Dr Seuss Books & Plush Toys Review and GIVEAWAY!

What does $5 get you these days?  At Kohl’s, it gets a classic children’s book, a huggable Dr. Suess friend, a New York Times best-seller on how to live a greener life, and that great feeling you get when giving back.  

The Kohl’s Care for Kids® program, celebrating its 10th anniversary this year, is a charitable program that features $5 merchandise with 100 percent of net profit benefiting children’s health and education initiatives nationwide.  This spring, the Kohl’s Cares for Kids program is featuring four Dr. Suess books and coordinating plush toys for just $5 each:

·        The Lorax  - Lorax plush
·         The Foot Book – Orange “Foot” Character plush
·        Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! – Yellow “Thinks” Character plush
·         If I Ran the Circus – Whale plush

As the number one green retailer, according to Newsweek’s 2009 ranking, Kohl’s is pleased to offer The Lorax at such an incredible value to help kids learn the importance of caring for the environment. Also, all four Dr. Seuss books that are offered as part of the Kohl’s Cares for Kids® program are printed on 60 percent post-consumer recycled paper. For adults, that message is found in The Green Book.  This book is a handbook on how to take steps to be more environmentally responsible.

This spring, get reading, go green and give back to your local community – all for just $5 at Kohl’s.  Items can be purchased at more than 1,000 Kohl’s stores nationwide and at www.kohls.com.

-Courtesy of Kohl's Kids Who Care

***

My daughter and I were both ecstatic to review the Kohl's Kids Who Care line! Included in our package were four Dr Seuss books, including my favorite: The Lorax. Also we received If I Ran the Circus, The Foot Book, and Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! We also received four plush toys to go along with the books, the Lorax from The Lorax, the whale from If I Ran the Circus, the orange foot guy from The Foot Book, and a yellow and green Thinks guy from Oh, the Thinks You Can Think! And last but not least, I received The Green Book which is an book for parents in the Kohl's Kids Who Care line.

Did you know that Kohl's is the number one green retailer? Kohl's is therefore happy to offer The Lorax & plush at such an affordable price, so the littlest ones can learn to care for the environment as well. All of the items in the Kohl's Kids Who Care line are offered at just $5 a piece, and with 100% of the proceeds going to help children in need-thats a great number!

Stop by Kohl's when you get a chance and pick up some of this awesome affordable merch! You'll feel great knowing 100% of the profits go to help fund childrens health and education initiatives nationwide.

*I received items from the Kohl's Kids Who Care line to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that Kohl's is offering up a set of the 4 Dr Seuss books and 4 plush toys featured above to five (5) 512 Kidz blog readers!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention who you'd like to win this gift set for

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Giveaway ends March 7, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winners chosen using Random.org. Winners will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winners have 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. 

Azfasst Skin Care Winner!

And the winner of the Azfasst Skin Care Giveaway is... Comment #14, purango. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who entered!

purango said...

I's like to win this gel for my skin. I would love to have more beautiful skin. This product sounds great. garrettsambo@aol.com

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

14 

Timestamp: 2010-02-28 16:54:36 UTC

Lucky Puppy Review

Lucky Puppy

~ Nothing But Cute ~

When long time friends Sandi Hochman and Jonathan Cathy joined forces to create products for fellow dog enthusiasts, an innovative lifestyle brand with a focus on children’s fashion was founded.  Sandi’s adoration for all things puppy and dog related merged with Jonathan’s creativity is the basis behind Lucky Puppy.  Admittedly so adorable, the only tagline deemed appropriate was “Nothing But Cute”.

Lucky Puppy is a collective of finely woven super soft cotton shirts, burned out t’s; short sleeve and long, thermals, hoodies, onesies, dresses and oxfords.  There are many styles to chose from with bold, contrasting colors including greens and pinks, blues and greys, purples and yellows -- all adorned with the Lucky Puppy signature paw print, heart icon or doggy dish.  Lucky Puppy also offers hats, key chains and charm bracelets and an additional line of organic cotton onesies and hats will launch in 2010. 

While Lucky Puppy is cute and adorable, the real heart of the brand is what makes it irresistible.  Created with the idea of giving back, each purchase of Lucky Puppy helps to rescue a homeless dog.  Lucky Puppy is devoutly dedicated to matching astrays with loving families and they succeed by partnering with foundations on a local and national level.  

For the months of January and February, Lucky Puppy will donate 15% of online sales to Paws and Learn Humane Education Center – an organization created to teach children and adults about responsible pet care and animal welfare.

Lucky Puppy retail prices range from approx $25 - $50 and can be purchased at www.luckypuppyonline.com.  

-Courtesy of Lucky Puppy 

***

I was overjoyed to receive a sample tee shirt from Lucky Puppy for my daughter! It is the tee shirt pictured at the top of this post, with the phrase I 'Heart' LA on it. It has the puppy paw print inside the heart. I can't wait for the weather to get a bit warmer (not long now, here in Texas) so my daughter can rock this tee!

I love what Lucky Puppy has achieved as a clothing company, to make products for dog enthusiasts but also to give back. Lucky Puppy helps to match stray dogs with loving families on a local and national level. And in the months of January & February, Lucky Puppy gave 15% of their online profits to Paws and Learn Humane Education Center- an organization dedicated to teach adults and children about responsible animal care & welfare. 

So hop onto luckypuppyonline.com today and pick up some merch for the dog lover in your life-you'll feel good knowing your purchase will go towards helpings dogs & animals of all types. 

*I received a Lucky Puppy tee to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

I'm Going to Be a Dad: Now What? Book Review

 

I'm Going to be a Dad: Now What?

Expected or not, learning you’re going to be a new dad opens up a world of questions. Ready or not, your new baby is going to be here in nine months — and that might not seem like enough time to figure it all out. Luckily, you don’t have to navigate the maze alone. Are you swimming in a sea of “what ifs” that comes with the first-time fatherhood? At Atlantic Publishing, we have a book for that. I’m Going to Be a Dad: Now What? compiles all the information needed for new dads. Starting with the moment you found out you were expecting, this book takes you through your role in the parenting process. This is your guide to keep your sanity as you help your partner through the pregnancy, during the labor, and how to interact with your new baby. This book may not make you sleep, but it will give tricks to catch up on sleep between the crying and infamous 3 a.m. feedings. This book discusses the health issues and how to deal with teething, a colic, and potty-training. Above all, you will learn how your role as a father will vary from that of the mother and how to juggle between working, being a dad, and spending time with your partner.

 -Courtesy of Atlantic Publishing Group, Inc

***

I was excited to review the book 'I'm Going to Be a Dad: Now What?': Everything You Need to Know About First-Time Fatherhood. I knew that I could pass this gem of information on to my older brother, whose wife is pregnant for the first time with twins! You may have heard me mention it before, she's about 3 months along now and we are all so excited. At any rate I know my bro could put this book to good use. 

I'm Going to Be a Dad: Now What? is written in larger print, and its easy for soon to be dads to navigate through the chapters so they can find the info they need. The book is written to appeal to a man's persona, and I think this is important in a daddy parenting book. Its makes the foreign info more palatable!

I'm Going to Be a Dad: Now What? is the perfect parenting book for the soon to be dad in your life, pick up a copy today!

*I received a copy of I'm Going to Be a Dad: Now What? to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

My Virtual Tutor: Reading Game (K-1st) for Nintendo DS Review & GIVEAWAY!

This winter, you can combat the seasonal blues with an interactive, “edutainment” game that has been recognized by some of the top toy awards. My Virtual Tutor: Reading for the Nintendo DS enhances kid’s reading and comprehension abilities on the number one portable video game system. Finally – a reading tool on a platform that engages kids and maintains their attention!

Please see the release below.

My Virtual Tutor™: Reading for the Nintendo DS Receiving Rave Reviews as Quality “Edutainment”

Innovative Learning Software Recognized by Top Toy Awards

This winter, combat the seasonal blues with an interactive, “edutainment” game that has everyone talking! My Virtual Tutor: Reading for the Nintendo DS enhances kid’s reading and comprehension abilities on the number one portable video game system.  My Virtual Tutor: Reading has been honored by the top toy awards in its category including Dr. Toy’s Best Picks, iParenting Media Award and the Tillywig Toy Awards; proving it to be a great choice for quality “edutainment.”

My Virtual Tutor: Reading provides a learning tool on a platform that engages kids and maintains their attention. Finally a reason for parents to encourage their kids to play with their Nintendo DS! While the child holds their DS vertically like a book, the game’s cheerful virtual tutor guides children through 8 interactive books and encourages him/her to complete fun exercises and quizzes to improve reading skills. Through self-correcting practice, the different modes of interacting with the exercises and stories advance along with the player.

“We’re gratified that our efforts in bringing a quality playing and learning experience for early readers to the Nintendo DS has received positive consumer recognition,” says Hank Kaplan, CEO of Mentor InterActive Inc. “Our distribution and sell through at retailers across the country also speaks volumes of the need for this type of “edutainment.”

My Virtual Tutor: Reading gives kids an opportunity to reinforce what they are learning in school and have fun while they practice. Parents can track their child’s activities and the areas in which they are improving, or may need more attention, by accessing the Parent Mode. My Virtual Tutor: Reading is available in 3 versions for children in Pre-K through Second Grade. Each includes eight interactive books with 4 modes of play:

•    Read To Me- Virtual tutor reads the story with exciting animation
•    I Can Read- Beginning vocabulary word-based activities
•    Interactive- Clickable animations with interactive quizzes to test reading and vocabulary comprehension
•    Paint- Unleash creativity and illustrate scenes while listening to a story

“The proprietary Foundations to Literacy™ software used in My Virtual Tutor Reading has been tested and is proven to be effective in improving students’ reading skills and their attitude toward learning to read, “says Barbara Wise Ph.D, world-renowned reading researcher at the University of Colorado where My Virtual Tutor: Reading was developed at the Center for Computational Language and Education Research.

My Virtual Tutor: Reading was developed by 1st Playable Productions, LLC. My Virtual Tutor: Reading for the Nintendo DS is available at mass and specialty retailers throughout North America such as Toy R’ Us, GameStop, Best Buy, and Amazon.com for a suggested retail price of $29.99. The Pre-K- K SKUs is rated EC (Early Childhood) and the K-1st Grade and 1st-2nd Grade SKUs are rated E (Everyone) by the ESRB. 

For More Information on My Virtual Tutor: Reading and to become a fan of My Virtual Tutor: Reading on Facebook or follow updates Twitter, please log onto http://www.myvirtualtutorgame.com/.

About Mentor InterActive, Inc.
Mentor InterActive Inc. based in Boulder, CO was founded in 2004 by faculty members of the Center for Computational Language and EducAtion Research (known at that time as the Center for Spoken Language Research) at the University of Colorado at Boulder. Mentor InterActive publishes and markets interactive software based on the proven Foundations to Literacy reading program, developed at CLEAR through a license granted by the University of Colorado Technology Transfer Office. Mentor also holds licenses from the University of Colorado for speech recognition and facial animation technologies.  Mentor InterActive holds a license to develop for Nintendo DS™ and Wii™. The company’s management team brings decades of business development and marketing experience to the production process. Mentor InterActive was named the 2009 Physical Science/Enginerring/IT Company of the Year by the University of Colorado Technology Transfer Office.

-Courtesy of My Virtual Tutor

***

My Virtual Tutor: Reading is an awesome new game for Nintendo DS for children learning to read. There are 3 versions of the game for kids in Pre-K to 2nd Grade. Children will learn fluency, phonics, comprehension, and vocabulary skills through university proven methods. 

My Virtual Tutor games are a fun and effective way to help your child conquer early reading on the go! The Reading games include 7 interactive books, 4 different play modes, parent mode, touch screen play option, and self guided play. 

University studies prove students using Mentor's curriculum increase their reading scores. I'm glad that there are tools like these to encourage your preschooler to learn to read earlier, or to enrich your Kindergarten through 2nd graders reading skills. If your little one doesn't have a Nintendo DS, have them ask their older brother, sister, or cousin to borrow theirs!

*I received one My Virtual Tutor Game to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

 

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that I'm giving away my review copy of My Virtual Tutor: Reading for Kindergarten to First Graders to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention who you'd like to win this game for! 

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Giveaway ends March 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize.

Finding Diamonds - Deal of the Day

Finding Diamonds - Deal of the Day

There are many ways that you can find diamonds and obtain a better deal when purchasing jewelry. Abazias diamonds are well known for their exquisite quality and value that many consumers are taking advantage of each year. The deal of the day is just one of the many ways that you can save money on your next diamond purchase.

The diamond of the day is a featured diamond that Abazias makes available to their customers that day for the same cost that they get it for. This is a great way for potential customers to obtain a high-quality Abazias diamond at a discounted cost. This deal of the day is a GIA certified diamond that is backed by a 10-day return policy and is shipped overnight once the purchase is confirmed.

If you are looking for a great deal in a quality diamond, be sure to check out the deal of the day from Abazias. You may just find the diamond that is perfect for you or someone you care about. With so many options today from a variety of local and online manufacturers, it is important to explore the choices for consumers looking for quality diamond products in order to get the best deal possible.

-Courtesy of Abazias 

*This is a compensated post. I received compensation for posting this info. 

French and Japanese Win the Hearts of Americans According to Rosetta Stone Survey

This Valentine’s Day French and Japanese Win the Hearts of Americans, According to Rosetta Stone Survey

The Search for the Most Romantic Language Continues

As men and women around the world prepare for the most romantic holiday of the year, learning to say “Je t’aime” may be this year’s most valuable present. This is according to Rosetta Stone Inc. (NYSE: RST), a leading provider of technology-based language-learning solutions, which today announced the results of its Valentine’s Day survey.¹

Paris has long been known as the “City of Love,” but according to survey results it also takes the cake when it comes to the languages of love. French ranks as the most romantic language for saying “I love you” (54 percent), followed by Italian (26 percent) and Spanish (nine percent).

“One tip for finding the perfect valentine this year is to learn a new language,” said Duane Sider, director of learning at Rosetta Stone. “Nearly half of those surveyed said they find a person more attractive if they speak more than one language. Those looking for love, or couples who want to try something new, can use the Rosetta Stone language-learning solution to connect to their romantic side and make their Valentine’s Day even more special.”

Still on the quest for a leading lady or lad? Men and women who want to find a faithful Valentine’s Day sweetheart this year should search for someone speaking Japanese. According to the Rosetta Stone survey, people in Japan have the reputation for being the most loyal.

Nearly 60 percent of people surveyed said they find ordering in another language romantic. If you’re feeling adventurous this Valentine’s Day, impress your valentine by dining at a Parisian restaurant and ordering your fare in French.

¹Rosetta Stone conducted an online Valentine’s Day survey of more than 500 people nationwide through an omnibus survey; participants were ages 18 and older.

For more information please visit pr.RosettaStone.com.

The Rosetta Stone Approach to Language Learning

With its proven, innovative method, Rosetta Stone programs provide an effective and engaging language-learning environment. Learners develop everyday proficiency naturally, the same way people learn their first language—discovering new meaning by linking new language to real-world objects and events.

The Rosetta Stone Dynamic Immersion^® method immediately teaches learners to think in a new language by connecting words with vivid imagery in real-life contexts to convey meaning. Learners are tested on new language knowledge at optimal intervals to ensure efficient retention. Lifelike simulations provide the context learners need to produce spoken or written language. They acquire reading and writing skills by associating letters and words with their new sounds and meanings. And they become proficient in the language through exposure to native speakers in a relevant context. Instant feedback is provided within a carefully sequenced structure to ensure learning success.

About Rosetta Stone

Rosetta Stone Inc. is changing the way the world learns languages. Rosetta Stone provides interactive solutions that are acclaimed for the speed and power to unlock the natural language-learning ability in everyone. Available in more than 30 languages, Rosetta Stone language-learning solutions are used by schools, organizations and millions of individuals in over 150 countries throughout the world. The company was founded in 1992 on the core beliefs that learning a language should be natural and instinctive and that interactive technology can replicate and activate the immersion method powerfully for learners of any age. The company is based in Arlington, Va. For more information, visit RosettaStone.com.  

-Courtesy of Rosetta Stone

Children's Book Review Roundup

“Feeding Penny Pig” – In Jeannine Fox’s “Feeding Penny Pig” (Mimi’s Funhouse LLC, November 2009), Laney’s grandmother Mimi gives her a very special piggy bank named Penny Pig for her birthday. Every day, Laney must do chores for her parents to earn money to feed the very hungry Penny. Because Laney loves Penny so much, she begins to love working around the house to keep her happy and full. The friendship between them teaches Laney responsibility and the value of earning and saving money.

***

Feeding Penny Pig is a delightful book for children ages 4-8. In this book, children will learn about money, responsibility, and about earning an allowance by performing chores. Penny Pig is a very special piggy bank, who is hungry for coins. Penny Pig was given to her owner Laney as a special birthday gift by Laney's grandma Mimi. Through Penny Pig, Laney learns the value of responsibility.

My daughter loved this beautifully illustrated book and is now on her way to becoming more responsible when it comes to money!

“How Lil’ Eddie Learns to Read” – In her new children’s book, “How Lil’ Eddie Learns to Read” (Synergy Books, February 2010), Rima H. Corral introduces readers to a little boy named Eddie who receives a book on his third birthday. Inspired by this gift, Eddie decides he wants to learn to read. The book follows Lil’ Eddie and his family as they help him learn to read through books, games and a neighborhood reading club. Corral also includes “Help for Parents” sections scattered throughout the pages. She hopes this book will encourage parents to help their kids learn reading skills before entering kindergarten.

***

Little Eddie Learns to Read is more than a childrens book. It is also a great resource for parents. Throughout the book you will find 'Help for Parents' sections that describe techniques to help your preschooler learn to read before kindergarten.

Little Eddie is inspired by a book he receives for his 3rd birthday to learn to read. With the help of his family and friends, Eddie learns to count, spells the names of his favorite foods, and acts out stories.

Written by the producer and creator of PBS childrens television program Rima, Fuego and the Children, Rima H. Corral is an early childhood educator with 25 years experience. She has a degree in music and General Education along with several certifiations.

My daughter was engaged by this book and I know I will find it as a great reading resource for my daughter over the next few months and beyond before she starts pre-k.

“I’m Up in a Tree” - Told in a lyrical rhyming style, Mark Alden Johnson’s “I’m Up in a Tree” (Bridgeway Books, January 2010) follows a little boy who climbs a tree for fun, only to realize he is scared to get down. As he sits high in the branches, various creatures that live in the tree approach him and advise him on how to get his feet back on the ground. Birds tell him to fly out of the tree, bees suggest he jump from the branch and a cat proposes he climb down. It is up to the little boy to decide if he should heed their advice, or trust his instincts and wait for his dad to help him. “I’m Up in a Tree” is a fun way to teach kids early to resist peer pressure and make their own choices.

***

I'm Up in a Tree is a delightful book for children! Written and illustrated by Mark Alden Johnson, this book tells the story of a little boy who climbs to the top of a tree and cannot get down. All sorts of animals, from bees to birds and cats, visit him while he ponders whether to get down or wait for his dad.

My daughter loves this book because it is written in rhyming, lyrical style and I like it because teaches kids from a young age to resist peer pressure!

The illustrations are curious and bright and I think my daughter enjoyed them the most, out of the 4 books found here. 

Here’s the scoop:

Summary: “Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus” (Ovation Books, October 2009, 978-0-9814534-6-0)

In “Miracle of Sumatra,” author Jeanne McNaney follows, Gus, a young orangutan as he discovers his parents have been trapped by hunters who have come to Sumatra to hunt the orangutan. With the help of his friends, Maya, a little girl, and Gabriella, the guardian of the jungle, Gus sets out to save his parents and teach the trappers about the importance of their natural habitat in Sumatra.

About the Author

Jeanne currently resides in Old Greenwich, Conn., with her husband and three young children. Her first children’s book, “The Legend of Honey Hollow” (Ovation Books, January 2009), introduces children to environmentalism and the dangers of global warming. She has served on the board of Pathways, Inc., which provides housing for mentally ill adults. She currently sits on the board of governors for the We Are Family Foundation and is an active volunteer with the Old Greenwich School.

***

Miracle in Sumatra: The Story of Gutsy Gus is a delightful, hard back book for children. The book tells the tale of Gus, an orangutan from the jungles of Sumatra. One day Gus is out playing and his orangutan family is captured by a group of trappers. Gutsy Gus then sets out on an adventure to rescue them! With the help of a guardian angel named Gabriella and a little girl named Maya, Gus fights for his families freedom and proves he too, can make a difference.

Miracle in Sumatra tells the plight of orangutans through a compelling educational story line. The book is written with Christian principles in mind. I was happy to learn that a percentage of all profits from the sale of the book go to organizations that support wildlife conservation and endangered species preservation. Miracle in Sumatra is beautifully illustrated throughout the book. For ages 4-8, this book is a great addition to your childrens book library!

Thanks to Phenix PR for arranging all of the books for review!

*I received copies of all 4 books featured above to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

Azfasst Skin Care Review & GIVEAWAY!

Renown dermatologist and mom Dr. Anne Riordan recently developed a skin care line that combines the powerful ingredients of Green Tea, Lactic Acid and Salicylic acid. AZFASST gel is an oil-free skin care product designed to provide clearer, smoother, and softer skin. It exfoliates to unclog pores, reduces skin oil, revitalizes sun-damaged skin, and promotes skin health. Plus for moms on the go, it goes on right before your moisturizer, so it is fast and effective.

Introducing Azfasst Skin Care by Renowned Dermatologist Dr. Anne Riordan

Dr. Anne Riordan recommends facial and skin care products to her patients on a daily basis. However, she never found a product that could make skin clearer, softer and smoother without also drying skin. With over 15 years of experience in the field, the dermatologist decided to create her own natural skin care line, Azfasst, in order to help her clients achieve younger looking skin “as fast” as possible.

“Beautiful skin is a key factor in making a good first impression, because it influences not only the way you look but also the way you feel and carry yourself,” said Dr. Anne Riordan, developer of the Azfasst Skin Care line. “I developed Azfasst to help my patients and other consumers gain a youthful glow to their skin without having to spend a bundle on expensive procedures or designer skin care products. The confidence gained in your appearance with regular use of Azfasst healthy skin care products will permeate to all aspects of your life.”

Azfasst is an oil-free skin care serum that is designed for clearer, tighter and smoother skin. By combining three powerful active ingredients; lactic acid, salicylic acid and green tea, Azfasst exfoliates to unclog pores, reduces skin oil, revitalizes sun-damaged skin and promotes skin health.

Salicylic acid and lactic acid encourage the gentle exfoliation of the skin to help unclog pores, diminish oil and decrease pore size. They increase skin cell turnover to reveal a healthier glow and provide skin rejuvenation. The natural green tea skin extract incorporated into the formulation provides an anti-inflammatory benefit that minimizes irritation and redness to sooth and heal stressed skin. It also puts antioxidants directly into facial pores that helps improve tone and texture of sun-damaged skin. 

“I was tired of prescribing my patients treatments that are harsh on sensitive skin, expensive even with insurance and most times make skin conditions appear worse before they get better. Azfasst is the answer for patients who have experienced frustration with these types of products. I designed it to be effective on all skin types without causing discoloration or blotching. I am very pleased and excited about the results Azfasst has yielded thus far and look forward to the product making a positive impact on people’s lives,” said Dr. Anne Riordan.   

About Azfasst LLC

Azfasst LLC was formed by Dr. Anne Riordan, who is board certified in dermatology and dermatologic surgery. AZFASST gel is an oil-free skin care product designed to provide clearer, softer, smoother skin. It exfoliates to unclog pores, reduces skin oil, revitalizes sun-damaged skin and promotes skin health. Dermatologist designed, tested and approved to help improve the appearance of facial imperfections. AZFASST gel contains a combination of three powerful active ingredients; salicylic acid, lactic acid and green tea. For more information, or to purchase Azfasst online, plus visit http://www.azfasst.com.

http://www.azfasst.com/?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=512&utm_campaign=giveaway

***

I was happy to review Azfasst Gel because I love trying out different products on my problem facial skin.

Azfasst Gel will give you soft, smooth, and clearer skin. To achieve that soft and smooth skin, just apply a small amount of Azfasst gel twice daily. Azfasst contains AHA (alphahydroxy acid) which may increase your skins sensitivity to the sun. Be sure to wear spf 15 or higher on your face when using this product.

I loved the way Azfasst made my skin feel tingly, you could feel it working. And I like that it has green tea extract in it which has antioxidants. Just put it on before your moisturizer. It helps your skin to achieve a smoother, softer, clearer apperance.

Thanks to Azfasst for the sample!

*I received a sample of Azfasst for review. No other form of compensation was or will be given.

***

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that Azfasst is giving away a bottle of Azfasst gel to one 512 Kidz reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention why you'd like to win Azfasst gel. 

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
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• Subscribe via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
  
• Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
  
• Add 512 Kidz to your link list (leave your blog url)
• Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
•  Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, listed on sidebar) and let me know which one
  
• Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did

Giveaway ends 2/27/10 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. 

 

Your Family Constitution Book Review

Summary: “Your Family Constitution: A Modern Approach to Family Values and Household Structure” (Spectrum International Press, January 2010, 978-0-9822961-3-4)

Dad-in-the-trenches and author Scott Gale offers a solution to common, modern-day family mayhem: create a family constitution. After a Mother’s-Day meltdown a couple of years ago, he decided something had to change in his family structure. Chocked full of personal examples from Gale’s own struggles to create harmony and balance in family life, “Your Family Constitution” entertains and educates readers on simple ways to make their families more engaged. Peppered throughout, he offers useful, practical advice and guidance on chores and allowances.

About the Author

When not coaching his boys’ baseball teams, spending time with his family or surf kayaking, Scott is a managing partner with a private land development firm, Bluestone Communities. He has been a guest on O.C. Family Radio and KSBR-FM’s radio program “Collage,” discussing parenting issues. "Your Family Constitution" has been also featured in the "Orange County Register." Scott is an instructor at the University of California in Irvine, where he lives with his wife and boys.

I was glad to review the book 'Your Family Constitution' by Scott Gale because I thought this book was a tool my family could use. Your Family Constitution introduces a modern approach to family values and household structure. Inside this book you will find a step by step guide to: creating fun & effective family structure, reconnecting with your kids, resolving common family issues, enhancing family communication and more!

This book is a fun, easy to understand guide to bettering your family. It even has funny illustrations throughout the book!

Parenting can be more rewarding than you ever dreamed. Learn the time tested secrets of how to bond with your kids while effectively teaching them life's most vital lessons-all in this book!

Thanks to Phenix PR for arranging a review copy for me!

*I received a  copy of Your Family Constitition for review. No other form of compensation was or will be given.

Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract Review

The delightful aroma of the kitchen during the holidays – with smells of cinnamon, peppermint, chocolate and vanilla – is a scent that many associate with long lived memories. The holiday season is a perfect time to create flavorful memories with your family and loved ones. Nielsen-Massey Vanillas A Century of Flavor cookbook provides moms with a variety of holiday recipes. Vanilla Carmel Corn Crunch can be made with your young chef, while Creamy Vanilla Sweet Potatoes is a perfect side to your family’s main course.

This vanilla-inspired cookbook, published by family-owned Nielsen-Massey Vanillas, celebrates the exciting nuances of one of America ’s most-loved and versatile ingredients – pure vanilla. It is filled with 50 of the most tantalizing recipes, highlighting the intricate, yet delicate flavors of pure vanilla and is written for the novice cook as well as the seasoned chef.

 

So crank up the holiday tunes, get cooking with your loved ones to create your next delectable holiday meal. 

About Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

Throughout its more than 100 year history, Nielsen-Massey Vanillas has earned its reputation as a manufacturer of the finest extracts in the world. The full line of Nielsen-Massey’s Pure Vanilla products include: Vanilla Beans and Extracts from Madagascar , Tahiti and Mexico ; sugar and alcohol-free Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Powder; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Bean Paste; Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Sugar and Certified Organic Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract, Vanilla Beans and Powder.

Nielsen-Massey Vanillas recently introduced a new line of Pure Flavors: Pure Chocolate Extract, Pure Almond Extract, Pure Orange Extract, Pure Lemon Extract, Pure Coffee Extract, Pure Peppermint Extract, Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water.  All Nielsen-Massey products are certified Kosher and Gluten-free. The company is headquartered in Waukegan , Illinois , with production facilities in Waukegan and Leeuwarden , The Netherlands.

-Courtesy of Nielsen-Massey Vanillas

I was curious to review Nielsen Massey Vanillas Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract as I have never used Pure Vanilla Extract before. As far as I know we have always used the cheaper imitation vanilla. Gasp!

I can't wait to try all the recipes that include the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla from the A Century of Flavor cookbook by Nielsen Massey Vanillas!

Some of the recipes that include the Madagascar Bourbon Vanilla are: Spa Salad with Almond Vinaigrette, Fresh Basil-Tomato Soup with Vanilla, Filet Mignon with Vanilla Wine Sauce, and the Savory Pork Tenderloin. 

As you can see Pure Vanilla Extract isn't just for dessert recipes!

Thanks to Nielsen-Massey Vanillas for the sample!

*I received a sample of the Madagascar Bourbon Pure Vanilla Extract to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

Banquet 'Thanks A Million' Sweeps

The Banquet brand has created home style frozen dinner meals for over 50 years! For those crazy days when things get a bit hectic, Banquet has the answer the question: 'Mom, what's for dinner?!' Banquet has a variety of delicious meals that are alot less pricey than take-out or delivery pizza.

For those nights when you need to put a meal together fast, Banquet has all the frozen entrees to meet your needs. A dinner that everyone can agree on will be on the table in minutes! There's even enough single serve dinner varieties so everyone can have what they want. Kids can have their favorites such as mac & cheese or chicken nuggets, and adults can have something to fit their tastes such as chicken pasta marinara or chicken friend beef steak.

I think its awesome that Banquet is saying thanks to their customers with the 'Thanks a Million' sweeps. From February through April, Banquet is giving away more than $1 million worth of redeemable cash prizes on specially marked packages. Just look for Banquet products with the 'Thanks a Million' logo on the box. Every box contains a special game piece, and you could win coupons, or $10 to $100,000! I picked up a few boxes of Banquet dinners for my family and got some great coupons with every box. Some had more than 1!

www.BanquetThanksaMillion.com

www.MomCentral.com

-Courtesy of Banquet & Mom Central

Be sure to pick up some Banquet products at your local grocery today! Banquet is running the 'Thanks a Million' Sweeps and you could win coupons, or $10 to $100,000 on specially marked packages.  After 50 years Banquet just wants to say 'Thanks' to its loyal customers!

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.