@Celebr8Express Knows How to Put Together a Great Party (even if I don't)

When did I start planning C-man’s birthday this year? A week before school ended in June. Why? Because, his birthday is a week before school starts, we don’t really see his friends in the summer and there are no kids his age or from his school on our block.

Of course, as soon as I handed out the invites I promptly forgot about it till two weeks before the big day. I worried and fretted that no one would be there but, to be honest, I was not that worried. I knew his close buddy would be there and really that was what mattered, that his close friends will be there to celebrate. And, I suppose his family.

I know it is not necessary to have a party every year but, why not? I love having everyone over and I miss the big family gatherings of my youth. I also think that every birthday should be celebrated because they grow up so damn fast!

Any way… back to the party. I did plan somethings and pinned other things I wanted to do but nothing really took shape until after the Spider-man review the Husband wrote. After it was written, we were approached to do a review for party supplies and would you believe his party was a week off? I could not say yes fast enough and the wonderful folks at Birthday Express sent us the Summer Time Fun Deluxe party Pack for 8. 

The birthday boy was just as excited to open the box as we were to get it. It came the day before the party so when they say on time delivery, they mean it! It was way more fun to decorate this year then in the past!  Don't get me wrong, I decorate with balloons but never streamers! I had never hung streamers before so this was a new adventure and it turned out so cute.  It was a great thing to open the box and have everything ready to go.  The kit includes:  (8) dinner plates, dessert plates, cups, forks, spoons, knives, (18) lunch napkins, (18) beverage napkins, table-cover, tray, a foil beach ball balloon, (18) balloons (3 colors), crepe paper rolls (3 colors), and curling ribbon (3 colors).

Since the party was supposed to be a beach theme, in August, you could imagine the surprise when the big day came and it rained all day. It not only rained but it was downright cold and windy. Never the less, we held the party on the front porch and laughed at the wind.

We did divided our time between the play room in the attic, the dining room and the porch.  But, I'd say the porch was were most of the action was.  The hardest part was lighting the candles in the wind so we pretended.

The party turned out great and the birthday boy had a blast with his friends and family.  Thank you, Birthday Express for sending us the supplies!  We only received what was featured to facilitate this review.  I did not get paid to write this post and the opinions are 100% my own.  Or in this case, our own.

@Natures_Own Oatmeal Toasters up for Grabs!

Ah bread, I could live on bread alone.  Well, bread and wine... And, now I would like to introduce you to a great new alternative to plain old toast or bagels - Nature's Own Toasters!  They are like a thin, square bagel but better because they are made with hearty whole grains then packed with real oats and sweet fruits.

Nature's Own Toasters come in two ah-maz-ing flavors: Cranberry Orange Oatmeal Toasters and Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Toasters.  My family and I received a package of both to try and  to be honest I am devastated that they are not in my local grocery store, yet.  However, Nature's Own does have a small selection on Amazon, not the toasters but there is hope!

I have been indulging on a square every morning for the last week and a half.  They are so yummy right out of the toaster, slathered lightly with butter.  I have also made french toast for the kids with a couple squares and had to try them with peanut butter.

My second grader eats peanut butter sandwiches every. single. day.  When he wants to switch it up he asks for jam. So, for the first day of school I had a special treat for him - a Cinnamon Raisin Oatmeal Toaster and peanut butter sandwich.  He loved it but, he is a light eater so he could only eat half of the sandwich because it is so hearty if he wanted to have the rest of his lunch.

After making his lunch, I could not resist making one for myself and adding bananas to it and it was so wonderful!  My mouth was very happy and pretty certain my taste-buds cried after the last bite.  Did I mention I like bread?

Besides, tasting good, the bread is not loaded down with trans or saturated fat.  There is no high fructose corn syrup, 20 grams of whole grains and 4 grams of fiber! A very yummy alternative for breakfast!

Now is your chance to win!  I have four sets of coupons valued at $36 each for four lucky readers to win!  Enter via the Rafflecopter below.  (refresh if you don't see the form)

a Rafflecopter giveaway

@natures_own Oatmeal Toasters up for Grabs! ow.ly/1mebBv

— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) August 31, 2012

Fine print:
I received one package of each flavor to try for this review. I did not receive any other compensation and my options, as always, are 100% my own.

@BuyCostumes' Spider-man Makes the Comic Book Come to Life

When Spider-man came out a few weeks ago, The Husband took Goofy to see the movie and when he came home he declared, "I want to be Spider-man."   As luck would happen,  I was given a costume to review and The Husband wanted to do his first review.

THE HUSBANDS REVIEW

I guess I should start this post by saying, “I AM A HUGE COMICS FAN.” That’s why when my son wanted to be Spider-man and I notice my wife posting about, "The Amazing Spider-Man Classic Muscle Chest" costume, I was so envious that I took over her blog to write and add my own photos of my 6 year old fighting crime.

This costume makes my 6 year old self, as green as Goblin with envy but I can't call it a costume anymore. It is a suit. First of all, it comes with a full face cowl, so much better than the old Spider-Man "COSTUME" with the paper mask I had when I was a kid. And, instead of the plastic garbage bag like body suit you get a full spandex torso.... with muscles. Don’t forget the gloves and leggings you can order separately. It really sets this Spidey suit apart from all the rest.

Below are a few photos of my crime fighter on his tour of New York City. Last year, my wife and I bought the Super Girl Costume for our daughter from BuyCostumes.com. She still wears it. These costumes are perfect for your true believer.

MY THOUGHTS

I was really impressed with how well both costumes are made and how reasonable the prices are on BuyCostumes.com.  They are made not just for Halloween but to be worn and played in and boy do they love to pretend to save the world one play date at a time.  Buy the costume here, follow them on Twitter and like them on Facebook.

New Post!@#BuyCostumes Spider-man Makes Comic Book Come to Life goo.gl/fb/xtVuR #goofy #thehusband
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) July 29, 2012

Fine Print
We were given the Spider-man costume and gloves to review.  The boot covers and baby girl's costume were purchased separately.  We did not receive any compensation for this review and all opinions are 100% ours.

Awesome @Carmex Summer Swag Bag up for Grabs plus My Staycation

Hello from Staycationville!

We have been hanging at the beach, riding rides at Kiddie Park and trekking over to Preston's H.O.P.E. playground park.  But, mostly we have been at the beach.  To be honest, we have been on the sandy beaches of Lake Erie damn near every weekend and enjoying the sunshine!

I love the summer and to celebrate our staycation I get to bring you another contest from Carmex!  

One lucky reader will win this awesome beach tote containing six Carmex Sticks with SPF 15!  The six different flavors of the Carmex Stick are: Original, Cherry, Strawberry, Vanilla, Lime Twist and Pomegranate.

Carmex products are amazing - from the original balm to the sticks but even their line of lotions but they are known for their line of lip balms.  This summer they have come out with a a new flavor and I love, love, love the Pomegranate flavor! It is my new favorite (but it is tied with lime, still love the line).   

I use Carmex all year long and I have noticed that this summer my lips have felt drier then ever before so there is a stick of Carmex kept in my purse, on my keyboard at work and in the drawer next to my kitchen sink.  I use to have one on the car but, well, it is really hot in there and it melted.  Luckily, it held its shape and is good as new now.

Carmex is more then just lip balm!  Thanks to the recommendation on their (super fun) website I have used the lip stick to soften my cubicles and apply it on paper cuts.  Talk about versatile!  Moisturizes, heals and protects - these lip sticks rick!

Besides, my giveaway check out the Carmex Facebook page for even more contests!  Do you see the blanket in the first picture?  That was Carmex's prize last year and I use it all the time.  Beach, pool, park, there is no where that blanket has not gone in the last two summers!  Rolls up easy for carrying and it fits nicely in the tote I am giving away now.   Go here to enter.  Carmex is also celebrating 75 years with 750,000 Facebook fans.  For each milestone, they are giving away cash and prizes!  All the more reason to go to their Facebook page - after you have entered my giveaway, of course!

So with out further ado...  Rafflecopter time!  If you can't see the form, you may have to refresh the page.  Lots of entries to win the great prize pack!  Trust me, you want to win this!  Giveaway starts now and runs through August 6, 2012!  Good luck! 

Giveaway ended a Rafflecopter giveaway

New Post!Awesome @Carmex Summer Swag Bag up for Grabs plus My Staycation goo.gl/fb/V55m6
— MryJhnsn (@mryjhnsn) July 26, 2012

Fine print:
I received everything pictured but did not receive any other compensation for this review. My opinions are 100% my own and I really do love these products.

Make Your Shower Gleam @GraniteGold and Make This House a Home

What do you get when you take two cousins, generations of experience in the stone industry and customers yearning for a product to care for their granite and other natural stone surfaces?  Granite Gold! 

Granite Gold is the stone care expert, and our specially formulated products care for and protect your investment in natural stone surfaces.

Founded by cousins Lenny Sciarrino and Lenny Pellegrino in 2003, they started selling Granite Gold to their own customers in their respective business, European Natural Stone and Pellegrino Marble Company, which then grew to local retailers and online. Eventually, with the rising popularity of granite and natural stone surfaces, the Granite Gold cleaning and maintenance system was gradually making its way to store shelves across the country. 

Use instead of household shower and bath cleaners which can damage natural stone. 

I was given the opportunity to try the Granite Gold Shower Cleaner and I was a little leery.  Not about the product but about the description.  My tub is enamel so why would I use something called Granite Gold?

I was also not too keen about showing my ugly bathtub to the people of the Make This House a Home Giveaway Hop but, what the heck... I have been battling mildew all summer and hard water satins daily, I give up!  When the product came I thought sure, I'll get to this tomorrow or the the next day but then both kids took a bath after a day of digging ditches on the chain gang so my tub was way dirtier then normal.  Perfect opportunity to take before and after pictures!

As you can see (or not, but trust me) the Shower Cleaner freakin' worked!  It cleaned the tub and grout wonderfully and even shinned up the fixtures.  As a bonus - environmentally friendly & biodegradable

Since, I was cleaning I figured I would try the sink and what would you know, cleaned up nicely!  Even got the coffee satin off the surface where I keep my mug in the morning (don't judge me I need my coffee).
 

 

I'm waiting for that day that I get a product to review that does not live up to its claims and I am glad to say this is certainly not the day nor the product and I get to give away three (full size) bottles of their most popular products.  Daily Cleaner, Polish and Shower Cleaner (value $25) in the Make This House a Home Giveaway Hop starting on Friday, July 20.

Can't wait?  You can buy them here.

Which of their products would you like?  Take a look at the whole line here and comment below (pssst... you will get extra entries in the giveaway)


Giveaway ended


Fine Print
I received the product from the company for the purpose of this review above but did not receive any other compensation.  The opinions are 100% mine. 

@CookinSoftware Making Cook'n Fun

When I was told that I would be reviewing Cook'n Recipe Software, I was not expecting to have so much fun with this program!  In fact, when I first attempted to download it, my computer freaked out but once I got my end in order and got to give the program a real go - it was addictive and fun!

The program layout is much like a browser though it was a little awkward at first to use.  However, the more I explored the more it made sense and before I knew it I was searching the internet and capturing recipes to add to my organizer. 

Capture recipes from websites is one of my favorite features because it does just that, captures the recipe, from the search you do from the program no less and then adds it to your organizer making it easier to read and find again.  It fills in the form for you so all you have to do is review (to make everything is right and in its place) and then add it to your cookbook.  So very, very easy!

We are not the plan ahead of kind of family, I try but alas, it does not always work out.  The drag & drop custom menu has won me over!  Cook'n Recipe Organizer makes planning out menus a breeze!

Doesn't that Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie look amazing!  That came in the cookbook with my organizer!  I will say that the recipes already included are basic, but fundamental.  If there is a recipe that I sort of like but add to it or change I can edit the recipe and make adjustments.  I can also add my own recipes and using the quick fill method, once I start typing an ingredient, the program is already looking for it. I can create a family book, complete with pictures and stories so easily.

The program will also help me with shopping lists (by aisle!) and calculate nutritional value.

I really am impressed with this program and I downloaded it not only to the family computer but to my little laptop so I won't have to keep going back and forth from kitchen to computer.  The best part with that was there was no extra cost for it! There is also an iPhone, iPad and android app. 

In a nutshell, the program is great, easy to use and was fun.  You can buy it here or come back and enter to win it starting June, 18, 2012 in the:

Check out the video!

Like them on Facebook! They have weekly giveaways!


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

Fashion at My Fingertips - Foxgloves PDX Fingerless Gloves

No one will ever accuse me of being a slave of fashion but I do what I can to stay at least current and not fall into the traps of being the frumpy mom in mom jeans.  Admittedly, I don't change my wardrobe all that much from season to season and I stick to basic colors.  I am a fan of accessories like scarves and layering shirts to give the impression of a new outfit.  Which is why when I came across Foxgloves PDX fingerless gloves, I knew that I wanted to try them out!  What a clever way to add fun and style to an outfit with out breaking the bank or going over board.

foxgloves |ˈfäksˌgləv|

noun
(1) fabulous fingerless gloves created in Portland, Oregon, nouveau fashion capitol, to add instant flair to any attire whenever the fancy takes you; (2) tall leafy Eurasian biennial with spectacular clusters of tubular pink-purple flowers.

foxy |ˈfäksē|

adjective (foxier, foxiest)
informal sensually attractive; Dang, them Foxgloves is foxy!

The gloves are hand made and in small batches so that the gloves are as unique and as whimsical as they make me feel when I put on a pair.  I felt like a teenager again with out looking like one.  And the baby got a kick out of them as well.

All though the material is thin, I have actually worn them at work to help keep my arms and hands a little warm and add a little pizazz to my outfit.  They are so cute I can help but stalk their website for new styles and will probably plan my Halloween costume around a pair this year.

You can find them on their website here and they range in price from $12 - $15 a pair.   


Giveaway over

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

@JAWSCleaners a Better Way to Buy Cleaning Products

Cleaning sucks.  House work sucks.  My biggest goal is to earn enough money to afford someone to clean my house for me once a week.  Of course, my second goal would be figuring out how to justify spending the extra money each week on something I am perfectly capable of doing.

A girl can dream right?

Meantime, I was given a new product to try to not only help with the daily grime, but is also easier on the environment.  JAWS! Just Add Water System,  is a nifty product that solves at least one of my issues, spending money on something I don't need and in this case, water.  You see, I have water, that comes magically into my home whenever I need it.  Why have I been paying for products that are primarily made up of water?  Because, I had to, but not anymore - there is JAWS!!

What do you do with a JAWS, reusable spray bottle?  Start by filling the reusable spray bottle with water, add the special, super-concentrated cleaning (recyclable) cartridge, put the top back on and twist to tighten.  When you tighten the top, you are also opening the cleaning cartridge and the cleaning solution is released into the water.  Easy, peasy.  The first time I did it I thought there should be more steps to get the product into the bottle but it really as easy as 1, 2, 3!

Fill bottle with tap to the line indicated on the bottle, insert a recyclable cartridge refill and replace the top.  Twisting releases cleaning solution into the bottle of ordinary tap water.

When you finish your JAWS starter bottle and use the recyclable cartridge refills, you’ll get two full bottles of cleaner for less than $2.00 each. You should not have to buy another empty spray bottle again! Instead, all you purchase are the recyclable cartridge refills. Less plastic in the the landfills!

There are four kinds of cleaners: Multi-Purpose Cleaner/Degreaser, Bathroom Cleaner/Deodorizer, Disinfectant Cleaner Degreaser (comes with 2 cartridges), and Glass & Hard Surface Cleaner.

Can't make it to Buehler's? You can buy online here or click here for a list of stores (but not at the special prices, sorry).

More Fun Facts About JAWS:

• JAWS products are effective in all types of water, including hard water that can be found in many homes in Northeastern and Central Ohio.
• JAWS was created and is manufactured in Ohio – Toledo to be more specific.
• Purchasing JAWS products is not only helping the planet and helping you cut cleaning costs, it’s also contributing to the betterment of the regional economy through both JAWS International and the more localized retailers they partner with.

I am sure you are wondering how well JAWS cleaned and it was a-w-e-s-o-m-e!

I took pictures of my stove as I was cleaning and after but the flash whited out all the grime on my white stove but I promise it not only cleaned the top of my stove and all the yuck from dinner but I hardly had to scrub.  It reminded me of the green stuff in a bottle but not the stuff they sell in stores but the stuff they simply sold before it was available to the general public.  Smells great, too!

I also used the glass cleaner on a glass jar with a metal lid I keep my k-cup coffees in and the jar sits near enough the stove to git that film on it that I can't explain where it comes from... anyway, not only did I wipe the grime off with little effort, the stainless steal lead gleamed.

Contest over



Fine Print:
I received all the products pictured, in exchange for my honest opinion. I did not receive any other compensation for this review and I really did love the product.

Review and Giveaway - iCaughtSanta Claus and so can you!

Here comes Santa, Here comes Santa...

Wouldn't you love to prove that Santa delivered gifts to your good boys and girls!

You can show the kids that Santa was in your home!

iCaughtSanta is part of the Catch a Character family and after doing this with the Easter Bunny, this past year (you can take a look here (extra entries if you leave a comment)), I can say I am a great big fan of this company! I am counting down the months til I can share the tooth fairy with him!

I would typically show the end result but - I want to take a photo of the Christmas tree with the kid's gifts and then put Santa in it, leaving it on the computer for them to see.  

It is that fast and easy!  You can do this all before the kids wake up Christmas morning!


I can have the image, download to my computer, emailed or printed, automatically. So easy! You can also share it instantly to more than 30 popular websites.

iCaughtSanta will also send you a video of Santa in your photo which you can choose to upgrade if you like what you see.

Capture, Create and Share!


I could go on and on about this product but - seeing is believing!

You can buy yours now at iCaughtSanta and get 25% off your order (coupon code SAVE25)



Giveaway over

Fine Print

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

Holiday Flavor with Torani Flavored Syrups

By Linh Nguyen

I can proudly say that I spent the better part of my twenties in coffeehouses. 

This is before Starbucks came to town and coffeehouses were not filled with yuppie hipsters.  I took my first sip of café mocha in the same coffeehouse that would host my first non-school related photography show. 

I clearly remember many, many nights smoking and drinking coffee while discussing life, love and all those things that the newly emancipate youth discuss when left to their own devices. 

I also attended many a spoken word showcase at the same coffee shop that I would work at, for all of twenty minutes (okay, more like twenty days because I would leave my then live in boyfriend and no part time job was worth driving from the west side to the east side of Cleveland no matter how much I loved it).  And, at that same coffee house, I would have a one night stand lovely friendship with one of these spoken word artists.  Don’t even get me started at the number of love affairs that actually ended or never started at a coffeehouse table because they did not drink coffee or worse they drank *gasp* tea. Oh, yeah - technically, the Husband and I had a first date at a coffeehouse where I raced him to finish a piece of Sinful Chocolate cake (seven different types of chocolate). 

Oh, the memories…

Now that I am *cough* older, with kids and bills - hanging out at the coffeehouse is right up there with tying one on and going to a rave.  (Do they have those anymore?)  At least, I can make yummy coffee drinks at home with Torani.

Trick or Treat Spotlight: Evie's Bowtique

Trick or Treat Halloween Giveaway Hop will take place 10/28-11/2 and will feature many fun treats and tricks!

Please take a moment to get to know one of the companies who will be participating:

When I started planning Baby Girl's baptism, I decided I wanted something very feminine and very girly for the occasion.  I did not have a clue what I was looking for or where I would find it so, I search Etsy and found the cutest bows, flowers and headbands on Evie's Bowtique.  I love the bottle cap centers and Gerber daises are my favorite.  It was so hard to decided what I would get for her baptism and ultimately ended up with a simple, small, pink daisy with a little "jewel" in the middle.  After living and breathing all boys, all the time I was excited to shop for something girly and happy to find a fun new Etsy site.

The bonus, for me, is that the owner and creator of Evie's Bowtique is a neighbor!  Well, not exactly a neighbor but I love supporting local business when I can and who would have thought that with all the vendors on Etsy I would find one in my own backyard, with out searching! 

Inspired by her own, darling little girl, she started her own little shop on Etsy but sells mostly on her Facebook fan page.  (hint: she does special promos on her page!) All of her items are reasonably priced and well made.  In other words, her embellishments stick!  Even when baby girl was able to get something off her head and suck on it before I knew what was going on.  Dawn, the owner/artist, even takes requests if you don't see something in the color or style you want (or need).

I have bought several flowers from her over the last year, a hat and couple of headbands - I am more then impressed.  Take a look at what she has to offer and come back for the Trick or Treat Halloween Hop because she is giving away a gift certificate!

Want extra entries?  Comment on THIS post and put the number of your comment (oldest to newest comment numbers) on the rafflecopter form in the extra information field.  Here is the trick... you have to comment prior to the start of the Trick or Treat Hop giveaway! 

Fine Print

I did not receive any payment or product in exchange for this post.