It's that time again! From now until May 4th, 2009, you can receive the employee discount of 25% off most items at your local Macy's department store or on Macys.com with this coupon. Just click on the graphic and print it out. Some items only allow a 10% savings. Please read the coupon for details about the restrictions.
Even if you've never visited their website, you probably have heard the name "Envirosax" because they are the leader in designer reusable tote bags. I was thrilled when the good people at Envirosax sent me one of their Graphic totes to review from the Spring '09 Candy series. The bag I received was the first in the new series.
What I thought about my Evirosax designer tote:
1) I loved how compact it was when folded and rolled. It is only 4" long . . . small enough to fit in your back pocket, a small purse, and your glove compartment. It was extremely easy to refold, roll the bag back up, and secure the bag with the built-in snap.
2) While unfolded and unrolled, this tote measures a roomy 19-1/2" x 16-1/2". Here is what I was able to fit in mine with some room to spare . . .
From now until May 10th, you can enter to win a Candy Pouch, containing a set of 5 bags, for you and a friend by joining someone you know who is a mom as a friend to Envirosax on either Facebook or My Space. Then message Envirosax on that social network in order for you and your mom friend to be entered in the drawing. The drawing is scheduled for May 10th, 2009.(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Good luck in the drawing!
Previously, I had a chance to review a pair of men's eyeglasses from EyeBuyDirect. Since then, I regretted not choosing to select a pair of new glasses for myself because I had been feeling tremendous eye strain. So when EyeBuyDirect offered me a second pair of prescription eyeglasses to review, I jumped at the chance.
Originally I was suppose to order and review glasses with progressive lenses, but after my visit to a new optometrist, I found out I've been wearing bifocals for the past 3 years needlessly. So I ended up ordering a pair of single vision women's glasses courtesy of EyeBuyDirect.
My previous glasses were a small black rimmed style and I wanted to find something similar. Something I did not notice the first time I shopped was that I can search by frame size. That saved me a lot of time. I ended up choosing this pair of black rimmed glasses called Canadian, which sells for $39.95 with prescription single vision lenses included.
What is shown below is the preview of what the glasses would look like on a photo I uploaded and a photo of me with the actual glasses on my face. (I know it looks like two different people. The photo on the left is four years old, but it was the only one I could find that was mostly front-facing.) 
What I thought about my EyeBuyDirect experience:
1) I was pleased that I was able to find a style I liked pretty quickly. The EyeBuyDirect website has many ways to filter and refine your searches.
2) I found having measurements for each style of glasses very helpful. I needed to find a bridge size that was about the same as my previous pair of glasses because my nose just doesn't hold glasses up well, especially if I opt for a non-metal frame.
3) When I was trying the glasses on my photo, I had to guess how large they would be by the size of the bridge. As you can see, I was a little off and the actually glasses are a bit larger than I had guessed.
4) I received the glasses in about two weeks after I ordered them. For this price, I think that is certainly an acceptable amount of time to wait.
5) My glasses sat a little crooked at first because my ears are probably not perfectly symmetrical. I had to adjust the earpieces myself. After a few tries I think I was able to get them to sit somewhat evenly.
6) You must go by the color of the actual product photos. As you can see the glasses appear to be much lighter in the preview photo than they actually are.
7) It was very helpful that I knew to ask my eye doctor to measure my pupillary distance. This is not a measurement that is normally included in your prescription, but you do need it to order your eyeglasses online.
8) I spent hundreds and hundreds of dollars on my previous pair of glasses at the local eyeglass store at the mall. This pair with a UV protective coating, an anti-reflective coating, and an upgrade to thinner lightweight lenses would have cost me under $100. This also included a hard eyeglass case and a microfiber cleaning cloth. I was very happy for all I got for that price.
I have to point out that I did have a chance to experience the level of customer service provided by EyeBuyDirect and I was extremely pleased. When I first received my glasses, the right lens was blurry when I tried them on. So I alerted EyeBuyDirect, who had one of their on-staff opticians call me by phone. We checked to make sure I entered my prescription correctly during the order process. When we agreed that I had, they started an order for a replacement pair of eyeglasses for me. All I had to do was ship the other pair back with delivery confirmation and email customer service with the confirmation number so that they knew the original glasses were on their way back. It took less than 2 weeks for the replacement glasses to arrive and they were perfect.
Overall, I am pleased with my EyeBuyDirect experience. I am glad that I was able to report good things about my product exchange. My glasses are slightly larger than I expected, but I still like them. Oh, and I can see more clearly than I have been able to for quite a few years. That's the important thing, right?
What you can win:
One person will win a pair of eyeglasses from EyeBuyDirect up to $100 (excluding sunglasses and designer frames).
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
How to Gain Entries:
Take a look at the EyeBuyDirect Wall of Fame. Choose one person's photo for which to leave a comment (nice comments only please). To do so you must login or register. Then leave a comment here with the link to the photo on which you left a comment. You must do this to be eligible to win this contest.
Extra Entries:
1) For an extra entry, leave a separate comment telling me what you (or your loved one) needs glasses for.
2) Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so and under what username. Add to Technorati Favorites
3) Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post AND to EyeBuyDirect.com. Then come back here and leave a separate comment with the link to your blog post.
4) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.
5) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment.
6) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
7) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
8) Add my "Dr. Hippo" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
9) Add my "Father's Day Fling" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Good luck in the drawing!
In honor of the the new Star Trek movie . . . Seek New Frontiers coming to theaters on May 8th, 2009, Lenovo has decided to put four of their bestselling laptops on sale, including an IdeaPad and ThinkPad models. In addition to this notebook promotion, Lenovo is accepting entries for the New Frontiers Sweepstakes, where you can enter to win a Zero Gravity Flight for you and three friends. You'll have to hurry because the contest closes on May 8th, 2009. Please read the official contest rules for further details.
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Good luck in the drawing!
Sony Online Entertainment has officially launched its new free online game called Free Realms! This game is targeted at audiences age 10 to adults. This looks like something the family can all play together and is not as dark as some other online games. Take a look at this short trailer . . .
I wanted to tell you all about two events I am participating in during the month of May . . .
I hope I'll see you all there! May is going to be a fun month!!
This new Yo Gabba Gabba DVD titled "New Friends" hit the stores in early April 2009. My 5yr old was so excited that he received a copy to review because he has been seeing and hearing the name Jack Black on the Yo Gabba Gabba website and on Nick Jr. He didn't know who Jack Black was exactly, but he was extremely excited to meet him.
The Yo Gabba Gabba!: New Firends DVD contains four episodes:
New Friends - This is the episode in which Jack Black makes his debut on Yo Gabba Gabba. He ends up in Gabbaland after he gets lost.
Find- This episode shows how discovery applies to different aspects of a child's life, whether it be finding something completely new or searching for something cherished that has been lost or misplaced.
Greetings - In this episode, your child learns to interact politely with both strangers and friends.
Share - In this particular episode, the Gabba characters learn that sharing is more fun than playing by themselves.
What I thought about this DVD as a parent:
1) I like how all the characters are so different. It really helps to promote that people who are different can be the best of friends.
2) I liked how the music was fun, upbeat, and each song delivers a message pertaining to whatever lesson is being taught for that episode. The music reminds me of the 80's with a pop/hip hop flair.
3) I think the Yo Gabba Gabba show, in general, is perfect for preschoolers who are at the age when they are learning to interact socially and deal with their feelings in a productive way.
4) Seeing the "New Friends" episode made me an even bigger fan of Jack Black.
What my 5yr old son thought about this DVD:
1) He is already a big fan of Yo Gabba Gabba and knew all the characters by name . . . Brobee, Foofa, Muno, Toodee, and Plex.
2) He said that out of the four episodes, the first one (New Friends) was his favorite.
3) When I asked him if he thought Jack Black was funny, he said, "No, he's not funny. He's cool!"
Overall, I think the Yo Gabba Gabba show successfully makes learning about how to deal with everyday situations entertaining. This type of learning is just as important as grasping the concepts of reading, writing, and addition for children my son's age. Although the themes are too advanced for my 2yr old twins, they also enjoy this show because it is colorful, lively, and they enjoy the singing and dancing.
It's time to draw the winning number for the Go Diego Go: Rainforest Fiesta DVD! Out of 197 entries, the lucky winner is . . .
It is no secret that I am a huge fan of personalized gifts. Well, nothing is more personalized than custom artwork. These would be the perfect gifts for anyone with walls . . . especially ideal for Mother's Day gifts as well as Father's Day gifts.
When Photo Fiddle offered to send me a my very own custom photo canvas to review, I was was so excited. I thought I knew exactly which one of my one million photos I would choose to use for this project, but I ended up going with this one . . .
Choosing the photo was the hardest part of the process. The rest of the ordering is a piece of cake. After I placed my order, a few days later, this showed up at my door . . .
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Good luck in the drawing!
A few nights ago, my poor husband had an accident and hurt his toe. He actually severely hurt himself and his nail got ripped right off. OUCH!!! So since then, nobody has been allowed to look at that toe or breathe near it because it was just too painful.
The day after the accident, I enlisted Jake and my husband to help me with a photo shoot for a sunscreen review. My husband was to spray the sunscreen onto Jake's arms and legs while I snapped a few photos. Well, Jake was fooling around and he fell on his father's foot . . . the one we are not allowed to breathe near. I know my husband was in excruciating pain because he had to get up and leave the room. Maybe he didn't want us to see him cry?
Anyways, afterwards I could not get any expression out of Jake other than this one . . .
Many people associate the words "Mother's Day gift" with words like thoughtful, pampering, and indulgence. Well what could be more indulgent than a beautiful box of hand decorated gourmet treats?
I was so excited when Edible Gifts Plus (a successful mom-owned business run by single mom Margo Rappel) offered to send my family a sample of their Belgian Chocolate Dipped Oreos to try. My husband was looking forward to these too. He is an Oreo cookie fiend.
Take a look at what arrived at our door . . .
Here is what my family and I thought about our Chocolate Dipped Oreos:
1) I was very impressed by the presentation. The windowed box with the pink satin ribbon and bow looked very sweet and elegant.
2) Each cookie was decorated so beautifully, that I thought they looked too pretty to eat. (I did eventually have to do my duty and eat one. The sacrifices I have to make for an accurate review, right?)
3) Even though my son did not know exactly what they were, his eyes grew wide when he peered into that box and he just knew by looking at them that they were something special.
4) The cookies were sealed in plastic for freshness. I was very surprised to find that the cookies were very crisp and not soft or stale at all.
5) I appreciate that there was a very detailed label on the bottom of the box that contained the nutritional facts and ingredients. By the way, even though these particular confections do not contain nuts, there may be traces of nuts (including peanuts) in them. Anyone with peanut allergies should be aware of this.
6) I liked that there was one cookie that said "Mom" on it. It made it a special cookie that was just for me and I did not have to fight my husband and children for it.
I think anybody would love to receive a beautiful box of gourmet goodies from Edible Gifts Plus. Their selection is vast and they really make it easy to choose a personalized gift. I had no complaints whatsoever about these heavenly cookies, but my husband wanted to make one suggestion. He would like to see Margo add dipped "Double Stuff" Oreos to the selection.
What you can win:
One person will win a $40 GC to Edible Gifts Plus.
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
How to Gain Entries:
Take a look at the selection of goodies at EdibleGiftsPlus.com . Then leave a comment telling me what you would spend the gift certificate on if you won this contest. You must do this to be eligible to win this contest.
Extra Entries:
1) For an extra entry, subscribe to the Edible Gifts Plus mailing list, which makes you eligible to win a Free Giant Cookie in their monthly drawings. Then leave a separate comment telling me what email you used to subscribe.
2) Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so and under what username. Add to Technorati Favorites
3) Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post AND to Edible Gifts Plus website. Then come back here and leave a separate comment with the link to your blog post.
4) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.
5) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment.
6) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
7) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
8) Add my "Dr. Hippo" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
9) Add my "Father's Day Fling" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Good luck in the drawing!
A few days ago, I realized I didn't have any suitable photos for Weekly Winners. So I had to go looking for a victim model. This is what I came up with . . .
I don't know what the weather is like where you are, but here in New England it is crazy. The other night it was down to the 40s at night and I just heard on the news that the next 5 days or so will be in the 80s! This is in a month where I remember being buried in snow a few years ago.
So 80 degrees and sunny . . . that means it's time to get serious about sun protection. I just realized today that my daughter doesn't even have a sun hat yet for this year. We always use sun hats and sunscreen when the kids go out to play during the spring and summer seasons. I usually use a sunscreen that has bug repellent because I am paranoid about the children being bitten and becoming ill, but when KINeSYS offered to send us some of their products to try, I decided to give this brand a chance. After all, there are many other occasions when we put sunscreen on the children other than playing out in the yard. We often put sunscreen on all three children just to go somewhere in the car. Sometimes the sun is so harsh and the tinted windows only help so much.
The first product we tried was the KINeSYS Kids spray-on sunscreen with SPF 30 and the ingredient Parsol 1789. This product is hypoallergenic, alcohol-free, oil-free, preservative-free, and fragrance-free and is safe for children 6mos and up.
Here is what I thought about this sunscreen for kids:
1) I like that it is fragrance-free and water/sweat resistant.
2) The spray offered excellent coverage. It only took a couple of sprays to cover each arm and only about four to cover each leg all around.
3) This sunscreen dried quickly . . . in just minutes. And once it is dried, you cannot tell that you're wearing it.
4) Be careful of spraying it while standing on wood or tile floors. The spray that hits the floor makes it very slippery.
5) I like that this product is not tested on animals.
6) I love how there is no rubbing involved aside from applying the sunscreen onto the face and ears.
The second product we tried was the SPF 30 girls scented sunscreen. It was identical to the kids sunscreen, except it is scented with a Vanilla-Green Tea fragrance.
What I thought about this girls spray-on sunscreen:
1) Although I normally opt for fragrance-free items, I found the vanilla-green tea scent to be very light and pleasant.
2) I like how this product is marketed towards tweens and teens to encourage them to use sunscreen to protect their skin.
3) I also like how the 1oz size is compact enough to fit in a back pocket, a purse, or the front pouch of a backpack.
I do want to point out that we only tested this product in 70 degree weather with moderate sunlight in the late afternoon hours. We have not had the chance to test this in hot summer weather. So far, we are very satisfied with protection it gave to both our 27 month olds and our 5yr old. If you would like to try any of the KYNeSYS products for adults or children, you can save 10% off on your order by using Code: BRC10. You can also receive Free Shipping if your order totals more than $45.
Thank you to KINeSYS and the Family Review Network for this opportunity.
What you can win:
One person will win these two KINeSYS products . . . 4oz Kids Sunscreen & 4oz Kids Moisturizer.
Limitations:
This giveaway is open to U.S. & Canadian addresses only. You do not need to be a blogger to enter, but you must have a valid email address. If you enter anonymously and do not include a valid email address in your comment entries, I will not be able to notify you should you win this random drawing.
How to Gain Entries:
Take a look at the selection of KINeSYS sunscreen products. Then leave a comment telling me which product or kit you would like to try (other than the two covered in this review). You must do this to be eligible to win this contest.
Extra Entries:
1) Leave a separate comment telling me what your child's (or children's) favorite outdoor summertime activity is.
2) Add this blog to your Technorati Favorites. Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so and under what username. Add to Technorati Favorites
3) Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post AND to kinesys.com . Then come back here and leave a separate comment with the link to your blog post.
4) Follow me on Twitter. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your Twitter profile.
5) Tweet about this giveaway linking back to this post. Then come back here and leave the link to your tweet in a separate comment.
6) Subscribe to this blog's feed. Or you can follow me through Blogger or subscribe via email (widget is on sidebar). Then leave a separate comment telling me you did so.
7) Add my button or blog link to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
8) Add my "Dr. Hippo" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
9) Add my "Father's Day Fling" giveaway event button to your blog's sidebar. Then leave a separate comment with the link to your blog.
(All entries will be verified prior to awarding this prize.)
Good luck in the drawing!
Bloggerized By Cahaya Biru Code
