Mama's Money Savers

Book Review: "The One Year Book of Inspiration for Girlfriends" by Ellen Miller

2009-11-12T06:57:00.003-06:00

When I received the book “The One Year Book of Inspiration for Girlfriends: Juggling Not-So-Perfect, Often-Crazy, but Gloriously Real Lives (One Year Books)” by Ellen Miller, I had no idea what is what about. I assumed it was a humor book or a gift book, it is those two things, but also so much more. First off, this book is a Christian Life book and does reference God and bible passages, which even though is not something I read or want to get into, the book is still good.

Ellen is the author of Truth Nuggets, which is a biweekly devotional e-mailed to a worldwide audience of thousands. As a former Fortune 500 company, Ellen decided to share her wisdom and give daily doses of encouragement to make you laugh, cry, and give you something to look forward to. I love to the quote on the book “If your life is perfect, just put this book down.”

Basically this book is meant to be read daily as it is a dated book with a page of wisdom for all 365-calendar days. So whenever you buy this you can pick it up and go to the page through to the current day and go from there, no matter the year or whats going on in your life. Some of the pages too have spots to fill in the blanks and answer questions. The other day's page was a story about "Charity" and ended with "Let's put our money on something that won't be stored in a box." It was a something to think about and a great way to get me thinking about things.

I think this book would make a great gift for any woman who needs a “pick me up.” Remember though that it does reference religion and is meant more as a fun book than a hard core devotional book.

Product Description

If you’re living a perfect, charmed life . . . well, then this book isn’t going to be for you. But if, like the rest of us, you are at times broken, confused, lonely, or scared—if you’re struggling with problems that you think “good Christians” don’t have—then welcome, girlfriend, and pull up a chair! This quirky, friendly, and gut-honest devotional comes straight from the heart of Ellen Miller (CEO, marketing executive, mom, and unapologetic “glorious mess”). Despite the serious struggles she’s faced, Ellen today lives a life of profound joy, and The One Year Book of Inspiration contains 365 days worth of the principles and philosophies that have gotten her there. You’ll find there’s no subject she’s afraid to tackle! Her quick, daily doses of encouragement will make you laugh, give you something to look forward to each day, help you to stay (somewhat!) sane … and remind you that you’re never alone.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given this book from Tyndale Blog Network to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

New Search Experience....Leapfish

2009-11-11T20:53:00.000-06:00

Now I am a Google –lover, but I just came across another search engine that could give Google some competition. Leapfish is not just a search engine, but a search experience that combines the ability to search and share content (real time and traditional) across a range of different sites. It includes searches from social networking websites even, including Twitter, Facebook, and Digg.

When you check out the leapfish website, you will notice it is an actual webpage with News, Celebrity News, Sports News, Videos, and more. It is super organized and not too jumbled that its hard to read. At the top of the page is a search bar that not only searches the Leapfish website but it searches everywhere! For example I searched for Family Game Night 2, and I received tons of News Results and Web Results. When I changed my search to Real Time, I received basically all twitter results, which I thought was really cool and unique! So now if your not a twitter user you can at least see what is being said about the item or topic you are searching for. It even allows you to see the Google results as well as Yahoo and Bing’s results! So you basically get three search engines in one!

So I know there are so many search engines available, but I highly recommend checking out leapfish. I know I will be returning because I like the Twitter results!

Little Pet Shop Online

2009-11-11T17:39:00.001-06:00

A week ago I wrote about the new Little Pet Shop Online game (read here). Well, I have some more details to share along with a video and screenshots! LPS Online is an exciting, safe, all-new virtual world where kids can play fun games, customize their pets and decorate their pets’ home, connect with friends, and make new ones too! Parents can also log in with a special Parent Account to help make sure their kids are staying safe and having fun.

Kid Basix: The Safe Sippy 2 Review

2009-11-11T14:28:00.002-06:00

Bispehnol A, also know as BPA, is a harmful chemical that is present in many plastic bottles. There are many concerns from parents, myself included, over what the long term effects of BPA are, so many are switching to BPA-free or stainless steel products. Because stainless steel is stable and inert, it does not interact with the fluids and foods it comes into contact with, so no leaky chemicals. Stainless steel is also one of the most easily recycled material on earth.

Kid Basix is a company that produces bottles, sippy cups, and sport bottles in pure stainless steel. There products are designed so everyone from baby (Safe Starter) to toddler (Safe Sippy) to adults (Safe Sporter) can enjoy safe and reusable drink ware.

I received The Safe Sippy 2 to review and I have to say it is pretty cool! First off, in case you are familiar already with the original Safe Sippy, this cup basically just added some options!

I first tried this with my 33 month old but he is to attached to his current brand that he wouldn’t try it. My 15 month old will eat or drink from whatever you give him! Now we use the straw sippy cups currently so I tried the straw and adapter with him and he did great. He is not too good with the regular sippy spout but I like that as he grows I can try that with him. The travel plug is also especially nice because I have had milk spilled in my purse way too many times! I will say though that this cup with leak a little if left on its side or your child holds it upside down and shakes.

Overall, the cup is nice how it keeps the liquid cold (we haven’t tried hot) and has so many different drinking options. I love too how a parent can start their child on the Safe Starter then move on to the Safe Sippy either sippy or straw, and then move on to the Safe Sporter. Oh and the sippy part is hard plastic which is nice because my sons have a tendency to chew the silicone straws which creates holes!

BUY IT: You can buy Kid Basix products are Babies R Us stores and various online retailers here.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given a Safe Sippy 2 to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Pirate's Booty Snack Review

2009-11-11T05:48:00.000-06:00

Like me, my sons love to snack. I know I am an awful role model, but I am trying to find healthy alternatives that satisfy both my kids and my snack cravings. One product that immediately caught my eye in the grocery store, is Pirate’s Booty. I mean a snack in a colorful bag with a pirate on it, how could I resist.

Unfortunately my grocer had a limited variety but I still got a taste and we are hooked! Luckily Pirate’s Booty sent me an awesome treasure chest full of all the flavors, so now we have tried them all!

Pirate’s Booty benefits:

• Baked
• All-Natural
• Trans Fat & Gluten Free
• 140 calories per single serving bag
• No preservatives or Artificial Sweeteners
• Made in a nut-free facility (this is especially important to me since I recently found out my son has a peanut allergy)
• Kosher free
• Made with whole grains

Pirate’s Booty comes in six flavors that are sure to satisfy anyone’s tastes: Aged White Cheddar, Veggie, Barbeque, Sea Salt & Vinegar, Bermuda Onion, and the newest flavor New York Pizza. I love the Aged White Cheddar and my sons actually like the Veggie, luckily they don’t know that there is actual spinach, kale, carrots, and parsley baked in! All the flavors are good though and as far as the texture goes it is hard to describe. They are soft puffs that melt in your mouth yet are rich in flavor.
Pirate’s Booty also makes two other specialized products: Original Tings and Smart Puffs. Original Tings are crunchy corn sticks made with the finest milled American corn. Perfect for munching on! Smart Puffs are simple puffs made with milled American corn and tastiest Wisconsin Cheddar. They are oven baked and all natural with no preservatives. Oh and if you are looking for Vegan snacks, both the Original Tings and Pirate’s Booty Veggie are vegan.

BUY IT: Check out the Pirate’s Booty website store locator
or look a your local Whole Foods.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given a pack of Pirate's Booty to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Pine Furniture

2009-11-10T23:01:00.001-06:00

Of all the different woods, pine is probably the one wood that I have had the most. Pine Solutions is the UK’s largest online furniture retailer. They carry a variety of designs including Scandinavian, Mexican, and English Heritage. They also make basically pine furniturefor your entire house from your bedroom to your kitchen!

I couldn’t believe the variety of furniture pieces they had and wish I could buy it here in the United States! I also like how pine furniture is usually cheaper in price but still good quality wood. If I lived in the UK or Ireland, I would definitely be checking out Pine Solutions!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was compensated for this review by Pay Per Post. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone.

Winners!

2009-11-10T22:29:00.001-06:00

Thank you so much to everyone that entered. I truly appreciate everyone's comments! Keep checking my giveaways and don't forget I have a permanent Linky on my Giveaways tab above for you to enter your own giveaways and enter others!

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Certain Dri giveaway winner...

Here are your random numbers:

78 64

Timestamp: 2009-11-09 04:31:05 UTC

So Congrats to:
Sahmlee and Tara

Didn't Win? Check out Certain Dri here!

I have emailed the winners!
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Delicae Gourmet giveaway winner...

So Congrats to:
photoquest

Didn't Win? Check out Delicae Gourmet here!

I have emailed the winner!
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NOTE: Remember, if you enter one of my giveaways, I need a way to contact you! So please leave your email in with your comment or the easier way is to have it in your Blogger profile. Make sure too that your profile is public and I can view it! I don't have time to try to track you down, and even though when you leave a comment there is a field to enter your email address - I don't get to see that, so again please leave your email in with your comment or have it in your public Google profile. Thanks!

November Seat Sale at British Airways

2009-11-10T21:20:00.007-06:00

British Airways is offering some great deals coming up, perfect for holiday traveling or as a gift for a loved one! They are featuring flights from $229 and if you combine your flight and hotel packages you can get it for about $659. British Airways travel to so many different countries including London, Cairo, Delhi, Dubai, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Madrid, Milan, Nairobi, Paris, Mumbai, Rome and Tel Aviv.

I am really impressed though with how cheap their prices are now as I remember paying a few hundred round trip to Las Vegas from Chicago and you can fly to Paris for $500 roundtrip! Not that we can afford to go anywhere now since we just moved, but I would really love to go to Paris or London.
The sale though does end on November 19th but you have until March 28, 2010 to travel.
British Airways is calling it their ‘world sale’ to promote that they fly not only to Europe, but also the Middle East, India, and Africa and that they provide both flights and packages from the US and Canada.

You can also upgrade your experience with 200+ On-Demand Entertainment Options, Complimentary food and cocktails on flights, World Class service, and Convenient and relaxing lounges at Terminal 5. They also offer a Comfortable in-flight experience which includes ergonically-designed seat complete with lumbar support, adjustable headrests and recline, and they also provide blankets, eyeshades, and flight socks!

LatchOn Nursing Strap Giveaway (Ends 11/24)

2009-11-10T12:19:00.007-06:00

Nursing in public is something that many women are shy about or even if your not you still may want to cover up. I know when I was nursing (or at least trying to) I was shy around family and I couldn’t even imagine breastfeeding in public.

Well two stay-at-home moms who wanted to make life easier for themselves and other stylish, nursing moms, decided to create the LatchOn. They had three goals in mind: make a convenient, useful product for nursing mothers; use only the highest quality fabrics; and of course make it fashionable. They named their company The Button Barn!

LatchOn is a basically a strap with clips on each end that securely and quickly attaches any blanket so a nursing mom can breastfeed in private. I know when my newborn sons were hungry, they wanted to eat right then and there and LatchOn makes it easy.

Features:

• Allows you to clip any blanket, anywhere (perfect if your child has a favorite blanket especially!)
• No need for a separate nursing cover from your newborns blanket – just carry the blanket
• Beautiful, silver-plated flower clips on each end to grip the blanket without damage
• Attaches with one hand
• Fashionable strap designs
• Small and compact to fit anywhere!

So I have not actually tried the LatchOn since I am not currently nursing, but for such a simple product I think it would be a great help to any nursing mom. You can even check out this You Tube video for yourself to see how easy it is:

BUY IT: 15% discount through the end of the month using code: button15barn

GIVEAWAY: Winner will receive a LatchOn of their choice!

WINNER: Check out the different LatchOn designs and tell me which one you would pick!

Also, if you just put a generic comment like "I want to Win" then I will have to disqualify you. Sorry! Also, this contest is only open to US and Canadian residents!

Extra Entries (Only valid after above entry is done!) :

~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (top left on sidebar)
~ Subscribe to Mama's Money Savers
~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (You can Tweet daily!) You can Copy/Paste this:

latchOn Breastfeeding / Nursing Strap #Giveaway @mamasmoney (Ends 11/24) http://bit.ly/8gFCL

~ Become a fan of Mama's Money Savers on Facebook
~ Blog about this contest or send an email to friends/family and CC:ckachelmuss@gmail.com
~ Post my blog button on your site
~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway
~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on November 24th. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I will be given this book to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

MckLinky posts a blog hop every Friday, so check below anytime to enter some other great giveaways!

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....

Book Review & Giveaway: "Jantsen's Gift" by Pam Cope (Ends 11/24)

2009-11-10T05:52:00.010-06:00

I know I am one lucky woman. I have a wonderful husband, two healthy boys, and a roof over my head, oh and money to pay the bills. It is really easy to take it all for granted and forget about those that don’t have as much or anything at all. Sometimes it takes a tragedy for us to realize that there is something else out there meant for us and to really appreciate what we have.

Jantsen’s Gift is a memoir from Pam Cope about how her and her family’s lives changed when her 15 year old son, Jantsen, died of a undiagnosed heart condition. Not knowing how to recover and go on, Pam decides to accept an invitation to travel to Vietnam to visit an orphanage. Now Pam had never been out of the country before and her typical days revolved chauffeuring her children around. So Pam really was like most of us, I know I would never think of visiting Vietnam.

Pam and her husband, Randy, fall in love with a Vietnamese child and decide to adopt him. From then on, they adopt a Vietnamese girl and decide that they need to do as much as they can do help. Pam decided to shift her grief into something productive and try to help other children who need help. Pam has rescued over 200 kids and has since started “Touch A Life” which is an organization dedicated to helping at-risk children all over the world.

I cried during this book when I read about the conditions and experiences children from other countries have suffered through. I applaud Pam though for her strength and motivation to make a difference when she would probably love to curl up and cry for her own loss. Even though this book was sad and at times depressing, it is a powerful memoir and really showed that anyone can make a difference. I mean Pam was just a mom from Missouri and she has helped so many children already.

Also, whether you are part of a book group or just looking to dive deeper into this book, you can check out this great list of questions to consider at the Jantsen's Gift Reading Group Guide.

WIN IT: Tell me who this book would be for or what makes you want to read it!

"Jantsen's Gift" by Pam Cope Book #Giveaway @mamasmoney (Ends 11/24) http://bit.ly/bXd4D

~ Become a fan of Mama's Money Savers on Facebook
~ Blog about this contest or send an email to friends/family and CC:ckachelmuss@gmail.com
~ Post my blog button on your site
~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway
~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on November 24th. Thanks everyone and good luck!

MckLinky posts a blog hop every Friday, so check below anytime to enter some other great giveaways!

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given the above book to review as part of a Mama Bzz Blog Tour. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

$100 Walmart e-Gift Certificate Giveaway! (Ends 11/23)

2009-11-09T12:08:00.006-06:00

With two kids, I do a lot of shopping online, it just makes it easier and I can usually get better deals. Online there are so many coupons available and websites that pay you cash back bonuses for shopping through their link. Before I buy anything online, I also check to see if any of the websites I belong too offer a coupon or cash back, every little helps right!

Well Shop At Home, is a website that not only features some of the best deals from favorite retailers, sends a rebate check each month you have a balance of $20, and even offers a great selection of free catalogs, discount magazines, and free e-newsletters. Oh and they even have a free sample section!

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ShopAtHome.com is hosting a major extra cash back event Monday, Nov. 9 – Monday, Nov. 16, 2009 to help you get started with your holiday shopping (and saving!). Cash back rewards have been increased for more than 50 popular retailers.

Some of the deals include: ·
Target.com – 6% cash back · Walmart.com – 4% cash back · Kohls.com – 4% cash back · Snapfish.com – 20% cash back · Gap.com – 12% cash back · OldNavy.com – 10% cash back · Macys.com – 8% cash back · Barnes & Noble – 14% cash back · Best Buy – 4% cash back

To get these special holiday extra cash back deals (and more), shop from this page Remember you can combine free online coupon codes with cash back savings (check retailer pages at www.shopathome.com for available free coupon codes), and there are also many free shipping codes. Check out ShopAtHome.com’s Free Shipping Guide here

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Signing up for Shop At Home is super easy and you get your first $5 automatically in your account. It is of course also FREE to join so you have nothing to loose! Shopping is also a breeze, either shop through your Shop At Home page or download their reminder toolbar. They offer cash back at more than 1,500 brand name retailers ranging from 1% to 30% cash back!

GIVEAWAY: Well to get the word out, Shop At Home has generously offered one of my readers a $100 Wal-Mart gift certificate (online only – but who cares! You might even be able to still use the Ship to Store at Wal-Mart to avoid shipping costs!) The only catch to win is that you have to be a registered Shop At Home member! (Remember it’s FREE to join!)

WIN IT: Register for Shop At Home and tell me you did! (Shop At Home will verify that you are a member before emailing out the Wal-Mart Gift Certificate.)

Also, if you just put a generic comment like "I want to Win" then I will have to disqualify you. Sorry! Also, this contest is only open to US residents!

Extra Entries (Only valid after above entry is done!) :

~ Become a Shop At Home Facebook Fan
~ Follow Shop At Home on Twitter

~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (top left on sidebar)
~ Subscribe to Mama's Money Savers
~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (You can Tweet daily!) You can Copy/Paste this:

$100 Wal-Mart e-Gift Certificate @mamasmoney @shopathomewild - Easy to Enter! (Ends 11/23) http://bit.ly/2Pkf52

~ Become a fan of Mama's Money Savers on Facebook
~ Blog about this contest or send an email to friends/family and CC:ckachelmuss@gmail.com
~ Post my blog button on your site
~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway
~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

UPDATE: 10 additional entries if you make a purchase through your Shop At Home account - so leave 10 separate comments for this one! (this will be verified)

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on November 23rd. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: Shop At Home is sponsoring this giveaway. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone.

MckLinky posts a blog hop every Friday, so check below anytime to enter some other great giveaways!

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....

Eebees Adventures Book Reviews: Great Children's Books!

2009-11-09T05:32:00.000-06:00

Eebee is a bright and colorful puppet character that I don’t know how a child could not like him. Eebee’s Adventures products are “designed to help you and your child transform everyday play into learning that lasts.” Eebee is featured in DVDs, books, gifts, clothing, music, and other various toys.

A few months ago I reviewed a few Eebee Adventures DVDs and my sons loved them (read review here). Eebee is just so fun and in the videos there are actual kids doing activities too. My sons were able to relate to the kids and they new it was for kids because of the kids in it.

All of Eebees products encourage active learning by focusing on developmental skills in real world situations for kids. Well now I received two Eebee books to review and they again were hits with my sons. First off, they are board books which is always nice because they seem to last longer in my house. Both books are for for ages 6 months and up, but even my 33 month old likes them.

In Eebee’s Make It Happen Adventures, eebee and actual kids show off how they learn through playing. The book shows Up/Down, On/Off, Wet/Dry and more and with the pictures it makes it easier for your child to understand. Cause and Effect is a hard concept for kids, and I love how this book shows the different concepts and through situations that kids encounter on a daily basis.

Eebee’s Here to There Adventures is a book that also shows off everyday concepts, but more so for toddlers on the go. It shows off ideas for parents to use to help their children develop motor skills and independence. For examples, there is Over the pillows, Between the blocks, and Out of the basket. It is just so adorable to see each page how eebee and the kids interact.

Overall, my kids love the Eebee’s Adventures books and I love that it shows kids and is not a regular old board book. They are colorful, unique, feature actual kids, and are durable board books.

You can check out more about Eebee and his Adventures at the Eebee website!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given two Eebee books to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Awesome Deal at Toys R Us!

2009-11-08T21:15:00.000-06:00

Make sure you head to Toys R Us this week if you have a child that enjoys board games! On the front page is some awesome deals on Hasbro board games!

My reciept total: $34.39

Instant Gift Card from Hasbro: - $10

$2 rebate per game: -$16

Total Spent: $8.39 for 8 board games!

The rebate forms are available at Toys R Us.

I am so set for Aidan's 3rd birthday in January since I am already done for him for Christmas!

These games would be great too to stock up for kid's birthday parties or to keep at grandma and grandpas! There are also some great games for older kids that aren't as cheap, but still a great price! Hurry I think it is this week only that the games are on sale, but the rebate form lasts a little longer!

UPrinting 50ct. Custom Thank You cards Giveaway (Ends 11/15)

2009-11-08T13:37:00.002-06:00

With the Holidays coming up, Thank You cards are always a nice to give and receive. Cards though can get expensive, especially if you want high quality ones and to be able to customize them.

Well along with posters, post cards, business cards, canvas prints and everything else they specialize in, UPrinting also offers high-quality paper and cardstock custom Thank You cards. They have tons of designs to choose from or you can build your own design. They offer different paper types, sizes, and quantities. You can also choose between black, blue, and red envelopes.

I like the idea of creating thank you cards because I think it is always a nice gesture, but the cards can really add up in costs. I send a lot of thank you cards too as I have two kids who are constantly being spoiled with gifts!

You can also read some reviews on UPrinting services at Yelp.

GIVEAWAY: UPrinting has generously offered one of my readers a prize of:

(50 ct.) 7 x 5" (folded to 3.5 x 5") Custom Thank You Cards with plain envelopes

Yep you will receive this UPrinting prize that you customize completely free with FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the USA! So thank you to my sponsor Uprinting!

WIN IT: How would you customize and use your Thank You cards?

Also, if you just put a generic comment like "I want to Win" then I will have to disqualify you. Sorry! Also, this contest is only open to US residents!

Extra Entries (Only valid after above entry is done!) :

~ Follow Uprinting on Twitter

~ Become a Uprinting Facebook Fan

~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (top left on sidebar)

~ Subscribe to Mama's Money Savers

~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway (You can Tweet daily for additional entries!)

You can Copy/Paste this:

Win a set of Custom 50 ct. Thank You Cards #Giveaway @mamasmoney @uprinting (Ends 11/15) http://bit.ly/22jIgh

~ Become a fan of Mama's Money Savers on Facebook

~ Blog about this contest and include Uprinting.com or send an email to your friends/family and CC: ckachelmuss@gmail.com

~ If you have EntreCard, drop your card on me (or advertise on my site!)

~ Post my blog button on your site

~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway

~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on November 15th. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Also, check out my other giveaways! (I have a link to current giveaways posted at the top center of this blog and a permanent linky under my Giveaways tab above!)

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I will be given a set of 50 Thank You cards myself to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Ch- Ch-Ch- Changes...

2009-11-08T10:54:00.001-06:00

Okay so maybe you noticed, or not, that Mama's Money Savers has been completely redesigned! It just kinda came out of nowhere. One day I was fine with my page, the next day I was jealous of other blogs. So I took the plunge and changed it up. (Thanks to Kassie from Southern Bella's Ways to Save for inspiration and help!)

I was so nervous I backed everything up 3 times and even copied, pasted, and printed stuff in case of a loss. But so far it has gone very smoothly and the kinks aren't as bad as I thought they would be. I do have some more work to do obviously but I am super excited about my new design and I hope you guys are too! So please pardon my dust if you notice anything quirky or empty and please let me know if a link isn't working or something else is wrong because with so much to do, I am sure I will miss things!

Also, I want to add that to leave a comment it is now under the title of the post (especially for giveaways). I don't know how to move it back to the bottom.

Any comments / suggestions?

UPrinting 16x20 Rolled Canvas Giveaway (Ends 11/15)

2009-11-07T13:59:00.002-06:00

Whether you are looking to create a unique and customized gift, or you just want some nice art for your own house, UPrinting has you covered with their Rolled Canvas Prints. After you upload the photo of your choice they use real artist canvas to create high quality prints. For as low as $20 you can start and they offer sizes all the way up to 55 x 100" inches.

I haven't decided yet what I want to create as I have so many ideas and pictures that I would love to blow up. I think too a canvas print is such a different idea that it would make a perfect gift. Although I am struggling as to whether I want to give this as a gift or keep it for myself or both!

UPrinting has really become my favorite site for customized gifts as they can pretty much customize anything. They also email you a proof and let you know if their is sizing or resolution errors.

You can also read some reviews on UPrinting services at Yelp.

GIVEAWAY: UPrinting has generously offered one of my readers a prize of:

16x20 Rolled Canvas

Yep you will receive this UPrinting prize that you customize completely free with FREE UPS Ground Shipping in the USA! So thank you to my sponsor Uprinting!

WIN IT: How would you customize and use your Rolled Canvas Print?

Also, if you just put a generic comment like "I want to Win" then I will have to disqualify you. Sorry! Also, this contest is only open to US residents!

Extra Entries (Only valid after above entry is done!) :

~ Follow Uprinting on Twitter

~ Become a Uprinting Facebook Fan

~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (top left on sidebar)

~ Subscribe to Mama's Money Savers

~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet about this giveaway (You can Tweet daily for additional entries!)

You can Copy/Paste this:

Win a 16 x 20 Rolled Canvas Print #Giveaway @mamasmoney @uprinting (Ends 11/15) http://bit.ly/2J6PYf

~ Become a fan of Mama's Money Savers on Facebook

~ Blog about this contest and include Uprinting.com or send an email to your friends/family and CC: ckachelmuss@gmail.com

~ If you have EntreCard, drop your card on me (or advertise on my site!)

~ Post my blog button on your site

~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway

~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on November 15th. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Also, check out my other giveaways! (I have a link to current giveaways posted at the top center of this blog and a permanent linky under my Giveaways tab above!)

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I will be given a rolled canvas print myself to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Tropical Traditions Virgin Coconut Oil Review

2009-11-07T06:39:00.001-06:00

Always on the lookout for healthy products, I came across Virgin Coconut Oil. Now I had no idea what it was but as a coconut lover, I decided to read more about it. I learned that a husband and wife team has created a process to extract coconut oil through their company Tropical Traditions.

A little bit about the founders of Tropical Traditions are Brian and Marianita Shilhavy.

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Brian W. Shilhavy, BA, MA earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible/Greek from Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, and his Master of Arts degree in linguistics from Northeastern Illinois University in Chicago. He is currently the CEO of Tropical Traditions, Inc.

Marianita Jader Shilhavy, BS, CND (Certified Nutritionist/Dietician in the Philippines) earned her bachelor of science degree in nutrition in Manila. Understanding the nutrition of Filipino foods, Marianita worked for over eight years as a hospital dietician and nutritional counselor in the Philippines.

In 1998 Brian and Marianita returned to the Philippines with their three children and renovated Marianita’s old family farmhouse. By this time the coconut industry was severely depressed due to the negative U.S. campaigns against tropical oils in the 1980s and 1990s. Coconut farmers could no longer support their families on the income generated from harvesting coconuts.

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How they discovered Virgin Coconut Oil:

Marianita began using a method she learned from older generations, which extracted coconut oil by grating the fresh coconut, extracting the coconut milk and then letting the coconut milk stand in a covered container for about 24 hours. After 24 hours, the oil naturally separates from the water producing a crystal clear oil that retains the full scent and taste of coconuts. Now of course companies are mass-producing coconut oil, but Tropical Traditions is still using time honored traditions to produce healthy coconut oil.

I received Gold Label Virgin Coconut Oil and a book “Virgin Coconut Oil: How it has changed people’s lives, and how it can change yours!” The book included everything you could ever want to know about coconut oil from production to recipes! Yes, I said recipes! Many recipes include about a tablespoon or less to add in flavor and/or benefits. I could not believe how in-depth this book was.

So then I started doing such online research and found that some people even use coconut oil to soften their skin. I tried this the other night and it was an interesting experience. Now since its an oil, it was greasy so I put it on my feet (like Vaseline) and put socks on. Overnight the oil worked and in the morning I could feel a difference. I haven’t cooked with it yet, as my husband is not a coconut lover, but I have put aside some recipes I would like to try.

If you are curious (like me) and want to learn more about Virgin Coconut Oil,
you can visit the Tropical Traditions website here!

Oh and other than Virgin Coconut Oil, Tropical Traditions also sells Organic Food, Skin Care Products, Household Goods, Supplements, Healthy Oils, Books, Health Appliances, and Pet Products.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given a book and Coconut Oil bottle to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Kaskey Kids Review & Giveaway (Ends 11/20)

2009-11-06T13:22:00.004-06:00

Aidan is just getting into action figures and small figurines. He now not only plays with cars and trains, but he is now incorporating little people into his playing. Another favorite activity of his is sports, particularly baseball. With winter just around the corner, I know he is going to be having baseball withdrawals.

Well Bruce and Christy Kaskey faced a similar problem with their children so they created Kaskey Kids. After realizing how much their kids loved action figures, Christy realized that a simple box of sports action figures could be the key.

Kaskey Kids comes in five different sports: Football, College Football, Baseball, Hockey, and Soccer. Each set comes with the appropriate number of players, a scoreboard, field, and container to keep everything in.

I received the Baseball Guys to review and Aidan loves them! What is really nice is that it is a toy that my husband can play with our sons and really enjoy it together. Now Aidan is almost 3 years old, and he likes it, but I would think that a kid a year or two older would actually understand it more This toy though is really great for children of all ages. The set is Red players versus Blue. What is especially cool though is that the action figures are not just plain figures but they are actually molded into players so it makes playing with them even more realistic.

Baseball Guys Set includes:

* 24 2 1/2" players
* 1 umpire
* 1 fully adjustable realistic scoreboard
* 28" x 28" washable felt field
* 10" x 6" x 5" stackable container with attached lid and handle

Each set costs $24.99 and I really think it would be a great gift for any child , especially to help with wintertime blues! Kaskey Kids also won the iParenting Media Award, amongst other awards! It is nice too that if you need more players (or loose them) for your Baseball or Football Guys, you can buy Mini Packs to add to your playsets. You can also rest assure that Kaskey Kids are in compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

BUY IT: You can buy Kaskey Kids online and at various retailers (check here for stores) Use the coupon code "HOLIDAY" to save 20% (Expires 1/1/2010)

Giveaway: Winner will receive a Kaskey Kids set of their choice!

WIN IT: Check out the sets and tell me which one you would pick!

Also, if you just put a generic comment like "I want to Win" then I will have to disqualify you. Sorry! Also, this contest is only open to US and Canadian residents!

Extra Entries (Only valid after above entry is done!) :

~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (top left on sidebar)

~ Subscribe to Mama's Money Savers

~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (You can Tweet daily!) You can Copy/Paste this:

Kaskey Kids Sports Play Set #Giveaway @mamasmoney (Ends 11/20) http://bit.ly/4EOlyD

~ Become a fan of Mama's Money Savers on Facebook

~ Blog about this contest or send an email to friends/family and CC:ckachelmuss@gmail.com

~ Post my blog button on your site

~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway

~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on November 20th. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I will be given this product to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

MckLinky posts a blog hop every Friday, so check below anytime to enter some other great giveaways!

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....

Littlest Pet Shop "Friends" Video Game

2009-11-06T13:01:00.000-06:00

My little sister loves (and I emphasize love) Littlest Pet Shop. I admit they are adorable little pets and I would have played with them if I was younger. My sister actually has everything and its funny when we visit, my son actually plays with the whole town and its pets. Since 2005, Littlest Pet Shop has quickly become one of the fastest growing brands in the toy industry.

On October 20th, Littlest Pet Shop introduced their newest video game “Friends” for Nintendo DS and Wii. Throughout the game you meet a new cast of quirky pets and their best friends all while you deliver invitations, serve up cake and ice cream, and style your pets for the biggest Littlest Pet Shop party of the year!

Don’t have a video game console? Littlest Pet Shop also has a exciting, safe, all new virtual world. Throughout the world, kids can play fun games, customize their pets and decorate their pet’s homes, connect with friends, and make new ones too! You can check out Littlest Pet Shop online here!

Ringling Bros. Circus Review: Loved It!

2009-11-06T06:52:00.001-06:00

So last night we went to Ringling Bros. Circus at the Rosemont Arena in Rosemont, IL. It was awesome! It was our first time really as a family at a venue like that and what better place to go then the circus! The show was just over 2 hours long and it was so jam packed I don’t even know where to start.

First off, we have the best seats ever (thanks to Mom Central - you can read my original post here), we had 7th row center so we saw everything everywhere. It was actually hard at some points to watch it all because sometimes three things were going on at once and you didn’t want to miss anything. I loved though how the show actually started a few minutes early as they warmed up the crowd. There was a 10 minute or so intermission but that was it.

I couldn’t possibly describe the entire show to you as I know I would miss stuff and I wouldn’t want to give away all the secrets, but I’ll give you some insight. The show started off with the famous Ringling Bros. elephants. Since we were so close, it was amazing how big the elephants really were and it was adorable how each elephant held the tail of the elephant in front of them.

Zing Zang Zoom is a show about magic and illusion so not only was there all the amazing animals, trapeze, acrobatics, clowns, gymnastics, but there was also a lot of illusions. My husband the skeptical was really trying to figure out how the zingmaster (like a “ringmaster”) was performing all these magic tricks and illusions. We could not believe them, they were so cool!

Total there was 10 elephants, 12 tigers, and some zebras, horses, and dogs. My sons really love animals so all of the animal acts were their favorites. Mine was all the illusions and its funny because I don’t typically like magic. My husband liked the tigers and how they performed.
Now whether you have seen a Ringling Bros. show before or not, you have to check out Zing Zang Zoom or any of the other new shows Ringling Bros. comes out with. The circus has definitely changed since I was a kid and yet it still leaves me with that happy feeling like I was still a kid.

So if you are looking for something fun for your family, I highly recommend checking out to see if Ringling Bros. is coming to your area. If you live in Chicagoland, the show will be here from November 5th-29th. But don’t worry Ringling Bros. is traveling all over!

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COUPON CODE:

Mom Central is excited to extend the following special family offer; look for the box marked "MC Promotion" when purchasing tickets:

*Offer #1: Get 4 tickets for just $44 by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels. Offer good on all weekday performances, which includes all weekday evening and Friday matinee performances; minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.

• Not valid on Circus CelebritySM, Front Row or VIP seats and may not be combined with other offers including special Opening Night pricing. Other fees may apply.

The above offers are good in the following cities:

Rosemont/Chicago: November 5 – 29, 2009
Auburn Hills: November 18-22, 2009
Charlotte: January 27-31, 2010
Atlanta: February 12-21, 2010
Cincinnati: March 10-14, 2010
Dayton: April 29 – May 2, 2010

Check out the Ringling Bros. website to BUY TICKETS!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given a pack of tickets for my family to see the show behalf of Feld Entertainment and Mom Central. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

MckLinky Blog Hoppin: Giveaway Friday!

2009-11-06T05:03:00.001-06:00

It's Friday so that means....Giveaway Hoppin!

Make sure you check out all of my current Giveaways before they end...

Certain Dri Antiperspirant - 2 Winners (Ends 11/6)

Delicae Gourmet $25 Gift Certificate (Ends 11/9)

Shrinky Dinks Kits - US/Canada (Ends 11/10)

Relish! Meal Planning Subscription - US/Canada (Ends 11/11)

Softlips Prize Pack (Ends 11/12)

"Five for Fighting" Autographed CD (Ends 11/13)

"The Big Brain Puzzle Book" (Ends 11/16)

Mayfair Lane Stationary Prize Pack -$75 value (Ends 11/17)

Ponds, Q-Tips, Dove, & Vaseline Prize Pack (Ends 11/18)

Then are you looking for some more great giveaways?

Look no further! Every Friday MckLinky hosts a Blog Hop for Giveaways!

Book Review & Giveaway: "The Lovely Bones" - 3 Winners! US/Canada (Ends 11/19)

2009-11-05T13:12:00.005-06:00

A few years ago I read the book The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold and I loved it. I am not sure love is appropriate because it is such a sad storyline but it is just written so well. I have never read a book like it before either as it is actually told from a 14-year old girls perspective.

On her way home from school in December 1973, Susie Salmon was raped and murdered by a serial killer, who she knows. The story is told as she watches from heaven, her friends and family’s reactions to her death. She watches her family as they change and grow and she struggles to accept her death. Now even though she is in heaven it does not have a religious tone, but deals with Susie’s own version of heaven.

The Lovely Bones is sad, frustrating, and yet it is so hard to put down. I actually read the book in two sittings. I have to warn you though the description of Susie’s rape and attack is chilling and is powerful. That is where I got so mad, but kept reading because I wanted to hear her story.
In December 2009, Lovely Bones is coming to movie theaters. If you haven’t read the book , I highly recommend reading it, especially if you think you are going to see the movie. I know I am curious about the movie to see how Dreamworks interprets what happens. You can watch the movie trailer here.

Alice Sebold is also the author of Lucky: A Memoir, which is her own story of being raped herself when she was a college freshman. It is also a powerful and touching book.

GIVEAWAY: 3 Winners will receive The Lovely Bones by Alice Sebold

WIN IT: Visit Hachette Book Group and tell me what other title you would love to read!

Also, if you just put a generic comment like "I want to Win" then I will have to disqualify you. Sorry! Also, this contest is only open to US and Canadian residents!

Extra Entries (Only valid after above entry is done!) :

~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (top left on sidebar)

~ Subscribe to Mama's Money Savers

~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (You can Tweet daily!) You can Copy/Paste this:

Book #Giveaway "The Lovely Bones" by Alice Sebold - 3 winners US/Canada @mamasmoney (Ends 11/19) http://bit.ly/4sf7i9

~ Become a fan of Mama's Money Savers on Facebook

~ Blog about this contest or send an email to friends/family and CC:ckachelmuss@gmail.com

~ Post my blog button on your site

~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway

~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on November 19th. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I will be given this book to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

MckLinky posts a blog hop every Friday, so check below anytime to enter some other great giveaways!

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....

Book Review: "Defining Twilight" by Brian Leaf

2009-11-05T06:08:00.002-06:00

Do the SAT, ACT, GED and SSAT have anything in common with the book Twilight? They do now thanks to author Brian Leaf, who is the author of the new book “Defining Twilight.” Brian Leaf is originally know for his four-book SAT and ACT test-prep series McGraw-Hill’s Top 50 Skills.

Defining Twilight is a workbook that contains 40 groups of vocabulary words selected from Twilight. Many of the words will show up throughout SAT, ACT, GED, or SSAT tests and his book makes it easier to learn 600 vocabulary words. What is neat too is that if you want to correspond with the book, each word tells you the page number it can be found in Twilight.

So what you do is read a word and write the definition. It does make it easier if you read it from the Twilight book though, because you can check the context to properly define it. What I thought made the book even easier to use if that after you define words, the next page has the answers, so you don’t have to search in the back of the book for an answer key. It really does make it easy to learn and practice. The book will also show synonyms, word parts, and memorization tools.

I liked that this book is a 183-page workbook that is the perfect size to carry around and practice vocabulary, which is not one of my strong suits. Whether you are studying for a test or just want to brush up, I think Defining Twilight is worth checking out, especially if you want to become a Twilight Scholar! I know when I went through the workbook and then re-read Twilight I appreciated it more too!

Now I won’t be taking any tests soon, as I am done with school, so I don’t know how much this book will help, but I know a lot of people struggle with vocabulary so it can’t hurt!

Oh and if you are a New Moon fan too and looking for more vocab words, check out the Brian Leaf's newest book Defining New Moon.

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I received this book to review it. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

Winner!

2009-11-04T22:22:00.000-06:00

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Natural Bath & Body Shop gift certificate giveaway winner...

So Congrats to:

Kayla from the Eclectic Element

Didn't Win? Check out Natural Bath & Body Shop here!

I have emailed the winner!
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Unilever Beauty Prize Pack Review & Giveaway (Ends 11/18)

2009-11-04T13:17:00.002-06:00

Maybe you noticed the Unilever Beauty Tip of the Day widget at the bottom of my blog. I wish I could have squeezed it up at the top as it features some awesome tips. I mean what woman doesn’t appreciate beauty tips, especially ones from their favorite brands. I actually look forward to checking out the new tips for my Body, Hair, and Face. The tips are super easy to use and they even include recommend products to check out, such as Dove, Pond’s Q-tips, and Vaseline.

There are so many awesome tips, that I found it hard to narrow it down to my favorites. Like “80% of women are brushing their hair daily and most are unaware it causes up to 30% more damage.” The tip then goes on to how to take care of your hair to alleviate split ends. The tip also comes from a Dove Celebrity Stylist, Gretta Monahan. The Widget also features videos and descriptions of all the products. Oh and as a bonus there are links to coupons, samples if they are available. There is a link to a Free sample for example of new Dove Heat Defense Therapy or Intense Damage Therapy.

Another tip I really appreciated was how to do an at home pedicure. After soaking your feet and painting with bright colored nail polish, finish off with Vaseline Clinincal Therapy Lotion to soften heels and feet.

Some of the tips you may already know or may seem like common sense, but many of them are ones that at least I have never heard of and could benefit from.

Giveaway: Winner will receive one (if not more) products represented by the brands Vaseline, Dove, Pond’s, and Q-tips!

WIN IT: Leave a comment with a beauty tip of your own!

Also, if you just put a generic comment like "I want to Win" then I will have to disqualify you. Sorry! Also, this contest is only open to US residents!

Extra Entries (Only valid after above entry is done!) :

~ Follow me via Google Friend Connect (top left on sidebar)

~ Subscribe to Mama's Money Savers

~ Follow Me on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway (You can Tweet daily!) You can Copy/Paste this:

Dove, Q-Tips, Vaseline & Pond's Beauty Prize Pack #Giveaway @mamasmoney (Ends 11/18) http://bit.ly/Xwco5

~ Become a fan of Mama's Money Savers on Facebook

~ Blog about this contest or send an email to friends/family and CC:ckachelmuss@gmail.com

~ Post my blog button on your site

~ STUMBLE or any other social network this giveaway

~ Enter any of my other giveaways or tell me how you heard about this giveaway!

Please leave me a comment for EACH entry and your email address if it is not in your profile for each entry that you complete above so I can accurately pick a winner. This contest ends on November 18th. Thanks everyone and good luck!

Mama’s Money Savers Disclaimer: I was given a set of Unilever products to review. This review is 100% my opinion and has not been edited or reviewed by anyone. I was not compensated in any other way for this product review.

LOOKING FOR MORE GIVEAWAYS? MCKLINKY POSTS A BLOG HOP EVERY FRIDAY, WHICH YOU CAN CHECK OUT ALL WEEK...

Click here to see the entire Blog Hop List....