Mom on wheels a good thing? A Heelys Review #Heelys

My foot and my daughter's foot in Heelys

Long before I accepted an opportunity to review a pair of Heelys, I was familiar with the brand.  As in "Mom, I want Heelys" or "But Briley has Heelys..."  It seems *everyone* had Heelys except for my poor 10 year old.  I would tell her, "You know, you're not allowed to wear the wheels in school." But, she didn't really care.  Nothing thusfar has deterred her from wanting a pair of her own.

But this product review was for ME!  Yes, Momma got the cool shoes for once.  What did I think of Heelys?

Wheels:   The last time I was actually on wheels was last spring at my daughter's skating party, and that was just about 2 months after I'd attended a friend's daughter's skating party.  Before that... well, let's just say I had big 80s hair and leave it at that.  So, I was a bit out of practice when I put the wheels in my new Heelys.  Did I fall on my butt?  No, but close.  In fact, I might have tweaked my back when I slipped just a little bit attempting to get my balance point, requiring a little bit of pain reliever.  They do have instructional videos to learn how to Heely, which was helpful to me as I attempted to learn this new skill.  If you're new to Heelys, then you should know upfront that you're not going to just take off and go.  You do need to practice.

The wheels were fairly easy to get in and out and I definitely recommend keeping tabs on the key and the plastic wheel hole covers.  I didn't have them -- my six year old ran off with them -- and walking without the wheels in felt a bit weird.  Like I could tell that there was a hollow spot under my heel.  Walking was more comfortable with the covers on.

Technique:  Apparently, I just can't seem to master the technique to Heely.  My daughter, who steals my shoes at every turn, seems to have the glide down, whereas I flail around like a fish out of water.  She has tried to show me how to roll, but I just can't get it, even after watching the video.  I know she's rolling her eyes and marking me as "old" in her head, and thinks that Heelys should be for kids only.  I'm afraid my back might just agree with her!  My hopes of being the cool mom on Heelys are dashed.  I'll keep trying to practice though!  Why should kids get all the fun?

Comfort of shoes:  I had hoped that if I couldn't glide along on the wheels that the Heelys would be comfortable for me.  I don't buy sneakers until I kill them and I was due a new pair before the Heelys arrived.  To me, I felt the back of the shoe felt a little low and that my foot would easily slip out.  I like my feet to sit deeply in shoes.  Another thing I noticed was that the shoes laced across a pressure point, which caused pain on the top of my foot.  This pain then radiated up my leg.  This happened more than once -- any time I wore the shoes for an extended period of time.  Loosening the laces didn't help alleviate the problem.  However, once I took the shoes off, it was just a few minutes later and the pain disappeared. 

Heelys for Christmas?  Heelys is throwing a Black Friday special that you may want to take advantage of if Heelys are on your or your child's Christmas wish list. Between Nov 25-Nov 28, buy any pair of Heelys, and you'll get the second pair for $25.  There's also a deal on Nano. Buy a Nano, and get a pair of shoes for $25, and get free ground shipping on all orders!


Overall impression: The shoe designs are geared more toward kids, and rightly so.  Most adults aren't going to Heely and though I was glad to give it a whirl, I think I like my shoes without wheels. 

Disclosure:  Heelys provided a pair of their shoes at no cost me me to review.  The opinions are my own or are related to my family's experience with this product.  My thanks to Heelys for this opportunity.

Rock 'n Learn's Writing Strategies Review: What my 5th Grader Thought!

Rock 'n Learn DVDs are a fave in my house.  We own several and the kids like to watch them from time to time.  I was recently sent 'Writing Strategies', which is geared toward kids who are 4th grade and up.  Here's a sample clip:




I watched along with my 6 and 10 year old children.  Marko was captivating, but I got the impression my daughter would rather have been elsewhere.  However, she struggled with writing last year and has SOL exams for writing in the winter months, so I wanted to try to give her a little help.  She's not very descriptive and when we check her homework, we have to remind her to use some more adjectives.  Writing doesn't come as easily to her as it does to me, I guess!

I asked her what she thought and she said that she learned some new things, but thought it was kind of babyish.  However, she did laugh at Marko's antics, like digging through the pencil box and wondering what he was going to come out with, though my son seemed to enjoy Marko a lot more.    She said, "I learned new writing strategies and what to do when you're stuck."  The sections she liked most were alliteration, personification, onomotopoeia, and the arranger.  She had me print out the .pdfs from Marko's site, markothepencil.com so that she could take them to school with her.

What did I think?  I think she absorbed some good information, though perhaps a little reluctant.  She did say she learned some of these concepts last year, so in one sense it was a review.  She has a very good grade in writing so far this year, so we are pleased.  Perhaps she learned more from Marko than she was willing to admit.

Rock 'n Learn has many titles to supplement your child's learning.  Check out the Rock 'n Learn site to see all they have to offer. 

DISCLOSURE:  Rock 'n Learn has generously provided me with a copy of 'Writing Strategies' for the sole purpose of review at no cost to me.  The opinions are my own or are derived from my family's experience with this product.  This blog post is uncompensated.

Kleenex Cool Touch tissues - review of what I thought of them

I like to try new things.  It's one of my favorite things to do as a blogger!  So I always have an eye out for new products that arrive in stores.  I recently spied Kleenex Cool Touch, an "unscented" tissue that aims to sooth sore noses, at a Target store and couldn't pass up the chance to try them out. 

Softness....

Ah, these tissues are so soft and they're even thick.  I don't see myself blowing through one of these tissues as they're two-ply.  The Kleenex Cool Touch did feel very soft against my nose, almost velvety smooth.

Unscented?
  
To me, unscented means no scent.  As in smelling air that just doesn't smell like anything.  I did notice a slight scent to it that I didn't find completely unpleasant, yet didn't like either.  The product lists ingredients on the package and I can't quite put my finger on the ingredient that I smell.  However, it was not enough to turn me off.   You can definitely feel the difference between a regular tissue and the Kleenex Cool Touch.  Even just handling the Kleenex tissue left my fingers feeling soft.

Things to note!

These are not recommended for cleaning eye glasses (in fact, tissues in general are not recommended at all to clean your glasses).  I did think they were a little pricey and there are only 69 tissues in the box that I purchased for over $2 a box.  However, I would recommend these to those who have a red, raw nose from a pesky cold or for parents who have children who don't like their noses wiped.  My kids were never ones to enjoy their noses being wiped as toddlers until we started using tissues with aloe infused.

Your body heat activates the ingredients infused within the tissue, which I think is really cool.  The down side is that the company recommends that you use the Kleenex Cool Touch in an environment of 75 degrees or below, which makes me wonder about efficacy if stored in a hot car.

The rectangular box houses 69 tissues, while the square one only contains 50.  If they are the same price, go for the rectangular box to get more tissues for your money.

Disclosure:  I was not paid to write a review about Kleenex's new Cool Touch tissues.  I parted with my own money to buy a box of my own; therefore, there is no material connection.

Thirty-One Gifts personalized tote bag review and giveaway - WAHM and earn money

Thirty-One Gift's large tote bag in pink - personalized!

Having an odd spelling of a common name, I literally never am able to purchase anything with my name on it unless I get it personalized.  So when Rita Dillingham, an Independent Director with Thirty-One Gifts, approached me about reviewing a storage tote with my name on it, I jumped at the chance.  I had actually heard of Thirty-One before since one of my son's classmate's mom introduced me to the brand at a school picnic.  Let's just say I wasn't the only mom drooling over the organizational tote that she had brought with her.  I could tell just by looking at it that it was made with durable and quality material.  She told us all about the many uses she had for it from storing sports equipment, to packing it full of items for a day at the beach, to packing it full of picnic supplies that day.

Picnic supplies! Plates, forks, napkins, cups and there was still room.

So while I knew a little something about the items that Thirty-One Gifts offers, I didn't really know anything about the company itself.  The name of the company is inspired by Proverbs 31.  The woman in this verse works hard for her home and contributes to her household by selling goods.  Selling Thirty-One goods enables a mom to earn extra cash, while providing others with quality and unique goods that are getting harder to find or are unavailable in regular stores. 

A bit about the Thirty-One Gifts storage tote I received and how I used it...

Aside from loving the color, the personalization, and the sheer quality of this tote, I love the roominess.  This bag is large, but not overly cumbersome to carry around.  It certainly makes a fashion statement too.

Me on the way to the picnic.

I attended a picnic event with this tote, packing picnic supplies in the bag and still having room for more items.  The seams were strong and well sewn.  No chance that the bottom was going to fall out of it on me!

I also used my bag on a trip back home to PA to visit my parents.  I stuffed that bag full of everything I could and it held up to a lot of weight.  I took it mainly because when we travel, we end up short a bag by the time we pack up.  On the way home, the leftover clean clothes went into the bag.  It was nice to have so much room because we sure needed it because we tend to buy clothes back in PA where there's no sales tax on clothing.

Selling Thirty-One Gifts products...

I'm one of those people who was always in last place for fundraisers because I was never comfortable selling things, even to people I knew fairly well.  However, having seen, touched, and used an actual Thirty-One product, I wouldn't hesitate to become a sales consultant for their company because I would know first-hand that what they are offering for sale is quality products at affordable prices.  If I were a less shy person, I'd consider becoming a consultant.  However, if you are interested in learning more about Thirty-One and it's opportunities for you, I do recommend making contact with Rita Dillingham, who is an Independent Director/Sales Consultant for Thirty-One.  She'd be happy to share her experience with Thirty-One and what it has done for her personally.  She's also agreed to sponsor a giveaway!

Rita also does Parties to Go.  How this works is she sends you her Party To Go kit, which includes 4 or 5 products, plenty of catalogs, and order forms.  Then you just carry the Party To Go wherever you go and collect orders from friends and family, so don't think you actually have to host a party in your home!  You earn free and discounted products.  She's also willing to travel out of her home state to show Thirty-One in areas that have never heard of it. 

Giveaway!  Win a storage tote just like mine (and you can even get it personalized!)  ARV for this giveaway is approximately $35 with personalization.

This giveaway will run through October 7, 2011 at 11:59 PM Eastern time.  Winner will be drawn via Random.org on or about October 8, 2011 and will have 48 hours to respond to an email from me seeking additional information.  If winner does not respond within that time frame, a different winner shall be chosen.  This giveaway is limited to US residents only who are 18 or older.  Please be sure to include your email within the mandatory comment (preferable) or ensure that it is visible via your public profile.  If you win, I need to be able to reach you!

Mandatory entry:  View the Fall Catalog  and leave me a comment letting me know which Thirty-One you liked most! 

After you've completed the mandatory entry, please consider these extra entry options to increase your chance of winning!

Extra entries:  Leave a comment for each extra entry that you complete.  As always, if you've already friended/followed/subscribed, etc., just leave me a comment saying so.  New friends and old friends are treated alike here! 

• Connect with Rita Dillingham, Independent Director/Sales Consultant for Thirty-One by adding her as a friend (note: she posts great deals going on at Thirty-One often.)

• Get added to Rita's email subscriber list by visiting her Thirty-One page and clicking "email me" and then send her a note asking to be added to her subscriber list.  This is a monthly newsletter.

• Like Making Ends Meet on Facebook  

• Share this giveaway with your friends on Facebook.  You can do this entry daily, just leave a comment for each share with a link to your post.  

• Share this giveaway with your friends on Twitter by tweeting out the contest link.  You can do this entry daily, just leave a comment for each daily tweet and leave a link to your tweet in your comment.   As a suggestion, you could use:  Learn more about Thirty-One Gifts and enter to win a large, personalized organizational tote  #giveaway #gifts http://ow.ly/6CJeT 

• Subscribe/Be subscribed to Making Ends Meet's emails (right side bar)

• Be/Become a Google Friend (right side bar)

• One last easy entry - Check out how to become a Thirty-One consultant and then comment letting me know what aspect of Thirty-One that intrigues you?  Is it hostess discounts, earning money, or something else?  Let me know by leaving me a comment!

Good luck to all and I can't wait to read your comments to learn what products you loved from their Fall catalog.

Disclosure:  Rita Dillingham, who is an Independent Director/Consultant for Thirty-One Gifts provided me with a product and information to facilitate a review.  The opinions are my own.  In addition, she, in her capacity as a consultant, is providing a lucky winner with a personalized tote.  My thanks to Rita for providing me with an opportunity to try out a Thirty-One product and for providing a giveaway item.

Hearts For Hearts Dolls: Explore other cultures and help a cause #MyBlogSpark {Review/Giveaway}

If you have a daughter, you might have heard her talking about Hearts for Hearts dolls.  My 10 year old latched on to the Hearts for Hearts doll that I received from Playmates Toys via MyBlogSpark and excitedly jumped up and down, begging to open her.  Why was she getting so excited over a doll?  She told me she'd seen them on TV and wanted one "sooooo bad, Mom!"

Who are the Hearts for Hearts Dolls?


Have you met them yet?  My daughter met Tipi, who is from Laos.

• Meet Consuelo from Mexico City. Colorful and warm, Consuelo provides aid to hungry children who are homeless and live on the streets near her parents´ bakery.
• Meet Lilian of Belarus. Determined Lilian provides aid to girls whose parents must find work in the big city and are forced to leave their children with orphanages.
• Meet Dell from the heart of Kentucky´s Appalachian Mountains. Dell creates music and knitwear to share with others in need of warm clothing.
• Meet Rahel of Ethiopia. Rahel, who dreams of becoming a doctor so that she can make a real difference for people in her region, journeys with her family into the wilderness of Ethiopia to help bring back aid to her community.
• Meet Tipi from Laos. Based on a real girl who shares her art and storytelling with others through dancing, drawing, and puppetry, Tipi leads her school in a mural contest in hopes of winning much-needed books for her class.
• Meet Nahji who hails from Assam, India. Brave Nahji breaks tradition to bring courage and education to the girls who work in the tea fields of India.

 What I liked about the Hearts to Hearts dolls

As I researched the doll, I loved the idea that for every purchase, a donation is made through one of their charitable partners, World Vision.  The donation goes to help girls in that country.

I also liked that each girl has their own story, which makes the idea of proceeds from purchase more tangible to me.  You aren't buying a doll, you're helping a real someone in your doll's country. Having the doll makes it easier to picture someone you're helping.  Instead of some faceless person you don't know, you have Tipi from Laos or Nahji from India to draw inspiration from.  You're helping someone just like the doll your daughter has come to know and love.

Another aspect that I liked was that you receive a code with the doll that will unlock online activities.  Some are already free, but the code will only expand upon the site's enjoyment and foster a bigger connection to your Hearts for Hearts doll.  Why I like this is that for younger children, you don't have to let your child go online to enjoy the doll.  However, for older girls, they will love the online interaction. 

I'm hoping that they expand the clothing and accessories at some point.  Tipi arrived with an accessory set including a doll sized pie.  It was so cute and didn't look or feel cheap or shoddy to me.

Buy them!  In case you were wondering how to Purchase a Hearts For Hearts Girls Doll, you can go here: http://bit.ly/ShopH4HG

Priced under $30, Hearts for Hearts dolls are affordable as gifts or to collect.

Want to win?  I know you do!  The giveaway winner's prize pack will contain:

• One Hearts For Hearts Girl, accompanied by a friendship bracelet, story booklet, donation for girls in need through partner World Vision and a special product code your daughter can use to unlock a free membership to the Hearts For Hearts Girls website, which provides access to the "myHeart" page and an array of games and activities.
• An outfit that is authentic to one of the Hearts for Hearts Girls´ culture, in which your daughter can also dress her doll

Giveaway:  This giveaway will run through 9/29/2011 at 11:59 PM with the winner being drawn via Random.org on or about 9/30/2011.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to an email asking for further information.  If winner fails to respond within that time frame, a different winner will be chosen.  This contest is open to US residents only who are 18 or older.  Please ensure that your email is provided within at least one comment or that your Google profile is public.  I must have a way to notify you if you are selected as winner.  Mandatory entry is required before any extra entries are considered.

Mandatory entry:  Which Hearts for Hearts Girl would your daughter most like to meet and learn more about?

Extra entries:  Each action is an extra entry and each action you perform must be a separate comment.  For daily entry options, leave a comment each day for the action you performed.  If you already liked/subscribed/follow, please leave a comment stating so.

• Like Hearts For Hearts Girls Facebook http://on.fb.me/H4HGFbook

• Like Making Ends Meet on Facebook

• Like Blog POP on Facebook so you can keep abreast of new developments as we move closer to our 'Christmas Wishes' event in early November.

• Subscribe/be Subscribed to Making Ends Meet via email (right side bar)

• Be/Become my Google Friend via Google Friend Connect (right side bar)

• Share this contest with your friends on Facebook.  Please leave a link to your FB post in the comment.  You can do this entry daily.

• Tweet this contest out to your friends on Twitter.  Please leave a link to your tweet in the comment.  You can do this entry daily.  (Note: Sharing tools are at the foot of this post.)  Suggested tweet:  Meet the Hearts to Hearts girls and enter to win a Hearts to Hearts doll of your own!  #MyBlogSpark #giveaway #toys http://ow.ly/6ylW1

Thanks for entering and good luck to all.

Disclosure: The Hearts For Hearts Girls doll, and information have been provided by Playmates Toys through MyBlogSpark.

NYS Collection Eyewear Review: Affordable and Stylish Sunglasses

Eyewear, particularly sunglasses, is a very personal choice. I know that when I purchase new glasses or sunglasses, I spend a lot of time searching for a style that suits my tastes.  It is so important to find sunglasses that meet your needs for function, as well as your wants with style.  I'd never considered ordering sunglasses from online, so I was excited that  NYS Collection sent me a pair of their affordable and stylish eyewear to try.  Would I be happy with sunglasses found online? Would they fit?  Yes and Yes.

I selected style 8334 in black because I'm a classic kind of gal.  Here's a picture of them:

So chic, and so me!

What I liked about them, other than the style, was that they hugged my face.  I won't have to worry about them sliding down my nose.  I liked the curve of the lenses because it gives me extra protection against unwanted sunshine coming in from the side, something that happens a lot due to the position of the main road out of my town and the position of the sun as I normally travel it.

Another thing that impressed me was that these sunglasses weren't just tossed into a box and shipped.  I could tell that they were shipped with care because they arrived in a sturdy box, in a plastic zip back within a soft fabric pouch (a great place to store them in the car).  On top of that, the lenses were covered with a removable plastic covering.  It was obvious that the company wanted to ensure that these sunglasses arrived in perfect condition.

Check out some of the other styles --- some of them may remind you of the eyewear worn by members of the Jersey Shore cast.

Style 4122:  Who says you can't wear white after Labor Day?

Style 6003:  Basic black goes with anything!

NYS Collection offers more than just women's eyewear.  They'll soon offer eyewear for the entire family.  They currently have women's and men's styles and will soon have children's eyewear available too.


Disclosure:  NYS Collection provided me with a product sample at no cost to me for the purposes of review.  The opinions stated herein are 100% my own.

Earloomz asks you to 'Be Aware' and push for hands-free laws in your state

Have you ever had a close call with a distracted driver, one more interested in their cell phone conversation than paying attention to the road and driving?  It's scary.  Someone holding a phone to hear ear may not turn their head far enough to get a good view of the roadway to make turns or lane changes.  Someone texting is not looking at traffic, but the buttons that they are pushing on their phone.  Fact:  60% of drivers polled recently admitted that they use their cell phones while driving.  Earloomz, a company that manufactures fashionable Bluetooth devices, is asking you to 'Be Aware', go hands free, and to push for hands-free legislation in your state if there are no hands-free laws already enacted.

You don't have to feel like you look like 7 of 9 of Star Trek fame if you wear a Bluetooth device.  Earloomz offers many fashionable Bluetooth devices to help you feel fashion forward while doing the responsible thing by going hands-free while driving.  Are you a fan of Hello Kitty?  Earloomz has a Hello Kitty Bluetooth just for you.  Whether you want your hands-free device to sport your favorite team, your country's flag, a cartoon character, a leopard print, or more, you're sure to find a unique Bluetooth that is an expression of you.

Hubby can look like 7 of 9 with his Bluetooth... I'll look like a 10 with mine!

Earloomz sent me a leopard print Bluetooth for review.  One of the many things I loved about the Bluetooth (other than the design) was that it had a USB plug.  That means I can plug it into my computer to charge, my Powermat, or the splitter in my car.  I won't have to worry about finding a place to charge it.  I had clarity too and my husband had no problems hearing me when I talked to him while using it. I really like the unique design and now I don't have to worry about grabbing the wrong Bluetooth from the charger since mine looked just like my husband's. 

Buy it!   Visit Earloomz.com and browse their selections.  Bluetooth devices are approximately $60.  I even found one for a Star Trek fan!


Win it!  One lucky reader will win the same Earloomz Bluetooth that I received to review (brown leopard print).  This giveaway will run through 9/25/2011 at 11:59 PM, with the winner being drawn via Random.org on or about 9/26/2011.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond to an email seeking shipping information.  If winner does not respond within that time frame, a different winner will be selected.  This giveaway is open to US residents only, who are 18 or older.


Mandatory entry:  Visit Earloomz and then come back and tell me which style(s) you liked.  Was it a sports team, cartoon character, or something else?  Leave the name or link to the product in your comment.

Extra entries:  Each action is worth one entry. Please take advantage of as many extra entry options as you can to increase your chances of winning.  For daily entries, you must leave a separate comment for each daily activity you complete.  If you already subscribe/friended/Liked, it counts!  Just leave me a comment letting me know you already follow.

• Consult the map at Earloomz Be Aware page and let me know if your state is red (meaning it doesn't have any hands-free laws in effect) or blue (meaning that it does have some kind of hands-free driving laws on the books).  Leave me a comment with state name and color!

• Follow Earloomz on Twitter

• Like Making Ends Meet on Facebook

• Like Blog POP! on Facebook

• Subscribe to/be a subscriber Making Ends Meet via email (right side bar - also, please be sure you've confirmed your subscription)

• Be/Become my Google Friend (right side bar)

• Follow me on Twitter

• Share this giveaway on Facebook.  Please come back and leave a link in the comment for this entry.  You can do this once per day.  Leave a separate comment each time if you choose to do this daily.  Spread the message to go hands-free.

• Tweet out this giveaway.  You can do this once per day.  Leave a separate comment each time if you choose to do this daily.  You can use:  Be Aware and go hands-free! Enter to win an @Earloomz Bluetooth at Making Ends Meet. http://ow.ly/6urVC #giveaway #tech

Good luck to all who enter and please spread the word about going hands-free for safety's sake.  Distracted drivers kill.

Disclosure:  Earloomz provided me with a product sample and information to facilitate this review and will provide the winner with the same brown leopard print Bluetooth that I received.  This post is uncompensated and the opinions are my own.  I believe in going hands-free because I've had a few close calls (one with a tractor trailer on I-95 on the way back from Disney) because the driver was yacking away on their phone and didn't have both hands on the wheel.  Save a life and go hands-free!

Dr. Pepper TEN: Still tastes like diet... just with 10 extra calories. (review)

I am a big fan of Dr. Pepper.  I am not a diet soda drinker (unless there's absolutely nothing else to drink) at all and saw the new Dr. Pepper TEN for sale at my local Food Lion.  I thought, What the heck, I'll give it a try and put some in my cart.  I'm hoping my husband thinks the ten calories are worth it to him because I don't plan on drinking the rest of the 2-liter bottle.

First off, I have tried Diet Dr. Pepper.  I would have to agree... it does taste more like it's sugary counterpart than other sodas I've ever tried.  Dr. Pepper TEN tastes nearly identical to Diet Dr. Pepper, with perhaps just slightly less diet taste.  If you buy this product hoping it will taste more like regular Dr. Pepper because there are calories, you'll be disappointed.

"10 Bold Tasting Calories"?  Sorry, Dr. Pepper.  I was really hoping it would taste more like the regular Dr. Pepper because I do drink a lot of pop (read: empty calories).   For now, give me all my calories in the regular because I'm not willing to compromise on taste.

Disclosure:  I bought this product myself with no prompting from the company.  The opinions are mine. 

Buddy Fruits Pure Fruit Bites product review

Are you looking for a pure fruit bites snack for lunches?  The kind folks at Buddy Fruits recently sent me samples of their Pomegranate and Acai and Apple fruit bites to try.  See what my kids had to say by reading the product review below.

What did we think at my house?  Well, let me tell you, I was truly surprised.  My 6 year old raved over the Pomegranate and Acai fruit bites.  He's not one to stray too far from the "normal" types of fruits like apples, oranges, bananas, or melons, and I was truly shocked that he gobbled down the Pomegranate and begged for more.  He said he really liked them and then begged me to buy more. 

He wanted to eat the other package I received, the Apple fruit bites.  I told him that he had to let his sister have those to try.  She did try them and said she didn't like them, so he gladly sampled them for her.  He liked these ones as well.

I didn't snag any of them since the label does warn that the product might have traces of wheat starch.  Since we sampled mid-hurricane here, I wasn't able to clarify the possible origin of the wheat starch.  However, I did reach Buddy Fruit's representative that explained that since they are manufactured in a facility that also makes products that contain wheat, they had to list the disclosure.  There is no wheat starch in the Buddy Fruits fruit bites (they list 100% fruit products as ingredients, other than the glazing agent); however, due to a shared facility, there is a chance that there may be traces of wheat on the product, so those with severe allergies need to be aware of that.

What I liked:  Buddy Fruits fruit bites have no preservatives, no colorings, and no genetic modification.  For me, no colorings was a big deal.  I am sensitive to blue food dye, so I can't eat foods that use blue dye 1 to color their products.  One Buddy Fruit = One portion of fruit.  I don't have to feel guilty for putting Buddy Fruit fruit bites in my child's lunch since it counts as a fruit!

Where to buy Buddy Fruits?  I used the store locator on their website and found that my new local Walmart carries them.  If you prefer to shop online (and in bulk) you can locate them at Amazon.com too!

Disclosure:  My thanks to Buddy Fruits for providing me with samples.  Though the product may have been provided to me at no cost to perform a review, the opinions stated herein are my own or related to my child's experience with the product.  This blog post is uncompensated.

Costume Discounters Star Wars Jawa costume review

Do you have a little Star Wars fanatic in your house?  We do!  He's 6 and hooked on all things Star Wars.  I told a friend that if I had to watch another Star Wars movie again this summer, I might just go crazy.  He loves the Clone Wars, but does enjoy the old Star Wars movies too.  He doesn't even notice the ones from the 70s/80s are lacking the great effects that the later installments had.

Lighted eyes = fail

So when Costume Discounters offered me the opportunity to select a costume for review, I jumped at the chance to find a unique Star Wars costume for my son for Halloween.  Last year, he went as Darth Vader and even had a light saber as a costume accessory.  Imagine how cute (or scary) it is to have a 5 year old go up to your door saying, "Luke, I am your father!" while breathing heavy.

See  - eyes crooked.

They had many Star Wars costumes to choose from, including Anakin Skywalker and lots of different Storm Troopers.  So it was a tough choice since they didn't have a Captain Rex costume in his size (he was so hoping!). 

In the end, I settled on a Child Jawa Costume, mainly because the eyes light up.  The hood would be breathable and could come off easily if he got hot or tired of wearing it.

Glue oops = bunching and white residue

It arrived and we tried it on right away.  The length of the child costume was perfect for him - there would be no tripping on Halloween.  I liked that there were two pieces that attached to the costume for embellishment and that they velcroed on and could be taken off if I needed to wash the costume.  The hood, however, was a poor fit.  The plastic piece which housed the LED red lights for eyes was poorly glued on the inside.  In fact, only half was still glued on.  Even righting the plastic to an even orientation, the plastic piece still appeared mis-glued for where it needed to be (see photos), causing the hood to sit lop-sided.  There was glue leakage on the front of the hood too.  In this respect, we were very disappointed.

I did contact Costume Discounters about these issues prior to writing this review and was referred to their return policy.  For a customer, the process is easy.  Just follow the instructions and print out a UPS label, which you then drop off at a UPS store.  To avoid the chance that your costume will be sold out, the instructions advise you to purchase the same costume again (I assume they'll credit your card with a refund once the damaged costume is returned to them.)  In my case, since the costume was sent to me gratis, that option would not work out for me since I didn't purchase the product. 

Disclosure:  I received the child Jawa costume at no cost to me for the express purposes of writing a review.  The opinions expressed are 100% my own and based upon my family's experience with this product.

Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread - more than just butter for your toast! {review and giveaway}

Have you heard about Land O Lakes' new Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread?  It's a new butter spread, but with cinnamon sugar blended into its buttery goodness.  Once you pop the lid, that's when you'll notice that it doesn't look much like butter.  It's a very light tan color because of all of the cinnamon blended in.  It spreads very easily onto toast or bagels and you can even use it to liven up your other dishes.  It's more than just butter for your toast!

What, other than bread and rolls, can Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread be used for?  One of the recipes that I'd like to try this holiday season is Cinnamon-Glazed Carrots.  I would bet the spread could also be used for hubby's favorite -- yams.  How about using it for your Rice Krispy Treats?  Did I get your mouth watering?  You can see some of the recipes here.


Give it a try!  Join Land O Lakes' Simple Rewards Club to be able to print Land O Lakes coupons.  If you're a member, just log in.  I saw a .75 off coupon that I could clip and print.  I like to eat this on my gluten free bagels and gluten free bread that I toast.  It tastes awesome on my Udi's Cinnamon Raisin bagels.

Win it!  Land O Lakes, via MyBlogSpark, has offered me the opportunity to give away a prize pack that would include the prize pack listed below.  Note:  The refrigerated pack came via FedEx.  So if you happen to be the winner, please do all you can to keep an eye out for a FedEx package containing the refrigerated product.

 

The giveaway winner´s prize pack will contain:
• One refrigerated sample of new LAND O LAKES^® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread
• One VIP coupon good for the purchase of one package of new LAND O LAKES^® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread
• One porcelain spreader
• One spatula
• One mini waffle pan
• One heart shaped cookie cutter

This giveaway will run through 8/23/2011 at 11:59 PM Eastern time with the winner drawn via Random.org on or about 8/24/2011.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to an email asking for shipping information.  If winner does not respond within that time frame, I will have to choose a different winner.  This giveaway is open to US residents only within the 48 contiguous states (due to shipping - remember, prize includes a refrigerated product). You must be 18 or older to enter.  Mandatory entry is required; there are other optional extra entries available.  Increase your chances of winning by taking advantage of all of the extra entries that you can.  Note:  Please leave a valid email or ensure that your email is publicly available.  I need an email to reach you should you win.

Mandatory entry:  Tell me what you'd use Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Spread on if you were to win.  Would you butter your toast or use it to flavor a dinner dish (like the carrots)?  I want to know and we all could use some inspiration! 

Extra entries (because I know you really, really want to win!):  Each action is one extra entry; you must leave a separate comment for each action.  If you already friended/follow, that's fine!  Just leave that information in your comment.

• Be/Become my Google Friend (right side bar)

• Subscribe via email (right side bar) - Note:  you must confirm your subscription.  You'll receive a separate email from Feedburner to do so.

• Like Land O Lakes on Facebook

• Follow Land O Lakes on Twitter 

• Like Making Ends Meet on Facebook

• Tweet this giveaway out to your friends. You can tweet this giveaway out once per day (must leave separate comment for each daily tweet.)  You can use:  Win a Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Spread prize pack from @pinchingabe at Making Ends Meet! http://ow.ly/628wE  #MyBlogSpark

• Share this giveaway with your friends on Facebook.  You can do this once per day.  Please leave a link to your post.  If your profile is private, just note that in your comment.

That's it!  Good luck to all and I hope you enjoy Land O Lakes Cinnamon Sugar Spread as much as I do.
Disclosure:   The LAND O LAKES^® Cinnamon Sugar Butter Spread product, information, and giveaway have been provided by Land O´Lakes through MyBlogSpark.  I received the same items as listed in the giveaway prize pack to facilitate this review.  Thank you for this great opportunity!

Libre Tea mug review and giveaway {School Rules}

My husband is a tea drinker.  He loves to unwind with a night time tea at night after we've tucked the kids into bed.  When we go to the mall, he likes to stop into Teavana and check out the loose leaf teas that they have there, but he especially likes the blooming strawberry tea.  He's the one who took the Libre Tea glass 'n poly for a test drive. 

Aspects about the Libre Tea Glass 'n Poly mug that hubby liked: 

• It stayed cool to the touch, even with boiling water in it.

• It kept the water hot longer, so the tea steeped better.

• The filter didn't let a lot of loose leaves through.

• It's big enough to get a good-sized cup of tea.

• Portability is great and it fits in the car's cup holder.  Pour and steep on the way to work!

• Tea mug is aesthetically pleasing with a glass interior and poly carbonate exterior.

• It cleans easily (we  plan to hand wash)

• It can handle loose leaf or blooming teas.  I liked that I could keep re-infuse the blooming tea in the same mug.

Things he didn't like, but could work around:

• Screen popped out when he dropped it and it was work to get it back in. (So be careful there.)

• He wishes it were microwaveable (at least the base part) to heat the water.  He doesn't have easy access to boiling water at work.

Overall:  Hubby gives it a 9/10 (still wishing it was microwaveable).  He would recommend Libre Tea mugs to his friends.

Buy it!  You can purchase a Libre Tea mug at their website.  Prices range from $24 to $32.50.

Check out my ThisMoment.  There are pictures of hubby's first use!

Giveaway!

Libre Tea has graciously allowed me to host a giveaway for a large Libre Tea mug!  One lucky reader will win.  This giveaway will run through August 17, 2011 at 11:59 PM Eastern time.  The winner shall be chosen via Random.org on or about August 18, 2011.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to an email from me asking for shipping information.  If winner does not respond within that time frame, I must choose a different winner.  Therefore, it is imperative that you ensure that you leave your email address in the mandatory comment or ensure that your Blogger profile has your email visible to me.  Giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years and older. 


Mandatory entry:  Leave a comment telling me what kind of tea you would brew in your Libre Tea mug if you were to win.  Would it be a breakfast blend, a chamomile, or a bloom?  

Extra entries:   Each action is an entry, so be sure to leave a comment for each separate item below.  Remember, if you've already friended/followed, just let me know in a comment.  Pinching Abe appreciates all her followers whether new or old!

• Like Libre Tea on Facebook
  
  
• Follow me on Twitter

• Follow Libre Tea on Twitter

• Follow the Blog Pop! blogs (right side bar) --- Each blog you follow on GFC is worth an entry!  Maximize your entries by following them all.   

• Subscribe via email (right side bar)

• Like Making Ends Meet on Facebook  

• Tweet this giveaway out and/or share it with your friends on Facebook.  Sharing tools are below.  You can share one time per day; just be sure to leave a separate comment for each day you share.

• Be my Google Friend  (right side bar)

Disclosure:  Libre Tea provided me with a free product for the purposes of review.  The opinions stated herein are my own or are related to comments made by my family.  Though the item was free to me, the opinions expressed were an honest expression of our experience.

But wait, don't miss out on these other Libre Tea contests from other Blog POP! blogs.

Dad of Divas: http://dadofdivas.com/giveaway/blog-pop-school-rules-libre-tea-giveaway

Quick Tattletails: http://www.quicktattletails.com/2011/08/large-libre-glass-n-poly-reveiw-and.html

Momma Told Me: http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2011/08/blog-pop-school-rules-libre-brewing.html

Turning the Clock Back: http://turning-the-clock-back.blogspot.com/2011/08/blogpop-school-rules-giveaway-libre-tea.html

Socialite's Closet: http://www.mommatoldmeblog.com/2011/08/blog-pop-school-rules-libre-brewing.html

Confessions of an Overworked Mom: http://www.confessionsofanover-workedmom.com/2011/08/school-rules-win-libre-tea-glass-n-poly.html

Review and Giveaway of Midel's gluten free cookies {School Rules}

Chocolate Chip - My Fave!

Gluten free cookies are something I try to keep on hand in my house.  Aside from my own cookie urges, my daughter and son's friends eat gluten free due to celiac.  They've been coming over a lot this summer, something that I see continuing through the school year.  So, I've needed to keep my pantry stocked with gluten free cookies, such as Midel's chocolate chip gluten free cookies.

I'd never heard of Midel as a cookie brand until I started scanning the gluten free aisles at the grocery stores I frequent.  I also was pleasantly surprised to find them in the regular cookie aisle too.  I love it when brands can be versatile, offering a variety of products to customers having different needs.  It conveys a message to me that the company cares about customers so much that they want to meet everyone's needs, instead of just focusing on "regular" customers that can eat any cookie on the shelf. 

Midel provided me with coupons so that I could purchase products to review here on Making Ends Meet.  Well, though they have a large selection of non-gluten free cookies, I selfishly decided to use my coupons to buy only gluten-free cookies for myself.  Moms don't have to share everything, right?

First of all, not all of Midel's gluten free cookies were available at the stores I shopped at.   This was a bit of a let down, but I'm hopeful that my stores will expand their gluten free offerings in the future.  The Giant and Wegmans where I purchase gluten free cookies have both expanded the amount of gluten free foods they carry within the past year, so I have hope that someday a trip down the gluten free aisle will make me truly feel like a kid in a candy store.

What did I buy?  I bought:

Midel's All Natural Chocolate Chip gluten free cookies -  These were my favorite!  They were crispy and crunchy with just the right amount of chocolate chip flavor.  What I liked about these cookies was that they weren't hard as bricks, like some other chocolate chip cookies I've tasted.  My son (who doesn't need to eat gluten free) loves these cookies too.  So, though I wasn't planning to share, he did snag a few for himself.  He actually asks for a few when he sees me snacking on them.

Midel's Ginger Snaps gluten free cookies -  I liked these, but the ginger was a mite hard on my sensitive tummy.  I haven't eaten ginger snaps in  years, so I really wanted to try these.  I wish I hadn't finished them off before I tried to use them to make a S'more.  I would buy these again, but I would have to go easy on them because too much ginger upsets my tummy.  Everything in moderation!

Midel's Gluten Free S'mores -  These are snack sized, s'mores flavored cookie crisps that are handily packaged in individual snack packets, making them perfect for school lunches.  These I did manage to keep all for myself!  At 90 calories a pack, I liked having a quick, portable snack that didn't add on too many extra calories.

Win a coupon to try Midel Cookies!  This giveaway is not  just for gluten free cookie lovers.  As I mentioned, Midel offers a wide variety of cookie products that aren't gluten free.  The coupon can be used to purchase "regular" cookies or gluten free ones.

This giveaway will run until August 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM Eastern time.  The winner will be chosen via Random.org on or about August 17, 2011.  Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours to respond with shipping information.  If winner does not respond within that time frame, I will have to choose a different winner.  Giveaway open to US residents only.  Making Ends Meet will be responsible for prize fulfillment by mailing winners' their coupons.  I am not responsible for lost mail.  

Provide an email in the mandatory entry or ensure that your Blogger profile includes an email address.  If you win, I need to be able to contact you.

Mandatory entry:  Visit http://www.midelcookies.com and tell me which MI-DEL product you would buy with a free product coupon.  Leave your answer as a comment.

Extra entries:  Each action is an extra entry; be sure to leave a separate comment for each action.  Availing yourself of multiple extra entries increases your chances of winning. 

•  "Like" MI-DEL on Facebook -  http://www.facebook.com/MIDELCookies

•  While you're there... Tell MI-DEL who sent you with a Facebook Wall comment - http://www.facebook.com/MIDELCookies

•   "Like" Making Ends Meet on Facebook

•  "Follow" MI-DEL on Twitter and tweet about this Giveaway - http://twitter.com/MIDELCookies   Sample tweet:   Snap up some free MI-DEL cookies! MI-DELicious and nutritious! Enter to win at Making Ends Meet.
  

•  Email 5 people about this giveaway -  please cc me on the email (iclipcoupons@gmail.com) and put "Midel Cookie Giveaway 5 friends giveaway option" in the header.

• Be/Become my Google Friend (right side bar)

• Subscribe via email to Making Ends Meet (right side bar)

• Follow Blog Pop! blogs via Google Friends - one entry for each separate blog you follow.  List of the Blog Pop! blogs is in my right side bar.

• Follow me on Twitter 

• Like Blog Pop! Events group on Facebook so you won't miss other great giveaways and event information.

Good luck everyone!

Disclosure:  Midel provided me with coupons with which to purchase the Midel cookies reviewed above.  Though they provided the product to me for free, the opinions are 100% my own.  My thanks to Midel for this opportunity.

Rock 'n Learn Reading Comprehension Review - and giveaway! {School Rules}

Reading comprehension is something that my daughter struggled with last year.  In fact, it was the lowest grade she got consistently on all of her report cards.  She wasn't doing badly, just struggling a bit.  That's why when the school offered extra reading comprehension help at the end of the year in preparation for the state SOLs, we agreed to let her go.  It's so important to build your children up with the right building blocks for academic success. Learning how to read for the meaning of the story is something a child needs to learn early on to be successful.  Rock 'n Learn's Reading Comprehension DVD makes learning to read for meaning fun too! 

Rock 'n Learn's Reading Comprehension goes over some test taking strategies.  Reading the questions first is something that might not occur to a child to do.  But taking the time to read the questions at the end will gear their mind toward looking for the answer as they read so that they're getting the important concepts that the author of the story is trying to convey.

Here's what my 6 year old had to say about this DVD:

"I learned a lot of stuff.  One of them was that if three of them are right, then the answer is all of the above."  (The DVD taught him to read all of the answers, determine whether they were correct or not, and if all were correct, to choose all of the above vs. any of the individual answers.

I asked him, "How do you do well on a test?"

"You read the questions and then you go to the story and then you underline answers that you think are right and put the number you guess they are and then after you finish that, go back to the questions and try to figure out the right answer.  Read the question carefully."  (His run-on sentence, not mine!)

My 10 year old (soon to be 5th grader) found the DVD to be "too kiddy".  Perhaps it was the pencil emcee?  She did watch the video and say that many of the test taking strategies presented were ones she covered in the SOL academy class.  Her one beef was that the DVD suggested that you read the questions first, and then read the story.  She says that they take tests on computers and the questions are given on screen only after you've read the story. You can't see the questions beforehand, so in that case, it makes it harder for kids to know what they should be focusing on in the story.

Overall:  I liked this video for my son, who will be going into 1st grade this year.  He's a fairly strong reader, having been in the advanced reading group at the end of last year.  He really liked the DVD and after the kids watched Reading Comprehension, they got out the other Rock 'n Learn titles in our library to watch them again.  Be sure to check out Mark of the Pencil (www.markothepencil.com) where you can print out free study materials.

Save some bucks!   Rock 'n Learn has offered me a coupon code to share with my readers.  You can use coupon code JQ7711 to get 25% off at RockNLearn.com. 

GIVEAWAY!  Enter to win your own copy of Reading Comprension, or a different Rock 'n Learn DVD if you had a different one in mind.  This giveaway is open to U.S. residents who are 18 and older. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM on August 11, 2011, with the winner chosen on or about August 12, 2011 via Random.org.  Winner will have 48 hours to respond to an email requesting shipping information.  If winner does not respond within that time frame, I must choose a different winner.  Be sure that I have a way to reach you - leave your email in the mandatory comment or ensure that your email is available in your public profile.  If you win, I need to be able to contact you.

Other Blog Pop! blogs will be hosting Rock 'n Learn reviews and giveaways during our School Rules event.  Be sure to check out the other blogs hosting giveaways to increase your chance of winning. Visit Dad of Divas to enter his contest!

• Mandatory entry:  Visit Rock 'n Learn (www.RockNLearn.com) and peruse their offerings.  Let me know what other DVD there would be a great learning tool for your child.  You must do this entry to have any other entries count.

Other ways to get additional entries - you can do any of the following for one entry each.  Please leave a separate comment for each action:

• Join Rock 'n Learn's mailing list for special offers.  Please only do this if you are genuinely interested in the product. (Link to do so is on Rock 'n Learn's website, left side bar.)If you joined last time I had a contest, just let me know in a comment! 

• Follow me on Twitter! If you already do, just let me know. 

• Become my Google Friend (right side bar).  If we are already friends, just leave a comment letting me know.

• Tweet my giveaway on Twitter and include @PinchingAbe in your tweet.  Sharing tools at the bottom of this blog post. You can do this once daily.  Leave a comment w/link to your tweet.

• Share this giveaway on your Facebook wall.  You can do this once daily.  Leave a comment with a link to your post.

• "Like" Rock 'n Learn on Facebook  Come back and leave a comment letting me know you did it. 

• "Like" Making Ends Meet on Facebook   Come back and leave me a comment letting me know we're now Facebook friends.

• Use the store locator to find a store near you that sells Rock 'n Learn DVDs.  Please list the store nearest in your comment. Good luck to all! 

Disclosure:   Rock 'n Learn provided me with a complimentary DVD for review purposes.  This blog post is not compensated and the opinions expressed herein are 100% my own or derived from my family's experience with this product. 

Smurfs: A Magical Smurf Adventure on DVD - Review and Giveaway!

Smurfs:  A Magical Smurf Adventure

Released by:  Warner Bros.

Available on DVD:  July 19 

Own it on DVD

Run time:  190 minutes

10 episodes, 2 discs

Growing up, I remember one of my favorite cartoons was the Smurfs.  I can remember Smurfs before Smurfette.  And I remember when Sassette came along and some of the older Smurfs were turned into Smurflings.  Back then, my sisters and I would use the backs of old blueprints my dad brought home to draw our own Smurf villages.  I got pretty good at drawing a mushroom cottage (not so good at drawing a Smurf though).

I also remember drawing the orange cat, Azreal, too.  Deep down, I like to think Azreal would have been a nice kitty if he'd had a nicer owner.  The relationship between the Smurfs and Gargamel is a lot like the one between the Road Runner and Wile E. Coyote.  Though pursued, they always seem to get away and it's Gargamel who is left feeling the pain of a backfired plan.

Now, I can easily share Smurf adventures I remember as a child with my own children now.  We spent a whole morning watching the Smurfs this week and my 10 year old can rattle off her favorite Smurfs (she likes Brainy Smurf, Lazy Smurf, and Smurfette) and my 6 year old only liked Jokey Smurf.   Finally, they understand the occasional Smurf reference (such as, "Son, your tongue looks like you ate a Smurf!")

The visual quality was OK considering how old these cartoons are and how much different the animation techniques were back then.  There were no real tweaks that I could see that would make the picture quality look restored. One thing that I noticed that drove me a little nuts was that the first one that played had the announcer welcoming me back to the Smurfs.  It was like they just cut and pasted from the original airing of the show.  It wouldn't have seemed out of place had it not been the first episode to play.  One suggestion I would have if they ever re-release this is to make the continuity a little better.

Check out this video of Brainy Smurf going on and on... teaching kids why it is so important to do as your told by your elders!




Smurfs: A Magical Smurf Adventure is now available for purchase.  If you're interested in purchasing a copy, please see the "Own it on DVD" link above.  Introduce a whole new generation to the Smurfs and have a smurftastic time together watching Jokey Smurf pull tricks on the other Smurfs.

Win it!  

Warner Bros. has generously offered me the opportunity to give one copy of Smurfs: A Magical Smurf Adventure away here at Making Ends Meet.

This giveaway will run through August 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM Eastern time.  Winner shall be chosen via Random.org on or about August 17, 2011 and will be notified via email.  Winner shall have 48 hours to respond to shipping information request.  If winner fails to respond within that time frame, I will have to choose a different winner.  Therefore, it is important that you include your email in your mandatory comment or ensure that your Blogger profile has your email set to be publicly viewed.  Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only who are 18 or older.  Fulfillment will be provided by sponsor.  You must complete the mandatory entry in order to have the extra entries be considered.

Mandatory entry:  I've got to know, who is your favorite Smurf?  Is it Papa, Smurfette, Jokey, Baker, Painter, Brainy, Handy, or some other Smurf?  Leave the name of your favorite Smurf in a comment.

Extra entries (because you really want to win!):  Each extra entry you choose to participate in must result in a separate comment for each action.  If you tweet, leave a comment.  If you liked me on Facebook, leave another comment. If you follow/liked already, then leave a comment stating that you already do.

• Be/Become my Google Friend (right side bar)

• Like/Have previously liked Making Ends Meet on Facebook

• Follow/be following me on Twitter

• Follow/be following the 9 other Blog Pop! blogs via Google Friend Connection (blogs are listed in right side bar; leave separate comment for each different blog you become/or are already Google Friends with).

• Visit WBshop.com's new arrivals and let me know what other new arrival there is something you'd be interested in watching.

• Tweet out this review and giveaway or share it with your friends on Facebook.  Each action can be done once per day (separate comment for each action).  Sharing tools are at the footer of this post. 

• Subscribe/Be Subscribed via email to Making Ends Meet (right side bar)

• An easy entry!  How many apples high are Smurfs?  Leave the answer in a comment.  If you're stumped or not sure, make sure you do a search to find the right answer.

Thanks for entering and reading my review.   Taking advantage of the extra entries available increases your chances of winning.

Disclosure:  Sponsor has provided me with a copy of the DVD referenced in this blog post.  It was provided to me free of charge to facilitate this review.  Sponsor has also graciously provided a copy to give away.  Though the DVD was free to me, the opinions expressed are 100% my own.  I was not compensated to review nor hold this giveaway contest. 

Tom and Jerry Fur Flying Adventures Volume 2 DVD Review (Released 7/5/2011)

Tom and Jerry Fur Flying Adventures Volume 2

Available on DVD:  July 5, 2011

Studio:  Warner Bros.

14 cartoon collection

Own it on DVD


Tom and Jerry are back in Tom and Jerry Fur Flying Adventures Volume 2, now available on DVD.  The cat and mouse duo will keep you laughing in 14 adventures in this latest installment where they take their fights to the beach, the Alps and even meet up with Spike the Dog.

My six year old loves Tom and Jerry and knows what time they're on TV in the morning, so taking this newest volume along with us as we traveled to PA around the July 4th holiday was a nice fit.  I heard him laughing and giggling for about an hour in the back seat.  He told me he likes both Tom and Jerry. He said he would like Jerry to win at all times (I guess he has no sympathy for poor Tom!)

Parents can enjoy a retro flash back to their childhood as they watch Tom and Jerry's never ending spats with their own kids.

Want a taste of what's in store in Tom and Jerry Fur Flying Adventures Volume 2?  Check out this clip of Tom and Jerry at the beach... Tom doesn't look too happy (does he ever?) as Jerry rides the waves.



Disclosure: I received a copy of this DVD at no cost to me for the purpose of review. The opinions herein are 100% my own or were derived from my family's experience with this product. This blog post is not compensated.  My thanks to Warner Bros. for allowing me the opportunity to review this DVD.

Review of Bakery on Main's new truebars - Gluten free and yummy!

Eating gluten free, it can sometimes be hard to find snacks that taste good without having to go and make them yourself.  I bake my own sometimes, but there are times I just want to grab something and go or just want a taste of sweet to take the edge off of a hunger pang. 

Bakery of Main recently sent me some of their new truebars.  I couldn't try them all (walnut issues), but I did get to taste most of the varieties they sent.  Here's the breakdown of what I thought of the ones I did taste.

Hazelnut Cherry Chocolate Bar:  Yummy!  I could really taste the cherries and I do mean cherries, vs. cherry flavor.  There were pieces of cherry mixed in with the chocolate and hazelnuts in this bar.  It was so yummy that I was sad to reach the end of the bar.  I might have been easily persuaded to eat another.  The chocolate wasn't overpowering and I couldn't really taste the nuts.  It was the cherry deliciousness that hit the spot.  I confess... I loved this truebar the best!

Raspberry Chocolate Almond Bar:  I liked this bar too.  It had almond chunks in it that gave it a crunch and the raspberry and chocolate went really well together.  The first bite, I could really taste the chocolate and at first thought it was a little too much chocolate, but the next bites it seemed to blend into the other flavors a bit more.  The raspberry was more of a hint than anything, but it would make a nice choice for when you just want something crunchy.

Coconut Cashew Bar:  I'm a fan of coconut and I could definitely taste the coconut in this bar.  The cashews gave it a certain crunchiness and after a few bites, I was wishing it were covered in chocolate like a Mounds Bar.  I recommend making these with and without a chocolate coating. This one actually tasted way better than I thought it would. 

Apricot Almond Chai Bar:  This bar wasn't what I was expecting either.  At first, I wasn't sure what to make of it.  I could definitely taste the ginger and cardamon, but not the apricot.  The spices were a bit strong for my stomach since ginger sometimes gives me a bit of a burn.

The two Bakery on Main truebars I didn't try:  Walnut Cappuccino Bar and fruit and Nut bar.  Want to see what's in these truebars? One thing I loved about the packaging was the "I'm a _____with nothing to hide" that labeled each one.  The ingredients were clearly listed on the bar, which made it easy for me to search for ingredients (like walnuts) that I shouldn't eat.   You can click the image below to check out each of the flavors and their ingredients.  According to Bakery on Main's press release, their truebars should be making their way to store shelves in September.  These would make a great addition to your gluten free eater's lunch box.

Disclosure:  Bakery on Main provided me with products to taste for the express purpose of this blog review.  Though the truebars were provided at no cost to me, the opinions are 100% my own.  My thanks to Bakery on Main for giving me the opportunity to try out their new product selection.  I was not compensated to post this review.