2009 | Product Reviews by The Experimental Mommy

Crazy Dog T-Shirts: Review and Giveaway!

December 21, 2009 By Jennifer 350 Comments

Does your family pick names to exchange gifts for Chritmas? Did you pick your college-age cousin and have no clue what to get him? That’s not the case for me, but I do have to get something for my younger brother who loves to pull stunts that get people talking. The perfect place for that offbeat gift: Crazy Dog T-Shirts!

Where else can you plaster the man-tastic Hasselhoff to your chest?

Crazy Dog T-shirts has every kind of conversation-starter shirt you can imagine. 80′s T-shirts, Vintage T-shirts, Bachelor Party T-shits, and dirt-cheap T-shirts for those gag gifts you may need for everyone’s favorite game of Dirty Santa. Crazy Dog T-shirts has EVERY kind of kooky T-shirt you can imagine. Bridgette knows one of my many dirty secrets is that I love Golden Girls re-runs, so she was very kind to send me the “Stay Golden” Tee.

Bridgette, Thank you for being a friend.

My “Stay Golden” tee was super soft and comfy. I proudly put it on! Did you know Crazy Dog T-shirts can even do a custom order? Now you can put your own jokes on T-shirts for friends! Crazy Dog even has Costumes (the Burger King one had me cracking up) for you or your pooch!

Want to get your Crazy Dog T-shirt on? Crazy Dog has generously offered one lucky Not So Blog reader the chance to win one!

How to enter:

1. Check out the options at Crazy Dog T Shirts and tell me which one you would select if you won!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @CrazyDogTShirts 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 Crazy Dog T-Shirts on Facebook.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 4th. 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 Crazy Dog T Shirts who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: crazy dog t-shirts, funny t shirts, gag t shirts

Playmates Toys: iCarly Review

December 21, 2009 By admin 1 Comment

My daughter, who is about to turn 5, has been straying from her usual TV shows and looking for something a little less “baby.” She ended her search when she ran across iCarly on Nickelodeon.

This humorous show features three friends (Carly, Sam and Freddie) who create their own webshow called iCarly. The show lets kids be kids and includes sketch comedy and random dancing which Lily absolutely loves! On the show, Sam uses a remote control to create sound effects such as applause, booing, and music signaling “random dancing.” On more than one occassion, Lily has made the comment that Sam’s remote is “so cool!”

Playmates Toys and Nickelodeon realized that iCarly had great marketing potential and teamed up to bring kids great toys that let them pretend to be part of iCarly! About Playmates Toys:

“With a history of over 40 years, Playmates Toys is among the most well respected and innovative marketing and distribution companies in the global toy industry with a proven heritage in both the creation of original and imaginative products as well as the development and management of profitable, long-term brand franchises. The company’s core licensed character and entertainment brands include Disney Fairies, Nickelodeon’s “iCarly” and H2O, The Halcyon Company, Warner Bros’ distributed “Terminator Salvation”, CBS Consumer Products- Paramount Pictures’ distributed “Star Trek”, Giochi Preziosi’s “Gormiti”, 4Kids Entertainment/Mirage Licensing’s “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” and 4Kids’ Yu-Gi-Oh! and Dinosaur King. From its offices in Hong Kong, China, and the United States, Playmates Toys designs, develops and markets its products which are distributed in over 80 countries worldwide.”

I was asked to review one of those products, Sam’s Remote. When it arrived, Lily was so excited and immediately turned on one of the iCarly episodes we had taped (the one where they go to Japan…it’s pretty funny, by the way!). The toy remote looks exactly like Sam’s and makes all of the noises seen on the show. Lily has enjoyed the “random dancing” as I knew she would, and has made me get up an dance at her will when she presses the button!

iCarly’s Fall 2009 line includes collectible vinyl figures, interactive playsets based on locations from the actual show, 10” fashion figures, and several gadgets inspired by Carly’s webshow. Sam’s remote by Playthings Toys is available to purchase at Toys R Us for only $12.99! It would make an excellent stocking stuffer for your little iCarly fan!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: iCarly, Nickelodeon, Playmates toys, review

Funky Monkey Snacks: Review

December 20, 2009 By admin Leave a Comment

Funky Monkey Snacks will be a great way to sneak an extra serving of fruit into my daughter’s diets without hearing whining or complaining!

One package of Funky Monkey Snacks (3 servings each) in the following flavors: Applemon, Pink Pineapple and MangOJ. About Funky Monkey Snacks:

What if there was a delicious snack with the crunch and convenience people love, but also had the taste and goodness of fresh fruit? Imagine a tasty snack that was crunchy, portable, and good-for-you… now you know what Funky Monkey Snacks are all about! Funky Monkey Snacks are a line of freeze-dried fruit that are 100% natural, 100% real fruit, and 100% delicious – with three servings of fruit in each 1oz bag!

We combine the great taste and nutrition of fresh fruit withe the crunch and convenience of your favorite snacks. We do it by freeze dying full slices and pieces of real fruit using an unique process to lock in the taste, smell and nutrients of freshly picked fruits while creating a fun and satisfying crunch!”

My kids do really like fruit, but sometimes it can get routine and they start to whine about having to eat their fruit…again! However, they are always enticed by the crunch of cheese puffs or potato chips and will grab for those as a snack first. So, I was thrilled to learn about Funky Monkey Snacks who created crunchy fruit!

I will admit that I was skeptical when first opening the package. They really do look like thick potato chips, but I tasted one first before giving it to my daughter and they were actually quite good. My girls decided to try the Pink Pineapple flavor first because, well, they are pink! And the verdict was positive! My daughters ate the entire bag, and I was thrilled that they got a serving of fruit while enjoying not only a healthy, but tasty snack. I also found that these snacks were perfect to carry in my diaper bag for on the go snacking!

My daughters loved the great taste and crunchiness of Funky Monkey Snacks, and as a Mom I loved the fact that my girls got a nutritional snack. Funky Monkey Snacks offers a wide variety of flavors to satisfy just about any taste including Bananmon and Carnaval to name a few. The snacks can be purchased from Amazon.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to Funky Monkey Snacks who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: freeze dried fruit snacks, funky monkey snacks

Find a Gift for Anyone on your List at TJ Maxx and Marshalls!

December 19, 2009 By admin 1 Comment

TJ Maxx and Marshalls wanted to show you that you can find a gift for anyone on your holiday list for a great price, so they came up with one of the most creative blog campaigns I have been a part of thus far. Sshhhhh……I’m a Secret Santa! One hundred blogs were selected as the “Secret Santa 100″, were given 2 $25 gift cards and were challenged to shop not only for themselves, but for their Secret Santa for under $25!

I have never met my Secret Santa partner, so I took the time to look around her blog and see if I could get any hints as to what she might like. It was harder than I thought, but I did get a few clues and set off to my local TJ Maxx store. Because my partner (who shall remain nameless for now) lives in a colder climate, I thought she might like a cozy and incredibly soft blanket ($12.99). As a Southern girl, I would never survive in cold temperatures, so I wanted to make sure my partner was warm! I found a cute insulated coffee mug and some Moose Munch to complete the package, too! My total? $25.82!

I think the gift will make a wonderful presentation and I really hope she likes it! Do you still have some shopping left to do? You really can find something for everyone here! Marshalls and T.J. Maxx have a selection of all the hottest toys including Transformers, Barbies, My Little Pony and Cars as well as MP3 accessories, electric razors and golf accessories, too!

TJ Maxx and Marshalls would also love to help someone win a $5,000 holiday shopping spree! On YouTube’s specially created “Caroling Channel“, you can select from one of three carols, create your own “Carol-oke” video and upload it in order to enter the contest. You can sing alone, with your family or convince your kids to do it for you…just SING! And just for entering the contest, a donation to Toys for Tots will be made for each entry received.

There’s not too much time left to finish your shopping list! Head to your local TJ Maxx and Marshall’s and find something for everyone!

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to TJ Maxx and Marshall’s who provided the $25 gift card for me and a $25 gift card for my Secret Santa. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: Marshalls, Secret Santa, TJ Maxx

PictureIt Postage: Review and Coupon Code

December 19, 2009 By admin 1 Comment

PictureIt Postage will give our Christmas cards a special personal touch this holiday season, not to mention great stocking stuffers!

One pack of 20 photo stamps from PictureIt Postage displaying my two daughter’s Christmas photo. About PictureIt Postage:

“PictureItPostage™ is real US Postage created by Endicia™ (en-dee-shya), the leading distributor of Internet (PC) postage by volume in the United States. The Company provides a full suite of mailing and shipping solutions to businesses. Endicia received the USPS Quality Supplier Award in 1989 and the Industry Star Award in 2004.

Endicia™ has been serving the postal market for over 15 years, with desk top software products and services which automate shipping for businesses and consumers. The company has a long track record of innovation, including numerous industry firsts in the area of internet postage, internet services and mail management.

In 1989, the company was awarded the prestigious Quality Supplier Award by the US Postal Service. Endicia is an approved and licensed vendor of the US Postal Service.”

One of the reasons that I love the holidays is sending and receiving Christmas cards! I love to see old friends and family and catching up on what they have been up to this year. Fortunately, I have a friend who takes incredible pictures, and generously puts together a Christmas Card for me each year. So, when I was given the opportunity to try out PictureIt Postage, I knew exactly which photo I would use!

It was incredibly easy to upload a photo and create my stamp. I like the fact that I could see a sample of my stamp online to make sure it was perfect before ordering. My stamps arrived very quickly and I have gotten a great response from those who have received their cards. I would definitely recommend this service!

I was very pleased with my order from PictureIt Postage. It was easy to create my stamp, view options and packages, and place my order. My stamps were shipped quickly and arrived only a few short days later. I was also quite impressed with the quality of the stamp as it is printed on a self-adhesive label. You can choose to create your stamp in portrait or landscape and can even include your business logo! This product would make a great stocking stuffer!

Interested in trying PictureIt Postage? Use the code SALE to receive $4 off 1 pack of stamps (20 stamps), $8 off 2 packs (40 stamps) or $10 off 3 packs (60 stamps). This offer expires December 31, 2009.

This review is the opinion of The Experimental Mommy. Other may have a different experience with the product. Thank you to PictureIt Postage who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: photo stamps, PictureIt Postage, review

Kraft Foods Gift Basket GIVEAWAY!

December 18, 2009 By admin 1,019 Comments

As a Mom of two little ones and also a woman who works outside of the home, my time in the kitchen is quite limited. The key for me is planning, planning and more planning. I find the weeks that I don’t plan my dinner menus turn into kitchen chaos and eating out way more than I would like (or than my budget can handle). After checking out the Kraft Foods website, I am hoping the recipes and meal planning tips will help me save time and my sanity!

For years, I have loved Kraft products (who doesn’t love the traditional Kraft Macaroni and Cheese?). But, sometimes you just have to spice up dinner! Check out this really Easy Layered Taco Bake or the Cheesy Chicken Skillet both featuring none other than the infamous Mac and Cheese. Who knew Mac and Cheese could be so exciting? Looking for meals on the lighter side? Kraft Foods has created a whole section of recipes under 500 calories which would work perfectly in my Weight Watchers diet plan! I definitely want to try the Crispy Chicken Mexicali Salad next week!

If you are still looking for more suggestions and tips, Kraft Foods recently re-launched their Facebook fan page and The Kraft Foods Channel on YouTube. I love the YouTube channel because, since I am not too handy in the kitchen, actual videos of the recipes helps tremendously. Check out this video of Philadelphia Marble Brownies! Both sites have delicious recipes and seasonal tips…just in time for the holidays! They also provide a forum to exchange ideas and recipes, ask questions and provide feedback. And if you don’t want to miss a single detail, follow @KraftFoods on Twitter! Kraft would like to encourage you all to interact with them on all of these social media platforms. Let them know what YOU would like to see next from Kraft Foods!

Want to try out some of the newest Kraft products? Kraft Foods has generously provided a Kraft Foods gift baskets filled with 4 delicious holiday recipes from the Kraft Foods Kitchens, a Zak Designs garlic peeler, an HA Mack olivewood mixing spoon, NEW Velveeta Rotini and Cheese Whole Grain, Planters cocktail peanuts, Planters pecans, Baker’s semi-sweet chocolate, Stove Top, Honey Maid cinnamon crackers, Jet Puffed marshmallows, Oreos, Kraft salad dressing, NEW Maxwell House Blend coffee, NEW Ritz Brown Sugar Cinnamon crackers and NEW Wheat Thins Flatbread crackers.

How to enter:

1. Visit the recipe section of the Kraft Foods website and tell me which one you would love to try!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) on @KraftFoods 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 Kraft Foods on Facebook.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 5th. 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 Kraft Foods who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Honey Maid, Kraft, Kraft Foods, Planters, Stove Top, Velveeta

NESTLE Holiday Memories Photo Contest: Giveaway

December 18, 2009 By admin 172 Comments

One of the highlights of my bloggy year in 2009 was attending the Happy, Healthy Family Gathering at the Nestle Headquarters in California. After touring the facilities and meeting the incredibly inspiring employees, I have a new respect for this company which goes way beyond their chocolate chips (amazing, I know!). Now, when I am looking for a new recipe or inspiration in the kitchen, my first stop is NestleFamily.com!

Nestle has included a new section on their site specifically designed to help you dazzle your friends and familythis holiday season. You can find amazing recipes (check out the Mini Raspberry Snow Cakes!), decorating ideas, and even share your holiday traditions.

While you are looking around the site, why not win some money, right? By simply submitting your favorite holiday photo, you can win one of 5 Grand Prize $500 gift cards to wherever your heart desires! The 45 runner ups will receive a $50 gift card as well! You can submit a photo in one of five categories including: Kids in the Kitchen, Bah Haumbug, Deck the Halls, Home for the Holidays and Cuddly Moments. Dig up those old family photos or make some new memories and submit them before 6:00pm EST 1/4/10 in order to qualify!

Did you find a recipe you are dying to make on NestleFamily.com? Want to win some Nestle products to help you along? Nestle has generously donated a gift basket full of coupons for FREE products to one Not-So-Blog reader including:

Toll House (chocolate chips and cookie dough), Carnation Evaporated Milk and Breakfast Essentials, Stouffer’s, Juicy Juice and Boost Kid Essentials, as well as products from Wonka and Rasinets. You will also receive a 4×6 silver photo frame and the Carnation holiday recipe guide!

How to enter:

1. Check out the yummy recipes on the Nestle Family Holiday site and tell me which one makes your mouth water!

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. Submit a photo to the Nestle Family Holiday Memories Photo contest and get 5 extra entries!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 4th. 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 Nestle who provided the product for review. I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Boost, Carnation, Holiday Photo Contest, Juicy Juice, Nestle Family, Stouffer's, Toll House, Wonka

Glidden Paint Test Drive: Review

December 17, 2009 By Jennifer Leave a Comment

Once the holidays pass I am anxious to get my house back to normal (whatever normal is, ha-ha) and often spend the latter half of the holiday break weeding out closets, cleaning stuff that never gets cleaned, and getting re-organized in general. We have been in our current house for six years and recently discussed the need to repaint. This is where both my husband and myself get a little nauseated because it is always so expensive and nerve-wracking to take on a painting project. When we were painting my son’s nursery a long time ago, we went through seven, yes, SEVEN trials of paint before we finally found “the one.” This is why the hairs on the back of my neck stand up with the word paint is mentioned. However, one word might make me change my mind: Glidden.

Glidden001

For starters, Glidden paint is continually tested in every kind of light to make certain the color you see in the can is the color you see on your walls. This solves the headache of the seven-can trial I fear. The paint flows smoothly and easily and this makes application fast and easy. Glidden has better coverage of the previous wall color with fewer coats of paint. When we bought our house, the master bathroom was fuschia. Yes, fuschia. It took three days of painting the neutral color we chose before it even began to cover it. UGH. Glidden, in an effort to prove how well it works, equipped me with some test sheets!

This is ONE coat! Unbelieveable!

I was amazed at how easily the Glidden paint covered the heavy black line on the test sheets. This is a ONE COAT application! I sure wish we had gone wtih Glidden paint when covering up the fuschia nightmare years ago. The paint flowed easily and went on smoothly. What impressed me most about Glidden is finding out about its endurance. Glidden paint is vigorously tested and is guaranteed to have excellent stain resistance, bond-ability (no chipping or peeling) and rub resistance! Best of all, Glidden is priced reasonably so save you one more headache….or maybe a wallet-ache!

I would highly recommend trying Glidden products the next time you have a paint project going on. Check out their website for some helpful hints to get you started! Happy painting everyone!

Filed Under: Reviews Tagged With: glidden, interior paint

Safeway $50 gift card GIVEAWAY!

December 17, 2009 By admin 452 Comments

The food, the music, the people, the Saints….I love everything about living in New Orleans….until now. Recently, I was contacted by Safeway to do a review of their grocery stores, and unfortunately there are NONE in my area. Not even close. After searching the website, I now realize what I am missing!

Safeway not only provides everyday low prices, but you can also find coupons online, recipes and meal suggestions, and everything you need to make a delicious holiday meal (check out this Candy Cane Hot Chocolate)! And get this….they DELIVER! The thought of not having to stand in line, touch germy baskets and bring my kids to the store is almost enough to make me move closer to a Safeway grocery store!

Because I am not able to travel to experience Safeway for myself, I am leaving it up to YOU! One Not-So-Blog reader will win a $50 Safeway Gift Card (you just have to come back and tell me about it! LOL!).

How to enter:

1. Tell me why you love shopping at Safeway!

Additional entries:

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

3. Subscribe to my blog.

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

5. Enter to win a $50 Safeway gift card on Cool Baby Kid and get an extra entry here!

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 31st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: gift card, giveaway, Safeway

Coffee For Less: Review and Giveaway

December 17, 2009 By admin 286 Comments

The Gloria Jeans Swiss Chocolate Almond K-Cups Box from Coffee For Less will be a great treat for my hubby who LOVES our Keurig coffee machine *almost* as much as he loves me!

One box (24ct) of Gloria Jeans Swiss Chocolate Almond K-cups from Coffee For Less, our Keurig Platinum coffee machine and one hubby who HAS to have his coffee in the morning! About Coffee For Less:

“Coffee For Less.com is an Internet coffee shop for your home, office or restaurant. For the past 25 years Coffee Serv Inc. of Philadelphia has established the reputation of being the preeminent office and restaurant coffee provider in the Greater Delaware Valley. Founded as a family business by Jack and Lynn Kirshner, Coffeeserv Inc. has grown to become the largest Office Coffee Service provider in Philadelphia. Our coffee Blends include Millstone, Starbucks, Green Mountain, Barrie House and our own blend, just to name a few. We also carry the leading Tea brands in the country. Celestial Seasoning, Bigelow, Tazo and Tetley offer a wide variety of flavors and blends to meet any particular liking.”

A few months back, I was fortunate to do a product review of a Keurig Platinum Brewer. This machine has been a godsend in my house! My hubby uses it daily to make both coffee and iced coffee treats before he leaves for school or as a nighttime snack. I, on the other hand, am a tea kinda girl! The Keurig allows us to both enjoy our favorites! A great place to discover new favorites is Coffee For Less which has an almost endless variety of K-Cups for our machine. The choices are so extensive that Coffee For Less provides you with a “K-Cup Selector Tool” to help you find the best choice for your taste and lifestyle.

My hubby selected the Gloria Jeans Coffee Swiss Chocolate Almond K-Cup Box which comes in a pack of 24 for $11.95. He absolutely LOVES IT! He finally found a coffee that is great both hot or cold! He says that it almost seems more like a dessert than a drink and he would definitely buy it again.

Coffee for Less is a great place to find just about any variety of K-Cups you desire. No Keurig? No problem! This online coffee shop sells coffee by the pound, too! Not a coffee fan? Try Starbucks Gourmet Hot Chocolate! Coffee For Less has a ton of options to satisfy anyone on your holiday gift list. My personal recommendation? Surprise them with the Keurig K-Cups!!

Are you in need of a coffee pick-me-up? Coffee for Less has generously offered one Not-So-Blog reader their own box (24ct) of the Gloria Jeans Swiss Chocolate Almond K-Cups!

How to enter:

1. Visit Coffee For Less and tell me a flavor of coffee you would love to try!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and Coffee For Less 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 Coffee For Less on Facebook.

5. Sign up for the Coffee For Less email newsletter.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 31st. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.