Best of Fest :: Review and Giveaway

In May, I was contacted by Best of Fest and asked if I wanted to review the family and kids packs of DVD's.  I had no idea what Best of Fest was, so I did a little research.

Their tag line is: The Best Films You've Never Seen.

Every year there are hundreds of independent films made.  We see only a fraction of the films made come to the theaters.

Best of Fest takes the very best films shown at film festivals and puts them together into DVD sets for us!

I have deliberately waited a bit before doing this review for 1 reason.  My kids get really excited about new movies and then within a couple of weeks the newness wears off and they move on to something else.  I wanted to see what the staying power of these movies were.

Seth had to grow his hair out this summer so he could look like the boy in For All the Marbles (that movie also started a new craze of marble playing in my house).  Seth also decided he needed to have a poncho, mask, holster and cowboy hat like Tommy the Kid and would ride his bike around the neighborhood on the lookout for danger and unsightly hooligans.

Amelia pretends to be Ruby, or one of the girls from the Frog movie.

They love these movies and ask again and again to watch them.  I don't mind letting them either.  Every film shows initiative and makes the kids think.  There is a lesson to learn, a story to tell, and lots of laughs.

I love that these are not the typical cartoons or kid dramas that we see in the theater.  It is something new, something fresh, something to get my kids imaginations going and I adore that.

The great folks at Best of Fest want to give one of my lucky readers a box set of their choice!!!

What you need to do to enter...

1. Comment here (obviously) but tell me which set you'd want to win.
2. Tweet about the contest and include me @prairiemama and @bestoffest in your tweet
3. Comment about it on facebook.
4. Blog about it.
5. Follow Best of Fest on Twitter - @bestoffest
6. Follow Best of Fest on Facebook 

Please be sure to leave a comment for each item you complete.

That's it!  Tell your friends, enter to win and good luck!!!

Contest will end on Wednesday, September 22, 2010 at 9 PM MST.

Mirra Beauty Products Review and Giveaway

When I was single and had more money than I knew what to do with, I spent a lot of it on my hair and facial products.  I have never been a big makeup girl, but I love a good cleanser and moisturizer for sure.

In the last 8 years however, I have had to find the best products for the least amount of money.  Trying to justify why I need expensive shampoo to my  husband who is, ahem, a wee bit hair deficient, was is difficult.

So, I am constantly on the lookout for good products that I can afford.  So, when Global Influence Network gave me the opportunity to try out Mirra Beauty Products, I jumped at the chance.

In addition to its own consumer research, mirra recently conducted an online survey of over 500 women asking a variety of questions about beauty care products and regimens.   Here’s what women said: 

• 77 percent said products that have both natural ingredients and proven technologies, work best.  Only nine percent said products with all natural ingredients, alone, were best; and 14 percent said the same of science only products.  
• 71 percent chose “Take 10” as the best description of their beauty style and routine.  They said they don’t have a lot of time and don’t spend a lot of time on their beauty routine – 10 minutes at most.   Other options included “soak and savor,” “60 minutes,” and  “beat the clock.”
• Their description of a “bad hair day” was evenly split between “flat” (37 percent) and “frizzy” (35 percent).  (15 percent said fly-away; 13 percent said oily).

Launching now, mirra products include shampoos and conditioners; hair styling products; body washes and mists; facial and skin care lotions, cleansers and cleansing cloths; eye firming and age defying creams; and cosmetic brushes.

mirra products are made with natural ingredients, such as olive oil, aloe leaf juice, and cranberry, bamboo, honey and chicory root extracts.  Proven technologies are used for many of the products too.  For example, the revolutionary oleosome emulsion technology is used in skin care products to deliver long lasting moisture that keeps protecting and nourishing skin long after application. 

mirra products can be found in the beauty care aisles exclusively at all stores that are part of the Kroger Co. family. For a limited time, mirra is offering $5 off when you purchase any two mirra products. To download the coupon visit www.kroger.com\coupons.

My package arrived and I excitedly tore into it.  I received Color Care shampoo and conditioner, Bamboo and Honey body wash, face moisturizer, eye cream, ginger and oleosomes lotion and gel.

 

My hair was not colored.  I say was not because how could I do a good review if I didn't even have colored hair?  So, I quickly scheduled an appointment with my favorite hair stylist and went a shade darker and added in some beautiful caramel highlights.

I love this shampoo and conditioner.  It is lightly fragranced and leaves my hair bouncy and shiny.  I will buy this shampoo and conditioner again for sure.  I also love the body wash.  It does a great lather and smells divine.  The day cream is light enough to use all day, yet is rich enough to keep my super dry skin feeling great all day long.  

Those are the things I have actually used.  I am not a huge fan of the smell of the lotion, but I know my Mom will love it.  So, I will be giving it to her when she comes to my house in April.  I also don't use gel, so I haven't used that.  I am just waiting for Amelia to get the idea that she wants to look like Annie and will let me put curlers in her hair.  Then I can use the gel!

Not only are these great products, but they are pretty easy for me to find and afford.  Mirra is sold at Kroger stores.  So for my fellow Utah folks, that's Smith's!  You can also get a coupon for $5 off two products right now.  A great way to try it out.

You want to try it don't you?  Well, The Kroger Company and Global Influence Network want to give one of you a Mirra prize pack!  All you have to do to enter is tell me about your beauty routine.  For extra entries you can:
1. tweet 

2. blog

3. facebook

Pretty simple eh?  This contest will close on my big sister's birthday, March 24 at 8pm MST.  So what are you waiting for???

Princess and Pirate Potty Training Books :: Giveaway!

It is no secret that my children LOVE books.  They love books so much that we could sit and read all day long.  They will read any type of book they can find and really don't have any that they don't like.

When the new Scholastic books, Princess Potty and Pirate Potty, came in the mail, I thought that only Amelia would be very interested in them.  She is 3, and is pretty recently potty trained.  What I found instead was that all 3 of my children adore these books!

Seth is all about pirates and he loves the pirate potty!  He wishes that he could get the little hat and stickers to use for himself.  And Amelia is quite the princess, so this book was just up her alley.

Both books provide a helpful, step-by-step story that introduces girls & boys to the concept of toilet training. Pirate Potty is a pirate-themed, toilet-training book that is fit for the little swashbuckler in your life!  Includes a pirate’s hat and reward stickers! Princess Potty follows the same theme…a toilet-training book that is fit for the Royal Highness in your life!  This book includes tiara and reward stickers!

I love these rewards!  It is instant and not candy :)

I have 5 sets of these great books to giveaway!!  If you'd like to win, leave me a comment telling me why and which one you'd like.

To gain an additional entry tweet about this giveaway.  For one more, write about it on facebook.

Leave a comment for each entry.  You can do facebook and twitter entries once a day.

Contest ends February 21 at 8 pm MST.

Artisitc Sensations Review and Giveaway!

I have a new sponsor for my blogs, Artistic Sensations.  I have never been able to really decorate my kids room until we moved into our current house.  We moved in and promptly painted Seth's room green (ok 1 wall, but it is REALLY green!).  Amelia was still in our room, but we knew that they would be sharing a room before long.

Fast forward 2 years and Seth and Amelia share a room.  Since I have a boy and girl in the same room, decorating can be a challenge.  I can't do it up pink and girlie ballerina, and I also can't do it up Star Wars or Baseball.  We have to find our middle ground and go from there.

We are doing bright colors, hence the green wall.  So, when I found Artistic Sensations, I was SO excited.  They have all kinds of room decor, bedding, wall hangings, picture frames, lamps, rugs, mobiles..the list goes on and on and on. 

When they told me I could pick something out from their shop to try I was thrilled.  I looked at everything and tried to find something I knew my kids would love.  I found it.  My kids are constantly making the bottom bunk into a fort.  What this means is that I am constantly dragging out blankets and stuffing them up under the top bunk (over and over and over because the baby pulls them out) and then when they are done I have to fold up all the blankets again and put them away.

This however is such a snap to put up and my kids love it so much they don't ever want it down!

Sticky back velcro goes right on the bunk bed and then you attach the curtain to that.  Easy to take down if it needs to be washed, and so so simple to put up.

But, don't ask me what I think about it.  Let's ask the true experts, my kids!







There you have it folks. The experts have spoken and they LOVE it!!!!

The great folks at Artistic Sensations have offered to give one of you a set just like this PLUS a $50 gift card to their shop!  Pretty awesome isn't it?!?

So, to enter you need to go over to Artistic Sensations and look around.  Come back here and tell me what you love!
For additional entries:
1. Follow @kidsroomdecor on Twitter
2. Become a fan on Facebook
3. Follow this Blog
4. Subscribe to this blog's RSS feed
5. Subscribe to Artistic Sensations' RSS feed
6. Tweet about this contest
7. Blog about this contest

There you have it 8chances to win.  You must leave a comment for each entry. This contest will close on Valentine's day, February 14, at 8 pm MST.  Good luck!!!

This post was sponsored by Artistic Sensations, but the words are mine and my kids and if we found something we didn't like about it we sure would have said so!

Sweet Cake Bake Shop Review

In November when I realized I would be going gluten free, I thought it was the end of bread, brownies, cookies, cake...all the things I really LOVE.  Even if I could find a recipe to make these things, 1. there was no guarantee they'd be any good and 2. sometimes you want a giant chocolate chip cookie right now and just don't have time to make it.  My impulse buying for sure was going to have to come to an end or I would be paying for it with my health.

I had accepted my fate and even found a brownie recipe I liked.  And then I got an email from my friend Elise telling me that her cousin was getting ready to open a gluten free bakery in Kaysville, UT.  I live about an hour away from Kaysville, but that is where my brother and sister and their families live.  It is also where Emma is buried, so I get down there at least once a month.  I was so excited!  Then she asked if I'd like to come and sample some goodies and review the shop.  Uh, YEAH!

I pulled up on Saturday morning at 11, right when the shop opens.  I decided to lay low for a minute while I waited for Elise to arrive.  Upon entering the shop I was struck with how homey it feels.

This small shop sports a large display case, which was filling up quickly with many baked goods.

There is a bakers rack with gift boxes and flour mixes.  Yes, you read that right, flour mixes.  You can buy the flour mixture to make your own goodies.  If you have ever had to eat gluten-free, you know what a big deal this is.  Gone are the days of measuring out your cup of all purpose or whole wheat flour.  Most recipes call for at least three different flours, often more than that.  And, the flours are not the common kind of flours you think of.  Instead it is Almond Meal, Teff Flour, Sweet Rice Flour, Brown Rice Flour, Millet Flour...the list goes on.

I digress...back to the shop.  I went in and there were several customers there waiting for the case to finish filling up.  I could see the girls working in the back busy trying to get trays ready for the customers.  One sweet couple drove an hour and a half just to get some goodies.  The lady was so sweet and just couldn't believe these treats wouldn't make her sick.  She had never tasted anything gluten free that was so delicious.

 

If those photos don't entice you, how about this?  There were people there who don't need to eat gluten free, but CHOOSE to go to Sweet Cake Bake Shop because it is just that good.  The chocolate lava cake (pictured above) was my treat for the evening of games with my family.  Oh it was divine, seriously.

I also bought some chocolate chip cookies (HEAVEN), a red velvet cupcake, a chocolate cupcake, a peanut butter bar, a brownie, a package of day old blondies and day old mint brownies.

I was beyond thrilled with everything there.  The prices are great too!  $2.25 for a cupcake, $4.95 for a mini bundt cake (totally worth it!) $2.00 for any brownies or bars and $1.75 for a cookie.

That's not all they do though.  If you are gluten free like me, you might just miss bread.  Every Monday the shop is closed and they make 50 loaves of bread.  With 4 different varieties of bread, you have options!  They make Honey White, Honey Oatmeal, Sweet Sorghum and Cinnamon Raisin.  All bread orders are special order only and the orders are out a couple of weeks at least.  At $7.95 a loaf it is a bit more pricey than I would like, but for a special occasion, I could totally swing it.

If my glowing review isn't enough, why not ask my counterpart who was with me?

mmm...eating..eating...eating...

"Don't tell me I can't have any more!"

Yay!!  Mama said I can have a cookie!

So, for those of us who can not have gluten, there is a great new option!  Sweet Cake Bake Shop!  Located in Kaysville, UT it is easily accessible to those who live on the Wasatch Front.  If you don't live in Utah but still want to try the goodies, why not order online?  I promise, you won't regret it!

Busytown Mysteries, it's a HIT!

Recently the One2One Network sent me a copy of two episodes in the new series, Busytown Mysteries.  These cartoons are based on Richard Scarry's Busytown Books.  I was so excited because I loved these books as a child, and my children love them now!

Now, my children don't watch much TV at all.  Really, it is pretty rare that I let them watch anything at all, and when they do I want to be sure it is educational.  This definitely fits the bill.

Each program is made up of two 11 minute segments and follow the lives of the most beloved Scarry characters, Huckle Cat and Lowly Worm, as they solve many everyday mysteries of Busytown.  Where is Mr. Frubmle's pickle car?  The Busytown kids will find out!  How can they help a lost parrot find it's owner?  Leave it to Huckle and friends to solve the case!  Busytown Mysteries engages children with fun storylines nad loveable characters, while introducing them to deductive reasoning skills.  Who?What?Where?When?Why?How?


Not only is this a great program, but it is something I don't mind letting my kiddos watch.  It is on Saturday mornings, and you can be sure my two were up early wanting to watch Huckle and his pals!  You can go here to find out when it is showing where you live.

Not only can you watch the programs on Saturday morning, but they have a fun interactive website for the kiddos also.

Don't just take my word for it though, listen to my kids!  When I asked them what they thought of it here were their responses.
Seth: It's double thumbs up! (that's as high a compliment you can get from him!)
Amelia: I like when they go to the library and I like the dragon, the dragon part is cool Mom.

So there you have it folks, awesome new shows on CBS Saturday Mornings! 

Enjoy, and you're welcome ;)

Sorel Boots; a Review

I live in Utah.  Did you know that?  Did you also know it is the home of the greatest snow on earth?  Did you also know it gets super cold and winter goes from October to May?  Yeah, Utah.  Not the place I wanted to end up, but I am here and am trying to make the best of it.

When we decided to bury Emma here, I knew I would need some good "cemetery shoes".  You know, the kind that will keep my feet warm and dry when I need to spend hours at her grave?  Yep, those kinds.  And since, as I mentioned before, I live in the snow laden mountains, I have needed something to fit the bill.

I have made due the last 5 winters with some shoes from Target.  They kept my feet dry, but not warm.  This year, I have been given a pair of these, Hoonah boots from Sorel.

To say I was excited is an understatement.  Finally, I have something to keep my feet warm and dry this winter.  These are perfect for taking my kids about town, walking the boy to school, even paired with a skirt they are cute.

These boots come in two colors, the one shown above is actually a little more a camel color in person, or in black.  Some of my favorite features are the waterproof full-grain leather uppers to keep your feet dry, the rock pile fleece lining to keep my feet warm and the 100g. Thinsulate Insulation just for fun!  The molded EVA comfort footbed that can be taken out if needed is another great feature.  I love how easy on and off they are, with a zipper on the inside of the boot.  I will not be slipping and sliding all over the place in these boots either, with a traction enhancing multi-directional rubber lug outsole, these are super sturdy!

Thanks to Sorel, I will be warm and dry for many years to come.  These quality boots will last for many years, which is one of the many great features of Sorel boots.

I love these so much, that we are going to buy my husband some Sorels for him this winter.  He walks to and from work everyday, so he needs something that he can walk to work in and wear at work. 

Go check out their new website and see the great options to keep you warm and dry this winter.  What is your favorite design?  What feature do you look for in a boot?

If you are needing something this winter, you definitely should invest in Sorels, you won't be disappointed.

***This is a compensated review from Sorel, however even if I hadn't been given these great boots to review, I would have bought them and reviewed them anyway!***

Flu, Flu, What Do You Do?

It is that time of year again. Everywhere you turn you hear about the dangers of the flu season. There are debates all over the internet about whether to get the flu vaccine or not. And that isn't even considering all of the H1N1 debate.

Personally, we don't do flu shots. I had Influenza Type A when I was first pregnant with Libby and while it was the sickest I have ever been, it is very likely that had I had a shot, I would have gotten sick anyway. Instead, I choose to use natural remedies and good old preventative measures to keep us healthy.


I have long been a believer in and user of homeopathic remedies. I feel that it is a safe alternative and a great way to keep my family healthy. I use Chamomile for teething, Calms Forte for my anxious kiddos, Pulsatilla to turn a stubborn breech baby, Arnica for bruises and sore muscles...the list goes on and on.

Boiron was kind enough to send me three remedies to get ready for this cold and flu season.

Cold Calm Pellets - for treating the symptoms of the common cold

Children's Chestal - for those nasty coughs

Children’s Oscillococcinum - for flu symptoms including the fever, aches and pains that come with it.

Luckily my children are mostly healthy right now (except for the SUPER teething that one is going through), but I feel so much better knowing now that I have this at my disposal.

I think that medicine is great when you need it. I am also so glad that I have the option to treat my family in a more natural and less invasive way.

What about you? What do you do? Are you a hard core flu vaccine getter, or take more of a wait and see approach?

Remember, be kind and respect everyone's opinions, even if they are not similar to your own.

Sabra Hummus Review and Giveaway

So, if you read my Prairie Mama blog (and really, I know you do!) you know that I had a FABULOUS party this last Saturday. I invited some of my nearest and dearest to come feast on great food and get away from Mommy duties for a couple of hours.

The great people at Sabra Hummus gave me the kick in the rear end I needed to put this party together. With coupons for 4 containers of Hummus and a $25 MasterCard gift card, it was perfect party fixin's.

I decided to take a trip through the Mediterranean for our feast. First stop was Greece where our lovely hummus and pitas awaited us. I bought the three varieties that my grocery store carried; roasted red pepper, roasted garlic and classic. The favorite by far was the roasted red pepper. All three varieties were so creamy and tasty. One friend commented that she could actually taste the tahini in the hummus. It was as close to homemade as I have ever eaten. The least favorite was the roasted garlic. My sister claimed it was too garlicky. So, there you have it. If you like garlic, that one is for YOU!

As for the rest of the meal...well you'll just have to go read about it over here!

Now, I mentioned before about the great folks at Sabra and the wonderful party pack they gave me. They want to do the same for one of you!!!

I have a party pack with 4 coupons for hummus and a $25 MasterCard gift card for one lucky winner!

To enter this contest you need to leave a separate comment for each:

1. Go to Sabra's website and tell me which flavor looks most enticing.
2. Follow this blog.
3. Subscribe to my feed.
4. Tweet about the contest.
5. Blog about the contest.

This contest will close on Tuesday October 13, at 9 PM Mountain Time.

Good luck!!!

Harry Connick Jr. Review and Giveaway

I have long loved Harry Connick Jr. His voice just makes me melt and, well, he's not too hard to look at either.

When approached by the One2One Network about reviewing Harry's newest CD, Your Songs, I jumped at the chance. Like I said, I LOVE HARRY! His smooth, sultry voice is enough to lift my spirits, and this CD is no different.

This is a cover album, and oh how I love those. Especially when it is Harry covering greats like Frank Sinatra, Billy Joel, Nat King Cole, Elton John and so many others.

Album Tracklisting:

All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
And I Love Her (The Beatles)
(They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
Besame Mucho
The Way You Look Tonight
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
Your Song (Elton John)
Some Enchanted Evening
And I Love You So (Don McLean)
Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

Harry teamed up with Clive Davis Jr. to create this fabulous album. Harry says, "Although I have wrestled with this for some time, I don't think that anyone's version of a great song, however classic, should preclude my singing it," he insists. "I respect the originals, but believe that there is always room for another interpretation. I take each song in its rawest form, as it appears on the sheet music, and go from there."

Not only is Harry a fabulous entertainer, but he also wrote each of the arrangements of the songs. Davis also suggested that Connick orchestrate the album, rather than turning arranging chores over to someone else. "I was fine with that, and even kind of excited," Connick admits. "To use a film analogy, it would have been like an actor showing up on a movie set, knowing that the director and producer had worried about everything else. But Clive persuaded me to do it myself." It was a wise decision, as Connick displays a unique and subtle manner of balancing the sensitivity of strings and the punch of his big band. "I have never really been able to do that kind of writing throughout an entire record," he acknowledges. "It's a more spacious approach, with the orchestra in service to the singing; and it was a kick to sing over those charts."

My children and I love listening to this album. Libby loves to dance to All The Way with me, and Seth and Amelia love Close To You. As for me, my favorites are when he does big band era songs; All The Way, The Way You Look Tonight, Who Can I Turn To, Smile and Mona Lisa. These songs were written for someone like Harry to sing.

My least favorite songs? Well, that's tough because I really do enjoy the whole album. However I am not a huge fan of The First Time Ever I Saw Your Face.

Not only did I get to review this album, but I get to give one of YOU a copy of your very own to drool over, er I mean enjoy!

To enter this contest leave me a comment telling me what your favorite genre of music is, pretty easy eh?
You want more chances? Well, I can do that!

1. Tell me your favorite genre of music.
2. Follow this blog.
3. Tweet about the contest.
4. Blog about this contest.
5. Friend Harry Connick Jr. on Facebook

There you go my friends, 5 chances to win this amazing album! I will choose a winner one week from today, October 12 at 9 PM MST. So, get your entry in and tell your friends!!

**Be sure to enter my contest to win Cheer Detergent by telling me how you brighten the lives of others!

Cheer Up :: Fight the Dingies!

This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Cheer

I am the Mother to 3 small children. Three children who love markers, chalk, food, dirt, crayons, paint, dirt, mud, dirt...you get the idea. My children's clothing goes through so much every day. I have some clothing that I thought were beyond help. You know the clothes, the ones that are so stained you can't give them to the Thrift Store but don't want to dress you child in them either. Yeah, I have a lot of those.

When I was approached by BlogHer Reviews and Cheer to try out the new Cheer Bright and Clean I was very excited. Remember I talked about those clothes that are so beyond help? The ones that are so dingy and dirty that I didn't think the stains would ever come out? Yeah, I was excited to put this to the test.

When my Cheer came in the mail I immediately put it to the test. It is great. The scent isn't overpowering which is good for me and my family. We don't like scented things, and I typically buy free and clear for that very reason. But, the fresh scent was just that, fresh. And those white shirts? Brighter. Seriously. I wouldn't lie to you. The stains, well most of them came out. I used the Cheer Bright and Clean as a pre-treater, and then washed them with it also. I am impressed. I am also sure that the other stains will come out if I use this detergent and a bit of elbow grease.

Cheer Bright and Clean is holding a contest for YOU! They want to know how YOU brighten the lives of others? What do you do? Do you volunteer in your community? Do you help stray kittens and puppies? Do you read to the blind? What do you do to brighten the lives of others?

You have eight opportunities to enter this contest. Go check out the other reviews of Cheer Bright and Clean and enter to win Detergent. Then you can see for yourself how the “dingies” can be fought at your house!

And, as if that wasn't enough, Cheer also has an instant win contest. Go on over here and play to win!

I can't wait to hear how you, my dear readers, brighten the lives of others because I know you brighten my day with every comment and visit. So, leave me a comment and enter this fabulous contest!