Breyers Smooth & Dreamy (Review & Giveaway)

I am a long time sufferer.  I am plague by the illness.  What is wrong with me?  I suffer from a sweet tooth.  There I said it.  I am a sweet tooth sufferer.  When I was given the chance to try a new sweet treat I was happy to agree.  Breyers Smooth and Dreamy bars and sandwiches are yummy.  I have only tried the Chocolate Caramel Brownie sandwich but if it is any indication of how good the other five flavors are I am buying all of them!  Chocolate Caramel Brownie, Vanilla Caramel Chip, Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough, Chocolate Covered Strawberry, Vanilla Fudge Brownie and Triple Chocolate Chip are all of the great flavors of bars and sandwiches you can try.

Yum.

Want to try some for yourself?  Leave a comment below and I will randomly select some readers to receive a coupon for one free box to try.

This contest is good for ONE coupon per winner.  It is open to U.S. residents only.  Midwest Mommy is not responsible for lost or stolen mail.  Coupon will be shipped 24 hours after winners respond with shipping information.  Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email before I select another winner.  Good luck.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

The Moment You Knew: EPT (Review)

It was July 2005.  I woke up super early and just decided to take it.  I knew.  I knew it would be true.  I was right, pregnant popped up on the screen.  I was floored, excited, scared, shocked all rolled into one.  I ran into the bedroom and woke my husband up because I just couldn't believe it.

The second time was June 2007.  I was riding back from a zoo trip with a friend and the subject came up.  I went quiet.  She asked, oh my god do you think you are pregnant?  Maybe.  After I got home I loaded my daughter up, went to the store and three ept's later I finally believed it again when pregnant kept reappearing on the screen.  Yep, I was.

E.P.T. was always my first choice when it came to pregnancy tests.  Do you all remember this one?

Throughout our pregnancies, we collect and save keepsakes by which to remember our experience.  According to a recent survey commissioned by the makers of e.p.t. brand, the top three pregnancy keepsakes are ultrasound photos, items from the delivery day and at-home pregnancy tests.  What's more, 67% of expectant mothers saved their at-home pregnancy test – the first proof that they were pregnant – for reasons ranging from showing it to a partner to saving it as a poignant life-milestone keepsake.  Confession: I saved both of mine. Now, e.p.t. offers women a commemorative Keepsake Case and scrapbook card to mark the life-changing occasion (available with a mail-in proof-of-purchase).  For more information about the Keepsake Case and pregnancy testing, please visit www.testaccurately.com 

"I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of e.p.t and received an e.p.t. keepsake case and a $20 gift card to JustGive.org to facilitate my review.”

Kindercare (Review)

I have been a stay at home mom now for four years.  Besides my parents and a close friend I have never left my kids with anyone else.  Sure at the gym I drop them off in the kids play area but I am still right there in the same building with them.  The day will come when I will head back to work and I will need to explore all of my options for childcare including before and after school care.  I want to know when I am leaving my kids they are in the next best care when I can't be there.  What is your experiences with childcare?  What do you look for when choosing a location?  Kindercare is a daycare program center that has been around as long as I can remember and I believe would be worth checking out when I head back to work.  
There are many factors I am concerned about when selecting the most appropriate facility for my kids.  In a nationwide survey of parents, KinderCare Learning Centers learned that when selecting a school, 76% of parents are most concerned that their school of choice employs quality and passionate teachers and 80% want to know that their child is excited to take part in activities while at school. I 100% agree, I want to know that my children are engaged in learning, with caring, passionate, professional and educated adults.  Finding the right school can feel overwhelming, with things to consider like class size, location, programming and curriculum and enviornment. KinderCare, a preschool and kindergarten program with 1600 centers nationwide, offers age-appropriate curriculum, customized experiences and overall school preparedness, making the back to school or start of school process a whole lot easier.
KinderCare Learning Centers provide low teacher to student ratios, strong communication between families and teachers, and a safe, nurturing atmosphere. Offering projects designed to excite children's imaginations, KinderCare provides a stimulating environment for toddlers, preschoolers and elementary school aged children alike. And with over 40 years experience in childcare and education, KinderCare provides peace of mind so parents can feel confident in their choice.
If you are faced with a childcare dilemma and no where to go you may want to stop into a Kindercare center and set up a tour to learn more about what they offer.
I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of KinderCare Learning Centers and received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

John Morrell Allergen Free Meats (Review)

Recently John Morrell has introduced an allergen free selection of their famous meats.  

Certain foods can trigger allergic reactions with my daughter and her skin.  She will break out in a horrible itchy rash.  Seeing companies like John Morrell make an effort to address these issues is nice to see.  You can now purchase their allergen free hot dogs, bologna and smoked sausages in a super market near you.  You can learn more about John Morrell and their allergen free meats and print a $1 off coupon by visiting the John Morrell facebook page here.  
Here is more information from Mom Central and John Morrell:
With many households experiencing food allergies, it has become more stressful for some of us to find meals for everyone that won't cause a problem due to a common allergen such as dairy, nuts, wheat, or gluten. Past generations had less information and concern towards food allergies, but as modern parents we pay much more attention to what we feed our children. And while meat products don't necessarily trigger an alarm to look for possible allergen risks in the ingredients, many in fact do contain a hazard. 

John Morrell, maker of great tasting hotdogs, smoked sausages, and bologna, now offers these products 100% "worry-free". Free from allergens of milk, nuts, egg, soy, wheat, gluten, and MSG, theseJohn Morrell meats provide a great option whether you're having a barbecue or packing a lunch for the kids. John Morrellremoved all the allergens from these meats without sacrificing the mouth-watering taste, and still offering them at a low price. They even went a step further by making their hot dogs, smoked sausages and bologna in a completely allergen-free facility. Knowing that theseJohn Morrell meats will never cause an allergic reaction in my children allows me to cross off "label reading" on my already endless grocery store to-do list.

John Morrell will also launch a designated Facebook page to serve as a destination for allergen-free information. The site will feature regular coupons, contests, expert advice, recipes and nutritional information. The Facebook page will be offering daily "Free" and "$1 Off" coupons – cascading into even more coupon giveaways!
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of John Morrell and received a free coupon for John Morrell products to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Keeping Kids Safe with UL (Review)

Trying to keep my kids safe is one of my biggest concerns pretty much every second of every single day.  I am constantly worried about them and what they are doing. The Underwriters Laboratories (UL) would like to spread the word about summer safety.  Read more below!

After a winter spent indoors, most children can't wait to run off all their pent up energy – and most need not travel any farther than the backyard. Play sets, jungle gyms and pools offer up hours of summertime fun, but can turn potentially dangerous if you do not know what to look for. This summer, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading product safety testing organization, provides useful tips to help keep you and your children safe around play sets and the pool.

To keep your family safe while having fun this summer, UL is offering the following tips:

•   At any water spot, the 10/20 rule states an observant parent should scan the pool every 10 seconds, and never be more than 20 seconds away from the area. Supervision, along with a basic knowledge of CPR, stand among the staples of pool safety.
•   At any playground, watch for enclosed spaces, protruding bolts or tree stumps, and comb through the sand box before your child digs in to help avoid risks presented by glass shards, animal droppings, or other hazards.
•   Before installing a play set, find a suitable place for the set free of any dangerous obstacles like cable wires or tree branches and follow the building instructions closely. Laying safety materials (such as mulch or rubber tiles) can help make the entire area more secure.
•   To avoid constant worry at the pool this summer, construct a tall fence, keep the area around the pool clear of tree limbs and other debris, and clearly mark all drains and filters. Store rescue devices nearby, drain wading pools after use, and always remove toys from the pool so children don't try to play with them without supervision.

UL and Disney even produced a cute video featuring Timon and Puumba from the Lion King teaching kids how to stay safe while swimming during the summer, and all year long. 

I went ahead and I am attaching the complete list of safety precautions for both pool and playground below.  

DIVE INTO POOL SAFETY WITH UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES 

As the weather heats up, families will seek refuge in the cool waters of their neighborhood or backyard pools. Although there’s nothing like a quick dip on a hot summer’s day, pool season doesn’t come without potential risks. In fact, approximately 4,200 people go to the emergency room every year due to pool or spa-related injuries. This summer, Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading product safety testing organization, is providing useful tips to help you and your “little minnows” stay safe. 

POOL SAFETY AT HOME

• If you have a pool at home, install a fence. The fence should be at least four feet high and have a self-closing, self-latching gate that has a locking mechanism beyond a child's reach.
• Cut overhanging tree limbs and remove chairs or ladders from the pool area to prevent children from climbing over the fence that surrounds the pool.
• Keep grates and drain covers in good repair and secured in place. Alert your family and guests to stay away from these devices, as the suction from drain outlets can be strong enough to cause entrapment of hair or body parts, which can potentially cause a person to drown.
• Make sure you know infant and child CPR if you own a pool.

BE SAFETY SMART WHILE SWIMMING

• Supervision is a must. Follow the 10/20 rule when you’re at the pool. The 10/20 rule states the supervising adult needs to position themselves to be able to scan the pool every 10 seconds, and reach the water within 20 seconds.
• Always have rescue devices, such as UL-LISTED life preservers, nearby.
• Flotation devices, toys and inflatable swimming aids are not safety devices. They are toys and can easily puncture and deflate.
• Always drain wading pools after children are done playing. Infants can drown in just a few inches of water.
• Have a telephone nearby and appropriate emergency numbers posted.
• Remove all toys when you leave the pool. Toys may attract children to the unattended pool.

UNDERWRITERS LABORATORIES HELPS FAMILIES PLAY IT SAFE THIS SUMMER 

From backyard tree houses, to jungle gyms, to neighborhood playgrounds, kids will be climbing and swinging all summer long. However, it’s important for parents to be aware of the potential dangers associated with play sets. Each year, more than 200,000 children ages 14 and younger go to the emergency room for play set-related injuries. That’s why Underwriters Laboratories (UL), a leading product safety testing organization, is providing easy-to-follow safety tips to help families “play it safe” this summer.  

BEFORE INSTALLING A BACKYARD PLAY SET…

• Make sure your backyard is large enough for playground equipment. The site must also provide good visibility and security. Before setting up equipment, look out for obstacles, such as the garage, tree branches, utility poles and wires.
• Read and follow the manufacturer’s directions when setting up play set equipment. Be sure your child's weight and age fall within the manufacturer's recommended limits for the equipment.
• Install protective surfacing, such as rubber tiles or mulch under the play set, at least six feed in all directions, to prevent serious injuries should a child fall.

BEFORE HEADING OUT TO PLAY…

• Carefully inspect backyard playground equipment. Make sure equipment is anchored safely in the ground, all equipment pieces are in good working order, S-hooks are entirely closed and bolts are not protruding.
• Check for spaces that could trap children, such as openings in guardrails or between ladder rungs. These spaces should measure less than 3.5 inches or more than 9 inches.
• Always supervise children on play set equipment to make sure they are playing safely.
• Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, pet leashes or cords of any kind to play set equipment. If used improperly, they can be potential strangulation hazards.
• Watch for potential trip hazards, such as rocks, tree stumps and concrete footings. Make sure you’re children are aware of them as well.
• Do a sandbox check. Before letting your child dig in, rake through the sand to check for debris or sharp objects. Also, inspect for any animal contamination or insect problems.

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Underwriters Laboratories. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Aquafina Flavor Splash (Review) Peach Mango

This past week was the final week of the fabulous Aquafina Flavor Splash tour with Mom Central.  I have really been able to try many different flavors of water along the way.  During the last week of the tour we sampled Peach Mango.  It was good.  Not my favorite but still good.  I kinda compare it to those peach Jolly Ranchers from when we were little; I didn't hate them but I also didn't love them.
If you have someone in your life who isn't a big fan of drinking water because it is boring or has no taste maybe you could try passing along an Aquafina Flavor Splash their way.

I want to thank Mom Central for inviting me to particpate in this great blog tour.  My family has enjoyed all of the flavors of Aquafina that have come our way (well, maybe not the lemon so much). 

Don't forget to download your $1 off coupon here!

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Aquafina FlavorSplash and have received various FlavorSplash samples to facilitate my participation. Mom Central will send me a gift card at the end of the program.

Sarah McLachlan: Laws of Illusion (Review)

I started listening to Sarah McLachlan years ago when my husband and I use to commute to work together.  He is actually the one who got me hooked on her songs that weren't the usual radio played songs.  She is now one of my favorite artists.  Sarah McLachlan's new album Laws of Illusion will be released in stores on June 15th!

Now once you get past the creepy look on Sarah's face on the album cover (you are nodding right?) we can get to talking about the music.  The album is really good. There are about four songs that I love.  My husband and I are huge fans and we were very excited to get our hands on it early to review!  

Here is a complete song list included on the album:

1. Awakenings
2. Illusion Of Bliss
3. Loving You Is Easy
4. Changes
5. Forgiveness
6. Rivers Of Love
7. Love Come
8. Out Of Tune
9. Heartbreak
10. Don't Give Up On Us
11. U Want Me 2
12. Bring On The Wonder
13. Love Come (Piano Version)

It should also be mentioned that there will be the return of the historic all-female Lilith Fair festival this summer!  From 1997 through 1999, Lilith Fair was one of the highest grossing touring festivals in the world, with over 2 million fans in attendance and raising over $10 million dollars for national and local women's charities. If you want tickets be sure to check it out here! 


I was given a copy of the CD to facilitate my review from the ONE2ONE Network.

Mother's Cookies (Review)

Mother's Cookies were a staple treat in my childhood.  I loved the frosted cookies with sprinkles so much!  There have been other brands who have tried to compete (sounds like Seebler) but they just don't taste the same as Mother's Cookies, they are yum.  Am I the only one who remembers these?  Have you ever tried them?
After a short hiatus they are now making a comeback to grocery stores near you and new areas like Kansas City.  If you have kids or just like great treats consider picking a bag up during your next shopping trip.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Mother’s Cookies and received two bags of cookies and a gift certificate to facilitate my review.

Sex and the City 2 Soundtrack (review)

I had long awaited the release of Sex and the City 2 and was even more pumped when I was asked to review the soundtrack for the movie.
Here is some more info on the album now available in stores!

The soundtrack features a brand-new duet "Love is Your Color" by Grammy and Academy Award^® winner Jennifer Hudson, along with global superstar, multi-platinum recording artist and three-time Grammy Award nominee Leona Lewis.  Listen to it here.

Other highlights from this 'getting-ready-to-go-out' soundtrack include a new song by platinum-selling  CeeLo and International superstar Dido also contributes an exclusive new track. Grammy, Emmy, Golden Globe, Tony and Academy Award^® winner Liza Minnelli covers Beyonce’s chart-topper “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)” and 12-time Grammy Award winnerAlicia Keys performs her own extraordinary new version of the Blondie classic “Rapture”.

The soundtrack also features the stars of

Sex and the City 2, Sarah Jessica Parker,

Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis and Cynthia Nixon, performing the Helen Reddy classic

“I Am Woman.”

And here's the entire song list:

1. Alicia Keys “Rapture”
2. Dido “Everything to Lose”
3. Cee Lo “Language of Love” 
4. Erykah Badu “Window Seat”
5. Natacha Atlas “Kidda”
6. Michael McGregor “Euphrates Dream”
7. Liza Minnelli “Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It)”

8. Ricki-Lee "Can't Touch It"

9. Alicia Keys "Emire State of Mind (Part II) Broken Down"

10. Jennifer Hudson and Leona Lewis "Love Is Your Color"

11. Sarah Jessica Parker, Kim Cattrall, Kristin Davis, Cynthia Nixon “I Am Woman”

12. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “If Ever I Would Leave You”

13. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “Sunrise, Sunset”

14. Sex and the City Men’s Choir “Till There Was You”

15.  Shayna Steele, Jordan Ballard, Kamilah Marshall “Bewitched, Bothered and Bewildered”

16.  Liza Minnelli with Billy Stritch “Ev’ry Time We Say Goodbye”

17.  Cyndi Lauper “True Colors”

18.  Aaron Zigman “Divas and Dunes”

I am going to be honest and say it is not my favorite soundtrack of all times and I do think the first movie had a better soundtrack but it is still good.  

*I was only given a copy of this album from the ONE2ONE Network in order to facilitate this review.  

SMART Technologies (Review)

I had the pleasure of experiencing a SMART board while I was in college.  It was awesome!  Imagine a chalk board that is a touch screen, how awesome is that, right?  I dreamed of working for a really rich school district so I could use one while teaching everyday.  Imagine the artsy lessons I could create.  Um, I did get a job but unfortunately it didn't happen with a district who had SMART boards and instead I had the traditional overhead projector (boring!) but a girl can still dream, right?  
SMART Technologies is the world's largest provider of interactive whiteboards  a "touch screen" board that functions like a blackboard does, but with the technical capabilities of a computer screen.  Truly amazing and like nothing we've seen before!
The company has just launched the "SMART Love of Learning" campaign. It acknowledges and celebrates all of the teachers who have impacted individuals around the world. There is a great facebook page that has been developed for this campaign and an opportunity for contest winners to win a SMARTInteractive White Board for their own child's school or the schoolof their choice!  You can check out their website -www.SMARTloveoflearning.com to learn more or this youtube video here.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of SMART Technologies and received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Aquafina Flavor Splash (Review)

It can be hard to get kids to try new fruits.  Now that summer is here I try to make a new fresh fruit salad each week.  This week I included cantaloupe, strawberries, pineapple and grapes.  The kids love to snack the different fruits in their snack bowls and I prefer them to eat fresh fruit then to be snacking on crackers.

Staying hydrated is also very important.  Aquafina's lightly flavored waters provide a sweet and refreshing alternative to regular water, combining the benefits of drinking water along with a great variety of tastes. FlavorSplash comes in six flavors – peach mango, raspberry, strawberry kiwi, lemon, wild berry, and grape – so you can find your own personal flavor favorite. Of note, the waters are sweetened by Splenda and have zero calories.  This week we had the chance to sample the strawberry kiwi.  I have to say that it was ok.  I am really not use to drinking flavored water so it was a change for me.  If you would like to try it for yourself be sure to print out a coupon for yourself here.


I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Aquafina FlavorSplash and have received various FlavorSplash samples to facilitate my participation. Mom Central will send me a gift card at the end of the program.

Shrek Forever After: The Game (Review)

Better out than in I say, has to be one of my favorite lines from the Shrek movies.  Seriously cracks me up and I use it regularly.  Shrek is just a much loved character in our household so when I was given the chance to review the new Shrek Wii game we couldn't have been happier.  My daughter loves it!  I will be honest and say the graphics surprised me.  They were not as high quality as I expected them to be but I am wondering if they were better in other system formats and it was just the wii version that lacked the clarity I am use to.  Overall though it was a hit with my daughter.  She could have cared less what the graphics were like.  Below you can read more about it!

For years, the ingenious Shrek films have generated stories that resonate and entertain kids and adults alike. With witty commentary and lovable characters, Shrek has become a family favorite in many households, mine included. And now, Activision Publishing presents the new Shrek Forever After video game, extending the film premise into a more interactive experience for the whole family.

In the game, kids will work to solve a number of puzzles and navigate mazes, tackle enemy armies and explore Shrek's normal world and his new alternate reality. Available for the Wii, Nintendo DS, Xbox 360 and Playstation 3, the Shrek Forever After video game presents numerous challenges that include exploring the various levels, unlocking new areas and earning upgrades. The game can even be a social and collaborative experience allowing kids to invite parents, siblings or friends to choose between Shrek, Fiona, Puss In Boots and Donkey, with each character boasting their own unique set of abilities and skills to help the team move on to the next level.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Activision and received the items necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Unilever Deodorant (Review)

Being a teen can be hard enough.  Being a teen who stinks (literally) can be humiliating. Between school, sports practices and afternoon activities, kids find themselves busier and more active than ever. And after a long day running around with friends, chances are their shoes won't be the only things that smell.  Suddenly, showers right after your kids get home become critical and you find yourself suggesting that they drop their shirts right into the washing machine. 

As a parent, it can be difficult to know how to navigate these moments. Recent research shows that kids now enter puberty earlier than ever, leaving tweens increasingly self-conscious about their appearance and identity, and making it all the more important to start a dialogue with your child to provide them with the necessary support to keep their confidence high. 

To ensure parents have the tools they need to maintain their tween's confidence during the difficult transition from child to teenager, Unilever – the maker of Degree, Dove and Suave deodorants – has aligned with a roster of community partners and assembled a panel of experts to develop the educational website and resource DontFretTheSweat.com. Tweens face many sweat-inducing moments, but Unilever hopes to show parents that they can talk to their tweens about how the right deodorant can keep them free from odor, embarrassment and discomfort along the way. 

If you are the parent of a teen or tween be sure to check it out now, they'll thank you for it!

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Unilever and received the items necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.