Life is a Sandcastle: May 2011

Tuesday, May 31, 2011

Wordless Wednesday 6/1/11 w/linky

Anticipation 9:00AM

5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go, Mom Start, Jolly Mom, Two of A kind, Working on a full House and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

Monday, May 30, 2011

Twitter Hop Tuesday 5/31/11

Make new friends & gain followers with Twitter Hop Tuesday. Please follow host @lifesandcastle @Nightowlmama & Newest Host @HaveSippy we will follow back. If you don't mind please retweet/share so we can all gain more friends and participates:) Follow & follow back if someone follows you. Lets help each other #twitterhop
*I use Just Unfollow for non followers.

Linkup your Twitter URL, not your blog page URL.

Winner!

Thanks everyone for entering. Congrats!! to the winner of Pressman Toys (Dinosaur Train All Aboard Game). I will be contacting you shortly.

Mixbook Review & 20% off coupon

One of my favorite things to do is take photos of my children, big surprise right? I love making memory books but, I don't have the time to cut glue and paste a scrapbook anymore with 2 little boys running, climbing, and hands in my scrapping kits. That is exactly why Mixbook is such a blessing. I can create a family memories book via digital scrapbook in less than 2hrs. Most of the time it took me to fix my Mixbook Memory book was deciding which photos to use.

I sorted a file of the photos I wanted to include and set them up loading to Mixbook while I cleaned the kitchen. I displayed the pictures on the page, the way I liked. I used a pre-designed background theme. That really made it so simple and there was many styles to choose from. Next I added text and embellishments to the pages I wanted. I even changed the background to certain pages to additional colors I preferred. I started out make a 20-page, 8 x 6 landscape, softcover photo book but, I had so much fun creating pages before I know it I went over and made a 25 page book. Additional pages are only 50 cents to add the original photo book.

The possibilities are endless with Mixbook’s powerful and easy editor. So many photo projects can be brought to life with Mixbook. Family and friends anywhere can share photos and work on the same photo project.

20% off discount code: TOMOSON20
No expiration date, but it can only be used once per customer.

Follow Mixbook on facebook & on twitter:
http://www.facebook.com/mixbook
http://twitter.com/mixbook

Disclosure: I received a Mixbook Photo Book to review through Tomoson in return for my honest opinion.

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com created by WebBizIdeas.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Sunday, May 29, 2011

Lifetime 6ft Folding Picnic Table Review & Giveaway

Lifetime is a trusted brand that has a long history of strong durable products to fit the lifestyle of their consumers. Lifetime began in 1986 as a basketball company. In the 25 Year history the company perfected & transcend pass basketball hoops and introduced the world to the first polyethylene folding table. Lifetime has continued to keep consumers lifestyles in mind with playground equipment, sheds, kayaks and more, with products sold in 58 countries.

I knew of some of Lifetime Products, but little did I know of the wide array of products they actually make. I was on my way in to my local grocery store and I saw they had a new picnic table. I walked up to take a better look, because I really liked what I saw and wanted to see if it was for sale. It was for store use.

The 6 foot Lifetime Picnic Table top is made of high-density polyethylene, steel frame, stain resistant, 2-year limited warranty. It can easily seat 8 people and folds flat for storage. The Center can hold an umbrella, for family fun in the shade. This Lifetime Picnic table is a must have for family barbecues, Memorial Day cookouts, and the 4th of July. So many special events I plan to share with my family using the the Lifetime picnic table including a birthday party in June.

The Lifetime Picnic Table was easy to assemble, no special tools just a Phillips screwdriver. My husband did most of the work himself. Twice he asked me to hold the brace and J channels so he could align them. It took about 30 mins to assemble, the instructions manual was easy to follow, and the setup was easy. In order to hang for storage, requires two adults, (it's heavy) & for safety.

Congratulations to Lifetime on their 25 Year Celebration and a special thanks to Lifetime for sponsoring "Hotter Than Summer Event." Pretty cool because one of my readers will have the chance to win the same Lifetime 6ft Folding Picnic Table I've reviewed!! Plus check out the Lifetime Blog for news and more opportunities to win. www.lifetime365.com

RULES:
Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern June 19, 2011.
Open United States winner has 2 days to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it

MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry *Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect & visit Lifetime and let me know another product you like, you must leave link so I can view.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********
*Blog about the giveaway linking Lifetime & Life Is A SandCastle (5entries)
* Follow both on twitter & tweet " #giveaway Lifetime 6' Folding Picnic Table @Lifetime365 @lifesandcastle http://t.co/J1GsH0m #win "Hotter Than Summer" 6/19" (1 daily)
*Become a Lifetime Products facebook fan. http://www.facebook.com/#!/lifetimeproducts (1 entry)
*Become a Lifetime Store (Located in Utah) facebook fan. http://www.facebook.com/#!/lifetimestore (1 entry)
*Become my face book fan. (1 entry)
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (1 entry)
*Enter one giveaway at The Night Owl Mama (1 entry)
*Grab the "Hotter Than Summer" Button @ top left side of my blog (2 entries) But if you already had it and commented on extra entry link before May 1, you get (5 entries).
*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)

Disclosure: Lifetime provided me with a complimentary product for trial and provided a giveaway. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Saturday, May 28, 2011

Winner!!

Thanks everyone for entering. Congrats!! to the winner of EatSmart Scales. I will be contacting you shortly. First person drawn was not a follower and did not follow rules, sorry you missed out. The Next person followed the rules.

Cutting Board USA Review

Every kitchen should have a good cutting board, but even better is a novelty cutting board or two. Cutting Board USA has novelty cutting boards made in Vermont, USA. The cutest boards I have ever seen. Fully functional cutting board can be used for cutting, serving, and decorative wall piece. Many shapes and characters to choose from: Apple, Pig, Cow, Moose, Puzzle and many more.

We had the opportunity to review the 100% reversible Apple Cutting Board. It measures (9 ¼ inches wide) (10 ½ inches tall) (¾ inch thick) turning out to be a sizable working area. I love the designer shape. Importantly, I can to protect my family from cross contamination with veggies and meats. Cutting Board USA has taught me about their FSC eco-friendly boards and how to be eco-conscious chef.

Facts:
According to the United Nations’ Food and Agriculture Organization, more than half of the world’s forests have, as of now, been modified, degraded, destroyed or altered into other land purposes. Many of the enduring forests are being unlawfully exploited and succumb to poor forestry management.

When you purchase wood products such as a wood cutting board that is FSC certified, you can be confident that you are purchasing a cutting board that is manufactured using wood that originated from a forest where FSC defined forestry management principles and criteria have been respected. These regulations envelop everything from legal issues and indigenous rights, to labour rights and environmental impacts of forest management.

Follow on Twitter @ http://twitter.com/cutting_board

Disclosure: Company or PR provided me with a complimentary product for trial. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Thursday, May 26, 2011

Winners!

Thanks everyone for entering. Congrats!! to the winner of Sweet Tweets Mom Note Cards. I will be contacting you shortly.

Wednesday, May 25, 2011

Giveaway Linky Thursday 5/26/11

Thanks for stopping by Giveaway Linky Thursday. Check Out:

Stop by The Night Owl Mama to Thursday Giveaway Linkup.

Tuesday, May 24, 2011

Wordless Wednesday 5/25/11

5Minutes For Mom & Go Graham Go, Mom Start, Jolly Mom, Two of A kind, Working on a full House and many more wonderful sites, sign up, and share your Wordless Wednesday.

NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream

NeoStrata is celebrating that NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream won an ELLE Magazine 2011 Genius Award.

15% Gluconolactone high-strength formulation
Reduces the visible signs of aging
Vitamin E provides long-lasting moisturization
Ideal adjunctive therapy for topical retinoids

This high-strength emollient cream is designed to reduce the visible signs of aging and repair the barrier function of the skin, providing long-lasting moisturization. Gluconolactone inhibits the enzyme that can break down elastin, so it helps preserve skin’s elasticity and suppleness. This cream exfoliates and restores youthful skin texture without irritating even the most sensitive skin. Ideal adjunctive therapy for topicals such as retinoids or for pre and post-procedure use. Perfect for patients who are unable to tolerate Glycolic Acid but desire the benefits of high-strength AHAs. Fragrance-Free. Non-Comedogenic/Acnegenic. Formulated with 15% Gluconolactone and Vitamin E.

Size: 1.4 oz. tube

pH 3.2

"Treat sun damage with AHA-rich NeoStrata 15 Bio-Hydrating Cream..." says Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, MD, PHD for Elle Magazine's 2011 Genius Awards

NeoStrata Company, Inc. is located in Princeton, NJ and develops and markets a comprehensive range of clinically-proven skin care brands including NeoStrata, Exuviance, CoverBlend, NeoCeuticals and NeoStrata Therapeutics. Our advanced therapeutic and cosmetic dermatological products feature unsurpassed Polyhydroxy Acid technology to meet the needs of every skin type and are available worldwide throughout consumer outlets, physician’s offices and spas.

I actually had the opportunity to try NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream and love the fact that it does not have a strong smell. My family are very sensitive to cream, lotion, perfumes, etc. It feels creamy, not sticky and smooths out generously with a small amount. My skin feels smoother when I run my fingers across my face. NeoStrata Bio-Hydrating Cream is refreshing after a day on the beach and I look forward to pampering, repairing, and protecting my skin.

Disclosure: Company or PR provided me with a complimentary product for trial. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Celebrate Get Caught Reading Month- FREE POSTERS

Celebrate Get Caught Reading Month with DINOSAURTRAIN’s “Buddy” and SID THE SCIENCE KID’s “Sid.” They are participating for the first time this year in May’s Get Caught Reading Month, organized by the Association of American Publishers as part of its annual nationwide campaign devised to remind people of all ages how much fun it is to read.

According to the Association of American Publishers, research indicates that early language experience actually stimulates a child's brain to grow and that reading to children gives them a huge advantage when they start school. To that end, the members of the association hope to encourage people of all ages to enjoy books and magazines and to share that pleasure with the young children in their lives. The “Buddy”and “Sid” posters will be available at http://www.getcaughtreading.org

All posters are free, with a $5.00 per set charge for shipping & handling, whether you order one poster or 12. A set is defined as any number of posters that you order between one and 12. The order form can be found at http://www.getcaughtreading.org/orderforms/GetCaughtReading-PosterOrderForm.pdf

Get Caught Reading Month has been supported in the past by such well-known figures as former First Lady Laura Bush, Drew Carey,Whoopi Goldberg, Derek Jeter, Vernon Jordan, Jake Lloyd, Rosie O'Donnell, Dolly Parton, Jane Seymour, Sammy Sosa, Erik Weihenmayer, and Robin Williams, all of whom have been "caught reading" their favorite books and magazines for print ads and posters seen by millions of people across the country. In addition, more than 200 Members of Congress have been photographed "caughtreading" on Capitol Hill. All of these images are available at http://www.getcaughtreading.org/

As part of the Get Caught Reading in May, my children got to review the following books:

The Buddy & Friends board book
A Surprise for Mom!
Tiny Learns to Fish

My children have always been big fans of the PBS series Dinosaur Train and love watching the show and reading books of it too. When reading the books with my boys we are building their confidence, vocabulary, and spending family time together.

The Dinosaur Train books promote family, sharing, interaction, team work and learning. In the book Tiny Learns to Fish, Buddy and Tiny learns to work together to accomplish a common goal and learns team work. A Surprise for mom the family seek gifts to share with mom for her special day. The Buddy & Friends Board Book was one of my sons favorite because it had many different dinosaurs in it. I liked the pronunciations on the page to help pronounce the names of the different dinos.

Dinosaur Train on PBS: http://pbskids.org/dinosaurtrain/
The Jim Henson Company: www.henson.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/hensoncompany
Twitter: http://twitter.com/hensonparents
Geocache: www.geocaching.com/dinosaurtrain

Disclosure: Company or PR provided me with a complimentary product for trial. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Monday, May 23, 2011

Twitter Hop Tuesday 5/24/11

Make new friends & gain followers with Twitter Hop Tuesday. Please follow host @lifesandcastle & @Nightowlmama we will follow back. If you don't mind please retweet/share so we can all gain more friends and participates:) Follow & follow back if someone follows you. Lets help each other #twitterhop
*I use Just Unfollow for non followers.

Linkup your Twitter URL, not your blog page URL.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Weekend McDonald's & Family Reunion

It been a busy weekend, took the kids to a McDonald promotion and a family reunion. We tried the McDonald's McCafé Frozen Strawberry Lemonade, the weather was HOT, and it was good. They had games outside for the children to play, face painting, and the kids could win a toy or a happy meal. What surprised my son most of all was meeting Ronald McDonald.

My son wanted in that chair and the lady in charge told him to go ahead. Ronald McDonald found him in his chair and the lady said he looks famous. We waited for our photo to be printed, watched some magic tricks, and went back out to the games.

All of a sudden a old man driving a red car drove right over the cone and came though where the games were being held. I saw it an yelled watch out, by then I saw the look on the old man face as he rushed through, he looked scared. When he reached the other end, he realized it was blocked and turned and came back through. Parents was guarding their children, the car was going slower and left the area. The old lady on the other side looked scared too and from the right front bumper of their car, they hit something with it besides a cone.

Saturday we attended a family reunion and I thought well if the world ends today at least I spent the day with family. So, I ended up eating way too much deserts. Who worries about weight if the world is ending right? Today I guess I will get some exercise in:)

Disclosure: Just sharing my weekend.

Win a Lifetime Ace Flyer Teeter-Totter!

You can win the ultimate backyard toy a Lifetime Ace Flyer Teeter-Totter! This looks like one of the greatest pieces of playground equipment I have ever seen and I would expect no less than great from Lifetime. Head on over to Lifetime 365, look at the video, and enter to WIN AN ACE FLYER TEETER-TOTTER!

Disclosure: Just sharing this great giveaway:)

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Beach Table Giveaway

One of my favorite activities include going to the beach with my family. I came across an ideal little beach must have product called the Beach Table. Immediately, I loved that the velcro straps secure the beach umbrella, sand spike and other beach items to the back of the table for one-hand carrying and convenient storage.

In the photos above, see how you can attach your umbrella. Isn't that the cutest design someone added to their Beach Table. The Beach Table can be used with any beach umbrella or without one. Sand spike included

Beach Tables are patented, and are hand-made in Smithfield, Virginia. Beach Tables make a very attractive beach gift that compliments any beach accessories collection. Guaranteed with instructions, Beach Tables are a highly functional, well built piece of beach gear which have proven over the years to be a solid beach accessories component.

These handy tables are Hotter Than Summer and popular beach furniture. One reader will win the The "MYRTLE BEACH" For 1 to 3 people, small shell w/2 net bottom cup holes. Approx. 4 lbs,19X19" Thanks to The Beach Table owners for sponsoring this giveaway.

RULES:
Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern June 16, 2011.
Open 48 contiguous United States winner has 2 days to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it

MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry *Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect & Visit Beach Table and tell me your favorite with a link to the product.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********
*Blog about the giveaway linking Beach Table & Life Is A SandCastle (5entries)
* Follow on twitter & tweet "#giveaway "MYRTLE BEACH" Beach Table @lifesandcastle http://t.co/K3wBWnU #win #contest 6/16" (2 daily)
*How would you use Beach Table?
*Become my face book fan. (2 entries)
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (3 entries)
*Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Comment on one non giveaway post on my site(2 entries)
*Grab the "Hotter Than Summer" Button @ top left side of my blog (2 entries) But if you already had it and commented on extra entry link before May 1, you get (5 entries).
*Add my regular button (2 entries)
*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)

Disclosure: Beach Table provided a giveaway. I did not review this product, just sharing opportunity with my readers. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.

Winner!!

Thanks everyone for entering. Congrats!! to the winner of Dinosaur Train Collectible Train Car & plastic Buddy character. I will be contacting you shortly.

Thursday, May 19, 2011

Winner!!

Thanks everyone for entering. Congrats!! to the winner of Frecklebox $40 giveaway. I will be contacting you shortly.

Giveaway Linky Thursday 5/19/11

Thanks for stopping by Giveaway Linky Thursday. Check Out:

Stop by The Night Owl Mama to Thursday Giveaway Linkup.

Wednesday, May 18, 2011

Olee Kids Review & $50 Giveaway

I had this beautiful picture of my son, it the photo that is hard to capture. I actually got it by accident. My son was climbing through the tunnel at the playground. I was running to each side sticking my head in and saying peek a boo. I snapped some pics and this was one of them. I'd planned to have it printed to 8x10. While at Olee Kids, I saw that they do Snapshot wall graphic and can cut an image out of a picture. I thought well this one would be simple because I loved the background in my photo.

I was not sure if it could be enlarged as big as I'd like so I sent the original image & the way I would like it cropped to Olee Kids. They sent an proof image back and I could get it enlarged to 36" up to 54." The day came it was delivered and my husband open it and his mouth fell open:) We loved it! Olee Kids did a great job and I'm thrilled.

When I went to apply the Snapshot wall graphic I kept getting it crooked. My mom was here helping and I'd ask if it was straight cause I was way up it the air. She said it looks great, I think she was talking about the picture or maybe she need her glasses cause it was one sided on the wall. I got my husband's level and marked the wall, finally got it up. It looks fantastic, everyone can see it when they walk into the living room in all directions. I can look up and see it at my desk:)

So the fact is you can move this wall graphic, because I had to while installing it twice. Olee Kids prices for a wall graphic begin at $39.99, a great value. Very easy to add an exceptionally large picture of your child and not have to worry of the cost of framing, because it applies directly to the wall and can be transferred.

"Olee Kids is a division of Valley Screen Process Co., Inc. Valley Screen is a certified woman-owned, large format screen and digital graphic manufacturer located in Northern Indiana. We specialize in decorative graphics for recreational products, wraps and lettering for vehicles and fleets, and window and wall graphics for home, office and retail spaces. Our newest venture, oleekids.com, features decorative graphic packages for children’s spaces and life-size removable wall decals made out of a digital photograph."

Snapshot Wall Graphic

Canvas Prints
Quotes

Initials
Monograms
Names
Sports Packs
Decor Packs
Erasables
Glow in the Dark

Olee Kids created a remarkable wall graphic for my family and we love. My little one keeps looking up smiling, saying me. Thanks to Olee Kids for being a part of the "Hotter Than Summer Event" and for giving one of my readers $50.00 Gift Card.

RULES:
Contest closes 11:59pm Eastern June 12, 2011.
Open Continental United States winner has 2 days to respond to my email
Leave your email in to post or available in profile, I will not search for it

MUST complete Mandatory Entry. Winner will be chosen by random org. Entries that does not follow the rules will not win.

Mandatory Entry *Follow Life Is A SandCastle via Google Friend Connect & Visit Olee Kids and tell me what you would purchase & the link to the product.

********EXTRA ENTRIES***********
*Blog about the giveaway linking Olee Kids & Life Is A SandCastle (5entries)
* Follow both on twitter & tweet " #giveaway $50 GC Olee Kids @OleeKids @lifesandcastle http://t.co/o7LfdcT #win #contest 6/12" (2 daily)
*Become a Olee Kids facebook fan. (3 entries)
*Become my face book fan. (2 entries)
*Subscribe to my blog by email. (2 entries)
*Enter The Night Owl Mama or giveaways on my site- one entry for each you enter.
*Comment on one non giveaway post on my site(2 entries)
*Grab the "Hotter Than Summer" Button @ top left side of my blog (2 entries) But if you already had it and commented on extra entry link before May 1, you get (5 entries).
*Add my regular button (2 entries)
*Add this giveaway to a contest linky & leave link (3 entries each link, up to 3contest listings)

Disclosure: Olee Kids provided me with a complimentary product for trial and provided a giveaway. No other compensation was received and all opinions are my own.