Winners!

The lucky winner of a $50 gift card to Famous Footwear is...

The lucky winner of (1) coupon for any variety Mrs. Smith's Deep Dish pies and a $50 Williams-Sonoma Gift Card is...

The lucky winner of a set of unique and fun Sifteo Cubes is...

The lucky winner of a $25 gift certificate to Shutterfly is...

The lucky winner of a CVS P&G Prize Pack is...

The lucky winner of a Cooking With Nuts Prize Pack from Fisher Nuts is...

The lucky winner of a safety gear prize pack from Safety 1st is...

Thank you to everyone who entered these fun giveaways! Have a great weekend!

Organization and Style from Thirty-One Gifts {Review & Giveaway}

Here it is January and people everywhere have found themselves making all of the same resolutions that they've done year after year.  Lose weight, quit smoking, get out of debt, get organized, read more... how many are on your list? More importantly, how many do you think you'll keep past the end of this month?

While I'm finding myself struggling to shed the extra pounds and find the time to crack open my book, I have actually managed to take a few steps that have helped in making life less cluttered and more organized. Small baskets in the kitchen to contain the errant cords, extra bins in the play room to hold various toys, and generous use of my label maker in hopes of everything making it back where it belongs.

But one area that continued to bother me was my portable home, i.e. my van. Why does it seem like no matter what I take out of there, there are always various items rolling around?

Fortunately, I was introduced to the company who knows all about making every aspect of life more functional, stylish and organized: Thirty-One Gifts.

Celebrating 10 years of helping women by giving them an opportunity to own their own business, Thirty-One was formed to allow their customers to treat themselves and those around them to something special.

Offering everything from purses to totes to stationary to accessory bags (and just about everything in between), Thirty-One has the colors, designs and patterns to fit every personality... and can personalize them as well!

While the new Thirty-One Spring Catalog showed an endless number of storage solutions that would fit the various needs in my life (wallets! Thermals! Utility bins! Room organizers!) when a Large Utility Tote with a Top-A-Tote arrived, I knew that it would be just the thing to get my mobile mess in order.

Measuring in at 11.75"H x 21.5"W x 10"D, the Large Utility Tote easily collapses for storage yet unfolds (and stays open) so that filling it up is no problem. Paired with the 2"H x 22"W x 10.5"D removable, see-through Top-A-Tote, the result is a way to keep all of your items safely stowed whether at home or on-the-go.

Right away I was impressed with the clean, modern look of the Spirit Black Tote and Black Top-A-Tote, and having our last name embroidered right on the side was just the right finishing touch.

The straps to the Tote slid right into the Top and, after admiring the overall look yet again, I couldn't wait to head out to my car to get it organized.

Sure enough, I opened the back of my van and could only shake my head at the random assortment of large and small items that were aimlessly rolling around (you know you live in the Midwest when you carry a shovel in your car, just in case. You also know that you're a mom when you have a first aid kit and portable potty in your car, also just in case).

Whether for the car, my kids or just to have on hand, I sorted through my random collection of items throughout the van and found that I was able to condense nearly all of it right into my Large Utility Tote.

I love the sheer amount that I was able to fit inside and how I'll now be able to have it all in one place instead of falling and spilling everywhere when I turn a corner.

Best of all, there are a million more uses for the Large Utility Tote!

I can easily pull out the current contents and replace them with sports equipment, tailgating necessities, camping items, tools, school supplies and much more. The Top-A-Tote pulls off quickly, yet it hooks securely to the corners... combined with the clear window that allows me to see right in and there isn't much more that I could ask for!

The quality of the Large Utility Tote and Top-A-Tote has proven excellent and I have no doubt that we will be reaching for this pair for years to come!

Along with the impeccable quality and HUGE array of options from Thirty-One, I appreciate that they are affordable as well.

Organize your home with the Keep-It Caddy for $22, double your stylish look with the Inside-Out Bag for $40 or get your life in order with your own Large Utility Tote for $35 (the Top-A-Tote is sold separately for $10).

For more information about all of the fantastic options from Thirty-One Gifts, to learn how to become a party hostess and receive rewards, or to place an order, visit consultant Jamie's Thirty-One site. You can also join her Facebook Group, Jamie's Jam Packed Deals & Steals, to hear about sales, specials, be entered for monthly drawings and more!

And, thanks to Jamie's generosity, one person will soon be able to move into 2013 with an adorable way to get organized, because...

One lucky person will win a Mini Utility Bin in Patchwork Paisley!

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A big thank you to Jamie for providing a Large Utility Tote and Top-A-Tote for me to review as well as a Mini Utility Tote for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System {Review & Giveaway}

When it comes to enjoying the great outdoors, Mother Nature just seemed so much more accessible prior to having kids, didn't she? Any time you wanted to go for a hike or a jog or simply for a walk around the block, all that it took was finding your shoes and heading out the door.

Once you've had a baby, however, going just about anywhere with your little one in tow can turn into a multi-step, elaborately-planned event, what with the extra diapers, wipes, clothing, bottles, food and much, much more.

But, what happens when you finally have your bag packed and ready and you look at your stroller and realize that there is no way that it is going to withstand the trails and paths you want to hit? Those tiny wheels and that clunky frame can hardly be maneuvered through the mall, let alone spending a day at a state park, right?

Which is why the Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System is the single purchase that you'll need to make to take you and your baby right out to exploring the great outdoors with ease.

Built for all terrain maneuverability, the Trail Hiker Travel System combines everything you and your baby need from birth to 50lbs. The combination of the stroller and rear-facing infant car seat, as well as ample storage, a snack tray, front swivel wheels, and a one-hand fold, and it is clear that this stroller is built to make users as well as riders happy.

Having never tried an Eddie Bauer stroller or car seat before, I was anxious to put this travel system to the test to see if it would meet my high expectations. As I began removing the various parts from the box, I initially wondered how much time it would take to assemble them.

Fortunately, Eddie Bauer knows that parents are busy and don't have hours to spend constructing their products.

After glancing at the clock, I began to follow the simple instructions of snapping the frame and wheels in place... and, when I stepped back to see this high quality travel system fully assembled and ready to go, the clock showed that it had taken a total of four minutes to put it all together.

Any consumer knows that being able to purchase one product and have it last through multiple years (and life stages) makes sense, so I was immediately pleased with the ease in which the Trail Hiker Travel System can adjust for infants up to preschoolers.

For the youngest riders, this travel system includes Eddie Bauer's top rated rear-facing infant car seat with Side Impact Protection and an extended use range of 4-35 pounds (and up to 32") for a safer and more comfortable ride. The adjustable, stay-in-car base makes it easy to move the seat securely from the stroller to the car and back, while the QuickClick feature ensures that it snaps in and out of both locations safely and quickly.

Of course Eddie Bauer didn't skimp on the small details as well, as the onBoard 35 car seat includes a 5-point harness, level indicator for installation, removable infant head support, is LATCH-equipped and more. Whether in your car or attached to the stroller, this safe and stylish car seat eliminates the need to purchase a separate piece of baby gear (and the wonder of whether or not it will be compatible).

When using the Hiker Travel System on its own, children are able to ride just as comfortably. From sitting fully upright to laying down nearly flat, the strap in the back can be loosened or tightened with the use of only one hand.

Simply slide the clip down to the desired level and the seat leans back. When it's time to be upright again, just slide the clip tighter and you're done. I love simplicity, especially if it is going to make naptime on-the-go more happy and convenient for everyone!

At the same time, the adjustable canopy provides plenty of protection from the elements when you're out for a stroll...

...while also making it possible for little ones to stay fully secluded for privacy and quiet.

During times when everyone is awake, the child snack tray, cup holders (one for the child and two for the parent), and covered storage area ensure that everyone stays hydrated, full and comfortable, and that all belongings are kept in place.

In terms of use, this is one stroller that is extremely easy as well as convenient.

The soft grip, adjustable handle quickly moves up or down with the press of a button, making it so that taller folks don't have to bend down while vertically challenged folks such as myself can still find the most comfortable level for their arms.

Along with the handle, one of the features that is used most often with any stroller, the storage basket, also does not disappoint in the Hiker Travel System.

The large, underseat storage has plenty of room to store your belongings and bags, while the angle of the opening makes it easy to access everything no matter what level the seat is reclined.

When it comes to heading out on the trails (whether paved or not), the Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker provides a smooth, sturdy ride for everyone involved.

The large, strong back tires glide along even the most uneven surfaces and the double front wheels can be left unlocked to swivel for day to day use or locked into place to provide stability and maneuverability needed for a good brisk walk or an invigorating run.

While I love all of the features and ways that Eddie Bauer included to ensure the Hiker Travel System provides a comfortable and smooth ride for everyone, I appreciate that they also didn't skimp on safety.

The foot-activated, dual-rear brakes make it simple to keep this stroller from rolling when you've parked it, and I appreciate that it is so easy to click the brakes that Little Sister B can do it herself before climbing in.

Plus, the 5-point harness, a must-have for keeping kids safe in any stroller but in particular when you are on uneven terrain, is adjustable through any of the three slots of varying heights. No matter if you are pushing your little one, your toddler or your big kid, they can all stay secure and cozy.

Just as I had hoped, this travel system has proven to be very well made, fully functional and just the thing to last from infancy through toddlerhood. While it does weigh more than 35 lbs and is therefore a bit on the heavy side for a great deal of moving and lifting, it still folds small enough to easily fit in the back of a car or store in a closet or out of the way.

As a great bonus, the Hiker Travel System even includes a fast, one-hand fold and a unique free-standing design so that not only does it fold up quickly and easily, but it stands upright on its own. I love the space-saving ability as well as not having to worry about another piece of baby/child gear that lays across the floor to be stepped over!

Retailing exclusively from Target for $199, the Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System does it all. Instead of purchasing multiple strollers and car seats for different aspects of your life, this single piece of equipment can allow you to get outdoors to spend quality time with your child just about anywhere.

When it comes to an extremely high quality, durable stroller that is made to last from birth throughout many years of childhood (the stroller holds up to 50 lbs!), the Trail Hiker has met and surpassed all of my expectations. Whether you are a dedicated hiker or just are looking for a way to add a little boost to your ability to get out and enjoy nature, this is a great way to do it!

Find out much more about this high quality stroller and car seat on the Eddie Bauer website as well as by checking it out in person the next time you're visiting your local Target!

And, thanks to the generosity of the Dorel Juvenile Group, Eddie Bauer's parent company, one person will be prepared to head out and experience the difference a high quality travel system can make, because...

One lucky person will win an Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System!

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A big thank you to Dorel Juvenile Group for providing an Eddie Bauer Trail Hiker 3-Wheel Travel System for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Seg’ments Merino Wool Clothing from C&O Apparel Inc {Review & Giveaway}

Much to my husband's chagrin, on days that I know I won't be leaving the house, I nearly always stay in my pajamas. Although he just shakes his head at me when he walks in the door after work, why should I put on clothes when I'm perfectly comfy in my pj's?

However, even with my extensive jammy love, that doesn't mean that I don't appreciate having the option to open my closet and find high quality, timeless articles of clothing as well. After all, on the days that I do get dressed, I go directly for pieces that mix a relaxed, carefree feel with a bit of dressy, stylish fashion sense. If I can be comfortable while looking good, well, that might just be even better than my pajamas after all.

While I can easily walk into any department store or through the mall to find those articles of clothing to spruce up my wardrobe, they can often start to all look pretty much the same... not to mention that I cringe when I look at the price tags.

Even when I find a  company that understands how to dress a woman's body in a way that is flattering, feminine, colorful and fashionable, it just pains me to have to spend an arm and a leg on one item.

Which is why as soon as I was introduced to Seg'ments from C&O Apparel Inc., it was easy to see that their dedication to creating affordable, feel-good, Merino Wool products that women want to wear every day comes through with each and every piece of apparel they offer!

A clothing manufacturing and wholesale distribution company located in Vancouver, Canada, C&O Apparel is a leading manufacturer of casual sportswear and technical activewear. With a passion for what they do and a commitment to offering customers quality workmanship and exceptional value, every piece of clothing C&O Apparel produces is one that you are going to want to find in your closet.

With a variety of brands under their wing, C&O Apparel's Seg'ments line answers the need every woman has for contemporary and stylish fashion basics. These hardworking pieces look as great on their own as they do layered under jackets or sweaters and come in a wide variety of styles, necklines and sleeve lengths.

As they use only the highest quality fabrics and work to ensure that every finishing detail is done right, Seg'ments is an easy choice when it comes to fashion essentials.

While I had heard of Merino Wool before (that it was durable and comfortable, yet quite expensive), I had never experienced it in person. So, when a long sleeve and short sleeve version arrived from Seg'ments, I was excited to see just what all of the fuss was about.

Made right in Canada, these 100% Merino Wool tops immediately caught my eye with their vivid, bright colors (they are available in purple and black as well as the pink and blue that I received).

As I unfolded each of them, the smooth, silky feeling and soft, luxurious texture was instantly evident. No wonder I've seen folks rave about this must-have fabric!

It didn't take long for both of these pieces to become favorites of mine, as everything from the moisture-wicking and temperature regulation to the breathable, all-climate usage has proven to be just what I look for in clothing. These shirts keep me warm when it's cold, yet I haven't at all felt overheated when heading indoors into the warmth.

At the same time, this super-soft wool resists odors and stains, is quick-drying (I'm not the only one who finds themselves being splashed every time my kids come near a sink, am I?), and, most importantly, is machine washable. I love that these tops have a high-end look and feel, yet can be tossed into the washing machine along with everything else that I own!

I have worn each of these shirts on their own as well as layered and all questions as to why Merino Wool has so many fans have been erased. While Seg'ments recommends ordering so that these tops are worn fitted right next to your skin (they feel so nice and smooth!), I've been happy having ordered a size larger so that they leave a bit of room.

Either way, they feel fantastic and I love the way that they take the look of a regular shirt and turn it into a functional, fashionable piece of apparel! Even better, knowing that Merino Wool is a sustainable resource makes me like it even that much more!

Seg'ments apparel has already been a great success in Canada, so right now Costco stores here in the U.S. have decided to test them out to see what the market reaction will be. Available in the four color options in long sleeve and short sleeve, these tops come in sizes S-XXL.

But, wait. There's more. A few quick searches online easily show that 100% Merino Wool is such a great fabric that it sells for a premium. Makes sense, right? I found similar shirts to these from other companies with minimum price tags in the $70-$90 range.

But not Seg'ments! Costco customers will find them marked approximately $17.99 for long sleeve and $15.99 for short sleeve! We're talking a fraction of the price when the quality cannot be differentiated!

If you are looking to add a few versatile, high quality, all-climate, stylish pieces to your wardrobe for 2013, head to your local Costco and see if Seg'ments are available. You won't be sorry!

Remember though, as they are currently just testing to see how much we love this apparel in the U.S., it is only going to be in some Costco warehouses around the country. Feel free to call your local store and ask if they have Seg'ments (item #701366 for the short-sleeve and #701327 for the long-sleeve) in stock if you want to make sure before getting in your car to go snatch one up!

When it comes to high quality and low prices (two things we all love), C&O Apparel has found just the right balance with their Seg'ments collection. I'm telling you, if these are at your Costco, give them a look and feel for yourself and you'll see why I'm hooked!

Thanks to the generosity of C&O Apparel, one person will soon be able to look classically fashionable as well, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of style, color and size Seg'ments 100% Merino Wool shirt!

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A big thank you to C&O Apparel for providing two Seg'ments tops for me to review as well as the shirt of choice for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.