Pomchies - Review and Giveaway

I received products for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Pomchies, a certified Women Owned Business, are being sold at major retailers all over the United States including Target, Bed Bath and Beyond and more. I hadn't heard of Pomchies until recently when given the opportunity to do a review. I'm glad I know about them now!

Pomchies is a fun and bright accessory company that makes their merchandise with swimming suit fabric. Who knew!

The Pomchies line includes Pom-ID's, Pom-shoes, Pom-Keys, Spirit Band-it headbands, Team-Twist braided bracelets, and Pom-Braid and Double Pom-Braid braided headbands. There are endless ideas on ways to use the Pomchie products, and color combinations to meet every request. Best of all, Pomchies are fully washable.

Juliann and Emma have been wearing the Pomchies hair accessories often. They dig the bright colors and stylish looks. The Pomchies fit like ponytail holders, only they have strips of fabric to create a fun and playful look. The PomBraid Headbands are braided and fit snug around the head. The Wide PomBraid Headbands are a little wider than the regular headbands and the fabric is woven together. They also fit nicely and stay on well.

Since I am a referee for roller derby, I took the Pom Lanyard and have been using it. It has a key ring at the end and I attached my whistle to it. Being that I get sweaty and full of funk during bouts, I like that I can wash the Pom Lanyard to remove any ick. Because of the fabric it's made with, I've noticed that my lanyard doesn't sit evenly around my neck. It doesn't make it any less cute or functional.

I feel the Pomchies brand is geared more towards tween and teen girls, but there is some merchandise from the company that would be suitable for anyone at any age. I had no idea so much could be created from swimming suit fabric! Pretty innovative idea, if I do say so myself.

Win It!

One person will win an assortment of products from Pomchies.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

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Wordful Wednesday - Creative Talking

Notice the dog staring at me like I'm some sort of freak!

The other day I was trying to play the good wife and bake some cookies. There I was, minding my own business, using my hands to form cookie balls. No sooner than I got my hands full of dough, I received a phone call from my daughter.

Rather than miss the call by taking time to wash my hands, I took the short route and laid my head on the phone while it was set atop the washer. It was hands-free talkin', baby! And pretty ingenious, if I do say so myself.

My hubby thought it was an opportune time to take a pic of me at an inopportune moment. Whatevs! I got my talkin' done and was able to carry on with the cookies afterwards.

Celebrating with Big Dot of Happiness - Review

I received products for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

I love planning and decorating for parties, but I'm no Pinterest pro. Whether it is a kids’ birthday party, family gathering, wedding celebration, or even a puppy shower (yup!), using Big Dot of Happiness (www.bigdotofhappiness.com) is the easiest way to come off looking like a true pro, minus the stress. Big Dot offers variety of high-quality unique and customizable party themes and makes it simple to throw a decked-out event that’s sure to impress. Their Expert Expert Design Team is able to change the designs of products by making font and color adjustments to the artwork, for free!

I was able to review products from the Skullitude™ - Boy Skull - Birthday Party Theme from Big Dot of Happiness. Adam just recently turned 15 years old and he's interested in skulls, whether it be decor or apparel. I knew the skull theme would be perfect for him.

We did not host a huge birthday party for Adam but did have a handful of friends over in a hotel when we were in Iowa for a drag race. I surprised him by putting out the brown, white, and blue skull themed items in the hotel room while he was out. To say he loved the theme is an understatement. It was perfect for a teenage boy!

Most of the items in the kit were customized with Adam's name. The Personalized Birthday Party Cupcake Pick and Sticker Kit - 12 ct required very little assembly. It just required adding the stickers to the front and back of each pick. They provided a wonderful touch to the cupcakes and zucchini bread. The Skullitude™ - Boy Skull - Birthday Party Cupcake Wrappers added flair to the cupcakes. All I had to do was wrap one around each cupcake liner.

I used the Skullitude™ - Boy Skull - Personalized Birthday Party Mini Favor Boxes and put little gifts in each one. Adams went around the room finding the favor boxes and getting his gifts out of them. Afterwards, each guest was given a favor box to keep. The favor boxes arrived in flat form and had to be assembled by popping them open and putting together the bottom perforations.

Big Dot of Happiness made my boy happy on his birthday, and I was pleased with the party supplies. The company offers darling and unique themed items for any occasion that you won't find anywhere else.

Royal Revolution by Katy Perry - Fragrance Review

I received product for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

I don't get caught up in celebrity hoopla or buy certain products just because they have celebrity endorsements on them. With that said, I will buy merchandise that have celebrity backing if I think I'll like the products themselves.

Katy Perry is a celebrity I admire for her vocals and unique style. I think she does a superb job in her line of work. Katy has three fragrances in her perfume line, with the newest being Royal Revolution. This new regal scent is a mix of luscious notes fit for the rebellious and royal woman.

Royal Revolution ($49, 1.7 oz.) is a floral fragrance with top notes of pink freesia and red pomegranate. Middle notes are sandalwood balanced with orange flower and jasmine petals. Bottom notes are created with mystical blackthorn and soft vanilla orchid. I'll admit I don't know exactly what some of those additives are but the overall fragrance is appealing to the senses.

The fragrance comes in a jewel shaped bottle with an ornamental silver cap, giving it a look of regal semblance. It is very similar to the bottle design of Katy Perry's other fragrance, Killer Queen. The boxed packaging the perfume comes in is blue with silver scrollwork. This lavish perfume would be great for those who are fans of Katy Perry or those who just like the stimulating scent of a fine perfume.

Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue - Ravensburger Puzzle Review and Giveaway

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

“Planes: Fire & Rescue” features a dynamic crew of elite firefighting aircraft devoted to protecting historic Piston Peak National Park from raging wildfire. The movie was released to theaters on July 18th.

For the Disney and puzzle fans in your life, Ravensburger has released all-new Disney Planes Fire & Rescue assortment. There are four puzzles in the new collection, all based on the just-released Disney Planes Fire & Rescue animated movie. The line-up includes the following puzzles:

• Planes: Fire & Rescue: Real Rescue Planes - 3 49-pc puzzles of the three main character planes - Dusty, Windlifter and Blade Ranger. Ages 5+, SRP $11.49

• Planes: Fire & Rescue: Fighting the Fire - 100pc XXL Puzzle the measures 19.5" x 14.25" when completed. The image is a mid-air scene of the character planes. Ages 6+, SRP $13.49

• Planes: Fire & Rescue: Always In Action - 2 24-pc puzzles that when completed measures 10" x 7". One scene depicts the fire house with the helpful fire rescue vehicles, and the other of the planes in flight. Ages 4+, SRP $11.49

• Planes: Fire & Rescue: Glorious Rescue Team - a 150pc XXL Puzzle with finished dimensions of 19.5" x 14.25". The scene is of the airborne planes and the fire rescue vehicle on the ground. Ages 6+, SRP $13.49

There are times when I like to relax by putting together a puzzle. My two teen boys still find time in their busy lives to piece together puzzles as well. I received the Planes: Fire & Rescue: Real Rescue Planes puzzle from Ravensburger and spent some quality time with my boys putting them together.

There are three puzzles in the box, all in one plastic package. I didn't realize it until after the fact but the backs of each puzzle are color coded. One is plain blue, one is blue with stripes, and the third is blue with dots. That way you can sort the pieces for each individual puzzle. But, because we didn't notice that at first, we had a fun challenge.

Each puzzle had 49 pieces and there were paper posters that replicated exactly what each puzzle would look like when finished. The final puzzles show Dusty, Blade Ranger, and Windlifter - all characters from the movie.

Me and the boys had a good time piecing the puzzles together. The puzzle pieces were easy to put in place and they were made of sturdy materials.

Ravensburger is a leading supplier of puzzles, games, and othe products. The company uses an exclusively developed, extra-thick cardboard combined with fine, linen-structured paper to create a glare-free puzzle image for a quality you can feel. Their steel cutting tools are designed and crafted by hand. This ensures that no two pieces are alike and guarantees a perfect interlocking fit.

Win It!

One person will win a Ravensburger Disney Planes: Fire & Rescue Puzzle.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

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It's A Derby Family Takeover!

Shelby was Jam Timer for our last home bout. She kept track of jam times and timeouts.

As many of you know, I'm a referee for Dark River Derby Coalition (DRDC). My daughter joined and will soon move from Skater Tot status to full member status. My bro is the coach and his wife is a derby girl. Now to add to the roster is my hubby.

After a lot of encouragement and a little nagging from the team, Jason joined a couple weeks ago. He still has a lot of training, both in skating drills and in roller derby rules, but he should be ready by next season. At the rate we're going, the whole Famn Damily will be a part of the team!

I'm the fourth one from left in my stripes.

On another derby note, DRDC is still undefeated. 6-0, baby! Last Saturday's bout was our most intense one yet, with a few injuries, a lot of butt hurt, and one expulsion.

After our bout on Saturday, DRDC participated in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge and let the opposing team dump ice water on us. Several buckets of ice water!

I'm pretty sure they enjoyed it. (And yes, our team also donated to the ALS organization.)

Now that I've been referee for a few times, I know I've found my niche in the roller derby world. I'm totally sequestered from anyone but the other refs until the bouts are over and I'm the most hated person during a bout, but it's what I'm comfortable with doing. I get to let out all my pent-up screaming vocals when I'm on the rink and the other referees (whether it be from my team or from visiting teams) toally rock!

Jason was jazzed that his motorcycle was on the cover of our bout poster.

I'm stoked that more of my family has joined the team and I'm looking forward to our next bout.

Have you attended a roller derby bout? What's your take on the sport?

Start Breakfast Off Right with Hormel® Compleats® - #HormelFamily

I received products as part of the Hormel Family Extended Family Blogger Program. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Although breakfast is the most important meal of the day, shuffling the kids to school is chaotic enough without having to worry about preparing a big breakfast. There are times when a quick and easy meal will do just the trick. Hormel® Compleats® Good Mornings are a convenient, hassle-free way to prepare breakfast.

There are four microwaveable dishes available in the Hormel® Compleats® Good Mornings line: Sausage Breakfast Scramble, Bacon Breakfast Scramble, Apple Cinnamon Oatmeal, and Sausage Gravy & Roasted Potatoes. It takes just a little over a minute to prepare them in the microwave.

Which Hormel® Compleats® from the Good Mornings line would you most like to try? What breakfast foods do you prepare on school days?

Little Elliott Big City - Children's Book Review

I received book for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Synopsis:

Amid the hustle and bustle of the big city, the big crowds and bigger buildings, Little Elliot leads a quiet life. In spite of the challenges he faces, Elliot finds many wonderful things to enjoy — like cupcakes! And when his problems seem insurmountable, Elliot discovers something even sweeter — a friend.

About the Author:

Mike Curato has the fortune of possessing a designer's brain, an illustrator heart, and an artist vision. You can find him on any given day walking around the city eating a cupcake (or thinking about it).

Visit Mike online at MikeCurato.com and @MikeCurato.

My Review:
A hardback book with 40 pages, Little Elliott Big City tells of a white elephant with polka dots who faces challenges due to being little. Despite that fact, Little Elliott tries to maintain a positive attitude. Little Elliott soon finds a friend in the form of a white mouse and things start to look much brighter.

Little Elliott Big City is a wonderfully illustrated book and a quick read for youngsters. It's a story of acceptance and friendship.

Little Elliott Big City will be available for purchase August 26.

Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Best Friends - #BerryBestFriends DVD Giveaway

I'll be receiving DVD for review. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

It’s friends first for Strawberry Shortcake and her favorite gal pals in Berry Best Friends! When Orange Blossom’s general store overflows with a new line of fruits and veggies, she tries to handle all of the details without any help from others, and, as a result, she’s exhausted! Strawberry is excited to be building a new marketplace, but has a tough time learning how to graciously say, “no, thank you.” Both soon learn that talking about what you need is the berry best thing to do. When the BFFs form a new band called Strawberry and the Sweet Beats, they’re all jazzed to head out on the road...except for Orange, who is afraid to admit that she doesn’t want to leave home. Once she tells her friends how she feels, she’s ready to set out for a rockin’ good time!

DVD Special Features

Printable Coloring Page
Bonus Digital Copy of Berry Best Friends
Bonus Digital Copy of Strawberry Shortcake: The Sweet Dreams Movie (for limited time)

Win It!

One person will win Strawberry Shortcake: Berry Best Friends on DVD.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

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Wild Kratts Unleashes First-Ever Toy Collection at Toys"R"Us - Giveaway

I received no product or compensation for this post. This post is in partnership with PR firm. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Kids from coast-to-coast will go wild for the premiere collection of Wild Kratts toys! Now available at Toys“R”Us stores nationwide and on toysrus.com, the extensive new range from Wicked Cool Toys – featuring collectable action figures, talking plush, power suits and more – brings home all the action-packed fun of the hit animated Wild Kratts TV show on PBS KIDS, so kids everywhere can “star” in their own animal-powered adventures – just like series’ stars Chris and Martin Kratt.

The must-have new assortment of Wild Kratts toys includes:

* Wild Kratts Creature Power Suit Set Assortment (SRP $19.99) – Fans can become part of the Wild Kratts team with their very own Creature Power Suit! Available in either blue or green, each set includes a special vest and pair of gloves to ‘outfit’ kids for endless role-play fun to experience real or imaginary ‘creature adventures’ and learn about interesting animals. Collectible creature power discs, which come with a variety of new Wild Kratts products, can be inserted into the center of the vest to ‘Activate Creature Power’ play!

* Wild Kratts Talking Plush Assortment (SRP $17.99 each) – Kids can take Chris and Martin on virtually any animal adventure that they can dream up with these talking Kratt brothers plush, featuring Chris’ and Martin’s signature phrases from the show!

* Wild Kratts 2PK Figure Set Assortment (SRP $5.99 each) – Kids can act out some of their favorite Wild Kratts adventures with these 3” Creature Power Suit figures, each accompanied by its own power animal and creature power disc!

* Wild Kratts 4PK Figure Set Assortment (SRP $9.99 each) – Chris, Martin and their animal friends are ready for action in these jam-packed sets, each containing a 3” Kratt brother figure in full creature power suit, 3 animal figures, and 4 collectible creature power discs.

* Wild Kratts Wildlife Plush Assortment (SRP $7.99 each) – These soft and cuddly 6” plush animals let kids bring the wildlife adventures home like never before. They can choose from Wild Kratts animal friends Grabsy, Hipster, Koala-Balloon, Little Howler, Spot-Swat, and Shadow – or collect them all!

* Wild Kratts Createrra Set Assortment (SRP $12.99) – Modeled after the Kratts’ own Createrra jeep from the show, each freewheeling vehicle features real working doors and comes complete with a 3” articulated Kratt brother figure ready to hop aboard for animal-centered exploration!

* Wild Kratts Creaturepod Projector Set Assortment (SRP $7.99) – Featuring 20 different images, kids can create endless wildlife adventures with this new “Creaturepod” projector set. The set – available in two varieties, green for Chris and blue for Martin – comes equipped with an adjustable black Velcro wrist strap, so young explorers can bring the adventures along with them – anywhere they roam!

In addition to the toys, a new Wild Kratts book, “Wild Sea Creatures: Sharks, Whales and Dolphins!” (SRP $3.99) is now available for even more animal-centered adventures! The release is the first installment in the new Wild Kratts book series from Random House Kids, which follows Chris and Martin as they travel to animal habitats all around the globe! Young readers ages 4-6 can “dive in” to the Step 2 Reader, featuring basic vocabulary and short sentences to tell simple stories, and join the Kratt brothers as they activate their Creature Power Suits to swim with sharks, whales, and other fascinating creatures of the sea.

Win It!

One person will win a Wild Kratts Prize Pack that includes one Wild Kratts 4PK Figure Set Assortment, one Wild Kratts Wildlife Plush, and the Wild Kratts book, “Wild Sea Creatures: Sharks, Whales and Dolphins!”.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

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What Am I Supposed To Watch Now?

TV shows are neither here nor there for me. If I catch an episode of a show I like, it makes for good viewing. If not, no skin off my back. I've never been a die-hard for any show...except one. True Blood, baby!

Last night I had to say goodbye to the end of my must-see TV. It was the last and final episode of True Blood. It was like I was losing a good friend. How am I supposed to be so wrapped up in something for seven years, then see it go just like that?

I'll miss Lafayette's flamboyance, Pam's sharp words, and Alcide's hot body. Not to mention finding out who Sookie would fall in love with and open her legs to.

True Blood was me and my husband's TV time. The theme song would come on and we'd automatically sing in sync. "I don't know who you think you are but before the night is through, I want to do bad things with you."

The first time me and Jason watched True Blood was right after the first episode aired. My sister bought the DVD set and loaned it to us. Me and the hubby spent all Christmas Eve, sans kids, watching the entire season. We didn't stop to eat and hurried to pee. We were hooked.

After that, I'd head to my cable company and purchase the HBO add-on package right before a season would air. Then I'd head to said cable company and cancel HBO once the season was over. I had no reason for the added package other than to watch True Blood.

It's now the end of a TV era for me and Jason, and time to move on. I doubt any show will ever fill the shoes of True Blood but we'll forge forward. And we'll always remember the times sitting together on the couch entranced with werewolves, shapeshifters, and vampires.

Are you sad to see True Blood end? What TV show is must-see for you?

Back to School with PEEPS - #PEEPSONALITY Review

I received products for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Back when I was a youngster, I anxiously awaited Easter time to get my hands on the marshmallow goodness of PEEPS. It seems like that's the only time they were available. Fast forward a few years and now you can get PEEPS in several variations and flavors all throughout the year.

If you're as big a fan of PEEPS as I am, you'll be happy to know the company offers merchandise, including back-to-school items, at PEEPS & Company.

For instance, the Chillin with my PEEPS lunch bag is suitable to carry lunches to school. The 20 Count Peeps Eraser Set is also fun for school. The purple, blue, pink, and yellow PEEPS chicks will erase away your mistakes. That is, if you actually want to use them. They're almost too cute to use as erasers. The Peeps and Company Pen will bring a smile to your face everytime you use it. The pen is both cute and functional. The Peeps Coloring Case Art Set is a nice addition for school supplies, or a fun way to play with arts and crafts. The set includes crayons, paints, and more.

If you're looking for something to satisfy your sweet tooth, PEEPS has a range of flavors to choose from. I tried three new varieties I'd never heard of before. Because I'm such a nice mom, or rather because the kids begged, I shared the PEEPS.

The 2 Ct Sweet Lemonade Flavored Marshmallow Chicks are sweet, sugary yumminess. The chicks are white with dots of yellow, and they taste like lemonade. Whether it be an upside because I'd eat a whole package or a downside because there's not enough, I'd like to see the Sweet Lemonade PEEPS offered in a bigger pack than just two. The best part about these particular PEEPS is that you are helping support Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation with every purchase.

The 10 Ct Patriotic Vanilla Creme Flavored PEEPS Chicks have a smooth vanilla flavor with sprinkles. They may be red, white and blue but I wouldn't reserve them just for the major patriotic holidays. They're worthy of eating year round.

The 10 Ct Bubblegum Flavored PEEPS Chicks were a big hit with my kids. Although I liked them, I'm not much into bubblegum flavoring so they wouldn't be my main preference for future purchase. They are pink and taste very much like classic bubblegum.

I love that the classic iconic PEEPS has come out with new additions, without compromising the already great taste. I also love the adorable merchandise that lets me express my Peepsonality.

What's your favorite PEEPS product? Which new variety are you most excited to try?

Life of Crime with Jennifer Aniston - #LifeOfCrime Giveaway

I received no product or compensation for this post. This post is in partnership with PR firm. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ. This post contains embedded widgets.



Life of Crime, the new caper comedy from legendary author Elmore Leonard starring Jennifer Aniston, Tim Robbins, Will Forte and Isla Fisher is coming to theaters, on demand and iTunes August 29th!

When a pair of low-level criminals kidnap the wife of a corrupt real-estate developer, they get both more and less than they bargained for in Life of Crime, a dark caper comedy based on legendary author Elmore Leonard’s novel The Switch. Starring Jennifer Aniston, John Hawkes, yasiin bey, Mark Boone Junior, Isla Fisher, Will Forte and Tim Robbins, Life of Crime is packed with the outrageously eccentric characters, black comedy and unexpected twists that earned Leonard a reputation as one of America’s sharpest and funniest crime writers.

Mickey Dawson (Jennifer Aniston), the wife of crooked real-estate developer Frank Dawson (Tim Robbins), is kidnapped by two common criminals (yasiin bey and Jon Hawkes), who intend to hold her for a $1 million ransom and extort her husband with inside information about his illegal business dealings. But Frank, who is holed up in the Bahamas with his mistress, decides he’d rather not get his wife back, setting off a sequence of double-crosses and plot twists that could only come from the mind of master storyteller Elmore Leonard.



Win It!

One person will win a $15 Fandango gift card.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA. Each household is only eligible to win $15 Fandango Gift Card via blog reviews and giveaways. Only one entrant per mailing address per giveaway. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.*

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Immaculate Baking Company - #IBBakesWell Review

The information and prize pack have been provided by Immaculate Baking through Platefull Co-Op. I received products for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

I don't necessarily mind cooking or baking but my husband is the main chef in our household. He can whip up a mean dish. From time to time, however, I like to put my hand in at creating delicious food. The only problem is, I'm not the best at making something from scratch. If I'm not overly nervous and I'm in the mood to bake, I'll break out some dry baking mixes and go to town with 'em!

I recently had a bake-a-thon with Immaculate Baking dry baking mixes. It's a new line from Immaculate Baking. They use only wholesome, simple, delicious ingredients, and offer baking options ranging from all natural, organic and gluten free. Immaculate Baking’s eight new dry baking mix items have 0g trans fat, and does not contain artificial preservatives or high fructose corn syrup. Out of the eight new dry baking mixes, I baked with four: brownie, chocolate cake, yellow cake, and gluten free double chocolate cookies.

The only extra ingredients needed for the dry baking mixes were eggs, vegetable oil, and/or butter. Simple ingredients I already had on hand. The instructions were simple and the end result was tasty delicousness.

My mother is a cook-from-scratch kinda gal and she commented that the baked goods were worthy. All four dry baking mixes turned out nicely and had wonderful flavors. I'm not on a gluten free diet, but the Gluten Free Double Chocolate Cookie Mix was my favorite. Included in the mix was chocolate chips, making for chocolatey goodness. The brownie mix also included chocolate chips.

On the front of each box is a folk art drawing, adding a charming touch. I'd never heard of Immaculate Baking Company before being able to try their dry baking mixes but, now that I'm aware, I'll be looking for more of their products in stores. With Immaculate Baking dry baking mixes, I can make scrumptious baked goods that even my mom approves of.

Do you prefer to bake from scratch or use dry baking mixes? Which Immaculate Baking dry baking mix would you most like to try?

Mercy Rule - DVD Review and Giveaway

I received DVD for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Mercy Rule is a baseball adventure for the whole family, starring Kirk Cameron and his wife, Chelsea. Parents and kids alike will be inspired by the story of the Miller family as they learn life’s lessons of mercy, patience, sacrifice, legacy and trusting God. Co-starring Bas Rutten and comedian Tim Hawkins and written by bestselling author N.D. Wilson, Mercy Rule will teach your family what it means to be a "No Quit Family." The DVD also includes a family study guide for further discussion of the important messages in Mercy Rule.

My Review:

Kirk and Chelsea Cameron have put together a film that the whole family can enjoy. Kirk is known for his strong Christian values and this film points out the importance of morals, positive attitudes, and the love of family without making it feel like he's pushing his views down anyone's throats.

Although the plot is centered around Little League baseball, it also shows a strong family dialogue and tells of a father's business struggle. Cody, the son, must learn not to focus on how good his friend is in baseball and be envious, but rather focus on how good he, himself, can become. There seemed to be an overuse of slow motion action but it didn't deter from the overall dynamic. The performances seemed genuine and I liked how the characters related to each other.

Win It!

One person will win Mercy Rule on DVD.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

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Skyy Hadley's Hydrating Coconut Scrub

I received no product or compensation for this post. This post is in partnership with PR firm. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Summer may be winding down but our feet are always in need of some restoration and hydration. Whether you’ve had a long day at the office, you’re suffering from dry flip-flop feet, or you’re trying to break in a new pair of heels, there is nothing a DIY at-home foot scrub can’t fix. Try the below recipe for a luxurious, at-home foot treatment from celebrity manicurist and owner of As “U” Wish Nail Spa, Skyy Hadley and your feet will feel good as new in no time!

Skyy Hadley’s Recipe for the Ultimate Hydrating Coconut Scrub:

· Begin by muddling a few fresh mint leaves in an empty jar to release their natural essential oils. This will help you relax while providing hydration.

· Warm up some coconut oil and pour into the jar until it is halfway full.

· Add 2 tablespoons of honey and mix in 1 tablespoon of sugar until the sugar is completely immersed in the oil mixture.

· Take a couple spoonfuls of the scrub and work into your legs and feet to fully exfoliate, sloughing away dead skin and smoothing out calluses, cracked heels and rough spots.

· The coconut oil will provide a great amount of moisture, leaving skin feeling smooth and supple.

· Also, be sure to rub on toe nail beds and in between toes to prevent nail infections and fungus (as coconut oil contains anti-bacterial and anti-fungal properties).

· Repeat 1-2 times per week for a moisturizing and revitalizing at-home spa treatment.

How do you take care of your feet?

Hormel Foods Back-To-School Twitter Chat August 26

This post is written in partnership as a Hormel Foods Blogger. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

As the kids are getting ready to go back to school, Hormel Foods is here to help make the transition as smooth as possible for the kids and mom & dad.

Join Hormel Foods on August 26 from 1-2 p.m. CST on the Hormel Foods Twitter handle (@HormelFoods) to ask questions and share your tips around the Back-To-School theme. Everyone who participates will be automatically entered to win a $500 gift card! Join the conversation using the hashtag, #HFBTS.

Scholastic Media Introduces 'I SPY Adventure' on VTech's InnoTab Tablets - Giveaway

I received no product or compensation for this post. This post is in partnership with PR firm. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Scholastic Media has just released I SPY Adventure, its first title for VTech’s InnoTab tablets!

Compatible with all InnoTab devices, I SPY Adventure brings all the age-appropriate entertainment of I SPY to life in a whole new way, as it launches young players into engaging, brain-building quests and takes them through interactive riddles, puzzles and games. With I SPY Adventure (SRP $24.99), players embark on exciting learning adventures that challenge them to match, find and sort objects across multiple games, while helping to build their problem-solving, logic, vocabulary and visual discrimination skills.

With I SPY Adventure (SRP: $24.99), players embark on exciting learning adventures that challenge them to match, find and sort objects across multiple games, while helping to build their problem-solving, logic, vocabulary and visual discrimination skills. Recommended for kids ages 4-7, I SPY Adventure features multiple ways to play, including:

· Riddle Rush: Players solve I SPY riddles by searching for objects in photorealistic scenes with various kid-pleasing themes, including cars and trucks, crafts, colors, outer space and more
· Pattern Quest: In this fast-paced game, players look and listen for a pattern and then find the object that completes it
· Oops Hoops: Players figure out what the objects have in common and then sort them into hoops with other similar objects
· Adventure Box: Players unlock a treasure box full of I SPY objects and find the matching pairs

Every stimulating game in I SPY Adventure features 50 levels to be conquered and unlocked – each more challenging than the next! Players also encounter “power-ups” and other surprises all along the way. And, once they have successfully completed a level, they can replay it at any time.

The new I SPY Adventure game from Scholastic Media is compatible with all InnoTab systems.

Win It!

One person will win Vtech InnoTab Software - I SPY Adventure.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

WallPops - Peel-and-Stick Wall Art Review

I received product for review. The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Whether it’s middle school, senior year or stepping onto a college campus, the first day of school is exciting. It’s a chance for students to reinvent themselves, to get a fresh start with new goals and to make a new friend or two along the way. However, when the thrill of the first week fades and routines become mundane, the thought of waking up for class is one that many students dread. What if they had something to look forward to every time their locker door opened? What if their at-home or dorm room study areas weren’t boring?

This back-to-school season, WallPops, the premier line of peel-and-stick wall art from Brewster Home Fashions, has new offerings that add a big dose of style to the school scene. From coordinated locker kits to four-piece organizers to chalkboard dots, the extensive line takes the ordinary out of every day.

I received the Do What You Love Quote from WallPops and knew immediately where I was going to apply it. I have a lone white square wall space in my kitchen, and I was sure the wall art would look perfect there. The quote comes in two sheets, with each L-O-V-E letter separated. Also on each sheet are different colored flowers.

The peel and stick decal was very easy to apply. Instructions are included, as well as a photo for a general idea of what to do. It's first important to make sure the surface you're applying a decal to is clean and dry. Several times I removed and repositioned the decal. I wanted it juuuust right. There was no sticky residue, and the decal stuck like new each time I reapplied it. I was also impressed that the letters took very little smoothing out. Air bubbles were quite minimal. I did not apply the decal exactly like shown in the picture. Which is okay. Some of the flowers are adhered to my cabinet doors.

I've applied several wall art decals throughout my home, and the Do What You Love Wall Quote was one of the easiest to handle and apply. The colors and patterns of the decal are florid and the quote itself is a beautiful reminder to "Do What You Love".

Curél Kids' Defense Kit‏ - Giveaway

I received no product or compensation for this post. This post is in partnership with PR firm. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

As school starts, children across the country begin to experience problems common to the classroom like germs, lice, skin irritation and eczema.

It's now easier for you to become the ultimate mom and protect your child with an exclusive Kids’ Defense Kit created with Curél Skin Care.

The kit contains an array of products meant to shield your little one from any discomfort that they may face this back to school season:

Curél Itch Defense Lotion to fight itchy, eczema-prone skin
Babo Botanicals Lice Repel Shampoo + Conditioning Spray
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Cream to Powder Ointment
Burt’s Bees Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer to ward off germs

Win It!

One person will win a Curél Kids' Defense Kit‏ that includes:
Curél Itch Defense Lotion
Babo Botanicals Lice Repel Shampoo + Conditioning Spray
Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Cream to Powder Ointment
Burt’s Bees Aloe & Witch Hazel Hand Sanitizer

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

More August Winners

A few of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn. The winners have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or new winner(s) will be drawn.

The winner of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles DVD giveaway is #8, Heather R.

The winner of the I See Me! personalized lunchbox giveaway is #37, Tylerpants.

The winner of the WordGirl giveaway is #25, VickeC.

The winner of the MoonPies giveaway is #7, Judy Whatilivefor.

The winner of the Dial Coconut Water Refreshing Mango Body Wash giveaway is #9, bison61.

The winner of The Pout-Pout Fish Goes to School book giveaway is #45, saturdaynightfever.

The winners of the Ripley's Believe It Or Not!: Reality Shock book giveaway are #40, Amanda Whitley and #35, 1froglegs.

The winner of the Legends of Oz: Dorothy's Return giveaway is #38, Brandy G.

The winner of the Scholastic Prize Pack giveaway is #65, Leela.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered. Be sure to enter my currently active giveaways if you haven't already. They're all listed at the top left hand side of my blog. There's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Legends of Oz Tweet-A-Long Twitter Party August 22

I received no product or compensation for this post. This post is in partnership with PR firm. Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services. Your opinions and results may differ.

Join in for a fun night celebrating the music of Legend of Oz: Dorothy’s Return available now on Digital HD and Blu-ray on August 26! Relive your favorite songs from the movie for the chance to win Digital HD movie download codes, graphic novels, character collectables, costumes, dolls, and more! They will also be releasing DVD bonus sing-a-long videos for you and your family to enjoy. The Twitter party will be It will be heavily themed with the music (a 'tweet-a-long') with fill-in-the-blank lyrics, etc.

DATE: Friday, August 22nd from 9PM – 10PM Eastern/6PM – 7PM Pacific

INFO: Party host @ThriftyChicMom

Official hashtag #LegendsofOz and handle @LegendsOfOz

@FoxHomeEnt and @FHEInsiders will be tweeting as well!

Wordful Wednesday - World Fuel Altered Nationals

Over the weekend I went with my husband and son, along with a few friends, to Eddyville Raceway in Iowa to attend the World Fuel Altered Nationals.  It's lots of cars with lots of horsepower making lots of noise.  In other words, lots of fun.  

This was our third year attending the event.  Friday night it was rained out and Saturday it rained on our parade for a bit, but the races finally went underway Saturday evening and all day Sunday.

There were over 250 cars competing in different divisions.  My husband brought his Pontiac Firebird to race.

During down time, we were able to view cars that were in the back competing in a car show. 

My friend, Laura, came along to keep me company.

The best part of the whole event was that my husband won overall in the Street ET division.  He beat out 15 other cars to win the plaque and cash prize.  He was consistent on his reaction times and was almost dead on every time for what his car would race.  It took him eight rounds of racing to get on top and beat out the other competitors.  We were on top of the world! 

Several World Fuel Altered cars were there for the main attraction.  They're the loudest and biggest.  

Adam had his picture taken and received an autographed poster from the driver of Hot Rod from Hell.  He also received a spark plug that was used in the Bad Attitude fuel altered car.

Adam, Robert, and Jason

Jason's boss also raced.  He was in a different division than Jason and made it to third round with his Mustang.

Friday and Saturday night we stayed at Super 8 in Oskaloosa.  It was nothing too fancy but was comfortable and clean.  All in all, it was a wonderful weekend.

Have you ever attended a drag race?  Does the sound of loud and the sight of fast cars excite you?