Monday, February 27, 2012

i play., Inc. Waterproof Snow Bibs & green sprouts Disposable Placemats {Review & Giveaway}

i play. logoPrior to having children, I was slightly overwhelmed with the number of baby items available. When the time came that I would head to the store or browse the internet for a gift, it seemed as though there were often many more choices than I was expecting.

After having my own children? Those feelings have only been completely and utterly confirmed.

However, the addendum to those thoughts has been the realization that although there are a million baby and child items available, there is a big difference between many of them in terms of quality and safety.

Which is precisely why when you find a company like i play., Inc. and know how much care they put into producing only the highest quality, most safe and yet extremely stylish toys, feeding and baby care items, you want to continue to visit them time and time again.

i playFounded in 1982 and based on values that prioritize protecting our earth and our children, i play., Inc. offers products that encourage healthy and safe development through play. As a company that has been at the forefront of children's health and safety issues, they are continually researching ways to make safer baby products and follow the idea that children grow and learn by playing.

After being very impressed with the i play. layette and green sprouts straw bottle from our i play. review last month, I had high hopes that seeing items from the green sprouts Disposables and i play. Outerwear lines would live up to the same high standards.

i play reviewThe green sprouts Disposable Placemats come in a pack of eight in a resealable, portable, ready-to-go bag and look like fun even while still in the package!

disposable placematsAs I pulled out the placemats (two each of four different designs) and the included three soy crayons, I already knew that these would lead to coloring good times for both of my kids.

placemats for coloringAlthough at first touch these placemats could be mistaken for regular paper, they are in fact tree-free and made of limestone, with a smooth, almost-plastic texture. As well as ensuring that these are water-and tear-resistant (necessities for kids who are going to spill and tug on them), the innovative material is also biodegradable and good for the earth.

I appreciate the large, 18" x 13.5" of each placemat and that each design is detailed and cute while still being open-ended enough to encourage a child's creativity.

take-along placematsThere are even two "design my own" placemats with a fun border but a blank center for full artistic control.

Heading out to eat with the green sprouts Disposable Placemats is a no-brainer, as the entire bag can easily be tossed in the diaper bag or tucked into a purse before heading out the door. After being seated, simply peel away the adhesive strips on the back...

adhesive placemats...and you've created a clean, stay-put surface for germ free coloring and eating. When you're done? Simply pull it back up and throw it away!

Retailing for $6.00, the green sprouts Disposable Placemats have been the perfect way to keep my kids happily entertained when we head out to eat. Knowing that these unique mats are helping keep any dirt or bacteria away while also being good for the environment is something that is bringing a smile to my face as well!

kids restaurant entertainmentWhen it is time to keep the kids happy outdoors, the i play. Waterproof Insulated Snow Bib can provide warmth and protection from the cold and snow in one durable, easy-to-wear piece of apparel.

waterproof snow pantsWith a simple zip-front closure and adjustable overall clips for a good fit and easy on and off, kids of all ages can pull on these snow bibs and be protected from snow slipping in at the waist and ruining their outdoor fun.

snow bibsI love that i play. added the extra flap of fabric at the top of the zipper to protect the child's skin from getting caught.

At the same time, the sturdy elastic around both ankles helps keep legs dry by staying tucked down inside boots...

snow pants ankle cuff...and although these overalls are already made from a waterproof microfiber (with a hypoallergenic poly fill insulation), they also have a reinforced fabric layer on the knees and seat to keep those areas even more safe from getting soaked through.

snow overallsPrior to these snow bibs arriving, I have to admit that I was under the impression that all snow pants were essentially the same. However, I have completely changed my tune now that Little Sister B has been wearing these, as they do a much better job of staying dry than her previous pair!

After playing outside for 15 minutes, I used to find that her pants were damp from the snow leaking through, especially in the seat. Now? We recently went to a Winter Festival in our city and spent hours and hours sledding, snow tubing and more. Whereas Big Sister E's snow bibs were soggy afterward, I could hardly tell that Little Sister B's had even been outside!

playing in the snowRetailing for $27.99 (which is much less than the snow pants and bibs that I've seen in stores) in blue or pink, I would highly recommend the i play. Waterproof Insulated Snow Bibs and wish that they came in larger sizes (they are available in 12 months - 4T) so that I could get Big Sister E a pair as well!

From adorable layette to sweet little rain boots to toys that will bring a smile, i play.'s high quality and affordable prices will keep you coming back for more. Available online or in retail stores across the country and worldwide, you can easily find these amazing products throughout the internet or check them out in person at your favorite nearby store.

And, thanks to i play.'s generosity, two people will get to do just that, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of size and color Waterproof Insulated Snow Bibs and one lucky person will win a package of Disposable Placemats!

i play giveawayTo enter to win: Visit i play. and leave me a comment telling me another item there that you would like to own or give as a gift.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow i play. on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

I want to WIN Waterproof Insulated Snow Bibs or Disposable Placemats from i play! http://bit.ly/wKuaaW @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 19th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to i play. for providing a pair of Waterproof Insulated Snow Bibs and green sprouts Disposable Placemats for me to review as well as for each of two lucky giveaway winners. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Fairy Tales Hair Care for Children {Review}

Fairy Tales logoWhile dropping Big Sister E off at preschool recently, I overhead some of the other moms discussing one of the most dreaded topics: lice.

Even though there has only been one sighting of lice at preschool this year, many of my daughters' classmates have older siblings and, according to the info being passed, the elementary schools haven't been so lucky.

Shudder.

As well as ensuring that both of my girls know to not share hats or scarves, I told myself that there wasn't need to worry just yet. Because along with taking these precautions, we also had our secret weapon: high quality lice prevention products thanks to our Fairy Tales Hair Care review last fall.

After having tried and loved their line of Rosemary Repel Hair Products, I couldn't wait to try more items from their collection and see what Fairy Tales Hair Care could do to help keep my daughters' hair healthy and beautiful all winter long.

Fairy Tales Hair Care reviewLaunched in 1999 to an overwhelmingly positive response, the Fairy Tales Hair Care line has been a hit ever since. Parents and kids love that all of the products are made with organic, natural ingredients and only use things such as Vitamins A,B and E and passion flower, aloe, jojoba, and chamomile to help make bath time enjoyable for all.

Since the arrival of three items from Fairy Tales' Tear Free, Detangling, and Styling collection, we have been excited with how well they have been warding off the way that the harsh winter weather typically makes our hair brittle and dry. Instead of our usual static- and tangle-filled hair days, these have left smooth, shiny locks in their place!

Tear Free Conditioning Shampoo, 12 ozFairy Tales Shampoo
This mild shampoo is loaded with Vitamins E and B to restore shine and texture while gently cleansing the hair. The tear-free formula is safe for babies and toddlers and I love the sweet, rich smell and the way that it leaves my girls' scalps and hair clean and moisturized.

Detangling Conditioner, 12 oz
This daily conditioner cleans and moisturizes dry hair without any greasy buildup. As it is infused with extracts of rosemary, aloe vera, cherry bark and chamomile, my girls' hair is left feeling like silk. Instead of having to work to comb through knots and tangles, this sweet-smelling conditioner rinses out cleanly and leaves only smooth results.

Static Free Leave-In Detangling Spray, 12 ozFairy Tales Spray
The combination of the dry air and winter hats and scarves leaves my girls' hair (and my own) much more prone to static electricity and its frustrations. But a few spritzes of this spray manage to rehydrate the scalp, eliminate the electric charge and enhance the luster and pliability of our hair.

Containing aloe, rose hips, sage and Vitamin B, we haven't gone a day without using this spray since it arrived. Each morning when I brush my girls' hair and get ready to pull it into a ponytail, I reach for the bottle knowing that it will calm down the crazy static, make it easy to run the brush through, and result in no greasy buildup.

After having tried out all three of these products, we've been very happy with the results. The girls' hair is left soft, smooth and shiny and the smells of rosemary, chamomile, aloe vera and more are soothing and sweet without being overpowering.

I love not having to worry about the shampoo stinging anyone's eyes and that the conditioner makes it extremely easy comb through their hair after it has been washed (particularly Big Sister E's long, tangle-prone hair). The Static Free Spray has been a great addition to our morning routine and not struggling with trying to comb through knots or deal with frustrating static makes getting the girls styled and ready to go so much easier.

Retailing for $8.95 for each of these three products, I can foresee them staying a part of our hair care plan for quite some time to come. Fairy Tales Hair Care products are available in salons and specialty stores across the country and online at the Fairy Tales Hair Care website. This innovative company can also be found on Facebook and Twitter.

Facebook contestFor an extra dose of fun, Fairy Tales Hair Care is currently running a "OH NO, I HAVE LICE?!?" Photo Contest on their Facebook page (ending February 29th).

By inviting parents to snap and post a quick picture of their child(ren) doing his/her best reaction to finding out he or she has lice, the funniest photo will win a $50 Visa Gift Card and a Rosemary Repel 5-pack. In addition all entries into the contest will receive a 20% coupon code upon submission.

(Other than the information and Fairy Tales Hair Care products that I was sent in conjunction with my membership to Team Mom, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this company and these products.)

Saturday, February 25, 2012

Winners!

The lucky winner of a greeting card assortment prize pack from Hallmark is...

Congratulations, blessedintexas!

The lucky winner of their choice of stylish apron from Flirty Aprons is...

Congratulations, Brooke T!

The lucky winner of a beautiful Deal of the Day Bouquet from Teleflora is...

Congratulations, Jan Messali!

The lucky winner of a $50 Visa gift card and two high quality Aquaphor skin care products is...

Congratulations, Karen!

Thanks to everyone who entered these giveaways! Have a great weekend!

Friday, February 24, 2012

Celebrate Family Night with Coca-Cola and American Idol {Samsung Handheld Camcorder Prize Pack Giveaway}

Coca-Cola logoEven though weekdays can feel like one big rush, rush, rush of one to the next, coming together in the evenings for Family Night is one way for parents and kids to relax, reconnect, share some laughs and more. Whether your activity of choice is a movie, a board game or more, as long as everyone is together and happy, that's all that matters, right?

Around here, the girls are still on the young side for Game Night (and sometimes it can be hard to pick a game that is understandable for preschoolers yet not boring for adults), and Movie Night works mainly because their short attention spans are held in place by the bowl of popcorn in their laps.

But Music Night? Oh yes, we can all get in on that one.

American Idol logoAlthough winter might seem dark and cold, that just means that inside it's time to gather the family and spend some fun and cozy nights indoors... particularly by grabbing a Coca-Cola and celebrating the new season of American Idol!

This year, as a sponsor of Season 11 of American Idol, Coca-Cola is looking to spice up the colder months with the Coca-Cola Family Night initiative on MyCokeRewards.com. At MCR.com/family, you can find exciting contests, instant wins, rewards, recipes and games—with many fun American Idol based activities for your family.

You can even work together to try to design the best music cover artwork and win a trip for four to see the American Idol Finale show live! Who knows? You just might be sharing your own Coca-Cola with Ryan Seacrest...

Ryan SeacrestWhen it comes to spending family time together, the combination of music, food, drinks and fun is one that just can't be beat. We love to get in on the action by watching the American Idol contestants sing, while also infusing a little of our own personal touches.

After all, Family Music Night wouldn't be the same without a little singing and dancing done by our two favorite stars, now would it?

(If you're reading this in your email, come over to the post to see the video!)

To help kick-off our Family Night, Coca-Cola sent us a box of goodies inspired by American Idol and the Fun for Family Night games on MCR.com... and we have been putting it to good use (as demonstrated by the video above)!

Coca-Cola Family Night Prize PackIf you've been looking for a handheld camcorder, the Samsung W190 is a fantastic option and I've really been enjoying it! This Pocket HD Camcorder includes a 4GB microSD card for easy storage and the all-weather design is resistant to all of the elements (meaning it is water-, shock- and dust-proof).

I love that this portable camcorder can go nearly anywhere and capture all of your video and still shots with ease. When it comes time to save and share your memories, the One-Touch Sharing lets you instantly send stills and videos to friends and family and you can upload shots via pop-out USB to your PC, email or social media sites. So easy and convenient!

Samsung handheld camcorderIs your family ready to have a Family Night? Head over to My Coke Rewards to get in on the fun and activities and, thanks to the generosity of Coca-Cola, one person will be able to record their home entertainment as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Coca-Cola Family Night Prize Pack*!

Samsung camcorder giveaway*This prize pack is valued at over $100 and includes:
(1) Handheld Camcorder
(1) American Idol – The Hits Volume 1 CD
(1) Coca-Cola and Pringles coupon

To enter to win: Leave a comment on this post telling me how you would like to spend your next Family Night.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

2 Extra Entries if you enter the Family Night Giveaway on The Life of Rylie... & Bryce, too!
1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow My Coke Rewards on Twitter and/or Like it on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN a Samsung HD Camcorder Prize Pack from @Cocacola and create a #CokeFamilyNight! http://bit.ly/yheh6Z @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on March 16th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning and the giveaway sponsor is solely responsible for prize fulfillment. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and entrants must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to Coca-Cola for providing these prizes for me as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. Coca-Cola is not a sponsor, administrator, or involved in any other way with this giveaway. The opinions shared are my own and honest (and not those of Coca-Cola) and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.