Life is like a sandcastle something beautiful here for awhile & then gone, but the impression it makes on others can last forever.

Saturday, March 31, 2012

Deals! Step2 Shady Oasis Sand & Water Play Table & 4.99 shipping

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Sharing some deals from Step2!!

Today through Monday, April 2 we are having a $4.99 and under shipping sale. All Step2 items ship for $4.99 or less at Step2.com (US shipments only). No promo code needed. Shipping sale price is reflected on the product page.

Also through Monday, the Shady Oasis Sand & Water Play Table is on sale for $54.99 with coupon code S2SH312 at checkout ($15 off the original price).
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Now through next Friday, April 6, we are offering a buy more, save more savings event as well. Take $10 off an order of $99 or more with code S2SM1210, $25 off an order of $249 or more with code S2SM1225, or $50 off an order of $499 or more with code S2SM1250. These promo codes expire at 11:59 PM ET on April 6, 2012. Only one code may be used per order. Not valid towards clearance items or combos.



Disclosure:  All opionions are my own. Information provided by sponsor.

Thursday, March 29, 2012

Giveaway Linky Thursday 3/29/12


Thanks for stopping by Giveaway Linky Thursday list your giveaways and enter some Stop by Night Owl Mama to link up your giveaways too.

04/07 DACRON $10 AMC GC
04/19 ToiletTree Bamboo 3 Piece Accessory Kit
04/17 Magic Cabin $50 Giveaway
03/31 Kidtoons Gruffalo Prize Pack
04/03 Step2 My Clubhouse Giveaway
03/30 $10 Walmart Gift Card Spring Fever

Monday, March 26, 2012

International Pillow Fight Day Win $100 Amazon GC or $10 AMC GC

April 7th is International Pillow Fight Day. Everyone who completes the survey is eligible to spin-to-win for a $100 Amazon.com gift card. You can also win a $10 AMC movie gift card (good for tickets, concessions, anything in the theatre). Particpate in this quickie pillow survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/KNTY6SH

WIN: $10 AMC movie gift card, US winner, I will email the winner and winner's name is submitted on the giveaway post.

Disclosure: Sponsor has provide prize and survey.

Sunday, March 25, 2012

ToiletTree Review & Giveaway

 If you've been around my blog for a while you may remember ToiletTree innovated bathroom products, the fog-less shower mirror, and the lighted version is now available! Well now they have a Bamboo 3 in 1 combo set for lotion dispenser, toothbrush holder, and soap dish. ToiletTree has a beautiful line of bamboo bathroom accessories and a new grooming line.
The Bamboo 3 Piece Accessory Kit:
Made from 100% eco-friendly bamboo.
Modern, unique and functional style.
Perfect for any bathroom or kitchen counter top.
Measures 7.5in H x 6in L x 7.25in W.


I love that it can be taken apart so easy to add lotion and the sleek stainless steel look against bamboo. It is simple to clean the toothbrush & soap dish, just pull the metal away.
I know it’s for the bathroom, but here’s a thought just remove the top off the toothpaste slot or leave it on. Add pens and pencils there. In the lotion dispenser add GermX. Add staples, tacks, etc. under the metal on the soap spot. Could also add a magnet under the soap dish and use that space to hold paper clips and they stay in place. Organize your desktop a little.


The Bamboo 3 Piece Accessory Kit is a nice item to freshen up your bathroom for spring and our sponsor ToiletTree has one for a US Winner.

Saturday, March 24, 2012

Magic Cabin $50 Giveaway & Indoor/Outdoor Rocker Seesaw Review

Spring fever is in the air here with temperature around 80 degrees and it’s only the first of March. While looking around Magic Cabin, I found so many great items to get my little ones outside playing. Their children’s wheelbarrow is a great choice with a little garden helper. A must check out is the wooden horse swing. You know Easter is just around the corner and Magic Cabin has a great selection of Easter Treats.


We’d been on the lookout for the perfect seesaw and I would say the Magic Cabin Indoor/Outdoor Rocker was just the style we had in mind. First, I love that my smallest does not have to straddle a seat, another kid jumping off, and his legs getting hurt. I feel more secure with my youngest on the seat with the handle to hold. Second, the weight difference between children is distributed more equally with this design. The design itself helps the older child put more movement in action to work with a smaller child. It's stable and one child can use alone too.
It’s not bad to assemble, it just takes some patience with all the bolts & nuts especially around the seats. Took my husband about 45 minutes to complete, estimated times is 1 to 2 hours. What we noticed is it not tall as we thought it would be, don’t let that fool you. It will hold the children and it’s got plenty of rocking power. We are using it indoors and outdoors, it's easy to move around. The Magic Cabin Indoor/Outdoor Rocker fits the needs of my family and exceeds expectation. My boys love it and I'd say it's a perfect rocking seesaw


The only thing I've had a problem with is my 2 3/4 yr goat of a son gnawing the back vinyl covering off the back of the seat. I simply removed the covering but, you should watch for that if you have a little goat kid like mine.
The lightweight-yet-sturdy seesaw is crafted from weather-resistant metal with vinyl-covered rockers to protect your floors, and can seat three children.
For ages 18 months and up.
Size 60"L x 18"W x 21"H
Maximum weight is 140 lbs total or 70 lbs for each seat.

Thanks to Magic Cabin one of Life Is A SandCastle readers will win a $50.00 Gift Certificate. US winner, winner is emailed, and name announced on this post.


Disclosure: Sponsor provided sample product for my family's honest opinion and provided prize for winner.



Friday, March 23, 2012

Giveaway Linky

I don't know what day it was and missed Thursday, well here's a giveaway linky to share all those great giveaways.

We have an answer

The news is back and it's whatcha don't want to hear. My mom has lung cancer and it's the best kind to have if you have cancer. I'm so close to my mom and wish I could do more for her, I would take this for her. We have more tests now to see if it has spread and what the plan of action is. Plans right now is surgery and radiation/chemo, just waiting on directions from the doctor and more tests. We miss home, hoping to get treatment closer to home.

I picked up my laptop and thank you so much for the kind words and thoughts, it made mom feel better. We read them together and she is amazed that so many people cared, people she doesn't know. I see a lot of familiar bloggers I know and some new names.

Tuesday, March 20, 2012

Most Important Thing I Have Ever Posted

This is the most important thing I have ever posted. My question is will you be the one? Will you be the one when someone else life depends on it? Will you be the one to save a life? Will you be the one to give blood? 


Someone in this world was the one for my mom who was told 30 years ago she would never be able to take blood with her Lupus. Her blood type is hard to come by especially with so many antibodies in it. It took 3 days to get blood and the nurse said sometimes it take up to 7 days to find a match. They got 2 pints of blood for her and her body took it and there was no extra for her biopsy. Which she got today, and we are praying for good news. So thankful for medical advancement.


If you want to do something good for someone else give blood, you may save a child, a mother, a father, grandmother, etc. One day it may be someone you love there. I give blood ever chance I get and now I will go out of my way to do so.


To the stranger or two strangers that gave blood that my mom received, I wish I could give you a hug and say thank you. I watched her take your blood and do not know your name or recognized your face in a crowd. My family sing praises for you loud. You will not hear them, but you should know you helped our family's love to continue to grow. Donors are special people, bless your hearts.


Giving blood doesn't cost a thing. Did you know March Is Red Cross Month? Check out the Red Cross to find out more and other helpful tips. http://www.redcross.org/ 


Who knows your blood may have just the right formula to save a life. 


Disclosure: This post is 100% what on my mind and not sponsored by anyone.

Tuesday, March 13, 2012

Notice

I just wanted to say, I will not be around for a few days. My mom was transported for lung cancer. We have a lot of tests to do and I don't know when I will be returning home. The treatment center is a long way from home, so please keep my family in your prayers.


Monday, March 12, 2012

Fisher Price 2 day sale 10 items @ 10 bucks each

Fisher Price 2 day sale 10 items . . . $10 each!
  • Brilliant Basics™ Spray ’n Lights Bath Whale 
  • lil’ Zoomers™ Fun Sounds Construction 
  • Big Action™ Boulder Blast Quarry 
  • Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3 Big Roarin’ Rex 
  • Thomas & Friends™ Easy Go R/C Thomas 
  • Disney/Pixar Toy Story 3 Spiral Speedway 
  • GeoTrax® DC Super Friends™ The Joker Track Pack 
  • GeoTrax® DC Super Friends™ Batman™ Track Pack 
  • Little Mommy™ Sweet As Me™ Doll in Pink Princess Outfit 
  • The Sing-a-ma-jigs!™ - Disney Mickey 
  • The Sing-a-ma-jigs!™ - Disney Minnie

Saturday, March 10, 2012

Fried Oysters

Oh! I love fried Oysters, I maybe weird cause I like them even better after they've been refrigerated. I like to eat them cold and with ketchup.

Mix up 1/4 cup milk & 1 egg. Add a few drops hot sauce or more according to taste. Soak the oysters in the mixture. Season with Garlic powder, Nature's Seasons & flour them. Cook golden brown. I cooked up two plates full and so yummy.

Kidtoons Gruffalo Prize Pack Giveaway

I'd actually never heard of the Gruffalo until I ran across a couple weeks ago on a dvd preview. Then I saw it on Kidtoons for this months feature presentation. It really looks like a cute movie. Kidtoon's feature different movies each month to share family time. If you visit Kidtoons website you will find Coloring Contests, Photo Contest, and Free Coloring Sheets.

The Gruffalo is a magically tale of a mouse who takes a walk through the woods in search of a nut. Encountering three predators (a fox, an owl and a snake) who all wish to eat him - the plucky mouse outwits them all by announcing he is meeting a monster with terrible features, called a ‘Gruffalo.’ As each predator cowers away, the mouse grows increasingly confident as he makes his way through the woods, until he rounds a corner and comes face to face with the extraordinary product of his imagination: The Gruffalo.

Gruffalo prize pack:
*One The Gruffalo Book
*One The Gruffalo DVD
*One The Gruffalo Rhyme Game
*One The Gruffalo Kidtoons Movie Poster

Disclosure: Kidtoons provided information and giveaway." No other compensation was received. Contest is open to US.

Friday, March 9, 2012

Step2 Spring Toys 10%off @thestep2company



Step2 Just shared all new Spring 2012 toys available on Step2.com are 10% off now through Sunday, March 18 with promo code S2SPRING12 at checkout.

In addition, we have re-launched our “Weekend Deals.” Each weekend we’re featuring one to two products on sale for 4 days only (a savings of up to 20% off). We will announce the deals on the Step2 Facebook page every Friday. This weekend’s deal is the LifeStyle Grand Walk-In Kitchen – just $188 ($70 off regular price) and the lowest price of the year! Just enter promo code S2GW312 at checkout through Monday, March 12.

*Please note that both deals are not valid on previous purchases, future exchanges, replacement parts, or Canada shipments.
Disclosure:  All opionions are my own. Information provided by sponsor. 

Thursday, March 8, 2012

Crayola Outdoor Colored Bubbles Giveaway & Review

With my two boys, I know there will be messy play. I can tell you colored bubbles are nowhere as mess as their mud pit in the backyard and color bubbles are 100 times easier to wash off. Ways to ensure no clothing damage dark around the house clothes for sure. I had on a white shirt and it washed out. We got to try out the Crayola Outdoor Colored Bubbles 3 Pack and a Bubble Launcher.

It happened to be cold when our bubbles arrived and my sons have no patience. We headed outside wrapped up, first we tried the bubble launcher and it didn't produce bubbles as fast as they could blow them. I was impressed that it had a handle turn to make bubbles, which save on batteries. I must say it didn't make them that fast, kept clogging, and the kids wanted bubbles flying everywhere (FAST). They grabbed the wands and did what kids do best, have fun. I had them to stick the bubbles in this little trashcan I'd just bought in case of spills, so they wouldn't lose their bubble mix and it helped it from tipping over.

So happen my mom stopped in during this time and was dodging the boys, they chased her with bubbles. It was messy and one hint of advice make sure you open the plastic on the bubble packs all the way. Your hands will be so slippery and hard to remove extra plastic later.

This week with much better weather, in school clothes~! we did some video using the Crayola Colored Bubbles. It washed out, the rain washed the porch clean & the bucket, and color bubbles aren't so bad.


TIPS:
Simple tips that make playing with Crayola Outdoor Colored Bubbles and cleaning up, even more awesome and enjoyable for both kids and moms.


Dress for Mess. Wear washable play clothes and shoes. It’s best to not wear suede, leather or any other material that can’t be washed.
Play Outside. An open grassy area is best away from new concrete, decks and porous surfaces like marble. Don’t use at formal events like weddings.
Rub skin to remove color.
Launder clothes promptly with water and detergent. Repeat washing may be needed.
Hose off outdoor surfaces like sidewalks and driveways to wash away color. 


"Disclosure:  The Crayola Outdoor Colored Bubbles product information and gift packs have been provided by Crayola through MyBlogSpark."



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Giveaway Linky Thursday 3/8/12


Thanks for stopping by Giveaway Linky Thursday list your giveaways and enter some Stop by Night Owl Mama to link up your giveaways too.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

Step2 My Clubhouse Review & Giveaway


Imagination

The day before Valentine's Day and a sweetheart of a delivery arrived, a Step2 My Clubhouse. The mailman said it's a big one, I told him to just leave it right there. We went back inside and my 2yr old overly excited kept looking out the window, eyes shining with happiness. He knew it's something cool just by seeing the picture on the box. My husband said he'd wait to put it together til our oldest is home to help.


Driving in the yard from school my 5 yr old instantly saw the big box and was busting to see what it was. Giggling and laughing, both boys danced around the yard. Daddy opened the box and both boys went to work helping. The boys pulled all the pieces out and lined them up, while daddy got his drill out.


The Step2 Clubhouse has a spacious interior and opening the side wall for more space and better air flow in the summer. It already has pretty good air flow with a lot of peek holes and the cutest old time playhouse build look. It even has a chalkboard on it. This playhouse has character, style, and blends in well with it surroundings.
The feature that makes this playhouse stand out is the picnic table on the side. What can be better than a two for one. Well actually this clubhouse can be used for a clubhouse, diner, market, store, drive-thru window, what ever little minds can imagine.
Overall the Step2 My Clubhouse is built sturdy, easy to clean material, easy to assemble, and has a kid friendly design. The only problem I see is water catching on the top and my 2 yr wants to play in any kind of water. I dump the water and it splashes on the picnic table. The clubhouse is easy to move so you can move it out of the wet area and wipe the table with ease. 

From the first pictures to the recent video you can see a change in the grass, spring is here. The frog inside the compartment was a surprise and the boys check everyday for one. I love watching them play!!


My boys have tremendously enjoyed the Step2 Clubhouse and we thank Step2 for the opportunity to review one of their quality toys. My family knows Step2 products are made to last. We also have a Step2 My Clubhouse to giveaway!!! Yep! pretty exciting! US Winner, 48 contiguous US States!


Disclosure:  All opionions are my own.

Monday, March 5, 2012

3 in 1 hop Google+ Linky

Make new friends & gain followers. Please follow host @lifesandcastle @Nightowlmama & @HaveSippy. 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.

TIPS:
Check your links & correct yourself if there is a problem.
Do not add http:// in url space
Use Just Unfollow on twitter for non followers



Inside the Crayon Box @Crayola #MyBlogSpark!

Crayola wants every child to be creatively alive, so they´re inviting parents "Inside the Crayon Box," for a special live chat with celebrities and trusted parenting experts that will inspire and spark ideas to expand your child´s creative thinking. If you find yourself looking for new ways to inspire your children to express their ideas and build their creativity, you´ll want to join us to learn and share!


The first "Inside the Crayon Box" live chat is Wednesday, March 7 at 9 p.m. EST.Join Crayola and musician, children´s author and mom, Lisa Loeb for a 45-minute live streaming video chat on the Crayola Facebook Page. Lisa, best-known for her number one hit "Stay (I Missed You)," will share as personal stories, practical advice and ways she brings a little creative play into every day for her daughter. We want to hear from you - participants can ask Lisa questions during the event, too! We hope you will share the information about the first Crayola "Inside the Crayon" live chat with your readers on or before Wednesday, March 7th so they may plan to attend as well.


Interested in the topics to be covered during the chat? 


Why Does Creativity Matter? Creativity is not about who´s the best artists or becoming an architect. It´s a way of thinking that encourages kids´ original ideas and develops their confidence.
Growing Up Creative. Lisa will share stories about growing up in a home where creativity was encouraged.
Simple Tips. Easy Ideas. Like most moms, Lisa juggles a lot. She´ll share simple, easy ways she sparks her daughter´s creativity as part of their daily routine.


 Disclosure: All information about the Crayola "Inside the Crayon Box" live event was provided by Crayola through MyBlogSpark.

Sunday, March 4, 2012

C-Preme Raskullz Helmets & Bikes Review & Giveaway

Have you seen the coolest fashion bike helmet from C-Preme, Raskullz for young children, and Krash for older children? These character helmets are beyond the school yard most wanted list. So far I've only seen one on our store shelf and it was gone within a day and the best part is their affordable price. Raskullz Helmets meets safety standards for pedal cycling, skateboarding, skiing, canoeing and come in many designs for every child's taste. 


Raskullz Helmets:
  • Molded 3D Helmet Design
  • Shock Absorbing EPS Inner Shell
  • Aerodynamic Cooling Vents
  • Adjustable Straps
We had the opportunity to try out the New T-Rad Rex Green Helmets!! Both boys thought they were cool. It's been rainy so they wore them inside looking in the mirror, showing to anyone who stops in, and riding their in house bikes. Finally a break in the weather and the double T-Rad Rexs headed outside for a little spring bike riding fun.
I'm excited to tell you about the other Raskullz products available like the backpacks, bike bells, & bikes. 3-D Sculpted Design character compartment  for storing treasures. 16' Bikes with character bell with molded design element added to the steel frame bikes with ultimate colors for giving kids "Spring Fever" to get out and ride.
Rules: US Winner, Thanks to our wonder sponsor one reader will win a Raskullz Helmet of their choice.

Disclosure: Sponsor sent my family samples for return of our honest review and will send winner prize. Some photos are property of the sponsor. All opinions are my own.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Winner!!

Thanks Everyone for entering and congrats to the winner of The First Year Gumdrop Giveaway!!

Friday, March 2, 2012

Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diaper + Dr. Seuss The Lorax Book Giveaway

 I first want to say thanks to Seventh Generation & MyBlogSpark for this special review. Seventh Generation Free & Clear Diapers surpassed my expectations, (great fitting, leak protection, material). Last night my son said I don't want to read that book it looks scary. I said son it's more scary not to read it. I began reading Dr. Seuss The Lorax he wants to read it over with his dad and brother. Yes, share the knowledge.
I also have some knowledge to share. In partnership with Universal Studios´ motion picture debut of Dr. Seuss´s The Lorax* also known as the "Speaker for the Trees" who brings environmental truth and ecological hope to all, Seventh Generation will feature limited edition Lorax prints on all our diapers and training pants. These prints are intended to remind parents and caregivers of the lessons of The Lorax, and encourage family reading and environmental awareness while creating a few smiles. Discover (or rediscover) Dr. Suess´ The Lorax as you read about his legacy and messages of sustainability with your child, and inspire a new generation of environmentalists starting with your family!

*The movie Dr. Seuss' The Lorax © 2012 Universal Studios debuts in theaters this March. Based onThe Lorax book and characters TM & © 1971 Dr. Seuss Enterprises, L.P.  All Rights Reserved.

The Seventh Generation family of Free & Clear baby products continues to deliver on your needs as it expands in March, with the addition of NEW Overnight Diapers. Moreover, Free & Clear diapers have been redesigned with new, improved tabs for better fit while Free and Clear training pants now have an absorbent core that is made with more renewable materials.

  • NEW Overnight Diapers are absorbent enough to keep your baby and bedding dry through the night or during prolonged travel
  • Free & Clear diapers have improved more flexible tabs that provide even better fit
  • Free & Clear training pants have an absorbent core made with more renewable, plant-based materials.  They also feature stretchy, tear away side panels for a better fit and added convenience, as well as inner leak barriers for superior leakage protection
  • Seventh Generation Free & Clear baby care products do not contain chlorine, fragrance, petroleum-based lotions or latex, and all Free & Clear products are also hypo-allergenic
  • Starting March 2, you can register for a free The Lorax scrapbook with the purchase of any three Free & Clear diaper products, until supplies last

Thanks to ours sponsor one US giveaway winner will win Seventh Generation Diapers prize pack:
  • One package of new Seventh Generation Free & Clear diaper product
  • A copy of Dr. Seuss´s The Lorax storybook
"Disclosure:  The Seventh Generation Diapers prize pack, product and information have been provided by Seventh Generation through MyBlogSpark." All opinions are my own other information and pictures belong to sponsor.

The Art of Marriage Ops & $20.00 Applebee’s Gift Card Giveaway



The Art of Marriage Ops blog app, we all can help the men and women who have defended our country strengthen their marriages!  Spread The Word! Did you or someone you love serve in the military?  Help us spread to word and share the app on your Facebook or Twitter!  Use hashtag #marriageops ! The more people who realize this is an issue, brings us one step closer to helping more families!

Donate!  Text OPS to 80888 and donate $10.00 to help our men and women in the military strengthen their marriage by attending an event showcasing The Art of Marriage! Less than the price of two cups of coffee!

Five Date Ideas!  It’s not just military men and women who need help with their relationships. Here are five great inspirational date ideas that will help bring you closer to your partner! Check out the Face book app



Disclosure: The Art of Marriage Ops & $20.00 Applebee’s Gift Card Giveaway, US WINNER, 24 hr, all information is from the sponsor and no compensation for this post.

Thursday, March 1, 2012

Will You Eat Green Eggs & Ham?

In honor of Dr. Seuss' Birthday tomorrow we will be having green eggs and ham. As a matter of fact we had some yesterday and my son made them. We where talking about what was going on at school so, I told him when he came home we would make green eggs.

He had forgot all about it and I said, "didn't I make you a promise?" He went to smiling. What a thrill for him to cook in the kitchen with me. He mixed in the green food coloring and mixed the eggs. I let him give it a stir in the pan and then he spread green coloring over a piece of ham. A very quick and fun. So, Friday night my son will prepare Green Eggs and Ham for dinner for his brother and dad. He's laughing and an excited about our plans. Will You Eat Green Eggs & Ham?

Savings From Step2


Check out these savings from Step2, running now through Monday, March 5. The following outdoor play items are shipping for $2.99 (up to a $27 savings):

·         Clubhouse Climber
·         Welcome Home Playhouse
·         Skyward Summit
·         Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center
·         Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center w/Glider
·         Extreme Coaster

In addition to the $2.99 shipping sale, the following items are 10% off with code S2ADVEXT

·         Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center
·         Naturally Playful Adventure Lodge Play Center w/Glider
·         Extreme Coaster

We also offer flexible payment options now including PayPal and BillMeLater (since these are higher priced items).

Also, the Fun Fold Jr. Picnic Table is 15% off with code S2FF15

Disclosure: