Trying to entertain young children can be a very difficult task, especially when you are stuck in the house during the winter months. We have dozens of coloring books in our house, but after a few minutes my son gets bored with them and wants to move on to something else. Lazoo has come out with new drawing and coloring books that encourage imagination. The books also lets your children know that it is okay if you don’t color perfectly in the lines. We received two activity books, Holes and Squiggles. From the website:

When we enter the world of Lazoo, we enter the realm of a child’s imagination, a place of endless possibility where cars race across tree branches, mermaids teach dinosaurs to sing, and ghosts host fashion shows. In this world, kids are encouraged to think independently; “coloring outside the lines” is celebrated and all types of creative self–expression are honored.

Holes was my son’s favorite of the two books, his imagination was running wild. The book allows you to color in the holes throughout the book to make different objects such as the wheel of a tire is the same shape as a snowball.

The Squiggles! book lets you see that squiggles can be hair on someone’s head, a bird’s nest or even clouds. All of the Lazoo activities books allow your child to have adventures right from your kitchen table. Your child will be learning while they are still having fun.

These books are a great size big enough for your child to enjoy, but small enough to fit in your bag to take to a restaurant or other outings.  What a great Valentine’s Day gift idea!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive one Let’s Color Activity Book from Lazoo (ARV $12.95)

How to enter:

1. Tell me which Lazoo Activity book you child would enjoy the most!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @Lazoo4u 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 Lazoo and The Not-So-Blog on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

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

This post is the opinion of Beth 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.

By a show of hands, how many of you pamper yourself each day?  Take 10 minutes of “me” time a day?  5 minutes?  Anyone?  I know as a busy Mom, if going to the bathroom alone doesn’t count (which rarely happens anyway), I never get a chance to do anything for me.  Fortunately, Green Mountain Coffee has come up with a simple, easy way to pamper yourself for a few minutes a day…Cafe Escapes K-Cup Portion Packs!

With four delicious flavors, you are sure to find something you love.  My favorite, the Cafe Escapes Milk Chocolate Hot Cocoa, is fa-bu-lous with some homemade marshmallows.  My husband did a double take with the Mocha as he was surprised by such a chocolatey flavor.  The Chai Latte is perfect with breakfast while you can finish the day with Dark Hot Chocolate as it tastes more like dessert!

COUPON CODE

Want to try the Cafe Escapes K-Cup Portion Packs?  Use code AM0016-3583 to receive 15% off your entire order plus free shipping (U.S. Only, no minimum order). Valid through February 29th.

GIVEAWAY

Green Mountain Coffee wants to help you pamper yourself by giving one lucky winner a one year FREE subscription to Birchbox®, an innovative, new way to try beauty products before you buy them.  Birchbox provides its subscribers with monthly deliveries of samples from well-known beauty brands.  Every month you will receive 4-5 hand-picked beauty samples form the best brands around delivered right to your door!

Did you know Birchbox also has awesome how-to videos, articles, and tips from the pros?  Go find the perfect way to pamper yourself now!

How to enter:

1. Tell me which Cafe Escapes K-Cup Portion Pack you can’t wait to try!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @CafeEscapes on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway using #YourPerfectCup. 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 Cafe Escapes on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on February 24th.  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.

Here in South Louisiana, you can be in flip-flops and a tee shirt one day, and bundled up in your heaviest coat the next.  Even more challenging are days that start out freezing and by lunchtime, you’re a puddle of sweat.  It’s essential to have easy pieces to layer that will keep you warm without weighing you down.  Recently I was introduced to Icebreaker Apparel and I AM IN LOVE.

Icebreaker uses super-soft Merino wool for its garments.  Why Merino?  Merino is made for extremes.  Keeping you cool in the summer and warm in the winter, Merino wool isn’t itchy like regular wool….Icebreaker fabrics are one of the softest you’ll put on your skin.

Icebreaker was so kind to send me a Long Sleeve Chase Zip top, a Camper Hoody for my son and a Flutter Hoody for my daughter.  It didn’t take much for me to get the kids in them as soon as we opened the box!  All of the garments are well-made, with sturdy stitching and zippers that open and close easily.  Best of all, they are super-lightweight but incredibly warm.  Both of my children loved theirs and have been wearing them constantly since they got them.  My top has become my new uniform while home on Christmas vacation.  It’s super soft and comfy, and the contrast stitching makes it look flattering rather than bulky or boxy.  These items wash easily and line dry, but they are dry in a snap!

The Hoody Flutter is perfect for camping...and it's bright colors look great in the wild! Lightweight but super-warm fabric keeps you toasty.

The Camper Hoody is lightweight Realfleece fabric – nature’s alternative to a synthetic fleece. This is ideal for active kids. It’s super insulating,  yet as lightweight and low bulk as a synthetic fleece but also super-breathable for ultimate comfort without feeling stuffy.  My daughter loves her long sleeved Flutter Hoody made from super-soft, lightweight Merino.  My daughter is super-sensitive to clothes that itch or pull at her skin, but she loved this top and said it was very “snuggly.”  Both kids have also been enjoying Icebreaker Apparel Socks that have been keeping their toes happy.

GIVEAWAY

We are super excited to have an Icebreaker giveaway for our readers!  One lucky winner can choose either the Oasis Stripe Crew or the Skater Hoody! 

How to enter:

1. Tell me another item from Icebreaker 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) and @Icebreakernz 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 Icebreaker on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

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

This post is the opinion of Jennifer 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.

I am generally not a “resolution” person.  In fact, I rarely make New Year’s Resolutions because I am not a fan of failure.  Maybe that’s not a very optimistic outlook, but I need more motivation for success than just a new year upon us.  This year?  I have a renewed sense of motivation.  Why, you ask?

My 20th High School Reunion.

What? How did that happen?  Didn’t I just graduate like 5 years ago?  While my mind feels like it’s only been 5 years since graduation, it’s actually been 20 and two kids later….my body certainly feels it’s age.  So, I decided to get in shape before the big day.  In shape=lose about 15 pounds.

Now that we are 9 days into the New Year, I am happy to report that I am staying within my calorie limit each day and getting at least of 20 minutes of exercise daily.  Part of the reason for my success?  Trop50 juice beverage!  Tropicana® Trop50® delivers the goodness of fruit juice with 50 percent less sugar and calories, and no artificial sweeteners.  After tasting it at a blogging conference last year, I have made the switch to Trop50.  Honestly, I cannot tell the difference, so I might as well save the calories, right?

What is the real motivation behind your New Year’s Resolution?  If you share your secret motivation on the Trop50 Facebook page, you will earn a $1 off Trop50 coupon for yourself and up to 50 $0.50 off coupons for your friends!  While you’re there, you can enter to win a $1,000 gift even if you choose not to share your resolution.

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a $25 Gift Card to help you achieve your New Year’s Resolution!

How to enter:

1. Tell me the secret motivation behind your New Year’s Resolution!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @TropicanaOJ on Twitter and Tweet this giveaway using #Trop50. 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 Trop50 on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 25th. 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.

I am generally not one for resolutions.  But as we welcomed 2012 and I watched fireworks with my family, I silently made a promise to get healthy.  I have been no stranger to stress in the past few months, and with the stress came bad eating, hair loss and weight gain.  It is time to take control.

Despite my best efforts, I have been a picky eater since birth.  I am doing better with consuming the right types of food, but my variety (especially with fruits and vegetables) is certainly lacking.  So, I am thrilled to learn about Centrum ProNutrients!  The new line of supplements helps you take your nutrition to the next level by working with your daily multivitamin.  The line includes:

• Omega-3
• Fruit & Veggie
• Probiotics

I am most excited to try the Centrum ProNutrients Fruit & Veggie supplement because I just cannot force down most veggies during a meal.  These minitabs are 100% naturally sourced from grapes, blueberries, raspberries, plums, carrots, and tomatoes and provide antioxidants and polyphenols to your diet.

Are you missing essential nutrients from your diet?  Centrum is part of a new website along side Nutrition Possible to distribute information on nutrition from health sources and experts.  Do you think your diet is missing some essential nutrients?  Take the personal assessment to get a personalized plan!  Want to try the Centrum ProNutients?  Make sure you get the $5 off coupon before you go!

In addition to the ProNutrients, Centrum also has a complete line of enhanced multivitamins called Centrum Specialists focusing on Prenatal, Heart, Energy and Vision.  As a buy working Mom, I am particularly interested in Centrum Specialists Energy!  This multivitamin contains higher levels of Vitamin B and is enhanced with Ginseng to help your body produce energy.  I don’t think I know a Mom that doesn’t need more energy!

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive their choice of one Centrum ProNutrients product.

How to enter:

1. Take the Personal Assessment at Nutrition Possible and share one thing you didn’t know you were lacking!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and use hashtag #NutritionPossible 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 Centrum on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 12th. Prizes not claimed in 72 hours will be forfeited. Open to U.S. Residents only.

I am participating in a Centrum ProNutrients campaign hosted by One2One Network. I received nutritional product and compensation. While all opinions stated are my own, I make no claims about Centrum ProNutrients as a product or it’s effectiveness. Full giveaway rules here.

When you grocery shop, are there brands that you always reach for just because it’s what your Mom purchased?  For me, Ivory was one of the staples in our home so it was only natural to continue the habit, but I am loving exploring the new products released recently!

As part of Ivory’s “makeover”, the brand wanted to listen to modern day Moms and create a community in which they could express their opinions and ask questions.  In their recent survey of more than 1,000 Moms, 30 percent found the most complicated aspect of motherhood was finding more “me” time.  That is definitely no surprise to me!  I struggle to find 5 minutes alone to brush my hair.  A possible solution? You can follow the 66 percent of surveyed Moms who confessed to hiding in their bathroom for some much-needed alone time.  Confession: I totally do that.

Ivory created the “Soap Dish” on their Facebook page to give Moms a much desired place to connect with other women.  In fact, Emmy award-winner Melissa McCarthy is the new brand spokesperson and host of “Soap Dish” who will be followed by different bloggers on a monthly basis to keep the discussion moving.

Today on Soap Dish, they are talking all things “resolution.”  Did you make a New Year’s Resolution?  Do you think you will stick to it?  Do you make easier resolutions in order to improve your chances of success?  This year, one of my resolutions is to take better care of myself.  I know this is broad, but like all Moms do, I tend to put myself last.  I resolve to take 10 minutes a day to do something for MYSELF….read a book, play a card game, paint my nails, write, pray.

Fortunately, Ivory helped me start my resolution by sending some of my favorite Ivory products to pamper myself.  With the winter weather, I have been using the Ivory Body Wash Simply Aloe which is perfect for my dry skin while I have used the Ivory with Lavender at bedtime for the kids.

GIVEAWAY

Ready to pamper yourself?  One winner will receive 9 bars of Ivory soap!

How to enter:

1. Tell me your New Year’s Resolution!  Do you think you will be able to keep it?

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @Ivory 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 Ivory on Facebook.

5. Place my blog banner on your sidebar.

Contest ends at 11:59pm CST on January 18th. 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.

All this holiday shopping is making me thirsty!  And if you read this blog at all, you know that when I am thirsty, nothing will do except a big glass of Southern Sweet Tea.  One of my favorite places to get my sweet tea fix is SONIC Drive-In (it doesn’t hurt that they have delicious tater tots, too).  On a recent holiday shopping marathon, I decided to get my swing into SONIC and pick up my favorite drink and realized that I should share the wealth with my other sweet tea lovin’ friends.  In just under 10 minutes, I had completed the rest of my shopping list by purchasing SONIC gift cards…great for stocking stuffers and teacher’s gifts!

But why stop at the gift card?  For the first time, SONIC is offering a dozen officially-licensed SONIC tees!  These aren’t your ordinary logo polo shirts, the gang at SONIC designed quirky, stylish, unique novelty t-shirts (which even come in female cuts!).  Why not pair a tee with gift card for the SONIC lover on Santa’s list?

GIVEAWAY

One winner will receive a $20 SONIC gift card and a SONIC tee!

How to enter:

1. Tell me which SONIC tee you would choose!

Additional entries:

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

2. Follow me (@BridgetteLA) and @SONICDrive_In 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 SONIC 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.

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.

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.

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.