Loving my Wii Fit Plus!

Nintendo graciously offered me a Wii Fit Plus to try out!  Needless to say, I was beyond excited!  Wii Fit Plus with Balance Board but if you already have the balance board you can always just get the Wii Fit Plus game separately.

So I know I need to lose a few pounds.  I never lost all my baby weight.  I don't really eat badly, but I'm just not as active on a regular basis as I need to be.  Plus, I live in the deep south, so from May to September, being outside is unbearable!  I don't really have the extra money for a gym membership.  And since Hubs works nights and weekends, there's not a lot of time that I am kid free making my choices on how to be active limited because I always have Bug (which rules out the gym even if I had the money)

Now that I've made all my excuses, I'll tell you how the Wii Fit Plus gives me absolutely NO reason to let any of those excuses stop me anymore. 

Prescription Sunglasses from Zenni Optical - starting at as little as $12!!

With the bright days of summer upon us, how can you best accessorize your face this season? Did you know you can order eyeglasses online from Zenni with tinted lenses? That's right! You can! Zenni Optical has $6.95 prescription eyeglasses and lens tinting is only $4.95!

Virtually any glasses, even bifocal or progressive eyeglasses, can be ordered with tint, whether for fashion or sunglasses. Full rim, half rim, even rimless frame eyeglasses can be tinted to suit your style! You can turn any of their frames into a pair of prescription sunglasses or you can chose your frames and get eyeglasses with tinted lenses, tinted just the way you want them.

With the affordable price at Zenni, you can buy multiple pairs and get to switch styles to match the outfit or moods! My optometrist probably has dozens of pairs of glasses. Her's always match the scrubs she is wearing - lavender, turquoise, pink - I love it! Since my eye surgery, I can now wear any kind of frame I want (I know longer have bulky lenses to deal with) so I want to start a collection of cute glasses also! My first pair that I got after my eye surgery were red frames. I love them, but I've been wanting a pair of pink ones also. Look at these cute pink ones:

I love them! Now, the big question is, do I want to tint them or not??? Don't let cost hold you back from having a cute pair (or two or three) of glasses! Check out Zenni Optical today!

BARE Air-Free Baby Bottles

This Mama Loves Her Bargains wanted to share her newest discovery, BARE Air-Free Baby Bottles, with us! Thanks Mama Bargains!

Priska Diaz is a mom-preneur who invented BARE™ Air-Free Baby Bottles, because she needed a good solution to a too common problem with baby bottles. All three of my kids took bottles, and all three of my kids had issues with different bottles. I can tell you that adding up numbers in my head that we literally spent hundreds of dollars on bottles before finding one that didn't give our kids painful gas or cause them to spit up more than they already did. Ask any parent who's walking like a zombie into the baby section of a store grabbing five brands of bottles off of shelves at 10pm on a Saturday night, and they'll tell you how desperate you can become to find THE RIGHT BOTTLE.

Amy Adele Party Invitations Review

Are you looking for unique ideas for invitations for your next party? Amy Adele just might have what you are looking for! They have a great selection of kid's party invitations!

Bug's birthday isn't until October but I start planning in, like June. Okay, sometimes May. What can I say? I am a party-planner by nature (seriously, I was a wedding planner for several years before Bug came along!) Anyways, so I already knew the theme. SPORTS! Bug loves anything with a ball (and even though he's still soooo into trains, we did trains last year and sports seemed like a "big boy" theme for his 3rd!)

I found the perfect sports themed invitations at Amy Adele! It was exactly what I wanted because it depicted multiple sports!

This picture doesn't really do them justice. You can see them on the Amy Adele site here.

The invitations are completely customizable too! I made up the verse on these and you can customize font type, color and size.

Here's what they say:

"Touchdown! Score! Hole-in-one!
Join us for some birthday fun!

Home run! Dribble! Pass and Tee...
Gavin is turning THREE!"

Then for date, time and place it's "Game Day, Kick-off and Arena". And lunch is served at "half-time".

Be sure to check out Amy Adele for your upcoming party invitation needs!

And a big thanks to my Facebook fans who were around on the day I ordered these and helped me fine-tune my "verse". :)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Nintendo drops the prices on DS Lite - now only $99.99!

Nintendo has just dropped the price of it's DS Lite handheld device from $169.99 to only $99.00!!

There are 48.9 million units of the DS family out there, and dropping the price will enable new players to join in on the fun…

Nintendo is a brand with last power! I have own one of every (non-handheld) Nintendo system in my lifetime (original, Super, N64. Gamecube and now a Wii) and who can't hum the opening tune to Mario Bros.?

Here are some fun facts about Mario:

• Mario is one of the most beloved video game characters and the top video game franchise of all time.
  
• Thirty-one Mario games have topped sales of more than 1 million units since 1995, more than any other franchise.
  
• Through the end of March 2011, more than 262 million games in the core Super Mario series have sold worldwide.

So grab a newly reduced Nintendo DS Lite and join in on the fun!

Get a FREE Mixbook Photo Book! Limited time!

A few months ago, I was able to get a FREE Mixbook 8.5x11 hardcover photo book to review! I absolutely LOVE it!


Now YOU can get a Free Photo Book plus Shipping at Mixbook!!!

This is a limited time offer! It expires 6/30/11 at 11:59 PM cst.

You'll need promo code: FREEBK at checkout to get your 20 page 8.5x11 landscape hardcover photo book! Then you can see why Mixbook is THE place to go for custom printing!

UPDATE FROM MIXBOOK:
"If you have started your Mixbook 11x8.5" Photo Book before the cut off time of 10AM PST, Mixbook will be honoring the promotion and giving you an extended coupon code. Please contact support@mixbook.com with the URL of the book to receive your code.

Mixbook has been experiencing tech issues and are working very hard to fix it. Thank you for your patience and understanding."

NEW! Timmy Time DVD giveaway!

The fun and learning never stops when Timmy, of new preschool series Timmy Time™, is ready for his close-up! The all-new Timmy Time: Picture Day! comes to DVD June 28, 2011 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment just in time for back to school. Whether struggling to keep clean for class photo day, celebrating the color blue, jamming with the school band or just playing with his pals, you know you’re in for a barnyard-sized bunch of hilarious antics and adventures with Timmy!

With slapstick humor yet not a single line of dialogue, Timmy Time follows a day in the life of a preschooler where they learn lessons about friendship and trial and error to which every young child can relate. Timmy Time airs weekdays (5:30 a.m. and 7:15 a.m. ET/PT) on Disney Channel’s Disney Junior programming block for kids ages 2-7 and their families, airing in more than 99 million U.S. homes.

DVD SYNOPSIS:
Come along for a picture perfect day of fun with your preschool pal Timmy! The Oscar®-winning creators of “Wallace and Gromit™” and “Shaun the Sheep™” will make you smile in these fun-loving adventures featuring Timmy and his nursery friends. From good, clean fun during school photo day to drumming up music lessons, these wonderful stories filled with surprises will have you laughing in a flash. So snap up these five adorable tales with a big focus on fun!

“Snapshot Timmy” - It’s time for the class photo, but Timmy just cannot keep himself clean – jumping into puddles, kicking muddy footballs and getting splattered by jam sandwiches!

“Timmy Wants The Blues” - Timmy is having a blue day, collecting all the blue toys, blue cushions and blue paint. But when it comes to painting a picture, he quickly discovers he’s going to need more than just one color!

“Timmy Wants The Drum” - During a music lesson, Timmy decides he wants to play the drum! But when it is given to Yabba, and a triangle to Timmy, he goes about trying to get the drum for himself...

“Timmy’s Puppet” - On his way to preschool, Timmy’s homemade sock-puppet falls out of his backpack. Poor Timmy doesn’t realize until he arrives to see everyone playing with their own puppets! Crestfallen, he begins an unsuccessful search until Harriet offers to help him make a new one.

“Timmy The Builder” - Following Otus’s example, the class begin building dens for themselves. Otus offers to help Timmy with his, but Timmy’s pride gets the better of him – he can do this on his own! However, the little lamb soon has to admit that two heads may be better than one...

Find Timmy on Facebook or on the Web

Buy it: Timmy Time: Picture Day will be available at most retailers on June 28, 2011 for $14.98.

Win it! Leave me a comment telling me what you did (or will do) to get your preschooler ready for their very first day of school! Leave your e-mail address with your comment!

Additional Entries - optional:
Subscribe by Email (sign up form is in right sidebar)
Like Saving Toward A Better Life On Facebook
Follow Saving Toward A Better Life On Twitter
Enter the Thomas and Friends: Birthday Express DVD giveaway

Leave your email address with your comments. Your comments are you entry so leave a separate one for each action you complete.

Giveaway is for US only and ends 7/15/11 at 10pm CST.

Thanks to Lionsgate and Hit Entertainment for providing me with a copy of Timmy Time: Picture Day and 2 other great preschool DVDs! As well as allowing me to give one Timmy Time DVD to a lucky reader!

Wii PlayMotion Review

Nintendo was kind enough to send me a copy of the new Wii Play Motion game.

I can't say enough good things about the Wii Play Motion. It's a disc of 12 family friendly mini-games. And there is something for the whole family. Bug is 2.5 and he LOVES the Ice Cream Scoop game. ("Do again! Do again! Do again!" he says!)

He has to have help with the "Veggie Guardin'" game but it makes him laugh hysterically!! (Think Whack-A-Mole on a video game!) He wanted to show his MeMaw and PePaw his new "box" (what he calls the Wii) when they were over one day. He picked the Veggie Guardin game to play and had the whole room laughing before it was over!

I liked "Target Practice". It reminded me of "Duck Hunt" on the original Nintendo when I was a kid.) And the pinball inspired game was pretty fun too.

This would be a GREAT addition to your family game night! Don't have a regular family game night? Well, if you the Wii Play Motion you could start a family game night!

The Wii Play Motion retails for around $49.99 and comes with a Wii Motion Plus remote (which is necessary for the game.) Our Wii is a newer one and it came with a the Motion Plus remote also so we have two for lots of two player fun with the new Wii Play Motion game.

Pick up a copy today and you won't have to worry about hearing "I'm bored" this summer!

Thanks Nintendo for providing my family with this fun game to play together! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Check out my review of the Nintendo Wii and Wii Sports.

Nintendo Wii and Nintendo Selects Game Review!

Nintendo is helping families make the most of their summer break and "stay-cations" with affordable game bundles and a NEW lower price on the Wii system!

Nintendo has just released four games in the new Nintendo Selects line:

• Wii Sports
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
• Mario Super Sluggers
• Animal Crossing: City Folk

Each are only $19.99 – making an affordable, fun-filled family “staycation” within easy reach!

Wii Sports lets players enjoy hours of sporty summer fun on the golf course, tennis court, boxing ring, baseball diamond or bowling alley. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess whisks them to a mystical land filled with challenge and adventure. Mario Super Sluggers grants players admission to a host of wildly imaginative ballparks, all with a Mushroom Kingdom twist. In Animal Crossing: City Folk, they can even customize their own colorful universe for a social summer getaway.

The Wii has also been adjusted to meet with the times and is now available in black or white for just $149.99 - the system also comes packaged with the Mario Kart Wii game and a matching colored Wii Wheel accessory!!

I was SUPER excited to get a Wii for review! I have always liked the concept behind the Wii. I think kids today play too many video games instead of being active. We had a Super Nintendo when I was growing up but I wasn't allowed to play if the sun was shining outside! So I like how the Wii is designed to get you UP and MOVING! Instead of sitting zoned-out on the couch. I also love that it is one of the more family-friendly systems with more family-friendly games. I despise video game violence. Again, I think too many kids are getting to see and play those types of things.

I was also excited to get the system that comes with the Wii Wheel and Mario Kart. Mario Kart was my favorite Super Nintendo game when I was a kid. I bet Bug is going to love it too!

I haven't got to play it much yet because when we were setting it up, Bug saw the red Netflix logo on the menu screen and immediately started asking to watch "Bob Train" and "Hero" (Bob the Builder On Site: Trains and Treehouses and Thomas and Friends: Hero of the Rails) We have a Netflix subscription and in addition to getting DVDs in the mail we also stream it on my computer and on Hub's Xbox downstairs. Bug occasionally gets to watch a movie downstairs and has already associated the red Netflix logo with his favorite movies. So, the first day we had the Wii hooked up, all we used was Netflix! LOL! I am super excited to have the Wii hooked up in the family room so now we have Netflix up here as well.

After Bug went to bed last night, I got to play Wii Sports. Baseball was fun and you really have to swing like you mean it to hit the ball! The baseball game is real simple. I think it would be a great game for the whole family (even the littlest ones). The only thing you have to do is swing the bat and pitch the ball. Everything else is automatic. The computer players field the ball and how many bases you get to run is determined by how far you hit the ball. AND the games are only 3 innings!

Boxing was quite a work out! I had a lot of fun with it but my arms are sore today! You really have to put some effort into throwing those punches!

The Bowling game amazed me because when I bowl in real life I always have to line up just right of the center arrow on the lane because my ball typically curves to the left just a little. Well, in the Wii Bowling, I had to line my Mii character up a little to the right of center because the ball kept curving to the left. WOW! That proves that you are in COMPLETE control of the games and there is no putting "half-effort" into it and getting good results! You are playing these sports just as if you were in real life!

Again, I am SO excited to have a Wii. A BIG thanks to Nintendo for providing me with one! Now, all I need is a Wii Fit and I'll be all set! :)

I hope you'll check out the Wii and all the family-friendly games available. This would be a great addition to your home for summer time to keep the kids moving and avoid the dreaded, "Mom! I'm bored!"

Stay tuned for more great things from Nintendo!

I was provided with the products mentioned above for review. I received no monetary compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

Tassimo T20 Brewbot review and GIVEAWAY!

AHHHH! I'm so excited! (And I've probably had too much coffee!) Have you heard of the Tassimo Bosch T20 Home Brewing System? I was recently given one to try out and see if I loved it. Short review: Yes. I.Love.It.

Based on appearance alone, you can’t help but be attracted to this machine. The design is sleek and can even be customized with colored kits (Strawberry Red, Mint Blue, Lime Green or Hazelnut Brown) that contains a splash cover and a cup stand. This one in the picture is white but you can also get it in black like mine.

There it is, all ready to be used! This brewbot uses the very convenient T-discs to brew the perfect cup of coffee (or tea or espresso or hot chocolate even!). Well, you're thinking what if they don't make T-discs in the flavor you like? Not likely. They offer over 40 beverage varieties (Starbucks, Seattle's Best, Twinings, Tazo Tea, Maxwell House, Gevalia and more!) that you can enjoy steaming hot right in the comfort of your home in the most convenient way possible!

There are two kinds of people who will like this machine - those who drink multiple cups of coffee daily and those who occasionally like to have a cup of coffee in the morning, but never on the same morning as their spouse would like a cup of coffee.

I will explain group two to you because that's where I fall. I do not drink coffee everyday but I do love a good cup of coffee. And my husband is the same way. But we never seem to want a cup of coffee on the same mornings. Usually, half a pot gets made and half of it is wasted because I only want one cup. Well, the Tassimo T20 solves that problem because it only makes one cup at a time!

I love how this machine is super easy to use, simply fill the water tank, plug it in, add the T-Disc and turn it on. It’s that easy! After just a minute or two you’ll have your steaming cup of yummy drink. Saves me lot of time on making the coffee and there is virtually no mess to clean up (no filters to empty, no pots to clean!). It's also space saving - takes up much less space than my other coffee maker!

HOW TO BUY:

You can buy this at Tassimo.com for $129.99. Plus, when you buy a brewer with a Direct Delivery subscription, you will get your choice of 4 FREE T DISC packages.

Now here’s the good news for you! Because I love my Tassimo by Bosch T20 Brewbot, I want you to have one too. Our good friends at Tassimo has agreed to let me give one of you a Tassimo by Bosch T20 with some sample T-Discs!

HOW TO WIN:

Mandatory Entry: You must subscribe to Saving Toward A Better Life via e-mail (see the subscription form in the side bar) and visit Tassimo and browse the beverages and tell me which one you'd most like to try.

Additional Entries - optional:
Like Saving Toward A Better Life On Facebook
Follow Saving Toward A Better Life On Twitter
Like Luxury Living, Frugal Style on Facebook (a comment on her page that says I sent you would be nice, but not required)
Like This Mama Loves Her Bargains (a comment on her page that says I sent you would be nice, but not required)
Vote for me at Picket Fence Blogs!

Once you've completed all your entries - fill out the form here!

Comments on this post DO NOT count as entries!

Giveaway ends July 10, 2011 at 10pm cst. US entries only.

I received the product for review. I received no other goods or compensation for the review. All opinions are my own.

Entertain the kids this summer with help from Nintendo!

Nintendo is helping families make the most of their summer break and "stay-cations" with affordable game bundles and a NEW lower price on the Wii system!

Nintendo has just released four games in the new Nintendo Selects line:

• Wii Sports
• The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess
• Mario Super Sluggers
• Animal Crossing: City Folk

Each are only $19.99 – making an affordable, fun-filled family “staycation” within easy reach!

Wii Sports lets players enjoy hours of sporty summer fun on the golf course, tennis court, boxing ring, baseball diamond or bowling alley. The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess whisks them to a mystical land filled with challenge and adventure. Mario Super Sluggers grants players admission to a host of wildly imaginative ballparks, all with a Mushroom Kingdom twist. In Animal Crossing: City Folk, they can even customize their own colorful universe for a social summer getaway.

The Wii has also been adjusted to meet with the times and is now available in black or white for just $149.99 - the system also comes packaged with the Mario Kart Wii game and a matching colored Wii Wheel accessory!!

If you are forgoing an elaborate vacation this year because of $$$, consider getting a Wii with a couple of the Nintendo selects games and have hours of fun at home this summer! And you'll never have to hear, "Are we there yet?" :)

Alpha Hydrox facial products review and giveaway!

This is part of the Month of Mom Giveaways! If you are a Mom or know a Mom that needs to be pampered, check out these products!

(You can see more Month of Mom Giveaways here!)

Okay...on to the GREAT products!

I was sent some products to try from Neoteric Cosmetics. Neoteric Cosmetics makes dozens of Alpha Hydrox facial products. I was sent the Foaming Facewash and the Sheer Silk Moisturizer w/SPF 15. (I was also sent some Montagne Jeunesse facial masks - but more on those in a minute!)


I have funny skin. I have very dry skin but my face can get very oily and I have to use very light moisturizers to keep from getting clogged pores. But I must use some kind of moisturizer or my face dries out in no time flat. It's a weird balance. Also, SPF is a MUST in my moisturizers!

Also, as I get older, I'm learning the importance of a good facial cleanser too. Plain ol' soap just doesn't cut it!

And facial masks, oh how I wish Mom could see me now using facial masks. I would always ask her how she could smear that stuff on her face! Now, I love it too! The masks from Montagne Jeunesse are AH-mazing. They come in flavors like Apricot and Almond, Passion Fruit and Chocolate Mud.

So when I got my products the first thing I did, which is something I haven't done in a loooong time, was run me a bubble bath. Hubs was working late so I put Bug to bed and decided to pamper myself! I washed my face with the cleanser and smeared on the Fruit Smoothie flavored mask (I mean, how can you not relax with a Fruit Smoothie smeared on your face???) and I soaked in the bubble bath. I rinsed the mask off with warm water and followed up with the moisturizer.

Here's my take on the products:

Foaming Face Wash - is nice. I tend to use an exfoliating face wash so I'm used to a coarser cleaner (like Olay Reginerist with the microbeads or Clean and Clear morning burst with the scrubbing beads). The Alpha Hydrox face wash is a very gentle cleanser. While it was different that what I am used to, my face felt just as clean afterward.

Sheer Silk Moisturizer w/SPF15 - is exactly what it says, sheer silk. You rub it on and it's gone as quickly as you put it on. No fragrance, no residue and no oily feeling left behind. And dare I say, my face feels as smooth as my baby's skin. :) I've also been outside quite a bit since I started using this and my face has been completely protected in the sun!

Montagne Jeunesse - are addictive! The package directions say for best results use one a week. I want to do one every day. It's amazing how relaxing it is to pamper you face. I honestly felt stress melting away. You don't realize how tense you get and how it affects your face (squinting, scrunching your brow, clenching your jaw). But when you use one of the mask, you can feel those parts of your face relaxing! I'm going to use the Cream and Honey anti-stress one next!

How to buy:

You can buy these products (and others!) at Neoteric Cosmetics.
Foaming Face Wash 6oz - $7.49
Sheer Silk Moisturizer with SPF 15 1oz - $15.49
Montagne Jeunesse - $2.25 for single use pack (they also have FOOT ones too! omg...my feet are screaming for some!)

How to WIN some! Neoteric Cosmetics has graciously offered one of my readers the SAME products I was sent (face wash, moisturizer and several packs of Montagne Jeunesse)!

Mandatory Entry: You must subscribe to Saving Toward A Better Life via e-mail (see the subscription form in the side bar) and visit the Montagne Jeunesse page and tell me which "flavor" you'd most like to try.

Additional Entries - optional:
Like Saving Toward A Better Life On Facebook
Follow Saving Toward A Better Life On Twitter
Like Luxury Living, Frugal Style on Facebook (a comment on her page that says I sent you would be nice, but not required)
Like A Frugal Chick on Facebook (a comment on her page that says I sent you would be nice, but not required)
Follow me on Google Friend Connect (see sidebar)
Vote for me at Picket Fence Blogs!



NEW WAY TO ENTER GIVEAWAYS: Instead of having to leave comments for all your entries, you may fill out ONE FORM for ALL your entries.
Just be sure you "like" all applicable pages and complete all entry requirements BEFORE filling out the form as you must put all your entries on one form.
I hope this speeds up the entry process for you!
COMMENTS ON THIS POST WILL NOT COUNT AS ENTRIES. PLEASE FILL OUT THE FORM:

Contest open to US residents only and ends at 5/30/11 at 10:00pm cst.

This giveaway is now closed.

I was provided with the products listed above for review. I received no monetary compensation. All opinions are my own.

Gripster Review

Vivevita makes a great product called Gripsterz.  I was sent a Gripsterz by QuestionMoms to review.  I was excited to try it out because I have a very active 2 year old!

Each Gripsterz comes with a Grippy monkey ring with attaching clip, two vine straps (1 ft & 2 ft) with an attaching clip, an adult handle, a wrist strap, a convenient storage bag and a Grippy book for kids.

We tested out our Gripster on a short trip to Walgreens one day so I could get a feel for it.  I connect the shorter strap to the monkey and clip it on the buggy.  Then I use the longer strap with the wrist strap on one end and the adult handle on the other (this I can slip over my wrist.)

WIN a FREE bottle of New Purex Complete with Zout

I love being a Purex Insider!  I get to be one of the first to try new products!  I was sent s bottle of Purex Complete with Zout.

I was excited to know that their new product comes in "Free and Clear" which was the Purex Fragrance that I already use.  (I have an allergy to something that is in certain detergents.  Don't know what ingredient, but if I wear something that has been washed in certain detergents, wherever the fabric touches I break out in itchy spots!)

Applied Label Review

Applied Labels (TM) are Applied Labels LLC's flagship and most popular product.  They're extremely tough, ultra versatile and perfect for labeling:
   *bottles
   *sippy cups
   *shoes
   *school supplies
   *gadgets
   *summer camp gear
   *all those little things that go to early childcare centers

Our labels are available with and without icons or with a second line of custom print.

To label clothing, sandwich an Applied Label (TM) with one of our blank backers. For shoes, stick on a Shoe Shield (TM) that will keep labels in place all year long.

I received a set of Applied Labels with a single line of text and an icon (a train, of course because my so LOVES trains!  I also received some blank backers and Shoe Shields.

I tested them out on what's important to us - his Thomas the Train jacket and Thomas the Train tummy tickler bottle.  :)))

I've washed both and the labels are stuck just as much as the were when I first put them on.



I also received some blank labels.  They are called blank backers.  As you can see on the picture above the tag on our jacket was large enough to accommodate the whole label.  But if you have something with a smaller tag, you can use the blank backer to sandwich the tag between it and the name label.  Here is a picture from the website showing the use of the two labels together:

They also sent me shoe shields - which are clear labels slightly larger than the name label.  You place the name label inside the shoe and then place the shoe shield over it.  I would like it if the shoe shield were just a little bit bigger - it would be easier to get them over all the edges of the label inside a small shoe.

You can see here that I put the labels in the shoes.  I did this three days ago and they have stayed put!

I also wondered if the blank labels could be written on.  And they can!  I used a sharpie and let it set for a minute.  So the blank backers can also be used as extra labels!





BUY IT!   You can buy these from Applied Labels starting at $14.95 for a set of 30.  Buy more and save more - 60 labels are $24.95, 90 are only $29.95.   You can chose one line with icon or two lines.
Blank backers are $2.50 for every 30 you order.  Shoe Shields are $2.95 per strip of 12.

Be sure to check out the BOTTLES section for some very unique bottle labeling products including ones with spaces for writing date and times.  Perfect for daycare!



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. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review giveaway Disclosure.

NEW PRODUCT! Purex Complete Crystals Softener (Get a coupon too!)

I was recently selected to try a BRAND NEW, not-even-in-stores-yet, product from Purex.  (It was the mystery box delivered last week.)

It's a new fabric softener in crystal form.  Amazing!

I was sworn to secrecy to not talk about until 12/28.  It's supposed to be released at WalMart stores today.

Reading about the product, I'm instantly a fan because one if it's features is protecting the absorbency of your towels!  Oil-based fabric softeners cause your towels to lose their ability to absorb water (throwback to elementary science - oil and water don't mix).  I don't use fabric softener when I was my kitchen towels and washcloths.  But every now and then, hubs will put a kitchen towel in with a bath towel load of clothes.  It ruins the kitchen towel!  There's nothing like splashing water on the counter when you're doing dishes and throwing the kitchen towel over it to soak up the mess - and it doesn't soak it up!

One thing I learned when I was reading about the product is that oil-based fabric softeners also break down the flame-retardant chemicals on children's sleepwear, making them less flame retardant!  But not the new Purex Crystals!

Here is the information I was sent on New Purex Complete Crystals:

WHAT IT IS > UNIQUE CRYSTAL FORM, 92% NATURAL FABRIC SOFTENER
Introducing Purex® Complete Crystals SoftenerTM (Safe for use in both Standard and High Efficiency (HE) washers); a purer way to get laundry that
smells clean and fresh for weeks. 92% natural, this product’s unique crystal form works
differently than traditional oil-based softeners that coat fabrics with oily residue, because
it infuses fibers with long-lasting fragrance. In addition, since you add it directly with your
laundry, this means no more waiting for the rinse cycle, no messy residual gunk in your
washing machine, and no more stains from spilling liquid fabric softener.
HOW IT’S USED > ADDED WITH LAUNDRY AT THE START OF THE WASH CYCLE
Why struggle with plastic fabric softener balls, risk staining your clothes or waste time
waiting for the rinse cycle? Simply add Purex Complete Crystals Softener directly with
your laundry at the beginning of every wash cycle to infuse fabrics with long lasting
freshness.
HOW IT WORKS > CRYSTALS DISSOLVE INFUSING FABRICS WITH FRESHNESS
Laundry scent lovers will perk up as freshness is infused into clothes with this new fabric
softener. Over time, traditional oil-based softeners coat fibers causing harmful oily
residue to accumulate. Purex Complete Crystals Softeners penetrate fabrics to reduce
fiber entanglement and smooth frayed fibers providing a naturally soft feel.
WHY IT’S DIFFERENT > SAFE FOR ALL LAUNDRY AND BETTER FOR FABRICS
Do ALL of your laundry—worry free! Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are safe for
all laundry and will not harm, wear down or discolor your fabrics like oil-based softeners.
Safe for all fabrics, including baby clothes, athletic wear, towels, and whites. Unlike other
softeners, Crystals WILL:
• Preserve the flame retardant benefits of your children’s clothes
• Retain your athletic wear’s wicking ability which draws sweat away from your body
• Maintain your towels’ built-in ability to absorb water
• Keep your white clothing from yellowing and graying vs. using traditional softeners
The product won’t harm your clothes and is safe and convenient for the entire family!
VARIETIES > ON-TREND SCENTS
Purex Complete Crystals Softener is available in three on-trend fragrances: Fresh
Spring Waters TM, Lavender Blossom TM, and Tropical Splash. TM

Suggested Retail Price
Purex Complete Crystals Softener is priced from $3.99 to $5.99 depending on retailer
and will be available in food, drug and mass retailers nationwide.

Purex has offered me some coupons for Purex Complete Crystals Softener to giveaway to my readers!  I have THREE I can give out (I wish I could give you all one!)  Here's what you do if you want a chance at getting a coupon:
Leave a separate comment (with your e-mail address included) for each action and you'll have 3 chances to get a coupon!

• MANDATORY ENTRY Leave a comment below saying which one of the three scents you think you'd most like to try
• Optional extra entry - Follow via GFC!  Leave a comment if you do!
• Optional extra entry - Follow on Facebook!  Leave your Facebook name with your comment so I can verify!

I'll leave this giveaway open until 10pm cst on 1/1/11!!  

This is a sponsored post.  I receive a free sample of the product and a coupon.  No other monetary compensation was received.  This is my honest review - all opinions are 100% mine.

Yoplait Splitz Prize Pack Giveaway!

Thanks to Yoplait and My Blog Spark, I'm getting to bring you an incredible giveaway!

But first, a little bit about the new Yoplait Splitz:

Yoplait Splitz is the new yogurt that tastes like a sundae. Providing all of the goodness of 100% real yogurt, Yoplait Splitz is a good source of calcium and vitamin D. With no artificial flavors or sweeteners and no high fructose corn syrup, this 90 calorie dessert is the treat your family craves. 

For an even “cooler” experience, just pop a Yoplait Splitz in the freezer and in a few hours you can enjoy a cool, creamy cup of authentic frozen yogurt. Available in three delicious flavor combinations including Strawberry Sundae, Strawberry Banana Split, and Rainbow Sherbet. Yoplait Splitz is sure to have your family screaming for more.

You can visit Yoplait on Facebook or Yoplait on Twitter and “Like” or “Follow” the brand to keep up with the latest news on your favorite Yoplait products.

Now, how about that prize pack?  Yoplait and My Blog Spark sent me a coupon for a FREE package of Yoplait products.  

I personally love Yogurt for me and my family.  My son could eat it all day long and I could let him.  So I'm excited about the coupon.  But the prize pack gets even better!

Here is what else is in the prize pack:

• an Activio Insulated Tote
  The Activio Insulated Tote is a waterproof tote with a fully-insulated compartment.  It also has four outer (non-insulated) pockets.  It's ideal for the beach, sporting events or long trips in the car.  It can also be used to transport cold items to and from parties or frozen goods home from the store. 
  I'm telling you, this tote is awesome!  I can't wait for the fall weather to get here so I can pack a picnic (Yoplait yogurts included!) and take Bug to the park.  Speaking of picnics, there is also a:
• Roll-up fleece picnic blanket
  The blanket is fleece on one side and waterproof lining on the other.  Perfect for picnics or any other time you need to sit on the ground.  And it rolls up when not in use.  It has buckles to keep it rolled up and a strap for carrying!

How would you like WIN the same prize pack I was given?  I knew you would!  :)))  Here's how to enter:

THE GIVEAWAY

Please make sure that you e-mail address is left in your posts or that it is clearly visible on your Blogger/GFC profile if you have one.  I will not search blogs, facebook pages or twitter accounts for an e-mail address.  It needs to be in the post or where I can see it if I click on your name.  If you are worried about spam-bots getting your e-mail address, just leave a space in it, like: savingtowardabetterlife   @gmail.com

Mandatory Entry

Must be completed before other entries will count!

1.  Check out the info above on the NEW Yoplait Splitz and tell me in a comment below, which flavor you'd most like to try!

Optional Additional Entries 

If an action is good for more than one entry, please leave the appropriate amount of comments as defined in italics after each description.

2. Be an e-mail subscriber of the blog.  1 entry
3. Be a Google Friend Connect Follower  1 entry

4.  Be a Facebook fan of the blog.  Please leave facebook name.  1 entry

5.  Leave a comment below telling me how you would use your prize pack!  1 entry

6. Enter the Boogie Wipes Giveaway (ends 9/1).  1 entry

7.  Be a Twitter follower of the blog and of Yoplait AND tweet about the giveaway (You can copy and paste the one below)  Please leave a link to your tweet.  You can tweet for an entry everyday.  1 entry PER DAY 

#Yoplait #myblogspark @abetterlifeblog team up to bring you a prize pack for the NEW Yoplait Splitz! Enter to #WIN! http://bit.ly/aY0wGO

8.  Have my blog button on your page.  Please leave a link where I can find it.  2 entries
9.  Participate in the My Five Things link up!  Leave your comments here after you link up.  2 entries for each week you participate!  (3 opportunities during the span of this giveaway!)

10.  Blog about the giveaway.  Leave a link to this post.  3 entries

11.  Join the Coupon Swap.  You must be an active member.  Your first envelope will have to be sent (and received by the next person in line) before the giveaway is over for your entries to count!  Current, active members can gain bonus entries too!  5 entries!!

Open to US residents only.   Giveaway ends at 9pm cst on 9/18/10.

Winner will be randomly selected, notified and given 48 hours to respond or another winner will be chosen.

 I was not paid for this post.  Yoplait and My Blog Spark provided me with the prize pack pictured above.  My opinions are my own.

New Energizer Recharge Smart Charger

Do you use rechargeable batteries?  We do at our house!  With a gadget-loving husband, a light-up-noise-making-toy loving toddler and a Mama who almost always has her camera on we go through a LOT of batteries!

The Shopping Mama is giving away one of the new Energize Recharge Smart Charger (and a $15 gift card to Target!) to one lucky winner!

Oh, I would SO love to win one of these.  We have a charger, but I have to admit...it's quite old.  And we have batteries, but I have to admit...a lot of them are quite old.

Here are some of the fancy features of the new Energizer Recharge Smart Charger:

• Countdown timer shows how long until batteries are charged
• Battery Fuel Guage shows charge status
• Bad Battery Alert detects alerts and shuts off charging when a  non-NiMH or old NiMH battery is inserted
• Large visual display can be viewed from across the room
• Charges batteries at a safe, steady rate which improves the long-term health of the NiMH battery
• Energy Star® certified

What stood out most to me and what I think would make my life much easier, is the Bad Battery Alert.  I mentioned a lot of our batteries are quite old.  It's so frustrating to charge some batteries, pull them out of the charger and put them in the camera and have the camera immediately say "Insert New Batteries".  But I just did!  Or at least I thought I did.  Another bad set of batteries to go in the trash.  But I'm always hesitant to throw them away because since the camera takes two batteries, are the both bad, or just one?  You can't tell good batteries from bad batteries by looking at them.  So short of tossing every rechargeable battery we have and buying brand new ones (yikes!), how am I supposed to know which ones are good or not?

Well, if I WIN the Energizer Recharge Smart Charger, I WILL know!