Random Acts of Zhu 2011....

For those of you who have been following me for more than a year, you may remember that last Holiday season I was lucky enough to be asked to participate in the RAZ program.  "RAZ" or Random Acts of Zhu was created by Cepia, the company who makes those adorable, little critters I love the Zhu Zhu Pets.  RAZ connects with bloggers in order to distribute Zhu Zhu Pets to needy children in local communities.

I have to tell you, this blog has allowed me to have such amazing opportunities.  I have seen some wonderful shows, read beautiful books and been introduced to innovative and exciting new products.     Being asked to participate in the RAZ program 2 years in a row was the icing on the cake.  I feel overwhelmingly fortunate to have the opportunity to spread cheer to children in the form of Zhu Zhu pets whose holiday season may otherwise have been pretty bleak. 

This year when the delivery of Zhu Zhu Pets arrived at the house I was not home but my husband was.  He called me right away because he could not believe the size of the delivery.  24 HUGE boxes of Zhu Zhu Pets and accessories landed on my door step and I was blown away.  All those toys would go a long way in putting some serious smiles on the faces of needy children!  I took a picture with my new phone of the sheer volume of boxes but I am having trouble uploading (boo!  technology!).  Just picture 24 gigantic boxes on your front porch.  Amazing!


I decided to give the greatest portion of my Zhu Zhu Pets to The Ronald McDonald House.  I worked with them last year and was so impressed by the level of care they provide to families in need.  Here is some background on what the Ronald McDonald House is and the services they provide...


The Ronald McDonald House: A not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing affordable, safe and supportive temporary home-like housing to families of seriously ill children receiving treatment at nearby hospitals and medical facilities.

  The Zhu Zhu's donated at The Ronald McDonald House brought lots of smiles to the children staying at the facility over the holidays. Being away from home with a very sick family member can certainly take a toll.  It touched my heart to help bring some light in the form of Zhu Zhu  Pets.  To find out more about The Ronald McDonald House or to make a donation please click HERE.  Here is a shot of my three little elves helping to deliver some cheer to the residents...

Depsite the driving rain that day, they were thrilled to be able to help and it was a great way for us to discuss how fortunate we are and how important it is to give back.  They were also thrilled when the staff gave them a cupcake for all their hard work!!

I donated the remaining Zhu Zhue Pets and accessories to Maine's Department of Health and Human Services.  Each year the Child and Family Division takes donations of toys for children living in foster care.  When I stop and think about the hardships these children have likely been through I can barely stand it. The state works hard to protect children in crisis and I was so pleased to be able to help out in the form of some fun new toys to bring a little much needed joy at the holidays.  Find out more about Maine's Department of Health and Human Services HERE.

I really can't say enough how it felt to be able to do something like this.  When faced with the opportunity to give in a way I normally would not have been able to, I was overcome when I learned about the great needs all through my state.  Wether it was sick children, or children living in poverty or children living without a home at all, there are children who need us all around.  I certainly have a greater appreciation for all I have as well as for the wonderful people in the community working hard to keep the lives of children as joyful as they should be.  I feel inspired to get out and do what I can much more often. 

I have always been a Cepia/Zhu Zhu fan. Their toys have brought joy to my own children and are something they play  with EVERYDAY (as I write this, "Sweetie", Little R's Zhu Zhu, is zooming around at my feet).  Even better than what they create is what they give back.  I feel proud to support a company like Cepia who gives back in such a positive and playful way.  Thanks to Cepia for including me in your amazing program.  I am changed for better because of it. 

To learn more about Cepia and their products click HERE. Pin It

The Looney Tunes Show: Season 1, Volume 2...R&G!

Earlier this month a new DVD was released featuring that wacky cast of characters from the Looney Tunes.  The Looney Tunes Show:  Season 1, Volume 2 is sure to bring on the laughs for the whole family.  Here is the scoop...

Synopsis:  This half-hour animated comedy series starring Bugs Bunny and Daffy Duck is no longer confined to 7-minute shorts. Bugs and Daffy are out of the woods and living in the suburbs among such colorful neighbors as Yosemite Sam, Granny, Tweety and Sylvester. In addition to each episode’s main story, The Looney Tunes Show also features “cartoons within a cartoon.” The Tasmanian Devil, Speedy Gonzales, Marvin the Martian and other classic characters sing original songs in two-minute music videos called Merrie Melodies . The legendary Looney Tunes cartoons are getting a 21st century relaunch and a CGI overhaul for a new generation.  4 new episodes on DVD for the first time.

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UglySofa.Com....Review!

Before we talk about anything else, can we please address the super awesome name of the website, UglySofa.Com??  How great is that??  I mean, doesn't it just conjure up visions of the most delightfully awful couches?  A+ for that alone! 

Have you heard of UglySofa.Com?  They sell fabulous slipcovers from a popular brand (referred to as Brand X) at a deeply discounted price.  If you have an ugly sofa you need to visit www.uglysofa.com!  Here is bit more background on the company from their site...
 

We carry popular name brand catalog slipcovers at unbeatable pricing. These slipcovers are high end and are known for their durability and great fit. We got these slipcovers at deep discounts and we want to pass the savings on to you. 

Brand "X" is so named (by us) because we "X" out the name brand tags in order to prevent returns to this brand. You would see their catalog on coffee tables around the country as a "symbol of status". You would find their stores in exclusive upscale shopping destinations and their website is one of the most popular home decor sites on the internet. High end, high quality, best loose-fit slipcovers in the world (in our opinion).

Great concept right?  I mean, let's face it, lots of companies like Brand X (and Y and Z for that matter!) charge outrageous prices that most families can't afford.  I am all for someone like UglySofa.Com stepping in to help pretty up my space for a fraction of the price!  The goods at UglySofa.Com are not limited to slipcovers either.  They have all sorts of fun and fashionable things for the home.  Right now they are featuring their Christmas Stockings and I was lucky enough to receive one.

Now, I actually have family Christmas Stockings from Brand X in the red and white gingham pattern so I could easily compare.  UglySofa.Com sent me one of their stockings featuring an adorable dog (we are getting a dog....yippeee!!) on the same red and white gingham theme we have from Brand X.  The Christmas Stocking from UglySofa.Com and Brand X are the same.  Really the same.  Quality, craftmanship, color....all the same!  You know what is different?  The price!  Right now you can buy a huge variety of Christmas Stocking for $4.99 .  That is flat out amazing!  You can't even get those cheap felt ones for under $5 in most places!  I know I am late in the game telling you about these for this year but stock up for next year now.  You will be so happy you did!!  These really enhance your Christmas decor.  Visit www.uglysofa.com and order today.


While you are there be sure to check out their other areas of fabulousness.  I am currently drooling over and getting ready to buy an adorable chair for Little R's room.  I just have to pick a favorite!  Happy Shopping!

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Jerry Rice and Nitus Dog Football Wii Game Review!

Do you have football fans in your house?  What about dog fans?  Wii fans?  I think everyone falls into at least one of these categories.  My family falls into all three so I was really excited to share the Wii game, Jerry Rice and Nitus Dog Football with the kiddos.  Here is the scoop...

Developed for the Nintendo Wii system, Jerry Rice and Nitus’ Dog Football is an innovative family-friendly title that uniquely blends everyone’s favorite genres - pets and sports - into an action-sports game for players of all ages. The multi-player title allows up to four users to participate in the ultimate pet sports experience.  Designed for both male and female gamers, players assume the identity of 14 characters, including Rock Star Rob, Surf Pro Sandy and Flea-Bo the Clown.  Each character takes the field as quarterback and is assigned a team of seven canine companions, who they direct via Wiimote instructing their teammates to throw, dodge, jump and swim to victory.

Teams can be built from more than 20 popular breeds, including golden retrievers, boxers, chihuahuas and poodles who complete crossing patterns all over the field.  Players can customize members of their team by choosing from countless character, uniform, hat and shoe options. The game features 12 unconventional playing fields, from Tahiti to outer space.  Fierce and fun competition fuels players to go for championship status and the ultimate prize - the Golden Fire Hydrant. 

"Nitus and I are very excited that our game, 'Jerry Rice and Nitus Dog Football,' is coming out just in time for the football season," Rice said. "This is a really fun game that will bring the whole family together for hours of great gridiron action."

Jerry Rice and Nitus Dog Football is a great way for video game-loving parents to introduce their children to sports gaming—it features an easy "pick up and play" interface that allows even new fans to call and execute sensational passing and running plays.

"We've combined two of America's favorite things—dogs and sports—into one exciting interactive experience," said JUDOBABY CEO Dan Mueller. "Our developers have done a fantastic job making 'Jerry Rice and Nitus Dog Football' into a great single- and multi-player game for fans of all ages."

Jerry Rice and Nitus Dog Football, for the Nintendo Wii, is now available at a value price in GameStop and other retail and online locations nationwide.  The title is the company’s flagship game and the first release in the new Pets Sports League franchise, and is rated E for everyone by the ESRB.  For more information visit www.judobaby.com.
 

Our take? Fun, fun, fun!  This game is more for the kids but it is fun for the parents too.  My guys were on the young side for this at just 5 but with help they had a blast.  Picking out different sorts of dog was a big thrill and the variety of locations also made it exciting.  The graphics were a lot of fun and very life like.  I also thought it was a good way to introduce the ins and outs of the game of football to children (and their mothers in our case!!).  Great game and great fun for the whole family.  Wrap it up in time for Christmas by heading out to GameStop or order today from Amazon...
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HalloweenCostumes.com....Christmas Costumes!

 
I know we all think about costumes for Halloween but what about Christmas?  When I was contacted by HalloweenCostumes.Com to do a review of their Christmas costumes I could not wait!  My children LOVE dress up and they have an extensive line of costumes to choose from.  Check out some of my favorites...

Adorable right???  They even have fun costumes for grownups....

I finally chose this adorable angel costume for Little R....

She LOVES playing dress up and anything pretty and sparkly is right up her alley.  When the costume I arrived I was very impressed by the quality.  It was very well made which means it will surely stand up to lots and lots of wearing.  This is great because Little R has barely taken it off since it came in the mail.  It is so adorable.

I am extremely impressed with HalloweenCostumes.Com and would recommend them for all your costume needs.  I also want to mention that costumes make GREAT holiday gifts.  What a super way to promote imagination!  Visit www.halloweencostumes.com and get busy filling up the dress-up chest for Christmas!

*Disclosure:  I was sent the above mentioned costume for purpose of review.  The views expressed are my 100% honest opinion.

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Family Guy Volume 9...Out Now! Giveaway (2 Winners!)

GET A CLUE!

And Enter to Win a Copy of This New FAMILY GUY DVD Collection Available December 13

Bring the Griffins home this holiday season with FAMILY GUY Volume 9 DVD arriving in stores on December 13th. The three-disc DVD set features 14 episodes from the hysterical eighth and ninth seasons including the popular 150th episode, an extended version of And Then There Were Fewer and never-before-seen extras consisting of: ­ Uncensored footage ­ Deleted scenes ­ Side-by-side animatics ­ 3 Featurettes ­ An episode of The Cleveland Show with a special introduction from Mike Henry ­ Audio commentaries America’s most dysfunctional family, the Griffins, return with another outrageous and hilarious, uncensored volume. Follow unconventional dad Peter Griffin (SETH MACFARLANE) as he gets up to plenty of antics with the reluctant help of his caring wife Lois (ALEX BORSTEIN), their awkward daughter Meg (MILA KUNIS), dorky son Chris (SETH GREEN), maniacal baby Stewie (MacFarlane) and Brian, the family dog who is both a ladies’ man and a heavy drinker.

FAMILY GUY Volume 9 is available on a three-disc DVD set on December 13 and is perfectly priced for the holiday gift-giving season. To win a copy of the DVD, simply answer the following question:

Which actress does the voice acting for the character Meg?
• Mila Kunis
• Nicole Sullivan
• Christine Lakin

I have been watching this show off and on for years and it always has me laughing!  That Stewie gets me every time!  Pick up your copy today on Amazon...




2 Lucky RBM readers will win a copy of The Family Guy Volume 9. Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...
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Peter Pauper Press...The Book of Me! R&G!

You have all heard me talk about the fine products from Peter Pauper Press.  They have beautiful stationary, journals, creative toys and games for children and unique gifts for everyone on your list.  I am a huge fan!  This month I was sent The Book of Me:  A Do-It Yourself Memoir to review.  Here is the scoop...

With hundreds of guided questions organized into sections about your past, present, and future, family history, and inner self, ''The Book of ME'' offers an excellent means to preserve memories and to discover hidden aspects of yourself. Here is the vehicle to embrace-- with playfulness and intuitive insight--your own version of the life you have lived as you record the rudiments of a family history, the details of your life, and give expression to your inner voice. Archival, acid-free paper. Cloth spine, gold foil. 7-1/4" wide x 9" high.

First of all, I want to speak of the quality.  This hardcover book is beautiful and, without question, keepsake quality.  This book just screams "fill up my pages"!.  Next, I want to talk about the concept of the book.  Let's face it, we all want to be remembered but most of us will not write our own autobiographies.  The Book of Me is filled with questions that are fun, thoughtful and cover just about everything so you can let the world know who you really were/are/and hope to be.  This book is a gem!   Pick up a copy for only $14.99 today by clicking HERE.  You ancestors will thank you!

Peter Pauper Press is giving one lucky RBM reader The Book of Me!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...

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Out Today: ABC Family's Switched at Birth Volume One!

Have you all caught ABC Family's show Switched at Birth?  Volume One hits stores today!  Here is the scoop...

Synopsis:                                                             

From the studio that brought you “The Secret Life of the American Teenager” comes a groundbreaking new drama about the upheaval that two teen

girls experience when they discover that they were accidentally switched at birth. 

Bay Kennish, a talented graffiti artist with an edgy streak, grew up in a wealthy family with happily married parents and an older brother. Daphne

Vasquez, an athletic teenager who lost her hearing at an early age, grew up with a single mother in a working class neighborhood. When the girls’

worlds collide, family bonds are tested, new romances are sparked, and they start to learn that it’s who they are inside that matters, not where they

grew up.  Relive the girls’ journey and catch up before the premiere with “Switched At Birth: Volume 1.”  Including all 10 episodes plus exclusive

collectible iPod skins, this two-disc set is a must-own for every fan!

Talent:                                                   

Vanessa Marano (“Gilmore Girls”)

Katie Leclerc (“Veronica Mars”)

Constance Marie (“George Lopez”)

Lea Thompson (Back To The Future, “Caroline In The City”)

D.W. Moffett (“Friday Night Lights”)

Lucas Grabeel (Disney Channel’s “High School Musical”)

Pick it up today on Amazon...

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Chick-Fil-A Prize Pack...Giveaway!

Do you have a Chick-Fil-A near you?  We do not have a Chick-Fil-A here in Maine but I sure wish they did!  Check out these super cute cow watches they are now including in their kids meals....
Cute, right? Find a location near you here... http://www.chick-fil-a.com/Locations.

One lucky RBM reader will win a Chick-Fil-A Prize Pack which will include 5 cow watches and 2 Chick-Fil-A plush cows!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter. 
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XIA-XIA....Hot Holiday Toy! Available at Toys R Us!

Still working on your holiday list? Be sure to check out XIA-XIA which are available at www.toysrus.com. Here is the scoop...

XIA-XIA™'S HERE: A Perfect Gift for Holiday CHEER! Toys R' Us "Holiday Hot Toy" 2011!

Santa Claws is coming to town with Xia-Xia™, robotic, collectible hermit crabs! Kids love hermit crabs, but moms don't like the hassle. Well now you can stuff their stocking with the gift they've always wanted with Xia-Xia! Fun, crazy, colorful crustaceans, Xia-Xia have collectible, interchangeable shells with kooky little friends hidden inside. Kids can dress Xia-Xia in a variety of shells that come in different shapes, sizes, styles, and colors. Press Xia-Xia's claw and watch it go: Xia-Xia skitter scatter like a real hermit crab! Meet the Xia-Xia Crew: Four crazy characters compose the Xia-Xia crew.

Bimini: with her pink polka-dot and stripped shell, Bimini loves to strut her stuff in different shell fashions Trinidad: with his dazzling bright orange and yellow swirled shell, Trinidad loves to dance. Press his claw and watch him skitter scatter in a fun parade Turks: bubbly and silly, Turks has a red shell and girly pink bows. Her ballet slippers add a touch that is just a sweet as she is Tobago: the brave adventure-seeking crab of the Xia-Xia crew, Tobago is always on the move: He has to see his missions through!

Happy Shopping!! Pin It

Crest & Oral-B Pro Health FOR ME Party!

Last week the kids and I got to do something so fun courtesy of Crest and Oral-B! I know "fun" doesn't exactly jump to mind when you think about dental health but Crest and Oral-B know how to throw a great party and make taking care of your teeth fun. Just ask the kiddos who came to my house for our shindig!

First off, when the box of fun arrived on our door step my children were SO excited. Our party shipment was filled with CARS 2 and Princess flossers and tooth brushes, Pro Health for ME toothpaste, Pro Health for ME Rinse, Cars II Gummy Vitamins and tons and tons of coupons. The kids went crazy over it and wanted to break into everything right then and there! I managed to persuade them to hold off until our party but we had a fantastic time putting together awesome goodie bags for our guests.

On the day of the party the boys helped me make food to help everyone fuel up for playing. We had sandwiches, Cars II crackers, carrot sticks, cookies and loads of popcorn. We were ready for fun. The kids enjoyed batting around our Crest balloons and those are still a source of great fun several days later!

At the party it was crazy fun with 8 children fueling up on food and racing around the house playing, eating popcorn and checking out their goodie bags.

I have to say, I am more than a little thrilled that the kids are so excited about the goodies. I think Crest and Oral B have done a fantastic job making tooth care fun with favorite characters from CARS II and princesses. My children have been begging each night to use their new rinse, tooth brushes and fun flossers (just LOVE those!!) and for that I am tremendously grateful. You can find Crest and Oral-B products at stores everywhere. I think Santa should drop a little something from Crest in every child's stockigng this year. Here are some pictures from our party and the preparations. Enjoy!

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Kidtoons December Feature Film: OLIVIA! Giveaway!

Happy December all!  It is a new month which means my friends at Kidtoons have a brand new film for you to share with your little ones.  This month it is a collection of OLIVIA films.  We love Olivia at our house and I am so excited Kidtoons chose that sassy, smart pig to be this months feature!  Here is the scoop on what will be showing at a theater near you...

OLIVIA Talks Turkey
Olivia takes up turkey calling, and before long, she's attracted a turkey who refuses to leave her side!

OLIVIA's Snow Day
On a snow day, Olivia and her friend Julian form a news crew and track down the real story behind an alleged sighting of the legendary abominable snowman.

OLIVIA builds a Snow Lady
Olivia is thrilled when she's chosen to build the mascot snowman -or in her case, snowlady - for the annualMaywood winter festival. She's determined to build the biggest snowman anybody's ever seen! But when all the snow melts away, Olivia has to build her snowlady out of something else: cotton candy!

Princess for a Day
When a real live Princess comes to town, Olivia can't wait to meet her. But Olivia gets to do more than just meet her - when Olivia and the Princess realize that they look almost exactly alike, they make a plan to trade places! Olivia initially takes to life in the castle, but she soon misses her family, and realizes that being a Princess isn't all it's cracked up to be. When the royal family cuts their visit short, and decide to head home, can Olivia and the Princess swap back before it's too late?  



Sounds like fun, doesn't it?!  If it is a Kidtoons choice you can be sure it is fun for the whole family.  In case you need a refresher about Kidtoons and all they do,  here is the scoop...
Kidtoons is dedicated to helping parents connect with their kids by bringing family friendly animated movies to the big screen every weekend at participating theatres across the country.

Participating Kidtoons theaters  showcase a fun, affordable family friendly matinee movie and provide a family experience filled with entertaining, kid-friendly characters, as well as cartoon shorts, music videos and sing-alongs before each movie. We even have fun giveaways for the kids, such as stickers, temporary tattoos, activity books or toys after every film.

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The Olive Tap...Review!

Do you have any foodies on your holiday list?  If so, be sure to check out something from The Olive Tap.  You will find something delicious for everyone on your list (and yourself too!!).  Here is some of what you can find...

-    

For the holiday party host/hostess: The Mini Dipper ($19.95) is a “bring along” appetizer for hosts/hostesses. It includes Arbequina 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, dipping seasonings and a decorative dipping bowl.

-    For teachers: A bottle of the Apple Balsamic Vinegar ($15.75) is the perfect holiday thank you for children’s teachers. It has a delicious flavor of red apples and a thick, rich blend of 3 and 4 Leaf Quality Aceto Balsamico di Modena.

-    For foodies: The Gourmet Sampler ($89.95) is the complete assortment of Olive Tap products. It’s sure to please any chef and includes Italiano 100% Extra Virgin Olive Oil, the finest Aceto Balsamico di Modena, Sun-Dried Tomato Bruschetta Topping, Black and Green Olive Tapenade, Mad Mango Salsa, Sorrento Lemon Olive Oil, Pomegranate Balsamic Vinegar and Roasted Garlic Champagne Mustard.

-    For yourself: Holiday shoppers can treat themselves with a single bottle of olive oil or vinegar. One of the most popular flavors is the Tuscan Herb Olive Oil ($15.95) which has a proprietary blend of several herbs including Oregano, Basil, Garlic, and Rosemary.

-    For the whole gift list: Any bottle can be personalized to fit a family, company or special holiday occasion. Dates, names, photos, logos or even a special quote or saying can be printed on either standard or custom labels (minimum required).

-    For corporate gifts: The You Pick Three Gift Box ($59.95) has a professional look great for those in the business world. These bottles can even be etched with the company name and logo (minimum required). It includes three 375 ml bottles of any olive oil, balsamic vinegar or specialty oil/vinegar.

Whether they are included in the feast or wrapped as a gift, olive oils and vinegars with their unique tastes are sure to become a memorable part of every holiday celebration. Gift givers can even pair the olive oil infused Chocolate Chipotle Cake recipe below with the gourmet gifts above.

Chocolate Chipotle Cake

1 cup plus ½ tsp unsweetened cocoa
2 ¾ cups flour
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 tablespoon The Olive Tap® Cinnamon
2 teaspoon baking soda
½ teaspoon The Olive Tap® Cayenne Pepper
½ teaspoon salt
2 cups lowfat milk
½ cup mild olive oil such as The Olive Tap®’s Arbequina or Mission
½ cup The Olive Tap® Chipotle Olive Oil
2 large eggs
3 tablespoon The Olive Tap® Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar
Powdered sugar

1. Preheat oven to 350◦. Butter two 8-in cake pans and dust with ¼ tbsp. cocoa in each. Discard excess cocoa.
2. Whisk remaining 1 cup cocoa, flour, sugars, cinnamon, soda, cayenne and salt in bowl to blend. Add milk, oils, eggs and vinegar. Whisk until smooth. Pour into pans, dividing batter evenly.
3. Bake until a toothpick inserted in each cake comes out clean, about 40-45 minutes.
4. Cool cakes in pans for 10 minutes. Loosen the cakes from pans with a metal spatula. Turn each cake out onto a plate and cool completely. Sift powdered sugar onto cakes.

Additional Options: Mix 2 tbsp Dark Chocolate Balsamic Vinegar with cocoa and spread glaze over cakes. Or mix Balsamic Vinegar with 2 tbsp raspberry preserves and spread over cakes.

About The Olive Tap®
The Olive Tap® is both a tasting emporium and gourmet market that offers a variety of olive oils, specialty oils, vinegars, spices, herbs, seasonings and more. Unlike mass-produced oils and vinegars, The Olive Tap® offers pure and fresh artisan products from around the world. The Olive Tap®’s proprietary procurement storage and packaging processes ensure its customers are offered the freshest, highest quality olive oils and authentic balsamic vinegars.

The Olive Tap® is headquartered in Long Grove, Illinois. It also has locations in Medina, Ohio, Downers Grove, Illinois, Manitou Springs, Colorado and West Palm Beach, Florida.

I was sent a variety of specialty olive oils and vinegars and the flavors were full, fresh and unique.  The bottles were the perfect stocking stuffer size and are really just perfect for mom or dad (are you listening Santa??).  I think food and cooking gifts are just so appreciated.  Lots of families are tightening the purse strings and eating at home more often.  Give the gift that allows people to get a little more creative in the kitchen.  Maybe they will invite you over for dinner!  Visit www.theolivetap.com to view the extensive list of products and gift items.  Page after page of delicious!

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Lumps: The Elf Coal Game & Family Talk 2...R&G!

I love board games.  When I was a kid family game night was just about every night.  When my husband and I got together we would often have friends over for game night or challenge one another to marathon sessions of Scrabble.  Now that the kids are getting older, I love sharing my love of games with them.  I think family games are a fantastic way to not only have fun together but to open the lines of communication.  When Continuum Games offered me the chance to review two of their games I could not wait to play.  Here is the scoop on what has made its' way into our game rotation....

Lumps

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The Story of Hanukkah Howie...R&G!

Hanukkah is just around the corner and there is a brand new picture book to help celebrate the season.  The Story of  Hanukkah Harry by Jan Dalrymple is a delight and one you and the kids will surely adore.  Here is the scoop...

Have you ever had a bad hair day? Well, imagine eight bad hair days in a row -- and at just the wrong time. Our hero, Howie, has very strange spiked hair, but only during the eight days of Hanukkah.  By day eight, in fact, there are "... nine spikes in all, four at right, four at left, one in center so tall". Howie’s Mom gradually realizes that Howie's hair looks like a menorah -- the nine-candled centerpiece for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. But just when she wonders what she can do, Hanukkah ends and the spikes disappear.

Was the hair-spiking a one-time event? Not a chance. Each year at Hanukkah, Howie's hair springs into spikes. Since they are impossible to control, over the years both Hannah and Howie search for possible remedies. Readers learn that "...the only solution that seemed to be there… was for Howie to cover his very strange hair."

This clever book, besides being hugely entertaining,  presents a gentle message that, regardless of our personal appearance and our differences we each have a role in this life – we each have a place in the family of man.  For Howie, his hair and its particular uniqueness ends up being the crown jewel of his personality!

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Glow Crazy Glow Glove...R&G!

At the end of the summer I filled you all in on the fun company, Glow Crazy.  Glow Crazy makes a variety of fun glow in the dark products.  We have the Glow to Go and the Distance Doodler and A&W love them.  Something about glow in the dark is just so much fun and I love the creative aspect and the no mess factor!  When I heard about the brand new Glow Crazy Glow Glove I could not wait to share it with the kids.  Here is the scoop...

 The Glow Glove is Glow Crazy’s flashiest toy yet! The Glow Glove has cool lights on each finger to make glowin’ the dark more fun than ever! The wall clings included, made from our super glow material, will stick to the wall without damaging it and will give kids an awesome canvas to design on. The gloves unique design will fit right or left hands, and the 4 settings mean there is no end to the cool glow-designs you can make!

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BBC America Shop Holiday Giveaway!

If you are like me you are still holiday shopping.  Who are those people who finish before Thanksgiving anyway??  If you are looking for some fresh new ideas be sure to check out the BBC America Shop.  There are all sorts of great gift ideas including your favorite BBC shows like Planet Earth (LOVE this!!), The Tudors and Doctor Who.  There is a great selection of books, toys and holiday decor as well.  I am eying the boat in a bottle kit for A&W.  How fun!

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Aimee Wilder Folio for IPAD from Griffin Technology....Review!

Have I told you I recently got an IPAD??  This is huge news for me since I am sort of late to the game technology wise.  You should see my phone. I am pretty sure it is just one step up from the bag phone. Really!  In any case, I now have an IPAD and my quest now, in addition to figuring out all the bells and whistles, is to not break it.  I tend to be a bit absent minded with things.  It would not be out of the question for to imagine my IPAD to come careening out of my unzippered purse as I try and keep the kids from darting into the road during walk. This could definitely happen!  Enter The Aimee Wilder Folio from Griffin Technology!  Here is the scoop...

With bold design inspired by everything from typography to rock poster art, Griffin + Aimée Wilder cases protect your tablet from bumps, jolts and scratches with a slim, padded sleeve. Slide your iPad into the lined case and tuck in the tab to secure your tablet. Pull the tab to slide your iPad out. It's easy-to-carry protection printed with Aimée Wilder's Girlbot pattern.

If you're anything like us, you spend most of your waking life with your iPad within reach. Protect it with something fun!

First off, can we talk about how fun this design is??  I love that it is fun and funky and colorful...just perfect for my new IPAD!  The functionality is perfect too.  The pad is so slim you would think it couldn't be protective yet it is (trust me I know this from a few unfortunate drops!).  I love that it is easy to carry around and that the tab is there to keep my IPAD from falling out.  Aimee Wilder and Griffin Technology have created something fabulous for your IPAD...it is function and fun.  The perfect combination if you ask me!  Pick one up today by clicking HERE.  Be sure to visit Griffin Technology to check out their full line of accessories for Iphones, IPADS and all the other latest technology! Spruce things up a little this Christmas!

*Disclosure:  I received the above mentioned product for purpose of review from Griffin Technology.  The views expressed are my own and my 100% honest opinion.  Pin It

PTPA Winner: Gyro Bowl...R&G!

My kids are snackers.  Two of them are also messy snackers.  One of them may be the messiest snacker on the face of the planet.  Really.  When I was given the opportunity to review the PTPA award winner the Gyro Bowl I jumped at the chance.  Have you heard of the Gyro Bowl?  If not, let me give you the scoop...


The Spill Proof Gyro Bowl eliminates the mess. The unique design always keeps the open side facing up. Rotates 360° so kids can swing it or hold in any position without spilling while enjoying snacks anywhere. Includes stay fresh lid to keep food and snack fresh. Sturdy design and material mean this bowl can take a toll. BPA-free plastic. Dishwasher safe. 7" diameter, inner bowl 3.5" diameter.

• Kid-Proof Gyro Bowl
• Inner Bowl Rotates 360 Degrees
• Virtually Indestructible
• Saves Time, No More Cleaning
• Use it for Non-Food Items
• BPA-Free Plastic
• Top Rack Dishwasher Safe
• Not Microwave Safe

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Mixaroma Aromatherapy Oils R&G!

Are you all in the throes of holiday shopping?  I know I am.  Phew...it is exhausting isn't it?  I have a fun treat for the ladies on your list which you should also treat yourself to as well (hey, you deserve it!).  Mixaroma Aromatherapy Oils are a luxurious treat for your skin and will make feel like a million bucks....really!

I was sent Mixaroma's Organic Massage Oil-Body Oil Gift Set and it has made my super duper dry skin soft and smooth.  Here are the details...

This organic body oil-skincare oil gift set includes our popular Organic Lavender Cacao, Organic Mint Cacao, Organic Geranium Cacao, and Organic Citrus Cacao scents, packaged in a sustainable Cacao bean sack cloth pouch.
Use for after shower moisturizing and skin repair, and also for massage. 
Feel great, smell great, and give your skin the organic love it deserves.
Each bottle is 1oz, and is a great travel set as well.

I have been using these oils after I shower and it has made a huge difference in my skin.  I have dry skin all year round but winter is especially bad.  These oils make my skin so soft and each of the scents is really, really lovely.  I feel truly pampered when I use these oils.  If I had to choose I would say the lavender scent is my favorite....it is very soothing!   I would highly recommend this set to anyone on your list who could use any pampering (isn't that everyone??).

I really like Mixaroma's aromatherapy oils (obviously) but I also really like the company itself.  Want to hear what their vision was/is?  Check it out...

For many years, the founders of Mixaroma Inc. envisioned starting a company which would achieve four goals: create products with only organic, natural or fair trade ingredients, create products free of animal ingredients, create products that are as hypo-allergenic as possible, and encourage community involvement for all employees. 

In 2008, Mixaroma Inc. successfully achieved that dream. Our company handcrafts products derived completely from nature.  

Super, right?  In our world if icky chemicals it is so comforting, encouraging and refreshing to support a company who is producing quality products with a healthy environment in mind.  Hooray!

Mixaroma also has a great selection of gift baskets, candles, organic baby products and so much more.  Visit www.mixaroma.com today to start treating yourself and everyone on your holiday list to something fabulous AND environmentally safe.


Mixoaroma is giving one lucky RBM reader their own Aromatherapy Oil Gift Set.  I know you will love it as much as I do!  Thanks so much to the sponsor and here is how to enter...

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