It’s Hot!

Taste Test
I already like the double churned ice cream. It’s rich yet light, and super tasty. Since I knew I liked the ice cream, I had high expectations of the bars. After drooling over the varieties at the store, I settle on the Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Sandwiches. Cookie dough is a favorite in this house, so I knew it would be the preference of everyone. As soon as my 2 year old saw the package he started saying. “Want nummies!” Smart boy, takes after his mom. Remember how I said I had high expectations? Consider them met. Smooth and Dreamy is the perfect name for these sandwiches. The cookies were soft, the ice cream was delicious and guess what? Only 160 calories, and 4 grams of fat. That’s for 2 cookies AND ice cream. These are little baby sized sandwiches either, they are a nice size and satisfy your sweet tooth. Next on the list? Triple Chocolate Chip bars.

Don’t they look heavenly? I have a craving, and I’m headed out the door soon to satisfy it.

Price: Around $3 for a 6 pack of bars/sandwiches

Where to Buy: A retailer near you.

Win It
Two Babes and Kids readers will win coupons for FREE Smooth & Dreamy Ice Cream bars and sandwiches.

Here’s How to Enter: (This entry is mandatory)

• Visit Breyer’s Smooth and Dreamy and let me know what kind looks good to you.  (Don’t blame me if you have a sudden urge to go to the store to try them out.  )

Additional Entries

• Tweet about this giveaway. (daily entry) – 2 entries
• Subscribe to my feed via e-mail – 2 entries
• Follow me – 2 entries
• Comment on any non giveaway post that you haven’t previously commented on – 2 entries
• Become a fan of Babes and Kids on Facebook – 2 entries

Please leave each entry as a separate comment. Contest is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on August 9th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or prize will be forfeited and given away in a live giveaway.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Breyers and received products necessary to facilitate my review. In addition, I received a gift certificate to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Tweet This Post

A little more about “What About Me”

What About Me!? follows a group of furry friends as they navigate a mysterious, faraway land in search of treasure. Along the way, they encounter secret worlds and new friends to be rescued. With the help of Meyer’s Miss Ruby, the lovable characters learn valuable lessons about working together…all while singing their way into the hearts and minds of children.

Pros:   I love that Pahaapahooey Island is not only entertaining for children, but incorporates a good message.  I remember growing up that most cartoons had no message, and didn’t really teach me anything.  In this generation, it seems that those that produce children’s shows are keenly aware of teaching children values.  That is something I definitely want taught in my home.

I’m not sure how many times we’ve played this dvd.  Chandler, my 3 year old wants to watch it over and over.  I thought it was important the messages it taught, especially teamwork, so we have been learning about teamwork in our home.  Whether it’s picking up toys together, or solving a problem, he’s learning important skills at age three that will help him in the real world.

I think it’s really important for parent’s to be involved in actively teaching their kids values, and this dvd is a great help.  I actually don’t mind sitting down and watching this show with him.  The script is well written and the puppets are cute and entertaining.  Plus, it’s suitable for all ages and the episodes are only about 20-25 minutes, meaning it keeps a child’s attention the entire time.  

This dvd also includes  a bonus episode, “Hide It In Your Heart.”  The entire dvd runs 67 minutes.

Cons:  I wouldn’t mind owning more of the Pahappahooey Island episodes.  I went looking for them, and only found other episodes on VHS.  We don’t have a VCR, so it isn’t even an option for us to buy others at this time.  I’d love to see other episodes go on dvd.  

The Bottom Line:  Great dvd for children of all ages that teaches important values.

Where to Buy:  Pre Order on Amazon Here: Pahappahooey Island: What About Me!?

Price: $14.95 (On sale for $10.99 with pre order on Amazon)

Win It!
2 readers will win a copy!

To Enter:

Tell me what you are doing to teach your children values.

Additional Entries:
Follow this blog – 1 entry
subscribe via e-mail or rss – 2 entries
fave me on technorati – 2 entries
comment on any non-giveaway post – 2 entries

Please leave each comment as a separate entry.
Contest is open to US residents and will close at 11:59 MST on June 24th. Winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to reply to winning e-mail or I will give the prize away in a live giveaway.

Tweet This Post

Here’s How to Enter:
Leave me a comment telling me why you’d like to win this subscription.

Additional Entries:
Follow Me – 1 entry
Tweet this giveaway – 1 entry
Fave Me on Technorati – 1 entry
Subscribe via RSS (orange heart icon in sidebar) – 2 entries
Subscribe via e-mail – 3 entries
Grab my Health & Happiness Blog Party Button – 2 entries

Unlimited Entries:
You may enter unlimited times as long as the main entry has been done and your comments stay along the lines of family life, cooking, and coupons.

Please leave each entry as a separate comment.
Giveaway is open to US residents only and will end 11:59 MST on June 20th. Winner will be drawn via random.org, and has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or the prize will be given away in a live giveaway.

Tweet This Post

A little bit about the company per their website:

“Calypso Studios debuted in January 2007 with a line of jewelry and accessories created from the earth’s natural elements: clay, shell and glass. The new line was immediately embraced and praised for the unique designs and mediums. The designs are on-trend and span the ages in both technique and the persons choosing these distinctive and exclusive designs. More than a conversation piece, Calypso Studios jewelry symbolizes good taste for an independent spirit. It is our hope that this art will bring much pleasure to who wear it. Calypso Studios jewelry indeed serves to commemorate life’s happy moments.”

 I received three different products from Calypso Studios.  A tote bag, ring, and necklace. 

The Shopping Tote

Pros: I got this in fresh design by Emma Hand.  Reusable shopping totes  seem to be getting more and more popular as everyone decides to be more eco conscious.  I already have 2 other shopping totes and this one is a great addition.   It measures a generous 17″ x 19″  and comes with a carrying case that is 8″ x 6″.  I usually only have one reusable tote with me which never holds enough, so it’s nice that you can carry the case with you that can hold 3 totes.    It will hold up to 20 lbs which is the same as 4 gallons of  milk!  That’s quite a bit.  It’s made of a polyester which has a slick feel.  This is awesome because you can wipe it down if it gets dirty or throw it in the washer.  A lot of other reusable totes you have to put in the washing machine.  It has held up really well, and I really like all of the designs that Calypso has to offer, plus there are so many designs to choose from.

Cons: The shop totes only come in a 3 pack.  While it’s nice to have many totes, it means that shoppers who only want one don’t have that option.  I also don’t think that the price is as competitive as it could be.  At $20 for a 3 pack, it may be a bit of a turn off for buyers who haven’t used the totes to really see the quality of them.  At first I wasn’t sure how it would hold up either becaue the material is quite thin.  Don’t be deceived, these totes really pack a punch!

Calypso Rings

Pros: I received this adorable Hope Ring.  This ring puts a bit of a spin on other rings because it is elastisized, making it a one size fits all.  No more guessing on your ring size.  It has silver metal plated beads and measure 1″ diameter.  There are many other rings with inspirational sayings, as well as other cute elastisized rings.  Calypso jewelry is actually priced really well.  This particular ring is only $10 which is an awesome price! 

Cons:  I thought this would be a cute ring to wear on my thumb.  My thumb fits around a size 8 1/2 ring, and I found this was a bit tight and left a bit of an indentation.  It was something that I got used to.  I tried it on my other fingers and didn’t really have the problem. 

Calypso Bracelets

Pros:   Last, but certainly not least was the cute bracelet.  I actually couldn’t find the exact braclet on their website, but it is teal clay beads and is absolutely adorable.  It’s somewhat similar to the crabby bracelet pictured to the right.  It’s 3 ” in diameter and has an elastic center. The clay bracelets are handcrafted using kaolin clay.  Not only are they pretty, but the elastic is very durable.  As a mom, my kids love to take of my jewelry and play with it.  It’s done well outstanding a 3 year old and a 16 month old.  It’s also well priced at just $7.00

Cons: I really am loving this bracelet and can’t find anything I dislike about it!

The Bottom Line:  Calypso Studios has durable shopping totes and beautiful, competitively priced jewelry.  They also have key chains, earrings, and necklaces.  A really great selection.

Price: $6-$25, depending on the product

Where to Buy: Calypso Studios

Calypso Studios is giving away a set of 3 shopping totes to one reader!

How to Enter:

• Visit Calypso Studios and tell me your favorite set of totes or piece of jewelry

Unlimited Entries:

• You may enter this contest as many times as you want as long as your comments stay centered around jewelry or reusable shopping totes!

Please leave each entry as a separate comment.
Giveaway is open to US residents and will end at 11:59 MST on June 12th. One winner will be selected via random.org. Winner has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or I will give prize away in a live giveaway.

Tweet This Post

Pros: I mentioned that coverage is extremely important to me.  I’m 5’9″ and so most times a one piece is out of the question.  My torso is long and I have yet to find a one piece that I feel comfortable in.  I’m either pulling it up at the top, or pulling it out of my rear.  Just keeping it real.  So a two piece is a must for me, although I won’t go the bikini route now that I’ve had my boys.  I am now the proud owner of this fabulous tankini in style Marty.  Isn’t it adorable?  When I first put it on, I was pleasantly surprised, the length was exactly what I was hoping for.  It is nicely lined which makes me know that it will hold up. Because it is lined so well, I feel it actually helps hold in my tummy and gives a more flattering fit. It includes soft bra cups that you can remove, and they are the perfect amount of padding.  I hate when swimsuits don’t have some sort of padding, it makes me extremely self conscious; I’m sure you all know what I am referring to.  Another feature I loved about this swimsuit is how comfortable the halter tie is.  I’ve had a few halter swimsuits that pull at my neck and actually make it sore.  Layers  uses really soft, high quality fabric and I didn’t even notice the tie at the top.  The bottom is really cute too.  They are also fully lined and have a fold over band detail.  I like this because if I have the band folded up, I feel like it holds my tummy in a little bit.  Or I can fold it down and get that funky detail on the bottoms.  

A few days after I got the suit, I decided to take it for a test drive.   We have a membership to our local rec center and actually go swimming there a lot.  I liked the suit just as much while swimming in it.  My favorite part – my top stayed down and I wasn’t having to pull and tug at it.

Layers has such a cute swimsuit line this summer, but they also sell awesome basics and tops.  I have a few of their basic undershirts.  They really hold up, are made of a great high quality material, don’t stretch out, don’t shrink, and are super soft.  

Cons:  I do wish that the bottoms had a bit more coverage.  This could be just me though.  The last swimsuit I owned had boy short bottoms, so I got used to having the coverage of shorts.  It also could be due to the fact that I maybe should have ordered a size larger in the bottoms.  I actually wish that they had an option for a boyshort bottom, or coverups. 

The Bottom Line: Well made, trendy swimsuits.  I will definitely go back to them again for a swimsuit!

Price: Swim Top: $46  Swim Bottom: $26

Where to Buy: Layers Clothing

Want to be outfitted in a trendy layers swimsuit this summer?  Layers Clothing is going to help you on your way by giving one  reader a $25 e-gift certificate!

Here’s How to Enter:

• Visit Layers Clothing and tell me your favorite style from their swim line

Additional Entries:

• Follow me – 1 entry
• Blog about this giveaway with links back to Layers & Babes and Kids – 3 entries
• Subscribe via e-mail – 2 entries
• Tweet this giveaway -1 entry

Please leave each entry as a separate comment
Giveaway is open to US residents only and will end June 10th 11:59 MST. Winner has 48 hours to reply to winning e-mail or I will give the prize away in a live giveaway.

Tweet This Post

• Late fees (never with BookSwim)
• Limited hours (browse BookSwim in your pajamas at 3am if you’d like)
  
• Limited selections (can’t find a book on BookSwim.com? Let us know and we’ll buy it!)
  
• Long waiting lists for popular titles (we buy plenty of copies to slash your wait time)
  
• Location, location, location (what could be closer than your own home?)

Pros: I am currently using the service and must say that I am quite impressed!   There are 6 different plans to choose from, starting at just $14.98 a month.  The plan that I am on is the light reader.  It allows me to have 3 books out at any time.  I send 2 books back, keep one to hold, and get another two books in the mail.  The website is really easy to use.  You can search for books by title, ISBN, topic, or author.  There really is a great selection of books, and in my first shipment I received a couple for me, and one for the boys.  The books are shipped via media mail, and sometimes media mail and be slow.  However, it only took 2 days from the time they shipped until the time I received them in the mail, which was definitely fast! If you so choose, you can KEEP the book and pay for it at a discounted price.  I just got done reading “The Choice”  by Nicholas Sparks.I love that I was able to read it first, I have it here in my home, and I am thinking about paying for it and just keeping it.  It’s one that I would read again!  You can get recommendations based on what you like to read, which is nice if you aren’t sure what you want to read next. When you are finished with your books, simply return them in a prepaid mailer and wait for your next shipment.  Super easy! Book Swim also offers gift certificates which would make a great gift for anyone who likes to read.  They also have a great referral program, which gives your friend 60% off their first month, and a $10 payout for you!

Cons:  I live in a townhome and don’t have a regular mailbox.  I have to drive to a mail drop to send my books back so it’s not 100% convenient for me.  However, if you are living somewhere where you have a regular mailbox, this wouldn’t be an issue for you.  

The Bottom Line:  Convenient and easy home service for those who like to read.

Where to Buy:  Book Swim

Price: $14.98 – $39.98 per month, depending on the plan you choose. 

Book Swim has generously offered to give one reader a 3 month subscription to the light reader plan. (A $60 value!)

How To Enter:

Visit Book Swim and tell me your favorite part about the service

Additional Entries

Follow Me – 1 entry
Tweet using the message below – 1 entry
Book Swim Giveaway @ Babes and Kids http://bit.ly/I9PSu
Enter another Giveaway – 1 entry
Comment on a non-giveaway post – 1 entry

Please leave each entry as a separate comment.
Contest is open to US residents only and will end at 11:59 MST on June 8th. Winner has 48 hours to reply to winning e-mail or I will give the prize away in a live giveaway.

Tweet This Post

Ok, since I know you are all drooling over her sweet confections, how about a giveaway!  One very lucky winner will win a $25 gift certificate to Suzie’s confections.

 To Enter

• Visit Mary’s Etsy shop and tell me what looks yummy to you

Additional Entries:

Please leave each entry as a separate comment
Contest is open to US residents only and will close on June 19th at 11:59 MST. Winner has 48 hours to reply to winning e-mail or I will redraw. Winner must open an Etsy account to claim prize.

Tweet This Post

So, for those of you unfamiliar with Scentsy, here’s my little blurb about it:

Scentsy works using a warmer which includes a 25 watt bulb and wickless Scentsy bars.  You simply plug in your warmer and put a few cubes or even the whole bar into the warmer.  The warmer melts the bars, infusing your home with a wonderful, strong scent.   There are also plug in warmers available which I have in my bathrooms.  They add a cute chic touch and use a 15 watt bulb.  With over 80 scents to choose from, there’s something for everyone. After a scent is gone, you can pour it back into the container it came in and discard, or  I prefer to wipe out with a paper towel.

One huge selling point for me is that the wax doesn’t get hot enough to burn.  When I first got my warmer, Chandler was only about 18 months and stuck his finger in the wax.  It was warm of course, but didn’t burn him.  We make sure to keep the warmers out of reach now, but coming from a mom’s perspective, I LOVE that.

The scents last a long time and I actually keep a couple of my warmers on timers.  My sister gave me this great idea as she does it with her warmers as well.  They turn on at our house at around 10 am and are off by 8 pm.  It’s nice that you can leave these on when leaving the house and not have to worry.  Unlike candles which are a huge fire hazard if you leave them burning.  If you burn candles, you may also notice the black smoke or sooth that you get when you burn them.  I remember one time when we went to move from an apartment.  I had a candle that I had burned often in a particular spot.  There was a picture on the wall above the candle and there was an outline of black from the soot when we removed the picture.  Talk about gross.  

Scentsy also offers room sprays and car candles.  The room sprays give you the instant Scentsy smell and are used with the same intense fragrance used in the bars.  The candle cars are awesome and I always have one in my car!

I’m thrilled about being a new Scentsy rep. It was only $99 for my enrollment kit and the commission plan is fabulous. If you are interested in signing up to be a consultant and do, I’d love to offer you a plug in warmer and bar as a welcome. E-mail me: snedfam(at)gmail(dot)com if you want more information.

I’m excited for the launch of my Scentsy Business and am excited to offer a giveaway!

Best of all, there will be 3 winners!
Here are the prizes:

• 1 grand prize winner will win a Scentsy warmer along with 3 bars ($44 value)
• 2 runners up will each receive a car candle

Here’s How to Enter:
Visit My Scentsy Site and browse around. Tell me your favorite warmer and scent.  (You can view the catalog on the homepage to get a description of warmers and scents.)

Additional Entries:

• Follow my blog – 1 entry
• Tweet this giveaway – 1 entry
• Subscribe via e-mail – 3 entries
• Blog about this giveaway with links to Babes and Kids & my Scentsy site – 5 entries
• Place an order through this link anytime during this giveaway (e-mail me at snedfam(at)gmail(dot)com if you do place an order so I can verify) – 15 entries

Please leave each entry as a separate comment.

Contest is open to Continental US residents only and will end June 12th at 11:59 MST. Winner has 48 hours to respond to winning e-mail or I will give prizes away in a live giveaway.

Tweet This Post

• Solar to Polar Ultra – A Potent SPF 40. A significant advancement in high performance synthetic-free and organic sun care, the Ultra provides durable, clear, and antioxidant-rich protection. No phthalates, no parabens and no BPA.
• Solar to Polar Baby – A Pure SPF 42. Solar to Polar Baby has the strongest synthetic-free SPF this side of a shady tree. It is gentle, hypoallergenic, and 70% organic. Its tube is safe, sustainable, domestic and BPA-free. Let the fun shine in!
• Dopo Elements (Coming soon!) – Dopo means “after”. As in, try this remarkably nourishing, repairing, soothing and organic moisturizer after being in the sun, water, and dry air. Easy on the skin and eyes.

Pros: The first big test was how this would work.  We ventured out for an afternoon in the sun, and I slathered the Solar to Polar Baby on Rowan.  Ok, so I didn’t exactly slather, because this is a NICE thick cream.  The consistency is awesome and a little goes a long way.  One thing that I hate about a lot of other sunblock brands is that when they get hot in the sun, they tend to get runny and go everywhere.  Not this one.  I noticed the consistency was still as nice and creamy after an hour in the sun.  It absorbed quickly, and doesn’t have that greasy feel after it’s done being absorbed.  Since Rowan was just wearing a swim diaper, I watched him closely to see how the sunblock was working.  After a few hours, he didn’t look pink at all, and I knew Vivesana was doing it’s job. 

I love that this product is an organic sunblock.  And unlike other brands, it has some great antioxidants which are great for the skin.  It’s botanical ingredients include jojoba  and apricot which help moisturize, chamomile to comfort skin,  antioxidants like green tea and raspberry to repair cell damage, and zinc oxide to protect.  I remember reading an article about zinc oxide and what a great job it does in protecting, so it’s nice to know that there’s 3.5% zinc oxide in it.

 
I  tried the Solar  to Polar ultra out on myself.  After years of tanning beds, and lots of sun exposure, I’ve realized just how important it is to keep my skin protected.  My dad had skin cancer removed from his nose while I was still living at home, and that was a big eye opener for me that I needed to start protecting my skin.  The protection was just as amazing, and I felt like I was applying a nice moisturizer as well. 

The packaging is an aluminum which is BPA free and locally packaged.  It’s refreshing to see a company veering away from plastic.

Dopo elements is an after sun moisturizer that is coming out soon!  It looks incredible as well and will make a great addition to the Vivesana collection.

Vivesana has a wonderful website that is really easy to navigate.  I found all of the information I needed, it had great pictures, and really got a great message across.

Cons:  Because this is so concentrated and creamy, it does take more effort to rub in, but it’s worth it for the protection.  I also understand the great concept behind the aluminum tube, but it’s a bit hard to work with.  My advice would be to make sure you start from the bottom and squeeze up, because it creates more pressure, thus making it easier to get out.  I made the mistake of pushing it from the middle and quickly learned that probably wasn’t the best way as I used more of the tube. 

The Bottom Line:  Awesome organic natural sunblock that not only protects, but helps nourish the skin. 

Price:  $29 for Solar to Polar Ultra, $32 for Solar to Polar Baby

Where to Buy: Vivesana Website

Rating:  Excellent

Win It – One lucky reader will win a tube of Vivesana

To Enter:

• Visit Vivesana and tell me something I didn’t mention in this post. – 1 entry

Additional Entries:

• Follow this blog -1 entry
• Subscribe via e-mail – 2 entries
• Grab my button or blinkie – 1 entry
• Blog about this giveaway with links to Vivesana and Babes and Kids – 5 entries
• Tweet this giveaway – 1 entry

Please leave each entry as a separate comment.
Contest is open to US residents only and will end June 5th, 11:59 MST.
Winner has 48 hours to reply to winning e-mail or I will give the prize away in a live giveaway.

Tweet This Post