Review

Pork Chop Kids #Review #Giveaway

by holly on February 8, 2012

I love having little girls to dress up in pretty dresses and cute little skirts. On the other hand, I’m a pretty practical person and the fact that I don’t live in a warm weather climate and don’t like dealing with tights, pants often win out. Out of necessity, one mom created a product that provides warmth and protection to baby and toddler’s legs while still allowing for easy diaper changes all without sacrificing style. After struggling with tights and losing countless pairs of socks because her daughter wouldn’t keep them on, Meaghan Resenhoeft had an idea to create thigh high baby socks and Pork Chops were born. With stylish colors and fun patterns, Pork Chops are a great addition to any wardrobe. Parents will appreciate the ease of potty training and the knee protection these socks provide. Manufactured in the USA, new designs are added to the Pork Chop collection every few months to keep things fresh and on-trend. Pork Chops are sold individually for $15 per pair or in a 3 pack gift set for $45.

I really like Pork Chops as an alternative to tights. They are super cute, comfortable and convenient. The only problem I had with them is that they left my three year old a little exposed when she decided to lift her dress or not sit “like a lady”. I still prefer leggings for her. That being said, Pork Chop Kids are ideal for a little bit younger kids and the slightly older crowd who can keep their skirts and dresses down where they belong. My youngest daughter who is 16 months also received a pair of Pork Chops and they look so sweet on her chunky thighs. And and exposed diapered bottom is cute. Now I just need to find an outfit to match them!

Check out all of the awesome styles at www.porkchopkids.com.

Feeling lucky? Enter to win 2 pairs of Pork Chops by filling out the form below. Please be sure to specify gender and size in the contact info area of the form. Also, be sure to check out all of our other giveaways. NOTE: if you are having trouble with the mandatory entry on the form below, click “I did this” first. Then the form will pop up to enter your info. If you don’t leave your address, I won’t have a way to get your prize to you. If you need more guidance, you can watch this video on how to enter Rafflecopter giveaways.

This giveaway is open until February 15, 2012 at 12:01 am CST to U.S residents.

Your information is confidential and used for contacting the winner and prize fulfillment purposes only.

A complimentary product/service was provided for this review, however, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.

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A Stinky Valentine? Scratch & Sniffs From Peaceable Kingdom #Review

by holly on February 7, 2012

It’s that time of year again — Valentines with the kids. This year it’s pretty cool because Jackson is practicing writing his own name. It’s so cute to watch him concentrating, sometimes with his tongue out! Last year we made play dough valentines that smelled like pink lemonade. This year, it doesn’t smell so good….

Leave it to preschoolers to get the giggles out of being grossed out. These Stinky Bug Scratch & Sniff Valentine cards from Peaceable Kingdom are sure to do the trick. Each of the four designs features a scratch and stiff spot that gives off an unpleasant odor. The kids will “Ewww!” and “Oh, gross!” over pictures of smelly sneakers and garbage trucks. What better way to show their friends they like them, than by making them laugh? Each Super Valentine Pack includes 28 cards with fun artwork and a valentine greeting on back printed with vegetable-based inks plus envelopes making them perfect for a school valentine exchange. The Peaceable Kingdom Press Super Valentine Fun Packs which are available in styles other than Stinky Bugs retail for around $13.

Check out Jackson’s reaction to these silly valentines:

Admittedly, these valentines aren’t for everyone. If your a pregnant woman, do yourself a favor and opt for something unscented like the fold-up paper airplanes or temporary tattoos valentine kits. Peaceable Kingdom also makes “traditional” Valentines with 20 fold-and-seal cards in four designs with 48 stickers for only $5.00. There are 14 styles to choose from including Big Dig or Dinosaurs, Mermaids or Cupcakes!

To stay up to date on all of the cool stuff from Peaceable Kingdom, follow them on Facebook!

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Aerosoles — Only The Most Comfortable Shoes Ever: Review

by holly on January 29, 2012

When I was in my early 20′s my lower back hurt all of the time. My mom kept telling me it was my shoes but I didn’t believe her. It wasn’t until my boyfriend at the time encouraged me to follow my mom’s advice and get some better shoes. I bought a pair of Aerosoles and loved them so much that I actually tried to buy a second pair in the same exact style for when the original pair wore out. Unfortunately, I was too late and couldn’t track down a pair in stock anywhere. The original pair lasted a really long time and was the best money I’ve ever spent on a pair of shoes. I should probably say that, for a girl, I’m not crazy about shoes. I only have a couple of pairs that I wear with everything. I like to keep things simple and I don’t dress up much as a work at home mom. When I do shop for shoes, I am always drawn to Aerosoles. Every pair I have ever tried on was comfortable. The Bec 2 Differ flats I received for this review were no exception. While they are available in animal print calf hair, croco-print and other brightly colored fabrics, I think the brown plaid is most versatile. They look cute with jeans but could also be worn with a skirt or slacks. The cushioned sueded insole and smooth lining offer the comfort I’ve come to expect from the brand — they fit perfectly with no need to be broken in — they didn’t rub at all! These casual ballet style flats feature a cute bow on the toe and a patent leather trim. This particular pair is on sale right now for only $29.99 down from $69. See the other styles available as well as a large selection of other comfortable shoes at www.aerosoles.com.

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Wuggle Pets Review

by holly on January 28, 2012

They’ve seen the commercial, they sing the song, they WANT them. “Mommy, I want a Wuggle Pet. Can I have a Wuggle Pet?” Well, at least they’re not asking for a puppy. I think I can handle a Wuggle Pet. Have you ever heard of Wuggle Pets? It’s a craft project and plush toy all in one. Children bring Wuggle Pets to life themselves with a 12 piece starter kit which includes:

Wuggle Pets factory
magical unicorn
cuddle puppy
two bags of fluffy stuffing
two bags of magic dust
two sheets of personality charms
two birth certificates
zipper lock tool

Using the Wuggle Pets factory, the fluffy stuffing is inserted into one of the skins by turning a crank. Perfect for sleepovers or birthday parties, children will enjoy bringing their pets to life with the magic dust and giving them personalities with this fun activity. The starter kit retails for around $20. Individual add on kits retail for around $8 each. Wuggle Pets are available online at www.wugglepets.com.

I have to admit, I was a little skeptical about Wuggle Pets but my kids absolutely loved them. In fact, we all had a really great time with this little project. It wasn’t messy at all and it didn’t take much time so it completely held their attention. The fun continued even after we were done making our pets. My kids threw their Wuggle Pets a birthday party and played with them for hours! My son was especially excited about the clip so he could put his Wuggle Pet on his backpack and take it to school. Wuggle Pets really would be the perfect activity for a birthday party!

Making a Wuggle Pet is as easy as 1-2-3!

1.Put half the stuffing in the Wuggle Factory, add magic dust, then the rest of the stuffing and put the lid on.

2. Turn the crank and watch the stuffing fill up your Wuggle Pet and bring it to life.

3. Add a personality charm and using the zipper tool, say “Huggle & Snuggle my Wuggle Pet” while zipping it closed.

As you can see, my kids clearly love their Wuggle Pets. It’s definitely worth the $20 to see the smiles on their faces and I love that you can purchase additional Wuggle Pets without having to buy the whole set up again.

Bonus: Hearing your kids trying to say “Huggle & Snuggle my Wuggle Pet” is priceless!

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Can A Smoothie Make You A Better Person? #KBS2012

by holly on January 25, 2012

Can a smoothie make you a better person? Cassie Green from Green Grocer Chicago thinks so! I tend to agree. Starting your day off with a healthy breakfast smoothie can give you energy and ward off hunger. I know that I can be really grumpy when I’m tired or hungry so a smoothie like the one Cassie calls “You Make Me A Better Person” can definitely do just that.

I love smoothies and have been wanting ideas on how to make healthy yet delicious smoothies for myself as well as my children. Cassie demonstrated the Kenmore Elite blender with her favorite smoothie recipe. Then the audience got to make suggestions from a variety of ingredients to create a second smoothie. We were able to sample both of them and I was very surprised by the results. Despite the interesting ingredients, both of them had good flavor and I think I could even get my kids to drink them. Cassie suggests a basic formula for building a smoothie:

2 cups fruit (Carrie suggests using cucumber as well if you prefer something a little less sweet)
1 cup greens (kale, collard greens, spinach, avocado, fresh mint and lettuce work well)
1 cup liquid (water, milk, soy milk, almond milk, hemp milk etc.)
1 tsp maca
1Tbs chia seeds
½ cup ice

The following is the recipe for “You Make Me a Better Person” which Cassie says gives you sustained energy throughout your day.

You Make Me a Better Person
½ cup organic raspberries
½ cup strawberries
½ a tangelo peeled
1 cup kale (about 4 leaves)
1 Tbs chia seeds
1 tsp maca
a few sprigs of fresh mint
½ cup ice

Cassie advises to always add your liquids to the blender first, then the rest of your ingredients. Blend until desired consistency. This smoothie does have a bit of texture but the flavor was awesome.

Wonder what concoction the audience conjured up? Our smoothie consisted of:

Almond milk
1 tsp cocoa powder
avocado
banana
kale
maca

Interesting, right? This one was surprisingly good as well! This demonstration has given me the inspiration to branch out and try different things beyond the typical fruit smoothie. What’s your favorite smoothie recipe? Do you sneak anything healthy into it?

You’ll need a blender to make a smoothie. Consider the Kenmore Elite Blender (pictured above):

When I think of blenders, the first thing that comes to mind is smoothies. While I love a good smoothie, blenders are also great for making stews, sauces and more. The Kenmore Elite Blender features a tempered glass jar with an extra large serving capacity that holds up to 56 ounces. It sits atop a sturdy base with no-slip feet. The flush, easy to wipe down one-touch buttons include start, stop, and pause operations. Five different speeds allow for different functions: stir, chop, mix, puree, and liquefy. An LCD display indicates blending time for recipes that call for precise blending. The molded lid includes a 2 oz measuring cup built in. It can be removed for measuring and adding ingredients through the hole without removing the lid from the jar. The Kenmore Elite Blender features 900 watts of power and retails for around $100.

Kenmore provided travel expenses for me to visit the Kenmore Live Studio in Chicago and learn more about their brand and products however all opinions are my own. I received a complimentary product as a gift. I was not compensated in any other way. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.

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Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone #KBS2012

by holly on January 23, 2012

I survived my first blogging event. I say “survived” because I’m naturally introverted. There’s a reason I blog. I’m much more comfortable writing, rather than speaking. It surprises me how outgoing and social other bloggers are when I meet them. They’re smart, articulate, well spoken, and perhaps most of all, outgoing. I feel awkward and out of place taking such a large step outside my comfort zone. That being said, one of the best parts about this trip for me was meeting and chatting with other bloggers. While my social opportunities were cut a little short due to travel difficulties (I missed the cocktail reception and dinner) and the full itinerary, I very much enjoyed the discussions I had with the people I met. I learned a lot from them and it put the importance of building valuable relationships back on my radar.

The Kenmore Live Studio is a really cool place. Their products are exciting and innovative. I found myself in conversation with the representative for the new Kenmore Elite front loading laundry pair. I surprised myself by asking lots of questions but I really wanted to learn more about their laundry products as I’m in the market for a new set. All the buttons on the front looked really intimidating to me but I was quickly shown how it was actually designed to be used right out of the gate by the average consumer. The representative explained the differences between a front loader and a top loader in a way that I could understand. He was very informative and I could tell that the Kenmore brand strives to be user-friendly, even as they go more high-tech.

While the washer and dryer were at the top of my own list, I was still captivated by the other product demonstrations which left me coveting them. Even though I don’t necessarily need them — I WANT them! For example, I already have a well known name brand stand mixer, but how could I not lust after this beauty?!

I not only love the sleek design and retro vibe but the features as well. The Kenmore Stand Mixer left my mixer in the dust in that department. The lighting in my kitchen is poor so I especially appreciated the fact that this mixer has a built in light. It has a built in timer as well which I think is a brilliant idea. It’s one of those things I didn’t know I needed or wanted until I saw it — that’s Kenmore, bringing you innovations to live up to “Quciker, Easier, Faster”.

I learned so much at the Kenmore Live Studio and this won’t be the last you’re hearing about it from me. I’ve got so many more exciting things to tell you about — more later this week! Until then, check out the Kenmore Live Studio yourself for live streaming videos of product demos from amazing chefs and more.

I received a complimentary trip to Chicago to visit the Kenmore Live Studio, as well as products, however, all opinions expressed are my own. I was not compensated in any other way. See Mommies With Cents disclosure policy for more details.

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Incase Book Jacket from OutfitYOURS Protects Your iPad With Style #Review

by holly on January 23, 2012

I got an iPad 2 for Christmas and while I have a back cover for it, we needed something a little more protective for traveling. My husband is going on a long business trip and we needed something FAST. Since I’d done business with OutfitYOURS.com in the past and had been thrilled with their level of customer service and lightening fast shipping, it was a no brainer for me. I got the Incase Book Jacket, the current top seller which has a 5 star rating (a perfect score on every review!)

My husband’s only request was that the case had a stand. The Incase offers 3 position rails that securely prop up your iPad for viewing and a low-profile working angle that allows for comfortable typing. This premium iPad travel case features an enhanced suede liner on the interior and a pebbled texture on the exterior giving it a nice look and feel. The camera hole is precision-cut, allowing you to take pictures while keeping your iPad protected in it’s case. An elastic band secures the cover and keeps the screen safe for traveling. The Incase Book Jacket Select for iPad 2 is available in several colors and retails for around $60.

As soon as I got the case, just days after ordering it, I knew I’d love it. I could tell right away that it was a high quality case. It has a very sturdy feel to it and the stand works even better than expected. Hubs completely agrees and was equally impressed. Having just returned from a trip myself using a borrowed case from my mom that I bought her for Christmas, I’m wishing I would have had this one sooner! Not only that, but I’m thinking I better buy my mom an Incase Book Jacket because her case is junk compared to this one.

outfitYOURS.com was awesome to work with. They have a very nice selection of Apple product accessories including cases, cables, chargers and more for iPad, iPhone, iPod and Macs. outfitYOURS.com is very helpful. They are a fairly new company who is striving for costumer service excellence and I think they are doing a fine job of achieving that. You can chat with customer service right online when they are available or leave a message for them when they aren’t. They’re happy to help and answer any questions you may have. They carry all of the popular brands at competitive prices and even offer FREE 2-4 day shipping on your order! You gotta love that! If you are in need of a case for one of your Apple products, be sure to check out outfitYOURS.com.

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Shaklee Soy Protein Review

by holly on January 15, 2012

Mine, like so many children, are picky eaters. Two out of 3 of them will rarely eat any sort of meat. While they do enjoy other sources of protein such as beans, cheese and yogurt, I still worry that they aren’t getting enough protein. If for nothing else than my peace of mind, I started offering them Soy Protein Powder from Shaklee. It comes in two flavors — Chocolate and Vanilla. The chocolate flavor is perfect for adding to milk. My four year old drinks it right up and thinks it’s a treat but I couldn’t fool my three year old, oddly enough. The Vanilla flavor is great for adding to smoothies and the “healthy” taste is much easier to disguise. I also use the chocolate in banana or banana/peanut butter smoothies — Yum!

So, it’s obviously not just for kids. Need an energy boost during the day? Forget about caffeine which with give you a boost but then leave you feeling sluggish. Try Energizing Soy Protein from Shaklee instead. Soy protein is a biologically complete protein that is plant based. It’s low in fat, cholesterol free, and full of essential amino acids. It helps build muscle and supports the immune system. Soy protein can even help you maintain normal cholesterol levels and promote heart health. Energizing Soy Protein also contains soy isoflavones which can help reduce hot flashes and promote breast health. The powdered formula can be mixed with milk, juice, water or any one of your favorite beverages. Three tablespoons provides 14 grams of protein, enough to give you a sustained energy lift that won’t leave you feeling like you rode a roller coaster. This natural dietary supplement retails for around $43 per can.

Who is Shaklee?

Shaklee is a reputable company that has been around for over 50 years helping people live healthier lifestyles. They were “green” before people were familiar with the term. In fact, Shaklee was one of the first companies to make a biodegradable household cleaner in the 1960′s.

Become a Shaklee Member and you’ll receive a 15% discount on all of your purchases. You’ll also receive special promotions and offers and the ability to sign up for AutoShip. A membership costs $19.95 but right now you can get a FREE membership when you purchase a Vitalizer multinutrient supplement pack. You can also join as a Gold Ambassador or a Distributer. Visit www.Shaklee.com for more information on these programs.

You don’t have to be a member to purchase Shaklee products but once you try them, they chances are good you’ll want to sign up to take advantage of the benefits. Until then, you’ll just pay retail prices.

If you have a personal experience with Shaklee products or programs, I’d love to hear your opinion. Which products can’t you live without?

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Purex UltraPacks Review

by holly on January 8, 2012

Laundry, laundry, laundry. The never-ending household task. As soon as you’ve washed every single article of clothing, folded it an put it away, there’s immediately another load to do. Purex strives to make this daunting chore easier by creating innovative laundry detergent products like their new UltraPacks. These convenient little laundry detergent capsules are officially launching in February but I got the opportunity to try them already!

What are Purex UltraPacks? Concentrated liquid detergent (Purex Triple Action) encapsulated in a little dissolvable packet.

I have to say, I really did like the convenience of these little gems. At first I didn’t think it would make that much difference but I really liked just being able to grab one or two packs from the bag and tossing them in with the laundry rather than measuring out liquid. Another convenience of this type of product is that since its so concentrated and packaged the way it is, it’s much lighter and easier to carry than a giant jug of laundry detergent. Purex UltraPacks are safe in all types of washing machines including HE front loaders. It’s available in Mountain Breeze scent and Free & Clear (dye & fragrance free). I’m so glad that Purex offers the Free & Clear option as so many people have sensitivities to fragrance and dye.

True to Purex standards, this detergent was effective, smelled great and I am confident will be reasonably priced. I love all the innovative ways that Purex comes up with to make busy lives easier. The PurexUltra packs are right up there with the 3-in-1 laundry sheets!

Want to try Purex products yourself? Keep your eye on FreeSamplePurex.com because starting in mid February they’ll be offering free samples of Purex UltraPacks! Don’t worry — I’ll post a reminder when it goes live.

Purex provided a free sample of their UltraPacks laundry detergent so I could write a review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.

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Purex Triple Action Detergent Review

by holly on December 27, 2011

I’ll admit, I’m horrible at laundry. I rarely check pockets and often forget to treat stains. I’ve accidentally washed a digital camera, my car keys and my husband’s cell phone. You’d think I’d learn. I have a family of five so I do laundry every day and feel accomplished just to stay on top of washing it, folding it and putting it away. It’s rare that you’ll find a mountain of laundry at my house because I like to keep it under control. I’m not real picky when it comes to laundry detergent either. As long as it’s inexpensive, it works for me. One of my favorite inexpensive brands is Purex. I recently had the opportunity to try out their new Purex Triple Action formula. The first load I tried it on was a bunch of dingy “white” bath towels. They definitely came out looking cleaner, but there weren’t any miracles as expected. They certainly smelled fresh though. That’s one of my favorite things about Purex! The laundry always smells SO good when I use this brand. If I have a coupon or if it’s on a good sale (or both!) I’ll definitely buy Purex Triple Action again. Anything that gets my clothes cleaner without any extra effort is good in my book!

Purex Triple Action Detergent is specially formulated for use in both standard and HE washers. This liquid detergent is half the price of leading brands, and in my opinion, just as effective and better smelling! It does come in a fragrance-free, dye free version for those with sensitivities.

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Essie Jewel Collection: Pretty Polish For Holiday Parties

December 23, 2011

Have a holiday party coming up? A fancy New Year’s gala? Even if you are just staying in with the kids, it’s fun to get a little glitzed up, right? A quick and easy way to feel pretty is with a few coats of nail polish. Moms, get party ready with Essie’s Winter Collection ’11. [...]

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