Wen Haircare by Chaz Dean Review and Giveaway!

I am a product junkie by nature (what girl isn’t?) so I am so excited to share a new product with the Not So Blog Readers!  Wen Healthy Hair Care System is an innovative way to take care of your hair.  I know most Moms out there are like me…..limited time to get ready, dressed, and out the door.  Wouldn’t it be nice if we didn’t have to fight with our hair to get it to look right?  Living in the South is especially challenging with the constant heat and humidity.  We have more bad hair days than good!  To fight the battle, we shampoo, condition, blow dry, flat iron, hairspray, and wreak havoc on our hair.  Sound familiar?  Wen is a completely different way to take care of your hair.  From the website:

Celebrity stylist Chaz Dean presents WEN®, an industry-changing product line that is the first ever to exclude ordinary shampoo. What sets WEN® apart from the rest is its cleansing conditioner, a single-step process that cleanses and conditions the hair simultaneously. The cleansers are made with natural ingredients, and contain no sodium laurel sulfate or other damaging detergents found in shampoos.

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The first thing I noticed about Wen is the smell….addictive!  A perfect blend of almond and mint that is not overpowering at all.  The product is thick and creamy, like the texture of a good deep conditioner, and is easy to apply.  The fact that it doesn’t lather takes getting used to, but there was no doubt that it was cleansing nonetheless.  After rinsing and towel drying my hair, I couldn’t believe how EASY it was to comb out after.  I have color treated hair and comb-outs after shampooing are painful because all the highlighted parts of my hair tangle and break easily.  Not this time!  That alone is enough to seal the deal for me!  I usually shampoo, condition, apply detangler, and STILL lose a bunch of hair in the combing out process.  Once I dried my hair I still found it to be much softer and shinier than it usually is.  I should mention that I spend a good bit on salon shampoo and conditioner from my hair stylist because I always assumed what I was buying was better than the drugstore stuff.  After reading up on Wen’s website, I am not so sure!  Not to mention, at $29.95 for a 30 day supply, The Wen system is less than  my salon stuff!  Hooray!  Do yourself a favor and check out the FAQ page and the Before and Afters!

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Do you want to create your own Wen Before and After at home?  Wen had generously offered to send one lucky Not So Blog reader a 12-ounce Cleansing Conditioner!  Here’s how to get your own “good hair day!”

How to enter:

1. Visit the Wen and tell me another product you would love to try on your hair!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 29th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Wen Haircare for supplying the product for review.

Animal Planet and IronMan DVD: Review

For those of you that have DVD players in the car, do you wonder how on earth we made it as children without them?  While I do limit the use of ours to car trips that will be about an hour or more, the kids really enjoy being able to watch something that interests them and my husband and I enjoy not having to hear “Are we there yet?” as soon as we are out of the driveway and another ten times before we reach our destination.  So, I am always on the lookout for movies that are inexpensive, will hold their attention, and maybe even be a little educational too.  I am happy to share with you some GREAT DVD collections distributed by Genius Products!

Just released October 27, Iron Man Volume 1 is PERFECT for boys!  Tony Stark is Iron Man, and he uses his Technological Inventions to Battle Villains and save the world!  My son loved this one!  It held his attention and was interesting, a far cry from some of the mindless stuff on TV nowadays.

predatorsBoth of my kids are animal fanatics.  Animal Planet’s Predators is geared toward older kids and adults as it is an eye-popping experience.  Viewers will learn about the post-traumatic but triumphant lives of people who have survived deadly confrontations with wild animals.  The DVD includes the story of a female crocodile and her young through the process of mating, birth, and growing up in Costa Rica.

Last but not least, Animal Planet’s Elephants features an extended elephant family as they embark upon a life and death journey across the African Plains.  The second feature, Queen of the Elephants, shows how the people of India regard the elephant as a god; yet today, the needs of the elephants and humans are opposed.

Both Animal Planet DVD’s feature breathtaking cinematography and loads of information.  My kids love Animal Planet shows and I must admit when they are playing, they don’t make the hairs on the back of hubby’s neck stand up…..like these guys do:

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Do yourself a favor and check out Genius Products to see what they have to offer.  Your kids will thank you!

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Maukilo $50 Toy Gift Card: Review and Giveaway

hypothesis Maukilo’s Gymnic and Rody Jumping Horse will be a great way for Lily to have some fun while exercising her body and her imagination.

materials One Gymnic and Rody Jumping Horse from Maukilo in Purple, and one very energetic almost 5 year old daughter.  About Maukilo:

maukiloWhether purchasing a set of wooden building blocks, a hand-knit doll, arts and crafts supplies, or a game with multiple play styles, customers have come to depend on Maukilo as a place to find expertly made, heirloom-quality toys. These toys are not only well made, but they’re also made to exceed safety standards. Wooden toys sold at Maukilo.com are finished with non-toxic, natural lacquers; and plastic toys are made from child-safe, PVC-free materials. Maukilo’s goal is to provide toys that are made to last, so that any toy can withstand the test of time and be passed onto the next generation.

Maukilo.com is owned by HABA, a 70-year-old German toy company, and shares a warehouse with HABA in upstate New York. Because of this partnership, Maukilo.com is able to offer more than 1,500 HABA items, the widest selection of HABA products in the United States. Maukilo rounds out its assortment with other wonderful brands, all of which meet the company’s motto: “Buy once. Play forever.”

results When I first saw the Rody Jumping Horse, I knew may daughter would absolutely flip over it!  A chance to jump in the house?  Awesome!  And I was totally right.  Lily loves this horse.

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The Gymnic & Rody Jumping Horse is for kids over 3 years of age and provides endless and safe rides.  This product is made of latex free vinyl and helps children learn balance and coordination while having lots of fun!  Just from looking at the picture online,  thought the horse would be much bigger, so I was concerned about where I would store it in my home.  But, it’s actual size was smaller than I anticipated and stores easily in Lily’s closet.

summary

The Gymnic and Rody Jumping Horse comes in a variety of colors and can be purchased directly from Maukilo for $44.95.  Not interested in the horse?  Maukilo has a HUGE selection of other children’s toys!  From pretend play to outdoor toys, you are sure to find the perfect holiday gift!

Want to experience Maukilo for yourself? One Lucky Not-So-Blog reader will receive a $50 gift card to spend on any toy selection!

How to enter:

1. Visit the Maukilo and tell me how you would spend your gift card!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and Maukilo (@Maukilo)on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Maukilo on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 29th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Maukilo for supplying the product for review.

Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs Giveaway

On occassion, my husband and I decide to throw a “movie night” for Lily.  We let her stay up past bedtime, bring her sleeping bag into the living room, eat popcorn and watch a kid-friendly movie.  We are always on the lookout for a great movie to share with her, and fortunately, Ice Age:  Dawn of the Dinosaurs was recently released.  A little about the movie:

In the  coolest Ice Age adventure yet, Manny and the herd discover a lost world of ferociously funny dinosaurs, including a cranky T. rex who’s got a score to settle with Sid! Meanwhile, Scrat goes nuts over the beautiful Scratte, but is she trying to win his heart – or steal his acorn?”

iceage

The Ice Age 3: Dawn Of The Dinosaurs Three-Disc Combo Pack (Blu-ray, DVD and a Digital Copy) provides hours of extra fun for the entire family including an Ice Age digital story book maker, commentary by director Carlos Saldanha, deleted scenes, making-of featurettes, two special Scrat shorts, a how-to-draw Scrat tutorial with the filmmakers and much more.  Want more features?  The “Scrat Pack”, available for a limited time, is overloaded with new features including exclusive games!

Want to have your own movie night with Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs? Enter now to win one of FIVE copies of the movie!

How to enter:

1. Tell me what was the last movie you and your child watched together!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA)  on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 27th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Ice Age:  Dawn of the Dinosaurs for supplying the product for review.

Have you selected your Holiday cards yet?

My friend, April, is a very talented photographer.  Each year about this time, I beg, plead and shoot her my best puppy dog eyes in order to convince her to take some family pictures for our Christmas card.  No matter how much the girls squirm, fuss or appear distracted, I am always awed by the final product.

It’s a hard task to find the perfect template in which to place my family photo!  But, one of the best places to start looking is Tiny Prints!  I honestly have not seen a more comprehensive selection at any other location on the web.  This year, I have my eye on the tri-fold holiday cards.  This style will allow me to display more pictures (no pressure, April!).  Not sure which card to get?  No problem!  Tiny Prints has a Personal Shopper service (which is FREE till November 15th) that allows you to send in up to 10 photos.  Your personal shopper will select the best photos and match them with three different card designs.  Review your options and purchase!  How easy is that?!?

Tiny Prints is also searching for it’s next models!  Enter your family photo in their talent search for a chance to win $1000!  Happy Shopping!

FeltTales by Babalu, Inc.: Review and Giveaway

hypothesis Babalu’s FeltTales will be a great way to engage both of my daughters in traditional imaginative play that does not require batteries, computers or television.

materialsFeltTales “Pups in the Park”  by Babalu, Inc., and two excited girls ready to dress the pups for the dog show.  About Babalu, Inc.:

babalulogoRemember when a toy could captivate a child’s attention and stimulate their imagination without the aid of a computer chip? We at Babalu, Inc. feel that child’s play is important business. Too important in fact, to leave it up toys that quite frankly “do” so much while ironically doing so little.

That’s why we created FeltTales – a new line of artfully designed classic felt storyboards designed to inspire young minds. Children ages 3-7 can use the many movable pieces in bright captivating colors to create their own stories and scenes for hours of open ended play. And they’re perfect for sharing.”

results My 4 year old daughter, Lily, has never really been one to sit down and play an electronic toy.  As she gets older, she will pick up an educational video game, but it never hold her attention for more than a few minutes.  So, when I see a toy that encourages her sense of imagination, I love to see her reaction!

babaludogsI thought the FeltTales “Pups in the Park” would be a great surprise for her!  Each FeltTales product comes with a colorful felt board and 19 felt pieces to set the stage for wonderful stories.  They also now include a sturdy plastic pouch to keep all of the felt pieces together and minimize loss.

Lily loved the FeltTales!  She immediately started placing the pups on the board and dressing them in mix ‘n match outfits for their first dog show.  The board and pieces are well made and the included pouch is essential!  Both girls played with the board for quite some time and I thoroughly enjoyed watching them play together and use their imaginations.

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summary

FeltTales make great gifts for the holidays or birthday parties.  Each storyboard is under $20 and comes in scenes appropriate for both girls and boys.  In fact, the FeltTales Pretty Princess storyboard recently won the Tillywig Toy and Media Sterling Fun Award for “exceptional quality and conceptual originality.”  Babalu, Inc. also recently acquired WJ Fantasy which has some great toys including shadow books and touch and feel blocks.

Want to try it for yourself? One Lucky Not-So-Blog reader will receive their choice of any product from the FeltTales or WJ Fantasy line!

How to enter:

1. Visit the FeltTales or WJ Fantasy websites and tell me which product you would choose!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA)  on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 25th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Babalu, Inc. for supplying the product for review.

Dean’s Dip Dipstakes: Giveaway

With tailgating parties in full swing, it seems like we are looking for “football food” at the grocery every week!  Chips and dip are always a good choice (I think it takes away some nervous energy as we pray the Saints will win again!).  Next time you are looking for that perfect dip, try Dean’s Dip-the Chip Magnet!

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About Dean’s:

What’s so great about Dean’s?  First, there’s the taste—such variety! The flavors are like a parade across your taste buds. French onion, ranch, guacamole flavored, and more! Combine them with the salty crunch of a pretzel, or a tangy snap from veggies, and you’ll be wondering where all the dip went!

And how about the smooth, dairy-fresh texture? No surprises when you open the package—a creamy classic every time. Catch it on the ridge of a potato chip, or in the curve of a celery stalk, and savor every cool bite.

Of course, Dean’s Dip goes with just about everything. Potato chips and nachos are your standards, but don’t forget, Dean’s goes great with carrot sticks and broccoli florets. Or try a Dean’s Dip with pepper strips—you’ll wish you’d tried it sooner!”

Right now, Dean’s Dip is hosting a Dipstakes over on Facebook!  Become a Fan, vote for your favorite dip, and enter to win some great prizes such as a Home Entertainment System, a BBQ grill set, or free dip!

Before you head on over to Facebook, enter to win FREE Dean’s Dip right here on The Not-So-Blog! One winner will receive THREE vouchers for free Dean’s Dip!

How to enter:

1. Visit the Dean’s Dip and tell me which dip is your favorite!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and the Dipstakes (@Dipstakes) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog and Dean’s Dip on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 25th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Dean’s Dip for supplying the product for review.

Cuisinart CleanWater Water Filtration System: Review

hypothesis The Cuisinart CleanWater 2 gallon Water Filtration System will be a great way for my family to get great tasting, pure water without the expense of pricey water bottles!

materialsOne 2 Gallon CleanWater Filtration System by Cuisinart, a cup of hot tea and a glass of ice water. About the CleanWater 2 gallon Water Filtration System:

cuisinartwater“The most convenient way to enjoy cleaner, fresher water anytime you want it – chilled, hot or room temperature. The Cuisinart® CleanWater® Countertop Filtration System dispenses refreshing filtered water right from the kitchen countertop, and eliminates the need for costly bottled water alternatives. It’s healthier, smart, and simple – CleanWater® is the future of drinking water!  Product features include:

  • 2.0 gallon tank capacity
  • Dispenses hot (194°F), cold (44°F) and room-temperature filtered water
  • Blue/red LED lights indicate when water is ready
  • Energy Saver reduces energy usage by more than 50%
  • Green LED lights up when Energy Saver feature is activated (hot water is off)
  • Brushed stainless steel housing
  • Removable water tank
  • 2 spigots
  • Fast water flow
  • Filter included
  • GF-80 filter reduces contaminants including (for pH level 6.5):
    – Lead 98.7%
    – Chlorine (taste and odor) 97.5%
    – Mercury 92.8%
    – Benzene 84.1%
    – Cadmium 96.6%
    – Copper 85.0%
    – Tetrachloroethylene 92.5%
    – Toluene 89.8%
  • Filter life is 3 months’ average household use (up to 48 gallons)”

results

Each week my husband or I run to the grocery store for staples which always includes a case of water.  I bring two bottles of water a day to work, my husband brings two and I drink another at home during dinner.  Because we are both losing weight using the Weight Watchers Points plan, we need to make sure we are getting our recommended amount of liquids!  Not only are we producing a large amount of plastic waste, but we are spending lots of money on purchasing water bottles each week.

When I was introduced to the Cuisinart 2 gallon CleanWater Filtration System, I immediately saw its potential!  This countertop water system fits great in my kitchen (we do not have room for a stand alone water dispensing system), matches my kitchen decor and makes grabbing water extremely convenient!  By simply pressing one button, you can dispense hot, cold or room temperature water without waiting.  Making a cup of hot tea and giving a cup of ice water to my 4 year old was a snap!  Take a look at how it works:

In my experience, the Cuisinart was very easy to assemble and learn to use.  There are a few steps you must follow in order to prepare the filter for use, but the process was simple.  I like the Energy Saver feature as well which allows you to use less energy when hot water will not be needed.  Need hot water?  No problem!  The red light will let you know when hot water is ready to dispense.

summary

I absolutely love our Cuisinart CleanWater 2 gallon countertop water filtration system!  Being able to dispense hot water at the touch of a button has saved me time in the mornings as I make my daily cup of hot tea.  Having ice cold water at our fingertips has also helped me to increase my water intake as well, and my girls think it’s fun to get water from the dispenser which encourages them to drink more, too!  I plan to take the Cuisinart to work so my coworkers and I can share the hot water for hot tea and hot chocolate as the weather gets cooler.  It’s size will be perfect for our office space!

This system can be purchased for $149.00.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Cuisinart for supplying the product for review.

Stonyfield YoBaby Meals: Review and Giveaway

hypothesis The Stonyfield YoBaby 3 in 1 meals will be a great (and tasty) way to ensure that my picky eaters get their servings of fruits and vegetables in order to promote healthy eating!

materialsTwo 6 oz. cups of Stonyfield YoBaby 3 in 1 meals in the sweet potato and apple variety, and 2 picky daughters who do not like their veggies.  About YoBaby Meals:

yobaby

YoBaby Meals offer a unique 3-in-1 combination of protein-packed yogurt + fruit + veggie purée in one cup. They’re an easy, delicious and surprising way to help moms give their babies and toddlers a trio of important food groups at every meal.  Three delicious flavors — Pear & Green Bean, Peach & Squash, Apple & Sweet Potato – are just right for baby’s growing appetite. And the single serve 6-ounce cup offers 50% more than current 4-ounce YoBaby multipacks.”

results Aubrie and Lily both are fairly picky eaters.  While both have always loved YoBaby yogurt, it has been a challenge to get them to eat any veggies!  Because I want to promote the importance of healthy eating, I have not stopped trying to give them a fun, more appealling way to get them to love vegetables.  So, when YoBaby announced the development of YoBaby 3 in 1 meals, I was elated! 

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These 6oz yogurts not only provide protein-packed yogurt, but also fruit AND veggie purree!  SCORE!  I found these meals at Walmart and selected the Apple and Sweet Potato variety.  I will admit that I skeptical about how the product would look, but after mixing, it looked no different than their regular yougurt serving.  BOTH girls devoured their YoBaby Meals! 

summary

 YoBaby 3 in 1 meals definitely worked in my home!  Both of my daughters loved the yogurt and did not suspect that they were actually getting in some veggies!  YAY!  I found these meals at my local Super Walmart for $1.29 a piece. 

Want to try it for yourself? One Lucky Not-So-Blog reader will receive a YoBaby Meals prize pack pictured above including: 1 Yobaby travel bowl with lid, 1 Yobaby organic cotton bib, 1 Eric Carle growth chart, and 3 free Yobaby Meals coupons!

How to enter:

1. Visit the YoBaby and tell me which variety you think your child would love!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and Stonyfield (@Stonyfield) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog  and Stonyfield on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 25th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Stonyfield for supplying the product for review.

Aquafresh and Sensodyne Isoactive Foaming Gel: Review and Giveaway

hypothesis The new iso-active toothpastes (available in Aquafresh and Sensodyne) will be a great way to provide all around protection and decrease my teeth sensitivity.

materialsOne canister of iso-active Sensodyne, one canister of iso-active Aquafresh, two toothbrushes, my teeth and my hubby’s teeth. About iso-active products:

aquafreshHere are just a few things that set iso-active apart from other toothpastes:

• It’s a first-of-its-kind toothpaste that’s delivered in a novel canister format
• It starts as a gel and then turns into a foam as it reacts with increases in temperature caused by the warmth of the mouth
• It generates twice the foam as ordinary toothpaste, which spreads active ingredients around the mouth reaching between the surfaces of the teeth and hard-to-reach areas of the mouth to provide a whole mouth clean

Iso-active is now available in both Aquafresh® and Sensodyne®. Aquafresh iso-active Whitening removes three times more bacteria than ordinary toothpaste. Sensodyne iso-active provides all around protection and sensitivity relief for those who experience tooth sensitivity.”

results I have always had incredibly sensitive teeth.  The water they use at the dentist office had always made me jump out of the chair.  Finally, I learned about toothpastes for sensitive teeth and it has made a world of difference.  I am already a fan of Sensodyne, but I have not heard of the iso-active option before.

This toothpaste goes on your toothbrush like a typical gel, but when I started brushing, I noticed a difference right away.  The taste was familiar, but this product foams a LOT more than the ordinary Sensodyne!  The foam is more likely to coat more of your tooth surface (did you know 40% of your tooth surface is hidden between your teeth?) which increases the effectiveness of the toothpaste.

My husband, who does not have sensitive teeth, tried the iso-active Aquafresh.  He also noticed more foaming than his ordinary toothpaste and overall, he felt that the Aquafresh left his teeth feeling clean.

summary

The iso-active product line can be purchased at stores such as Target and Drugstore.com.  The Aquafresh usually retails for $3.99 and the Sensodyne for $5.99.  You can also enjoy a $1 off coupon by clicking here.

Want to try it for yourself?  SIX Not-So-Blog readers will be given the chance to try their choice of a full size canister of either iso-active Aquafresh or Sensodyne!

 

How to enter:

1. Visit the iso-active product page and tell me which prize you would choose!

Additional entries

1. Blog about this giveaway and link to The Not-So-Blog (10 extra entries).

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway. Every time you tweet you get an additional entry! Unlimited! (You must have over 50 Twitter followers to qualify for unlimited entries!)

3. Subscribe to my blog.

4. Become a Fan of The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Favorite me in Technorati!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on November 24th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Aquafresh/Sensodyne for supplying the product for review.