our biscotti a light, crunchy texture that is delicately sweet. Our devotion to quality ingredients has been the foundation for the growth and continued success of the company, and the key reason Nonni’s Biscotti is the number one selling biscotti in the country.

Holiday Gift Guide: Color of Rain Book Review

I'm not going to lie... this book was hard to read. It's hard to open yourself up to something so real. This story brings us into the lives of two people who have lost their significant others. One their husband and the other their wife. They lose their loved ones to cancer and are left alone with their children to battle the "why's." As a wife and mother this story was sad and frightening. The idea of losing your best friend, a parent to your children, is unbearable. Yet, there is something uplifting about this story as well.

This real-life Brady Bunch story is about what it means to endure the unthinkable---and still open one's heart to what's next. When two childhood friends die of cancer six weeks apart, the shared experience of loss brings their grieving spouses together. After months of late-night phone calls, family dinners, and countless dreams and tears, this unlikely pair builds a trust, a love, and a shared life. Told from alternating points of view, The Color of Rain illuminates the stepping-stones of healing that lead to a joyful new beginning for Michael and Gina Spehn and their five children. Like many who grieve, Michael and Gina had to choose to hope again. Along the way, they discovered that God can restore the darkest circumstances---and even from death, He can bring new life. Michael and Gina's gripping story of 'growing new hearts' will inspire readers not only to survive loss but also to receive the new courage, faith, and identity that God gives in the midst of tragedy.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gyro Bowl Review and Giveaway

I had seen an advertisement for the Gyro Bowl on tv awhile ago. I remember turning to my husband and saying, "we need that." We all know that life with a toddler is messy. But they seem to be at their messiest when they are eating. My daughter desperately wants to be independent, and this includes wanting to carry and hold her own snacks.

The Gyro Bowl looked awesome on tv, so when I was given the chance to check it out in person for review I jumped at it. It's designed so that no matter what angle the child holds the bowl at the contents won't spill. It uses a 360 degree technology that makes the inside bowl spin when being carried or dropped. Interesting, huh?