To the Motherhood | Coupons, Shopping, Reviews, Randomness: 7/1/11

Spiritex Review and Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a graphic onesie (0-3 months) from Spiritex.

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Entry Limit: Daily (this excludes bonus entries, except for tweets)

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Have an intimate relationship with your clothing since it touches every part of your body, just as every bit of the manufacturing process impacts the earth.

All Spiritex apparel is locally designed and sewn, their organic cotton fabric is knitted by them in western North Carolina.

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Butterfly wings have been photographed and been beautifully rendered from recycled micro poly using p.e.t. yarn with their Butterfly Tunic ($124). This is what I gathered from their web-site. I'm not exactly sure what all of that means, but I do know that this has to be one of the most beautiful and unique tunics I've ever worn!

They currently offer 6 different styles - Monarch, Tiger, Tropical Blue, Swallowtail Brown, Blue Glow, and Rainforest Green. I immediately opted for the Rainforest Green because of the picturesque and earthy colors. I was not the least bit of disappointed when I finally received my tunic, because it looks exactly like the tunic featured on their site. However, it doesn't come with a belt to cinch it, but this didn't pose as a problem for me since I have several of those. I like that one size fits all. Therefore, it fits me perfectly! It feels cool and breezy against the skin, which makes it perfect for this extremely hot and sweltering summer we've been experiencing this year.

The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Juliet Dress $98
Available in Black, Flemish Blue, or Cranberry

Monarch Skirt $168

Penny Dress $130

Ginger Dress $130

Marilyn Dress $178

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The giveaway will conclude August 15th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012 Review

My son and I love the National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012 that he received. I've never been so impressed with a children's book before! This book contains a wealth information that adults and children would enjoy reading about, because they make it fun enough to captivate anyone's attention. I usually take the time to do a little reading before going to bed, and I found myself spending half of the night sifting through this book since it's that interesting.

I really enjoyed reading about Cueva de los Cristales (Cave of Crystals), which was discovered beneath Mexico's Naica Mountain in 2000 when miners were searching for lead and silver. It's like no other cave in world, because it contains giant icicle-like crystals. Some even measured up to 37.4 feet tall. Most caves are known to stay cool, around 60ºF (15ºC), but this cave rests atop what was once a bubbling magma (hot, liquid rock). Therefore, the leftover embers make this cave hotter than the Sahara and wetter than a rain forest. In fact, it's too risky and dangerous to stay in it too long.

National Geographic Kids Almanac 2012 is well worth $8 and it would make an excellent gift, whether it's for your child's birthday or Christmas!

The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Breastfeeding Week: Top Five Tips from Dr. Greene

If your breast fed baby is colicky, it is worth a try to eliminate cow's milk from your diet. You will want to avoid cheese, ice cream, milk (in a glass or on cereal), yogurt, puddings, custards, cream sauces, and butter.

Dr. Greene Breastfeeding Tips

Get a good nipple cream, preferably one that is organic with Calendula in it. Using organic products is important, especially wherever you put your baby's mouth. Take your nipple cream to the hospital and use it after every feeding to help prevent soreness.

Make sure that you are getting the recommended daily amount of vitamins and minerals as this becomes even more important during breastfeeding -- both for the baby and for the mother who enriches her milk for her child.

Don't feed your baby more often than every hour-and-a-half to two hours. She may want to eat more often, but you will not have the milk she needs in less than an hour-and-a-half (from start time to start time).

When transitioning from breastfeeding to bottle feeding, choose glass or stainless steel baby bottles. BornFree offers leak proof BPA-Free baby bottles that come in plastic or glass and feature an innovative venting system designed to promote ActiveFlow™ and help minimize the painful symptoms of colic.

Moby App for iPhone Review

We've been having our iPhones for a few months now, and I just started getting into downloading apps. There's enough out there to make your head spin. Some free. Some you have to pay for. Thanks to Mom Central, I recently learned about the Moby app by Contigo for the iPhone, which is completely free and is also available to Blackberry and Android users. It's great for families, realtors, and students.

The Moby app reminds me of the Facebook check-in sans the lack of privacy. Facebook check-ins isn't ideal for a private person such as myself. With the Moby app, you can easily and privately check-in with your family, friends or colleagues if they have the app. This is ideal when you're on vacation, at the mall, running late, stuck at the office, on a date with someone new, on your way home, or any situation that you want someone to know where you are. If they don't have the app installed on their smartphone, you can share your location via text message or email. What sets this app even more apart from the Facebook check-in is that you can request for help if you're in an icky situation (i.e. flat tire or real emergency) with just a tap. Click here to learn more about the benefits regarding this app. You can scroll down to the video below and see this app in action.

Overall: This app surpassed my expectations. It's so easy to use that even a new iPhone user would catch on quickly. It eases my worries when it comes to friends and family and vice versa. I believe that every smartphone should download this app. Even if you are private person, you never know when you'll be in a sticky situation and you can easily "call" for help from a family member or friend.

Note: The Android version is being designed now, and they expect it to launch in late August or early September, with the same great features as the iPhone version, including the ability to share locations between iPhone and Android devices. You can get on the pre-registration list here.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Moby and received a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

Everwood: The Complete Fourth Season on DVD Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a Everwood: The Complete Fourth Season DVD Set.

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On August 2nd, the fourth season of the two-time Emmy nominated show will be released and we’d love to work with you to do a giveaway!

Everwood: The Complete Fourth Season ($25.99) includes all 22 episodes of the fourth season in a 5-disc collector’s set.

The final season of the series set in a welcoming town in the Rockies is all about finding oneself…and finding each other. Here, in the 5-Disc, 22-Episode Season Four, the unforgettable people of Everwood test the ties that bind them together in joy and tears, friendship and love. Drawn by his feelings for Amy, Ephram returns home and mentors a troubled piano prodigy. When Nina chooses Jake over him, Andy struggles to remain friends with the woman he loves. Bright and Hannah make their unlikely romance work. The Abbotts open their arms to a new child. Intriguing characters arrive and beloved characters depart. Say goodbye to the place and the people that won your heart – and discover how everything turned out!

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The giveaway will conclude August 4th.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

Target Tuesday - Retro Housewife

The Decadent Housewife by Rosemary Counter, $12.39

Anchor Hocking Oven Basics 11 Piece Bake Set, Crystal Clear $28.99

Cypress Home Felicia Apron - Lime Green $19.99

Sounds of Summer: The Very Best of the Beach Boys $11.99

Polder Retro Bread Bin $44.99

Espressione Cafe Retro Espresso Machine $397.99 - $399.99
Available in Silver or Red

Nostalgia Retro Hot Air Popper $79.89

Canvas Retro Kitchen $16.99

Crosley 1920's Candlestick Phone - Black $59.99

Room Essentials Glazed Stoneware 16-pc. Dinnerware Set - Vintage Teal $24.99

Crosley Kettle Classic Desk Phone - Black $49.99

Bananafish Retro Mobile $44.99

DKNY: Underslimmers Lace Curves Brief Review

Believe it or not, one of the best tricks for celebrities to feel and look fabulous is their shapewear. It enhances their figure by making them look even more glamorous and trimmer. Beyonce, Anne Hathaway, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ellen, Jessica Alba, Oprah, Jennifer Lopez, and many more love wearing their shapewear! Most of these women are blessed with fabulous bodies, but it goes to show everyone needs a little help no matter who they are. That fact makes me feel more confident about wearing shapewear, because I know shapewear isn't just geared towards a certain age group.

I was excited to try out the DKNY: Underslimmers Lace Curves Brief ($20) in Black (also available in Skinny Dip). Unlike regular panties, it doesn't show any dreadful panty lines, which makes me feel better when wearing one of my favorite dresses. I'm not rotund or thin, but I do have a little bit of a tummy and I like that the DKNY: Underslimmers Lace Curves Brief easily conceals that.

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.

Harajuku Mini for Target

Courtesy of PEOPLE

Gwen Stefani‘s style is no longer just for grown-ups.

The successful designer — and No Doubt frontwoman — announced today that she’s partnering with Target to create Harajuku Mini, an affordable, two-installment collection for babies, children and tweens.

The line will first debut in Target stores and on Target.com on Nov. 13, with a second delivery in January. Prices will range from $3.99 to $29.99.

“Harajuku Mini is a dream come true,” Stefani, 41, told WWD.

“I’ve always wanted to do a cool children’s fashion line inspired by the supercute and playful kid’s clothing you find in Japan.”

Her collection follows recent collaborations between Target and brands like Calypso St. Barth, Petit Tresor and coming soon, Missoni.

Clue: Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows Review

A classic game meets a classic story! In Clue World of Harry Potter there are Dark Forces at work. A friend has vanished and its up to you to rescue them before its too late. Playing as Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna or Neville, you must try to discover who did it, what spell or item they used and where the student was attacked. Was it Fenrir Greyback with a Cursed Necklace in the Forbidden Forest? Use the Floo Network to travel faster through the wizarding world — but watch out for unlit fireplaces! When you’re sure of your facts, return to the Burrow to make your final accusations and win the game!

My Thoughts: CLUE has always been one of my all-time favorite games. I'll admit that I'm not a Harry Potter fan in this household, but I put my disdain for the franchise aside since my son loves Harry Potter! Unlike the traditional CLUE game, this version has a little bit of a twist that makes it even more interesting and just as enjoyable as the original. It almost made me forget how much I loathe Harry Potter, lol. No disrespect for the fans out there!

This game enables you to play as your favorite character; which includes Harry, Ron, Hermione, Ginny, Luna or Neville. Instead of traveling through secret passageways, you use a Floo Network to get through the wizarding world. Many of the locations mentioned in the book are included in this game, including The Forbidden Forest, Hogwarts Castle, 12 Grimmauld Place, The Hog's Head, Ministry of Magic, just to name a few. I highly recommend buying this game if you've a Harry Potter fan in your household! They will not be disappointed in the least.

Recommended Age: 9+
Price: $27.99 at Amazon.com
Players: 3 - 6

The product(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Novica Review and Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a $50 gift certificate from Novica.

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Entry Limit: Daily (this excludes bonus entries, except for tweets)

Note: You can list bonus entries separately or all in one entry - your choice!

Novica.com was founded twelve years ago as an online, fair-trade marketplace based in Los Angeles, with offices in eight developing nations. Novica features more than 30,000 limited edition and one-of-a-kind handmade works of art daily, ranging from artisan-crafted jewelry to handmade apparel to world-style home decor. So far Novica has succeeded in helping change the lives of more than 50,000 people in developing nations, including artisans and their dependents, uniquely helping each artisan earn personal recognition and real-world prices for their work.

I opted for the Elegant Red Blouse by Catherine Dox ($77.95), because I ordered the Exotic Ivory Tunic ($119.95) by her last year and couldn't get over it! This is blouse is a bit similar to the tunic. It's beautifully adorned with golden sequins, which makes it stand out more. Not only it's stylish, but it's also very comfortable. A tad expensive for some, but well worth the price, considering the quality. You can also order this particular style in Elegant Blue ($79.95), Elegant Ivory ($79.95), and Elegant Gray ($79.95). Right now, I have my eyes on the Exotic Blue Tunic ($115.95) and Exotic Brown Tunic ($119.95).

The Morning Mist Cotton Dress by Aruna Singh ($77.95) is one of my top favorite dresses at the moment since it's utterly comfortable and beautiful. It would enchant even the most stoic passerby, because it offers a bevy of beautiful details. Morning glories bloom on a wide ruffle of misty white cotton. It features adjustable straps and a gathered bust. Elastic shirring at the back assures an easy fit. Feminine and charmingly sweet, this long sundress is perfect for a lazy afternoon brunch, a day of window shopping, or a combination of both!

The Forest Mysteries Mobile ($49.95) is the most beautiful and unique set of wind chimes I've ever seen so far, and they also create the most melodic sounds I've ever heard from wind chimes. The soothing sound makes sitting on the porch an even more comforting and relaxing experience. The mysteries of the forest are revealed in the melodious chimes of this mobile from Guena. It is inspired by Feng Shui principles that tell of positive energies coming through as the wind announces its passing. The mobile is crafted by hand with dyed agates that reflect the forest's lush green core. They are suspended suspend from a pinewood hoop that hangs from a nickel-plated ring.

These beautiful mobiles are also available in Ocean Mysteries ($55.99) and Earth Mysteries ($59.99)

The Rustic Rock Guitar Statuette by Armando Ramirez ($49.99) has to be one of the coolest and most unique gifts I have ever given to anyone. I ordered two of them, one for my oldest brother and one for my boyfriend. My brother is a guitar lover. I'm slowly following behind since I have two guitars so far. Therefore, I knew this would be perfect for him! My boyfriend doesn't play the guitar, but he's a huge music lover like myself. He's also into artsy time things. So I knew he would appreciate this gift.

Armando Ramírez, the designer of this wonderful piece, recycles an amazing assortment of bicycle and automobile parts as rustic art. A bicycle chain outlines the body while a screw, corrugated wire and metal bits left from a die cutter adorn it. A bearing, screw and cog form the head.

The item(s) in this review was provided to the reviewer for keeps and the purpose of writing a review. This in no way effects the quality of the review provided. No monetary exchange occurred in exchange for the writing of the review. The views expressed in this review are strictly that of the reviewer. All reviews provided here are the work of the reviewer and remain completely unbiased.

Autumn Splendor' Gemstone Tree $89.99

Rose Elegance Cotton Sundress by Verena Mostyn $82.95

Night and Day Beaded Cotton Skirt by Vijay Singh $49.95

Frangipani Garden Ceramic Tea Set - Set of 2 $79.95

Rustic Antique Motorcycle Statuette $164.95

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The giveaway will conclude July 31st.

Note: The winner will be randomly chosen through Random.org.

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.