Back in the game...

blogging game that is!

It's been almost a year since I've been able to full on blog. Many things have happened in these last months. We moved from VA and now live in the New England area, went on a cruise, had to furnish and decorate new place, my son started pre-school. I had a baby in September-another boy. Baby boy was born with bilateral clubfoot so that has made us go to countless orthopedist appointments.  Basically, we've been settling in and getting our bearings.

 I recently (last Friday) had a minor surgery to remove hardware from my knee.

Before I forget, both boys have a cold and baby E also has an ear infection and bronchiolitis to boot.

  I'm making it a point to go back to doing something that I love, which is blogging! I love my children with all my heart, but I sorta' need something that is all my own.

  Hopefully I'll be able to get back to reviewing products and I'll probably throw in a food post here and there as well as make-up tips and tricks. Let me not get too ahead of myself, so we'll see.

I'll also start making the rounds on all the blogs that I used to read and for lack of time have abandoned. Here's crossing my fingers and wishing and hoping that here are still a few of you out there that are willing to read my little blog.

Comfort Reading: Chicken Soup for the Soul

Here are some of the most recent editions of the Chicken Soup for the Soul books:

Have you read any of these books?

What is your all time favorite Chicken Soup for the Soul book?

Stay connected with Chicken Soup for the Soul 24/7:

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Disclaimer: I recieved the featured books free of charge for review purposes only. All opinions are my own and have not been influenced.  I was not monetarily compensated for this post.

Quick and Easy Spring and Summer Meals

 Recently I received these three bottles for review purposes, but the truth is I was already extremely familiar with the products :-) I've been buying French's for years!

I've been a long time fan of French's mustard, which can be evidenced in the small bottle that I already had in my fridge.

I always use French's mustard on hotdogs! One was for me and the other for the hubby.

French's Dijon Mustard is the perfect condiment for a nice and juicy turkey burger.  The mustard really helped enhance the flavor of the meat without overwelming it. It also goes well in chicken salad.

Another quick and easy meal over at my  house can consist of fish sticks with a side of mashed sweet potatoes and some French's Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce for the fish.  I'm not into tartar sauce and I find that honey mustard just adds a bit of sweetness that just nakes the fish sticks taste even better.

To find out more about different French's products make sure to visit them on:

• Twitter @frenchskitchen 
• FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/Frenchs 
•  Webpage: http://www.frenchs.com/ where you'll be able to find recipes and coupons.

Disclaimer: I received a free French's products for review purposes only from a P.R. company. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. I did not recieve any monetary compensation for this post.

Kid Friendly Cartoons: Timmy Time

My son has a varied selection of favorite cartoon series and one of them happens to be a little lovable lamb called Timmy!

 

Timmy can be found in a cartoon series called Timmy Time! This series follows a group of barnyard preschool animals as they go through funny situations that teach lessons for young children.  The animals are funny, but they don't talk. At first I wasn't sure I liked the fact that the animals didn't talk, but later on my 2 year old convinced me that the series was ok. It has a fun, catchy theme song that my son loves to sing and dance to. Now that my son is almost 3 and can vocalize what he sees he'll tell me what Timmy and his friends do in the episode. I like that because it means my son pays attention to what happens in the cartton and uses his imagination in order to tell me what he thinks is happening.

Just today, Lionsgate and Hit Entertainment released  their most recent Timmy DVD, entitled Timmy Time: Timmy Finds Treasure.

Needless to say, my almost 3 year old loved this DVD. It has Timmy along with his barnyard friends on a pirate adventure and what boy doesn't like pirates; at least mine does.

The DVD includes 5 episodes, 2 bonus features, lasts 45 minutes total and is targeted for children between the ages of 2-5.

For more info on this and other Timmy Time DVD's check out Timmy Time on Facebook or on his program website!

Do your young ones like Timmy Time or any other HIT Eentertainment cartoon?

Disclaimer: I received a free DVD for review purposes only from a P.R. company. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. I did not recieve any monetary compensation for this post.

SunChips: 6 Grain Medley Parmesan & Herb

Frito Lay is most definitely my favorite brand of chips ever! They carry a wide variety of chips, each one yummier than the next. Among the Frito Lay brand, one of my top choices are SunChips. It's the type of chip that I can enjoy eating without feeling guilty. 6 Grain Medley Parmesan & Herb is one of the newest flavors of the SunChip family.

I was lucky enough to get a week's worth supply of this yummy snack and they were a total hit with my husband and son. Not only are they good for you {21 grams of whole grains, 4 grams of fiber, 3 grams of protein in each individual serving bag}, but they taste so good.  These chips are crunchy, you get the taste of the multigrains topped off with just the right amount of parmesan & herbs. Beware, you might have to hide these SunChips from your kids because they are going to want to eat more than just one individual bag.

These chips are ideal for an afternoon snack, as a side to a sandwich, hotdog or a hamburger for both kids and adults!

If you find them in your local stores, make sure to try SunChips: 6 Grain Medley Parmesan & Herb; you won't regret it!

Are you a fan of SunChips?

Leave a comment here, Facebook or Twitter!

Disclaimer: Frito Lay provided me with a sample package of the featured product for review purposes only. All opinions are my own

Music: Celtic Woman

It's been awhile since I've posted anything music related, but I do listen to music every single day!  Although I do prefer certain genres over others, I've always considered myself to be open to listen to all kinds of music.

It's a good thing that I'm open to listening to new kinds of music because if not I would've missed out on an amazing group called Celtic Woman!

Celtic Woman is an internationally acclaimed all-female singing sensation featuring vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Kelly, Lisa Lambe and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt.

They perform classic Irish songs, timeless pop anthems, and inspirational songs with their signature Celtic Woman twist.

picture c/o Sneak Attack Media

Just last month (January 24th) Celtic Woman released their new project, Believe, a studio album and a companion live concert DVD (it was filmed for the first time in America in front of some of their most loyal fans during two sold-out nights at The Fox Theatre in Atlanta, GA this past September). I was sent courtesy copies of both the CD and live concert DVD and as soon as I recieved them I opened the DVD and popped it in the player. I was blown away by the performances!   Everything from the songs, vocals and the outfits were just beautiful.  Each member of the group as her own unique and powerful voice which left me breathless. Let's face it, we live in a musical world full of auto-tuning and to be able to hear authentic voices makes you believe that there are still real singers out there.

Here are links to a streaming song of the CD and a DVD trailer:

"Teir Abdhaile Riu"

DVD Trailer

Please let me know what you think!

In addition, as if a new CD/Live DVD concert weren't enough, Celtic Woman is now currently on tour in the U.S. all the way through April 29th! 

It just so happens that I'm going to see their show tonight here in VA (c/o Sneak Attack Media). I'm so excited about it and can't wait to write about it. I think I won't be able to take any pictures because the arena site states the following: No Audio, Video Recording, or Photography of any kind allowed without proper credential. I don't want to take any chances at being told to leave the camera in the car because I'm walking to the stadium, so just in case I'll leave it at home. If I can I'll sneak some pics with my phone.

Who knows, maybe Celtic Woman will be playing in your city. To be sure check out their tour schedule.


Let me know if you've had the pleasure of listening to any of the Celtic Woman songs or are planning on going to any of their concerts!

Laundry Made Easy with Purex

I have a confession to make and I know I'm not the only one guilty of this laundry crime. When I pour my Purex laundry detergent into the washer I always put in a bit more than is recommended. I know I shouldn't do it, but for some odd and random reason I do. Purex laundry detergent is concentrated so all you need to do is fill up to the recommended marks on the cap and the washer also has a label saying not to pour excess liquid detergent because it is not good for the machine.

Purex might have picked up on the fact that many like myself waste a lot of product when doing laundry, so they've come up with a new product called Triple Action Purex UltraPacks {It's a brand new product that is just hitting store!}

Purex UltraPacks have become one of my favorite laundry products thus far! No more measuring, wasting excess liquid product or carrying around a big bottle along with my laundry bag and my two year old down to the communal laundry room.

Each bag of Purex UltraPacks comes with a small pre-measured liquid detergent pack that does the same work as the new Purex Triple Action Liquid.  Each little pack has powerful 2x concentrated liquid detergent which means that whenever I do my laundry I'll get double the cleaning power.

Each little pack is wrapped in a film that dissolves as soon as it comes into contact with water-hot or cold.  So make sure your hands are dry before handling the UltraPacks.  I left one out next to the kitchen sink and it got some water on it while I was doing dishes and the film dissolved right then and there leaving the space covered in liquid detergent.

I use a front loading machine, so I toss in the pack directly into the drum and I follow it with the clothes and then I set the machine.  One UltraPack does the trick for me, but you could always use 2 if it's a large or heavily soiled load.

Purex is so certain about the effectiveness of their products that starting mid February they will bring back their sampling program so that all Purex fans and newbies alike can get free product samples to try out.

To keep up-to-date on all things Purex you can visit the following sites:
http://www.purex.com/
http://www.facebook.com/purex
http://twitter.com/purex

Disclosure: "Purex provided a free sample of the UltraPacks so I could write a review. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own."

What's Your Favorite Laundry Detergent?

I swear whenever I used to go to stores to pick up laundry detergent it would take me forever! I would get lost in a sea of products and would go over each brand label until I found something that would suit my family's needs and pocket.

After having tried out countless detergents, I can finally say that I have a favorite brand that I just keep going back to everytime I'm in need of laundry detergent.

Not only am I a Purex fan, but luckily, I was selected to be a part of the Purex Insiders team; which means that I get firsthand info on new products, the opportunity to try the products out and ultimately share my experience with you!

The latest product that I recieved was the Purex Triple Action Liquid in Mountain Breeze scent. What makes this even better than the original Purex laundry detergent formula is the addition of new ingredients to ensure that clothes get an even better clean along with improved brightning power.

I like this product because it works well on both whites and colors. Clothes not only smell good, but they look bright and feel clean! It even works on stubborn stains that are left behind by a potty training little boy {when poured directly onto the stain and rubbed in}. The best thing of all is the price; you get a high quality product at a low cost!

Find out more info on this laundry detergent and other Purex products as well as great promotions and giveaways!

Stay up-to-date with Purex updates on FACEBOOK and TWITTER.



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

Skin Review: Simone France

When seasons change, we change the type of clothing we wear in order to adapt to the weather. Now, that I'm 30 I've learned that I should do the same with my facial skincare products. With the arrival of fall and winter, my skin starts to dry up and look dull. Luckily, I was sent a kit from Simone France and it has done wonders to help my face and neck look its best now that the temperatures are dropping and the air is getting dry.

Morning Routine

Every morning I start off with The Sandwich^®.

The Simone France Sandwich is an anti-aging and skin firming treatment that with constant use will help your face look its best.  I've been using the treatment for over a little more than a month and can notice a difference in my skin. 

I use The Sandwich normal to slightly dry skin kit which includes the following:

• 2 oz. Lovely Glow
• 2 oz. Refining Scrub
• 4.5 oz. Soap
• 30 Disposable Cleansing Cloths

How I make The Sandwich?

I start by dotting Lovely Glow moisturizer all over my face and smoothing it until the skin absorbs it. I follow it with the Refining Scrub along with a quick splash of water to move the product around my face. Then I run the soap underneath the faucet and build up a lather in my hand and rub it on my face. I take disposable cloth, wet it and wipe off all three products from my face. I splash warm water on my face and follow it with cold water. I pat dry my face and dab just a bit of the Lovely Glow moisturizer.

 It seems like a lot to do, but it only takes like 5 minutes.  Afterward, my face feels smooth, refreshed and ready to go out make up free! I definitely notice more luminosity to my complexion, as opposed to it looking dull like it used to.  Plus, my face has never felt this well moisturized {the truth is I don't have to use a lot of the moisturizer and it does not feel greasy}.

Night time Routine

My Simone France kit also came with products to make sure that my face is completely cleansed of all day time debris before I go to bed.

I finish my day by dabbing and swirling Simone France's Rich Milk {has a creamy texture to it} all over my face and neck with half of a disposable cloth.  It really helps get all the gunk off my face and the proof is all in the cloth.  I follow it up with the Refreshing Toner and the other half of the disposable cleansing cloth; it's alcohol free so it doesn't dry up my face and it helps swipe off the Rich Milk to finish off the cleaning process.  My face and neck end up feeling smooth, refreshed and my pores feel like they can breathe clearly.

These products are enough to last you from 2-3 months. I've been using them for a little over a month and I still have lots of product left {more than half}.

How to Decide what products will work best for you

One of the things I liked the most was that prior to recieving any of the products, I was sent a beauty questionnaire so the rep would know what products would better suit my skin and they were dead on.

These are products that I could definitely see myself purchasing in the future, especially for the fall-winter season.

For more info on Simone France:

Facebook
Twitter
http://simonefrance.com/

CLOSED {Giveaway} Chicken Soup for the Soul

I'm a big fan of this series because no matter what situations you may be facing Chicken Soup for the Soul has a book for it.  This time around you get to choose from 2 books, Inspiration for the Young at Heart or Devotional Stories for Tough Times. 

Devotional Stories for Tough Times is ideal for those of you going through rough times in life and are looking for some reassurance through stories of strength, faith and prayer.

Inspiraton for the Young at Heart presents stories for people who after 60 found a new meaning to their lives.  The stories are funny and invigorating and help you see that age is not a limit when it comes to enjoying life

Giveaway:
2 readers {U.S. or Canada} will get the chance to win either one of the featured books, you choose whether you would like Inspiraton for the Young at Heart or Devotional Stories for Tough Times

Fill out the Rafflecopter form below!

Giveaway: Carmex Skincare {CLOSED}

Now that we are in full-on fall with winter right around the corner my skin tends to get dry and a bit flaky.  During this time of year my regular skincare routine just doesn't cut it. Luckily,  the great people over at Carmex sent me a skincare package to help me get through the cold temperatures.

The Carmex Healing Lotion can be used everyday, has a lovely smell and absorbs quickly when rubbed onto skin.  I've been using the lotion after my nightly shower.  I rub it all over my body and I instantly feel the added moisture. I especially like it because the next morning I still feel my skin moisturized despite the heater being turned on.

If you feel you need a little bit more TLC on certain parts of your body then that's where Carmex Healing Cream would come in!  This cream is thicker than the lotion, so you won't need too much product to start feeling a difference in your skin.  I use this cream on my hands, feet and elbows before I start out my day.  It really helps me look my best, because there is nothing more uncomfortable than exposing dry, cracked hands and feet to the world. 

I love both products from the Carmex skin care line! They really do help heal, soothe and moisturize your dry skin , especially hands, elbows and feet. The product absorbs quickly and has a great scent that I would compare to a light cherry and vanilla like smell.  The prices are great on the pocket.  I love that both the Carmex Healing Lotion & Carmex Healing Cream come in a travel size so it's convenient to carry them around with you.  I always carry mine in my son's diaper backpack. Either one of these products would make for a unique stocking stuffer.

Would you like to win these products?

The team over at Carmex have offered to giveaway the same products featured in this review to one of my readers!  You'll get both the Carmex Healing Lotion and Carmex Healing Cream in both the full and travel sizes for a total of 4 products!

If you're interested, please fill out the Rafflecopter form below:

Movie: The Muppets

I used to love The Muppets when I was a kid, so I'm a bit excited for their upcoming movie. That combined with the fact that I love Jason Segel and of course Amy Adams isn't too bad herself.  Now, I'm contemplating whether the hubby and I should take our 2 year old along so he too can discover The Muppets.  Are any of you planning on taking your toddlers?

Here are some film clips:

Like The Muppets on FACEBOOK

TeeGee:The Smart Stuffed Animal Powered By Your iPhone

If you have a young child in your family then you've probably spent a boatload on toys.  Let's face it, we want to make sure our kids get  high quality toys that will help with their development.  But, how long does it take for kids to completely figure out a toy and then toss it to the side?  What happens to the toy after that?

That's where TeeGee comes in! 

WHAT IS TeeGee

TeeGee, is a stuffed animal created last summer by Tom Giedgowd. It is designed to grow with your child through iphone-type apps and interactive accessories.

WHAT CAN TeeGee DO?

TeeGee is capable of playing games, telling stories, and interacting with its environment through smart accessories and speech recognition. Parents could change the behavior of the toy depending on the age and preferences of their child by downloading apps (e.g. Spanish and math educational apps, Battle games, etc.) and customize TeeGee for their particular child.

HOW DOES TeeGee WORK?

Get TeeGee (iPhone version)

Download TeeGee apps from iTunes onto your iPhone or iPod Touch

Plug your iPhone or iPod Touch into TeeGee and zip it inside

(optional) Get smart accessories for even more fun!

HOW TO GET A TeeGee
TeeGee isn't available in stores yet, but you can pre-order one HERE !


KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TeeGee
http://www.teegee.me/
TWITTER
FACEBOOK

Get a FREE Interactive Potty Training Success DVD!

Get a free interactive potty training DVD courtesy of Pull Ups! I just requested mine for FREE! Available while supplies last.

Happy Halloween

{CLOSED} Giveaway: FRESCHETTA Pizza & FRESCHETTAProud to Support Pink Program

October is National Breast Cancer awareness month and Freschetta has created the FRESCHETTA PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK Program.  Whenever you purchase specially marked packages of FRESCHETTA pizzas and Artisan Pizza Crusts you will be helping Freschetta reach their goal of a $50,000 donation to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.

Every specially marked box comes with a code that you can enter at http://proudtosupportpink.com/.  For every code that is entered FRESCHETTA will donate $1 to the center.

http://proudtosupportpink.com/ also has a place for people to share either their personal cancer stories or that of a friend or family member,  These stories will be displayed on the site as well as on their Facebook page as a means of inspiration.

During the month of October 50 pink iPod Shuffle players will be given away on the site as a away to encourage particiaption and sharing of the program.

In addition, another 50 Pink iPod Shuffle players will be donated each week in October to four Cancer Centers around America.

FOR MORE INFO, PLEASE GO TO:

http://proudtosupportpink.com/

http://www.facebook.com/freschettapizza

GIVEAWAY:

One reader will win a kit with the following:

1 coupon for a FRESCHETTA pizza, 12 oz or larger

2 pairs of FRESCHETTA PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK earphones

To enter the giveaway just do one or all of the following in separate comments:

• Leave a comment below! Make sure to leave your email address.
• Help spread the word by tweeting: FRESCHETTA is Proud to #supportpink and YOU can help us reach a $50K donation for Breast Cancer Research @ http://proudtosupportpink.com
• Tweet about the giveaway:  #giveaway Win a FRESCHETTA PROUD TO SUPPORT PINK kit http://alwaysaroundboys.blogspot.com ends OCT 31st U.S. only
• Make sure to leave a link for each individual tweet.  Tweet as much as you can! Always leave an e-mail address

I'll contact the winner on the morning of Oct. 31st via e-mail


THE WINNER IS:

The winner has been contacted by e-mail!

Congrats Stephanie!

Disclosure: I'm a member of the Freschetta Fresh Connection Community.I received an equal set of the featured products that are up for the giveaway for review purposes only. I am not being financially compensated. All thoughts, ideas and opinions are strictly my own.

Snack Time Drinks Made Fun

When it comes to meal and snacktime I like to keep my toddler on his toes. Every now and then I like to spoil him and give him a treat or a special something to drink that I just know will bring an extra wide smile to his face.

 

One of those special drink treats just so happens to be Tummy Tickler Tots.

WHY I LIKE TUMMY TICKLER TOTS

• 40% reduced sugar, pre-mixed with purified water
• Bottle size and shape specially designed for a toddler’s grip
• 4oz serving size, as recommended by The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP)

WHY MY 2 YEAR OLD LIKES TUMMY TICKLER TOTS

• Every bottle is topped with a licensed character spill-proof sippy spout and it so happens to be apple juice {his fave}!

 We recieved Mickey Mouse and Clifford, but they come in a wide variety of toppers.

Like I said I like to keep them handy just for the thrill of surprising my son but they can also be great for families on-the-go, car rides, party favors , healthy Halloween treats, stocking stuffers and more!

Not only can toddlers enjoy these juice drinks, but older kids can as well!

Tummy Tickler Tots  ages 1-3

Tummy Ticklers  ages 3-5

Belly Washers  ages 5-10

You can find these juice drinks at a number of retailers, so I'm sure you'll have no trouble finding them. 

Disclosure: I recieved 2 single serving samples of the featured product for review purposes only. I was not financially compensated.  All opinions are my own.

Aurora Softy Soakers Review

In my house, bathtime does not refer to the act of getting clean. For my toddler it means time to play in the tub. Of course, playtime requires the use of fun toys.

I was sent an Aurora Softy Soaker turtle to try out with my 2 year old son and needless to say it was a complete success.

This Softy Soaker looks all squashed because it expands in water.

All you have to do is soak it in water for 40 seconds.  I did not use a timer, but it did expand quickly.  My son just loved watching the turtle grow.  He had the biggest smile; which meant that he approved.

After my son was done playing with the turtle I just dried it up with a towel and saved it for his nest time in the tub.

For more info, check out the following links:

Aurora Gift of Smiles

facebook

Disclaimer: I recieved the featured product free of charge for review purposes only.  All opinions are my own and have not been influenced in any way.