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Make a Holiday Gift at Build-A-Bear Workshop {Giveaway}

December 17, 2011 By

You know what’s so great about making a Build-A-Bear as a holiday gift?  You don’t need to know the child’s size, favorite color or collection of video games.  Every child loves a cuddly stuffed animal, right?!?  And better yet, what child wouldn’t love the experience of spending time with a loved one making their very own Build-A-Bear?  About the experience:

 “This holiday season, Build-A-Bear Workshop® is inviting Guests to get their wish on. With brand-new furry friends from the latest holiday movies, classic and celebrity characters, hi-tech Kinect enabled bears, gifts that give back, holiday traditions, customized presents and fun stocking stuffers, Build-A-Bear Workshop will be on everyone’s wish list this year. Whether you are a grown up searching for the perfect stuffed animal for that special someone, or a child discovering the joy of creating a personalized furry friend, Build-A-Bear Workshop invites all of its Guests to check out the array of gift options that are sure to bring smiles long after the season is over.”

Both of my daughters love going to Build-A-Bear Workshop and admittedly have an entire container of clothes and accessories.  So you can imagine their excitement when I told them that Build-A-Bear had invited them to come and check out the new items for the holidays!  My youngest took her time checking out the assortment of available animals.  My little fashionista definitely thought long and hard about purchasing a Victoria Justice 4 BABW (so cute!) but finally decided on the white arctic polar bear she had been eying for quite a while.

Once she decided on an animal, one of the friendly staff members helped her stuff her bear to her desired softness.  Before closing up the animal, she was able to make a wish on a heart and insert it into her bear.  Next, it was time to bathe and fluff her new bear which she affectionately calls “Icy.”  Now, the real fun begins…picking out clothes and accessories.  After much deliberation, she chose a festive holiday dress and heels before taking Icy home.

If you are considering a Build-A-Bear Workshop experience for your child this holiday season, you should know that you can also purchase stuffed animals that give back!  A portion of the proceeds from these selected animals are donated back to charities that benefit others and contribute to communities such as children’s health and wellness, literacy and education.

My daughter had an absolute blast making a new friend at Build-A-Bear Workshop!  I would definitely recommend a gift card as a stocking stuffer for your little one this holiday season!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a $10 Build-A-Bear Workshop gift card!

How to enter:

1. Tell me which animal your child would love to make at Build-A-Bear Workshop!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @BuildABear 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 and Build-A-Bear on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 2nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% mine.
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ABBA You Can Dance for Wii: Dance Review {oh my}

December 16, 2011 By 5 Comments

This isn’t just any ordinary Friday night. It’s a dance party night!  Time to break out the music, the spandex, the platform shoes and the feathery boas…..it’s ABBA time!  Thanks to Clever Girls Collective and Ubisoft, we had the opportunity to try the new ABBA You Can Dance game for Wii so we decided to have some friends over to join in the fun.

About the game:

“From the creators of the award-winning Just Dance® franchise comes ABBA You Can Dance. Featuring 26 timeless songs, including “Dancing Queen,” “Mamma Mia,” “Fernando,” “Waterloo,” and “Take A Chance On Me,” ABBA You Can Dance invites you to unleash your inner dancing queen and hit the dance floor with one of world’s biggest music sensations. Dance with up to four players or join in on vocals; ABBA You Can Dance is unforgettable fun for friends and family of every generation.”

With the aid of a LED disco ball (oh yeah!), we were ready to get our dance party on!  Once you insert the game, you are faced with a huge selection of songs from which to choose. Some of the dances are for a single player, two players or even a dance party with four total players. The dances include both male and female dancers so everyone can participate.

Once we began, I knew this would be no ordinary Wii game.  The dancers were sparkly! The tunes were some ABBA favorites and the dances were quite spectacular.  While some dances are easier than others, they are all fun!  My husband and I decided to try “The Marionette” and as you can see, I could not even finish because I was doubled over in laughter.  Now before you watch the video, let me preface it by saying that my husband is an extremely good sport and I love him to death, but he is no dancer.  Enjoy.

We also had a few kids over to complete our ultimate dance party and they loved it, too.  Truly timeless fun!  For them, we selected a slower routine and they were able to follow along with no problems (they are both 7 years old).  The two three year old kids just had fun running around in circles and listening to the catchy tunes.

Not into dancing?  The ABBA You Can Dance game for Wii also includes karaoke!  We definitely recommend purchasing this game for your next party.  In fact, I found ABBA You Can Dance on Amazon for just $29.96!  Seriously, endless laughs!

Dance on, you party animals!

 Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

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Winners!

December 16, 2011 By 3 Comments

Beethoven: Patti H.

Barbie DVD: Daniel M.

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse DVD: Nan

Cutey Charm Bracelet:  Hoa Lee

Rudi’s Organic Bread: Allison D.

Disney Princess Dolls: Julie

Easy Bake Oven: Ana

Cheerios Prize Pack: Laura E.

Juicy Juice and Cars 2: Ellen C.

Rockboard Scooter:  Tannawings (Ellen)

Congrats!  You will all be receiveing an email shortly.  Please respond within 72 hours to claim your prize.

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Taking Care of Myself in 2012!

December 15, 2011 By 2 Comments
Ever have those moments when you look at yourself in the mirror and barely recognize your reflection?  Life has been so busy lately that I have completely forgotten to slow down and take care of myself.  As 2012 draws near, one of my New Year Resolutions will be to put myself first more often.  I need to feel pretty again.  I deserve to be pampered!  So, here are a few gift suggestions that may help on the journey:
1.  Naturally Luminous Moisturizing Trio from Bare Escentuals:  The first step is radiant skin!

2. Taking better care of my hair is a MUST.  I love this glossing shampoo from Frederic Fekkai!

3.  Tame the tresses with top rated flat irons!

4.  There is nothing like a sparkly accessory to make you feel beautiful!

5.  Get rid of those “Mom jeans” and find some that ROCK!

6.  Pamper yourself at the spa!  Spring for that new hair style or get some hair cutting scissors for yourself.

7.  Add some height with some fabulous leather boots!

What are your tips for taking care of yourself when life is pulling you in ten different directions?

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Stocking Stuffer Ideas: Paul Frank Nestle Crunch Bars {Giveaway}

December 14, 2011 By

With only 11 days till Christmas, it’s “crunch” time (pun totally intended).  How are you doing with your holiday shopping?  I have made some headway in the last few days, but I still have a way to go.  Stuffing the kids’ stockings is generally the last task to be completed and I am always looking for great ideas at the last minute.

This year, Nestle Crunch has come to the rescue by delivering a limited edition Paul Frank Nestle Crunch Bar complete with a cover than opens like a card which is only available at Target! And if you just can’t get enough Crunch, have you tried “Jingles?”  They are little individually wrapped bell shaped candies made of Nestle Crunch (warning: they are totally addictive and totally stocking worthy).  Still not enough?  Check out the CRUNCH Facebook page to enter the Stocking Stuffer Sweepstakes for your chance to win weekly prizes including sunglasses, clothing and gift cards!  How do you plan to stuff your stockings?

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a limited edition Paul Frank CRUNCH bar, plush toy, “Story I Love” color book and a bag of NESTLÉ CRUNCH Jingles.

How to enter:

1. Tell me what you would love to find in your stocking!

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 and Nestle Crunch on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 22nd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% mine.
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Can You See What I See? Toyland Express {Giveaway}

December 13, 2011 By

My oldest daughter, who is in 1st grade, is quite the accomplished reader.  I love that she begs to read “just one more book” before bedtime and always seems to sneak in a few more pages when I’m not looking.  So when new books appear on her Christmas list, I am delighted to oblige.

She has long loved the “I SPY” series of books, which are like scavenger hunts through the pages of a beautiful and colorful book.  If you don’t have these, I highly recommend them…especially for long car rides or restaurants when entertainment is key for little ones.  But, I had not heard of the “Can You See What I See” created by Walter Wick, who also is involved in the best-selling series I SPY.  About the books:

 

“CAN YOU SEE WHAT I SEE? TOYLAND EXPRESS, the eighth title in the bestselling search-and-find series, follows the life of a toy train from the workshop to the attic, only to be rescued at a yard sale and brought to life once again in a new home. As readers search for more than 250 hidden objects, they will also notice how the train takes on various transformations along its journey.”

Want to learn more about how Walter makes these beloved books? Check out the video below!

“Can You See What I See? Toyland Express” would make an excellent stocking stuffer for your budding reader!  You can find it on Amazon for $8.53!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive “Can You Hear What I Hear? Toyland Express” and a $50 VISA Cash card to kick start your child’s library!

How to enter:

1. Tell me another great book by Walter Wick that you would love to own!

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 and Walter Wick on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 28th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% mine.

 

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Waterpik Water Flossers {Review and Giveaway}

December 13, 2011 By

The entire time I was pregnant with both of my children, I prayed.  Of course, I prayed they would be healthy….but selfishly I prayed they would get their Daddy’s long legs and my teeth.  I was blessed with perfectly straight, healthy teeth.   Don’t be too jealous!  I still got the adolescent experience of wearing coke-bottle glasses, but I never had to have braces.

Well, God has a sense of humor, because both of my children have had teeth issues galore.  My son is currently in his first set of braces, with another set to come later.  We’ve also had the fun experience of having a palate expander.   Now, we all know how much fun it is to try and floss your child’s teeth, right?  Try flossing your child’s teeth with a mouthful of metal.  I’d rather walk on hot coals.  That is, until we got the Waterpik Water Flosser.  This product has literally changed my life.

To invest in the health of your teeth and gums is a no-brainer.  We all know that good oral health and hygiene takes time and daily commitment.  The Waterpik Water Flosser is more effective than string floss, and more fun, too!  A study at the University of Nebraska found that adding a water flosser to tooth brushing was up to 93% more effective at improving gum health than toothbrushing and string flossing. Whether using a manual or sonic-powered toothbrush, adding a water flosser resulted in better reductions in gum bleeding, gingivitis, and plaque, the common signs of gum disease.  That’s why I was overjoyed to test out both the Ultra Water Flosser and the the Water Flosser For Kids.

My son is diligent about using his Water Flosser. Hooray!

We recently spent an afternoon at the dentist and then the orthodontist the following week.  Both the dentist AND the orthodontist commented how clean my son has been keeping his teeth!  I was so excited as Nicolas has been in braces on the top for just about a year and I have been a nervous wreck about him keeping his teeth clean around the braces.  We have worked really hard on brushing, but until the Water Pik Flosser became part of his daily routine, I really don’t think our flossing was effective enough.  For one thing, it took so long I always felt like we weren’t thorough enough.   He loves the water flosser and I NEVER have to remind him to use it because he loves it.  He even commented how his mouth felt so clean!

Not to be left out, I have been using the Ultra Water Flosser and I love it.  With different tips for different jobs, my overall gum and oral health has never been better.  Water Pik products would be a perfect gift for anyone this year to show them you care about their  health!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive the Water Pik Water Flosser for Kids and one winner will receive the Ultra Water Flosser!

How to enter:

1. Tell me which Water Pik Water Flosser you want to win!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @Waterpik 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 and Waterpik Oral Heatlth on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

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

This post is the opinion Jennifer of Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% mine.
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My Experience with 2nd.MD

December 12, 2011 By Leave a Comment

Thank you to 2nd.MD for providing me with a $200 stipend to test-drive this revolutionary online medical service.

How many times have you had a medical question only to search online and become even more confused or scared?  Have you ever sought the advice of your doctor or been referred to a specialist only to have to wait weeks or months for an appointment?  There is nothing worse than having to wait and worry about your health or that of a loved one.

For years, after being given the run around by my general practitioner, I have wondered if I should seek the advice of a cardiologist.  After attempting to make an appointment, the next available date was well in to the New Year.  While I am sitting here on pins and needles, I was so excited to learn about 2nd.MD.  About 2nd.MD:

“2nd.MD connects you to leading doctors for medical advice, information, or peace of mind by providing online, one-on-one consultations from top-rated medical specialists. 2nd.MD is a revolutionary alternative, allowing you to access top medical specialists online when you need it. You will have access to hundreds of doctors and be able to speak face-to-face with them, without having to wait weeks or months for an appointment.”

The process was incredibly easy.  After filling out my profile which included symptoms I was concerned about, I could browse through the list of available specialists that may be able to answer my questions.  For each doctor, you can view their qualifications, a description, reviews and even ask a free question to see if they are the right doctor for your question.  You are also able to see the rate for that particular doctor.

I chose Dr. Ian Law, a Pediatric Electrophysiologist.  He received his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Iowa, completed a Pediatric residency at the University of Michigan, and finished two fellowships at the University of Michigan in Pediatric Cardiology.  In addition, he had a host of awards and accolades.  Very impressive.

Dr. Law did not have any immediate appointments available, so I requested more slots to open via the 2nd.MD site.  Within 24 hours, Dr. Law opened up more appointment times and I was able to secure a spot.  I completed my profile which included the uploading any available test results and medications so Dr. Law could be prepared for our session.

That's Dr. Law!

I will admit; I was very nervous.  But the minute our video chat began, Dr. Law made me feel at ease.  He listened to my concerns and made his best conclusions and offered answers to my questions.  He even made notes about our discussion and sent them to me so I could follow up with my regular physician.

I could not have been happier with my appointment.  The cost of the session was $200 for a 20 minute video chat, which at face value is pricey.  But having the opportunity to talk face to face with a cardiologist in a relaxed setting (and not having to wait 6 months for an appointment) gave me a peace of mind that is truly invaluable.

2ndMD – Peace of Mind from 2ndMD on Vimeo.

Loved every second. 

Thank you again to 2nd.MD for sponsoring this blog post. Please click here to learn more about 2nd.MD. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own. #Clever2ndMD #spon

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Last Minute Shopping at JC Penney

December 11, 2011 By 1 Comment

Somewhere around October, I promised myself that I would not be one of those people who start shopping mid-December be punished by spending countless hours fighting over-crowded parking lots, loud malls and endless lines.  Well, here it is, mid-December and I have two gifts.  Two.  What have I done?

Fortunately, I will be participating in a video chat with JC Penney and some fabulous bloggers to give you tips on how to beat the craziness that is holiday shopping.  If you are one of those “Shoppers in a Panic”, check back soon to see the final video and get some great ideas for those you haven’t crossed off your list just yet.

Are you in the same boat?  Need advice on last minute shopping?  Leave a question and I will make sure to address it during our video chat!

Happy Shopping!

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Hasbro’s Simon Flash {Review and Giveaway}

December 9, 2011 By

Even as a child, I always loved Family Game Night.  Spending time with my family was always a treat (and it didn’t hurt if I won a game or two).  Now, I love carrying on that tradition with my own girls and am always thrilled when a find a new game to share.

Remember the game from the 80′s, Simon?  I am probably showing my age here, but Simon was always the game of choice at grade school slumber parties!  Simon has now jumped into the 21st century with the new Simon Flash from Hasbro.  About the game:

“The lights, sounds and hands-on action of Hasbro’s new Simon Flash will have players on the edge of their seat as they slide, swap, shuffle and touch hand-held game pieces in a fresh and frenzied take on this classic 80s game. The iconic Simon game is transformed from its traditional round, console design into four sleek, freestanding electronic game tiles. Players will be mesmerized as they frantically try to follow the growing sequence of flashing colored lights in an attempt to keep up in this challenge of memory and logic.”

If you remember, Simon used to be one piece with four flashing lights.  The main difference now is that Simon Flash consists of 4 individual pieces each with it’s own light able to change to four different colors.  Keeping with the theme of fours, you can now play four different games with Simon Flash and it even comes with a case to keep the blocks together. The most amazing feature of Simon Flash is that the blocks have the capability of “talking” to each other which opens a whole new world of gaming possibilities.

I played Simon Flash with my 6 year old daughter and had a great time introducing her to the concept of Classic Simon.  After she got the hang of it (which was crazy quick especially since the game is technically for kids over age 8), we ventured to the other three games.  Her favorite is Simon Shuffle where the blocks flash a color pattern quickly and then switch to a new color within a few seconds.  You have to remember the original pattern and rearrange the blocks to match.

Honestly, I was amazed at how well my 6 year old daughter did with Simon Flash.  I anticipated that she would get frustrated quickly, but I was completely wrong.  In fact, she did so well, that I tried the game with my 3 year old.  I found that while she had much more trouble remembering patterns, it was a great teaching tool for color recognition and memory.  I feel that she will get better over time!

Simon Flash can be found at major retailers for $29.99, but I found it on Amazon for $22.99. Best part?  It comes with batteries!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive Hasbro’s Simon Flash!

How to enter:

1. Tell me why you want to win Simon Flash!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @FamilyGameNight 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 and Family Game Night on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on December 23rd. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

This post is the opinion of the Experimental Mommy.  Others may have a differing opinion of the product.  While a sample was received to facilitate this review, all opinions remain 100% mine.
Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: , , , ,
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