SpiceStack from YouCopia Review & Giveaway

The SpiceStack helps turn your jumbled spice mess into an organized success. The unit fits in all standard-sized kitchen cabinets and features three horizontal drawers for easy location, retrieval and return of store-bought spices. You simply pull the drawer out until it's extended and lower it to resting position at eye-level. Because all the labels face out, it's easy to select the spice of your choice. You save time searching for spices while cooking meals and preparing your shopping list. It also saves money because you're not buying duplicates of spices you already have. It's available in two sizes: the Original which holds 18 full-sizes or 36 half-size spice bottles, measures 8" wide by 8.5" high by 10.9" deep, and retails for $29.99; and the Chef's Edition which holds 30 full-sizes or 60 half-size spice bottles, measures 12.8" wide by 8.7" high by 10.9" deep, and retails for $39.99.

Our Thoughts

I don't have much space in my small kitchen. Just baby food jars alone take up two shelves. My husband is a professional chef so that doesn't help matters. He has every spice known to man. Some of them I've never even heard of before. He's always yelling at me when other things get mixed up in between his spices and he can't find what he's looking for. The SpiceStack from YouCopia was the perfect solution for both of us. The mechanism itself was a little too big for my cabinet, but it was found a permanent home on top of our refrigerator. Since it holds up to 36 jars of spices, or 60 jars if you get the larger size, we are able to to keep them all in one convenient location. Its never a problem for him to find just what he's looking for because the drawers pull out and you can easily read all the labels. This saves a ton of time since we often spent a good twenty minutes routing through messy cabinets to find what we were looking for.  In addition to adding convenience to our lives, the SpiceStack arrived fully assembled and is easy to clean. You can find a SpiceStack of your own in retail stores, catalogs and e-commerce websites nationwide.

 
Giveaway

One lucky winner is going to receive a SpiceStack of their own. To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway ends 10/18/2012 and is open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to YouCopia for offering this great prize.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway



 ***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ***

I SPY TWO GAME PACK for Wii™ Review

Scholastic Media, a division of Scholastic Inc., the global children’s publishing, education and media company, today announced the release of three compilation game packs for Nintendo’s gaming platforms:  I SPY TWO GAME PACK for Wii™ and I SPY TWO GAME PACK and SMART GAMES FOR KIDS TWO GAME PACK forNintendo DS^TM. Each game pack includes bestselling titles from Scholastic Media’s interactive portfolio; the titles will be available this fall at $19.99 each.

“Families look for and deserve great value and quality when it comes to products for their children,” said Deborah Forte, President of Scholastic Media and Executive Vice President of Scholastic Inc. “In that spirit, we are delighted to offer these new gaming compilations featuring some of Scholastic's most enduring and popular brands.”

The I SPY TWO GAME PACK for Nintendo DS^TM includes two award-winning titles from the popular I SPY franchise – I SPY Fun House and I SPY Universe. Together, the games feature more than 50 riddles and over 200 levels of play for seek-and-find fans of all ages. To escape the topsy-turvy world in I SPY Fun House, players must earn tickets by completing games, riddles, and the ultimate Prize Popper challenge. I SPY Universe takes players on a different kind of puzzle-solving adventure – a trip through the I SPY cosmos. Players unlock new planets and explore the universe while searching for over 400 objects in 36 I SPY riddles and playing six brain-teasing games.

I SPY enthusiasts can continue the brain-teasing fun with over 70 unique riddles and more than 60 interactive mini-games in the I SPY TWO GAME PACK for Wii™. Included in this Game Pack are Ultimate I SPY, the first I SPY game to feature 3D environments, and the chill-inducing I SPY Spooky Mansion. Ultimate I SPY takes players through an eye-popping wonderland where they search above and below objects to solve riddles, puzzles, and mini games. I SPY Spooky Mansion offers thrills and chills with a trip through a haunted mansion. Led by a clever skeleton, players participate in mini-games, brain teasers, scavenger hunts, and 33 I SPY riddles as they try to find their way out of the mansion.

 Where to Buy

 I SPY TWO GAME PACK for Wii™ is available now in stores nationwide. You can also pick up a copy online at Amazon for only $14.95.

Our Thoughts

I always love a bargain, and you can't ask for a better deal than two video games for one low price. But even more important than the price tag is the fact that the I Spy games aren't loaded with violence. These educational games get kids thinking with their interactive features including riddles, puzzles, and brain teasers. There are over 400 different objects to search out and tons of other games, making for hours of educational fun. The Spooky Mansion was definitely our favorite part and lots of fun for the upcoming Halloween holiday. An adorable skeleton leads you along the way as you embark on scavenger hunts and solve riddles that will definitely get you in the mood for the season. The graphics are colorful and fun, and the games are easy enough for most grade school aged children. If you are looking for a game that will get your kids minds working, I Spy is definitely a great choice.

***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way***

Finstones Bamm Bamm Costume from Anytime Costumes

It might be hard to believe, but Halloween is just around the corner. You might think that September is too soon to start shopping for costumes for Halloween, but I've found that the best way to get exactly what you're looking for is to start early. If you wait until October, many of the good costumes will already be gone.  If you want to get an early start  on your Halloween fun, a wonderful online store to visit for all your Halloween needs is Anytime Costumes. They have all you need from infant costumes to matching costumes for the whole family.

I have been wracking my brains to try to think of a cute combo for my two little ones this Halloween. I only have a few years before they won't want matching costumes, and I want to take advantage of it while I can. I decided to go with a Flintstones costumes theme because even my hubby and I can go as Wilma and Fred if we want to. There were tons of Pebbles costumes out there for all ages, but I couldn't find Bamm Bamm for  my baby anywhere until I checked with Anytime Costumes.

This costume is so adorable. Its perfect for babies and toddlers. Full body costumes like this one are wonderful for little ones because its a costume and a jacket combined. In most areas, the October nights can be chilly and when you're taking the baby out trick or treating with your older kids, its important to keep them warm. But you don't want to cover up their cute costumes with jackets. You won't have to worry about that with a costume like this one. The costume itself is extremely well made. The material is extra soft and its very easy to slip your baby into. It even comes with the cutest little stick for the baby to hold. My son wasn't too happy with the head piece, but that is typical for his age. I can't wait to post a few Flintstone pictures of our family on Halloween.

In addition to kids and infant costumes, Anytime Costumes has tons of styles for people of all ages.  All of which are available at prices much lower than the average retail store. Right now, they are having a great sale. You can get 15% off all items $25 or more! To learn more about Anytime Costumes and all they have to offer, visit their website. You can also follow them on twitter or become their fan on face book. Get your Halloween shopping done today and save yourself the aggravation tomorrow.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***

Crunch Pak Sliced Apples Review & Giveaway (5 Winners)

 The kids are back to school and the means its mine to find some healthy lunch options.  I pack them lunch from home because I like to know what is going into their lunch boxes. One of the things I always include is fresh fruit. Apples are one of my kid's favorite fruits, but they always complain that the pieces have turned brown by the time they sit down to eat their lunch. Another issue I am going to have this year is that I am going to have a newborn right around the same time they are starting school. So who knows if I'll have time to slice apples in the morning. Thanks to Crunch Pak, I won't have to worry about slicing or browning because their prepackaged apple slices are guaranteed fresh every time and come in packages with Disney characters my kids will love.

For our review, we received a variety of yummy Crunch Paks to try out, and my kids absolutely loved them. We tried both the small and large bags of apple slices as well as the new Mickey Mouse Foodles which are shaped combo packs.  Every apple was crispy and delicious without one spot of brown on them.  The Mickey Foodles packages were definitely our favorite products and a stand alone lunch or a great after school snack all on their own. They come with cheese, pretzels, caramel dips, raisins, or grapes, each separated in Mickey's ears. They are a fun and unique way to get your kids to eat and enjoy their fresh fruit.

In addition to the Mickey Foodles, Snack Pak also features other fun characters including Cars and Phineas and Ferb. Stay tuned for the fall when they will also be introducing some Disney Princess packaging. To learn more about this great company and all they have to offer, you can visit their website. There you can find a location near you that sells these amazing products. Also be sure to check out their face book page.

 I have two free product coupons to give away to five lucky reader so they can try out Crunch Pal for themselves. To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway ends 10/11/2012 and is open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Crunch Pak for offering this great prize.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ***

Cartoon Network's Almost Naked Animals Review

Are you ready for a family-friendly trip to the Banana Cabana, a beachfront hotel full of fun, sun and mayhem, without leaving the comfort of home? On September 25, 2012 Volume 1 of Almost Naked Animals, Cartoon Network’s top-rated animated series for kids aged 6-11, will be available on DVD. In addition to the DVD release:

·         The Almost Naked Animals “Online Super Game” will also launch on September 25th.
·         Café Press has partnered with 9 Story Entertainment to launch a new online store on September 25th, featuring Almost Naked Animals t-shirts, noteband more.
 
Based on the quirky designs of Noah Z. Jones, (creator of Fish Hooks), Almost Naked Animals features an ensemble cast of underwear-clad animals, led by Howie, the fun-loving, hospitality challenged canine manager of the beachfront hotel, Banana Cabana.

My kids got chance to review the Almost Naked Animals Volume 1 DVD along with the official “Banana Cabana Welcome Package”, complete with the following:
·         Almost Naked Animals Volume 1 DVD
·         Almost Naked Animals tote bag
·         Almost Naked Animals t-shirt and more fun goodies

They already loved the show and my children were so excited to  have the opportunity to check out the DVD and the cool new products.  Naked Animals is a hilarious cartoon that revolves around a group of animal friends who are, well...naked. They do wear clothes, at least underwear, but they are naked in the sense that they have no fur. All these fur-less friends work at a hotel and they have crazy adventures that range from inter species romantic interludes to supernatural insanity. Howie is the hairless dog that is the manager, but he is joined by other unique characters including Bunny, Narwhal, Piggy, Duck and more.  The Its a Party DVD brings together some of the best episodes in one convenient disk. Both the DVD and the t-shirts and school supplies would be a great stocking stuffer this upcoming holiday season. You can order  these fun items at the Almost Naked Animals Website or get the DVD online at Amazon for only $6.99.


***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***

“Best of Wubbzy: Fans’ Choice” DVD Giveaway

Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!’s much-anticipated “Best of Wubbzy: Fans’ Choice” DVD from Anchor Bay Entertainment has been released! This brand-new title is the first Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! DVD of its kind – the seven episodes featured on the new release were selected by Wow! Wow! Wubbzy! fans across the country via a special “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy” Facebook fan vote.

And there’s even more to “wow” about!  To celebrate the release of the “Best of Wubbzy: Fans’ Choice” DVD – and all those wubb-tastic, Wubbzy fans nationwide! – they are hosting a special Wubbzy giveaway on Twitter where fans can win the new DVD and a personalized t-shirt from Ty’s Toy Box (pictured below)!  From Sept 18 - Sept 21, and again from Sept 24 - Sept 28, followers can enter to win by tweeting @WWWubbzy and sharing the hash tag #BestofWubbzyDVD, from noon to 4pm ET daily!  One lucky winner will be selected at random each day.  Be sure to spread the word so your readers can get in on all the Wubb-centered fun! Checkout www.facebook.com/WWWubbzy and www.twitter.com/WWWubbzy for more!

The fans have spoken!  The votes have been cast and now the winning episodes have been chosen.  By popular demand, a brand-new, first-ever collection of “fan favorite” “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” episodes will be made available by Anchor Bay Entertainment on the much-anticipated “Best Of Wubbzy: Fans’ Choice” DVD!  The standout compilation, featuring seven of the most popular episodes as determined by a special “Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” Facebook fan vote, will hit retail stores nationwide on September 18, 2012. 

“Tapping into Wubbzy’s active and devoted social media following allowed us to give fans a chance to tell us which episodes they most wanted on our newest release,” said Erin Carter, Executive Director of Brand Marketing for Anchor Bay Entertainment.  “After more than a month of voting on the ‘Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!’ Facebook page, we’re excited to bring loyal fans their favorite episodes on one very special DVD!” 

“Best Of Wubbzy: Fans’ Choice” showcases six engaging episodes: “Follow The Leader,” “The Wubbzy Shuffle,” “Wubbzy The Star,” “Tooth Or Dare,” “Wubbzy’s Makeover” and “Wubbzy Bounces Back” – plus a special bonus seventh episode, “Wubbzy The Hero.”  In these fun-filled adventures, Wubbzy helps baby chirpees who’ve lost their mother, Widget builds a robot to teach a lesson about cheating, Daizy gets a visit from a fill-in Tooth Fairy, the town of Wuzzleburg misunderstands a friendly dinosaur game, and everybody has fun on the first day of spring!  Plenty of singing, dancing and learning is in store for preschoolers and families in this first Wubbzy DVD collection chosen by fans themselves!

“‘The Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!’ team has embraced social media since Wubbzy’s launch in 2005 and it is exciting to have our Wubbzy fans guide the episode selection on Anchor Bay’s newest DVD,” said Susan Miller, CEO of Bolder Media, Inc.

“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!,” a hit with young viewers and their families since its 2006 TV premiere on Nickelodeon^®, currently airs daily on Nick Jr^®.  Wubbzy is a fun, lovable, curious little guy who just likes to play, play, play with his friends in the eye-popping town of Wuzzleburg.  The top-rated series supports preschool social skills – sharing, listening, compromising, helping and appreciating others, self-awareness and the use of humor as a coping skill.

Although their world is more fanciful and imaginative than our own, Wubbzy and his friends deal with the same social and developmental issues faced by preschoolers.  They learn how they fit into a group, how to understand their own feelings and those of others, how to get along with one another and about the value of friendship and community.

“Wow! Wow! Wubbzy!” is produced by Bolder Media, Inc. in association with Starz Media’s Film Roman Animation Studio.  It is a worldwide hit that is broadcast in 100+ countries.  Susan Miller (co-producer of Ella Enchanted) and Fred Seibert (executive producer of “The FairlyOdd Parents”) are the executive producers of the show created by Emmy Award^®winner Bob Boyle (producer of “The FairlyOdd Parents”).

 One very lucky winner is going to receive a copy of “Best of Wubbzy: Fans’ Choice” DVD!  To enter, just complete the Rafflecopter form below.  Giveaway ends 10/10/2012 and is open to the US only. The winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to reply. Thanks again to Wow Wow Wubzy for offering this great prize.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

 ***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way.  Please note that I  am not responsible for the delivery of this prize and can not be held accountable if, for any reason, is it not received. Furthermore, I am in no way liable for any injuries that may result from the use or misuse of this product. ***

Back to School Supplies from Leapfrog, Scribble Stuff, Roseart, and Board Dudes

Event though school started a few weeks ago, I still find myself shopping for supplies. RoseArt, LeapFrog and Board Dudes supplies are a great option when you have school projects to get done. All of these brands have an extensive amount of creative school supplies and specials for parents on a budget.

A few back to school supplies to consider include:

LeapFrogLeapFrog makes the jump from electronics into paper based learning aids to support reading, writing and math skills from kindergarten to fourth grade. This new line of learning products includes creative and dry erase workbooks, flash cards, writing pads, pencils and more. LeapFrog's dedicated in-house Learning Team of PhDs and educators worked closely on these products to ensure that the content is current with educational trends and aligns with the latest child development research. The products feature original LeapFrog characters Leap, Tad and Lily as well as the cast of LeapSchool. Price: $1.99-$7.99

Our Thoughts on Leapfrog:

 I have several children, including a preschooler, and this year I am concentrating on giving her a head start. Leap Frog has tons of products to help me along the way. With the their flash cards, we are able to start working on sight words. They also have some wonderful dry erase books and boards so kids can practice their letters and numbers without creating unnecessary waste. The adorable Leap Frog characters entice children to start learning and encourage them every step  of the way.

 

Scribble StuffPencil cases get an injection of personality this school year with Scribble Stuff, a brand new line of fun writing materials. Regular and mechanical pencils, novelty erasers and decorative pencil sharpeners come in expressive styles like sports, military, flowers, glitter, hearts, bugs and owls. Novelty Puzzle Erasers packs look like tasty treats: sushi, junk food and desserts, and the Wiggle Erasers feature unique animal-inspired designs with jointed legs that really move! Price: $1.49-$2.99


Combo packs- http://www.boarddudes.com/Scribble-Stuff-Pencil-Value-Pack--Girl-Theme_p_790.html 
Food inspired erasers- http://www.boarddudes.com/Scribble-Stuff-Puzzle-Erasers-6-PK_p_786.html 
Wiggle Erasers- http://www.boarddudes.com/Scribble-Stuff-Wiggle-Erasers-4-PK_p_787.html 

 

RoseArtRoseArt’s got back to school lists at family friendly prices. Moms can stock up on quality classroom essentials like crayons, markers, paint and glue at great value prices so they can indulge in extras to keep at home to encourage crafts and creativity. Prices: Vary

www.roseart.com





 Our Thought on Roseart

We also received a few of the wonderful products from Roseart. I have always loved this company and remember buying their things when I was in school myself. The quality has not dwindled over the years. They offer some of the most affordable crayons and markers on the market in all shapes and sizes. They are just the right size for pudgy fingers, and they are the only crayons my little one hasn't managed to break. The markers are long lasting and the colors are bright. These are art supplies the whole family will appreciate.

Board DudesA new school year means keeping on top of new extra-curricular activity schedules, permission slips, field trips and so much more. The Board Dudes line of well-designed magnetic dry erase, cork and combo boards help families juggle it all without compromising on style. Their tile style boards can be combined to create a unique arrangement to suit families’ individual needs. 
Price: $8.49-$27.99

Color tiles- http://www.boarddudes.com/Magnetic-Dry-Erase-Tile-Board_p_552.html 
Weekly planner- http://www.boarddudes.com/Magnetic-Dry-Erase-Weekly-Planner_p_568.html 
Combo weekly planner- http://www.boarddudes.com/Magnetic-Dry-EraseCork-Weekly-Planner_p_589.html



***Please note that I received no form of monetary compensation for this post. I did receive a sample of the product to try in order to write a fair and honest review. The opinions expressed in this review are my own and were not influenced in any way. ***