Learning Tower Review

For children, the world is a magical and curious place. They learn by mirroring Mommy and Daddy with the ultimate goal of being able "to do it myself" and feel like an active member of the family. That's why Little Partners has created the Learning Tower.The Learning Tower has been carefully designed to provide a secure environment for a child's imagination to be stimulated and blossom. Its design nurtures a child's innate desire to be independent, and to participate alongside his or her parents and siblings. 

The idea behind the Learning Tower is simple: it allows children safely participate in activities while reducing the risk of a fall or injury. It may be a simple concept, but it is also a very important one because "as many as 2.2 million children have been treated in hospital emergency rooms for fall related injuries in a single year. Forty percent of those injuries were to children ages 3 years and under."


Learning Tower Features and Benefits:

• Provides safety and versatility not found with traditional step stools.
• Only step stool on the market carefully designed to meet the specific needs of young toddlers 18 mos. +.
• Constructed from highest-quality layered birch.
• Platform height adjusts quickly and easily to grow with your child from 18 months up to 6 years.
• Four-sided railings provide support while your child climbs in and prevents falling when inside the Tower.
• Wide 15" X 18" platform lets your child move about without slipping off a step.
• Fits flush against counters for safe access.
• Carefully finished with durable, non-toxic, lead-free finish.
• Meets safety standards for ASTM (F96-30) and Home Playground Equipment (F11-48-98C).
• Has been tested to hold up to 500 lb.
• Cleans easily with a damp cloth.

Michelle's Thoughts:

My boys are now sixteen months and almost three years old so they are actively exploring, climbing, and trying to help me around the house. I do my best to involve them in every day activities and expose them to new activities and textures. Although, before receiving a Learning Tower, we only had a small step stool that I didn't feel comfortable with either of my boys standing on. The platform on the Learning Tower is large enough for both of them to stand on comfortably and I was able to adjust the height enough that Elliot (my youngest) could reach the counter.

Our first use of the Learning Tower was for the boys to "help" with the dishes. In reality I knew they'd be doing more splashing then actual helping. So I was very pleased that although the Learning Tower was drenched by the end of the dish washing, the boys didn't slip once because of how stable it is and that the sides of the Learning Tower offer support and plenty of surface for them to hold on to.

A couple days later we used the Learning Tower for making pancakes. Jacob really enjoyed stirring the batter, and Elliot enjoy flinging it. Afterwards the surface of the Learning Tower was easy to quickly wipe clean.

It was nice including the boys in cooking and kitchen cleanup and I could tell they had a blast. My favorite features of the Learning Tower are it's stability, it is easy for my two year old to climb on and off of, and it is made with high quality materials. After looking at the Little Partners online store, I discovered that there is also a playhouse kit and an easel attachment available as well as a few new pretend play accessories coming soon. The Learning Tower is a versatile and valuable learning tool for families with young children!

 Buy It: You can find a store that carries the Learning Tower here.

DAWGS Review

DAWGS Brand is a rapidly growing manufacturer and distributor specializing in high-quality and value-priced footwear. DAWGS strengths include the ability to design, manufacture and deliver EVA based footwear that has mass market appeal.

DAWGS footwear offers a variety of styles of shoes for men, women, children, and toddlers ranging from sandals to golf shoes or even safety footwear.


I've had the opportunity to try the Women's Dawgs Rubber Sole Flip Flops for the past several weeks, and since they arrived, I've been wearing them almost non-stop! As soon as the weather warms up I wear regular flip flops almost exclusively. However, on days that I'm running lots of errands I notice that my feet can be tired and sore by the end of the day. What I love about the Dawgs flip flops is that the rubber sole has a great deal of cushion and support to it, yet they are still lightweight. These flip flops are very comfortable to wear and come in a variety of colors. Additionally Dawgs flip flops are easy to clean and odor resistant. I'm planning to get my two little boys pairs of Dawgs to wear this summer!




BUY IT

Dawgs footwear is available for purchase online at www.usadawgs.com. Free Shipping on two or more pairs!



WIN IT

One reader will win their own pair of the Women's Dawgs Rubber Sole Flip Flops!

Thomas & Friends Up, Up & Away Review

Thomas and his engine friends reach new heights of fun and adventure in Thomas & Friends™: Up, Up & Away, a collection of four soaring episodes available on DVD, Digital Download and On Demand March 6, 2012 from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.  The all-new release includes special feature content, activities and fun from host Driver Perkins, exclusive only to the DVD.  Timed to the release this spring, five Thomas & Friends toys will also be available so kids can reenact their favorite Up, Up & Away adventures!   

For over 65 years, the award-winning Thomas & Friends has taught timeless life lessons of discovery, friendship and cooperation, inviting generations of children to enter a world of imagination through the tracks of a train and the words of a story. 

                                                                                                        

DVD SYNOPSIS

Thomas and his friends reach new heights in these high-flying adventures! Thomas and Percy have a special adventure as they tryand try again to bring balloons to Mr. Bubbles’ Big Balloon Show. At the Children’s Steam Fair, Emily learns there are great rewards – and laughs -- in helping others; Kevin tries his hook at Hide and Peep and Thomas has a wonky whistle! Up, Up & Away for fun and adventure with Thomas & Friends!

Episodes:

·                             Up, Up & Away

·                             Wonky Whistle

·                             Kevin the Steamie

·                             Emily and Dash

DVD BONUS FEATURES

·                             Catch the Balloon Game

·                             Guess Who? Puzzles

·                             Exclusive Activities with Driver Perkins

VOD BONUS FEATURES

·      “Buzzy Bees” Bonus Episode

MICHELLE'S THOUGHTS

My boys both love Thomas & Friends and get excited about anything Thomas related. Jacob, my two year old, has been requesting to watch the Up, Up & Away DVD almost daily now! He really enjoys the Up, Up & Away episode and laughs every time he sees the giant balloon. I like that the DVD has multiple episodes which adds to the entertainment value and story variety. They may be able to watch the same thing every day, but I personally like a little variety in my day, which I'm thankful this DVD provides.

BUY IT

Thomas & Friends: Up, Up & Away DVD became available on March 6, 2012 at a DVD, digital download, and On Demand from Lionsgate and HIT Entertainment.

The Natural Dentist

The Natural Dentist line is powered by nature, proven by science. The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti-Gingivitis Rinse DOES NOT contain alcohol or artificial ingredients, making it natural and healthy for your mouth. However, unlike other natural products, The Natural Dentist tests its products in controlled studies. Universities, oral care experts, periodontists, and dental hygienists continually evaluate the products, ingredients and effectiveness. The Natural Dentist products are not tested on animals; research is conducted with human volunteers and laboratory tests.

If you are experiencing “pink in the sink” when you spit out your toothpaste, or blood on your dental floss, take heed.  People mistakenly think this is a sign that they are brushing hard/well or flossing efficiently, but bleeding gums is actually a symptom of gingivitis, and it is a warning sign that your gums need serious attention. 

Dentists estimate that 80% of us develop gum disease in our lifetimes, ranging from mild gingivitis to severe periodontitis. If left untreated, however, gum disease may progress to other oral health issues, including tooth loss (it’s the #1 reason for adult tooth loss!). Other studies and experts, including Dr. Oz, have also linked gum disease to heart disease, stroke, breast cancer and respiratory diseases, such as COPD.

While it can happen to anyone, the following raise the risk for developing gingivitis:

• Poor dental hygiene
• Pregnancy/puberty/menopause (hormonal changes increase the sensitivity of the gums)
• Uncontrolled diabetes
• Genetics/family history (30% of general population susceptible to gum disease)
• Smoking
• Stress
• Medications
• General illness

Gingivitis is due to the long-term effects of plaque deposits, and it is often painless, so bleeding gums may be your only symptom until it has progressed further along (other symptoms are swollen/tender gums, receding gums, and/or persistent bad breath).  Luckily, one of the early warning signs of the gum inflammation IS the bleeding you see when you brush or floss, so it is your body’s way of telling you something’s not right. If you have a family history of this issue or notice bleeding when you brush or floss, you should schedule a dental visit to evaluate your condition, as well as take steps at home by adding The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti-Gingivitis Rinse to your oral care regimen.

The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Mouth Rinse is clinically proven to:

• Reduce and prevent bleeding gums
• Protects against gingivitis
• Kill germs
• Reduces plaque
• Freshens breath
• Contains Aloe Vera gel as its active ingredient to help prevent bleeding gums
• Also contains other natural medicinal components such as Echinacea, goldenseal, calendula, and grapefruit seed extract that help calm gum inflammation

MICHELLE'S THOUGHTS:
I have very sensitive gums, that also frequently bleed during brushing and flossing. It runs in my family and is aggravated when my seasonal allergies flair up. Every time I go to the dentist, they insist I need to floss more or try a bunch of different products to help my gums. Honestly though, nothing seemed to decrease the redness, puffiness, or bleeding. After using The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti-Gingivitis Rinse for a little over a month, I'm pleased to report that I've noticed improvement and experience less bleeding and pain when brushing and flossing. It took a couple days to get used to the hint of aloe vera in the peppermint twist flavor, but I definitely prefer The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums rinse over other mouthwashes with harsh alcohol. Plus I always opt to use a product that is natural, especially when it works better than the alternative! If you are experiencing sensitive or bleeding gums I highly suggest that you give The Natural Dentist a try!

The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Rinse is available at all several major retailers nationwide including Walgreens, Rite Aid, Whole Foods and more for an average retail price of $7.49. To see a complete list of stores and the entire line of The Natural Dentist products, visit   http://www.stopbleedingnaturally.com.

Giveaway: One bottle of The Natural Dentist Healthy Gums Anti-Gingivitis Rinse (Peppermint Twist flavor) 

www.facebook.com/thenaturaldentist

Otis Spunkmeyer Cookie Dough Review

Otis Spunkmeyer was founded in 1977, and now over 30 years later, is the #1 frozen gourmet cookie dough in the Foodservice industry. They also make a variety of muffins, pastries, brownies, and other baked sweets, that are enjoyed in over 56 countries worldwide. The Otis Spunkmeyer motto is "Making the world a better place one cookie at a time."

MY THOUGHTS

Really, who doesn't love a fresh-baked cookie? If you don't, just skip to the next review, this giveaway isn't for you. However, for the rest of us, fresh-baked cookies are amazing right? I like making cookies, but often I don't love the mess and effort involved. The first thing that had me sold on Otis Spunkmeyer frozen cookie dough is that it comes in pre-portioned cookie dough balls that I just need to pop in the oven for a short time then enjoy. So easy! Here's another exciting thing though, if I have a couple varieties of frozen dough on hand, I don't have to pick between chocolate chip and white chocolate macadamia nut, because it's just as easy to make both! Sounds dangerous doesn't it? Not really, because I can also just make one or two cookies instead of a whole batch, which is definitely better for my diet. These cookies are soft, delicious, and so simple to bake!

Not only do I love the cookies though, I am also pleased by what I learned about Otis Spunkmeyer as a company. I did a little poking around the website and noticed that they are huge supporters of the military through involvement in programs and of course providing cookies! As an Army wife, this is something near and dear to me!

Plus Otis Spunkmeyer offers incredible fundraising opportunities for schools and organizations! To find out where you can purchase Otis Spunkmeyer products, please visit this list of stores.






https://www.facebook.com/otisspunkmeyer?sk=info

Farm Rich Review

For over 25 years, we've been making Farm Rich products with one goal in mind: keep 'em happy. Whether it's the wholesome ingredients in our products you can feel good about serving your family, or the wide variety of our offerings that appeals to everyone, Farm Rich knows how to keep your family smiling.

Farm Rich makes a variety of tasty appetizers and snacks, some of which include: Mozzarella Cheese Sticks,  Mozzarella Bites, Philly Cheese Steaks, and Pizza Slices. View the full list of Farm Rich products.

MY THOUGHTS
I love mozzarella sticks, they are by far my favorite appetizer! I was pretty excited to write this review because on several grocery shopping occasions, Farm Rich products (especially their cheese sticks) have caught my eye.  Then I noticed that Farm Rich makes Marinara Stuffed Mozzarella Sticks, YUM! Even better! My husband and I thought they were delicious and with the marinara sauce already stuffed inside, these mozzarella sticks are convenient too.

BUY IT
You can use the product locator to find out where Farm Rich products are available near you.


WIN IT
Two of my US readers will win a coupon good for a free Farm Rich product (snacks and appetizers). Lucky you!


MANDATORY ENTRY
1) Tell me which Farm Rich snack or appetizer you would like to try. Easy!


OPTIONAL EXTRA ENTRIES (please leave one comment for each entry!)
2) Like Farm Rich on Facebook and/or twitter and leave your user name (1 entry each)
3) Follow me on Google Friend Connect, twitter, Facebook , networked blogs, Pinterestor Google+ (1 entry for each method)
4) Subscribe by email (2 entries - please leave 2 comments)
5) Grab my button and let me know where I can find it
6) Tweet this giveaway (RT 1 extra entry per day): 
7) Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs (you can vote daily for an extra entry each day)
8) Like Recipe Obsessed on Facebook, follow on GFC, twitter or Google+ (1 entry each)
9) Enter any of my current giveaways (1 comment for each giveaway)


Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. Please be honest in your entries as I do check entries and will delete any non-qualified comments! This giveaway will end at midnight on . I will use Random.org to choose the winner, email the winner and post the winner on my website. Giveaway is open to US addresses. Good luck to all!


This review and giveaway was made possible by Farm Rich. Thank you for providing the item for review and giveaway! I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. Please refer to my Disclosure.

Leo Stickers

Leo Stickers are colorful and creative wall decals that designed by Italian artists, illustrators and designers to decorate kids’ rooms. Leo Stickers decals are created with young children in mind. By applying these stickers on the walls, a simple bedroom can be transformed into a fantastic world, allowing your child to grow in a fun, stimulating and creative environment! They have everything from cuddly characters to jungle kits to pirate ships, and more! There are so many different choices to personalize your child's room and if you need a little help, you can even search the room ideas!


What's more, LEO stickers are created using only the best materials. The printed section is protected by a pvc film, making them safe and resilient against even the most lively children! They are non-reflective and free of white borders, avoiding the appearance of a "picture card" and appearing instead to be painted directly onto the wall. Leo Stickers decals are available in kits or can be purchased separately, and you can even customize the size of each decal!

MY THOUGHTS
For the purpose of this review, I had the opportunity to review the Sea Minikit, which included nine sea creature decals. I decided to hang them in our kids’ bathroom to make the room a little more colorful and fun. Applying the decals was incredibly easy and none of them ripped or got air bubbles. Additionally, I was very impressed with how vivid the color is on the decals. 
Leo Stickers are also easy to remove (I checked just in case). Although we own our home, we are a military family and may have to move at any time, so we do our best to keep our home looking as new as possible. Wall decals from Leo Stickers are a great way for us to personalize without making permanent changes! Jacob loves pointing out the stickers every time he uses the bathroom, and his excitement has helped a little for potty training motivation. 

BUY IT
You can buy wall decals from Leo Stickers online at www.leowallstickers.com!


WIN IT
One of my US readers will win their choice of the Sea Minikit or Spring Minikit.  Lucky you!


MANDATORY ENTRY
1) Visit Leo Stickers and tell me which wall decal or set of decals is your favorite. Easy!


OPTIONAL EXTRA ENTRIES (please leave one comment for each entry!)
2) Like Leo Stickers on Facebook and/or subscribe to their newsletter (1 entry for each method)
3) Follow me on Google Friend Connect, twitter, Facebook , networked blogs, Pinterest orGoogle+ (1 entry for each method)
4) Subscribe by email (2 entries - please leave 2 comments)
5) Grab my button and let me know where I can find it
6) Tweet this giveaway (RT 1 extra entry per day): 
7) Vote for me on Picket Fence Blogs (you can vote daily for an extra entry each day)
8) Like Recipe Obsessed on Facebook, follow on GFC, twitter or Google+ (1 entry each)
9) Enter any of my current giveaways (1 comment for each giveaway)


Please ensure your profile is public or leave me your email address in your comment. Please be honest in your entries as I do check entries and will delete any non-qualified comments! This giveaway will end at midnight on . I will use Random.org to choose the winner, email the winner and post the winner on my website. Giveaway is open to US addresses. Good luck to all!


This review and giveaway was made possible by Leo Wall Stickers. Thank you for providing the item for giveaway! I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions I have expressed are my own. I did receive a free product sample to facilitate my honest review. Please refer to my Disclosure if you have further questions.