Gifts with a Purpose: North American Bear Co. Review and Giveaway

I love to see companies that give back to the community in some way.  This is why I love the North American Bear Company.  The Company was started nearly 30 years ago as a creative business enterprise of a new mother, Barbara Isenberg who was starting a family in New York City in the mid-1970’s.  She wanted to find a teddy bear with the charm of an antique toy and a modern whimsical style for her own son.  This led to the start of a toy company which created unique, high quality plush bears that would appeal to both children and adults alike.  Today, The North American Bear Company creates everything from bears to dolls to crib mobiles, and each and everyone of them are cute as a button. 

When I found out I would have a chance to do a review of their items, I really had a hard time picking something, I loved everything I saw.  Then I saw their line of Make My Own Monsters....I about fell over!

Can these guys be any cuter?  They were designed by the North American Bear staff's kids.  We chose to review Crazy Eyes and Buster.  When they came, my kids were so excited!  We opened the box to find the softest, cutest monsters in the world.  And when I say softest, I mean super soft, made of veboa.  To make it even more special, the tag has the drawing of the monster, the name and age of the child that created it, and a story written by the child describing the monster.

Here is my son smothering Buster with love :)

Lexi loves her Crazy Eyes...with his packet of sugar!

and Maddox still loving on his new buddy...big kisses for Buster

The kids have been sleeping with these guys every night since they came, and drawing pictures of their own monsters.  They love that they were created by other children.  So not only are these guys cute but they are special in another way also.  A portion of My Own Monster sales is donated to Global Action for Children, a nonpartisan organization dedicated to being advocates for orphans and vulnerable children in the developing world. To learn more about this international children's organization, visit their website here.  Most of the monsters are priced at $16 and can be purchased on the North American Bear website.

North American Bear has generously offered to give one of my readers a monster of their choice!  Here is how to enter for your chance to win:

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit the North American Bear Website and tell me which monster is your favorite, also leave me your email address so I can contact you if you win.

Additional Entries:

Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect +2

Follow me on Twitter +3

Like me on Facebook +3

Put my button on your blog (leave me the url in the comment also) +5

Blog about this giveaway (leave me a link please) +5

Enter another one of my giveaways +1 per giveaway

This giveaway will end at midnight on December 15th and a winner will be chosen via random.org.  Winner will be emailed and have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.  I'm trying to have a finalized winner by Dec. 17 to ensure delivery for Christmas.  Good Luck!

**I was sent two toys for review purposes, all opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review**

The Season of Hope

Last week I posted about my experience with donating to the local food pantry.  The post was a "cry for help" for not only my community but any community.  I tried to reach as many people as I could by word of mouth as well as social media, which I am thankful for having access to.  For the most part I got a positive response, with people reposting or offering to donate, however I also got many people telling me about how many of the people who take the food and clothing from the pantry don't really need it and are taking advantage of the system.  This upset me.  I understand that not all the people who take from the food pantry really need it, but for every one person who takes advantage of it without real need, there may be 3 or 4 people who really DO need some help.  I thought about how blessed I am to have a wonderful family and amazing friends, that have always been there for me, and offered a helping hand anytime we needed it.  I thought about how hard it has to be for someone to swallow their pride and ask for help from a place like the one we donated to.  I also thought about how horrible I would feel if I could not feed my children.  So I am willing to take that chance, even though there are people cheating the system, that my donations will help someone in a time of real need, people who may not have friends or family who can lift them up and lend a hand.  I am thankful for everyone in my life, and everything that I have, and know that no matter how little you think you may have....there is someone out there that has less.  This is also why I am going back today to drop off coats, winter clothing and bedding that we no longer need.

Wholesale Costume Club, for all your Holiday costume needs!

Many of you heard of Wholesale Costume Club at Halloween time, but did you know they also carry everything you need to dress up your Holiday?  They have the largest selection of Christmas costumes around. If you need a Santa suit to entertain the grandkids at your Christmas party, they have one for every budget.  They even have Mrs. Claus, snowmen, Rudolph and the Grinch!

School putting on a holiday play?  They carry a wide range of kids costumes in everything from elves to toy soldiers.

They also carry religious costumes if your church is putting on a Nativity scene or Christmas play.  You will find shepherds, Mary, Joseph, as well as angels in both adult and child sizes.

And if your cold winter nights need a little warming up they have a full line of women's costumes, even ones that light up.  I got a chance to review a costume of my choice, so I chose the adult Christmas Sweetie Costume.  I sometimes worry about sizes being wrong when I order things online, but the costume fit perfect.  The overall quality actually exceeded my expectations, which is always nice.  Shipping was also really fast, the whole experience was very positive.  

Wholesale Costume Club has an optional membership which costs only $5 a year, with no auto renewal.  This membership lets you purchase costumes at an even deeper discounted price.  And to sweeten the deal, they will ship your entire order for only $4.99, no matter how big or small, and ship it out the same day if you order before 1p.m.  There really is no reason to shop anywhere else for all your costume needs.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Holiday Gift Guide: Kaspersky Internet Security 2011

Is there someone that is tech-savvy on your Christmas list that you have no idea what to buy for?  Why not get them a gift that will keep on giving all year long, the Kaspersky Internet Security 2011.  Here are some key features about Kaspersky Internet Security 2011. The product can be installed on up to 3 PCs and retails for $79.95 for a 1 year license.  You can find it in retailers such as Best Buy, Target, Wal-mart, etc.  Kaspersky has a Desktop Security Gadget which allows you to instantly see your protection status, drag-and-drop file scanning, and customize one-click access to the reports and tools you use the most.  It also offers Parental Controls which allow you to do more than just block your kids from inappropriate content coming in, you can prevent your family’s personal information from being sent out, by designating account numbers, addresses and more as “private.” You can also limit the amount of time your child can spend on the computer or online every day.  The Safe Run option provides an added layer of protection for running suspicious or unknown programs and websites by allowing you to try out programs with total confidence that no harm will come to your system, by completely walling them off from your data and PC settings.

"Premium PC Protection—Kaspersky Internet Security combines the essential security of our leading antivirus software with additional layers of defense against hackers, spam, identity theft, and complex Internet threats. Innovative technologies deliver real-time protection, monitor suspicious activity, and block dangerous actions before they can cause harm—all while working silently in the background"

I have tried other virus protection on my PC and it seemed as if some of them slowed my computer down, and the others just plaing did not work too well.  I love Kaspersky and feel confident that its doing it's job 100% of the time.

I just looked online and you can get a full year of protection for up to 3 computers for 50% off.  The online price right now is $39.98, now that is a great deal.

WINNERS

I have some winners to announce for 3 giveaways.  Winners will be contacted by email and will have 48 hours to reply.  Ok drumroll please.....

Winner of the Rock N Learn DVD is #25 Corie(at)RedLetterRising

Winner of the Care Bears Gift Pack is #28 Lara

Winner of the Swarovski ring is #15 Elizabeth

I will be sending out emails right away!

Kidorable Review and Giveaway

With the Holidays just around the corner, us parents are looking for that special toy to give our kids this year.  Sometimes we put too much pressure on ourselves to buy the coolest toys.  What happens to those toys after a day or two?  They are quickly forgotten.  I have noticed that some of the things my kids treasure the most are not toys, but items that let them be creative and express themselves.  This is why I love Kidorable.  Kidorable offers some of the cutest gear for kids.  They offer raincoats and boots, as well as matching umbrellas in so many styles, for both boys and girls.  Not only do they have the cutest rain gear, they also offer backpacks, towels, hats, scarves, gloves, hangers and even bookends.  We love the Lady Bug and Space Hero line, but unfortunately Alexis no longer fits in the sizes they offer for the Lady Bugs.  Thankfully they have a line called the English Roses, for older girls, which are more sophisticated rain jackets.  This gorgeous line was inspired by Madonna's English Roses children’s book.  Alexis received the Polka dot Rain Coat and Boots.

The jacket is so much fun with it's colorful polka dots and cute little belt, it's sure to brighten up any rainy day.  This style is a little more upscale and also has a detachable hood.  My kids love playing out in the rain, and as soon as they see the raindrops on the windows they beg if they can but on their rain gear and splash in the puddles.  My son actually has the space hero jacket and boots and loves to wear them everywhere.  With all the different styles offered by Kidorable, your child can pretend to be a fairy, pirate or dinosaur.  They will look foreward to rainy days!
 
The amazing people of Kidorable are offering one of my readers an umbrella of their choice!  Here is how to enter:
 
MANDATORY ENTRY:
Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect and leave me a comment with your email address.
 
Additional Entries:
5 bonus entries if you take this little buying quiz, its super short I promise...click here
3 bonus entries if you follow Kidorable on Twitter
3 bonus entries if you like Kidorable on Facebook
3 bonus entries if you follow me on Twitter
3 bonus entries if you like me on facebook
 
This giveaway will end at midnight on December 21 and a winner will be chosen via random.org.  Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen
 
**I received raingear from Kidorable for the purpose of this review, all opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review**

Brugo Mug Review and Giveaway

Our family, and extended family, can be classified as "hot beverage consumers".  What this means is that we love to drink hot beverages such as coffee, tea, hot chocolate, chai and cappuccino.  Now that the weather is colder I tend to drink coffee or tea more often during the day, and especially on the go.  Running around with two kids and a cup of coffee only ends one way, spills.  When I heard that Brugo is now 100% leakproof, I had to see for myself.  Brugo is the company that brought you the innovative tip and sip technology which allows you to enjoy hot drinks without waiting 20 minutes to let them cool.

Brugo Mugs have a cooling chamber, which when you tip the cup, fills with the hot beverage and cools right away.  This allows you to enjoy that hot cup of coffee instantly, without blowing on it or waiting until it cools off.  Not only is the Brugo Mug the smartest coffee mug, but it comes in just about every color of the rainbow.  Colors range from Flamingo to Seaglass and can really be matched to just about any personality.

You can set your mug to tip and cool when your drink is hot, but once it has cooled a little, you can set your mug to just sip, or lock for transport.  Now that the Brugo Mugs are leakproof, you don't have to worry about spills when you are walking out the door balancing bags, toddlers, and a coffee mug.  I think that just about everyone on your holiday list would appreciate one of these little dandies in their stocking.  I think they're great for kids or young adults as well, for hot cocoa or hot cider.  And don't forget the boss at the office, he will appreciate the sophisticated style of a Brugo Mug. 

Brugo also offers a Sport Collection, for all you gym rats.  Its a Brugo with a more modern twist.  These sporty mugs feature a no-slip bottom, double insulated wall, ergonomic grip, cooling chamber and 3 position drink mode selector just like the classic Brugo Mug.  I call my Brugo my best buddy because it really goes just about everywhere I go and it also helps me live more green.  Stash one of these in your car so when you stop at a gas station for a little pick me up you have it right there on hand, ready to fill up.  Think about how many styrofoam cups you will keep out of the landfill.  And I no longer have to put ice in my gas station coffee so I can drink it right away. 

Ready to buy some of these babies?  Well you're going to want to buy at least two, here is why.  The regular price of one mug is $19.95, but when you order two or more you save 25%, making each mug only $14.95.  Just make sure when you are checking out to type "Leakproof" in your address so that you get the newest Brugo which is of course 100% leakproof.  Right now they are also offering free shipping on orders of $50 or more.

One of my lucky readers will get to experience the difference a Brugo makes by winning one of these mugs for themselves.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Visit the Brugo website, then come back and leave me a comment telling me your favorite mug color.  Please also leave me you email address so I can contact you.

Additional Entries

Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect +2

Follow me on Twitter +2

Follow Brugo on Twitter +2

Like Brugo on Facebook +2

Like me on Facebook +2

Put my button on your blog (leave me your url where it can be found) +5

This giveaway is open WORLDWIDE and will end at midnight on December 12.  A winner will be chosen via random.org and contacted through email.  Winner will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.

**I received a Brugo Mug for the purpose of this review, all opinions are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review**

A cry for help...please read

I am writing this from my phone as I wait for my dughter to get done with school because it could not wait until I got home. My Girl Scout troop had a food drive which ended yesterday. Today we took three large carloads of food to the local food pantry. When we went in all we saw were empty shelves...two days before Thanksgiving. The woman who is running the pantry was in tears. I heard her telling people that they were not distributing today and to go meet a truck from the Northern IL food bank in a parkinglot by Walgreens. I just drove past there on my way to the school and could not believe how many peple I saw standing in line waiting for food...in a public parking lot in front of a truck which said Food Bank on it...where we all can see them statnding there. I wanted to cry. Really, right here in this little town there are this many hungry people. Please, I am begging you, this Holiday season do what you can and make a donation to your local food pantry. Seasonal work is over and so many people are laid off please do what you can to help your local community. Also ask if they need winter coats, I just found out that the place we went to is in need of winter clothing and bedding. I will be heading home to go through our clothes. It might be someone you know standing out there by that food truck waiting to get some food to feed their kids. If you cannot help by donating could you please pass this messege on by reposting, linking, tweeting anything. Thank you,
Agnes

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Style Lab Fashion Design Review

Are you looking for the perfect gift for the little fashionista on your list?  Ubisoft recently came out with a really cool game for the Nintendo DS, called Style Lab Fashion Design.  I always wanted to be a famous fashion designer when I was little so I had to try this one as soon as we got it.  You start out be creating a character, name her and customize how she looks by picking her skin tone, hair color, face shape, etc.  Alexis said that she likes that she can make "the girl look like me".  The game also asks you about some of your favorite things, colors and interests...this really helps customize  the playing experience for your little girl based on her preferences.  There is another "character" that walks you through how to get started designing your own fashions.  Not only that but you can take on challenges and welcome friends into your Boutique where you can share or trade your creations.  This game is very cute and really let Alexis use her imagination to design her own styles.  It is a very girly game and she loves it!  But the coolest part is that you can really bring your daughter's designs to life by ordering them.  Yes, you can upload her creations to the online gallery and purchase them.  I can't wait to order one for Alexis, I know she would be so excited to tell her friends she designed her shirt.

I like these types of games because there is no "winning", and the game is different each time you play since you design as you go along.  Its bright and cheerful and it really lets you be creative and express your individual style.  This is also the kind of game you will play again and again since there is no end.  Style Lab Fashion Design is rated E for Everyone, so you don't have to worry about inappropriate content for little ones, another big plus!  And even though this game is geared towards girls, Maddox has been caught playing it!  The game can be purchased on Amazon or the Toys R Us website.

While Ubisoft provided me with this game to review, the opinions I've expressed here are solely my own and represent my honest viewpoint. Ubisoft, Clever Girls Collective and I promote Blog With Integrity.

New Printable Coupons

Here are some new printable coupons!

Dove Chocolate - Buy 2 Get 1 Free

Gold Peak Tea - Buy 1 Get 1 Free

Glade Jar Candles - $1.00 off 2

Pillsbury Refrigerated Holiday Cookies - $1.00 off 2

Pillsbury Easy Frost No Fuss Frosting - $1.00 off 1

Pillsbury Pie Crust - $0.50 off 2

Dannon 32oz Yogurt - $0.75 off 1

Hershey's Milk or Milkshake - $0.35 off 1

Eco-Foil items - $1.00 off 3

Listerine Zero - $1.00 off 1

Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush 2-in-1 Starter Kit - $3.00 off

FOCUSfactor - $10.00 off 2

Glade Fabric and Air Odor Eliminator - $1.00 off 1

Theraflu - $1.50 off 1

Cold Stone Creamery Ice Cream Cakes - $3.00 off 1

ProPlan Dog or Cat Food - $5.00 off 1 bag

Neutrogena Men - $2.00 off 1

Bayer Aspirin AM - $1.50 off 1

Tom's of Maine, Wicked Fresh!

Ever looked at the ingredients of your toothpaste...or your kid's toothpaste?  Go ahead and look.  Do you know what many of those ingredients are?  We worry about lead in toys and preservatives in food, but what about toothpaste?  We use it in our mouth so we should really pay attention to what's in it.  Tom's of Maine offers toothpaste made from natural ingredients.  There is nothing artificial in the toothpaste, no artificial colors, flavors or sweeteners and no artificial preservatives.  To make it even easier for you to do your research, the ingredients and what they are for, are listed right on their website.  They have many flavors and varieties, I got to try the Wicked Fresh.  It looks a little different than what we are used to, the color is not as bleach white, the smell is different also, more like real mint.  The flavor is what I love though.  The taste of this toothpaste is mild and minty, not too harsh like some toothpastes.  It leaves your mouth feeling really clean and your breath minty fresh.  The freshness actually lasts longer than what I got from traditional toothpaste.  I'm hooked, and so is my daughter.  She often complains that toothpase is "too sour" but she loves the taste of this one.  I'm going to get them the kids version to try too.

**I received toothpaste for the purpose of this review by BuzzAgent, all opinions are my own and I was not compensated for a positive review**

Make your own Candy from Glee Gum, Review and Giveaway

What kid doesn't love candy, and what kid wouldn't love to know how to make their own candy or gum?  Glee gum has some really fun kits which let you make your own chocolate, gummies or chewing gum.  We got to try out the make your own chocolate kit.  The directions, and process, are very easy to follow.  The ingredients are all labeled and also described in the directions so there is no guessing what is what.  and school. Each kit contains everything.  This isn't just melting chocolate chips, you actually make it all from scratch using organic cocoa butter,cocoa powder, and sugar.  What's also great is that you can make it in your microwave, so no need for the hot stove.

They even include some cacao beans with the chocolate kit, so you can see and taste them in their raw natural state.

Each kit also includes a story about where the ingredients come from, who harvests them, and how. In today’s pre-packaged world, it’s often hard to know where the things we eat come from.  The chocolate is so simple to make All you have to do is melt the cocoa butter, add the cocoa powder and sugar. Stir until it cools to the right temperature then add the starter crystals and eat some yummy chocolate made from scratch.  You can buy these kits on their website or use their store locator to find a retailer near you.

The people of Glee Gum are offering one kit (winner's choice) to a lucky, lucky reader of mine!  All you have to do is ....

MANDATORY ENTRY:
Leave me a comment stating which kit you would choose...that is it, well and your email so I can get a hold of you if you win.

Additional Entries:
Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect +2
Follow me on Twitter +2
Like me on Facebook +2
Like Glee Gum on Facebook +2
Follow Glee Gum on Twitter +2

Giveaway will end at midnight December 15th and a winner will be chosen via random.org.  Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen.  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

**I was sent a Make your own Chocolate Kit for review, all opinions are my own and I was not compensated for this review**

Chicago Area Peeps...Don't Miss This!

Are you achin' for some bacon?

Skillet Bacon Jam...What is it you ask?  Well its a lot of really good bacon rendered down, with bunch of spices and onions simmered for about 6 hours, pureed and blast chilled.  You got that?  What the heck do you use it for?  Well, you can put it on our burger, on a grilled cheese, maybe a substitute for bacon on a BLT, and can even be the base for a vinaigrette.  I love it on a turkey sandwich (toasted in the oven) with lettuce and tomato...mmmmm....

So who came up with such an amazing idea?  Skillet Street Food from Seattle, WA did.

"About 3 years ago, we started a street food company called skillet street food. We focused on creating chef driven food, out of an airstream trailer. One of our signature items was our burger, which was grass fed beef, arugula, brioche, cambozola cheese and Bacon Jam. People started asking us if we sold it, and after a brief period of time we started to sell it on our street food trailer …….and then martha stewart called and it was bananas after that..."

You really can't explain it, you just have to try it.  Its basically spreadable bacon!

You can order yours directly from their website or you can email them with inquiries at eat@diaryofasahm.com.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.