Hallmark Introduces Postage-Paid Greetings for Mother's Day

KANSAS CITY, Mo., April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Mother's Day is for giving mom thanks for all she's given; and now, thanking mom is easier with card innovations from Hallmark. New for Mother's Day 2011, Hallmark is offering Postage-Paid Greetings — a line of cards that already includes postage. Just sign, seal and send!

"Mother's Day is an opportunity to pause and celebrate the perfectly, imperfect moments we share with mom 365 days a year — moments that make motherhood and life meaningful," said Molly Wigand, Hallmark writer. "By offering Postage-Paid Greetings and other innovative cards, Hallmark is making it easier for consumers to celebrate these meaningful moments."

Read more here Hallmark Introduces Postage-Paid Greetings for Mother's Day

Apr 26, 2011 06:12 America/Chicago

Glitzy Secrets and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Announce Burlesque Competition PR Newswire BEXLEYHEATH, England, April 26, 2011 BEXLEYHEATH, England, April 26, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Glitzy Secrets and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment celebrate the release of 'Burlesque' on Blu-ray and DVD by running a competition on the Glitzy Secrets website. Participants in the competition have a chance to win one of five prize sets, which include a Sony camera, 'Burlesque' on DVD, a copy of the film's soundtrack and 50 pounds Sterling worth of Glitzy Secrets gift vouchers so customers can get the Burlesque look with vintage-inspired costume jewellery and hair accessories. Those wishing to take part can visit the Glitzy Secrets website to view the competition question. Participants can email their answers to win@glitzysecrets.com to be entered into the prize draw. Victoria Swan, designer and director at Glitzy Secrets said: "The art of 'Burlesque' has undoubtedly seen a revival over the last decade, most recently with the Sony Pictures movie, 'Burlesque', featuring Cher and Christina Aguilera. Associated with glamour and drama, modern-day icons such as Dita Von Teese have shown how influences of Burlesque inspired style can be carried into the everyday wardrobes of women to beautifully accentuate their curves and femininity. Also key in achieving the classic Burlesque style are bold accessories, with a focus on statement burlesque jewellery bejewelled headpieces, gem-encrusted chandelier earrings and sparkling ornate cuffs."

Read more here Glitzy Secrets and Sony Pictures Home Entertainment Announce Burlesque Competition

Children's Scooters Recalled by Kiddieland Due to Laceration Hazard

WASHINGTON, April 21, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product. Read more here Children's Scooters Recalled by Kiddieland Due to Laceration Hazard

Use Your iPhone for Lawn Mowing

     OK while I am up for new ways to get things done and technology can help in a big way I think this is a bit much. Many people do not get out enough between work and family and now you can get a "Automower" along with a iPhone application to mow the lawn for you.  I do think this is an accident waiting to happen.  Not to mention that for some this is or was the only type of exercise they engaged in.  You can read the full story here

Use Your iPhone for Lawn Mowing

5 Cheap "Toys" For Kids

     These past few weeks I have watched my kids playing and wondered why parents spend so much money on toys when the best toys ever do not cost much at all!  Here is the list of my kids favorite "toys".

1. Boxes.  My kids love boxes. Every shape and size that comes in to this house over stays it's welcome because the kids love to play with them until they break  it.
2. Old Shoes.  This one is most loved by  my daughter.  She loves to play with high heels I do not wear anymore.  Great for playing dress up.
3. Bubbles.  What kid doesn't love bubbles?  They are cheap about $3 or less a gallon and keeps them outdoors for hours!  For this same reason what mom doesn't love bubbles?
4. Sticks.  Good old wooden sticks.  You know the kind that annoys you when you mow the back yard.  My son loves going out to the back yard and playing with sticks.  Even my 11 year old will join in the fun now and again.  Sticks have been wands, swords, fishing poles and more.  Natures Toy!
5. Sprinkler.  On those very hot days when your kids are driving you up the walls turn on the sprinkler.  It is good for your grass and flowers anyway!  Give them 30 to 45 minutes then bring them in for lunch or a snack and turn on the TV.  Then slowly watch them fall asleep.

     Most of these items you have just laying around the house or garage waiting to be thrown away.  Why not put them to good use?  Not only are these great ways to recycle but you help your kids use their imagination.

Tipping Point Tuesday 4/18/2011

     If you have little ones you know that when they eat they will always make a mess.  Using paper towels to clean up after they eat can get very expensive and fast.  Consider using wash clothes instead.  You can get some pretty cheap at Walmart.  Keep a few in you kitchen drawer for this purpose.  Just wet clean and rinse.  At the end of the day you can just throw them in the wash and reuse.  Not only will is save you a few bucks on paper towels but is also a great way to be eco-friendly! 

Sharing the Love or Not.....

     It is that time of year.  Spring is finally here and so are the germs.  It seems that the change in temperature makes it just right for the germs to really get around.  My kids got a stomach bug last week and have been passing it around to each other and ME!  I know I teach my children to share and be nice to each other but this is one thing I wish they would keep to themselves.  I finally nurse one back to health when another comes down with it.  

     Fortunately for me (in a small way) as it goes around it gets milder.  I have learned that disinfectants are great to have on hand and when the germs make their presence known I use them full force.  While it does not get rid of it completely overnight and I (even though I do try) to limit the contact between the kids, the first always gets it the worst.  By the time hubby and I catch what ever they have it is so diluted (not the best term I know) we just feel a small inconvenience instead of being bed ridden.  

     How do you handle multiple kids when they are sick?  Here they get sick one by one usually.  How about yours?  What do you do when you get sick and they are well?  I usually want to sit and cry lol.  Managing to chase a three year old all day while wanting to run to the bathroom should be front page news I don't care who you are that is talent right there.  So how to you manage to deal with these ugly bugs?

TONKA CHUCK & FRIENDS RUMBLIN' CHUCK

 

     What little boy doesn't like trucks?  I know mine does.  Tonks Chuck & Friends Rumblin' Chuck is a great interactive truck that talks back to your little one.  He lets you know when he is full, zips around in circles and encourages your little one to go on an adventure.  My son has been enjoying playing outdoors with his new friend Chuck while I work in my garden and even helps move the leaves and dirt.  

     I have taken him outside with me while I read and he just sits and plays and laughs.  He loves talking to Chuck and enjoys hearing him talk back. This is a really great gift for any little boy in your life.

      Here he is pushing Chuck

 He has yet to understand Chuck will not stop.

 Here is Chuck taking off with his full load.

 Chuck and Him are off on an adventure

 Here they are both tired after their adventure

     As you can see he loves his truck.  According to him "My truck is big" and they can do anything.

Product Description:

"Work" time is play time with this fun electronic dump truck pal! Your RUMBLIN' CHUCK vehicle has lots of loads to haul and he needs your help. Load up his dump bed and he'll actually "know" when he's full and "tell" you all about it! With over 50 phrases and sounds, this hard-working little friend has lots to "say" and share, but he's definitely not all business. He loves to "pop wheelies" and even "plays games" -- as you try to load him up, he tries to shake it all out! Read from his storybook and then create some "heavy-lifting" adventures of your own!
Vehicle comes with storybook. Includes 4 "C" batteries.
Ages 3 and up.

I was provided no monetary compensation for this review.  I was given a Tonka Chuck & Friends Rumblin' Chuck to review and all opinions are my own.

Carribean Mist Eco-Friendly Products

     With earth week starting on April 17th I am sure many of you are looking for ways to do your part and be a bit more "Green".  Carribean Mist can help you do just that and not only for a week but all year long!  

"Carribean Mist is a high-quality product that is natural, safe and effective. It is more affordable than other name-brand, non-toxic products allowing all households to clean with products that are safer for their family and the environment."

     I have had the pleasure of trying some of the Carribean Mist products and my favorite has to be their All Purpose cleaner.  I love anything all purpose if it works well.  So far I have used it to clean the patio furniture, counters and I believe my husband used it in the living room after my son got sick.  Results?  IT WORKS! The patio furniture had tree sap, dust, sticky ice cream and I am really not sure what else was on the table.  No scrubbing required thankfully.  I just sprayed and wiped clean.  I also noticed my hand did not get irritated which is a huge plus since I do have sensitive skin and cleaners tend to make my hands itch, crack and sometimes even bleed.  I have had this product for about a week and I have less than half a bottle left.  You know I am heading to Walmart.com next week to order some more.  Yes you heard me Walmart.com carries Carribean Mist!  You can get the Carribean Mist Eco-Friendly Laundry and Household Kit for about $20 which included : 2 bottles of laundry detergent, 1 bottle of All Purpose cleaner and 1 bottle of the 3 in 1 Air Freshener.  If you compare prices with the leading name brand of each of these products you will see this is a great deal!

      Their laundry detergents is great as well.  I used it to get 3 day old blood stains out of my son's shirt.  I just poured some directly on to the stain and added directly to the wash.  It was good as new.

CARRIBEAN MIST ULTRA LAUNDRY DETERGENT

100 oz. & 50 oz. bottle

No animal ingredients – Not tested on animals

• Non-toxic
• Biodegradable
• Hypo-allergenic
• No dyes or fragrances
• No Phosphates
• Safe for septic and greywater systems

     All of the products I have tried have a nice fresh scent that is not over powering.  I do not like products that leave a strong scent behind.  My opinion is that cleaners should give a hint of fragrance and  leave nothing but a "trail" behind.   So if you are looking for eco-friendly products that fit your budget then Carribean Mist is for you!

I received no monetary compensation for this review.  I was provided with Carribean Mist products to sample and review.  All opinions are my own.

   

Skin MD Review + Giveaway 4/27

I have recently had the opportunity to try Skin MD Natural for my dry skin.  For those of you that suffer from dry skin, I am sure you know how uncomfortable it can be.  The constant inch and flaking drives me nuts!  I have tried many different lotions with the same result every time.  The temporarily relieved the itch but did not completely fix the problem.  Skin MD is different.  With prolonged use your skin starts to feel and look healthier.  The more you use it the less frequently you have to apply it.  

     I started to use Skin MD Natural about three weeks ago.  At that time  my skin was dull and a bit flaky in certain spots.  For me this was a big issue since the spots were mostly on my upper arms and I would not wear tank tops.  Now I only have one small spot that still is visible but it is so small I can wear tank tops without being self conscious about it.  

What Makes Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion Different than Conventional Lotions?

"A shielding lotion is a new type of lotion that is formulated to duplicate the skin's natural actions to help heal dry, damaged skin. Skin MD Natural Shielding Lotion becomes part of the outer layer of skin working to strengthen the skin barrier, keeping the good stuff in and the bad stuff out. Conventional lotions don't utilize the skin's own natural moisturizing oils; instead they cover skin with a greasy layer of artificial moisture. This greasy, artificial moisture can send the wrong message that skin is hydrated and doesn't need to produce it's own natural oils that protect and moisturize. After extended use of a conventional lotion skin can form a dependency causing it to become more dry and damaged if use is stopped. With prolonged use Skin MD Natural helps restore the skin's own natural moisture-production cycle that becomes damaged by the use of other, more conventional lotions."

Eco Friendly, Cruelty Free and Vegan Skin Care

Skin MD Natural and Skin MD Natural + SPF 15 are manufactured in the United States using 100% solar power, free of animal products and animal testing.

     One lucky reader will be able to with a bottle of Skin MD Naturals!

Mandatory Entry

Follow me on GFC then visit Skin MD Naturals and tell me what you learned about skin conditions.

Bonuse Entries
Please leave a comment for each extra entry

• Follow Skin MD Natural on Twitter-leave your twitter handle example: @Carmen_Peterson
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like Skin MD Natural on Facebook-Leave your user name
• Like Carmen's Raving Reviews on Facebook
• Subscribe to Carmen's Raving Reviews via email (3 each)
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to Skin MD Naturals and this post-leave your link(5)
• Tweet this giveaway-leave your tweet url(can be done 1x daily for an extra entry)
• Win a bottle of  #SkinMDNatural  from @Skinmdnatural at @Carmen_Peterson 4/27

I received no monetary compensation for this review.  I was provided a product sample to review and all opinions are my own.

Out of the Mouth of Babies

Twin Babies Engaging In Conversation! from paul burdett on Vimeo.

Tipping Point Tuesday 4/12/2011

     When cooking and in a hurry the last thing you want to think about is clean up.  Here is a suggestion.  For busy days when you know you will not have much time to cook let alone clean up consider a crock pot meal.  There are many recipes available via the internet.  Instead of just placing the food in the crock pot add one

 extra step by putting a liner on.  Once you are done just lift the liner out and wipe the crock pot clean.  Another idea is consider keeping on hand disposable paper plates and cups.  All that you will have to wash is the utensils unless you choose to have disposable ones on hand as well.  Keep it easy and simple!

My Vegetable Garden is Planted!

     I finally got the chance to start my vegetable garden.  Took a bit of work but the weather was nice and my kids actually helped.  I added some vermiculite to the soil to help aerate and maintain moisture.  I also decided to put up some small fencing around the beds to help keep the dogs out since last year they killed half the plants digging in the beds.

     These are my vegetable garden beds before I started working on them.  As you can see they were over grown with weeds and compacted from the dogs and city workers.  I got a manual tiller to help loosen the dirt which made it easier for me.  

     Here are the kids helping mix the vermiculite and plant the onions.  The love helping in the garden.  Tricky part is keeping them from picking the vegetables before they are ready.

     Here is the first bed finished.  I finished the second bed the next day.  I managed to plant tomatoes (3 kinds), broccoli, onions, squash, zucchini, garden beans, lettuce, spinach, carrots, oregano, cilantro, basil, peppers and a few others I can't remember.  I know it will be a great salad!  

     Here is the front of the house.  I went to homedepot to get something (I think it was the garden fence) and found out they were having a "Black Friday Sale".  I got some snapdragons, petunias, and not sure of the other flowers name.  Added to that I put in some Ross Moss I got at Lowes.  It looks so pretty.  Can't wait till they grow and fill in some more!  I love the colors lights and dark mixed together.  Now if I could only remember what color the roses are since they never bloomed last year.  To be honest I was not sure they would make it at all.

Lenox Beaded Tealights Set of 3 Review + Giveaway 4/24

   
      I am very excited to have the opportunity to review these beautiful tealight candle holders from Lenox. They are a great Mother's Day gift for any candle lover in your life.  They are made of ivory china and the details are amazing!  Each one has their own design for a very unique look.  The rim is gold plated giving it a very elegant style.  With a height of  approximately three inches you can set them on a mantle, coffee table, shelf or even your nightstand without it looking to cluttered.  

   
     They are very carefully packaged in order to ensure they arrive unbroken.  The shipping box was full of bubble wrap to give extra padding.  I am glad for this since my son found the box and decided to shake it!  Each set brings three tealight candles are are stamped with the Lenox logo on the bottom. 

     "Lenox is America's leading tabletop and giftware brand. Lenox shares a passion for design and style with those who love to entertain and celebrate with family and friends. Lenox fine china, crystal, flatware, giftware, home décor and tabletop products are timeless pieces that reflect superb quality and craftsmanship."

    

Lenox History

It is my will and desire that Lenox, Incorporated shall at all times manufacture the highest possible grades of porcelain, that the standard of excellence already attained shall ever be advanced..."
— Walter Scott Lenox

"Since 1889 the vision of Walter Scott Lenox has guided the company he founded to set the highest standards for quality, artistry, and beauty. Today Lenox is among the world's oldest and most respected names in fine tableware and giftware — favored by presidents, displayed in museums, honored with awards, and enjoyed in homes across America. Come explore the story of Lenox as it grows from one man's conviction into the country's foremost maker of china, crystal and metal gifts.

Walter Scott Lenox was born in 1859 in the "Staffordshire of America": Trenton, N.J. Laced with transportation lines and located near sources of fuel and clay, the state capital became the country's leading ceramics center in the 19th century, with some 200 potteries. Little wonder young Walter was inspired to devote his life to creating porcelain that rivaled the best in the world.

Combining his talent for drawing and his fascination with clay, Lenox worked as a decorator and designer for several Trenton potteries beginning in 1875. Six years later he advanced to design director for Ott & Brewer, then Willets Manufacturing. Both firms produced a domestic version of Irish Belleek, the thin, cream-colored porcelain with a pearly glaze very much in vogue in Victorian times. Both firms eventually failed. The stage was set for Lenox to start his own business."

    

Holiday Shipping for Mother's Day:

Non-personalized items- 11pm Monday, April 25th

Personalized Items- 11pm Monday, April 18th

Overnight orders

Non-personalized items- 11am Thursday, May 5th

Personalized items- 11pm Monday, April 25th

Lenox will also give one lucky reader a set of 3 Beaded Tealights!

Mandatory Entry

Follow me on GFC then visit Lenox and tell me what other item you like.

Bonuse Entries
Please leave a comment for each extra entry

• Follow Lenox on Twitter-leave your twitter handle example: @Carmen_Peterson
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like Lenox on Facebook-Leave your user name
• Like Carmen's Raving Reviews on Facebook
• Subscribe to Carmen's Raving Reviews via email (3 each)
• Blog about this giveaway with a link to Lenox and this post-leave your link(5)
• Tweet this giveaway-leave your tweet url(can be done 1x daily for an extra entry)
• Win a #Lenox Beaded Tealight set of 3 for Mother's Day from @Lenox_Corp at @Carmen_PEterson 4/24

I received no monetary compensation for this review.  I was provided a product sample to review and all opinions are my own.

Spring is Here with Pier 1

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Pier 1 for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

    

 

     Spring is finally here!  What better way to welcome the new season than to decorate and bring spring in to your home?  Pier 1 has many great decorations to choose from and at a great price.  These beautiful glass flower tealight holders would be a great addition to any outdoor patio.  With some white candles you are sure to bring a nice soft glow and relaxing environment to any party you host.

 

 

     These Milk glass vases would be great on any table.   With or without flowers, indoors or outdoors  they are sure to be a great center piece of part of a collection to share with friends and family.  No matter what your style or budget you are sure to find something for everyone at Pier 1. 

     What color and comfort?  How about some great decorative cushions for your patio furniture.  With many to choose from you will find the perfect accent for a new updated look. Want comfort?  Try the new Papasan outdoor chair.  The come in a variety of colors and patterns.   Not sure what to get?  Then you may want to follow Pier 1 Tweetups to stay up to date on the latest and greatest information.  Decorating for the new season doesn't have to be expensive or feel like a chore.  Visit your nearest location and have fun discovering the new you!

PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN: ON STRANGER TIDES (In Disney Digital 3D™)

    

     The latest Pirates of the Caribbean on Stranger Tides has a U.S. Release Date of May 20, 2011.  The cast of course includes Johnny Depp, Penélope Cruz, Ian McShane, Kevin R. McNally, Astrid Bergès-Frisbey, Sam Claflin and Geoffrey Rush.

    

Produced by Jerry Bruckheimer and directed by Rob Marshall, “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides” captures the fun,

SEE "AFRICAN CATS," SAVE THE SAVANNA!

SEE “AFRICAN CATS,” SAVE THE SAVANNA

MISSION GOES VIRAL

Disneynature’s Collaboration with the African Wildlife Foundation to Help

Save the Savanna during “African Cats’” Opening Week Heats Up Online!

BURBANK, Calif. (April 4, 2011) – Disneynature’s plans to work with the African Wildlife Foundation (AWF) to “Save the Savanna” have gone viral. 

As the April 22 opening of the awe-inspiring “African Cats” approaches, Disneynature is tapping into the true power of social media by building awareness of its “See ‘African Cats,’ Save the Savanna” program. During the film’s opening week (April 22-28), a portion of the proceeds from that week’s ticket sales will be donated to AWF through the Disney Worldwide Conservation Fund to

Tipping Point Tuesday 4/5/2011

     We all have those dingy sponges in our kitchen sink.  Some of of us have the habit of throwing them away often even if they are still in usable conditions.  One way to prolong the life of your sponge is to toss them in the dishwasher at night.  They will get washed and sterilized if you use the hot water setting.  Another way to sterilize your sponge is sticking it in the microwave for 30 seconds.  If the sponge is wet leave it for a full minute on full power.

Working Part Time is Good For My Family

     I know that a lot of women would love to be able to stay home with their kids full time instead of having to go to work.  Me on the other hand, even after being blessed with the opportunity to stay home with my kids, I decided to get a part time job.  While I didn't have to for financial reasons, I did have to for my sanity.  You may think that I am a bad mother for saying so.  That's OK.  I don't mind you having your own opinions.  There is a saying we used a lot while in the military, "I may not agree with what you have to say. But I

10 Easy to Grow Vegetables for Your Home Garden

  With spring officially here some are looking to get their vegetable gardens started.  But the question of which vegetables grow better is always asked. Since I have tried for the last three years to grow a vegetable garden I decided to compose a list of the 10 easiest vegetable to grow.

1. Tomato- this one has never let me down no matter which kind I have planted.  Given that you should find a breed that will grow well in your region they will always produce.  They need plenty of sun and watering should be done in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid burning them. 
2. Cucumbers- I planted some cucumbers for the first time last year.  Thinking they would be hard to grow I decided to plant about 8 of them to make sure I would be able to harvest some.  To my surprise they grow very well even in 100 degree weather.  They need plenty of sun and lots of water.  When I say lots of water I mean it.  I had to water them twice  a day and they produced more than we could eat.  I ended up giving them away to anyone who would take some.
3. Summer Squash or Yellow Squash-  If you have room to spare this is another good vegetable to plant.  They do take up a lot of room but if you have a square foot garden they are easy enough to handle.  I planted two and they produced enough for my family of six. They do attract ant like pest which will kill your plant so keep your eyes open and take care of them as soon as possible.
4. Carrots-  In a square foot garden you can plant up to 16 carrots per square foot.  They only need dirt free of rocks and plenty of water.  Just water less as they start to mature.  
5. Sweet Peas and Sugar Peas-  Other than attracting fruit flies peas are relatively pest free.  When planting they only need 1/2 inch of water and one inch for full grown plants.  Depending on the type of peas you plant you may need to give the plant some kind of support.  Usually a wooden pole of sorts does the job.
6. Lettuce-  What salad is complete without lettuce?  This vegetable plant is so easy to grow it can be grown in containers!  They require plenty of water and should be watered in the morning. 
7. Onions-  Just give them plenty of water and you will be set.  The only thing you will need to worry about is drastic change in weather from cold to hot and back again.  It will make the onion bloom and ruin the vegetable.
8. Beans- These are so easy to grow they use them for science projects as school.  They will grow with or without soil to be honest. 
9. Peppers- While peppers come in a wide variety like many other vegetables, they are sturdy and resistant to pest.  With the right soil they can produce plenty of peppers.
10. Spinach-  Just like the lettuce spinach requires very little care.  Lots of water and can be planted in containers as well.

     If you have a small yard you can still plant all of the above in a square foot garden.  You can find more information online or at your local library.  One four by four box is enough to plant all of the vegetable mentioned above.