Fisher Price BIGFOOT is HERE (Review & Giveaway)

Bigfoot, the newest, BIGGEST remote controlled character, new from Fisher Price and Imaginext. He is silly, and he is entertaining. My kids were very excited when he arrived in a big box. Here is a video of them when they took him out...

Bigfoot can do many different things. With the foot-shaped, kid-friendly remote, kids can make Bigfoot move forward and back.

My kids love that they have the control over Bigfoot by using the remote. I really like that this toy comes with such an easy-to-use remote. Bigfoot can roll forward and roll backward, can display emotions (angry, happy, sleepy), does his exercise, throws a ball, and talks. If you push on Bigfoot's chest, he will giggle, too.

My daughter loves to hold Bigfoot's hand. This is the hand that you place to ball into to have Bigfoot throw a ball.
Here is a video clip I took of the kids with Bigfoot in action. He is pretty entertaining!


My littlest guy loves to work the remote, too, however Bigfoot gets a little confused with the pressing of so many buttons (my son just likes to push the buttons over and over). So, the Bigfoot toy is recommended for ages 3 and up, because those ages can understand the purpose of the pictured-buttons to work the remote.
Bigfoot says, "Beep, Beep, Beep," when he is backing up, and he says, "Look Out," when he is about to roll. When Bigfoot is going to go to sleep, he usually takes a little bit...with laying down, and putting his feet up. He makes sounds of sleeping, too. He even has dreams (good and bad) depending on what the kids push on the remote, he even says, "Bigfoot scared!" It is pretty funny! I love when Bigfoot starts singing and dancing, too. The kids like to Jam out with him.
My daughter loves to rub Bigfoot on his head. He has a bunch of hair.
Bigfoot's eyes move, his eye brows move up and down, his mouth moves, his arms go up and down~ plus shake, and he wiggles his nose with certain phrases and emotions. Bigfoot likes to eat on his leaf (which is included), and he likes to say, "Yummy!" He also says, "Excuse me," when a sound comes from behind him, and "Ouch," when he runs into things.
My kids are having a great time playing with Bigfoot. They like to make him do all his tricks, say his funny phrases, throw the ball, and munch on his leaf (ball and leaf included). Bigfoot is a fun toy for kids! I think it is great that the remote has been great for my kids to learn how to make him function, and promotes good eye-hand coordination. My kids have been creative with Bigfoot with making him do some things at the same time.
My kids love Fisher Price toys, and I feel confident to stand behind the Fisher Price brand! We love Fisher Price!

Bigfoot can be purchased in stores like Walmart, Target and Kmart, and also found online on sites such as the Fisher Price Shop and Amazon. SRP $ 100.00.
***ENTER TO WIN***
You can enter to win a Bigfoot!
To enter: Go to the Fisher-Price and/or Imaginext website and find another interesting product, or information about the companies and comment on this post about it.
Contest ends October 15th, 2010.
**For more extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about something you found out on the Fisher Price website! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

I was sent a Bigfoot from Fisher-Price to review. I was not compensated in anyway for my review. The opinions and statements in this review are of my own. I am sponsored to host a giveaway for a Bigfoot on my site, and the winner will receive a Bigfoot direct from the company. I was given the products for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers.

Umi Shoes (Fall collection) ~ Review of Super Shoes!

I love the new fall collection of Umi Shoes! I love Umi's shoes, because they are very stylish, made with amazing quality and they are comfortable on my kid's feet~ plus, they last their (my kid's) exuberant activity!
Madelyn got a pair of the June Bug Umi Shoes, and they are so adorable! I love that the June Bug's can be worn with most of Madelyn's outfits, and they will keep her feet warm this winter~ since they are leather shoes.

The June Bug shoes are very easy to put on, and Madelyn loves putting on her own shoes. These shoes are easy to slip on, and they have one big velcro strap that goes over the top of the foot. No laces. Easy, and simple. I love that the velcro does not wear out on the Umi shoes, either...which is very helpful!

The soles are very flexible, and move well with the feet inside them. I like that the soles are a little thicker, for longer wear. Umi uses only non-toxic drum-dyed leathers and other environmentally friendly components, which make them earth friendly, as well.

Madelyn loves her Umi Shoes, and she is happy to tell others about her shoes. The June Bug Umi are for sizes : 20-26 EUR size. Please see the Umi site for the right shoe size for US sizes.

Cole loves putting on his shoes and going on adventures. He is under 2 years old, but he is pretty good about putting on his own shoes when it is time to go. He has a new pair of the Borneo shoes (in chocolate color). These are great shoes!
Cole likes to shoe off his new shoes, and he likes to run around in them, too. Usually we are chasing behind him. The Borneo Umi shoes are made with superior quality and comfort. My son has bigger and wider feet, and the Borneo fit him great.
The Borneo Umi shoes are for sizes 20-26, as well. Umi shoes offers sizes for little girls (ages 1-3; sizes 20-26); and bigger girls (ages 3-8; sizes 24-36). Umi has boy shoes for little boys (ages 1-3; sizes 20-26); and bigger boys (ages 3-8; sizes 24-36). I like that Umi has shoes for so many sizes, and their shoes are all hand crafted with a high quality leather.
Umi shoes are sold many places all over: Please see website for the store locator's. You can also purchase them online, and orders over $50 will have free shipping!

Thank you Umi for providing such great shoes for my kids. Their feet are happier and better off with your shoes on their feet.

I was sent a pair of Umi June Bugs, and a pair of Borneo shoes to review. I was not compensated in anyway for my review. The opinions and statements in this review are of my own. I was given the products for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers.

"Rumpled to Runway" Fashion Show GIVEAWAY!!

Life can get so crazy sometimes with caring for our children and our families. Making meals, cleaning, doing laundry...getting kids ready in the morning and on the bus (on time)~ all a busy day for us moms. Thinking of our own clothing and wardrobe is usually one of the last things we think of taking care of. Our clothing is many times wrinkled and dirty from our daily lifestyles.

Luckily, our favorite Mom/Brand team is getting together to show women everywhere how to go from rumpled to runway.

Electrolux and brand ambassador Kelly Ripa are partnering with some fashion-savvy bloggers to host a special fashion show to help raise awareness and funds to support ovarian cancer research.

Since September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month, this fashion-focused event couldn't have come at a better time! This fun and innovative fashion show will demonstrate how Perfect Steam™, and a little fashion ingenuity, can take any garments from "Rumpled to Runway".

You can follow along at Facebook/KellyConfidential and on http://twitter.com/kcbyelectrolux.

Find out how you can help support the cause at Kelly Confidential and enter for a chance to win a daily shopping spree and the grand prize: a Perfect Steam™ washer and dryer from Electrolux.

Go and enter, and help raise money for Ovarian Cancer Awareness!

This information was provided to me from MomSelect and Electrolux. I was not paid for my time or written review.

Olivia's 2-in-1 playset and plush from Spin Master!

Madelyn loves doll houses, and is at the age when make believe toys are some of her favorite activities. I was excited to review the new Olivia 2-in-1 transforming play set from Spin Master. This is a very unique play house, and I thought it was a very creative toy. It is one that my son likes to play with, too, and doesn't consider it to be too "girlie."
Olivia's transforming 2-in-1 play set is just what the name implies, you get two adventures in one play set. With just the slide of a latch, you can open up Olivia's home.
Included in Olivia's home is a table, two chairs, two plates, ...
a bed, a desk, a couch, a mini table, lamp and more. Also, there is a sheet full of stickers that kids can accessories and add to the pieces or walls of their home to make it customized to their liking.
Madelyn has so much fun with her Olivia set. Unfortunately, she has had so much fun with it, I can't show you the adorable Olivia figurine that is included in this play set. Olivia has a dress that she wears, and it is removable. Olivia is about 2-3 inches tall, and her arms and legs are able to pose. She also has a stand that is included in this set for standing her upright in her home.

Then, if you shut Olivia's home, and turn it toward the back side, you click open the other latch. Opening it up, you will see a whole new scene...
A pirate ship is a fun adventure for Olivia to walk around on. Included in the pirate ship is a pirate hat for Olivia to wear and an eye scope to see what is out on the waters.
Raise the "O" flag high into the sky from the mast. Olivia can be up high to search what is coming, and her little parrot friend can sit next to her to keep her company.
If Olivia heads for shore, she can take a swim in the waters, or sun herself on the shore under the tree. The Pirate side is what my son likes to play with. He loves pirate-y things. :) The 2-in-1 Transforming Play set includes an Olivia figure and base, 23 accessories and one sticker sheet. The play set is available from Toys "R" Us, Target and Kmart.
I also got an Olivia Plush doll to review. This plush is adorable, and she is all dressed up like a cow. She can perform on her stage and be a new animal in her cow outfit. There are other Olivia plush dolls, and they are all dressed differently: Artist, Opera Singer, Cow and Outfits. I think the cow Olivia is really cute, and she even has bows in her hair.

The Plush Olivia is 8 inches tall and she is available at Toys "R"Us, Target and Kmart.

My daughter loves the 2-in-1 transforming play set and the plush Olivia doll. I hope that Olivia will show up somewhere in our house. I saw that there are other figures I can purchase to go with the play set, as well.

This review was provided from Team Mom and Spin Master. They have provided me with an Olivia 2-in-1 Play set and Olivia Plush doll to review and information to share with my readers. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Seventh Generation: Back to school review & giveaway!!

I love Seventh Generation products, and I think they do a superb job on cleaning... With kids back in school, it is a great time to promote the Seventh Generation products, once again. I am not a big fan of my son going to the school and picking up all those germs, then bringing them home to the younger kids on his hands, face, clothing, etc. I am a big fan of him washing his hands thoroughly when he gets home, to help minimize the germs that came home with him.
Taking an extra precaution, I am happy to be using the Seventh Generation products to keep my house clean, and for easy disinfecting of surfaces. I love that the Seventh Generation products are non-toxic, and no harsh fumes!
First of all, I love the Multi-Surface cleaner. I think this is a great kitchen cleaner, and is easy to use! I think it is great that Seventh Generation's products are Hypo-allergenic, too. My family has different allergies and sensitivities, and with using the Seventh Generation, I can see the difference in how our bodies don't negatively react to the cleaners. With the Seventh Generation Disinfecting wipes, I can easily wipe down the kid's toys, play surfaces, and ride-on toys. I think it is great that Seventh Generation made wipes for easy cleaning. I have also used the disinfecting wipes on door handles, faucets, and bathroom areas. The disinfecting wipes from Seventh Generation have a nice scent, and they are great controlling odors. I am amazed that the Disinfecting wipes will kill the Influenza A Virus, also killing 99% of household germs! It is so comforting to know that while I am wiping with the disinfecting wipe, I am getting rid of germs and the Influenza A virus!
With kids coming into the "cold season," I recommend the Seventh Generation tissues for their nose. Facial tissues, often times, will actually cause my allergies to flare up because of the dust and other things on them. I noticed that the Seventh Generation does not have that "dust" on their tissues, in fact, their tissues are Hypo-allergenic. The tissues are also whitened without chemicals containing chlorine, there are no added dyes or fragrances, which is a huge plus, especially if you are more into the natural ways. I give the tissues two thumbs up!
Seventh Generation has several products for cleaning, baby, laundry, household cleaners/paper and supplies, feminine care, dish washing and more. I have used several of the cleaning products, and I am planning on using the Seventh Generation products throughout my house. I think my next purchase will be the laundry products. :)
I believe in their products, they are safe to use, biodegradable, earth-friendly, no harsh chemicals and more.
Want to learn more? Check out the Seventh Generation blog HERE.

This is from their website:
About Seventh Generation
Seventh Generation is committed to becoming the world's most trusted brand of authentic, safe, and environmentally-responsible products for a healthy home. For 20 years, the closely held Burlington, Vermont-based company has been at the forefront of a cultural change in consumer behavior and business ethics.
The company derives its name from the Great Law of the Iroquois that states, "In our every deliberation, we must consider the impact of our decisions on the next seven generations." Every time you use a Seventh Generation product you are making a difference by saving natural resources, reducing pollution, keeping toxic chemicals out of the environment and making the world a safer place for this and the next seven generations.
Seventh Generation provides information in several formats: on packaging, on this Web site, in 7Gen News (look in the upper right corner on any Seventh Generation web page to sign up) and in booklets and presentations by Chief Inspired Protagonist Jeffrey Hollender, company co-founder and Executive Chairperson as well as other members of our community.
A complete line of non-toxic household products
Seventh Generation brand-name products include: non-chlorine bleached, 100% recycled paper towels, bathroom and facial tissues, and napkins; non-toxic, phosphate-free cleaning, dish and laundry products; plastic trash bags made from recycled plastic; chlorine-free baby diapers, training pants, and baby wipes; and chlorine-free feminine care products, including organic cotton tampons.
Our donations program
We dedicate 10% of our profits to non-profit community, environmental, health, and responsible business organizations working for positive change.

**ENTER TO WIN**
You can enter to win the Back to School GIVEAWAY which includes a Seventh Generation “Back-to-School” kit that includes a Seventh Generation backpack, two canisters of Seventh Generation disinfecting wipes (one for home and one to donate to your child’s classroom), disinfecting multi-surface spray cleaner, facial tissue and paper towels.
To enter: Comment on this post about something you are taking steps to help keep kids healthier this school year. (required for initial entry). Contest ends Sepember 25th, 2010.
**For more extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about something you found out on the Seventh Generation's website! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

The Seventh Generation product, gift pack, and additional gift pack to give away were all given to you from Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark.

New activities~ Caleb and Maddy

I know I haven't been very good about posting personal posts in quite some time (SORRY). I have been very busy with life in general. I am going to be working hard to get up more posts about our family, events, outings, and fun things my kids say and do. I can't make this a long post, because it is late...but I wanted to post about two new and fun things we started. Caleb started swim lessons this week, and he had a great time! He wants swim lessons everyday, but that is just not possible. I was concerned with how they were going to do lessons with the kids when they are so young, and not knowing how to swim. The instructor and the helpers did a great job, and the kids all did very well, too. There are 8 kids in this class.

He loves his teacher and her assistants. He learned how to enter the water (safely), how to front float, and back float, put their face into the water and how to jump into the water.
Caleb told his helper, the guy in the picture, that his brother was baptized at that pool. I think he surprised the guy. He seemed surprised, anyway. I love how kids are so open with what they share, especially when it is about God. Faith like a child...
Caleb looks so little in the water. I can't believe that he is growing up so quickly.
I want all of my kids to take swim lessons, because I believe everyone should know how to swim, especially if you live in a state with over 10,000 lakes! :) Nathaniel and Madelyn will be taking lessons in November. I wish I would have started Nathaniel in his lessons when he was younger, but I do think it is important either way. I think I will wait a year or two with Cole.


Caleb played a game where they stood on the deck of the pool like a tree. When asked what kind of tree they are, they told their teacher. Then, the teacher would say, "chop, chop timber." The swimmer would then hop into the water into the instructor's hands. It was fun, and Caleb had a great time. He told them he was an Apple Tree. It was a great time, and I had so much fun watching him, and seeing him interact with others. He is so social. :) He is looking forward to his next lesson, too.


Madelyn started her ballet lessons this week, too. She was very excited about being in ballet, and thanks to my sister...most of her attire was covered. I did buy her some leather ballet shoes, but they have not arrived yet.
I think Madelyn will do very good with Ballet, because she is very petite, extremely flexible and girl-y! She loves dressing up, wearing pretty things, and being a ballerina. I think she is adorable in her outfit, too.

Maddy is taking private lessons from a girl who lives about 20 minutes away. I think she is going to have a great time, and I know the teacher is great with kids! I love that her teacher prays with her before class, teaches her some sign language with her dancing, and teaches to dance from the heart. All glory is to God through this dance studio, and I like how they incorporate that in their business.

Well, more to come later...

E-Z Bat:Pitch it & Hit it or Swing it & Fling it~(Review & Giveaway)!!

My little guy, Caleb, is very active and he loves sports. He would like to be in baseball, football, soccer...you name it. With him being 5 years old, it is fun to introduce different sports to him, so he can see what they are like, and he can decide what he likes. I got a great product to review, that will help Caleb work with his abilities with a bat...called the E-Z Bat.
The E-Z bat is designed for kids to learn the basics of using a bat with baseball. With the E-Z Bat, kids can either Swing it & Fling it....(see video)

Or, you can Pitch it & they can Hit it. Caleb is great with throwing a ball, however, hitting a ball (from a pitch) is a challenge for him yet. With the E-Z Bat, Caleb can work on his swing by placing the foam ball on the foam bat.

The foam balls (2 included) fit nicely over the bat. Kids can place the ball on the bat by themselves.
There is a foam, red ball stopper. This is on the bat for proper placement of the ball. The red stopper is adjustable, and kids can try different locations on the bat to launch the E-Z ball at the apex of their swing.
Caleb was thrilled that he could swing the bat and send the ball flying on his own.
As we work on his swing, and he gets to feeling comfortable with the bat in his hand, we will work on hitting the E-Z ball with a pitch. I really like that this bat and ball set is foam, just because I feel it is a safer alternative to wood or metals from other sets.
The E-Z Bat is geared toward ages 3 and up, and our family recommends it. My kids have had fun with it, and it is even an "outside toy" that I don't mind played with inside (with certain rules).

This dad-owned, get-up-and-play, youth sports/toy company focuses on getting children active, engaged, and having old-fashioned fun. The toy maker readily admits that they design and choose products with which grownups have as much fun as the kids! How can they not with their whimsical toys like PocketShot, SlingShot, SkyRocket, HoverBlade, Big Daddy EZ Lasso, Stomp Walkers and Bungee Jumper?
“We pride ourselves on being the leading innovator of active play toys,” explains Monkey Business Sports owner Cole Larner. “We offer wholesome play patterns and delivered with simplistic design elegance. We want to remind parents and caregivers of the pure joy of childhood where running, swinging, jumping and throwing are as natural as waking up and discovering a new day.”
Monkey Business Sports’catalog boasts lively indoor, table top and outdoor products. And each one of their products has a unique, Monkey Business twist.

Check out Monkey Business on YouTube, too!

~~**ENTER TO WIN**~~
Monkey Business has offered to sponsor a giveaway! This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Contest is open until September 27th, 2010.
To Enter: visit monkeybusinesssports.com and find your favorite product. For a second entry: visit the Monkey Business Sports Facebook.
Winners will get to choose one of these great products: E-Z Bat, FoamStrike SwitchBlade or the FoamStrike Pocket Shot.
**For extra chances (AFTER YOU DO THE OTHER 2 THINGS FIRST) you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about Monkey Business products. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was provided from Monkey Business. They have provided me with an E-Z Bat to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer a giveaway to my readers through this review. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners (Review and 2 giveaways)

Chicken Soup for the Soul books are so great! I love the inspiration from authors throughout the books that share their experiences, and inspirations. The Book, Runners, from Chicken Soup for the Soul, is stories about energy, endurance, and endorphins. Even if you aren't a runner, which I am not, these stories are very encouraging and motivating! Everyone needs energy, endurance and endorphins, whether in running or other life endeavors.

Runners has a wide collection of authors, including U.S. National Team marathoner Josh Cox, Ultramarathon champion Roy Pirrung, and Triathlete Magazine's Matt Fitzgerald. The stories in here are not only from big name Olympians, but also casual joggers, runner and amazing athletes who run, even when bad things happen. I was amazed at the stories of people who have struggled with trials, such as Amputee Lindsay Nielsen, who ran the New York marathon two months after 9/11. Having an amputation, then rising above that to train and run in a marathon is so inspiring! Another story that is amazing to me, is a man who was declared brain dead after falling, but rose above and ran the Boston Marathon two years later. His name is Scott Maloney. That is amazing! Story after story the inspiration is so great in the pages of the Runners book from Chicken Soup for the Soul.

I recommend the Chicken Soup for the Soul books, and I think this makes a great gift for anyone...Check out Chicken Soup for the Soul: Runners, in your local book store or online stores like Amazon.com.

***Enter to WIN IT!***
Chicken Soup for the Soul has offered to sponsor a giveaway! There will be two winners. This contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers of the United States. Contest is open until September 25th, 2010. To enter, leave a comment about a time when you felt like you were in a race, and had to keep going. (or a story relating to running).
**For extra chances you can: blog this contest, add my button to your site, subscribe to my blog, twitter and/or become a fan on facebook, and/or visit everyday and add another friendly comment about memories from high school. Lots of chances to win! Don't forget to put the extra comments for the "extra" work. Good luck!**

This review was provided from Chicken Soup for the Soul. They have provided me with a book to review and information to share with my readers. I am sponsored to offer 2 giveaway books to giveaway to my readers through this review. I was given the product for my personal opinion and option to share with my readers. I was not compensated for my time or written review.

Infantino EcoSash carrier

Baby wearing is such a great way to keep my infant-toddler close by when then want to be near me...and yet, I can have my hands free for other things. I am so thankful that my child rearing days is spent with baby wearing time. I wish I had known of baby wearing when my oldest was a little one. I know baby wearing is not a new thing, it is just a newer trend to me. Being an Infantino Test Drive mom, through a test drive panel with Mom Central, I was sent an Infantino EcoSash Carrier, a Wrap & Tie Carrier. I love it!
This is one of the most comfortable baby carrier, and I loved how easy it was to put on myself! The material is very soft, the padding is nice and thick, and the carrier is fitting for many sizes. I love how this carrier has a detachable hood, to cover your baby's head (to protect their head). I love that I can cover my child's head, but I also love that I can remove this if I don't want to use it. Very nice!

The instructions on how to put the carrier on are sewn on the inside panel, on the shoulder straps and on the waist band. I think this carrier is very user friendly, and the instruction manual has an even more in depth description on how to put the carrier on and wear your baby in different positions.I love the design on the EcoSash Carrier from Infantino. The pattern is gender neutral, and it blends well with many colors.
The EcoSash is easy to put on, and with the helpful instruction in the manual, I can put my kids in several positions. I prefer my kids facing in toward me the best, but it is so nice to have options.
The backpack position is great for the toddler ages, or baby's who can hold their head up without support. What is nice about putting the EcoSash on with this position, you little one sits on a chair or couch while you are getting ready, and then you can easily have your little one in the right position to put the carrier on your back.
Madelyn is my little one who loved the baby wearing the most, and she still loves to be held a lot. I am so thankful that the EcoSash works for her, and that by using it, I have less strain on my back, hips and legs.
My kids love being so close, held, and comforted by being in the EcoSash. I highly recommend this great product from Infantino! I think this infant carrier is great for the new mom- the preschool years. I love that this carrier is great for a few of my kids presently, and will be ready for any others we may have.
My kids give the EcoSash carrier two thumbs up! The EcoSash Carrier will be available at Babies R US. Babies R Us will offer $10-off the EcoSash and Balance carriers from August 11-September 21st.
Great Deal!!

Check out the Infantino blog for more information about their products. Check out Infantino in these other locations: Facebook , YouTube and Twitter.

I am a participant in a Mom Central campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.