Monthly Archives: June 2012

June 30, 2012 · 8:57 pm

Nautilus, CoreBody Reformer Review & Giveaway!!!

I would bet that you all know just how important your core is to your body.  A strong core is the foundation of your body.  Pregnancy and childbirth can really rock your core and not in a great way.  Getting that strong core back is key to looking and feeling better.  When you workout though you want to see results all over, a total body workout.  That kind of workout makes one think that they would need bulky gym equipment in their home or have to trek to the gym and so many times especially as busy moms we just don’t have that time.  Wouldn’t it be nice to have something compact, light, easy to store, that had everything we needed all in one piece of equipment.  Well, look no more, The CoreBody Reformer from Nautilus is here!

I was recently sent a CoreBody Reformer to review.  I was amazed at how light it was and just how simple it was to get started.  All I needed to do was to push the button on the top, twist and pull out the bar and support legs.  Then just lie the body on the legs, place the bar back in the slots on the top and screw and secure the top back.  The resistance is controlled by the push buttons and is super easy to set.  When both white buttons are out, that is the lowest resistance, for medium, push one of the buttons in on each side and for the most resistance push both in.  The unit comes with a DVD with four workouts, go anywhere fitness flip cards and a schedule to start you on your way.

I could not wait to give it a try and I enjoyed it so much.  The express workout is only 20 minutes but you will feel great after it.  I loved the trainer because she was not a drill sergeant and really told you to watch your form more than reps because just doing multiple reps if your form is off does not help.  She performs the routines with two others who demonstrate variations for beginners and advanced.  By the second day I was upping the resistance and could see in one day that I was ready to try more complex moves. It is fun and I like that I think almost anyone can do the exercises. I am so happy to be able to get a full body workout right in my family room with a lightweight piece of high quality equipment that can just be picked up and put in a hall closet or that can be easily packed and carried anywhere so you can workout outside, take it with you on vacation and weekend trips, even camping and never have to miss a workout.

Nautilus is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a Nautilus CoreBody Reformer.  Thank you Nautilus for the review CoreBody Reformer and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Nautilus, CoreBody Reformer Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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· 8:17 pm

HULLABALOO, “Raise A Ruckus” CD Review & Giveaway!!!

So, in the last week we have celebrated two graduations in our family.  One son graduated high school and another graduate preschool.  We are full swing into Summer and it is nearly July 4th.  Most families will be on the road a lot this summer.  Whether you are planning a bunch of day trips or at least one big vacation, chances are you are searching for a way to make those road trips more enjoyable for  everyone and filled with less, “Are we there yet?” questions.  We were recently sent a brand new CD from Hullabaloo called Raise A Ruckus. With ten major national awards in their hip pocket and an eight-year track record of glowing critical acclaim, the beloved “free-range, organic” kid-folk duo Hullabaloo has pulled out all the stops for their 10th studio CD, Raise a Ruckus.

Produced by GRAMMY® nominee Tor Hyams,  Raise a Ruckus takes Hullabaloo‘s down-home, good-times musical ebullience to a new level, with guest artists Grammy® winner Buck Howdy, Grammy® winner Marcy Marxer, Molly Ledford of Lunch Money, and the extraordinary multi-instrumentalist Dennis Caplinger — whose credits include Eric Clapton, JJ Cale, Vince Gill, Ray Price, Rita Coolidge, and Nickel Creek, among many others — bringing their considerable talents to a kick-up-your-heels party with the duo that’s been described as a blend of Johnny Cash, Woody Guthrie, and Mr. Rogers.

Hullabaloo has made a career out of creating tickle-your-funnybone, laugh-out-loud humor that saturates every song and qualifies them as direct heirs to the likes of Homer & Jethro and the Hoosier Hot-Shots.  The clever quality of Hullabaloo‘s narrations sets the story of each song in a halo of brainy sophistication, while their knockout musicianship and vocal clarity deliver the entire production with a sense of effortless grace.  Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer can safely challenge any parent or child to listen to them cut loose on a goofy gem like “Dad Upside Down” without cracking a smile.  That kind of infectious humor permeates every track of Raise a Ruckus.

The album’s title song — in the old days, a real “get down and boogie” staple on Louisiana Hayride and The Grand Ole Opry — has been given new, kid-friendly lyrics and up-to-date energy, while other songs, like “Trash is My Treasure” (the triumphant anthem of a food-recycling seagull) have a more contemporary slant.   One of the most evocatively colorful songs on Raise a Ruckus, “Favorite Day,” calls upon Molly Ledford to combine her vocal and xylophone talents with those of Dennis Caplinger on ukulele and dobro, along with the great sound ofGunnar Biggs‘ slap bass. Buck Howdy really shines on a “Song About Nothing,” which proves that if a song has a great shape and energy, syntax takes a back seat.

Steve Denyes and Brendan Kremer met in kindergarten and have been friends ever since.  They started playing music together in the 5th grade band, where they vigorously showed off their developing talents on “Old MacDonald” and “Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star.”  Little did they know that, decades later, these songs would still be among their biggest hits!   Steve grew up to be an elementary school music teacher, folksinger, and songwriter, while Brendan became a rock ‘n’ roll drummer.  Hullabaloo officially began when Steve and Brendan teamed up to play a few songs at Brendan’s twin daughters’ first birthday party.  Fast-forward eight years to find that Hullabaloo has performed more than 1,500 shows throughout the country at venues ranging from birthday parties to fancy concert halls.  Along the way they’ve released nine award-winning albums (at last count, with more than 20,000 sold) and developed a loyal following nationwide.

 

You can take my word that Raise A Ruckus is a CD that will not have parents cringing and hoping their kids will fall asleep so they can shut it off.  Parents may actually find themselves singing along and listening even if the do fall asleep.  This is truly a CD that kids and parents will enjoy together and one that will make the time go by quickly and with less whining and asking, “Are we there yet?”  Raise A Ruckus will be available at hullabalooband.com, amazon.com, cdbaby.com and iTunes.  You can also listen for yourself by clicking HERE and going to the right hand side of the page.

 


Waldmania PR is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win their own Raise A Ruckus CD.  Thank you Waldmania PR for the great review copy and for sponsoring this knee slapping, toe tapping giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US and Canadian residents.

 

 

Hullabaloo, Raise A Ruckus CD Giveway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:
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June 29, 2012 · 1:34 am

Belli Skincare Solutions, Body Lotion and Body Scrub Review and Giveaway!!!

Keeping your unborn baby safe from chemicals while you are pregnant is important, but you can not always find skincare products that are specially formulated and tested to be safe for pregnancy. Well, we recently connected with Belli Skincare Solutions to bring you this review of their pregnancy safe All Day Moisture Lotion and Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Body Scrub from their Belli Pregnancy line. Belli Pregnancy is the only skincare line in the world that teratology screens each ingredient to help you guard against chemicals linked to birth defects in public research. All of their products are allergy tested and free of artificial dyes and paraben preservatives. They also have Belli Motherhood and Belli Baby collections so you can continue using these quality products after birth for you and your baby!



My sister is 24 weeks pregnant, and she enjoyed trying out these products. Her hands had been feeling extra dry lately, but after using the Belli Pregnancy All Day Moisture Body Lotion, it left her skin silky and smooth, not slimy like some other lotions. It is smooth and creamy, and leaves a lovely lemon-chamomile scent. The Fresh Start Pre-Treatment Scrub features green tea extract and ginseng, and has the refreshing aromatherapy of peppermint oil. It scrubs away the old skin cells to reveal the healthy new skin, and prepares your skin for the application of other Belli products. My sister said that the sandy texture reassured her that it was working to get rid of the old skin and left her feeling clean. It even helped on the worst calluses on her feet! It also eased her anxiety to know that it was pregnancy safe!

Belli Skincare Solutions is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a set of All Day Moisture Body Lotion and Body Scrub from the Belli Pregnancy line! Thank you Belli Skincare Solutions for these renewing  skincare products for review and sponsoring this great giveaway!  Open to US residents.

Belli Skincare Solutions, Body Lotion and Body Scrub Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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June 28, 2012 · 12:18 am

Chicken Soup for the Soul; Hear Come The Bride, 101 Stories of Love, Laughter and Family Review and Giveaway!!! 3 Winners!!!

June has long been associated with weddings and June brides.  It is pretty fitting that I was recently sent Chicken Soup for the Soul;Here Comes the Bride, 101 Stories of Love, Laughter and Family.  This book will inspire and entertain you with a collection of stories from brides, their families and friends, about the aspects of being a bride, from proposal to honeymoon.  Filled with stories that will make you laugh, inspire you, entertain you, and occasionally make your teary.  This book is great because whether you are the bride to be, mother of the bride, maid of honor, best friend or family member you will relate to the stories in this book.  

 Story topics include:

The Proposal                               The Wedding Party

            The Ring                                      Things That Went Wrong

               The Dress                                    Unconventional Weddings

                                                         Planning the Wedding              Mid-Life Love

                                                         Family Drama                            Second Chances

 And of Course The Honeymoon

Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Three lucky blog readers will win a copy of Chicken Soup for the Soul;Here Comes the Bride, 101 Stories of Love, Laughter and Family.  Thank you Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing for the review book and for sponsoring this great giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Chicken Soup for the Soul;Here Comes the Bride, 101 Stories of Love, Laughter and Family Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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June 27, 2012 · 12:50 am

Moringa Source Oleifera Body Oil Review and Giveaway!

Recently, Moringa Source gave me the opportunity to try out their Moringa oleifera body oil for a review. After reading about the benefits of this amazing oil, I promptly agreed. Moringa oleifera oil has been used for over 2,000 years in the Far East to support health and wellness. Rich in over 90 nutrients such as vitamins, proteins, amino acids, iron, calcium and anti-oxidants, Moringa oleifera is the most nutrient dense plant yet discovered! These nutrients and It’s high levels of oleic fatty acids gives it it’s ease of spreading on and permeating the skin without being greasy or sticky. This allows the oil’s vitamins A, C, E and other beneficial compounds to get to the skin cells to support new cell growth and repair! This makes it an amazing, all natural anti-aging product, dry skin moisturizer, as well as being great for repairing the damage done by sunburn!

Here are my thoughts on my experience with Moringa oleifera oil; Pregnancy can ruin your skin, it get’s all stretched out, leaving stretch marks and wrinkles. After reading the benefits of Moringa oil, I figured it couldn’t hurt to try to see what it could do for my post pregnancy stomach. I massaged a small amount of oil into my skin every day I remembered to. It has a light, natural plant smell. It is not sticky, which makes it great as a massage oil! When you rub it into your skin, it leaves it soft and silky feeling! Now it could be my imagination, but I could have sworn that the oil helped at least a small amount in tightening the skin and smoothing wrinkles. Now I’ve only been using Moringa oil for about a month, but even in that short time, I have noticed slight results! I can only imagine what the long-term results would be!

Another one of my experiences with Moringa oil was with my baby, he had a dry patch of red irritated skin on his chin which I monitored for a few days, thinking he had just gotten a rug burn when I wasn‘t watching him close enough. When the redness didn’t go away on it’s own after about 4 days, and in fact seemed to get worse, I decided to use the Moringa to see if it would help at all. I applied the oil once a day for two days, and the red spot healed considerably!

Moringa Source is the largest company exclusively dedicated to 100% natural Moringa products. As well as offering a comprehensive line of nutritional supplements that contributes to the body’s cognitive, neurological and physical well-being. Moringa Source is committed to eco-friendly practices, growing Moringa oleifera trees on sustainable farms in countries known to have rich crops with high nutritional levels in Africa, India and Central America.

Moringa Source is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings! One lucky blog reader will win a bottle of Moringa Source Body Oil for themselves, valued at $12. Thank you Moringa Source for this review body oil, and for sponsoring this fantastic giveaway! Enter below for your chance to win a bottle of this body oil that has been tried and true for over 2,000 years! Open to US residents.

Moringa Source Oleifera Body Oil Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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June 26, 2012 · 7:15 pm

Check Out These Little Tikes Super Savings!!!

 

Save $10 and Enjoy Free Shipping on the Princess Cozy Coupe with Glitter now through July 9th!

Save $5 on the Push and Ride Doll Walker by Little Tikes now through July 9th!

 

Save $20 and Enjoy Free Shipping on the Lalaloopsy Sew Cute Playhouse now through July 9th!

Save $10 and Enjoy Free Shipping on the School Bus Activity Gym now through July 9th!

 


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· 12:53 am

Kitsch n Glam, Peacock Reversible Halter Apron Review & Giveaway!!! Exclusive 20% Discount Code!!!

I recently connected with Kitsch n Glam and was able to choose and item for review.  I chose the Peacock Reversible Halter Apron.  The apron is reversible, very well made and I really think with the halter style and fabric really looks sharp.  Kitsch n Glam has such a great selection of aprons and other items on their site.  They are offering Mommy Ramblings Readers a special 20% discount code for use on their site, just use ramblings20 for the code.

The beauty of housework is in the eye of the beholder, of this apron. Catch a glimpse of your own deep blue eyes while polishing mirrors in this halter tieback with green topstitching. You’re surrounded by swirls of blue, green, and sage on off-white. Reverse to pale blue overlaying peacock with patterned-pockets and solid green waist sash, and you’re ready to strut your stuff. Even if it is, with the vacuum.

  • Small fits most dress sizes 4-8, medium, 8-10, and large, 12 and up.
  • 100% cotton. Machine wash cold, tumble dry low or hang to dry.

 

Kitsch n Glam is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings. One lucky blog reader will win their own Peacock Reversible Halter Apron.  Thank you Kitsch n Glam for the review apron and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Kitsch n Glam, Peacock Reversible Halter Apron Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck!!!

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June 25, 2012 · 1:45 am

Bunk Beds A to Z, Walker Edison Bunk Bed Giveaway Event!!!

Who wants to win a bunk bed?  Bunk Beds A to Z is sponsoring a giveaway of a Walker Edison Bunk Bed worth $549.00.  This giveaway event is hosted by Children Teaching Mama. The event ends Tuesday, July 10th at 11:59pm EST! Giveaway is open to US residents only. Please be sure to list Mommy Ramblings in the referral box on the Rafflecopter form entry. Good luck!!!

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· 1:11 am

Dorfman Pacific, Scala Sewn Ribbon Sun Hat Review & 20% Off Code!!!

I was recently sent a wonderful sun hat from Dorfman Pacific for review. I received the Scala Sewn Ribbon Sun Hat – The Tres Jolie in a very pretty blue-green color. I really know the importance of staying covered in the sun so this hat is perfect for when I am gardening, out on the lake, at the beach or just out in the sun.  I feel better knowing that even if I am wearing sunscreen this hat really protects my face and head from sun exposure.  Dorfman Pacific has so many great hats with style, there is something to flatter every face while giving you the protection necessary.  This hat has a super brim that really offers the best coverage and is such great quality. The hat is available in other great colors as well.

WEARABLE SUN PROTECTION–WHAT A GREAT IDEA–STYLE, NO FUSS–JUST 50 PLUS UPF PROTECTION!

SCALA COLLEZIONE– Sewn Ribbon Sun Hat – The Tres Jolie PROVIDES SUN PROTECTION UPF 50
AS WELL AS A GLAMOROUS LOOK AND LIGHT WEIGHT PACKABILITY!

Dorfman Pacific has been expanding the sun protection portion of its line season after season. Their 2012 collection features many striking styles and colors and brims that range up to SEVEN INCHES! Solids, Stripes, Patterns in a choice of silhouettes and materials means that their is the perfect hat for every face and budget!

Sewn Ribbon Sun Hat – The Tres Jolie from the SCALA COLLEZIONE BRAND is a very popular styles because it is feminine, chic and functional which is as perfect as a sun hat can be! It features a 4 inch brim- and an external bow trim that actually is a functional sizing tie–so that the hat is truly one size fits all.

Another great benefit is its pack ability and recovery. It is light weight and bounces back into shape 1-2-3, therefore it can be easily stored in a beach bag or taken away on vacation.  This hat is also ideal to wear at home for a walk and other activities like gardening. The styling can be paired with casual wear, beach wear and looks glamorous with a sundress. It is one size fits all and comes in classic and pop color ways including  turquoise, lime, fuchsia, white, natural, tan and black.

This Ribbon Crusher style (also known as The Tres Jolie on the website) can be purchased at Hartford York for the affordable price of $30. Amazing–to have all that quality, style and protection at that price!  BUT BETTER YET– the hat will be available now through 6/30/12 for a 20% deduction which means $24 for Mommy Rambling’s readers.

Promo Code: SunHatSave20 (Not valid with other offers)

About Dorfman Pacific: Dorfman Pacific is one of the largest full-line, in-stock headwear companies in the world. The business, founded in 1921, began with a 5,000 square foot facility in Oakland, California as a small woolen dress cap manufacturer. Today, Dorfman Pacific has a 287,000 square foot facility in Stockton, California, showrooms throughout the USA (Atlanta, Dallas, Boston, Honolulu), satellite headquarters in New York, New York and sells its product worldwide. Categories include a comprehensive collection of men’s and children’s headwear, women’s and teens headwear, handbags and winter accessories.


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June 24, 2012 · 11:17 pm

Smart/Tangoes USA,SmartMax Magnetic Discovery Set Review & Giveaway!!!

If you are not a new reader of Mommy Ramblings, you should remember how much my husband and I like magnets and magnetic toys for our kids.  There is so much learning in magnets and concepts that kids can feel and relate to.  It was no wonder I picked the SmartMax Basic 42 Magnetic Discovery Set to review when I recently connected with Smart/Tangoes USA.  I don’t know who was more excited for them to arrive; us or the kids.  This is a large set with no small pieces that can be swallowed and can grow with your child from 1 year on up.  The quality is great, nice bright colors are stimulating and the magnets are strong so building is fun and easy.  It comes with a booklet that explains about magnets and then has examples of things kids can build.  This set would be awesome in the classroom too.  My little three-year old was immediately fascinated with the force created when he tried to put two like sides together.  Another favorite thing was when I showed him how he could use that same force to make a connected line of magnets move by going near one of the ends with a magnet of a like pole. He really thought that was pretty neat to see the magnets repel and move.  He immediately wanted to do it himself and it must have seemed like magic to him because he was so excited every time.  My five-year-old was so intent with his building that I could barely get him to look up for even a picture.  He was engrossed and was on a mission.  Needless to say the set was a huge hit and mommy and daddy were playing with it even when the kids were not around.

What makes SmartMax better? 

  • SmartMax magnets have the correct strength for their purpose and are made from the highest-quality material that can be found. These magnets can carry up to 60 times their own weight!
  • SmartMax bars have a unique color code. Larger bars have stronger magnets than shorter ones.
  • SmartMax guides are by far the best on the market for magnetic toys.
  • SmartMax kits are very price-competitive on a comparable basis, offering a lot more play value for the same price.

Ages 1 and up.

 

Smart/Tangoes is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a SmartMax Basic 42 Magnetic Discovery Set (SRP $79.99).  Thank you Smart/Tangoes for the great review set and for sponsoring this very magnetic giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Smart/Tangoes,SmartMax Basic 42 Magnetic Discovery Set Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

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