September « 2011 « The Bragging Mommy

Tanda Zap Acne Light Treatment Giveaway [CLOSED]

“The new tända ZAP™ advanced acne clearing device is clinically proven to clear individual acne blemishes fast*. Guaranteed. It’s designed to fit not only your pocket but your lifestyle too, clearing or fading acne within 24 hours. That means no matter where you are, or when it is, a little acne’s not going to come between you and your life. If you feel a pimple coming on, just zap it and stay social.

Powerful blue light destroys acne-causing bacteria, sonic vibration and gentle warming help open pores so bacteria have no where to hide. No pain. No irritation. No dryness. And best of all no pimple.”-Tanda

You can read my review of the Tanda Zap and see how I like it!

One lucky Bragging Mommy Reader will win a Tanda Zap!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Tanda Skincare and tell us another product they have that you would like to try.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted

2 entries- Like the Tanda Skincare on Facebook.
2 entries- Follow the Tanda on Twitter.
1 entry- Tell us why you want to win this giveaway.
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway including a link to this post, & @braggingmommy and @tanda in your tweet.

You can enter this giveaway until October 14th @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

Heidi September 30, 2011 beauty, dad, giveaway, mommy, skincare, teen, tween

Anytime Costumes ~ Kids Halloween Costumes Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

I absolutely love Halloween! There is something about dressing up and going around to different parties and of course the Trick or Treating. I also love to see what other people and their kids are wearing. This year I let Leah pick out her own Kids Halloween costume and surprise she wanted to be a Princess of course!

I asked her several times which Princess she wanted to be and let her look at the costumes online at Anytime Costumes and she found the perfect one! She found the Belle costume and couldn’t wait to get it! She kept saying “Mommy I want to go to Halloween and be Belle, but we have to get it in the Mail.” Finally the day came and she immediately put it on with her Belle shoes and danced around!

I absolutely love that Anytime Costumes is a one stop shop for Kids Costumes and Adult Halloween Costumes. There are so many different costumes to choose from!

Some of my favorites are the Fairy Tale and Super Hero Kids Costumes. My nephew is absolutely in LOVE with all things Super Hero and this would be the perfect site for him to find his costume!

I also really like the selection of Adult and Plus Size Halloween Costumes. I am a pretty modest person and sometimes it’s hard to find a Halloween costume that I am comfortable in. BUT Anytime Costumes has a range from Modest to Sexy that I just love! I also love the selection of Men’s costumes, so you and your significant other can dress alike!

Things that are Bragworthy:

Halloween Costumes for the Whole Family!
Impress all of your friends with a GREAT costume!
Kids, Adults and Plus Sizes all readily available
The Whole family can match if they want
Accessories are sold here too!

Visit www.anytimecostumes.com and pick out your families costumes today!

Anytime Costumes gets Bragging Rights!

One lucky winner will get to choose their very own costume up to $50.00!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Anytime Costumes and let us know which costume you would pick if you won!

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- “Like” Anytime Costumes on Facebook
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
3 entries- Follow Anytime Costumes on Twitter
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post & anytimecostumes.com. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway including a link to this post, @braggingmommy and @anytimecostumes in your tweet.

GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED

You can enter this giveaway until October 10 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

Briann September 30, 2011 accessories, baby, child, clothing, family, giveaway, holiday, review, toddler

Winnie The Pooh Recipes and Cooking Activities

As National Honey Month comes to a close, keep the celebration going with these WINNIE THE POOH-themed recipes and a honey-loving clip! The world’s most beloved bear spends his days in search of the naturally delicious nectar, and now you, too, can enjoy some honey-flavored treats with Pooh.

WINNIE THE POOH is Available on Blu-ray, DVD & Movie Download 10/25!

Heidi September 30, 2011 cooking, food, recipes

Think Geek Boogie Board LCD Tablet Review

“This ain’t yo momma’s Etch-A-Sketch, son. This paperless LCD writing tablet is perfect for leaving messages, sketching ideas, and practicing anything from handwriting to calculus without killing a single tree. But we hear you. You’re thinking, "Can *I* use this thing for, ThinkGeek?" Allow us to give you some suggestions, based on your likely occupation.

Parental Unit: Grocery lists, honey-do’s, chores list, scoreboard for family game night
Monkey-suited Executive: Take notes at meetings, draw buzzword-laden charts
Artiste: Quick sketching exercises, doodles
Mad Scientist: Molecules, schematics, master plans
(Perpetual) Student: Handwriting, math, homework to-do list
Monkey: Banana inventory, poo-to-target success rate

The stainless steel, telescoping stylus isn’t the only tool you can use to write on the Boogie Board, either. Anything from a finger to a stiff brush to a cookie cutter can be used to light up the pressure-sensitive surface. If you or your geekling are personally responsible for the death of forests worth of trees per year, consider the environmental impact of having one totally renewable Boogie Board. The LCD display lasts for approximately 50,000 erasures, which is a whole lot of doodling and noting. Save a tree, boogie down with us.”-Think Geek

Wow this is a fun product! The Boogie Board LCD Tablet is perfect for kids (or adults) who love to draw. Bug enjoys drawing a lot. So when he saw this new drawing board he thought it was pretty cool (and still does). What’s great is it comes with a stylus that makes it so it’s like you are drawing with a pen or pencil. Very cool. Super easy to use, and with the press of a button it erases like magic! I love that it saves so much paper, environmentally friendly is awesome! But my favorite use for this is with Bug while we travel. It is perfect for in the car, while running errands, at the doctors office, etc…it keeps him occupied and he really enjoys drawing on it. It is the perfect size for putting in my purse as well making it really convenient to bring along.

Boogie Board LCD Tablet from ThinkGeek gets Bragging Rights!

Heidi September 30, 2011 child, dad, educational, home, mommy, review, toy, travel

What’s Your Number? Movie Review ~ In Theaters Now

“Anna Faris is Ally Darling, who after reading a magazine article that leads her to believe she’s going to be forever alone, begins a wild search for the best "ex" of her life.”

I love Anna Faris, I think she is so funny and adorable! So I couldn’t wait to see What’s Your Number? I took one of my friends to see it with me and I was so glad I did. It is a great chick flick. We both laughed and laughed. Actually at one point we were both laughing so hard we couldn’t breathe and then I starting crying from laughing so hard. I’m not even kidding. I almost thought I was going to have to leave the theater to compose myself Anna Faris and Chris Evans are fabulous together. It is a funny and sweet story about finding love. After it was over both my friend and I agreed that our husbands would think the movie is funny as well, so we plan on watching it with them again.

Have a Girls Night Out with your friends and see What’s Your Number?! In Theaters Today!

What’s Your Number is Rated R.

Visit the What’s Your Number? Official Website for additional info.

Heidi September 30, 2011 entertainment, mommy, movie

Kids Craft Tray and Placemat ~ Luv That Tray Review

“Luv That Tray™ was designed to keep crumbs, food and crafts where you want it. WOW! Arts and Crafts with no cleanup! Heavy Duty, FDA Approved, Dishwasher Safe Plastic Trays with Raised Sides keeps everything contained and avoids spills on counters and floors. Now, the kids can say "My Table Is Clean!" “

Since there isn’t a mom out there who actually enjoys cleaning up spills, Luv That Tray Kids Craft Tray is a kids placemat EVERYONE will love. The idea is so simple, yet so genius. Raise the edges of placemats, and spills will be contained. Duh! Crafts are messy no more, because this makes a great craft tray. Glitter, beads, crayons… awesome. They are big enough for kids to work with, so everything can just stay in one place. My favorite use though, is definitely for eating. My kids love Rice Krispies, but I dread cleaning up afterwards. I was a little skeptical about how well Luv That Tray plastic placemat was going to keep those teeny little bits off the floor, especially for my almost 2 and 3 year old, but it actually worked fantastically! I love that it allows my kids to really learn to self feed anything. And I started giving them cups with meals, rather than sippy cups, and when they spill the liquid all stays contained on their tray, so no worries. No more crying over spilled milk! =) And when they’re done, the tray forms an easy-guide funnel, so throwing the mess away is a snap. This is definitely a product for every family to have.

Things that are Brag Worthy:

The Only Placemat Tray with Raised Sides to keep everything contained
Arts and crafts tray that eliminates mess
Avoid liquid, crumb and food spills
Safety certified, FDA approved and dishwasher safe
Set of 4 – red, yellow, blue and green
Tray forms EZ-guide funnel to dump debris into trash

You can purchase a 4 pack of Luv That Tray for yourself on Amazon!

Luv That Tray Kids Craft Tray and Placemat gets Bragging Rights!

Joanna September 30, 2011 cleaning, review, toddler

50/50 Movie Review ~ See It In Theaters Today

“Inspired by a true story, 50/50 is an original story about friendship, love, survival and finding humor in unlikely places. Joseph Gordon-Levitt and Seth Rogen star as best friends whose lives are changed by a cancer diagnosis in this new comedy directed by Jonathan Levine from a script by Will Reiser. 50/50 is the story of a guy’s transformative and, yes, sometimes funny journey to health – drawing its emotional core from Will Reiser’s own experience with cancer and reminding us that friendship and love, no matter what bizarre turns they take, are the greatest healers.” — (C) Summit Entertainment

OPENS IN THEATERS TODAY!

My husband and I saw an early screening of 50/50 and we both really enjoyed this movie. We laughed and cried. Mostly laughed A lot. Seth Rogan, while being profane & at times a little much, was very funny in this movie. Joseph Gordon-Levitt did a fantastic job as the leading character. I found myself really relating to him and rooting for him. He made it so easy to instantly connect with his character on a personal level. This is a great Drama/Comedy movie, perfect for a date night, or night out with a friend.

50/50 is Rated R.

You can also check out the 50/50 movie official website for additional info.

Heidi September 30, 2011 dad, entertainment, mommy, movie

Over Under Game Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

I love playing games! However, we mostly only have kid games and they aren’t much fun for us adults. We get together with a group of friends about every month, and I was really excited to review the Over-Under Game from Bella Spencer Games so we can share it with our friends the next time we all hang out!

“Over Under is a game of gambling, risk, and reward. There are hundreds of “Over/Under” questions ranging from music to food to just about anything. The purpose of Over Under is simple: get from start to finish before anyone else. However, to get from start to finish, you will need to employ strategy based on your knowledge of the questions at hand. You can wager spaces and, if you answer the question correctly, move forward the wagered spaces. However, if you answer the question incorrectly, you will be docked the wagered spaces. Over Under is an outrageous game of wacky facts bound to bring laughter to whomever plays it.”

So how do you play? It really is super simple. Each team rolls the die on their turn. They move their colored piece according to the number they roll (it can be a forward or backward). If the die comes up on a color, the team must draw a card from the corresponding colored deck and pose the OVER/UNDER question to the group. The group will listen to the question and attempt to determine if the true answer is “over” the line or “under” the line. Some of the questions are interesting, some are weird, and some are downright hilarious! There are also a few ‘special spaces’ on the board that have the players doing different things including taking a sip of the drink next to them Winking smile . Haha. This is definitely a fun game for a big group!! Just a heads up though, the game says it is suitable for ages 12+ but some of the questions may not be appropriate for children that young. It is a game intended for adults so I would be careful when allowing younger teens to play it.

Things that are BRAG WORTHY:

Can be played with a big or small group
Easy to get started
Simple to understand
Interesting facts on every card
Creates a fun atmosphere

The Over-Under Game gets BRAGGING RIGHTS!

The Over Under Game is available in Target and Barnes & Noble Stores and online at Amazon.

One lucky reader is going to win an ‘Over-Under Game’ for themselves!!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Over-Under Game and tell us something you learned or like about the game.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted

2 entries- Like the Over-Under Game on Facebook.
2 entries- Follow the Over-Under Game on Twitter.
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway including a link to this post, & @braggingmommy and @over_undergame in your tweet.

Kim September 30, 2011 dad, entertainment, games, giveaway, mommy, review

Learning Curve Dinosaur Train Lights and Sounds Train Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

My daughter loves the Show Dinosaur Train on PBS. So I couldn’t wait to review the Dinosaur Train Lights and Sounds Train. This is a great toy for anyone who loves Dinosaurs and not just the show.

About the Dinosaur Train
Dinosaur Train embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. The series encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology. Each of the 40 half-hour episodes features Buddy, an adorable preschool age Tyrannosaurus Rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family as they board the Dinosaur Train and embark on whimsical voyages through prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans. The episodes include two 11-minute animated stories, along with brief live action segments hosted by renowned paleontologist Dr. Scott Sampson, that unearth basic concepts in life science, natural history and paleontology.

“Dinosaur Train begins when Buddy is adopted by Mr. and Mrs. Pteranodon and brought to their nest to hatch at the same time as his new siblings, Tiny, Shiny and Don. Buddy and his new family have an insatiable desire to learn all about the different types of dinosaurs, so they board the wondrous DINOSAUR TRAIN, which allows them to travel and explore the world inhabited by these amazing creatures.

Departing from Pteranodon Station, the Dinosaur Train is a colorful locomotive, customized to accommodate all kinds of dinosaurs. Windows are perfect for the long-necked herbivores, and there’s plenty of head room in the Observation Car for the Giganotosaurus, giving all the species onboard a chance to check out the prehistoric world as they ride on the train. The Dinosaur Train has the ability to visit the Triassic, Jurassic and Cretaceous worlds, while the Train’s Conductor, a knowledgeable Troodon, provides passengers with cool facts about dinosaurs along the way.” (PBS website)

“Inspired by Jim Henson’s PBS hit show “Dinosaur Train”, the Lights & Sounds Dinosaur Train features over five fun songs, sounds and phrases. Push on the smokestack to see the headlight light up and to hear sounds!

Laura Giganotosaurus is also included. Add this Lights & Sounds Dinosaur Train to any Dinosaur Train collection!”( Learning Curve website) Laura is one of the many Dinosaurs seen riding on the train in almost every episode.

Learning Curve also has some other really fun Dinosaur Train Toys. I love the train set and the plush figures like Tank!

Things that are Bragworthy:

Fun TV Show with really fun toys and games too!
Perfect gift for any Dinosaur Train or Dinosaur and Train lover
Boys and Girls will both have tons of fun with this cute train

These great Dinosaur Train toys can be purchased at www.learningcurve.com

Learning Curve Dinosaur Train Lights and Sounds Train gets Bragging Rights!

One lucky winner will receive a Learning Curve Dinosaur Train Lights and Sound Train of their very own!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit the Learning Curve website and tell us another Dinosaur Train toy you would like to have

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- “Like” Learning Curve on Facebook
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
3 entries- Join Learning Curve Email List
2 entries- Follow Learning Curve on Twitter
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post & learningcurve.com. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway including a link to this post & @braggingmommy in your tweet.

You can enter this giveaway until October 13 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

Briann September 29, 2011 child, gifts, giveaway, review, toddler, toy, tv show

Thinking Through Consequences…Not Always Easy

“After Axl leaves his dirty smelly socks lying around the house one too many times, Mike punished his son by banning him from playing his basketball team’s final game.”

I remember watching this episode as it aired thinking, “Oh no, he gave out a punishment before thinking it through.” I have found myself in similar situations with the kids and it isn’t fun. When you just blurt out the first punishment you think of. Like: “That’s it no TV for a week” not realizing they are going to drive you crazy during that TV free week LOL! Punishment for me! I get most my work done while Bug watches his favorite shows. And then I have to follow through. Without follow through my power is lost! I have learned that it is so much better to say “We are going to talk about this and come up with a consequence. That way I have time to actually think through the choices and pick the best one for everyone.

Have you ever found yourself in a similar situation? What did you do?

Order The Middle: The Complete Second Season now: http://bit.ly/qliHr2 and see how the Heck’s Handle it.

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Middle Season Two on DVD.

Heidi September 29, 2011 dad, mommy, tv show

Finding the Perfect Halloween Costumes For Your Family

Finding Halloween costumes each year is a lot of fun for me. I love planning a theme for our family. Just figuring that out can take a while. I love all the possibilities out there for group costumes. Then once I decide on a theme the search is one for the perfect costume for each member of my family.

I like to start with the kids costumes they are so cute and fun! I think it is really important that your kids are included in not only their costume, but also in the decision of the group theme. For example, by 4 year old chose Batman as our theme for this year and we were happy to go along with that.

For the last few years I have set our theme around toddler costumes since that was what Bug has been (a toddler). There are so many adorable toddler and infant costumes that I just can’t resist choosing his adorable costume first

And of course, now that the kiddos have a costume, it’s time for you to get the adult costumes for yourself and your significant other. Don’t stress when choosing costumes, make it fun! My best advice is to order them now and avoid sell outs and last minute next day shipping fees.

Happy Shopping and I can’t wait to see what everyone chooses to wear for Halloween this year!

Heidi September 29, 2011 baby, child, dad, halloween, mommy, teen, tween

K5 Learning Online Reading and Math Lessons Review

Children’s brains are like sponges. They can learn a lot given the opportunity.

Kids can only reach their potential by learning at their own pace.
Independent learning builds confidence and good study habits.
One of the greatest gifts you can give your children is strong reading and math skills. They are the basis of all future learning.

“K5 Learning is an online after-school study program for kids in kindergarten to grade 5. Watch your children master reading and math as they work at their own level and their own pace through a personalized program of over 3,000 interactive multimedia tutorials and activities.

We build reading, math and study skills to last a lifetime.”

K5 Reading helps kids become strong readers and develop a love of reading. This award-winning program covers phonemic awareness, phonics, sight words, vocabulary and reading comprehension.

K5 Math is an award-winning program which builds self confidence and a deep understanding of math concepts. K5 Math covers numbers and operations, geometry, measurement (including time and money), algebraic thinking and data analysis.

K5 Spelling is an advanced vocabulary program which improves language skills one word at a time. We feature adaptive instruction, automatic word generation, an optimized visual interface, and a 150,000+ word database.

K5 Math Facts uses adaptive technology to help kids develop instant recall of basic addition, subtraction, multiplication and division facts. Progress on each and every math fact is monitored until mastery is obtained.

My girls love playing on the internet, so when I introduced them to K5 Learning, they were really excited to get started with the online reading and math program. We started with free reading and math assessments for each girl. An animated character guided them through the 100% online assessment. They were asked a series of questions in different skill areas and then placed at the appropriate level within each sub-skill based on his or her answers. The assessment was broken up by a short game which was good for my kids because it helped them not get bored. I love knowing that K5 is catering to my girls strengths & weaknesses when it comes to each subject. It’s a very personalized program!

After the assessment, my girls started the reading and math lessons on their own (well….my 4 year old watched while the 6 year old played Winking smile ). My daughter was able to navigate the website on her own pretty quickly. That is great because I don’t always have time to sit next to her while she wants to do a lesson or two. Spoken instructions let my kids know exactly what they need to do next. K5 Learning is focused more on helping kids improve their math & reading skills and not so much on game playing like other websites my daughters use. Their emphasis is definitely on learning rather than entertainment, but that isn’t to say my girls weren’t entertained. They thought K5 was a lot of fun and I don’t think they realized they were learning Winking smile . K5 Learning is a great supplement to the lessons that kids are taught in school. I was very impressed with K5 Learning and feel like it is an excellent way to continue a child’s learning even when they are not in school!

Things that are BRAG WORTHY:

Kids work at their skill level, not grade level
Kids work independently
Kids don’t watch, they interact
Lesson sequence is controlled
Full instruction, not just quizzes
Real world themes keep kids engaged
Feedback is immediate
Bite-sized lessons provide flexibility
Parents get reports
Parents can create special assignments

K5 Learning Online Reading and Math Lessons get BRAGGING RIGHTS!

You can sign up for a FREE 14-day trial of K5 Learning (no credit card information required) to see how great it really is!!

Check out the K5 Learning Blog for a lot of great information that can help your child succeed in school. While you are there, sign up for their newsletter so you can get updates on everything that K5 has to offer! You can also follow them on Facebook and Twitter.

Kim September 29, 2011 child, educational, review, website

Megan Miller Collection Boutique Nail Polish Review and Giveaway (3 Winners!) [CLOSED]

I was sent 3 colors from the Megan Miller Collection. I honestly had a hard time choosing. I think all the colors are fabulous! But ultimately I chose: Framboise, Champagne & Foxy. When they arrived I fell in love! They are beautiful colors. So naturally I couldn’t wait to try them out.

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I had two of my girl friends over to paint our nails. We each tried a different color and can you believe it? I fell in love with this Boutique Nail Polish again! It is gorgeous on our nails. We all love it, and my friends were asking where they could get some for themselves (and I told them). Another thing I really love is the bottle. Isn’t it adorable?! The cork top and little rafia bow make this polish so fun and unique, it is a great gift idea for your friends, mom, thank you gifts, ect…

The Megan Miller Collection consists entirely of 3 FREE Nail Polish of the highest quality.

What is 3 Free?

3 Free in its simplest terms means Nail Polish that Does Not Contain:
1) Dibutyl Phthalate (DBP)
2) Toluene
3) Formaldehyde

Awesome! Great nail polish that doesn’t have those nasty chemicals. I love that! Learn more here.

Right now Bragging Mommy Readers can get 25% off! Use code – Bragging Mommy at checkout. Visit www.meganmillercollection.com to take advantage of this great offer! meganmillerlogo

The Megan Miller Collection Nail Polish gets Bragging Rights!

3 lucky Bragging Mommy Readers will win a Bottle of Megan Miller Collection Nail Polish in their choice of color!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit the Megan Miller Collection website and tell us which color you will choose if you win.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- “Like” Megan Miller Collection on Facebook
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry- Tell us what you like most about Megan Miller Collection Nail Polish.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post & meganmillercollection.com. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway including a link to this post & @braggingmommy in your tweet.

You can enter this giveaway until October 12 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

Heidi September 28, 2011 beauty, fashion, giveaway, mommy, review, teen

Educational Insights Laundry Jumble & Space Faces Kids Games Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

We are a family that loves playing games, so naturally 4 year old Bug loves playing games as well. He gets really excited when we get new games for him. I am always on the lookout for educational kids games. Not only do I want him to have fun playing, but I want him to learn from it. Educational Insights has a great selection of educational games for kids.

We were so lucky to receive 2 of them to review:

Laundry Jumble

“Find the missing clothes—no peeking allowed! Help the animals get dressed! Reach inside the dryer and explore using only your sense of touch. laundry1

Focuses on touch as game play encourages children to match picture cards with articles of clothing they feel inside the dryer
Encourages tactile exploration, fine motor skills, and counting
Builds vocabulary as students name animals and clothing
Includes 11 pieces of doll–size clothing (washable), 30 game cards featuring full–color illustrations, and a fabric dryer measuring 8″L x 6.5″W x 10″H
For 1–4 players
Grades PreK+”

This is an adorable game. From the cute dryer to all the fun little items of clothing. As you choose a card, you then have to reach in the dryer and find the item that is on your card. Each card has a picture of an animal wearing a specific item. If you choose the correct item you get to keep your card. If you choose the wrong item then you have to put the card back on the bottom of the pile and your turn is over. Whoever has the most cards at the end wins, or you can set an amount for example: “First player to get 5 cards wins!”. Bug really enjoys this game and it is great for him to learn how to use his sense of touch to figure out which item is which.

Space Faces

“Keep your eyes peeled to save the day in this game of search and rescue! space2

Challenges players to pay close attention to details, including shapes and colors
Requires no reading to play
Includes game board with 120 different alien faces, Alien Identification Device, 20 purple alien pieces, 4 rescue crafts in 4 colors, and Activity Guide
For 2-4 players
Grades Pre-K+”

This is an excellent game for teaching your child. They will learn colors as well as learning to find a specific alien on a board full of them. It is specific down to every detail, eyes, mouth, etc…The first player to find the alien and shouts “Space Face” gets to put an Alien on their ship. Once your ship is filled you win! This game really challenges my 4 year old and I love seeing how well he does and how much he has learned from playing.

I highly recommend these games. They are great fun for the whole family and your child will learn so much from them!

Check out all the Kids Games by visiting www.educationalinsights.com.

Laundry Jumble & Space Faces get Bragging Rights!

One lucky Bragging Mommy Reader will win Both the Laundry Jumble & Space Faces Games!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Educational Insights and tell us another item they have that you would like for your kids.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

3 entries- Sign up for Educational Insights Emails.
3 entries- Like Educational Insights on Facebook.
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
10 entries- Blog about this giveaway linking to this post and educationalinsights.com. Leave a link to your post.
1 entry per day- Tweet this giveaway including a link to this post and @braggingmommy in your tweet.

Heidi September 28, 2011 child, educational, family, games, toy

The Perfect Place to Find Designer Swimsuits and Accessories ~ Swimwear360

I am always on the lookout for fabulous Designer Swimsuits. I love having swimwear that is unique and beautiful. That is why I was thrilled when I was recently introduced to Swimwear360. They have a huge selection of amazing Swimwear for women. I already have my eye on several swim suits, I will be hinting to my hubby to get them for my birthday

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I love that at Swimwear360 they have a variety of top designer brands like Agua Bendita, Maaji, Phax, and many more! You will definitely find swimwear that is gorgeous and unique. You will be the envy of all the lady’s at your mom & me swimming lessons!

I can’t wait to see the Swimwear 2012! I am sure it will be as fabulous as 2011 has been.

Heidi September 28, 2011 fashion, mommy, swimwear

Contigo Autoseal Madison Hydration Bottle with No Spill Technology Review

“The Contigo® AUTOSEAL® Hydration Bottle is a reusable, portable beverage bottle featuring patented technology which prevents spills and leaks. First hydration product on the market with AUTOSEAL self-sealing lid technology, offering press-to-sip drinking. There are no lids to remove and no spouts to open—allowing for one-handed use, for active consumers. Made from FDA-approved BPA-free Eastman Tritan™ copolyester for high-impact resistance and overall durability. Translucent material features measurement markings to gauge water intake. Includes a handle with an integrated carabiner for easy transport. Features large bottleneck opening for filling with ice cubes or powdered beverage drinks. Top-rack dishwasher safe. Available in a variety of colors in both 24 fl. oz. and 32 fl. Oz. “

I’m a runner. Well, I’m trying to be a runner. My shin splints aren’t helping the process out any, but my Contigo Autoseal Madison Hydration Bottle? That is helping me get the job done! I LOOOOOOVE this water bottle. It is so great for active people- it’s the perfect bottle to bring to the gym. It’s easy to stay hydrated during any activity- there is a button in the back of the lid, which is easy to push with one hand, and then drink. Simple. Anything with a cap you have to twist off does NOT work for running. So I’ve been using straw bottles, and those are ok, but they’re hard to clean and don’t always feel real sanitary. I love that it is a No Spill water bottle, so I can throw it in my bag and not worry about my stuff getting wet. The cap twists off, and you can throw ice cubes in. Perfect! This is my new favorite workout accessory!

Things that are Brag Worthy:

Patented AUTOSEAL^® lid is 100% leak-proof and 100% spill-proof.
Easy to use one-handed
Superior insulation properties
100% BPA free.
Press to sip. Release to seal.
Made out of Tritan™, which provides high impact resistance and won’t stain or retain odors.
Carabiner clip on the handle makes this water bottle easy to carry. Attach it to a bag strap for hands-free portability.
Wide opening fits ice cubes.
Top-rack dishwasher safe.
Volume markings help you gauge water intake.
24 oz. size fits most car cupholders.

Contigo Autoseal Madison Hydration Bottle is sold at retailers nationwide and at www.gocontigo.com.

Contigo Autoseal Madison Hydration Bottle with No Spill Technology gets Bragging Rights!

Joanna September 28, 2011 eco-friendly, review

What Does Each Costume Say About Each Character?

“The Episode “The Middle Earth Paradigm” from Season 1 of The Big Bang Theory just aired Monday 9/26. In the episode, the gang attends a costume party in Penny’s apartment. Penny dresses as a cat, Sheldon dresses as the Doppler effect, Leonard is Frodo from Lord of the Rings, Howard is Robin Hood but gets mistaken for Peter Pan and Raj is Thor, the Norse god of thunder.”

I think each characters costume choice is interesting in it’s own way. Sheldon being the Doppler effect is a classic Sheldon…who else would dress up as that?! Raj is Thor is too funny considering he doesn’t even dare to talk to girls. Lenard being Frodo is perfect and he fits the part, Penny’s costume as well. Howard however doesn’t make a good Robin Hood, probably the reason everyone thinks he is Peter Pan, LOL! If I had to choose a winner based on costume alone I would choose Raj. If I had to choose a winner based on costume choice, I would choose Lenard since I think his is very fitting.

The Big Bang Theory is now on 5 Nights a Week! You can visit www.bigbangweeknights.com to check your local listings.

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote The Big Bang Theory in Syndication.

Heidi September 28, 2011 dad, entertainment, mommy, tv show

Organic Gluten and Vegan Free Pure Bar Review and Giveaway [CLOSED]

Pure is dedicated to satisfying stretches, sunlit hikes, belly laughs,
and muddy hands.

“Pure is dedicated to helping everyone live a pure, healthy life. We are passionate about creating delicious, innovative products made with simple, wholesome ingredients. We share our knowledge and ideas to inspire people to live a purer, healthier lifestyle, and give back to the community in a meaningful way.”

Live Pure, live happy.

“We’re convinced that better eating translates to better living. That’s why we only make our Pure Bars from the best ingredients nature has to offer. For our two lines we always choose simple, whole ingredients that are full of fiber, protein, antioxidants, and omega-3’s. From outdoor adventures under sunny skies, to cramming for brain-straining exams beneath fluorescent lights, Pure Bars have the fuel to get you through your day.

Our bars provide delicious, wholesome ingredients that you can take with you while moving through your Vinyasa or simply commuting to your nine-to-five. We hope that you’ll see that a simple little thing like snacking healthier can make you stronger and happier. Everybody needs extra oomph to power through and be at their best, whether they’re tackling something minuscule or epic. Our job at Pure is to provide that oomph. Your job is to eat it.”

As a mom, my family’s nutrition is one of the top things on my “worry list” Are they getting enough nutrients? What’s in that? Is it safe? … When I come across a product that doesn’t have me asking these questions, I’m excited. I was super pumped to receive Pure Bars organic bars. They are gluten free, vegan, and… delicious! I love all the flavor options… Wild Blueberry, Chocolate Brownie, Apple Cinnamon, just to name a few. But my favorite is Cranberry Orange. Yum! But most importantly, my kids will eat it. I love grabbing one when we’re on the way to the gym- this is a time when we need something healthy and filling. The boys aren’t allowed to bring any snacks in the Child Watch, so I need to make sure their bellies are full when they go in. {Especially this month with my husband gone, I’ve been using every minute of my 2 hour time limit… =) } It’s as easy as grabbing a Pure Bar and letting them eat it in the car. Easy as pie {and just as yummy!} Guilt free. Love that. Be sure to try one soon!

“Certified organic, gluten-free, raw, and vegan, our mouth-watering fruit-and-nut bars are the ultimate pure snack bar. Pure Bars provide completely clean and balanced nutrition in an enticing and entirely delicious bar. Made with only simple, real ingredients, Pure Bar will nurture your body, mind, and spirit.”

Things that are Brag Worthy:

Gluten-free bar
Vegan bar
Delicious
So great for on-the-go- stay healthy even when you’re busy
Simple, real ingredients
Their website has full nutrition information on each bar
Pure Bar will nurture your body, mind, and spirit

Be sure to check out the wonderful recipe contest Pure Bar has going on now!

Pure Bar is offering an awesome discount coupon! Simply fill out this form for a one time use BOGO coupon.

Organic Gluten and Vegan Free Pure Bar gets Bragging Rights!

Pure Bar is generously giving away a variety pack (8 bars) to 3 lucky readers!

How to enter: Leave comments below with your qualifying entries. Leave a Separate comment for each entry telling us which you qualify for.

MANDATORY 1st entry- Visit Pure Bar and let us know which flavor you most want to try.

1st Mandatory Entry must be completed before you can qualify for additional entries. All extra entries who don’t do the mandatory entry will be deleted.

1 entry- “Like” Pure Bar on Facebook
2 entries- Subscribe to the Pure Bar’s Newsletter
2 entries- Follow Pure Bar’sBlog
2 entries- Grab The Bragging Mommy button and put it on your blog. Leave a link.
1 entry for each- Follow The Bragging Mommy via Google Friend Connect, Facebook, Twitter, subscribe to emails, subscribe in reader.
2 entries- Blog about this giveaway. Leave a link.
1 entry per day- Follow Pure Bar onTwitter & Tweet this giveaway using @thepurebar & @braggingmommy. You can use this:

#Win a Pure Bar variety pack (8 bars) {3 Winners!!} from @thepurebar & @braggingmommy! http://tinyurl.com/3busnlj {Ends 10.11}

You can enter this giveaway until October 11 @10:00 am MST. The winner will then be chosen at random, verified and contacted via email. The winner will have 48 hours to email us back and claim the prize, if prize is not claimed within 48 hours a new winner will be chosen. By entering this giveaway you agree to The Bragging Mommy Full Disclosure. You must be over the age of 18 and live in the Contiguous US to enter.

Joanna September 27, 2011 food, giveaway, review

be present Launches New Fall Line ~ Breathe Weave Agility Pant Review

“Denver-based yoga clothing company, be present, is launching its Fall 2011 collection. be present is a leading apparel company within the yoga, spa and fitness industries. The line is recognized internationally and continues to push the forefront of unique and functional styles for yoga and active wear.

The Fall 2011 collection introduces an entirely new color palette which anchors the line. Each of the seven new colors will be offered in various combinations of be present’s signature yoga pant styles which include the Agility Pant, Kona Pant and Mobility Pant for women and the Practice Pant, Movement Pant, Practice Short and Baja Short for men. These styles are made with be present’s proprietary fabric, called Breathe Weave™, which is a blend of cotton, polyester, and spandex. This lightweight fabric is known for its ability to dry quickly, allowing for easy transition from any yoga practice to casual wear afterward.

In addition to the new color palette, new artwork will be available on both men’s and women’s styles. Modal® blend tees and sweatshirts will include Ganesh, Hanuman, and the number 108. Men’s hoodies will bear a Rasta colored be present logo and organic cotton tees will have Ganesh printed on the front.

be present is also introducing the Renew Elite Collection into its Fall line. This environmentally friendly collection is made with a recycled polyester and spandex blend fabric. It is extremely soft to the touch, has ample stretch and provides a high level of support. Styles include the Lounge Pant, which is a full length pant with a fold over waistband, the Cropped Pant, which is calf-length and also has a fold over waistband, and the Racerback Tank, with a supportive built in shelf bra. The Renew Elite Collection provides a great alternative to be present’s Breathe Weave™ styles for those who prefer closer-fitting, more supportive attire for practicing yoga or working out.”

I was thrilled to get the Agility pant from be present. They are one of the many items that have the new “Breathe Weave™ – a lightweight, woven fabric with stretch that dries quickly”. These pants are super comfy. Perfect for yoga and working out but also great for just lounging around the house. I love that they come in a variety of colors including

See the fall collection at www.bepresent.com.

The be present Fall Collection gets Bragging Rights!

Heidi September 27, 2011 Uncategorized

If I Have To Tell You One More Time…A Must Read Parenting Book by Amy Mcready

Put an end to painful power struggles with your children!

“Why is it so difficult sometimes to get kids to listen? You ask your child to turn off the TV, do her homework, or get ready for school or bedtime. You know he heard you, but he ignores you. You ask again and still…no response. You’ve tried everything-time-outs, nagging, counting to three-and nothing seems to work.

In If I Have to Tell You One More Time…, founder of the popular online parenting course Positive Parenting Solutions Amy McCready presents a nag- and scream-free program for compassionately, yet effectively, correcting your children’s bad behavior.

In this invaluable book, McCready shows parents how an understanding of the psychological theory espoused by Alfred Adler (1870-1937) can put an end to power struggles in their households. Adlerian psychology focuses on the central idea that every human being has a basic need to feel powerful-with children being no exception to the rule. And when this need isn’t met in positive ways, kids will resort to negative methods, which often result in some of the most frustrating behavior they exhibit. If I Have to Tell You One More Time… provides the knowledge and tools parents need to address the deeper issues that inspire their children to misbehave. Read this book and rediscover the joy of parenting!”

About the Author

“Amy McCready is the founder of the popular online parenting course Positive Parenting Solutions. A sought-after parenting expert, Amy has appeared on NBC’s Today, Rachael Ray, MSNBC’s Dr. Nancy, and elsewhere. A regular parenting contributor for the "Mom Blogs," Amy lives in Raleigh, North Carolina, with her husband and two sons.”

I am a big fan of Amy McCready! I took her online parenting courses at Positive Parenting Solutions and got immediate results bookcover using her tools and insights. In fact we had a bedtime battle every night. Until I took Amy’s Bedtime Blues course and we finally knew how to handle the problem. Both my husband and I were amazed by the results!

So when I heard she had a parenting book I knew I had to have it! I couldn’t wait to read it. As I read each chapter I learned so much about myself and my husband as parents. The methods we were using with Bug were not working. As I started implementing Amy’s methods and advice I saw fabulous change in all of us. We all communicate so much better and our home is a happier place. I highly recommend this book to ALL PARENTS! It is a must read in my opinion. Amy really knows what she is talking about!

PAY IT FORWARD PARENTING:

“For every copy of the book sold, Positive Parenting Solutions, in partnership with Blue Star Families, will donate a free online parenting education course to a deserving military family. If you know military families – encourage them to sign up to receive the free training. In addition, please let your Facebook friends know that they can Pay It Forward and make the lives of a military family just a little less stressful. For more information on the book and Pay It Forward Parenting, visit: www.amymccready.com.”

This wonderful book is available at Barnes & Noble as well as online at Amazon.

If I have to Tell You One More Time…gets Bragging Rights!

Heidi September 27, 2011 book, dad, mommy, parenting, review

Jake and The Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho Mateys Away! Now Available on DVD

YO HO, LET’S GO MATEYS!

AVAILABLE ON DVD TODAY, SEPT. 27 2011!

“Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away!, a DVD packed full with seven episodes from the series and two incredible bonus features including Yo Ho, You Want To Be A Pirate?, where Jake teaches viewers how to talk like a pirate, and Pirate Party With Pirate-oke, a collection of music videos performed by The Never Land Pirate Band that allow viewers to enjoy with or without the sing-along/karaoke-like feature.

Retailing for the suggested price of $19.99 in the U.S. and $24.99 in Canada, the Jake and the Never Land Pirates: Yo Ho, Mateys Away! DVD also comes packaged with a bonus 7-track CD sampler and a pirate eye patch.

Jake and the Never Land Pirates is cable’s #1 series among Boys 2-5 and is on track to be Disney Channel’s #1 preschool series ever. It is the most co-viewed series among all Disney Junior and Nickelodeon series, with 47% of Moms watching with their preschooler. A music-filled interactive treasure hunt, the series introduces a crew of kid pirates – leader Jake and pals Izzy and Cubby – and follows their Never Land adventures as they work to outwit two infamous characters, the one and only Captain Hook and Smee, from Disney’s classic "Peter Pan." Every episode features the animated Sharky and Bones characters as they pop up throughout to perform original pirate ditties, and each episode concludes with a live action music video featuring The Never Land Pirate Band.”

Ever since Jake and the Never Land Pirates aired on Disney Junior, my little Bug has been hooked. It quickly became his favorite show. He loves it! So when I heard it was coming out on DVD I couldn’t wait to get it for him. It even includes a music CD, how fun! Now he can watch his Never Land Pirates anytime and dance to his favorite songs, he is very excited about it all. I have to admit I also love this adorable show and the song gets stuck in my head especially the chorus “Jake and the Never Land Pirates…”. Another super fun thing about this DVD set is that it comes with a pirate eye patch as well, I know it is full of great things. Boy did Bug flip out with excitement about this. Yep, he was a pirate for the whole day What a great bonus to a fun DVD! This is a great addition to your child’s DVD collection.

AVAILABLE ON DVD TODAY, SEPT. 27 2011!

Jake and the Never Land Pirates on DVD gets Bragging Rights!

Heidi September 27, 2011 boy, child, dvd, educational, entertainment, review, toddler

Superstructs Wacky Machines Building Set Review

Leah loves to build things! She loves to build with blocks, puzzles, and even make forts in the basement with pillows and blankets! So when we received the Superstructs Wacky Machines Building Set she couldn’t wait to get started!

I love how the Superstructs are made. They fit perfectly within each other and comes with tons of pieces for hours of building fun.

“The multiple, award-winning 126-piece Superstructs™ Big Builder set provides everything you need to build detailed, hard working, construction vehicles. Build a working forklift, dump truck, crane, or utility truck with the enclosed step-by-step plans. And once you have mastered these, you can take them apart and use your imagination to build other great creations!

4 Big durable tires that are ready to roll over any terrain.
32-Page construction guide with detailed step by step plans to build 4 hard-working vehicles
126-Pieces including pulleys, wheels, and characters.
Packaged in a 8"x8"x15" (LxWxH) Canister – perfect to store all the pieces” (Superstructs website)

I love how easy the instructions are and can be followed very easily. Leah couldn’t build these items on her own BUT she still loved building and creating her own items. She also had tons of fun playing and building with Daddy!

I also love the other construction toys they have. They have a really cute Fairy set and Flight Set that are perfect for boys or girls.

“Superstructs™ sets range from starter building rod and connector sets to ‘themed’ products that merge these building elements with popular settings to create solid buildings, ships, vehicles and characters for pretend and fantasy play” (Superstructs website)

Find out where these great building sets can be purchased at www.superstructs.com.