2 Red Hens Studio Toy Nanny Review and Giveaway! #2RedHens

You are probably wondering why I am reviewing a diaper bag, right? You all know I have no kids and let alone a baby. But you also know that I am a bag freak and that I love reviewing products that I think my readers will love.

2 Red Hens Studio Toy Nanny is one of those products. Before I agreed to review it, I went on the site to make sure it was an item that I could use although I have no kids. It was.

Now, don't get me wrong, this product is excellent for any mom who has kids. It is the perfect bag to carry toys and supplies. But it also is a great bag for those of us who don't children.

It is hard to describe the Toy Nanny. Is it a mat that turns into a tote bag and toy holder? Or is it a tote bag that turns into a toy holder and mat?

I think of it as a bag that turns into a mat. For me, it is the ideal bag for the beach. The outside fabric is water resistant, which it makes it perfect if you are using it for a baby or at the beach.

As a tote, it has eight mesh pockets that are perfect for toys, bottles, lotions, water bottles or to hold anything you need to tote around. The inside of the bag is huge. It will definitely hold a lot.

As a mat, it is perfect for a baby because the water resistant backing keeps the baby dry. It is large enough for the baby to play on the mat. For me, it is the perfect mat to have at the beach. How many times have you been to the beach or a park and have no place to sit or to place items you want to keep dry?

The straps are easy to pull so the mat converts into the tote. The straps are easily snapped and unsnapped for the conversion. The straps are the perfect length as well. The Toy Nanny is also machine washable, which is great!

The Toy Nanny comes in different colors and prints. It would make the perfect gift for anyone. I have a friend who is having a baby and I think she is getting a Toy Nanny. She is not getting mine because this is one bag that I am keeping for a long time.

I am glad I had the opportunity to review such a great product. And I will be taking this bag with me when I vacation because I know it will be a great travel bag as well.

The Toy Nanny retails at $50, which is a great price for such a nice quality bag. 2 Red Hens Studio also has other products for modern mamas (and non-mamas). The new 2013 collection has some great products including Limited Edition 2 Red Friends dolls and Studio Diaper Packs, Snack Pack Set, Make-Up bag (for fashionista moms) and some other great items.

 If you are expecting or know someone who is expecting, you should check out the cute products they sell. Any of the products would make a great gift! You can also follow 2 Red Hens Studio on Facebook.

If you want to win a Toy Nanny of your own, then you can enter to win one here on my blog. I have 2 to giveaway!! Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: This review and giveaway opportunity is presented by Mami Innovative Media and on behalf of 2 Red Hens Studios. I received a sample product for review. All opinions expressed are my own. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Nutrisystem #NSNation Week 1 Update! #spon

My first week on Nutrisystem went really well. I lost a little over 3 pounds! YAY ME!

This first week was a little tough but I tried to keep completely on the program. One day I went out to lunch with a friend. I was good though and had a salad with dressing on the side.

Nutrisystem is all about making choices. Do you stick to the plan or do you cheat? If you stick with the plan, then you will succeed. I stayed with the plan.


The food is so much better than what they had years ago. I also love the protein shakes they now offer. I have mine with dinner so I feel more full. I also add my fruit to my shake to give it more body. I love them!!

I really love being able to have ice cream for dessert. Hubby loves ice cream for dessert and now I can indulge with him. I do have to admit, I miss my bread and potatoes. I get some with my Nutrisystem meals but sometimes I crave the carbs. Sigh.


Next week is going to be tough. I will be away for a week. I will be at Disney World at an event called "Taste of Disney" and it will involve lots of food. I know it will be all about choices. There is no harm tasting the food but there is harm if I hoark it all down.

I am also doing well with the exercise. My goal is a cardio workout 3 to 4 times a week. I achieved that goal although it was tough. There were days I did not want to do it. But I forced myself. Once I jump on the treadmill or put in my Leslie Sansone DVD, I feel so much better that I actually did it!

I had to post a before picture of myself for motivation. I am hoping that in a few weeks or so, this picture will be long gone history and I will be slimmer. It's not a pretty picture!

Okay, I will check in next week again and hopefully this week, I will do well and have more weight loss to report.

Baby steps, folk, baby steps!

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.

Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Jooners ~ Online Sign Up Sheets Review and Giveaway! 2 Winners!

In my other life, not my blogging life, I am an event planner. I love doing events. Usually I do events because they are part of my job but every so often, I get involved in community events or volunteer activities.

When doing community events or parties, I rely on using Excel sheets or scraps of paper that can be lost in the shuffle. I have tried some online event sites but those are better for larger events.

But now there is an online site that is great for smaller community events, work events, parties and potlucks! This new site, Jooners, is the perfect place to keep track of everything you need to organize and event.

I recently received a membership to Jooners and I liked it. It is easy to use and is a great organizational tool. The Jooners basic membership is free. You can also sign up for a premium membership for $49.95 a year. That is a great price if you do a lot of events.

Like, I said, the Jooners site is easy to navigate. I was able to set up an event in under 10 minutes. Basically, you choose what type of event you want to organize. Jooners gives you various choices like potlucks, block parties, volunteer sheets, PTA sign up sheets, field trip sheets and so many more.

I decided to test setting up a party. It was so easy. You begin by choosing the event. Then you can name your event. You can also add a description or an attachment. You also can add the organizers name and phone.

Then you add the date and location of the event. For the Party, I got a screen that allowed me to choose what type of food or drink was needed and a place so people can add their name if they were attending or volunteering to help. If you import contacts, then you can assign somebody the item you want them to bring. There is also a field for you to add notes and you can add extra rows and fields if you want.

You can also add a preference if you want to be notified when someone signs up or allow people to change their choice if they want. Once you set that all up, then you can publish the event.

The best part is that you can email the link to the sign up sheet to anyone you want involved. Once they receive it, they are directed back to Jooners where they can add their name. Now, everyone needs to sign up at Jooners to access the sign up sheet. Some people might be hesitant to do so but it makes sense because everything is in one place. You can also share the sign up sheets on Facebook and Twitter! Jooners also creates a personalized link that you can share.

Once the person signs up, they are given a confirmation screen and they receive an email confirming their participation. The creator of the event will also receive an email letting you know someone signed up, if they choose.

I love this program. I can see where it would come in handy for any event. This is especially great for moms who have to volunteer at school or who are members of the PTA etc. It cannot get any easier! As an event planner, I recommend this program to anyone who has to organize events!

I have a special treat for two (2) lucky readers. I have two (2) premium memberships to give away! If you need a an easy way to keep track of events, then enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Dramamine for Kids Giveaway! 2 Winners!!

I remember the first time I went on a cruise. It was when we lived in Miami and that was years ago! I was worried about getting sea sick and a friend recommended Dramamine. As you probably know, Dramamine is the leading brand of motion sickness relief for adults.

It worked. I took it right after we boarded and the next day. By the end of the cruise, I was fine. I had no idea I would have motion sickness but I did and, luckily, I had Dramamine.

Now Dramamine has a product for kids and one that makes you less drowsy. I love they now have Dramamine® Less Drowsy because that was one side effect of the original I didn't like. Dramamine® Less Drowsy relieves motion sickness symptoms with less drowsiness for up to 24 hours with only one tablet.

The Dramamine for Kids is great because it treats symptoms on the spot, relieving nausea, dizziness and vomiting and prevents motion sickness before it happens. It also comes in a safe, precise children’s dose, avoiding the need to cut adult tablets.

Dramamine® for Kids comes in a safety travel case with 8 chewable tablets that have a great-tasting grape flavor. Dramamine® Less Drowsy is available in an 8 count travel vial.

Trust me, if you or a family member gets motion sickness whether on a boat, plane or car, try Dramamine. There is nothing worse that having a vacation ruined due to something that can be prevented.

Now, thanks to Dramamine, I have a great prize pack for two lucky readers!! The prize pack includes a Dramamine Travel Bag along with the entire line of Dramamine products! To enter, just use the Rafflecopter widget below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Sweepstakes + Giveaway!

It's almost the Big Game day and if you are looking for some great recipes to try, you need to head over to the Del Monte site and check out the recipes there. You will find some tasty recipes that will be perfect for any get together.


And if you want to win some awesome prizes, then you need to enter the "Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Sweepstakes". Enter and you have the chance to win an ultimate entertainment package valued at $4,779.00. The entertainment package includes a Sony 55″ Led TV, a Bose home theater system and a Sony Blu-ray Player.

All you have to do to enter is visit Del Monte Brand on Pinterest. Then you need to create a Pinterest “Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off” board. Then Re-pin or share recipes from the “Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off” board. Then register the board and you are set! The contest runs from January 21st through February 15th so make sure to enter soon!

I was able to try two new varieties of Del Monte Diced Tomatoes. The Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies and the Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilie. They were delish.

I use a lot of diced tomatoes and appreciate that there are different varieties. I love these spicy tomatoes. My first thought was that these would be wonderful as a nacho cheese dip with tortilla chips. The perfect game day snack.


But then I thought that I could incorporate these into my boring meatloaf. I usually add a can of diced tomatoes to make my meatloaf moist and tasty. So instead of the regular plain diced tomatoes, I added the Del Monte Tomatoes with Green Chilies.

All I did was mix a can into the ground beef and pork, add spices and then put it into the oven as usual.

I don't have a special recipe and it is usually tasty but plain. It came out delicious. When I served it to hubby, he got a nice spicy surprise this time. He loved and so did I. It was a good way to turn my meatloaf from bland into BAM!

To celebrate the Del Monte Southwestern Tomato Kick-Off Sweepstakes, I have a great prize pack for one lucky reader. The prize pack includes:

* A can of Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies
* A can of Del Monte® Petite Cut® Diced Tomatoes with Chipotle Chilies
* A $25 gift card to purchase other meal idea items (YAY!)

Now you can create your own delish recipes with these spicy tomatoes! I loved them and I am sure you will too! To enter, use the Rafflecopter widget below.


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Mama Needs a New pair of Winter Boots!

It's wintertime in Western North Carolina and that means I need a new pair of winter boots. My old boots are 4 years old and they are falling apart.

This year, although there has been little to no snow, I decided that I wanted a pair of boots that were warm and had fur. I don't know why I want furry boots but I do.

I started looking around for some cute boots. I found quite a few. I came upon a really cute pair at Brantano Shoes. Brantano has a huge selection of shoes. They have shoes for men, women and kids. They also have a variety of styles.

I headed directly to the winter boot section. Boy there were so many styles to choose from. After checking out all the styles, I found the cutest boots ever. They had some awesome Caravelle Fur Biker boots. I loved them because they are in the biker style. The boots also have fur!

The site had other styles I liked but the Caravelle Boots are on the top of my list. The price was pretty good too.

The other boots I found and liked were a pair of Joan of Arctic Sorel Boots. These are a little bit pricier but they are so darn cute. Plus, these have rubber around the boot so they don't get wet when walking around in the snow. They would also be good in the rain.

While I love these, I can't help but think that the biker boots are just a little more trendy and I can use them at anytime I want. The Sorel boots are strictly for winter.

I am holding off buying them because the weather, although very chilly, has been pretty mild for winter. But I know that one day the snow will come and I need to have a good pair of boots.

Tell me, which boots do you like better?

HSN Gets Some Work Done + Giveaway!

HSN has completed a re-launch of the company’s digital channels. This will elevate the customer experience by making the retailer’s platforms faster, more efficient, and even more social. It will  enhance the customer experience, not just on the top 10 most trafficked e-commerce site HSN.com, but across all mobile devices, including tablets, android and Windows 8.

Making social shopping the heart of the HSN customer experience, the new redesign integrates HSN’s social communities prominently through all of the retailer’s platforms via leading social media curator Mass Relevance. This dynamic new social element allows customers to share their product finds, thoughts and reviews with their friends and influence shopping in real time. 

For example, “The 20” is an innovative, first-of-its-kind feature enabled by integrating social media tools into the new HSN.com. This highly engaging feature lists 20 curated products on the site, from which customers and fans can vote for their favorite item. At midnight, HSN will tally the votes and those who voted for the winning product will be entitled a discount on their purchase of that product.

HSN’s platforms now offers a completely new look and feel designed to enhance the online experience and deliver greater shopping ease with a simplified user interface and user-friendly ‘shop by category’ options. Site navigation that is more intuitive allows customers to quickly find their favorite brands, personalities and information on exciting events. Favorites can be found across all digital channels from website to tablet to smart phone.

To celebrate its new look, HSN is running the Super (Re)Model Sweepstakes! There will be Weekly Grand Prize Winners and Daily Winners beginning January 11. You know I have entered and so should you!!

And to celebrate HSN's new look, I have Two (2) HSN $10 gift cards to giveaway to two lucky readers. That way you can go and do a little shopping!! To enter, just use the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Pampers Swaddlers now in sizes 4 and 5 at Target + GIVEAWAY!!

I am not a mom and I don't play one on TV. But I have a lot of friends who are moms and they are always looking for great products. I know a lot of my friends will be excited to know that Target (my favorite store) is now offering Swaddlers in sizes 4 and 5.

And from January 27th to February 2nd, Target guests will receive a free $20 Target Gift Card with an in-store purchase of two (2) Pampers Swaddlers, Cruisers, or Baby Dry Economy Packs. So if you need Pampers, you need to head over to Target and buy some so you can get that free Target card. WOO!

In addition, Audrey McClelland, Founder of MomGenerations will be hosting a Twitter party with Mom it Forward on Tuesday, January 22 from 9-10pm EST.  Make sure you visit the RSVP page on the Mom it Forward website for more details about the party and to RSVP. Make sure to enter a party-specific giveaway on Mom it Forward that includes a $125 Target card!

And you know I always have a wonderful giveaway. One lucky reader will win a prize pack that includes a $10 Target gift card, the First Years Deluxe Fold and Go diapering kit, and Pampers wipes (64 count). YAY!

You know the drill. Just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Starting the Journey with Nutrisystem #NSNation #spon

I finally received all my food from Nutrisystem and officially started the program this week. I have nothing to report because I probably haven;t lost enough weight. But I will start reporting next week. Hopefully, I will have some good news about my weight loss.

I like the Nutrisystem program and I have been on it before. I works if you stick with it. It works if after you are on the program you continue using the tools they give you to make better choices.

I have failed before and I honestly think because I go back to my bad habits. And also because I never ever stuck to an exercise program. But since I bought my treadmill last year, I have been pretty good about using it weekly. I believe if I can kick start my weight loss with Nutrisystem and continue the exercise, I will lose weight.

I know I will probably cheat sometimes and have obstacles but it is going to be about making the commitment and sticking with it. I already have an obstacle coming up the first week of February when I will be attending an event that involves food. I am not sure how I will handle it but I will cross that bridge when I come to it.

In the meantime, I have to say that I love that Nutrisystem now has frozen food. The frozen food is tasty. My shipment did not include frozen dinners this month but I cannot wait to try the frozen dinners they offer. I also love that I can have ice cream! If you are like me, you love that little bit of sweet after dinner. Those little snacks keep me from looking for something bad to eat!

So next week, come back and see if I have lost any weight!


Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Kick Off 2013 with Fresh Meals from Schwan's + GIVEAWAY!

I have always heard of Schwan's but have never ordered any thing from them. When I lived in Santa Fe, I had a friend who would order from them every week. She told me she loved Schwan's because they would deliver the food to her house. And we lived out in the boonies so that was a plus.

Besides the convenience, she really liked the food and, most importantly, so did her kids. It was a quick and easy option for her because we worked long hours and had a long drive home.

Since then, I had been meaning to try the products but never did. I do know they deliver to our area because I see the Schwan's trucks around our neighborhood pretty often.

When I was contacted to review some Schwan's products, I decided to give them a try for myself. Schwan's has been in business for 60 years. They have entrees, appetizers and desserts. With 350 items to choose from, it is easy to find something that everyone in the family will love.

Schwan's also has healthier and fresh food like the LiveSmart options that include Unbreaded Chicken Breast Filets and Mini Beef Pot Roast, sizzling Chicken Marinara & Tortellini and Southwest Fiesta skillet meals. And best of all, they have guilt-free LiveSmart Ice Cream Sandwiches or Wild Berry Frozen Yogurt.

I received a box of the Unbreaded Chicken Filets and the Wild Berry Frozen Yogurt. I immediately opened the Frozen Yogurt and it was delicious. I even gave some to my hubby and he didn't even realize that it was frozen yogurt and not ice cream. It was delicious and I would buy this.

The chicken breasts were delicious as well. I can't say much about chicken breasts but I made some chicken fried rice and the meat was tender and moist. Chicken breasts can be expensive at the grocery store but a 5 pound bag is under $20 and that is a great deal especially since they are delivered to your house.

The products came in a Styrofoam container with dry ice so they were still frozen and fresh. It is great to have fresh food delivered to your door!

Would I recommend these items? Yes! Now I really want to try more of the Schwan's food. I wish I had discovered this before when I was working full time. It would have been great to come home and just pop some of the Schwan's food into the oven and have dinner ready in a jiffy!

Thanks to the people at Schwan's I have some chicken breasts and frozen yogurt to give away to one lucky reader. YUMMO! Just enter on the Raffle copter widget below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

Dollar General and P&G Honor Every Day Heroes in February!

I am so happy to share with you that in February, Dollar General and P&G are going to once again celebrate Every Day Heroes. P&G and Dollar General are teaming up in a celebration of diversity during Black History Month to honor those who make sacrifices for their families and are making a difference in their communities.

The Every Day Hero for February is Sabrina Williams. She will be featured in a national television program airing on TNT called “Dramatic Differences.” Sabrina is a driving force in the community of North Lawndale, on the west side of Chicago.

 In addition to raising her own four children in the neighbor she grew up in, she also became a valued community leader and volunteer. She was the Chair of the Parent Committee at her children's elementary school and continued to work with a national after-school literacy organization, America SCORES, as a writing coach for 3rd, 4th and 5th grade boys, even after all of her own children went on to high school.

It is people like Ms. Williams who make a difference every day, every week, every month in their communities. It is great to see people like her be honored for their tireless work.

Dollar General is also doing its part to promote literacy through the Dollar General Literacy Foundation. Visit their site to learn about the Dollar General's commitment to literacy.

Also, be sure to look for the February P&G brandSAVER® in your local paper on Sunday, January 27th. You can use P&G brandSAVER® coupons at Dollar General to get high-quality P&G products at great prices.

And in celebration of February's Every Day Hero and Black History Month, I have a wonderful prize pack courtesy of P&G and Dollar General to give away to one lucky reader! YAY! The prize package includes a $10 Dollar General gift card, as well as samples of Dawn® dish soap, Gain® laundry detergent, TIDE® PODS, Downy® Unstoppables and Head and Shoulders® Endurance shampoo.

To win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.

The Best Socks in the World Giveaway!

This Christmas my Secret Santa, who is my friend Tammi, gave me one of the most favorite gifts I have ever received. She gave me 3 pairs of JCP socks. These are not ordinary socks though. These are the coziest, warmest and softest socks I have ever owned. I LOVE THEM!!

After I received them, I asked her where she got them and she told me JCP. Then she was wonderful enough to go on the site and order me a whole lot of them when I was on my road trip to Memphis. Yes, I went to Graceland. You can read all about my adventures to Graceland and Memphis on my other blog: Carolyn in Carolina.

Anyhow, I loved these so much that I wanted to share. I wanted to share mainly because I have like 15 new pairs of socks. So I figured that one lucky reader out there deserves a little fluffiness in his/her life. So I am giving away 2 pairs of my socks and a brand new robe so one lucky reader and be warm and cozy this winter!!

And who knows, I might add a little something extra as well! You all know the drill, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I am giving these prizes because I rock. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes because I am a huge slacker!

I am Part of the #NSNation Nutrisystem Blogger Program #spon

2012 was a long hard year and I am glad it is over. It was stressful and as I am a Stress eater, I gained a few pounds. But 2013 is looking up because I was recently chosen to be part of the Nutrisystem Blogger program!

For the next four months, I will be on the Nutrisystem program. I have been on the Nutrisystem program before and it works. You just have to follow the program and exercise. And since I have exercising a lot lately, I expect that I will lose weight.

Now I am not going to put how much I weigh here because it's not pretty folks, not pretty. But I will weigh in every week. I will also be honest and let you know if I cheated or didn't follow the program. This will keep me honest as well.

I will be tweeting, facebooking and posting about my journey to get healthier. I am not looking to be skinny skinny. I just want to get my weight down and get healthier. I turn 49 next month and I have to get serious about becoming healthy!

I am waiting for my first shipment of food to arrive this week and then I will begin!

If you want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting the Nutrisystem site.


Disclosure: Nutrisystem is providing me with a complimentary Women’s SUCCESS Select Program. No other compensation is given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Pro Flowers Makes Gift Giving Easy!

I was recently given the opportunity to review an item from the ProFlowers. After looking around at all the gifts they offer, I had no idea what to order. ProFlowers has tons of gifts to choose from. The site not only has flowers but food, plush toys, plants and wine gifts as well. I was surprised at the amount of yummy gifts available..

It was a tough decision but I decided to treat myself to some Birthday Cupcakes. Sure, my birthday is next month but I figured that I could start the celebration a little early.

What I love about ProFlowers is that it prides itself on delivering fresh products and an amazing customer experience. My experience was great from start to finish.

Ordering on the ProFlowers site is super duper easy. You can search by occasion or by the type of gift you want to purchase. everything is separated by categories for ease of use.

I was able to go to the Gourmet Gift section and find my cupcakes. I chose the item I wanted and the date I wanted it delivered and that was it. I have to say, that I love that you can choose the date you want the order to arrive. You can get next day delivery or you can have them deliver it in a week or two.

I loved that when I finally placed my order, I got a screen that showed me I could add a card, birthday cupcake wraps and other extra items for my Birthday Cupcakes. I liked that option because if these had been for a friend and not myself, I would have added the Birthday card.

The delivery was quick. My Sweet Street cupcakes from ProFlowers came in a large box and then in a Styrofoam cooler to keep them fresh. Some of the cupcakes had shifted but they were unscathed. And they were absolutely delicious.

I received three flavors: Salted Caramel, Red Velvet and Peanut Butter Cup. My favorite was the Salted Caramel cupcakes. I didn't think I would like them but they were amazing! The other two flavors were delicious as well. All the cupcakes had a surprise filling inside. It was such a nice early birthday treat.

I would recommend these to anyone looking for a tasty treat for a special occasion, you need to try these Sweet Street cupcakes from ProFlowers. The cupcakes are fresh and tasty and would put a smile on any one's face!

Also, ProFlowers offers coupons on its site. Before you buy my birthday gift, I mean, make a purchase, make sure to check out what discounts you can receive.


Disclosure: I was given the chance to review a complimentary product from ProFlowers.com. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

Tuttorosso's Italian Recipe Contest! Runs January 14 to February 8!

I reviewed Tuttorosso Tomatoes a few months ago and loved them! They are delicious! Now Tuttorosso Tomatoes is hosting a giveaway and recipe contest on its Facebook page.

Between Jan. 14 and Feb. 8, Tuttorosso will send an apron to each of the first 4,000 to 'like' Tuttorosso's Facebook page and also provide their favorite and original Italian recipe. In addition to the free apron, you might also have a chance for home chef fame, as the top four recipes will be highlighted on Tuttorosso's Facebook page and website. The winning recipes will also be printed on future Tuttorosso cans. That's exciting!! Plus, one grand prize winner will receive a $500 gift card at cooking.com.

All you have to do to enter is submit an original Italian recipe. It can be a main dishes, casseroles, soups or appetizers. The recipe must include a minimum of one Tuttorosso products. The rules for the contest are on the Facebook page. optional).

Just click on Tuttorosso's Italian Recipe Contest tab, and 'like' the page, then complete the form.

Good Luck!

Disclosure: I received a promotional item for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product.

The Walt Disney Studios’ celebrates 17 Oscar Nominations!!

If you are an Oscarphile like me, then you already know who was nominated for an Oscar this year. I made sure I was in front of the TV today at 8:30am to watch Emma Stone (who I love) and Seth MacFarlane announce the winners!

I was so super duper excited that Lincoln was nominated as Best Picture because I want that to win. And thrilled that Daniel Day Lewis, Sally Field (one of my favorite actresses) and Tommy Lee Jones were all nominated in the actor categories. Also, I love love love Steven Spielberg so I was excited he might get that Oscar this year.

I will be watching the 85th Academy Awards on ABC on Sunday, February 24. I never miss the Oscars and when I lived in LA, went to sit in the bleachers once year. Yeah, a little crazy but fun.

Here is a round up of the Disney movies that were nominated!! Visit Oscar.com for a complete list of the nominations.


LINCOLN (DreamWorks/Touchstone)(MY OSCAR PICK)

· Best Picture
· Performance By An Actor In A Leading Role – Daniel Day-Lewis (MY OSCAR PICK)
· Performance By An Actress In A Supporting Role – Sally Field (MY OSCAR PICK)
· Performance By An Actor In A Supporting Role – Tommy Lee Jones (MY OSCAR PICK)
· Directing – Steven Spielberg (MY OSCAR PICK)
· Adapted Screenplay – Tony Kushner
· Music (Original Score) – John Williams
· Cinematography – Janusz Kaminski
· Costume Design – Joanna Johnston
· Film Editing – Michael Kahn
· Production Design – Rick Carter, Jim Erickson
· Sound Mixing – Andy Nelson, Gary Rydstrom and Ronald Judkins

BRAVE (Disney•Pixar)

· Animated Feature Film


FRANKENWEENIE (Disney)

· Animated Feature Film


WRECK-IT RALPH (Walt Disney Animation Studios)(MY OSCAR PICK)

· Animated Feature Film


PAPERMAN (Walt Disney Animation Studios)

· Animated Short Film


MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS (Marvel) (Unfortunately, action movies are never picked for Best Picture. I LOVED this movie. I am also partial to Joss Whedon since he created my favorite TV show: Buffy the Vampire Slayer)

· Visual Effects – Janek Sirrs, Jeff White, Guy Williams and Dan Sudick


WOO!!! Award season has begun. Yes, I am a geek. Sue me! Now there are other movies I loved. I still haven't seen Zero Dark Thirty or Life of Pi but I can't imagine changing my Best Picture pick. I loved Lincoln!!

Virtual Seminar with Univision’s Lourdes Stephen and Look Good Feel Better® (LGFB) + Giveaway!!

On Wednesday, January 16, Univision’s Lourdes Stephen will host Spanish-language “Virtual Workshop” for Look Good Feel Better. LGFB is a program dedicated to boosting cancer patients’ self-esteem and confidence through lessons on how to manage the appearance-related side effects of cancer treatment.

Ms. Stephen will be joined by beauty experts Lilly Rivera, makeup artist, and Petra Belen, hair stylist and Louanne Roark, Look Good Feel Better Executive Director, who will offer instruction, tips and advice – tailored to Latina women - for dealing with hair loss, changes in skin, complexion and nails during your cancer treatment, taken straight from the live LGFB community based group workshop program. You can go to the site and register for this virtual seminar.

LGFB also offers free workshops and educational resources that address skin changes and concerns, and offers lessons on cosmetics, wigs, turbans, nail care, and accessories, and wardrobe styling. Workshops are facilitated by 14,000 volunteer beauty professionals in more than 3,000 locations nationwide.

During the past 23 years, the program has served more than 800,000 people with cancer in the U.S. and more than 1.2 million people with cancer around the world. The program is made possible in the U.S. through a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, and the Professional Beauty Association.

I think the Look Good Feel Better program is wonderful. I had not heard of it but it will be an organization that I will now follow. You never know when you will need the support that it offers.

I remember when my friend, Susan, lost her hair from her chemo treatments and it was tough on her. But she dealt with it and never lost her spirit or her beauty. It is nice to know that there is someone out there helping women regain their self-esteem and confidence.

So remember, go register for the virtual seminar that will be held on January 16. Or, go to the site and learn how it can help you or someone you know.

I also have a wonderful giveaway courtesy of LGFB. I have a beautiful limited edition LGFB Oscar De La Renta scarf for one very lucky reader. This is so lovely! To win, just enter on the Rafflecopter widget below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a sample product for review purposes. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. Sponsors are responsible for shipping prizes unless otherwise stated. Please allow 6-8 weeks for delivery of any prizes.