Friday, April 29, 2011

Mother's Day Gift Giving Guide: Paper Coterie (Review and Giveaway)

CLOSED.

And, the winner is:

Kristie




With Mother's Day almost here, I wanted to share a new company that will be launching soon (May 4th to be exact).  But, right now, they are running beta testing and offering some great deals/steals just in time for Mother's Day.    Paper Coterie is offering 50% off on all products through April 30th. To take advantage of this offer, use the code, "BETALEMONADE" during checkout. Click here now to see some of the wonderful Mother's Day gift giving products.


Paper Coterie sent me a handful of product samples so that I could see the quality of product they were offering.  And, boy was I impressed!  The stationary and packaging alone felt and looked rich and sophisticated.  It felt like something I would receive with a wedding invitation or stationary package -- it was that high quality.  And, the products could stand alone -- they were top of the line and durable.  Each product makes a keepsake that will be treasured for years to come, and would look lovely displayed on a coffee table or shelf.  I especially loved the photo books and easels.  Instead of ordering prints of your favorite photos to add to a photo album,  now you can display and switch them up with the sturdy cardboard easel available at Paper Coterie.  


Take a look at some of the other products Paper Coterie is offering:





















Now, after seeing all of the above, don't tell me you can't think of something to buy your mother this Mother's Day!  And, with the fabulous 50% off special, what are you waiting for.


I recently received the personalized growth chart for Savannah and is heavy-duty and looks great up in her room.  This will come in handy for many years to come.  And, with Grandparents Day and Father's Day around the corner, make sure to bookmark Paper Coterie for all your stationary and personalized gift needs.


And, don't forget to stop back on May 9th, when I will be interviewing Melisa Jeffers from Paper Coterie in my Spotlight on Mommy Monday posts.

---GIVEAWAY---
Now, one lucky Inspired by Savannah reader has a chance to win a coupon code valid for any item at the Paper Coterie store.  To enter, please complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, and then as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like.  Make sure you include your email address with each comment, so that I can contact you if you are the winner.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Head on over to Paper Coterie and let me know what you would buy if you won the coupon code.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

1) Subscribe to my blog via email (2 entries)

2) Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/. (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 5 Entries)

5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

6) Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)

Enter to #win an item of your choice from Paper Coterie  @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 5/13)

7) Like my Inspired by Savannah Facebook Fan Page! Please include your Facebook name with your entry, so I can follow you back. (4 entries)

8) Follow my blog via Networked Blogs (3 entries)

9) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day)

Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on May 13, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner

Disclosure:  I was sent samples from Paper Coterie in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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PureAyre -- The Only 100% Food-Grade Odor Eliminator on the Market (Review)



Recently, I was sent samples of PureAyre, a 100% safe, food-grade odor eliminator.  This product can be used on just about any surface, including the kitchen, kids rooms, car, floors and pet's bed.  If you need to freshen up a space in your house, then reach for PureAyre. You will end up a clean-smelling house, without the hazards of chemical products and artificial fragrances.  And, as an added bonus, PureArye removes stains!  What more can you ask for? I couldn't believe how well it got rid of spit up and sour milk odors.  And, with only a quick spray of PureAyre into the diaper pail, I can eliminate the dirty diaper smell that seems to linger.  This is a parent's dream odor eliminator, and healthy enough to use around the youngest of babies.



Try other pure yet powerful PureAyre products:

PureAyre for baby
PureAyre for all pets
PureAyre for dogs
PureAyre for boats and marine use

How Does PureAyre Work?:

PureAyre is composed of plant-derived enzymes, purified water and essential oils. It is the first and only food-grade odor eliminator. That's why it's safe. And PureAyre is the only product with enzymes specifically targeted to break the bonds of all odor-causing compounds found in nature. That's why it's strong.



You have a lot of odor eliminators to choose from, and some of them work on some odors. But only PureAyre works on all organic odors. Only PureAyre uses the right enzymes in the right amounts to be this effective and strong. And only PureAyre is bottled without using any alcohol or hazardous chemicals as stabilizers. No other odor eliminator can make these claims. That's why other odor eliminators are only partially successful…if they work at all.

PureAyre Eliminates Every Odor

Your nose knows: There are hundreds of odors in nature that tell us when something is wrong. The interesting science behind this is that there are only a few groups of compounds that are the cause of all these odors, including petroleum products (like gasoline and diesel), sulfides (like rotten eggs and skunk), ammonia (like urine) and aldehydes (like formaldehyde, a known carcinogen).

The enzymes in PureAyre cleave the bonds of the molecules that make up these odor-causing compounds. And PureAyre is the only product that contains all the enzymes needed in a high enough concentration to do the job. As a result, PureAyre literally cleans the air and permanently gets rid of the source of odors leaving you with pure air.

PureAyre is the Versatile Odor Eliminator

PureAyre can be sprayed, poured, injected and fogged to turn odors into non-toxic, innocuous compounds. Get detailed instructions.

To buy, click here to order online today.

Disclosure:  I was sent samples of PureAyre in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Feature Friday: Dapple Baby Products (Review and Giveaway)


CLOSED.

And, the winner is:  Donna



This past Monday I interviewed Tamar of Dapple Baby.  If you missed my Spotlight on Mommy interview with her, click here to read it now.  Today, I wanted to share more about the Dapple Baby products available, as well as offer a giveaway to my readers.



In addition to interviewing Tamar, I had the opportunity to try out a handful of Dapple BabyDapple toy and surface wipes I just fell in love.  Now, wherever I go I make sure that I have a pack of Dapple toy and surfacewipes with me, as Savannah enjoys dropping her toys on the floor and having us pick them or, and is at the stage where she likes to put everything in her mouth.With the toy and surface wipes, I can use these on her car seat, shopping cart handles, restaurant high chairs, tables and so much more.  What a convenience it is to just grab a wipe and know that the surface is clean.  It is great piece of mind. products for today's review.  After using the

Another product I was sent by Dapple that I just love is the Dapple dish liquid.  This dish liquid works great on cleaning formula rings and odors in the baby bottles, as well as cleaning the baby's utensils.  I am always cautious on dish liquids and other cleaning agents that I use on Savannah's belongings, as I don't want to expose her to unnecessary chemicals.  Now, I don't have to worry, as Dapple contains baby-safe ingredients. 


I am so glad that I stumbled upon the Dapple Baby products, and will definitely be using these cleaning products for now on.  They do an excellent cleaning job, are safe on the environment and most importantly are safe for baby. So, if you have a baby or child at home, or know someone who is expecting, you should check out the Dapple Baby line of products today. 


Click here to learn more about Dapple Baby and see the entire line of products available.


---GIVEAWAY---


One lucky Inspired by Savannah reader will win a Dapple Clean Up Kit of their own.  To enter, simply complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, and then as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like.  Make sure to include your email address with each entry, so that I can contact you if you win.

MANDATORY ENTRY:

Head on over to Dapple Baby and tell me something you learned about this brand.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)


1) Subscribe to my blog via email (2 entries)

2) Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/. (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 5 Entries)

5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

6) Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)

Enter to #win a Dapple Clean Up Kit @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 5/13)

7) Like my Inspired by Savannah Facebook Fan Page! Please include your Facebook name with your entry, so I can follow you back. (4 entries)

8) Follow my blog via Networked Blogs (3 entries)

9) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day)

Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on May 13, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner.




Disclosure:  I was sent samples of Dapple Baby in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.

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Feature Friday: Teach My All-in-One Learning Kit for Babies, Toddlers and Preschoolers




Back on Monday I introduced you all to Christy Cook, the creator of the Teach My all-in-one learning kits for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.  If you missed my interview with her, click here to read it now.  Today, I wanted to share more about these amazing kits and how I have been using the baby kit with my daughter, Savannah.  I love how you only have to buy just one kit, and get everything you need in order to stimulate fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, early childhood development and develop self-esteem in your baby.  


In total, there are 66 items in the Teach My baby all-in-one learning kit.  

Included in the kit were:

12 One-Piece Puzzles
6 Two-Piece Puzzles
5 Finger Puppets
4 Board Books
2 Sets of Flashcards
1 Storyboard
1 Set of Nesting Blocks
1 Handy Carrying Case
1 Easy-to-Follow Guide

And, with only 20 minutes a day of play time with Savannah, I have seen an improvement in her overall learning skills.  She especially loves the mirrored nesting blocks and the finger puppets.  The the use of the puzzle pieces, Savannah has learned how to pick up finger foods with her thumb and index fingers.  Before the use of the kit, she wasn't able to grasp small things.  And, now, she loves to pick up small items and even holds her sippy cup.  Another item that fascinates Savannah is the textured flashcards.  I had picked up a few board books that were textured, but Savannah seems to like the flashcards included in this kit much better.


I can't get over the great educational tools included in this kit, and know that as Savannah gets older, she will have a head start over other babies, as we will continue to use this kit for 20 minutes a day.  And, best of all, Savannah has fun when using the kit.  I have tried the bilingual and educational DVD's that are on the market, but they don't seem to keep Savannah's attention.  As soon as she sees me pulling out the yellow kit, she begins to smile and clap, and can't wait for the fun to begin.


So, if you are looking for an educational and fun learning kit for your baby, toddler or preschooler, why not check out the Teach My all-in-one learning kits, which retail for only $49.99.




To learn more and see which kit is right for your child, click here.

About the Creator of Teach-My Kits:

Teach My was founded in 2007 by Mompreneur, Christy Cook. Realizing that parents are the most important teachers, Christy scoured educational supply stores to find learning activities to educate her 18-month old son, Finn. Not finding an all-in-one kit, Christy aimed to make it easier and less expensive for parents, so she created Teach My Toddler, the award winning first and only all-in-one learning kit for toddlers.

After Teach My Toddler received rave reviews and several awards, Christy created Teach My Baby, the award winning first and only all-in-one learning kit for babies and Teach My Preschooler, the NEW all-in-one learning kit to prepare your child for kindergarten. Teach My prides itself on offering modern tools for supervised educational play - No batteries required, no flashing lights or music!

Disclosure:  I was sent a baby kit in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Thursday, April 28, 2011

Mother's Day Gift Giving Guide: Teamotions, Teas for Emotional Well Being

CLOSED.

And, the winners are:
Kele, Ladytink_534 and Donna.






What Sets Teamotions Teas Apart From Other Teas?:


Give mom the gift of emotional nourishment for Mother's Day!  It's no secret that mom's selfishly give to their families, so as a big thank you, give mom the chance to nourish herself!  Teamotions line of emotional well-being teas do just that.  Our whole leaf teas are artfully blended with herbs and botanicals to help foster and support emotional wellness.  We created our teas to be a "time-out" from everything around you.  A time where you can focus on yourself and check-in, so to speak.   A time to rejuvenate.
 

It is our belief that a meaningful existence is impossible without emotional wellness.  We are all emotional beings and it is important to value that about ourselves and each other. In a culture consumed with superficiality it is easy to find ourselves empty on the inside despite all that we may have or are striving to have on the outside. At Teamotions, our passion is to help others recognize their need for emotional health and help them acquire it.  We hope our teas inspire you to achieve clarity, discover joy, seek peace, have hope, enjoy rest and find strength in all you do.



Our teas make a meaningful gift for Mother's Day.  A gift that reaches far beyond May 8th.


You can find out more at www.teamotionstea.com.



My Review: 


Does your mother like to drink tea like mine does?  If so, why not consider picking her up Teamotions today. I was able to sample these teas firsthand and have become a personal fan.  The flavor of each of the teas is so pronounced and with each sip, you feel more relaxed.  It is so nice to sit down and enjoy a hot cup of tea.  And, with flavors like Apple Cinnamon Chamomile, Vanilla Earl Grey, Citrus Strawberry White Tea, Passionfruit Jasmine Green Tea and Lemon Vanilla Green Tea, you can't go wrong.  I usually don't like flavored teas -- I am happy with a good cup of green tea.  But, I have to say, after trying each of the above flavors from Teamotions, I am now a fan of flavored teas.    


It was so quick and easy to brew a fresh cup of tea from the loose leaf packages that were sent to me.  I simply had to pour 6 ounces of boiling water over 1 teaspoon of loose tea, and steep for 3 minutes.  Each cup felt so fresh and tasty.  I even let my husband who likes flavored teas try some, and he was impressed with the rich flavors.  He could taste the cinnamon and orange peel in the Apple Cinnamon Chamomile tea.  And, usually it is hard to impress my husband, as he is a die hard Starbucks fan, and doesn't like to try other brands.


I couldn't wait to share a fresh cup of tea with my mom when she came down a few weeks ago to visit with our daughter.  My mother prefers earl grey tea, so I whipped her up a cup of the Vanilla Earl Grey tea.  I was pleasantly surprised when she asked for another cup!  She, too, is now a fan of Teamotions.

So, if you are still looking for the perfect gift to give your Mother or Mother-in-Law for that matter, this Mother's Day, check out the full line of Teamotions available online.  Not only will she enjoy brewing her own fresh cup, but will receive rave reviews from family and friends who stop by to chat over a cup of tea.

---BUY NOW---

Click here to browse the selection of Teamotions teas today, and to place your order, just in time for Mother's Day! And, just for Inspired by Savannah readers, use coupon code "MOMDAY2011" at checkout for 20% off your total order.


---GIVEAWAY---

Three lucky Inspired by Savannah readers will receive a tin of tea (winner choices flavor and type, loose or sachet) of Teamotions tea for themselves, or to give as a gift.  To enter, please complete the MANDATORY ENTRY first, and then as many EXTRA ENTRIES as you like.  Make sure to include your email address with each entry, so that I can contact you if you win.


MANDATORY ENTRY:  Head on over to Teamotions and tell me what flavor and type (loose or sachet) you would choose if you won.

EXTRA ENTRIES:

(Please leave separate entries for each, along with your email address)

1) Subscribe to my blog via email (2 entries)

2) Follow me on Facebook (1 entry)

3) Enter any of my other giveaways, leaving a comment with the name of the giveaway (1entry per giveaway entered)

4) Blog about this giveaway. It must include a link to this specific post, as well as a link to my blog, http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/. (In your comment, please leave a link directly to your post – 5 Entries)

5) Follow me on Twitter (1entry)

6) Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry per tweet, per day; please include link to tweet in comment below)

Enter to #win a tin of tea in their choice from Teamotions @rmccoy1234 http://ctmomreviews.blogspot.com/ #giveaway (Ends 5/10)

7) Like my Inspired by Savannah Facebook Fan Page! Please include your Facebook name with your entry, so I can follow you back. (4 entries)

8) Follow my blog via Networked Blogs (3 entries)

9) Vote for me on picket fence blogs (See button on right side of blog -- One entry per vote, per day)


Open to US residents only. Giveaway ends on May 10, 2011 at 11:59PM EST. I will then use Random.org to choose a winner. Winner will have 48 hrs. to respond to my email to claim prize. If I don't hear back from selected winner, I will draw another winner 
Disclosure:  I was sent samples of Teamotions in order to write up an honest review.  The views above are mine and mine alone.
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Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Children's Book Review: You're Special Wherever You Are by Kita Szpak



Buy now for only $14.95.

Summary:

(Recommended for 4 years of age and up)

No one can believe that Catalina would keep an old,dirty carpet she got from her very old grandmother.  Charlie Zee would rather be anything else than black and white.  And Alex has the biggest surprise of all when he opens his mouth to breathe fire...

These three stories are about a camel, zebra and dragon who are all a little different.  They show us how important it is to be yourself no matter what the situation may be.

"You're Special Wherever You Are" is a book both children and adults will enjoy time after time.

"Little stories of inspiration that carry a gentle message for those who read them and those who listen to them."

My Review:

I loved the moral this book shares with children -- you are special, no matter how or what you look like.  The book is broken down into three stories about a zebra, camel and dragon.  My favorite story out of the three was about the Charlie Zee.  At first he didn't know why he was black and white and didn't like how he stuck out when playing hide and seek, but in the end he learned he was black and white striped because it protected his skin from the heat and sun of the Serengeti.  And, in the end, through his courage and kindness he saved the day and his friend's lives by helping lead them to taller grass, where they would be protected from the heat and dry spell.  If it wasn't for Charlie Zee and his stripes, his friend's would not have survived the heat of the Serengeti.

The other two stories were cute, but I especially loved the illustrations in the Charlie Zee story, and have a love of zebras.  I can't wait until Savannah is a little older and can understand the moral of the stories.  With so much pressure put on children and teens today to look a certain way, it is nice to see a book that celebrates them for who they are and by being unique, they are truly special.  


About the Author:


Kita Szpak is a writer, publicist, communications strategist, and speaker whose professional reputation has been built on “positioning clients for excellence” since she opened her consulting business in 1992.  Armed with honors degrees in German and Education from Queen’s University in Kingston, Canada as well as business management certification from the Queen’s School of Business, Kita cross-pollinates sound business principals with marketing savvy.  She has spent over ten years working with prominent Canadian artists, musicians and writers such as Robert Farrell, Maria Knapik, Firdaus Kharas, and Elisabeth Harvor.

Last October, Kita published her first children’s book, “You’re Special Wherever You Are” (http://picturebookstories.com).  Last April, Kita also accomplished another first by running the Big Sur International Marathon in California.  She released her second book, “Tipping Point to Happiness”, with business partner, Monique MacKinnon this past August.  They presented at the Women on the Verge of Evolution Summit and Convocation in Las Vegas in September, 2010.
Disclosure:  I was sent a copy of this book in order to write up an honest review. The views above are mine and mine alone.
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