Umi Shoes Spring/Summer 2010 *review*
March 15, 2010 by Laurie
Filed under Product Reviews
Being new to the parenting scene, it seems like I am always shopping for the boys. Clothes and children’s shoes have to be at the top of my list, because they are always growing. I find this to be one of my biggest challenges in meeting their needs because, I feel like I am always buying.
If you can envision me in the store, attempting to “guess the future size”, you know how difficult it can be. As a parent to twins (which means double everything for shoes etc.), you really want to get shoes and clothes that will stick with your child for at least a good 6 months if not longer. Shoes, are the biggest deal on the list because they can be so expensive. I just purchased what seemed like only a few months ago, sneakers for the boys, and their toes are already to the very tip. So now I find myself lamenting again whether or not to buy a full size larger.
Anytime we get to review shoes in this house, is a happy joy joy moment. It is nice to see what shoes fit the boys the best and I have a few on my list that rank tops on my list. Umi shoes just came out with their new Spring/Summer line of shoes for 2010 and I love their shoes. One main reason, I love their shoes is because Umi shoes allow some growing room for your child. If I order their size shoe, they have at least a half size of extra grow room. This is such a wonderful thing when it comes to children’s shoes because at least they get to wear them. I don’t know how many pairs of shoes that we have gone through that still look new because they hardly got to wear them. They outgrew them so quickly.
We chose the Brazos an open toed sandal that comes in three really great colors, black, chocolate, and navy. We received the Navy Brazos with red accents that I love. I like that it had a unique color combination but not too much that I can put this sandal with anything that they wear. One of the greatest features is that the sandal is waterproof. This is great when you have young kids, especially boys, because they can sweat and jump in water etc and you don’t have to change shoes. I almost always choose a sandal for the warmer months because they are easy to get on and off, and with the heat, their feet have a chance to breathe. The soles are flexible and durable to outlast the rigors of your child’s play. Children can run and jump and play in them, and they just look comfortable on their feet with no rubbing and wear on their sensitive skin.
We also received the Trek in Chocolate. This is a great alternative to an open toed sandal. The toe is closed but still offers the breath-ability of a good summer sandal. It is also waterproof, so your child can run through puddles, slosh in mud, and you can just rinse off and you are good to go. Trek comes in easy to match colors of black, chocolate, and olive. The velcro closures on Umi shoes are some of the better ones that I have had. Usually what tends to happen is you get fuzzies and stuff stuck in the velcro and then the shoe doesn’t stay closed on some of the shoes. I have never had that problem with Umi shoes. The shoes are easy to adjust and stay put.
A Little Bit About Umi
At Umi, we build real children’s shoes. Not floppy leather slipper socks. And not miniature grown-up shoes. We know a lot about growing feet. Front to back. Side to side. Top to bottom. Umi shoes are designed with children’s feet in mind.
Around here we have some pretty high standards. We craft our shoes from the highest quality nappa and nubuck leather, with carefully constructed lasts. Our manufacturing process includes more than twenty quality control checks to ensure that every pair of shoes meets our standards. The result: Umi shoes are flexible, supportive, built to fit, and go the distance.
We protect the ground we walk on. We’re also looking out for the next generation. Umi makes shoes that are healthy for kids and healthy for the planet. From first step to last, we’re committed to quality and safety. We use only non-toxic materials that are built to last. Our drum-dyed leathers are tested for colorfastness and wear-resistance. And our commitment doesn’t end there. We package our shoes in recycled materials and use environmentally sound practices to manage our waste. At Umi, making a safe, healthy, earth-friendly product is not trendy. It’s just who we are.
Umi shoes has a really great Spring and Summer line of shoes for 2010. You are sure to find something for girls and boys alike. You can also Sign up as an UmiFriend through email and an UmiFan with Facebook to stay in the know about ways to care for little feet and get some exclusive promotions for being a subscriber. Umi shoes are great shoes for little feet!
**Umi Shoes sent me two pairs of shoes to help facilitate my review, my opinions are that of my own**
Frigidaire Getting Acquainted With My Beautiful New Fridge
March 12, 2010 by Laurie
Filed under Mom Central, Product Reviews
For the past couple of weeks, we have been adjusting to a new addition in the family. We have been getting acquainted with our new Frigidaire professional line refrigerator. It is a tad smaller than the one that we sent to garage but the storage areas seem to make up for the space that we lost. There will be more in the future on organizing the fridge to make more space. You might be a little scared at the moment because I haven’t had the chance to make it all pretty and organized on the inside.
I am loving the stainless steel look in the kitchen. When the guys from the appliance store were installing the fridge, I told my husband that I may need to change all of the appliances over to stainless steel. All the men in the room laughed together. I guess that was a no. What do men know anyway! I guess I will leave that discussion for another day ha!
The fridge is beautiful. I was a little worried about how easy the stainless steel would get finger prints. But, I have found that it is extremely easy to clean. I just take a damp paper towel half wet and half dry and they come right off and it looks great. I really like having the temperature display on the outside of the fridge. On our GE Profile, they were inside the door, and I felt like I was forever adjusting the temperature to get it to stay. You will see the display on some of my pictures. At the time the fridge was working its way to the proper temperature after we got everything in it. But it took very little time and everything was nice and cold.
We are getting used to all the new features, and I particularly like the little shelf that is above the ice maker. You can fit your Ben and Jerrys up there (which is critical) and a pizza. I love that! I will cover more of the features in a later post. In the meantime, let me introduce you to my (our) new baby! I know you will fall in love too!
Turn Up Your Sound 
“I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a Frigidaire Refrigerator to facilitate my review.”
Banquet Thanks A Million Instant Win Game!
February 21, 2010 by Laurie
Filed under Blog Tours, Mom Central, Product Reviews
Every mom knows that there are days that we just don’t feel like cooking a big fancy meal. There are even days when I just don’t know what I should prepare. These are the says where I like to go to the freezer and pull out a TV dinner and call it a day.
We are fans of Banquet meals, which I can remember eating when I was a kid. My favorite was always the dinners that came with a dessert and I still love an occasional salisbury steak. Both of my boys love their chicken fingers dinner or the peperoni pizza, and they are ready in just minutes. There are so many others to choose from, if you are in a no fuss kind of mood.
Overview and History of Banquet
For 50 years, Banquet has been making the familiar foods that families love. From Salisbury steak to crispy fried chicken and turkey pot pies to chicken breast tenders, you can always count on Banquet to provide consistently good taste at a great value.
Banquet products include frozen dinners, pot pies, fried chicken, chicken nuggets, tenders and patties, Banquet wings, Homestyle Bakes, and Crock-Pot® Classics.
The Banquet brand began in 1953 with the introduction of frozen meat pies. Banquet frozen dinners first hit store shelves in 1955. The ’70s brought several different fried chicken offerings. Most recently, Banquet launched Homestyle Bakes and Dessert Bakes, and the brand revolutionized convenient, family-style cooking with the introduction of Banquet Crock-Pot Classics in 2004.
Now Banquet wants to give back to it’s loyal customers! They are giving away more that 16,000 cash prizes totaling $1 million in their Thanks A Million campaign. You can play by looking for specially marked Banquet single-serve dinner meals in your grocer’s freezer during the months of February, March, and April. So not only can you make a fun and easy meal but you could be a lucky winner. I could certainly dream up what I would love to do with a little extra cash. Read the Official Rules Here.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Logitech Indoor Video Security Master System *review and giveaway*
February 16, 2010 by Laurie
Filed under Product Reviews
As a mom, worrying is what I do best, and my husband complains that I worry too much. Since having the boys, I think that I am even more vigilant about their safety and the safety of our home in general. I have always thought that a security system of some wort was always a good idea. In particular having a security camera available in our home to keep track of the boys when they are in another area of the house, to monitor the house when we are away and eventually when we hire a babysitter. To some it may seem like an extreme measure, but to me safety is greatly important.
I had always thought that owning an indoor security camera would be an expensive venture, so I never really considered having one, even though I felt it would be useful in many ways in our home. Then, Logitech introduced me to their Indoor Video Security Master System. Much to my surprise the cost of owning this system was quite reasonable around $200 for the base system! I have seen many security systems that run in the thousands and do a lot of the same things. Not only that, the Logitech Security System can be expan
ded to accommodate 6 cameras so you can place them throughout your home.
Video is transmitted through the electrical system in your house called HomePlug technology, the Logitech Indoor Add-On Security Camera transmits encrypted video over existing electrical wires straight to your PC. I think this in itself is a pretty cool concept. The camera is able to detect motion, and record video directly to your PC for playback. You can then view video from the day, or past weeks. You can also see all the views from each of the cameras that you have set up. You can also receive Motion-activated text and e-mail alerts when the camera has been activated.
Logitech has WiiLife software, and you can easily get an account to remotely monitor your your cameras while you are away. This is great for when you are away on vacation, or anytime that you want to check up on your home or your children even. They even have a really cool Spy Add-On Camera (these look like an alarm clock) that can be combined with any Logitech Master System. The camera can be easily mounted to the wall, or in the desktop stand, or even by a suction cup to your window. The suction cup is perfect for keeping an eye on things outside of your home. I would use it to keep track of the pesky deer that seem to like our yard!
Features
Homeplug connectivity
You’ll be up and running in no time—no new wires to run, no network configuration. It transmits encrypted video over your existing electrical wires straight to your PC. Learn more about Homeplug.
Easy, 15-minute setup
You simply install Logitech® Command Center PC software, connect the USB receiver, and plug in the camera anywhere around your home or office.
Flexible PC-viewing options
You can see live footage or store it on your hard drive for later replay. The intuitive Windows interface makes it easy to navigate and set your preferences.
Motion-activated mobile alerts
Mobile-phone and e-mail alerts quickly update you when you’re on the go.
Free remote viewing
A password-protected, Web-based account lets you log in to view live video online—anywhere, anytime. It’s accessible from your Windows® Mobile phone too.
Support for up to six cameras
You can add Logitech® Indoor, Outdoor, or Spy Add-On Cameras in any combination to any Logitech® Master System.
Multiple mounting options
This indoor camera can be placed where you need it most—attached to a window (facing in or out), placed on a desktop, or mounted to a wall.
When my husband and I set up the camera, we initially had a little bit of difficulty, but nothing major. It took only minutes to set everything up and we were viewing the downstairs playroom. We decided this would be great for keeping an eye on the boys while they were playing down there. My only word of warning is to point the camera away from an existing window. We had it on the opposite side of the room facing towards the incoming light and the view was a little less than clear. Another thing I noticed was that the camera has blinking lights on it. To some this may not be a big deal and it may just be unavoidable but without the lights it may make the camera much less noticeable. If someone were doing something in my home, I certainly wouldn’t want to draw attention to my security camera.
Overall, the Logitech Indoor Security Camera is a really handy device for basic monitoring within the home. It is easy to install and operate for the average person that doesn’t know much about how this stuff works. I like that it is expandable and offers several options for mounting. The video quality isn’t stellar on the camera but it is good enough for what the average homeowner would use it for. And best of all, it won’t break the bank.
Would you like the chance to win the Logitech Outdoor Security System?
Here’s What You Gotta Do!
Visit Logitech and tell me what specific features you like on their security cameras, and why you would like to win this outdoor security system.
Additional Entries
Tweet about this giveaway, you must have an active twitter account with more than 100 followers
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Contest starts February 16, 2010 and Ends March 16, 2010
Good Luck!!!!!
Open to US residents only, must claim prize within 48 hours of email notification, the prize is forfeited
Pepsi Refresh Project
February 1, 2010 by Laurie
Filed under Mom Central, Product Reviews
The world is such a big place, and it seems like there is always some amount of financial suffering going on. My heart breaks for the people in Haiti, for families here in the United States that don’t have a warm place to be, or food on their tables. This is why giving back to people and your community is such a wonderful way to touch lives. I look at all the money that goes to organized sports, and frivolous things in this country and wonder if we didn’t pay so much towards things that don’t really matter if nobody would have to go without.
I was recently was introduced a wonderful program that Pepsi is launching called the Pepsi Refresh Project.
Through the Pepsi Refresh Project, Pepsi will be giving away an astounding $20 million dollars to fund projects that help make communities better. They will not be advertising at the superbowl this year to support a more meaningful cause. Pepsi wants to know what needs your local community has. It can be something as simple as a safer play area for neighborhood and school children, or books for the community library. No request is too small, and this is about reaching out in light of a bad economy and making a difference in people’s lives.
Each month, you will have the chance to submit a project in one of six categories: health, arts & culture, food & shelter, the planet, neighborhood, or education. Then, at the end of the month, Pepsi will post the top submissions on their website and let the public vote on who should win grants ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 (totaling up to $1.3 million dollars!)
There are two major ways you can be involved with the Pepsi Refresh Project. Firstly, beginning February 1, you can get the family together, brainstorm, and come up with a great idea for an improvement you’d like to see in your community, and submit it for consideration the month of March Or, you can also visit RefreshEverything.com and vote for your favorite submissions for February’s grants.
Moms, this is also a great way to get the kiddos involved by getting them to think of ways in which to help out in their local community and give of themselves. It is an excellent way to show them how to pay it forward and get involved!
If you aren’t aware of the needs in your local community, then this is a good time to take a closer look.. Sometimes we get caught up in our world and never stop to look around us. Take a look around, even ask what some of the needs are of the community around you and start submitting to the Pepsi Refresh Project. Giving back has so many rewards well beyond monetary wealth.
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Pepsi Refresh. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
The Imposter By Kip Kreiling *review and giveaway*
January 21, 2010 by Laurie
Filed under Contests, Product Reviews
I think that there are probably thousands of self help books and books about transformation out there on the market. Up until recently, I have had a few really good ones passed on to me by a very good friend and coach that I felt were noteworthy. I have had many discussions with him on the fact that, books are just someone’s view and that doesn’t always pertain to myself. In fact, I even got mad at him a time or two when he would tell me the answers are in the book. I probably should do a lot more reading than I do, but I find it hard to take the time out and if the book doesn’t have my attention in the first few pages then it normally winds up on a shelf to collect dust.
Do you believe in the Law of Attraction? It wasn’t until I was contacted to review The Imposter by Kip Kreiling, that I gave any of it much thought. I won’t delve into some of my own hardships, but have recently made it a point to change my perspective on how I handle life situations. This particular book could not have come at a better time.
The Imposter is about Kip Kreiling and how he survived being out on the streets, drug addiction, in out of homes, and being arrested numerous times and completely transformed his life. They say that people can never change, but this is a powerful example of how anyone can. He talks about the fact that we can indeed change our own life situation by first knowing that you can change and making that transformation a compelling desire. He outlines eight simple yet powerful principles that makes a liar out of “Leopards not changing their spots.”
I was talking to my life coach, mentor and friend and I had passed a copy of this book on to him. He had not read the book yet, but was asking me what I had learned from The Imposter. Kip Kreiling references events in history and how they related to the principles in the book. I did complain that there was a lot of history in the book (Sorry Kip) and that I was never a fan of reading history books but as my coach had mentioned, history is our greatest teacher and a perfect example of how people can change. As much as I don’t like history Kip Kreiling has a wonderful way of showing how history is one of the best teachers.
As I read the book, it is an amazing testament to the survival of the human spirit. Kip Kreiling dealt drugs, he did drugs, he slept on the streets, he went to jail and dropped out of school, he was a criminal. Most stories that you read like that, almost never end in anything good or positive, but Kip managed to overcome what most of society would consider a life sentence. He rose above all of that, conquered drug addiction, went back to school, and became more than just a success, but an inspiration. I found myself engrossed and in awe of how he managed to overcome those things and even managed to survive!
One of my favorite parts in the book, which gives you a different perspective on how to look at the things going on in your life is to focus your energy on creating the positive rather that trying to eliminate the negative things in your life. I have struggled with my weight for many years and at the very end of the book, I was given a very different answer to how I could make that change. Instead of going on a diet, I will just run a marathon. I won’t give you all the details, you will have to read the book for yourself.
Not only will you want to read this book from front to back but I will be keeping this one close. I have already gone back and read several passages. Kip Kreiling is real inspiration and testament that anyone can transform their life and that the past is no measure of what we can achieve. The Imposter is well written and honesty in its purest form, it shows us that when life is even at its worst. that you can turn it around by simply changing from this moment forward. This is a must read!
**Thank you Kip Kreiling for providing me with a copy of this book for review**
Kip Kreiling was nice enough to provide 5 copies of his book for me to giveaway to DoubleBugs readers.
THIS CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED
Here’s What You Gotta Do
If you would like to win a copy of his book please leave me a comment telling me why you would like to have this book, or if you have someone in mind that you would like to give the book too.
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Giveaway starts January 21, 2010 and Ends February 19, 2010
Good Luck!
David’s Bridal For The Little Details
January 19, 2010 by Laurie
Filed under Product Reviews
I remember my wedding day just like it was yesterday and part of me would love to relive the moments of the day. Along with all the special times, it was definitely stressful trying to take care of all the big and little details. There is so much information to process when you are planning a wedding, and I am ever so thankful for the help I received.
One of the things that I wanted to do was to get each member of our wedding party a really special and thoughtful gift. It is always easy to just ask someone to be in your wedding and to share in your special day. After being in several weddings, I know that it can sometimes be a bit of a hassle when you have to get fitted for the wedding, make arrangements to get there and have to pay for your gown or tuxedo. I think that remembering the members of your wedding party is a thoughtful way to say thank you for sha
ring in your special day.
I spent a good deal of time thinking about what to get them. At the time I had a hard time finding places that gave me specific ideas for bridal party gifts. I needed lots of ideas and ones that I could personalize as well as make them meaningful to that specific person. I bought several of the dresses for the flower girls at David’s Bridal. When looking at their site recently I noticed they now have a wonderful selection of gifts you can get and personalize for members of your wedding party. The selection is definitely not meager either, there are pages and pages of really great ideas like personalized handbags that you can stuff with fun things for the ladies and things like pocket watches for the guys. There is so much there to help you create a meaningful gift for everyone. It almost makes me want to do it again (almost).
**I was compensated for my time to review David’s Bridal.com, the opinions I Have expressed are that of my own**
FedEx Out Of Office Blog
January 7, 2010 by Laurie
Filed under Mom Central, Product Reviews
A New Year means a new outlook on things. At least, this is how every New Year starts out for most of us, and as the year moves on, it is often hard to stay on track and keep those creative ideas flowing. Finding new ways to do ordinary things, plan parties, and work on projects with your kids can sometimes be difficult when you feel like you keep doing the repetitive.
The intern
et has always been a great place to find good ideas on how to plan a party, find new crafts for kids, or ways in which to keep our lives motivated and organized. I was introduced to a new and wonderful resource for the everyday to the special occasion. The Out of Office blog from FedEx Office will help get you going with projects for invitations and place cards, ideas on how to turn your child’s artwork into a notebook, large poster and creative ideas for making a more than ordinary thank you card. In the future, the blog will feature contests and giveaways, themed series, how-to videos, and the creative insights of guest bloggers and customers!
While I was looking over the site I ran across a really adorable idea. You can let your children make artwork and turn it into a personal placemat. I think my boys would get a kick out of this, and I also think its a fun way to make the table inviting for family and friends. You can then take their artwork up to your local FedEx and have it laminated and proudly displayed at the dinner table. This is a perfect project for the winter months, and can also be a great way to welcome in each season. In excitement for Spring to come you can make fun Spring place mats, and it’s a perfect way to think outside of the dreary cold weather. Winter is one of the hardest times for me and the boys because we greatly miss being outside.
Head on over to the new FedEx Out of Office Blog and you can get some really great ideas to help get your creativity flowing and start the New Year off right!
“I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of FedEx Office. In addition, Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”
Shop NBC Find The Things You Want Without Leaving Your House
December 21, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Product Reviews, shopping
We celebrated the holidays a little early this year due to our travels to see family. I had recently run some errands right in the middle of the hustle and bustle of everyone getting their Christmas shopping done. I typically don’t head to the local stores when it comes to getting gifts for everyone. It is less stress just sitting here in the comfort of my own home and getting the things I need for family. I think buying online is one of the best ways to shop. You can find some pretty awesome deals and a lot of times free shipping too.
We will be travelling to my parents house for Christmas this year and the four of us and one golden retriever will be invading their house. My parent have a relatively small house so we wind up sleeping in several rooms. My husband usually ends up on an air mattress which isn’t exactly the most comfortable. So, I started looking at mattress sets that I could get for one of the spare rooms so my husband and I would be a little more comfortable. I found somewhat reasonable set ups at Shop NBC that would fit nicely considering our space limitations. They carry a pricier line of mattress sets but because my husband is a bigger guy we need higher end mattresses that will support well.
At Shop NBC they have a wide range of items, they have some really reasonable prices on king sheet sets, which if you know anything about sheets they can be pricey. But if you want to splurge and get some really nice things for the family, Shop NBC has some really nice things that could put a smile on anyone’s face. I did notice that they do have a clearance space that had some pretty awesome deals on mostly clothing and some really pretty jewelry, and you can’t go wrong with that when it comes to gifts for Mom. I even saw a watch that I would like to have (Hint hint!) Check out Shop NBC for some fabulous finds!
**I was compensated for my time to review Shop NBC, the opinions I Have expressed are that of my own**
Kleenex Anti Viral Battle The Bug Giveaway
December 17, 2009 by Laurie
Filed under Contests, Product Reviews
With all this talk of the swine flu it almost has me paranoid when the boys get even the slightest sniffle. I must look like a total germaphobe at the grocery store when I am in race to wipe down the cart before the boys even touch it. You hate to feel like you are paranoid but with having one child that is prone to bad asthma and the other who had so many ear infections, I try to be as vigilant as I can to keep things as germ free as possible.
Kleenex has introduced their Anti Viral tissues. I think it is a really great concept from a Mom’s point of view, when their are snotty noses in the house, I feel like I am constantly wiping somebody’s nose and that in itself spreads plenty of germs.
About Kleenex Anti Viral
- The blue-dotted, moisture-activated layer indicates it’s a Kleenex® Anti-Viral* Tissue
- Kleenex® Anti-Viral* Tissues are available at leading grocery, drug, club and mass merchandising stores
- Tissues are fragrance free
- The middle layer of Kleenex® Anti-Viral* Tissues contains active ingredients that kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses*
- They are extremely soft and gentle enough even for small children
Many people actually re-use nose tissues. Not only is this kinda gross, it doesn’t kill the virus. Kleenex® Anti-Viral* Tissues kill the bug in the tissue within 15 minutes.* So remember: the bug is out there all year long. So grab the one weapon that’s proven to kill 99.9% of cold and flu viruses* in the tissue.
Watch this fun webisode in Kleenex’s Battle Of The Bug
You can even join in the battle of the bug with Kleenex and receive great offers on Kleenex® Anti-Viral* Tissues. With the number of flu cases that are rising each day it can’t hurt to have a little defense up your sleeve rather than snot on it. I like the new idea of Kleenex Anti Viral, and with having young kids you know they are some of the biggest germ carriers. I remember when I worked in daycare for 9 years, the first 3 years I was sick weekly!
As part of Kleenex’s Battle Of The Bug, they would like to offer One lucky reader a chance to win a box of Kleenex Anti Viral tissues and a $50 visa card!
Here’s What You Gotta Do
Tell me what you do to help prevent the spread of germs in your house, sign up to battle the bug, and tell me why you would like to win!
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Contest Starts December 18, 2009 and Ends January 5, 2010
Good Luck!
**I was compensated for posting the following information and for hosting this giveaway by Kleenex**
