Rosie Hippo Log Cabin Review and Giveaway
September 7, 2009 by Tracy
Filed under Product Giveaways, Product Reviews
The Rosie Hippo Log Cabin is a modern version of what many of us knew as lincoln logs when we were kids. Rosie Hippo is known as a leading provider of safe products for kids that are also “Earth Friendly”. Their motto is “Unique, Natural, Organic, Hand-crafted”. You know when you buy a Rosie Hippo product you are helping preserve the earth as well.
Made of wood harvested from sustainable forests, the Rosie Hippo Log Cabin comes in a nice drawstring bag that helps you keep the many pieces of the set gathered together between uses. The wood pieces of the set are thin and light, but also generally sturdy so they don’t break easily, even with aggressive kid use. We did have one of the smaller pieces chip, but have had no other issues. There are pieces of varying lengths, with three standard length logs for construction. This enables you to build log cabins of different shapes, sizes, and styles.
You also get flat pieces and roofing pieces to give your log cabin a completed and polished finish. There are enough logs that you can build either one huge cabin or a couple smaller ones side by side. One suggestion for the company is to include some directions for constructions to assist parents helping their kids build. The product is recommended for ages 3 and up. While we were able to come up with ways to construct, perhaps a guide with models to follow would be nice. Our 5 year old enjoys blocks with directions to follow. Otherwise, the Rosie Hippo Log Cabin is a great, fun family product that you can buy for $20.00.
If you would like to get a great deal on the Log Cabin from Rosie Hippo, use this custom coupon code for 15% OFF just for my readers: BOOKROOM0709 (good through 09/15/09)
Rosie Hippo Log Cabin Giveaway
Rosie Hippo has generously agreed to offer one set of the Rosie Hippo “Earth Friendly” log cabin for one of my readers. You can not only win a great toy set for your kids, but you are also helping the earth by using a product that is made from sustainable forests.
TO ENTER: Leave me a comment telling me why you’d like to own the Rosie Hippo Log Cabin
ADDITIONAL ENTRIES (MAKE SURE THEY ARE IN SEPARATE COMMENTS TO COUNT)
FOLLOW @bookroomreviews on twitter and tweet this giveaway
SUBSCRIBE to Bookroom Reviews by Newsletter or Feed
STUMBLE this giveaway
This contest will end on September 21st and I will e-mail the winner. You will have 48 hours to respond. Make sure and check back for more giveaways all this month!
Birthday Party Bash Wii Video Game Review
July 14, 2009 by Tracy
Filed under Product Reviews
Birthday Party Bash is a fun and interactive new Nintendo Wii game just released today, July 14th. The game is rated E for everyone and offers good family-friendly fun for everyone. The game is based on 10 basic themes that you can use to design your own birthday party and then enjoy the games.
We enjoyed this game a lot because it was one of the few games that we were able to play with you 5-year old son. Some of the activities were a bit challenging for him, but we passed the Wii remote back and forth and he loved it.
Once you have designed your preferred theme from a category like sports, glamor, or music, you can enjoy all of the party games you would expect at such a party. Play against each other or play together against computer generated players. Regardless, you will appreciate the good family fun that comes with this wholesome and entertaining Wii game. For more information on the game, go to their website www.birthdaypartybashblog.com.
The following is a more detailed look from our Game Reviews partner, Game Room Reviews: Thanks to momcentral.com for providing the game for review.
http://www.gameroomreviews.com/birthday-party-bash-wii-game-review
Clorox Summer Staycation Tips
July 10, 2009 by Tracy
Filed under Mom Central, Product Reviews
As it turns out, more and more families are spending extra time at home because of the economy. According to a recent Clorox survey, over 60 percent of the Moms surveyed reported an increase in cleaning around the house as their families now spend more time at home. And, not surprisingly, Moms want to save time and money for all of this extra cleaning. Mom Central got together with the MommyDocs and came up with a list of Five Tips for Summer Staycations to keep your family safe and your house cleaner during the summer months this year.
Staying Safe at BBQs. According to a recent survey, 70 percent of Moms are cooking more at home and many are likely switching up their meal routine with an outdoor BBQ. Make sure your kids have a safe BBQ experience by keeping them away from the flames and any sharp knives. Also, don’t forget to check that your child’s hamburger is fully cooked. Always keep a thermometer on hand to be sure all food has reached the appropriate inside temperature.
Keep the Pool Cool and Clean. If your kids love to spend hot afternoons in kiddie pools, you know the importance of cleaning the pool area. Dump out water after each session, and keep the pool clean by disinfecting it with a solution of ¾ cup bleach* to one gallon of water. Don’t forget to rinse well and dry thoroughly after each cleaning (never leave any water in the pool). Be sure to always supervise children when they are in or around any water. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)
Staying Healthy and Hydrated. Spending time in the heat means kids will be more prone to becoming dehydrated. Remind kids to take frequent rest/drink breaks in the shade when playing outside and try to avoid activity during peak sun hours. Encourage fluids before, during, and after outside activities.
Having Peace of Mind at Playgrounds. Sometimes just getting out of the house is the best way to keep it clean, but before letting kids loose at the playground, ensure the safety of the equipment. Swing seats and slides can really heat up in the sun – test them out before your kids hop on to avoid burns. Be sure the playground surface is composed of a soft material to help prevent injury. All playground equipment should be routinely checked for any broken or loose parts. As always, adult supervision is a must at all times!
Saving on Spills. Spending extra time around the house, especially with kids, often means more spills to clean up. Synthetic sponges and kitchen cloths can start to smell and carry bacteria, but you don’t have to toss them out after a few uses. One option to reduce bacteria is to sanitize sponges and dishrags by soaking them in a bleach solution (¾ cup of bleach* to a gallon of water) for 5 minutes in the sink. Don’t forget to rinse and dry when done. A wet sponge can also be microwaved to get rid of bacteria. (* Always remember to read and follow precautions and usage directions before using cleaning products)
Thank you MommyDocs, Mom Central and Clorox for the great tips!
Giveaway of Norman the Pharting Elephant
July 10, 2009 by Tracy
Filed under Product Giveaways
I have a cool and hilarious new toy to let you know about. Norman the Pharting Elephant. Yep, he farts! Just squeeze his tail and out it comes. Kids of all ages will love this fun gift. Both my boys, teen and kindergartner ages, got a kick out of Norman. Plus, he is well made and just adorable. He is 10 inches and makes 8 different phart sounds. Www.FierceFunToys.com created Norman and he has won multiple awards. The website is so cute too, you can read more about Norman and how to purchase him at www.phartephant.com. A portion of the profits goes to children charities.
Norman’s Story
Norman is an African Elephant that was adopted by a US zoo. Although Norman is enjoying his new permanent home, the change of diet has caused him to become rather gassy.
Norman has joined his new family and made many new friends at the zoo. They all smell beyond his exterior to see the friendship in his heart, although Norman sometimes finds his pharting embarrassing. Norman is surrounded by animals from around the world. Many that he has not seen before. A Bengal tiger named Ty tells Norman stories about the hot humid jungle weather of Asia. Zip, another new friend, is a wallaby from Australia who has a great sense of silly and enjoys exploring the zoo with Norman.
From within the walls of the zoo, and sometimes beyond, Norman explores the meaning of family, friends and world cultures. The first Norman book is expected to be available around year end 2009. To learn more of Norman’s on-going antics, become a “fan” of Norman PhartEphant™ on Face Book. (from website)
I just happen to have the opportunity to give away Norman to one of Bookroom Reviews readers! YEAH! Thanks to Fierce Fun Toys!
CONTEST
TO ENTER: Visit www.phartEphant.com and fill out the short survey to let them know you’re favorite toy store
ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Tweet this giveaway and link here in a separate entry.
ADDITIONAL ENTRY: Subscribe to Bookroom Reviews by Feedburner(on sidebar) or newsletter and leave comment in a separate entry.
This giveaway will end on July 17th and I will e-mail the winner who must respond within 48 hours. Good Luck and make sure you check back this week for more giveaways! U.S. only please.
A Little Piece of Happy
July 10, 2009 by Tracy
Filed under Product Reviews
Have you watched the new Trident commercials? So Cute!
Chewing a piece of Trident gum is like experiencing “a little piece of happy”. It gives you a little lift and leaves you with a smile. Trident gum’s A Little Piece of Happy campaign encourages people to keep a pack of Trident with them so that they can enjoy a little piece of happy wherever they are. Even through these tough times, it will remind you that their little piece of happiness is always waiting, whenever they need it. Trident will always be their little piece of Happy.
Kernal Seasons Popcorn Basket Giveaway
June 1, 2009 by Tracy
Filed under Product Giveaways
One of the biggest challenges to healthy eating is between-meal snacking. Popcorn, a whole grain food that’s low in calories, is a great snack food that’s economical and also fun to eat. We are HUGE popcorn eaters in my family. One of my fondest memories of childhood was looking forward to Friday nights, because my mom would cook (on the stove) a big pot of popcorn and then we would settle in to watch a movie. KERNALSEASONS has a line of yummy Popcorn Seasonings to add some kick to your Popcorn. They have everything from Butter, Kettle Korn, Nacho Chedder, Ranch and much more! We were so tickled to try some of their flavors and my favorite is Sour Cream. My husband is a Ranch fanatic and the kids love the White Cheddar and Butter. Tip: You can use the seasonings for other food too, we love it on potatoes.
One cup of popped popcorn, eaten plain, contains:
24 calories
1 gram of protein
6 grams carbohydrates
1 gram fiber
Keeping healthy snacks on hand is important for the whole family, especially with childhood obesity on the rise. “Popcorn is one of the best snack foods around. It’s low in calories and high in fiber which makes it a healthy, nutritious choice for between-meal snacking for kids and adults,” says Elizabeth M. Ward, registered dietitian and author of The Pocket Idiot’s Guide to the New Food Pyramids. Sprinkling popcorn with herbs or other seasonings is a fun way to add flavor without adding extra fat and calories. Children love to mix and match a variety of flavors to create their own healthy popcorn creations.
Ideas include: Spray popcorn with low-fat cooking oil such as Kernel Season’s Popcorn Spritzer, sprinkle with Kernel Season’s toppings such as flavors as White Cheddar, Nacho Cheddar, Butter, Ranch and Kettle Corn. Add raisins and dried fruits for variation on trail mix. Sprinkle popcorn with Kernel Season’s Chocolate Marshmallow flavor to enjoy with a cup of hot chocolate. Consider popcorn as a healthy alternative to more fattening desserts by adding Kernel Season’s Apple Cinnamon, Caramel or Kettle Corn flavors. Because popcorn is a good source of fiber it provides many health benefits and is often recommended by health and medical associations including The National Cancer Institute, The American Dietetic Association and The American Dental Association. Popcorn is healthy for the wallet, too. One cup of plain popcorn costs only pennies. (For example, Kernel Season’s popcorn costs between 12-14 cents per cup). Kick off the New Year with healthy eating habits that are easy and fun. Adding wholesome snacks like popcorn to the family diet is one resolution that everyone can keep.
KERNAL SEASON’S, headquartered in Elk Grove Village, IL, is the number one popcorn seasoning in the country. The flavors are all natural blends made with real cheese and are offered at more than 20,000 movie theater screens nationwide as a free shake-on topping. They may be purchased for home use at more than 18,000 grocery stores across America including Wal-Mart, Target, K Mart, Blockbuster Video, Safeway and Food Lion. Kernel Season’s products and popcorn accessories can be purchased at www.NoMoreNakedPopcorn.com. You can buy four and get one seasoning free for only $15.96 on their website. The website also has other web offers, recipes, and a Kernals Club.
KERNALSEASONS has generously offered to send one Bookroom Reviews Reader this AWESOME basket of goodies!! It includes:
A butter spritzer
A bag of stove popcorn
bags of microwave popcorn
Six different seasoning flavors
TO ENTER: VISIT KERNALSEASONS WEBSITE AND COME BACK AND COMMENT WHAT OTHER FLAVORS OR PRODUCT YOU WOULD LOVE TO TRY.
FOR SECOND ENTRY: STUMBLE, TWITTER (FOLLOW ME AND TWEET THIS) OR SUBSCRIBE AND LEAVE THE LINK IN A SEPARATE COMMENT.
THIS CONTEST WILL END JUNE 14TH AT MIDNIGHT. RANDOM.ORG WILL CHOOSE THE WINNER AND I WILL E-MAIL YOU. PLEASE RESPOND WITHIN 48 HOURS OR I WILL HAVE TO RE-DRAW. U.S. AND CANADA ONLY. GOOD LUCK AND KEEP CHECKING BACK, I HAVE SOME AMAZING GIVEAWAYS COMING UP
StandnBang Review and Specialty Shirt Giveaway
April 22, 2009 by Tracy
Filed under General, Product Reviews
Did you know that mixed martial arts (MMA) is one of the fastest growing amateur and professional sports in the US. Big professional MMA events now receive as much, if not more, attention, promotion, and coverage as major boxing fights.
Picking up on the growing trend, Des Moines area MMA fight promoter and announcer Gavin Jerome developed a new clothing line centered on MMA clothes and MMA gear. His specialty shirts are fashion-forward and MMA-themed and appeal to both men and women for different reasons.
According to Jerome, the StandnBang concept is derived from the more audience-friendly fighting style where the fighters literally stand facing each other and duke it out. The specialty shirts offered by the come come in various styles and are customized by the customer using one of three popular logs and 5 popular trademarked “Smack on the Back” sayings.
The logos form the image on the front of the shirt, while the sayings are placed on the back of the shirts and serve as MMA fighting themed trash talk expressions. The clothes are trendy, fun, and stylish and come in both mens’ and womens’ sizes and are unique to the preferences of each customer.
StandnBang has generously offered to provide one customized shirt giveaway to one of our readers. You can have fun and build your own shirt. Simply visit the StandnBang home page, look through their “new April shirt designs”. Select the style you prefer and tell us your style (and color – black or white), your preferred logo, and preferred “Smack on the Back” expression.
A winner will be selected at random on May 9th and the winning entry will receive their self-described shirt.
TO ENTER: GO TO WWW.STANDNBANG.COM LOOK AROUND AND COME BACK AND LET ME KNOW YOUR SHIRT PREFERENCES AS INDICATED ABOVE.
FOR ADDITIONAL ENTRIES: FOLLOW ME ON TWITTER AND TWEET THIS GIVEAWAY, SUBSCRIBE TO MY BLOG, OR STUMBLE THIS CONTEST.
Contest will end May 9th. U.S. only please. Good Luck!
For another chance to win, our movie reviews partner has a StandnBang Giveaway as well!
Calling All Mommy Bloggers!
August 6, 2008 by Tracy
Filed under Parent Reviewer
Hi Everyone! You may be seeing some product reviews here a few times a month so I wanted to let you in on the deal. I love blogging about books and of course getting FREE books is even better, so after my success at that, I thought why not try other things. After researching some very successful blogs I found these great opportunities. I am newly selected to be in Parent Reviewers and Team Mom as well as Mom Central so far and I am so excited! I have listed all of their information and would encourage you, if you are interested, to go and check them out and get in the action! It’s hard work being a mom so why not get some great free products to help out. Let me know what you think. Are any of you already involved in any of these or other product reviews?
