To the Motherhood | Coupons, Shopping, Reviews, Randomness: 8/1/11

Schoolbags for Kids Review and Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a Signature Pink Schoolbag (a $54.99 value).

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

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The main reason why I was glad to be part of this campaign is that I love the charitable concept behind Schoolbags for Kids. Each time a schoolbag is purchases, they will give another schoolbag filled with supplies to a child that's in need. A simple pencil to these children holds so much meaning. Without these supplies, education is very hard to come by.

This year's back to school launch features The Signature Collection, which comes in six color combinations. With its unique horizontal design this backpack is ideal for a laptop or tablet computer while keeping supplies with easy reach. Five exterior pockets (including a lunch money pocket and water bottle holder) plus an ID holder (print your child's ID online) help your child stay organized. Made of durable, water-resistant 600 denier material, this schoolbag is made to last for a long time!

My son just started kindergarten this year, and while back-to-school shopping for him, I was appalled by the lack of backpacks for his size! I ended up buying a small camouflage backpack for a short time being so he wouldn't do without one in school, but it was much too small for his folders. Therefore, I was pleasantly surprised that the Signature Blue Schoolbag ($54.99) holds all of his school essentials and some. I like that it's unique and that isn't shaped like the majority of backpacks out there. I also like that this backpack isn't like the other childrens', because uniqueness is what I strive for. Even if this backpack is packed to the brim, it feels comfortable on kid shoulders thanks to contoured shoulder straps with cushy padding. It might be pricey for some, but it's well worth the price if you're looking for great quality.

Disclosure: This review and giveaway was made possible by Mom Spark Media. Thoughts are my own.

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The giveaway will conclude September 7th.

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Knot Genie Review

For every mom (or dad) out there dealing with daily hair tangle drama, here's your solution: The Knot Genie. The Knot Genie is a unique brush that literally detangles even the craziest hair effortlessly.

Be one of the first 50 people to upload an eligible video telling them "WHY YOUR CHILD NEEDS A KNOT GENIE" and they'll send you a brush, absolutely FREE. Plus, if yours is the video with the most votes, your child could win a $500 U.S. SAVINGS BOND FOR COLLEGE. The submission round will conclude on September 1st, 2011. The voting round will conclude on September 18th, 2011.

One of my most frustrating hair woes is how easily my hair tangles after I shampoo it or wake up in the morning with my hair all tangled up. This usually causes hair breakage in the process, and this deters my plans for longer hair since I'm trying to grow longer hair. Therefore, I was eager to try out the The Knot Genie ($19.99) even though I must admit that I was a bit leery of it. It glides in my hair effortlessly and painlessly, detangling my hair without causing hair breakage. Even though it's more geared towards children, a lot of adults would love this brush if they share the same hair woe as me. It's a bit pricey for a detangling brush, but I wouldn't steer anyone in the wrong direction since I believe that it's well worth the price. I received the The Knot Genie in Blue Cloud (1,000 are left until October 1st, 2011), but it's also available in Fairy Pink and Poof of Purple.

Disclosure: 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. 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.

Chai Bliss Smoothie

You can also throw in 1tbsp of whey/hemp protein powder for a great breakfast smoothie too.

4 iced coconut cubes
1 frozen banana
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1tsp raw honey
1/4 tsp garam masala (Indian spice mix from grocery store.)
1tbsp coconut flakes
1bsp whey or hemp protein powder

Make a couple of trays of coconut cubes by purchasing a carton of coconut milk from the "milk" section of your grocery store. Pour the milk into the ice trays and freeze overnight.

Place all the ingredients in a blender. As a nice touch, you may want to sprinkle your smoothie with a little cinnamon and/or dried coconut.

Sophie Uliano is the author of the New York Times bestselling Gorgeously Green: 8 Simple Steps to an Earth-Friendly Life, Do It Gorgeously: How to Make Less Toxic, Less Expensive, and More Beautiful Products, and The Gorgeously Green Diet. She is a Green Expert and Healthy Lifestyle speaker whose appearances on many television shows, including Oprah, The View, Good Morning America, and The CBS Early Show have inspired women across America to live a healthier and more satisfying life.

Top 5 Extreme Couponing Mishaps

Confrontations. Arrests. Thievery. Sounds like a compelling plot for an upcoming blockbuster or crime novel, right? Wrong. These themes can instead be found in local and national news stories, surrounding one of the most harmless activities out there: couponing.

Thanks in part to the popularity of TLC's "Extreme Couponing," some shoppers are getting more than they bargained for in pursuit of savings.

1. "I Didn't Know it Was a Crime."

That's what she said. Seriously. Earlier this month, compulsive-coupon-clipper Jamie VanSickler was charged with larceny theft, a misdemeanor carrying a potential jail sentence and hefty fine. Caught in the act by a newspaper-carrier-turned-sting-agent, VanSickler took 185 leftover Sunday newspapers, indicating to police she didn't realize it was a crime.

2. "No [Coupon] for You!"

When a mother of ten tried to redeem coupons at her local Kroger store in Georgia, the store manager allegedly refused to take her clippings and called her a "habitual coupon user." This southern momma is not only the only victim of "coupon discrimination," as other shoppers around the country hit roadblocks at the register.

3. Just Another Day at Walmart

April Cuevas was temporarily banned from all Walmarts after an altercation involving competitor coupons. When the cashier refused to take the coupons, management was called and a series of unfortunate events ensued. Cuevas misinterpreted the intentions of four male shoppers headed her way during the argument, and attempted to film them. A supervisor alledgedly scolded her and tried to knock the iPhone from her trembling hands. Upon exiting the store, Cuevas was pursued by a Walmart employee who demanded she return to "the scene of the crime," and even chased her vehicle as Cuevas left the parking lot.

4. Coupon Capers

Lock your doors, close your drapes, and hold tight to your...er...newspapers; there's a new kind of criminal in town. As arrests of self-proclaimed "discount-seeking thieves" escalate around the country, police warn concerned citizens of an increase in newspaper theft.

5. Discount Diva Dishonored

On the cusp of a new season of "Extreme Couponing," coupon enthusiasts cried foul when one of the featured shoppers was recognized as Jaime Kirlew, aka "Diva for Coupons." Kirlew made a name for herself on YouTube, unwittingly filming her unscrupulous strategy of barcode matching during a shopping trip to Target. After receiving numerous nastigrams, Kirlew quickly threw her enabler (BeCentsAble) under the bus and later admitted to coupon fraud.

Milan Maternity Review and Giveaway

Prize: One winner will receive a top of their choice from Milan Maternity.

Sign the Google Spreadsheet above.

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

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

Milan Maternity gave me the opportunity to review an item of my choice from their store. I selected the Isabella Top ($33), because I adore the polka dot and ruffle details, which makes it ultra feminine and chic. It also features an empire waist tie and elastic ruffle trim on puff sleeves. I love that it's a transitional top that is great to wear during all stages of pregnancy and beyond. The size that I chose fits me perfectly without being too snug or baggy. It doesn't even look like a maternity top. Definitely a flattering choice!

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.

Feliciana Dress $49

Black & White Circle Dot Diaper Bag $28

Elisa Top $35

Niccola Top $32

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The giveaway will conclude September 1st.

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

Winner must respond within 72 hours of notification.

Abuse at Hershey

Hundreds of foreign exchange students paid to come to America this summer, expecting opportunities to learn English and experience American culture.

Instead, the exchange students found themselves forced to work in back-breaking, round-the-clock production lines packing chocolates at a Hershey's plant in Pennsylvania at low wages. When the students complained, Hershey's threatened to have them deported.

Now the exchange students are fighting back. They just walked out of the Hershey's plant and into the streets to protest the abusive conditions and to demand big changes to Hershey's deceptive "cultural exchange" program.

And they've teamed up with the National Guestworker Alliance to start a petition demanding that Hershey's compensate the exchange students, and turn their work into good jobs for local workers. Click here to add your name.

Yana, a 19-year-old girl from Ukraine, lifts boxes that weigh 40 pounds -- nearly half her weight. Peng, a 21-year-old economics student from China, also lifts heavy boxes during his eight-hour shifts at the warehouse.

Hundreds of students from Ghana, Turkey, Mongolia, and other countries each paid up to $6,000 for the privilege to come to America in a cultural exchange program this summer. Now Hershey's pays them around $8 an hour for their warehouse work, minus costs of housing -- leaving many students broke, tired, and disillusioned.

Why would Hershey's want to use foreign exchange students as cheap, manual labor? According to the National Guestworker Alliance, a group helping the students, it's about profit. Hershey's is laying off 500 American workers in the next year. The company's strategy is apparently paying off: Hershey's pocketed $130 million in just the last three months.

The foreign exchange students are asking Hershey to refund the thousands of dollars the students paid to come to America. And that's not all: The students also want Hershey's to convert their low-paying positions to living wage jobs for local residents in Pennsylvania.

Please sign the petition to Hershey's demanding the company refund the students' costs to come to America and give their jobs back to American workers who live near the warehouse.

Little Passports

Little Passports is your child’s ticket to an exciting global adventure. Inspire a love and understanding of the world as your child learns about a country’s geography, history, culture, and language in a fun and memorable way.

Little Passports is a subscription service for children featuring two loveable characters, Sam and Sofia. Sam and Sofia travel to a new country every month and share their experiences with your child. Your child will receive an exciting package via postal mail that includes an adventure letter, fun souvenirs, activities, and access to the Little Passports Boarding Zone full of games and activities.

It’s educational, it’s engaging, it’s the perfect way to introduce your child to the amazing world around us. Visit LittlePassports to learn how to bring the world to your door!.

In the first month, the adventure starts with an Explorer Kit that includes:

- Fun travel suitcase with an introductory letter from Sofia and Sam
- World wall map
- Travel passport
- Fun stickers
- Activity sheet
- Access to online games and activities with their boarding pass

The Adventure Continues

In each following month, your child will receive a package from Sam and Sofia as they travel to a new country. Each adventure package includes a letter addressed to your child from Sam and Sofia, fun souvenirs, an activity sheet, a photo from the country, a passport stamp, a map marker, a suitcase sticker, and a collectible boarding pass to access more online games and activities.

Little Passports souvenirs are fun, memorable and educational. Examples items include: music CDs, traditional country toys, arts and crafts projects, puzzles, pencils/erasers, photos, stickers, and postcards.

The recommended age range for Little Passports is 5 to 10 years old.

$11.95/MONTH

$13.95/MONTH | $41.85/ONE-TIME PAYMENT

$12.95/MONTH | $77.70/ONE-TIME PAYMENT

$10.95/MONTH | $131.40/ONE-TIME PAYMENT

Magnolia Organics Review

The Dream Collection Sheet Set (in Chocolate; $54.99 - $74.99) that I received are unequivocally superior in comfort, style, and quality. The sheets are luxuriously soft and the color is a rich brown, which brings a distinctive flavor to my bedroom. I love that the dyes that are used in the sheet set are all low-impact, with no harmful chemicals. I honestly didn't know how harmful some dyes could be in other brands. However, it makes a major difference to me now after learning more about them. I don't want my skin to come in contact with these type of chemicals. I also love that the sheets came in a re-usable shoulder bag, which can used for shopping to reduce the use of petroleum based disposable bags.

Magnolia Organics were given certification by the Global Organic Textiles Standards. All of their processing of these sheets is done in a Fair Trade Environment - from spinning through packaging. The Dream Collection Sheet Set is also available in Blue, French Vanilla, White, White with Piping, Laurel Oak, Moroccan Blue, Blue Mist, Sage, and Dark Gray.

Click here to "like" them on Facebook and/or follow them via Twitter.

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.

Extra 20% off Sale Items at Layla Grayce

Extra 20% off Sale Items at Layla Grayce with coupon code: saleonsale Exp. 8/20/11

Pink Patchwork Baby Pail ~~Was $20.00~~ Now $10

Petunia Pickle Bottom Fawn Crib Bedding Embroidered Blooming Passion Flower ~~Was $1,130.00~~ Now $495

Kaiya Eve Pettiskirt Fall Fiesta ~~Was $76.00~~ Now $57

Annette Tatum 3 Piece Crib Set Hopscotch Breeze ~~Was $394.00~~ Now $315

Timeworks Clocks Regency Paris Fair 23" Wall Clock ~~Was $178.00~~ Now $134

Serena & Lily Bedding Duvet or Set Delphine ~~Was $180.00~~ Now $135

Aged Mirror Table Lamp Leaf Chocolate ~~Was $158.00~~ Now $118

Serena & Lily Crib Bedding Set Kate ~~Was $395.00~~ Now $260

Little Giraffe Luxe Brocade Adult Throw ~~Was $168.00~~ Now $126

Heart Air Balloon Glittered Hanging Board with Red Ribbon ~~Was $36.00~~ Now $22

Roast Tomato Soup with Basil

Ingredients:

6 large tomatoes

1 red bell pepper

2 large garlic cloves, minced

3tbsp olive oil

5 cups veggie stock

1 small bunch of basil

Directions:

Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees F

Cut the tomatoes into quarters and place in a large roasting pan. De-seed & core the bell pepper and cut it into about 6 slices - add to the roasting pan. Pour over the olive oil and season with the garlic, salt and pepper. Place in the oven and roast for 45 minutes or until the tomatoes are slightly blackened. Place the roasting tin on a burner keep the mixture bubbling on a low to medium heat. Stir in the stock and the basil (leaving a few leaves for garnish.) Simmer for a couple of minutes and then pour into a food processor. Alternatively you can pour the mixture into a large bowl and use an immersion blender. Blend/process until smooth and then place in the fridge to chill. When you are ready to serve, ladle it into bowls and drizzle with a little good quality extra virgin olive oil, or a tsp of sour cream, and the basil leaves.

Hilary Duff and the Glowing Green Smoothie

Tinseltown is buzzing about the exciting news of Hilary Duff’s pregnancy. Two days ago, the actress and mom-to-be was spotted on her way to a pilates class with a mysterious green drink. That drink is none other than celebrity nutritionist and author of The Beauty Detox Solution: Eat Your Way to Radiant Skin, Renewed Energy and the Body You've Always Wanted, Kimberly Snyder’s Glowing Green Smoothie. Made up of about 70% green vegetables, the Glowing Green Smoothie, packed with minerals and chlorophyll, will keep her body healthy and balanced throughout her pregnancy.

It is not just the quantity of greens that makes the smoothie so amazing—because the fruits and vegetables are blended (“pre-digestion”), your body is able to absorb more of the vitamins and minerals without working so hard.

The Glowing Green Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 1/2 cups water

1 head organic romaine lettuce, chopped

3-4 stalks organic celery

1/2 head of a large bunch or 3/4 of a small bunch of spinach

1 organic apple, cored and chopped

1 organic pear, cored and chopped

1 organic banana

Juice of 1/2 fresh organic lemon

Optional:

1/3 bunch organic cilantro (stems okay)

1/3 bunch organic parsley (stems okay)

Directions: Add water and chopped head of romaine to blender. Blend at a low speed until smooth. Add celery, apple and pear and blend at high speed. Add cilantro and parsley (which help chelate heavy metals out of your body). Finish with banana and lemon.

Kimberly Snyder is a clinical nutritionist and founder of the holistic health company KS 1Life. Snyder has appeared as a nutrition and beauty expert for Good Morning America, EXTRA, E! Entertainment, FOX News, Good Day LA, and been featured in Lucky, ELLE, Nylon, US Weekly, In Touch, and OK! Magazine. Visit her at http://www.kimberlysnyder.net. Check out her blog for exclusive tips on beauty, nutrition, and health. Follow her via Twitter and "like" her page on Facebook.

7 Ways to Recession Proof Your Wedding

As businesses brace for the possibility of a double dip recession, brides and grooms should plan for the unexpected when planning their wedding day: job loss, vendors going out of business, rising prices and traveling limitations.

While weddings still take place even in a down economy, brides and grooms are scaling back and trimming the excess from their celebrations. The numbers show the dramatic shift:

The average cost of a wedding dropped $10,000 in a year after the recession began. Last year the cost began to recover, rising from $19,581 (2009) to $23,867, according to The Wedding Report. But the latest figures show weddings are taking a hit again, with the average cost of a wedding for the first half of 2011 sinking to $21,277.

Scarcity of jobs, a sour housing market and high fuel costs are making wedding planning a challenge - for couples and vendors alike. Florists, caterers and bakers are feeling the pinch of rising prices and are passing those costs onto their clients.

But there are ways to recession-proof your wedding and make your day of celebration a little easier on the wallet for everyone involved. Here are several ways.

1. Go off-peak. Choose an off-season month (January, February or November) to get married, and an off-peak day and time. Saturday afternoon and evenings are the most desired spots, so go for Saturday morning, or Friday or Sunday night to save money on venues and services.

2. Limit the guest list. Most caterers charge per-person, so the difference between 100 guests and 150 is significant. The reception is usually half of your budget - and with food prices rising, feeding your guests tastefully will be hard. Simplify the reception by serving high tea, dessert buffet, brunch or finger-foods instead of compromising on options for a multi-course meal.

3. Buy discounted gift cards. Use them to purchase decorations, supplies and materials from stores like Hobby Lobby, or your wedding attire from Macy's or J.Crew, which is among a growing number of retailers with affordable wedding boutiques. Combine the cards with coupons or promo codes and increase your savings.

4. Shop around and negotiate prices and packages with vendors. Don't ever settle for more than you think you should be paying. Vendors will be happy for your business. Get everything in writing and have one to two backup vendors you can call should something go south with your first choice.

5. Get your hands dirty. The key to any successful budget wedding is doing it all yourself. But it requires delegating to friends and family, who are often honored and happy to play a part in your big day. Get your friends and family in the act of addressing envelopes, folding programs, creating favors and making a headpiece or a veil. Some might be willing to cover some costs involved as a wedding gift to you. The greatest benefit of going DIY is saving money, which will allow you to in turn spend on what you can't do - or don't want to leave to chance, like photography.

Courtesy of Seattle Stevie

6. Get thrifty. Twenty-two year olds Jonathan and Rebecca Mooradian of Tennessee scoured Goodwill, thrift stores and yard sales for practically everything they needed for their wedding this year. After paying about 50 cents to a $1 for each item (including a 25-cent wedding gown), they sold their wares in their own garage sale after the wedding, according to The Tennessean's Ms. Cheap. Keep an eye on your local Craigslist and Freecycle for potential finds, and don't forget to ask friends if you can borrow crystal or glass vases, dishes, glasses, serving trays and utensils.

7. Consider insurance. Wedding insurance can protect you in the event a vendor goes bankrupt or out of business. If you're spending more than $5,000 on your wedding, it might be worth the extra cost. Talk to your insurance agent for advice, or check out online offerings like WedSafe.com.

When couples or their parents are faced with the choice of paying for a 150-person reception or putting money toward a down payment on a house, the more practical option may win the day. Do what's best for your situation and remember a lot of people are going through what you are. Friends and family will understand if you don't throw a soiree of Kardashian proportions.

Carrot & Sweet Potato Smoothie

Ingredients:

1 cup carrot juice

2 fresh beets, cleaned and chopped

2 large sweet potatoes, cooked and mashed

1 ripe avocado, peeled, pitted and chopped

1 tablespoon lime juice

2 teaspoons coconut flakes

1/4 cup fresh cilantro

Pinch of ground cinnamon

Directions:

Combine all of the ingredients in a blender; process until smooth. Pour into 2 tall glasses, and enjoy chilled!

Amie Valpone, Food Blogger: Amie Valpone, HHC, AADP is a Manhattan based Culinary Marketing Consultant, recipe developer and food writer specializing in Gluten Free and Dairy Free Culinary Nutrition. Amie shares her passion for and approach to ‘Clean Eating’ by focusing on natural, whole foods and ingredients that are good for you and your body. Through The Healthy Apple, Amie provides balanced, accessible and engaging information on the most basic components of good health.