As the mother of 3 kids, I am always on the lookout for fun products that all of my kids will be able to use at some point. Of course in the case of the Plasma Car by PlaSmart, only Kyle, my 11 year old, is big enough to ride this...For now. Once Sophie and Xander are big enough, they will all be able to ride! The Plasma Car accommodates riders of all sizes, up to around 220lbs on smooth surfaces. How cool is that?! I first discovered Plama Cars some time ago, and I have tried to win one on dozens and dozens of blogs. So naturally, when I got the opportunity to review one, I was absolutely thrilled!

The Plasma Car is made by PlaSmart, a Canadian company that avoids noisy, electronic toys that have a shelf life shorter than my beloved, yet played out, Ed Hardy wardrobe. Kids often bore quickly of such toys, and PlaSmart understand this. So they offer timeless products that are not only a ton of fun, but are also enduring. The wonderful products from PlaSmart are toys that a child will go back to over and over again, rather than toss into a box to collect dust. Their best sellers are the Plasma Car and the Perplexus, an awesome looking maze like toy that my 11 year old has been drooling over! They also offer a wide variety of other toys and games that are designed to stimulate little imaginations and promote creative play. Many of their toys also allow a kid to go outside and get physical exercise, which is so important for children in the age of this childhood obesity epidemic. They even have a Balance Bike I am eyeing for Sophie and Xander. Yes, the folks at PlaSmart are a parent's dream come true, since they offer products that allow a child to be stimulated in many different ways, whether it be mental or physical...Or Both!

My Plasma Car arrived very quickly, and was so easy to assemble. I will fully admit, I do not have a mechanically inclined bone in my body, so I left the assembly to my husband. He had it together and ready to ride in a matter of minutes! The concept of the Plasma Car is simple and quite genius. You see, this awesome little ride-on toy requires no batteries or gas whatsoever. It is KID POWERED! The Plama Car uses basic physics to power the toy, tapping into the natural force of inertia and friction. Pair this with centrifugal force, and you've got GO power! In plain English? The Plasma Car is operated by turning the special steering wheel back and forth. That's it! All that is needed to make this baby go is the weight of a child (or adult) and simple movement of the wheel! How cool is that?!

Take a look at Kyle, my 11 year old, demonstrating how to use the Plasma Car!

I cannot tell you how excited I was to get the chance to review the brand new M.Y. Rockboard Scooter! I tend to review a ton of women's and baby products, and my 11 year old some sometimes gets a little jealous, since there just aren't as many products for review that are geared towards older kids. So when I saw this amazing new concept in scooters, I knew this would be the perfect surprise for him!

First, let me tell you why the Rockboard Scooter is so unique. This is no ordinary scooter! The Rockboard is revolutionary because it is a 2-in-1 scooter. It can be used like a normal scooter that relies on the users foot pushing off of the ground repeatedly to gain momentum, or here's the really cool part...It can also be powered by literally rocking back and forth on the deck! This awesome scooter can also be folded down very easily for added portability. Our Rockboard Scooter even included a handy carry-bag so even while on the go, you're always ready for some Rockboard fun! The telescope downpipe with height adjustment lock on the scooter lets you adjust the handles to your exact height, and the comfort grip and aluminum alloy brake handle allow for hours of Rockboarding with perfect control on the pavement. The two-position locking joint for dual-mode scooter capability and easy folding lets you take it anywhere, and racing-inspired bearings keep your scooter rolling. How cool is that?!

Kyle was thrilled when the Rockboard Scooter arrived. He was very, very surprised! We were sent the Original Rockboard Scooter in Orange, and we couldn't wait to try it out. Luckily, it was super easy to assemble and adjusted effortlessly to the perfect height for my son. This scooter is ideal for bigger kids, although they do offer a mini model for kids 5+ (up to 90lbs). The Original Rockboard Scooter is actually great for adult use, too, as the height adjustment setting allow for even someone over 6 feet tall to easily ride! So Kyle will get years of enjoyment out of his scooter, because it will grow with him!

Once we watched the included DVD and Kyle understood the concept and how to adjust the Rockboard, we went outside to try it out. This scooter is so cool! Check out the Rockboard Scooter in action! Kyle is riding it in Rock Mode. Please keep in mind, it has been over 100 degrees here in Virginia, so he got pretty tired quickly. It is actually much easier than it appears...Just not in the sweltering heat!

I have tons of winners to announce! Are you one of them?

So without further ado, here they are!

Congrats!

Be Present:
Holly C.


Anytime Costumes:
Carrie M.

Knot Genie:
Dani

Spornette:
Samantha C.
Heidi D.
Dana W.

Cheesemaking:
Amanda A.

SmartLab:
Betty C.

Union 28:
CoSo

I have e-mailed all my winners, and they will have 48 hours to respond and claim their prizes. Failure to do so will result in new winners being drawn.

Thanks to everyone who entered, and check back often for more great giveaways! Remember, August 1st is the beginning of Boost Your Buzz, and following me on GFC, Facebook, and twitter can earn you 3 chances at winning a whopping $1,000.00 CASH!

Anyone who knows me in real life knows I have a TON of "girly stuff". Whether it be cosmetics, fragrances, or styling tools, I have an overflowing assortment of these items. So many, in fact, that once I get done using my flat irons or curling irons, I don't have anywhere to put these still hot tools. Until now, that is. When I received the opportunity to review Cool Care products from American Beauty, I jumped at the chance. They make a professional grade line of styling tool holders that keep these hot tools off of counter-tops and out of curious little hands. I have seen similar products used in salons  many, many times, and have always thought this was a great idea. I have never seen a professional hairdresser lay a hot tool down at their work station. They always have a neat little holder available to protect their styling area. I just assumed that unless you worked as a professional stylist, these products were unavailable. I am so glad I was wrong! The folks at American Beauty want to help de-clutter those counters and help promote safety when styling, so they have decided to release these wonderful products to the public.

I received the Wall-Mounted version as well as the counter top version for my review. Since we're currently renting, I decided to use the counter-top Cool Care holder. The wall-mounted holder will get plenty of use when we buy a home next year!

By now, you all know that I am passionate about eco-friendly products for every member of the family...Even the littlest ones! That's why when I discovered Kicky Pants and their amazing line of Bamboo clothing, (they have cotton, too!) I knew I just had to try their garments out on my children. For one, Bamboo is probably my favorite material ever. Not only is Bamboo incredibly soft and luxurious feeling, it is also completely sustainable, and grows wild without the aid of pesticides or fertilizers. This is wonderful for the environment, as these growing "aids" often contain harsh chemicals that not only affect the products that are made from the crops, but it also affects the water table, poisons animals, and can literally effect the entire food chain. Not to mention, Bamboo garments hold up better and longer than conventional cotton clothing. Since there are no harsh chemicals used in manufacturing this fabric, garments made from it truly are made to last and look new longer. Now that's something I can feel good about!

So who's behind Kicky Pants? Well, I actually LOVE the story of how this company was born, since it's something I can relate to. Kicky Pants was founded by Erin Cloke, who had a unique vision for children's clothing and other goods while pregnant and on bedrest with her youngest son. (FYI: I started blogging when I was pregnant and on bedrest with my youngest, Xander.) Ms. Cloke envisioned fun, beautiful designs and when she couldn't find similar products in retail stores, she decided to make them herself. Her early creations became the prototypes for what is now a successful line of gorgeous clothing! So successful that her devoted and loving husband decided to resign from his job to help her in her endeavors. I love family owned businesses, and Kicky Pants is the perfect example of why. Their products are made with love, and it is evident in the superior quality of their designs.

I was fortunate enough to receive two great items from Kicky Pants for review. One for each baby! I received the Print Footie in Pond Seaweed for Xander, as seen in the above photo, and a fun twirly dress in green for Sophie. When these items arrived, I was instantly impressed by the expert construction of these garments, and by their simple yet elegant appearance.

Take a look at these great items!

MY OPINION:

I cannot say enough good things about the quality of these items. There were no crooked seams or loose threads, and the attention to detail was amazing. Not only are these items made of super-soft Bamboo that is very comfortable against my babies' delicate skin, they are absolutely adorable as well! And let's face it, when it comes to our children, cute matters. Kicky Pants definitely covers this aspect with ease!

I loved the graceful, simple design of the Print Footies. These great PJ's are a soft, muted blue with a dark green seaweed design on them. These footies come with little paws to keep hands warm and protect faces from scratching. The inside of the foot is lined with a super soft fleece to keep baby's feet warm, and the bottom of the foot is embroidered to avoid slipping. And I can rest assured that Xander can sleep in comfort wearing these, since Bamboo naturally keeps baby cooler and drier than traditional cottons due to its superior absorbent properties.

I also adored the Twirly Dress. This gorgeous little number is SO Sophie, and captures her playful, feminine personality quite well. The lime green is bright and cheerful, which makes it perfect for summer time! I absolutely love the ruffled hem found on the skirt, sleeves, and bodice of this cute little dress. I also really like the tiered design that allows plenty of room to run, jump, play and twirl! This dress is so fun, and has definitely become a favorite in Sophie's wardrobe.

Overall, I really love Kicky Pants. This family owned business offers items that are eco-friendly, durable, and made with active children in mind. Kids can jump, play, and just be kids in these wonderful garments, since they are so incredibly comfortable. Not to mention, these are some of the cutest clothes around! I will definitely be adding more of these garments to my babies' wardrobes.

Want to experience the awesomeness that is Kicky Pants?

Visit their website to see their entire line of clothing!

You can also use this handy retail locator to find Kicky Pants clothing near you and online!

You can also connect with them on Facebook and on twitter to stay on top of their latest products and promotions!

***Disclosure: I received complimentary products to facilitate my review. No other compensation was provided, and all opinions are 100% honest and have not been influenced in any way.***

You may recall I recently got a sneak peek of a previous Family Movie Night feauture, "Field Of Vision." My family enjoyed spending time together watching a quality film with a positive message so much, when I got the opportunity to preview the newest offering from this series, I jumped at the chance. After all, it's sometimes tough to find things to do that the whole family can enjoy. Especially with the violence, vulgarity, and sexual influences that are found in so many television shows and movies nowadays. I am the strict Mommy who will not allow my children to watch anything with these elements. So finding good movies to watch together can be quite the challenge. Luckily, Family Movie Night presented by Walmart and Procter & Gamble offers a solution to this dilemma that will keep the entire family, young and old, engaged and entertained...WITHOUT any negative influences.

The latest movie in the series, "Who Is Simon Miller?" premieres on Saturday, August 6 on NBC at 8pm ET/7pm CT. This is the heartwarming yet often suspenseful story of the Miller family, who find out their husband/father isn't at all who they thought he was. When he goes missing, his loyal wife and teenage son and daughter learn the true meaning of teamwork and determination when they go on a global goose-chase to help find him.

This movie was fast-paced right from the beginning scene, and there was truly never a dull moment. I found myself on the edge of my seat several times during the film. This movie is a definite man pleaser, as well, as it contains a ton of action and suspense. It was full of twists and turns, and was not predictable as many movies tend to be.

Another thing I really liked about this movie is that it showed teenaged siblings working together rather than being adversaries. Sure, they teased each other some like siblings do, but they also made a wonderful and truly vital team and encouraged  and praised each other's strengths. I hope that my Sophie and Xander are this close when they are growing up!

As with any Family Movie Night feature, there is absolutely no profanity, physical violence (although it does show guns that never get fired) or sexuality in the film, making it an ideal choice for families with young children. I was also thoroughly impressed with the quality shown in the making of this movie. The acting is well done and you get a real feel for the characters and their unique personalities, and the story is rich and entertaining. This was not boring or cheesy at all, like so many family films tend to be. And the message it sends? That family is priceless and that teamwork can achieve anything...Now that's a message I don't mind being sent to my children.

Check out this exclusive preview and see for yourself why YOU should tune in with your family!

Overall, my family really liked "Who Is Simon Miller." It gave us a chance to spend quality time together, and even sparked some great conversation with our 11 year old. Even my husband, who loves your typical "guy movies" enjoyed the story. Even though no one dies and nothing got blown up!  As always, Family Movie Night presented by Walmart and Procter & Gamble did not disappoint!

You should grab some popcorn and sit down with your family on August 6th and tune in to Family Movie Night and watch this great movie. It is definitely a must-see for families!

HOW TO LEARN MORE:

For more info about "Who Is Simon Miller?", please visit the Family Movie Night website.
Check out Family Movie Night on Facebook to stay on top of their great new releases!

***Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.***

Now that back to school season is approaching, I am having a hard time convincing my preteen that while individuality and personal style is encouraged, there are some things that are an absolute no-go. You see, my son is very, very colorful to say the least, and has a ton of personality he'd love to reflect with his wardrobe. He loves pop culture, and adores Lady Gaga, Katy Perry, Ke$ha, and other wildly styled celebs. In effect, he would love it if I allowed him to wear odd, mismatched yet artistically driven clothing. He would also love it if I let him dye his hair purple...And this is at the tender age of 11. I can't imagine what the teen years will bring! I can feel the gray hairs starting to sprout right now as I think about it!

So while I love that he wants to express himself, there are certain things that will be totally off limits come this school year. Included in my list of no-no's are:

• Anything with sequins. This SHOULD be a given, but if you knew my child, you'd know that I have to outlaw all things shiny. Plus, sequins get all over everything when doing laundry, and we end up finding them all over the place. Not fun!
• Fedoras with feathers. Think Bruno Mars. While this look is cute, it is not exactly appropriate for a child entering the 6th grade.
• Leather pants. Unless my child is a Jim Morrison reincarnate, we'll skip these altogether. Not happening. Plus, they'd be a pain to clean.
• Anything so covered in designer labels that it will lose it's appeal in a month when kids move on to the next cool thing. I am not spending hundreds of dollars on designer duds that have a shelf life less than that of a dozen eggs.
  
• Goth boots. Enough said. Although when I was a kid, I did own some of my own. (Hangs head in embarrassment.)
  
• Man bling. We're not mafia here, and we don't need to pretend we are.
  

So while these options are absolutely positively not happening, I do plan to get some trendy, edgy graphic tees and hoodies for him as well as some skater-style jeans. Maybe even some new Vans of DC shoes. He loves skull prints and rock-star type clothing a lot, and lucky for me, there's a lot available that's more toned down in comparison to what he wishes I would let him wear.

What are you planning on getting your kids this fall? Do they like to express themselves through fashion? Does your kid wear anything that if photographed would make a perfect blackmail photo for later years? I'd love to hear about it!

***Disclosure: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and jcpenney blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.***

With a baby and a toddler in the house, we go through a lot of baby food. And I do mean a LOT! Now that Xander is taking in at least 8 oz of solids per day in addition to his bottles, I am probably single-handedly keeping some baby food companies in business during these tough economic times. Baby food is expensive! Not to mention the fact hat a lot of prepackaged baby foods are full of additives and preservatives that I don't want my children ingesting. The way I see it, when it comes to my babies, fresh is ALWAYS better. Organic and fresh? Even better still. Sure, there are tons of commercially prepared organic baby foods. I have reviewed several of them right here, and my children have enjoyed them immensely. But while these products are wonderful and nutritious, they can be a bit on the pricey side. We're a one income family, and we pinch pennies wherever we can to make ends meet and give our kids the little extras that help make childhood a magical time.

That's why when I got the opportunity to review the So Easy Baby Food Kit from Fresh Baby, I was intrigued and couldn't wait to try my hand at making my own, nutritious baby foods right in the comfort of my own kitchen. I love to cook "grown-up" food, so making baby food couldn't be too hard, right? Well, with this great little kit, it's literally So Easy, just as the name states. Fresh Baby gets definite brownie points for truth in advertising.

When I received my So Easy Baby Food Kit, I couldn't wait to get started. I wanted to dash into my kitchen and immediately start whipping up some baby-friendly concoctions. But, for the sake of review, I decided not to get ahead of myself and actually watch the DVD and read the book before beginning.

Yes, I said book and DVD! The folks at Fresh Baby have truly included all the knowledge you need to start making delicious baby foods. Included in the kit are a How-To DVD, A fantastic "work-book" that includes tons of valuable information and recipes to help you get started, a wonderful laminated chart with must-have info regarding baby's ages and stages as well as first aid info and common food-induced baby ailments. There is even a section that outlines the absolute best sources of nutrition for growing babies. Oh! And let's not forget the super-durable, BPA-Free, freezable baby food trays! 

Take a look at all of the goodies included in the So Easy Baby Food Kit!

You all know by now that I LOVE finding great natural and organic products for my family. Especially for my children! I want to teach them from an early age how to help preserve the world we live in by turning to sustainable, eco-friendly products whenever possible. After all, we only have one planet, and if we don't help to preserve it now, our great-grandchildren may not be able to walk through the forest or go outside and breathe in fresh air. Everything we do NOW affects future generations. As a parent, I feel it is my duty to teach my babies to care about the world we live in and reflect that in their lifestyles.

I recently stumbled across a fantastic site dedicated to providing useful, adorable products that are also environmentally responsible. Dandelion Earth Friendly Goods carries a ton of different products for families. From rattles to organic tableware to layette items to organic plush animals, Dandelion Earth Friendly Goods truly has something for everyone. They even carry special holiday and seasonal items! Dandelion is a family owned business, which is something I love, and they take great pride in the high quality  products that they have to offer. Dandelion Earth Friendly Goods even makes regular charitable donations to various programs, such as 1% For The Planet. I love a company with a heart that chooses to give back to the community. In today's society, there is too much apathy, so I commend companies that care about the world around them and make conscious efforts to improve the quality of life for so many.

I was lucky enough to receive 3 too-cute-for-words organic plush animals to review. We received a Dandelion Organic Plush Turtle, a BELIEVE Organic Plush Small Elephant, and an absolutely mischievous looking little Monkey hand puppet from Dandelion's Bamboo Zoo line. (Have I ever told you all that I love bamboo? If you don't own any clothing made of this sustainable material, I highly suggest you try it. Bamboo is my fabric of choice!)

Just take a look at how cute these plush buddies are! Who said organic had to be dull, bland and boring?

As the mother of 3 kids, a blogger, a wife, and resident psychologist for various friends, one thing rings true in my home: You can NEVER have too many cordless phone handsets. (We currently have 8. Yes, really!) It seems someone is always on the phone here. Whether it be my preteen talking to his friends, my daily chats with the best Grandma ever, who lives in Ohio and I am very close to, dealing with companies regarding blog reviews and promotions, or being a shoulder to cry on or someone to gripe to, our phones get very little rest. Not to mention, the daily phone call from my very considerate husband to see if we need him to pick anything up on his way home! Yes, my house tends to be Grand Central Station some days, and I wouldn't have it any other way.

But using cordless phone systems can have it's issues, too.  Sometimes, ALL of the batteries are simultaneously drained, making it very difficult to have a conversation. Then there is the dilemma of missing handsets. My toddler loves nothing more than grabbing one of our handsets, running around with it pretending to talk for a bit, and then hiding them in some of the most peculiar places. One time, I even found a phone tucked away in a winter boot that hadn't been worn in months!

And then, my LEAST favorite part of using cordless phones...Range issues. I am constantly running around, and more often than not, I will lose reception because I have wandered too far away from the base, or it will get horribly staticky because I am out of range. This can be awful, because I have lost important calls this way. There have been many times that I was taking the dog out in the yard and had my call dropped. Or getting the mail at the head of my driveway. I ALWAYS, without fail, lose signal doing this!

That's why I was so thrilled to get the opportunity to review the brand new cordless phone from AT&T, the  CL82201DECT 6.0 Dual Handset Answering System!