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Graco My Ride 65 giveaway 9/30/2013 1 AM to 10/19/2013 1 AM

9/30/2013

Review done by Party of 5 and Counting Opinions are all hers.

In keeping up with Car Seat Safety Week I bring to you the Graco My Ride 65 with safety Surround. I will be searching for a car seat for Amelia shortly and was really intrigued by the Graco My Ride 65 with Safety Surround Side Impact Protection

Disclosure:
you are about to read a product review.
I received the product{s} reviewed free of charge in
exchange for my honest opinion.

Party of 5 was sent the Graco My Ride 65 with Safety Surround Side Impact Protection to review during Baby Safety Month.

We will be looking for a car seat for Amelia shortly and I was really impressed with the reviews I was reading on the Graco My Ride 65 seats.

Now, we can use the My Ride 65 now since the seat can be used from 4 - 65 pounds so this could eliminate the use of an infant seat.

See, how safe and secure Amelia looks

Here are some of the amazing features of the My Ride 65 with Safety Surround

Keeps baby in the rear-facing position up to 40 lbs
Keeps your forward-facing child harnessed from 20-65 lbs
Safety Surround™ Side Impact Protection that truly grows with your child
Meets BOTH Graco's Side Impact Testing and Europe's Side Impact standard* (*draft standard)
Headrest featuring Safety Surround™ Protection moves & removes to grow with child
SafeSeat Engineering - Engineered & Crash Tested to Meet or Exceed US Standard FMVS213:
Side Impact Tested** (**In addition to meeting or exceeding all applicable US safety standards,
the My Ride 65 has been side impact tested for occupant retention by the harness system)
New Car Assessment Program (NCAP) – peak crash force approximately 2X Car Seat Standard
Extreme Car Interior Temperatures
EPS, energy absorbing foam for effective impact energy management
LATCH equipped with an easy-to-read level indicator for hassle-free installation
5-point, front-adjust harness helps you get baby in and out
Dual cup holders keep drinks within your child’s reach

A feature I really love is on the side of the seat. You will know when the seat is level and safe for use when the ball is entirely in the green! { THIS IS TO BE USED REAR FACING ONLY }

Often times I wondered if our seats were properly installed and with the level indicator on the side of the My Ride 65 you can now tell if the seat is level.

The 5 point harness is a standard and has a picture so you know EXACTLY where to place the chest clip

The insert for newborns is really nice and keeps baby in position where they should be. Amelia seemed to really like this feature. Most other inserts are just eh, but the Graco My Ride 65 is nice and cushy.

All of the installation directions are labeled on the sides of the seat so you can never forget them. There are different directions for installing a car seat Rear and Forward facing so you need to make sure you follow the right ones.

Here's my Pro's to the Graco My Ride 65 with Safety Surround:

Can be used from birth to 65lbs

Easy to install. I did it myself and had Hubs double check

Thick harness that wont twist easily. My girls have a habit of doing this.

Nice plush cover

2 cup holders

What I dislike

The seat itself is pretty large. There would be no getting to side by side. We have a mini van and there are 3 kids still in car seats so having a large seat takes up tons of room

This is a harness you must un thread. We all know what a pain that is.

The cons are nothing that wouldn't stop me from purchasing theGraco My Ride 65 with Safety Surround

Here is a video on how to properly install the My Ride 65 REAR FACING with L:ATCH

and Forward Facing using LATCH

In honor of National Child Passenger Safety Month, Graco launched a “Buckle Up for Safety” pledge on Facebook where you and your friends, families and followers can pledge your commitment to child passenger safety. For every pledge Graco will donate $1 to Safe Kids Worldwide until we reach our goal of 10,000 pledges!

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BUY IT: You can purchase the Graco My Ride 65 with Safety Surround for $179.99

WIN IT: ONE lucky reader will win a Graco My Ride 65!!

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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or
Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it
on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance
With the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides concerning the
Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising

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Bash and the Pirate Pig Book Review/Giveaway 9/30/2013 5:00 pm EST to 10/14/2013 5:00 pm EST

9/30/2013

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I recently had the opportunity to review Beamer and Bash and the Pirate Pig is a very interesting and engaging story written for boys 8 to 14.I did not know at first it was just for boys when I was asked to review the book.I do not have any boys,I have a little girl and I’m happy I did not know at the time.I probably would of turned down the opportunity to review when of the most fun book I have read in a long time.The book is about Raymond, aka “Beamer” and his endearing cousin Sebastian,known to many as “Bash”.Raymond "Beamer" is what you would call a couch potato.He likes his air conditioning and video games.,his parents insist he must spend the summer at the farm and He just can not see what good is this so-called country fun that includes riding cows...YES...I said riding cows!, river rafting with a pig, YES... I said river rafting with a pig!, or playing with some skunks...YES... I said skunks!
Beamer goes from a tween focused on video games and enjoying his air conditioning.He had nothing much to do with caring or being obedient to God or his parents.I loved to read about this young bot being excited about living and loving life it takes on a new insight.This story will teach many lessons to kids that are into to much technology and that are not even wanting to converse with their friends or family's and are not engaging in relationships…with Jesus,their family, friends.You will be so happy for Beamer when he goes towards his new direction in his life!
After reading the book,I know little girls will love this book also.It is such a fun book to read!The author adds a touch of humor to real life situations and takes the book into a realistic problems for children to understand.The book is 224 pages long.It is full of humor farm adventures and it keeps a strong Christian value throughout the book.The children in the book often talk about God.They use the Bible verses in their lives.

About Bash and the Pirate Pig

Written for boys 8 to 14,Bash and the Pirate Pig, by Burton Cole, is the story of a cranky city kid named Raymond "Beamer" Boxby who must spend summer vacation at his younger cousin, Bash Hinglehobb’s farm.

Beamer prefers air conditioning and video games. He can't see what good can come of this so-called country fun that includes riding cows, river rafting with a pig, or playing with skunks.

But hang tight, Beamer, because Bash's zany adventures with his "Fishin' and Farmin' book" (The Bible) just might lead to the coolest discovery of all.

About the Author

Burton Cole is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist with thirty years of experience and more than fifty humor writing awards to his credit. He grew up on a farm in northeast Ohio and attended a small-town church with a slew of cousins and buddies. That same boyhood inspires his colorful stories today.

About the Illustrator

Tom Bancroft has more than twenty years of experience in the animation and illustration industry and worked with Disney on films including Beauty and the Beast, The Lion King, and Aladdin. Other clients have included DC Comics and Big Idea Productions.

Bash and the Pirate Pig
Written by: Burton Cole
Illustrated by: Tom Bancroft
Publisher: B&H Kids
Hardcover: 224 pages
$12.99

Stay Connected:
B&H Kids Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BHPubKids
B&H Publishing Twitter: @BHKidsBuzz
Website: http://www.bhpublishinggroup.com/books/products.asp?p=9781433680694

I Give Bash and the Pirate Pig Book

Giveaway Time

I have been blessed to be able to give one of my readers copy Bash and the Pirate Pig Book...
Enter below!

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Herbal Magic Weight Loss & Nutrition Centres Programs

9/29/2013

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Herbal Magic Weight Loss Programs:
They have many effective weight loss programs for women, men and youth. As well, a Scientific Advisory Team that has designed programs that are safe and effective for insulin and non-insulin dependent diabetics and clients who have cardiovascular disease. Before starting their program,they conduct an in-depth consultation with you to ensure that your health concerns, medical conditions, and current medications are considered and accommodated.

By following their customized weight loss plans you will lose an average of two pounds per week. This weight loss strategy is designed to ensure that the weight you lose is maintained successfully. Studies indicate that long-term focused programs ensure results which are successfully maintained.

You can find Herbal Magic Weight Loss Programs here:

http://herbalmagic.ca/weight-loss-programs.php and http://herbalmagic.ca/

Here is my weight gain/weight loss Story Below:

I need help losing over 100 pounds with a plan that works for me and will keep the weight off once and for all.I was always really thin as a child,teenager and young adult,Then it all started to go array around 1993 when I was 22 years old.At the time I was around 135-140 pounds.I was in a size X-Small to a Medium.I tried slim quick and gained around 20 pounds on it instead of losing. I started to gain and gain.I have tried everything out there on the market.I have also tried Body Wraps,lost 16 1/2 inches and around 8 pounds but gained it all back and more.I started to gain weight a lot around this time and go up and down in my weight.My thyroid was tested and It was hypo/hyper thyroid and also had an adenoma on my right thyroid and when I was put on 5 mg of Synthroid the adenoma shrunk and was gone after 2 years.In 2003 I had my gallbladder taken out I was 204 pounds and lost 50 pounds the Dr. had me on low fat diet but gained it back and more.It would go from hyper were I would lose a lot of weight then go to hypo were I would gain and gain.The most weight I have lost was over 80 pounds when I was put on a different dose of Thyroid medication.Then gained 64 pounds while I was pregnant and then gained more after my husband Richard passed away.

Some of the challenges I face with weight loss is I have no time to count calories and can not exercise due to health reasons.I always crave creamy,fried,crunchy,sweet things all day but especially at bedtime.I need help with these cravings.My low energy,the Endocrinologist tested me for Diabetes,Vitamin D,Folic Acid,Vitamin B-6,Vitamin B-12(Pernicious Anemia) Deficiency levels all were low.So my energy level is not very good,always tired and I do one little thing and I am wore out for the rest of the day. I have to take pills for all of these except the B-12 I have to get 1000 mc injections every week for the rest of my life or I could die from it,I was diagnosed with pre-diabetes-but was fine with watching what I ate..I have fibromyalgia really bad and in 2005.The Neurologist put me on a pill called Lyrica,well let's just say I had every side effect and more while I was on it.I was 174 and I also by the side effects of that pill the weight went all the way up to 289 pounds in 2007.This Neurologist wanted to give me other pills for the side effects from it.Let's just say he is no longer my Dr. and I slowly weened myself from this med.Also my thyroid was tested by my Endocrinologist and I was getting the wrong dose of meds. so they took me from 88 mg of Synthroid to 100 mg of it and I lost 84 pounds after that and went down to 204 pounds.I also have arthritis,reflex sympathetic dystrophy and I have to be able to keep up with a very active 3 year old,maintain a good diet and exercise routine that does not interfere with my heart condition Sinus Tachycardia because if my heart gets up to high I could have a stroke or a heart attack.My Dr. is telling me to lose 60 to 100 pounds for them to operate on my belly button hernia.I have to it soon it is getting really difficult to pick my daughter up anymore.It is also very difficult to lose this amount of weight on my own.I just need to find something that will help me get me to my goal of between losing 155 pounds.I want to get down to 120 pounds.

What motivates me to be healthy and to get fit is many different things.

For Myself
My little girl-I am her only parent she has and I need to be here to watch her grow.
To show my daughter what true health is.
My late husband would want me to be as healthy as I can be for our little girl.

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Keren Jewelry $150 GC Giveaway 9/27/13 1 AM EST to 10/11/13 11:59 pm

9/26/2013

1 Comment

This Review/Giveaway is brought to you by Simply Southern Couponers.All Opinions are from her.

Christmas is right around the corner and jewelry is a must have on your Christmas List. KEREN Jewelry has wonderful jewelry pieces that your loved ones will just love to get under the Christmas Tree and they will adore them for years to come.Here is your opportunity to win a $150 GC to KEREN Jewelry.

Hosted By: Simply Southern Couponers

ONLI Bevridges Giveaway Sept.24,2013 12 AM EST to Oct. 8,2013 12 AM EST.

9/24/2013

8 Comments

Read the Review on Ramblings of the Chef Next Door blog.
All opinions are hers.

I was given some to try for free. At first I didn't think I would like them. But it turns out they are great.. My favorite one was the Hibiscus Pomegranate. They have several flavors. Here is a few: Huckleberry Pomegranate, Hibiscus Pomegranate, Lemon Watermelon, Espresso Swiss Hazelnut, Green Tea Lemongrass Mango, and Unsweetened Hibiscus Strawberry.

Onli beverages are All Natural Chef inspired sparkling beverages with ginseng in every bottle. The sugar free has a different taste (more tart). Its more like an Italian Soda than the fake American Soda. Though even the sweetened ones are tart. They don't have a strong sugar taste. They are also non-carbonated, that is great.

So if you want to try a case of Onli Beverages then enter via the Rafflecopter below.

Special Thanks to Carmen's Coupon Blog & Stephanies Bit By Bit.
Ramblings of the Chef next door & other bloggers not responsible for shipment of prize.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Educational Alphabet Flash Cards for 3,4,5 Year Old Kids Review

9/23/2013

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I had the opportunity to review the Educational toys Alphabet Flash Cards and I was excited to review these flash cards.I know when I was growing up I used flash cards and I would learn things I needed for school quicker then normal learning.The flash cards are a great way to help your children of any age learn numbers and letters.It seems like children these days are getting smarter and smarter.They start learning at such a young age.These flash cards are a great size for little ones.They are very bright and colorful.Great for the little ones to help with memorizing things.My little girl Amelia just loved these cards.

Product Description

Involve your child in the joy of learning the ABC. School Zone Alphabet Flash Cards bring skills such as memory, listening, and movement into each fun-filled lesson. Children will get to know phonics and be able to connect letter sounds with objects: K is for Kite, for example. They will also learn that each letter is a symbol that can be memorized. Offer this colorful world of letters to your child today.

These cards are really durable.They are nothing like regular children’s playing cards.They are very thick.This is really good when you are using these with a toddler.The pack comes with a card for each upper and lower case letter.They have a word and the letter on one side of each card and a picture on the other side.I liked using the picture side with Amelia.She looks at each card and she tells me what is in the picture.

The Alphabet Flash Cards are sold for $2.97 and they are made by Educational toys.The cards will help your child get a good head start in school.They have other educational items that will help your little ones out in the right step to learning.

ABC toys http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/learning-the-alphabet.html
toys for 3 year olds http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/35years.html
toys for 4 year olds http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/toys-for-4-years.html
toys for 5 year olds http://www.educationaltoysplanet.com/56years.html

We Give Educational toys The Alphabet Flash Cards

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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flattenme Review/Giveaway Sept.20,2013 (2 PM EST) to Oct.4,2013 (2 PM EST)

9/20/2013

1 Comment

All the opinions on this Review/Giveaway are those of Mama C's Secrets 2 Savings Blog.

**** NOTE**** The Giveaway is for One (1) copy of Owl Always Love You Personalized with One (1) name. The winner is responsible for flat rate shipping of $3.99 Open to US only.

I am always constantly looking for things to give my kids as gifts that will be special and meaningful. I have found an extremely delightful website that has exactly what I think would make the most memorable gifts that can be treasured for years to come.

I was given the opportunity to review a personalized hardback book called Owl Always Love You. I chose to get this for my little boy named Alexander, because his birthday was coming up and I knew out of all of my kids he would appreciate something like this the most. The book itself is beautifully illustrated and the story is so cute, but what makes this story special is the fact that on every page of the story including the cover it includes Alexander's name.

This has become his favorite story and we read it almost every night. It really is something that means a lot to him and he loves that the story is all about him. I think this would be the perfect gift for any soon to be parent for their little one or to let that special little one in your life know how special they really are.

Along with the Owl Always Love You personalized book they also have other books that can include a picture of the people the book is about, T-shirts that have your child's head on different bodies like a ballerina, Fireman, Fairy, Rockstar and many others. They also make super cute wall canvases, Cards and water bottles that are personalized with your child's faces. So if you are looking for a perfect personalized gift for your child, grandchild or for Grandma and Grandpa any of these super cute items would be perfect and would make for a very meaningful surprise.

Follow Flatten Me to stay up on all the great things they are coming out with:

Website

Facbook

Twitter

Pinterest

Blog

The wonderful people over at Flatten Me have given me the chance to giveaway one personalized Owl Always Love You books to one of my fans! This book retails for 34.95 we do ask that the winner pays a small flat rate shipping of 3.99. This giveaway is open to US only!

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Build-A-Bear Review/Giveaway Sept. 20,2013 8 PM EST to Oct.4,2013 8 PM EST

9/20/2013

3 Comments

All the opinions on this Review/Giveaway are those of Mama C's Secrets 2 Savings Blog.

**** NOTE**** The Giveaway is for One (1) $25 Build-A-Bear Workshop Gift card. Open to US only.

I have always been a lover of Build-A-Bear Workshop and their website. I have been building all sorts of animals (I am a little embarrassed to admit I actually own 6 that are mine from when I was younger and I still have them all!) in their stores since I was a preteen. Since becoming a mom I have shared my love of this "Little Obsession" of mine with our boys and they have grown to love it just as much as I have and still do. So when I was given the opportunity to review one of their new little guys from their recently released Color Popz line I was for lack of a better word ecstatic. While we absolutely adored both Razzy Berry Kittie and Pizzazy Bear both of which are also in the Color Popz Line. I decided to put selfish wants aside on this one and get it for my littlest boy. I knew when I saw Jazzy Frog that he was the one for us! My youngest son has had an almost strange obsession with stuffed frogs since before he turned 2. I didn't tell him I was getting it for him before it got here. The day it got here I cut open the box and told him there was something inside for him. His little eyes glistened at the thought of something in a big box finally coming for him and not for mommy. He slowly opened the box and peered inside. He just kind of stared at it for a few minutes and he actually started to shake with excitement he pulled it out and hugged it close to him and just kept saying "rog, rog, rog" ( that is how he says frog. he is only 2 so we miss the F on a lot of words lol). Jazzy frog now christened "Roggie Rog" has become a true member of our family he eats with us, and sleeps next to Hunter every single night. We are really excited for the next time we get to go to the Build-A-Bear store so that Roggie (for short) can get a new outfit and maybe a new friend.

Be sure to check out the other super cute Animals in the Color Popz Collection!

Be Sure to Follow Build-A-Bear:

Website

Facebook

Twitter

Pinterest

The awesome people over at build-A-Bear have given me the oppurtunity to give away a $ 25 GC to Build-A-Bear work shop to use either in the store or online!

This giveaway is open to US Only!

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Newmans Own Organics Giveaway September 18,2013 12 AM EST to October 9,2013 12 AM EST

9/17/2013

10 Comments

Read the Review on Ramblings of the Chef Next Door blog.All opinions are hers.

My dog was mad when he found out he couldn't enter.. LOL.... One lucky reader will win. The prize will be Newman's Own Organic Pretzel Sticks, Newman O-s, Licorice, and Oatmeal Chocolate Chip Cookies. They also add a surprise in each box. Make sure to enter Via the Rafflecopter Below.. Special thank you Carmen's Coupon Blog & Stephanie's Bit by Bit.

Ramblings of the Chef next door & other bloggers not responsible for shipment of prize. Open to US residents only. You will have 48 hours to claim prize or new winner will be selected.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

10 Comments

Combi USA Shuttle® Infant Car Seat 9/19/2013 1:00 am EST to 10/12/2013 1:00 am EST

9/17/2013

3 Comments

Review done by Party of 5 and Counting Opinions are all hers.

This week marks Car Seat Safety week so I thought it was only fitting to bring you some car seat giveaways!!

Disclosure:

you are about to read a product review.

I received the product{s}

When you have a new baby most Moms I know choose to use an infant car seat for their new baby. We had the opportunity to test out the Combi Shuttle with Amelia.

Here are the safety features we love

Combi Tru-Safe® features provide 360 degrees of protection in front, rear, and side impact collisions via the Side Impact Protection, which offers a head restraint with deep side walls and a layer of absorbing foam to distribute crash energy away from your infant's head, neck and spine, and the Anti-Rebound Bar, which stabilizes the infant seat by minimizing rotational forces in front and rear collisions.
Adjustable head restraint for proper positioning of the head and harness shoulder height for a snug and secure fit
Ergonomic carry handle with comfort grips
One-pull front harness adjuster
Built-in lock-offs
Wide belt paths for easy installation
Easy-to-read level indicators
Premium, push-button LATCH connectors with storage compartment
Contoured, anti-slip base
Four-position height adjustment for proper seat angle and positioning
Stroller-compatible design- works with all Combi Cosmo, Cabria, Catalyst, and Twin Cosmo strollers to create a complete travel system

I love how easy the Combi Shuttle is to install, I did it myself! Normally I cannot get the car seats in tight enough so my Hubs has to help but I was super proud of myself for doing this install!

The Combi Shuttle can be used from birth to 35lbs when used with the base. This is great for someone like me who has lower birth weight babies. Amelia came home weighing 5lbs 9oz and Peyton was just 4lbs 15oz.

The colors of the Combi Shuttle are really nice. There are six color options for you to choose from. We have the teal color and really like the way it looks.

I love the way Amelia fits in the Shuttle, she seems super comfy as well. Comfort is not really me main concern though, safety is and the Shuttle offers many amazing safety features.

The Combi Shuttle Infant Car Seat is lightweight, travel friendly and engineered for safety. Equipped with 360 degrees of protection the Combi Tru-Safe® Side Impact Protection and Anti-Rebound Bar, shields your child in front, rear and side impact collisions. An adjustable head restraint with deep side walls and a layer of energy absorbing foam distributes crash forces away from your infants head, neck and spine. The anti-rebound bar stabilizes the infant seat by minimizing rotational forces in front and rear collisions. An easy to remove and washable cover, harness pads, and a large canopy keep children comfortable and safe throughout their first year of life. Premium, push-button LATCH connectors, a built-in lock-off and an ergonomically designed carry handle make the seat easy to install and carry. The Shuttle is also designed to be compatible with all Combi strollers to create a complete travel system for your on-the-go lifestyle. The Shuttle accommodates infants’ rear facing from birth to 35 lbs. and up to 33 inches tall.

Combi now has its very own web store. You can view the store by visiting the brand Facebook page (www.facebook.com/usacombi) and clicking the "Combi Web Store" application.

BUY IT: You can purchase the Combi Shuttle on their brandy new web store on Facebook for $179.99

WINT IT: ONE lucky Party of 5 reader is going to win a Combi Shuttle in their choice of Black, Teal, Red or Royal Blue!

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