Lands End Giveaway Winner

Congrats to out to Tuesday Girl. She won the most recent Lands' End giveaway.

But fear not, there's a new giveaway this week. And its got something to do with Word World.

P.S. Lands' End is having a little sale - check out their St. Nick's Pick!

What do Wii think of Littlest Pet Shop?

Littlest Pet Shop seems to be all the rage these days. Although my son hasn't gone crazy over the toys like alot of other kids, he has expressed an interest. So when Parent Bloggers Network was asking for people to review this game, made my Electronic Arts, I figured, he'd be very interested.

I mean, the Littlest Pet Shop is a game where you can take care of and dress your pet. (And no housetraining!) YOU get to choose and there are so many options. He LOVES creating different Mii’s and naming them on the Wii. He and his friends love to see who can make the ugliest Mii and change the features of each other’s Mii. This would be right up his alley, yes?

At first he was very excited. The characters and sound effects are cute, the game's colors are vivid. Seth really got a kick out of naming his pets and choosing accessories at first. We were having lots of fun with the game until a navigational issue frustrated the boy. The boy does not do well with frustration and quickly gave up. I couldn't figure out how the screen worked either. So at that point, he lost interest and wanted to play his old favorite, boxing.

But unlike boxing, a game that gets my child all riled up, this is one of those games where you can sit down with your child, talk and play. And with 32 pets to collect and name as well as feed and dressed? There’s lots to do. I can completely understand its appeal.

I'm sorry to say that my little guy didn't get as much out of the game as I'd hoped. But I'm thinking this is an excellent game to pull out the next time he has a playdate who IS into Littlest Pet Shop. (Sometimes another kid's enthusiasm rubs off on the boy.) And if you've got a youngster in your life who's wild about these little creatures and has a Wii? This would be a good bet. The game retails for about $39.79 on Amazon.

This review was written on behalf of Parent Bloggers Network. For more reviews, go here for a list.

Lands' End Giveaway (And the scoop on a few of their products too!)

As soon as it arrived, I knew exactly what it was. And I knew my son would be thrilled. "It" was a big box from Lands' End. The item I knew he'd go crazy over was the Wheeled Duffel Bag. (I wondered what he'd think of the Kids' slippers too. But I'll get to the slippers later.)

My boy has a thing for luggage. BIGTIME. He loves to travel. So on those days where his wanderlust kicks in but there's no place to wander? He'll pull a wheeled suit cases around the house, his a toy lap top computer slung across his shoulder and announce he's going on a business trip. Like dad.

While the duffel bag is targeted toward grown-ups, my little guy saw bag and claimed it as HIS . Then he started "packing." He shoved a number of Star Wars toys into it along with stuffed animals, a few stickers, a juice box and one pair of pants then declared himself ready to go on a trip.

From a parental perspective? The material and stitching on the duffel seem very durable. The wheels roll smoothly and the handle is very solid. Actually, you can press a button to allow the handle to turn with your wrist. This is helpful when it comes to lugging your bag through an airport and over curbing.

The bag is roomy. Even with all of the junk Seth "packed" it still looked rather empty. I think we could actually fit the boy in the bag. (Smuggle him on board and save a few bucks on air fare. Sweet!)

I wouldn't recommend stowing your lap top in the duffel bag or any breakables. But a bag like this is ideal when you're trying to cram alot of casual clothes into one bag. (I don't think a full bag would fit into an overhead bin though. I could be wrong.)

As for the Kids' Fleece Slippers? He loves them. There's all sorts of designs for boys and girls. Not just animals like penguins and bears but other cute designs. I thought perhaps he'd find the animal design "babyish" but he found them amusing and fun. The fleece fabric make them soft, warm and comfy. Plus? the bottoms of the slippers have some traction to help with the "slip and slide" issue.

Women's Regular Terry Travel Slippers with Bag comes in four colors and includes a cute little pouch in which to store your shoes. The material is soft on the outside and inside. But I have to tell you, they didn't "wow" me. In fact, while they did fit snuggly around my foot, they dug into my heel as I walked. I had to take them off after wearing them for awhile because they were getting uncomfortable. (If I was sitting, it was ok. They kept my feet warm. I just don't do much sitting.)

GIVEAWAY ALERT! Lands' End is giving YOU the chance to win your choice of these three products. Leave a comment with your email address. Anyone can enter. (As in this isn't just open to those in the United States.) Just do so by Saturday, Nov. 29 at noon. The winner will be notified that weekend.

Winner of Winnie the Pooh movie giveaway

Remember this past week's giveaway? Here are the winners: Abbey -- Tigger and Pooh's Super Sleuth Christmas Movie. Amanda Sue and Mandee -- Friendly Tails movie.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who left a comment. This coming week we've got some Lands' End stuff to giveaway. Stay tuned...

Obagi Skin care

You know what was really stupid on my part? Spending much of my teen years and 20's in the sun and/or tanning booths -- all for the pursuit of a golden tan.

I'm paying for that now... So recently, I decided to get a few photofacial treatments. I showed up excited by the vision of clear, beautiful, even-colored skin that would be mine! All mine! Imagine my dismay when I was told I couldn't start my session -- the antibiotic I'd been taking would make my skin super sensitive which could result in blisters and scaring. Oy.

But that's ok. Because for the next few weeks, I've got a new little something in my skincare arsenal -- Obagi's Condition and Enhance line, And while I'm just starting the product now, I can't tell you exactly what I think just yet except that I like how the products have the step numbers on it. And so far, my favorite product is the creamy sunscreen.

But you'll have to check back in a few weeks. I may even have "before" and "after" photos.

Three Disney DVD's = Three Winners!

This week we've got two dvd's little ones will love. Two winners will be selected for Disney's My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Friendly Tails. One person will win Disney's My Friends Tigger & Pooh: Super Slueth Christmas Movie. You can enter to win these for your own brood or you save them as Christmas gifts. Its all up to you.

Just leave a comment with your e-mail address to enter. (This contest is for those living in the United States only.) A winner will be drawn by noon on Saturday.

Hot Wheels Keeps Kids Busy (Yeay!)

My little man's love affair with Hot Wheels began early. He used to carry at least one car everywhere. In fact, a few years ago, while at his an annual check up, the nurse and I realized he was up four pounds from a visit that took place two months prior. And then I noticed a Hot Wheels car in his back pocket. And then another in the side pocket of his cargo pants. Upon further inspection, the nurse and I realized he'd been able to stuff 11 cars in his pants! (Shaving at least three pounds off of his weight.)

So when the opportunity came up to review the newest toys from Hot Wheels, I was practically jumping out of my seat with excitement. Although he hasn't played with his cars lately, I wondered if Mattel’s Hot Wheels Power Loop Stunt Zone and the Trick Tracks Triple Stunt Starter Set (shown at left) would re-ignite his interest. The quick answer? Oh yeah, baby!

I would not recommend trying to put the tracks together when its about 5 p.m. and you've been slogging through the day on about four non-consecutive hours of sleep. My brain was dead, I was crabby and the boy was antsy. The directions are basically pictures of the process. But sometimes it was difficult to figure out what part goes where. This made for a tired, crabby, very frustrated mommy. Plus, you are supposed to attach rubber bands to various parts of the track, but the bands are already on. And I kept thinking maybe we were supposed to add extra rubber bands or something because why on earth would they tell you put put these bands in certain areas if the bands are already on?

At one point, I told Seth to wait until Daddy got home from his business trip. So my husband had the "pleasure" of listening to "the boy" beg to finish the project. Marc set to work still smelling like the inside of an airplane, didn't look at the directions once and had it put together in a matter of minutes. (Yeay me for marrying an engineer!) Soon both men were engaged in the action.

In order to get the full effect, you really need more than one car. And certain cars don't work due to varying weight and size. But that was no problem since we have eleven-ity billion of these at the bottom of the toy box. In a nutshell? All three of us thought the tracks very pretty cool - a definite winner if you've got little car-crazy kiddos in your life.

Seth's favorite part? The battery-operated launcher. "It made the coolest swoosh-swoosh noise and the cars bang together and then they shoot out!"

But the best part for me? Seth played with the tracks by himself. This is a big deal since he seems to think that I was put on this earth to entertain him 24/7. But it made my heart melt watching him lose himself in his own little world of Hot Wheels. I had missed that.

This post was written on behalf of Parent Bloggers Network.

Winner of Pledge and Target giveaway

Congrats go out to CC and Katie. They won some Pledge and a $25 gift cert to Target. Yeay you guys! Check back on Monday. We've got some DVD's from Disney up for grabs!

Cut with Skil

Skil has come out with a nifty little gadget just in time for Christmas. It's called a "Lithium Ion Power Cutter - Model #2352-01"

When I was asked to review this product, I was intrigued. So I went to Skil's site to learn more. According to the manufacturer, it weighs less than a pound and can power through all sorts of stuff. The lithium-ion powered battery can maintain a charge for up to 18 months.

At first I tested the product on stuff like wrapping paper which it easily sliced through. I tried cardboard too. No problems there. At that point, I sort of turned into a 12-year-old boy, looking through the house with cutter in hand trying to find something I could cut up out of curiosity. (And I had to resist the temptation to get out an old leather coat just to see if the product really can slice through leather like it promises.)

This would be a great product if you need to cut something that's tough to tear yet very thin like laminated paper, vinyl flooring or wall paper. It even cut through cloth and vinyl blinds. The only issue I came across is that you've got to feed your fabric, box or paper into a very thin opening. (See the picture to catch my drift.) So if you're trying to cut a thick-ish piece of cardboard? Not going to happen. And its not because the blade's not strong enough - but rather because the feeder area is very narrow.

But while I'm thinking of it, the gadget is easy to maneuver. So if you want to cut a curve or a circle, you can do so with ease.

I plan on passing the power cutter along to my mom and dad. While I go out of my way to avoid do-it-yourself projects, they've tackled many a wallpaper and vinyl flooring installation project. I'm thinking they'd love something like this. Plus? They won't have to worry about the blade dulling. (According to the manufacturer, the blade is precision ground hardened steel.)

The tool can be found at Lowe's and retails between $45-55.

Target gift card and Pledge giveaway

Pledge Furniture Polish has been around for years. It is one of those tried and true products that most everyone has in their cleaning arsenal. But did you know Pledge kills up to 84% of allergens found in dust? That's a good thing for those of us with allergies! (Now I'm feeling sort of guilty for not dusting more!)

Pledge and their lovely PR people are giving away 2 prizes this week to Midwestern Mommy Review readers. Both contain a $25 gift cards to Target and a bottle of Pledge (the Dust & Allergen formula and the standard Pledge Furniture Polish). All you have to do is leave a comment to enter. Winner will be chosen Saturday after 3 p.m. and posted on Sunday.

But if you're holding out for bigger winnings? Pledge has created game photo hunt. Each time you play, you are entered to win $5,000. So visit http://www.pledgephotohunt.com/. The game is available until November 30.

Winner of Lands' End giveaway

Congrats to Brimful Curiosities on winning the Lands' End giveaway.

But check back on Monday for a new giveaway!

Going green... Works!

“Going green” is now mainstream. This is a great thing, yes? But some people are reluctant to reduce, reuse and recycle because they think this will mean more work for them. And really, who needs MORE work to do?

But going green can be easy. Here’s a few suggestions:

*Buy recycled goods and recyclable goods.

*When you're at the store why don't you pick up some of those energy-saving light bulbs? And if you need some cleaning supplies? Go for more natural cleaners. (Here's where I mention Green Works™ cleaners. Because they are at least 99% natural.)

*And while you’re loading up the cart, think about whether the packaging be used for something else. (Turn a big box into a “robot torso” for your kids. Or props in a play. Or use boxes to pack away holiday decorations.) And when that box is no longer useful, recycle.

*If you’re not using it, why not donate? Lots of charities take donations. And many of these organizations will come to your house and pick up your stuff! Groups like Freecycle and Recycler's Exchange can help rid yourself of no longer used objects. If you're in a Craigslist city, make use of the "free stuff" section. You can give away old baby clothes, that mini-fridge you brought with you to college 15 years ago, or those strange potholders someone gave you for a wedding present.

These a just a few options. But the makers of Clorox and creators behind Greenworks natural cleaners have a quite a few more ideas up their sleeves. That's why they've launched 30 Days to Natural. The premise is that small changes can add up to big rewards for your family and the planet. And they can show you how. You can also read the diaries of three women going green and sign up to get helpful tips and tricks. So go check it out!

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

Before you schedule that gyno procedure? Read this first!

I don't know about you but for me? Its always scary finding out that the only recourse to a medical issue is to have surgery. Many a thought bombards me. Like will this truly be the answer? How much pain will I be in afterward? How long before I feel like my normal self?

Fortunately there may be more than one option for many a woman with gynecological problems facing surgery. (Its always good to have options, yes?) So if you learn you're going to need major surgery in order to fix a problem "down under"? Check THIS site before you set up the particulars. (The site includes a glossary of terms, physician finder and patient education topics.)

According to the site, which is created by the American Association of Gynecologic Laparoscopists, the benefits of minimally invasive procedures "include reduced risk of infection, minimized scarring, less blood loss, decreased post-operative pain, and generally quicker recovery time."

So its not surprising that these surgical procedures (especially for gynecological issues) are becoming more and more popular. For instance, did you know a diagnostic tool that uses a miniature telescopic device is used internally to detect issues and inspect internal organs. And? Not only can doctors seek out issues, they can often fix the issues at the same time.

Go to the AAGL's site to learn about your options. As the association says, "Gynecologic care is progressing quickly and it is our goal to keep you informed so you can seek the best care possible."

This post was written on behalf of MomCentral.

Land's End Giveaway (and a Weatherly jacket review too!)

Until a few weeks ago, I didn't know much about Lands' End other than the fact that my father-in-law loves their shirts. But from what I'd heard about them over the years, Lands' End has built a solid reputation for providing quality products that are practical and comfortable.

So when I was given the opportunity to try the Women's Weatherly Jacket, I was so very interested. Really, what girl can resist a new coat?

The jacket is made of PolarThin™ insulation (for warmth without making a girl look like the Michelin man), fleece-lined patch outer pockets with side-entry handwarmer pockets and inside pockets too. Plus? Lands' End boasts that this coat has a temperature rating of -10°/-5° Fahrenheit. (If you layer pieces, the jacket can keep you warm in -10° weather; but if you're wearing one layer, you're covered when temps drop to -5°.)

I was sent the berry-colored coat in medium. (If you aren't familiar with their sizes, medium is considered sizes 10-12.) The coat is very comfortable. And warm. The stitching is durable and the fabric inside and out is nylon. At one point I accidentally spilled some water on the coat but the water beaded up and quickly rolled off! I did check the tag and found this product can easily be washed at home. No extra dry cleaning bill. Yeay!

The coat can also be adjusted to fit various shapes and sizes. You can cinch or expand the waist line, there's a drawstring at the bottom of the coat, and there's Velcro at the bottom of the sleeves so you can adjust the fit around your wrists.

I do like the pockets. But what I like even more is the fact that the pockets don't add bulk. Plus, this coat did keep me comfy on a few cold days we experienced this past week.

Overall, this is a fun, durable coat that's perfect for when you're running errands. I wouldn't pair it with an evening gown but it is a great jacket for jeans, yoga pants or casual days at work.

The coat is normally $59.50 but is now on sale for $49.50. Surprising. Because at first, I assumed it cost more like $75-80.

I'm impressed with the quality of the coat and have been perusing the Lands' End site quite a bit over the past week or so -- especially now that Christmas will be here soon. They've got me hooked.

Here's where I mention that I'm giving away a Lands' End product! Those who live in the United States, leave a comment to win either the Women's Half-Zip Pullover or the Women's Sherpa Fleece. (Winner can choose.) Don't forget to leave an email addy in your comment. Winner will be drawn on Saturday, November 8th after 3 p.m!

Winners

Remember the Chex Mix basket givaway ? It was part of the blog carnival hosted by Bloggy Giveaways. Here are the winners! Angie, Lisa Lmg, and Betty C


The alternate winner (if someone doesn't get back to me with their info by this coming Thursday) is: Ellybean.


Congrats ladies!

Check back on Monday if you'd like to enter a giveaway for a little something (that's pretty great too!) from Land's End.