Santa Cruz Organic and R.W. Knudsen (Review and 3 HUGE giveaways)!

Our family has become more aware of what we put into our mouth, and knowing if we are putting "pure" products into our bodies. I am a firm believer that we all feel better, and can function better with less chemically made foods entering our systems. I am even more careful about what my kids are getting for their snacks and meals, and trying to give them healthier options with their food. I was thrilled to review products from Santa Cruz Organic and R.W. Knudsen Family. Santa Cruz Organic sent me 2 jars of their Organic Peanut Butter. I love the taste of this peanut butter, and I greatly appreciate that Santa Cruz products are real...no chemicals to corrupt the ingredients. The Peanut Butter from Santa Cruz tastes just like crushed peanuts. You need to stir the peanut butter when you first open the jar, due to settling...then you store it in the refridgerator to keep it fresh. Santa Cruz Organic Peanut Butters are made with USDA certified organic peanuts and have unique flavor profiles made up of both light and dark roast varieties. I am not sure which I prefer between the dark or light roast, but both are extremely delicious and good for you! Even though I am usually a "Creamy Only" when it comes to peanut butter, I really liked Santa Cruz Organic Cruchy peanut butter. Santa Cruz peanut butters were one of the few brands NOT recalled this winter.

I was also able to review the Santa Cruz Organic Fruit sauces in the variety of flavors: Apple Blackberry, Apple Apricot, Apple Cinnamon, and Apple Raspberry. My kids love the Apple Cinnamon the best, but I really like the variety. It is nice to pull out a new one each day, and have something new. I think it is super that the Fruit Sauces from Santa Cruz are made from organic fruit and provides 100 percent of the USDA recommended daily value of vitamin C. The single serving cups are great to add to a lunch to work, school, picnic, or other. I am excited that Santa Cruz offers such great products that parents can give to their kids and know that it is good for them! I think my favorite flavor of the Fruit Sauces is the Apple Blackberry.

The Sensible Sippers from R.W. Knudsen Family are just as flavorful as other brand juice boxes, however, you don't have the same sugar and calories! R.W. Knudsen Family juice boxes are made with 50% organic juice and 50% water. Each contains 40% less calories than traditional juices boxes and the 4-ounce boxes make it easier for tot’s petite hands to handle. Flavors include apple, mixed berry, tropical and banana. I was sent the mixed berry and the apple flavors, and both are great tasting...and my kids love them. They really enjoy the Berenstain Bears, too...and that is the logo/theme on the Sensible Sippers. I would love to try the Banana and Tropical flavors for the Sensible Sippers, too. I love this option for a juice box for my kids...healthier and smaller portions.

We highly recommend these great products, and we are so thankful that we got to try them out and tell you about them.

Would you like to win a great gift pack from R.W. Knudsen Family and Santa Cruz Organics? The companies are generously sponsoring a giveaway to one lucky Sassyfrazz reader. Here is what the prize will be: 2 packages of 6 juice boxes (from R.W. Knudsen), 2 jars of Peanut Butter from Santa Cruz, and 3 packages of 6 Fruit Sauces from Santa Cruz. Isn't that a generous prize? Here is an even greater surprise...they are offering this prize package to 3 WINNERS!! So, here is what you need to do for your first entry: Go to either R.W. Knudsen Family website or Santa Cruz website, and find out something interesting. This contest is open to bloggers/non-bloggers of the USA, and will end on August 20th.
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or facebook this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

Chicken Soup for the Soul: "Tough Times, Tough People" (2 giveaways)

With the economy struggling right now, it is a great time for reading. There is something so relaxing to sitting down and reading a book. Maybe it is because you can "get lost" within the pages of the book.

I was recently sent the "Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People" book to review. This book is packed with 101 stories about overcoming the economic crisis and other challenges we may be facing. These tough times we are in won't last forever, as the seasons change...and this book reminds us that. One great thing about going though the tough times is making tough people.
Tough Times, Tough People is a book with several inspirational stories. I love how the Chicken Soup for the Soul books have a page-two pages for their stories...easy to read, and quick. Being a Mom, it can be a challenge to find the time to read, but Chicken Soup for the Soul books are perfect for a quick lift with a motivational story.
From the back cover:
Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough people will encourage, inspire, and support you through all types of difficult situations, whether financial, health-related, family or personal issues. Read 101 personal stories from real people about meeting their challenges: downsizing and enjoying a simpler life, finding the silver lining in layoffs and other economic troubles, living with illness and disability, surviving natural disasters, grief and healing, the value of family and friends, and 10 bonus stories of faith to pull through.
Available at Amazon: $10.17.
I love the faith inspired stories that the Chicken Soup books have! Almost every time I read the stories, I feel so great and learn something from someone else.
I think this book is so fitting for what most are facing and enduring right now.

LUCKY YOU! You have the opportunity to enter to win Chicken Soup for the Soul: Tough Times, Tough People! I have 2 extra copies to giveaway. This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Contest is open until August 13th, 2009. To enter, leave a comment about something you may be going through right now, or how you have gone through a challenge in the past.
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or facebook this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

Harry Potter CLUE game giveaway (2 winners)

I remember playing the game: Clue, when I was younger. I loved the mystery of the game, and the suspense of finding out who did the crime, where, and with what? I was recently sent the game Clue: Harry Potter edition. I personally, am not a big Harry Potter fan, but my son enjoys it. However, the Clue game is really fun to play, I must say! Here is a recap of the game:
A student has vanished from the school, and it is up to the players, taking on the roles of Harry, Hermione, Ron, Ginny, Luna or Neville, to race through the halls of Hogwarts to discover who did it, what spell or magical item was used and where the student was attacked. Was it Draco Malfoy with a Sleeping Draught in the Owlery? Or maybe it was Dolores Umbridge with the Vanishing Cabinet in the Great Hall. From the Potions classroom to the Room of Requirement, players can equip themselves with spells and magic items as they face unexpected challenges and race to avoid the fear-inducing sign of He Who Must Not Be Named, or Lord Voldemort (to the brave), the Dark Mark!
I thought it was neat how the board was set up, much like the traditional Clue, with the 8 rooms and select doors to enter them. There is a twist to the Harry Potter edition, you have to spin one of the 4 dials located on each corner of the board. This can change some things for you depending on if you are in a certain room or hallway. Be on the lookout! If a Dark Mark appears, the players must draw a "Dark" card, and must follow what it says. You also get opportunities to draw "Help" cards during the game that can save you from some dark force or be your ally in time of need. 40 house point tokens are used in the game as your "money." It is important not to run out, or you will be out of the game. However, those still in the game can still ask you questions that you must answer.
Just like the traditional clue, each player has to unravel the mystery of who did the crime by selection of asking questions to the player on the left. You always have to ask the player on your left, and if they don't have a card you are looking for, the question moves to the next player until someone can give you a clue.
3 to 5 players can play this game, and it is suited best for ages 9 and up. ERP: $26.99
Overall, I think this game is a lot of fun, and it was pretty easy to learn the tricks of the game.

Would you like a chance to win this game? Hasbro has offered to sponsor a giveaway for two of my readers to win! This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers in the United States. For your first entry, please comment about which is your favorite game to play now, or when you were young. Contest ends on August 18th.
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or facebook this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

Winner's & Contests

Congratulations to the winner's of these contests! Thanks goes out to all the sponsors who have generously given prizes! If you see your name on the winning list, feel free to e-mail your name/address to me. I will be contacting you, too.

Hasbro has some new card games! (With 6 giveaways!) : TZel, justicecw, Annette D, Kate (strycker@slu.edu), Kathy, FDP 4 Life

Aim & Shoot with Prime Time Toys (and a giveaway) : Molly K

Natural Dentist Products (and a giveaway)!! : Amber

Jacquard products (Tie Dying kit review & Giveaway) : Melanie clarkmurdock@yahoo.com

You will have 3 days to claim your prize, or I have the option to pick a new winner.

Be sure to check out the new contests and more to come soon! Thanks for visiting and entering the contests!

Hasbro introduces SpongeBob (review and GIVEAWAY) ends on August 11.
Blue Like Play Dough (Review & Giveaway) ends on August 11.
The *NEW* Trix Swirls & Creative Kid gift basket (plus 2 giveaways) ends August 13.

Family game night in with Gamestop

Gamestop is a great place to look for a wide variety of used and new games. They have games and game gear for Playstations, Wii, X Box, DS, GameBoy and more. I have been very impressed with the selections, and wide variety. Sometimes you can find older games that you have been looking for. I like that you can bring in new or used games and receive a trade in credit to use toward another purchase.
In this tight economy, it can be a challenge finding more affordable entertainment~ especially with children. I think it is great that GameStop has offered Tuesday nights (for the summer until September 1) as Family Night In. GameStop has special value offers giving you an extra 20% trade-in credit on pre-owned games good toward the reserve/purchase of select Family Night In video game titles. Plus, more, like:
· A Family Fun sweepstakes – ten families each week will be awarded a $25 gift card redeemable at a food vendor or restaurant of their choice for dinner and a Brownie a la Mode cake for dessert, courtesy of Baskin-Robbins; and
· Coupons for $3 off any Baskin-Robbins cake purchase of $15 or more, given to GameStop customers making purchases on Summer Tuesdays (while supplies last), OR to those who enter the Family Night In sweepstakes online.
I think that is very generous of GameStop to offer special incentives to family gaming, already something our family totally loves! I know that I have a few games around my house that I would love to trade in/sell to get ones I would rather have....Plus, get some coupons for ice cream!? I am heading to GameStop this coming Tuesday to check out the selection. Hurry, because August will go fast! You have 3 more Tuesdays left to take advantage of Family Night In from GameStop!

The *NEW* Trix Swirls & Creative Kid gift basket (plus 2 giveaways)

I have never tasted a cereal that tasted so fruity before I tasted the new Trix Swirls cereal! The cereal was so colorful~ like tie dye. The taste was sweet and it included the great Twix flavors of lemony green, berry berry blue, and rasporangey orange! MyBlogSpark sent me the Creative Kid basket to review which included: one box of the new Twix Swirls cereal, a tie dye apron, watercolor paints, brushes, supply box, sketch paper and watercolor pencils.

Caleb was super excited to wear the apron, and it matched his new shirt that he just made, so that was very cool! The kids both loved the cereal, too.
My kids love to do art projects. They fully enjoyed painting and talking about the colors. We talked about how the colors look when they mix~ just like the Trix Swirls cereal.
It was such fun watching the kids create their masterpieces. They do the art activities almost daily, and the watercolor painting is top on their list now. We really had a great time reviewing the Trix Swirls cereal, and having fun with the Creative Kid gift basket!
Thank you MyBlogSpark for the Creative Kid Basket and Trix Swirls cereal! We heart you!!
You have a chance to win a Creative Kid gift basket, too! There will be two winners! Here is what you can win: a sample of the product along with a colorful apron, a set of watercolor pencils, watercolor paints, brushes, a sketchbook, and an art supply box!! To enter: ask your kids how they think the colors got together (did they dance around? Spin with one another too quickly? etc.), or You can ask what are some of their favorite things they would swirl together? Contest ends on August 13, 2009.

**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or facebook this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

Kidwinks: Things that GO

Kidwinks DVD's are designed to help children develop their speech and language. We recently reviewed the third volume: Things that Go, which is about modes of transportation. Bobby and Katy, the hosts, are people in masks that are friends with the children helping them learn words. I like that the Kidwinks DVD's incorporate sign language as a part of the language development. I have been teaching my children sign language, and I can fully see how wonderful and effective it works for kids to know signing. Some words can be hard to say or know, but if kids can sign, they tend to be less frustrated and can communicate more effectively.

The Kidwink's DVD: Things that Go, teaches different modes of transportation. Kids learn the word for each transportation, the sound it makes and the sign for each. Bobby, Katy and the kids sing songs to help with the teaching of these words, too. There is much repetition in these 20 minute DVD's, and that is helpful for the information to stay with kids. The DVD is not very complex in design, but it is simple for kids to watch. My kids watched it and enjoyed it. I think these DVD's are geared toward the younger kids mostly.

Kidwinks DVDs are appropriate for children ages 18 months and older, or for children in the beginning stages of speech and language development. Kidwinks have 3 different DVD's covering transportation, farm, and play. They also have a CD filled with songs for further learning.
For more information on Kidwinks and its products, visit Kidwinksusa.com.

Network Know-How (book review): Learn how to network!!

My husband grabbed this book as soon as it arrived in the mail for review. He took it to work with him and read it any chance he got. My husband is not a book reader, so I was surprised that he read it...over and over. We want to network our home computers, and he said this book was such a helpful guide. He said there was so much he didn't know, and often times he would come home telling me bits and information he found in the Network Know-How book from No Starch Press.
With the Network Know-How book you will be able to design, map, and maintain a trouble-free network: explaining how to run cables, set up Wi-Fi access points, configure file sharing and printing, and implement security.
Network Know-How book is going to be our guide when we set up our networking between our computers, televisions, and gaming equipment. I am glad to have this helpful guide available to us, because there is so much to know!
Readers learn how to:
Configure network adapters, hubs, switches, and routers
Connect computers running any operating system, whether Mac OS X, Linux, or Windows
Assign IP addresses automatically
Share music, photos, documents, and printers
Automate household appliances and distribute digital audio and video to a home entertainment center
Troubleshoot network slowdowns and failed connections
Network Know-How covers both wired and wireless networks and even includes advanced topics like DHCP, creating simple intranets, and stringing Ethernet cables. With his reading of this book, my husband now wants us to have wireless, and set it all up himself. We found this book to be so helpful, and I think anyone who reads it and uses the information to set up their own networking, will get the help they need. I think many like the idea of doing things themselves, and the Network Know-How book provides the opportunity to do just that.
You can order your copy for $29.95 from Oreilly.com.

Aroma Houseware's Rice Cooker

I love the Aroma Rice Cooker that I got to review! I made great tasting brown rice yesterday! I couldn't believe how easy it was to use this rice cooker! I rinsed out the brown rice, then drained it. I poured it into the bottom of the inner pot and added the correct amount of water. I used the special spoon that came with the rice cooker, and leveled the rice out. I then shut the lid, it latched, and I pushed the brown rice button. No hassle, no sticky mess, and delicious rice! My kids loved the rice and I was very impressed at how easy, convenient and worry-free Aroma made my rice making! I love that the Aroma Rice maker, model ARC-998 8-cup, has a brown rice, white rice, steam, and warm/off button. Not everyone likes white rice, so it is nice to have the two different rice settings. I also made steamed broccoli in my Aroma Rice Cooker! The broccoli came out perfect, and it only took 5 minutes! I really like that the rice cooker is multi-functional! I am really looking forward to trying some of the recipes found on the Aroma Housewares website! I know that the fall/winter season is coming up quickly, and it will be great making stews and soups in the rice cooker from Aroma Housewares!
I think that the Rice cooker is easy to clean and assemble. There is an inner pot and steaming tray. After each use, you have to take off the steam vent, wash in warm, soapy water and wipe it clean. The Aroma Rice Cooker came with an instruction guide, and inside you will find a cook & steam chart to help you with your food preparation. I found the guide to be very helpful! The Aroma 8-Cup Cool-Touch Rice Cooker prepares up to 16 cups of rice and keeps it warm and for up to 12 hours! I think that is impressive! But, the best part of the rice cooker, in my opinion, is that you can assemble and prepare a full meal in it! I recommend this great product to everyone who loves rice, steamed vegetables, or stews/soups. I think the price to value is great, too!($59.99)
You can get more information and check out all the other Aroma products on their website.

Blue Like Play Dough (Review & Giveaway)

In the everyday stretch and squeeze of motherhood, Tricia Goyer often feels smooshed by the demands of life. In Blue Like Play Dough, she shares her unlikely journey from rebellious, pregnant teen to busy wife and mom with big dreams of her own. As her story unfolds, Tricia realizes that God has more in store for her than she has ever imagined possible. Sure, life is messy and beset by doubts. But God keeps showing up in the most unlikely places–in a bowl of carrot soup, the umpteenth reading of Goodnight Moon, a woe-is me teen drama, or play dough in the hands of a child. In Tricia’s transparent account, you’ll find understanding, laughter, and strength for your own story. And in the daily push and pull, you’ll learn to recognizes the loving hands of God at work in your life… and know He has something beautiful in mind.

Author Bio:
Tricia Goyer is the author of numerous works of fiction and nonfiction, including Generation NeXt Parenting and the Gold Medallion finalist Life Interrupted. Goyer writes for publications such as Today’s Christian Woman and Focus on the Family, speaks to women’s groups nationwide and has been a presenter at the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) national convention. She and her husband, John, live with their family in Montana.

You can purchase this book online: click here.

Want to win a copy of Tricia Goyer's Book: Blue Like Play Dough? This contest is open to those in the United States, non-bloggers, and bloggers. Comment here about how motherhood has shaped you, or what things you endure as a mom. Contest will end on August 11th, 2009. For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or facebook this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!

Hasbro introduces SpongeBob (review and GIVEAWAY)

Growing up, Operation and Connect 4 were on my "favorites" list for games to play. Well, Hasbro just came out with a fun line of the traditional Connect 4, Sorry!, Operation, Memory and Cranium games only they are SpongeBob Square Pants styles. We got the Operation game and the Connect 4 game to review from Hasbro. I thought both games were easy to assemble. The Operation game had little white "parts" that easily snapped out of the plastic sheet. Then, I just added some batteries to get the buzzing sound when I operated on SpongeBob. I thought the new parts were comical (Barnacle brain, Clammy hands). My younger kids, Caleb (age 4) and Madelyn (2) weren't all that impressed with the buzzing, but they did enjoy watching me operate on Bob.
(Approximate Retail Price: $19.99; Recommended Age: 6 & up)

Connect 4: SpongeBob Squarepants edition was very easy to assemble. There were pink checkers and yellow checkers. I had a few sheets of Pink Patrick stickers, and Yellow SpongeBob stickers. My kids enjoyed separating the pink and yellow checkers. This Connect 4 game is just like the original, however you get a new twist...your opponent can put SpongeBob in his place. The opponent has the opportunity to block holes or columns by placing the SpongeBob face on the board. It was fun playing Connect Four with a new twist.
(Approximate Retail Price: $12.99; Recommended Age: 6 & up; Players: 2 or more)

YOU HAVE THE CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF THESE GAMES FROM HASBRO!
This contest is open to those in the United States, non-bloggers, and bloggers. Go to the Hasbro website, and take a look around. Find out what sparks your interest and comment here about to enter for this contest. There will be two winners! One will win the Connect 4 and one will win the Operation game. Please specify which one you would like to win!
Contest will end on August 11th, 2009.
For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or facebook this contest, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!

Kellogg's Cinnabon snack bars

I love Cinnamon rolls, even though they aren't that good for watching my calorie intake. Mom Central offered the opportunity to review the new Kellogg's Cinnabon bars and I was right on board. I was so thankful that I was able to try these delicioussnacks~ and so were my kids! We got a whole box (6 bars) in the mail. We couldn't wait to try them out. We took one out of the wrapper, put it on a plate, and heated in the microwave for about 10 seconds. (we have an older microwave so it takes a little longer). The smell was wonderful! The taste was delicious and was very similar to cinnabon rolls. The cookie outside was filled with brown sugar and cinnamon, and it was glazed with a cream cheese frosting. MMMmmmm~ good, and only 150 calories per bar.
I like that these bars taste good heated up, and just right out of the package. I preferred to heat them up, though. I love the warm taste of the Cinnabon! I am sure that we will have to get Kellogg's™ Cinnabon™ Snack Bars in a upcoming trip to the grocery store. Thank you, Mom Central for sending our family a box to try. We give this yummy new snack a double thumbs up!