Tuesday, February 28, 2012

Petcakes Review and Giveaway

My children absolutely love stuffed animals. My little girls especially love stuffed animals and they are usually carrying one around with them throughout the day. Their room is full of stuffed animals, and many of them end up all over the house. They sleep with them, play with them, lay with them, and even take favorite ones to the store when we go out. When I saw the cute little stuffed animals from Pet Cakes®, I knew my little girls would love them. So, I was thrilled when Pet Cakes® agreed to sponsor a review and giveaway on my blog.


A little bit about the company: Pet Cakes® are manufactured by the Well Made Toy Manufacturing Corporation, which was founded by Fred Catapano. What started out as one man’s passion for creating soft toys has exploded into a booming business with the release of some of the most well-known and most-loved stuffed toys in the world. Catapano continues to use his creativity to add insights into the development of new toys, and his company has become a success with branches located across the globe. Matt Nuccio, who is the co-owner and creative director of Design Edge Inc., has partnered with the Well Mady Toy Manufacturing Corporation on the Pet Cakes® brand.  Pet Cakes® were created in 2010 and feature a soft, cuddly plush animal combined with a creative design. Each little stuffed animal sits snugly inside a cupcake wrapper, and resembles a real cupcake. Children are delighted with the fun design and cuddly little animals with sweet faces.  They are perfect for giving as gifts, party favors, stocking stuffers, or anytime throughout the year. 

My Review:  We received two Pet Cakes® from the series 2 Forest Animal Collection. The little guys we received are Roco Coco, a raccoon, and Bamboo Berry, a panda. As soon as I opened the package, my little girls were excited to play with them. They soon became the new favorite amongst the sea of stuffed animals, and were taken to bed with the girls and played with for hours. 


I thought that they were incredibly unique and very cute. I love the concept of Pet Cakes®, which is that they resemble real cupcakes. The toy comes in two pieces, a stuffed animal with a little attached hat that looks like frosting and a place for the animal to sit, which resembles a cupcake wrapper. When you tuck the stuffed animal into the bottom piece, it truly does look like a little cupcake.

   
I found the stuffed animals to be well-made with quality materials. My children definitely give their toys a work out, especially stuffed animals that are carried and dragged around throughout the day. These little guys have stood up to the challenge of being played with over and over by four children, and they still look and feel as soft and cuddly as when they arrived.
All of my children liked the Pet Cakes®, but I think they have both found a special place in the heart of each of my little girls. They are now sitting in their new place of honor, with my children's other loved stuffed animals, where they are snuggled and played with on a regular basis. 




Buy It: You can buy Pet Cakes® at www.petcakesetc.com They are currently having a special. If you buy four or more Pet Cakes® Collectible toys, you will also receive a free four pack of Collectible Minis. You only pay an additional $1.99 for shipping and handling. 

Win It: Pet Cakes® has generously offered my readers the chance to win one Pet Cake® from the series 2 Forest Animal Collection (the company will choose the animal). 

Enter: Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below. 

Good luck!


Monday, February 27, 2012

Enter to Win a Two Night Stay at Estes Park for a Family-Friendly Vacation

Have you been dreaming of a vacation with your family? Maybe to a place that was full of beautiful scenery with as much excitement or relaxation as you wanted? If so, this is the giveaway for you! This event is being hosted by Two Little Cavaliers and has been provided by our sponsor Estes Park Central.

Win a two night stay in Estes Park Central
The winner will be able to enjoy a two night stay in gorgeous Estes Park, Colorado. The family-friendly vacation can be planned for anytime between April 8th to April 22nd, which means it is just in time for Spring Break. The winner will receive accommodations for up to six people (over a $550 value!).

 Estes Park View 
Imagine snuggling by the fire while glancing out the window and seeing this picturesque view of the Rocky Mountains. While staying at a Estes Park Vacation Rental, this can be a dream come true. 

While staying at this Premier Vacation Rental, guests are immediately immersed in all of the comforts and surroundings of home, plus so much more. Excellent customer service and luxury are of utmost importance to Estes Park Central, so guests can enjoy a personalized vacation with luxurious accommodations. Estes Park offers ultimate vacation rentals that will meet your individual needs, whether you want to experience excitement and plenty of activities or simply sit back and relax.

Each vacation rental offers the following amenities:
  • TV and DVD
  • comfortable living areas
  • fully equipped kitchens
  • luxurious bedding (twin, queen, or king-sized beds)
  • fireplaces
  • free wireless Internet


. Estes Park Central Condo

About the Condo 

This newly constructed luxury condo features two bedrooms and two bathrooms, as well as a Jacuzzi bathtub, queen-sized sofa bed, washer and dryer, gas fireplace, DVD and TV with cable, gourmet kitchen, and queen-size and king-size beds. You can experience ultimate relaxation while sitting on the deck in a private hot tub as you view the beautiful mountains.

The condo is located just three miles from Rocky Mountain National Park. Directly on the property is the historic Marys Lake Lodge. At the lodge you can choose to dine in either of the lovely restaurants. In the Grandmaison's Chalet Room you will find an exception dining experience in an elegant atmosphere, with superb cuisine that features a European flair. At the Tavern, you can find a  casual dinging experience with delicious meals and live music every night during the summer. Throughout the rest of the year, live music continues Wednesday through Sunday evenings at the Tavern.

For a bit of rejuvenation and relaxation, step inside the Escape Spa and Salon. Here you will find an ultimate salon experience. 

(Just a note that this condo is not pet-friendly, but they do offer other condos and vacations homes that are.)

Things to Do

While this vacation spot is perfect for simply relaxing and taking in the scenery, there are also plenty of activities for those who want a more adventurous vacation. You can take in the sights of Rocky Mountain National Park while hiking, bicycling around the lake, or viewing wild-life in the area. There are also plenty of chances for shopping, cross-country skiing, sledding, snowshoeing, and downhill skiing just 45 minutes away at Eldora Mountain Resort. In the town, you can go horse-back riding, boating, fishing, or indoor/outdoor rock climbing.

Giveaway: Winner will receive accommodations for six people for a two night vacation to be used between April 8th and April 22nd.

Rules: This giveaway is open worldwide, but the winner must provide their own transportation.

Enter: Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway



Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are always my own. Sometimes, this blog receives items for free for the purpose of writing a review and/or hosting a giveaway. Some posts may be paid sponsored posts. These factors to not determine the type of review posted, and the reviews are always factual and based on my own opinions.Please visit my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Sunday, February 26, 2012

Worrying When You're a Mom

Last week I went to the bus stop to pick up my son, and he got in the car (without a coat on). After trying to convince him it was cold out and he should be wearing a coat, I tried asking him how his day was. I received the usual response, which is usually something as descriptive as "OK" or "Fine."  Some days I am told "Leave me alone." or "Stop asking me all these questions."

My son has had some trouble recently, which he won't really discuss with me. I found out from another parent that he was being teased on the bus, which is apparently how all of the older children treat the younger ones. Apparently he had the audacity to try and sit near the back, which is only a privilege for the older kids that have been deemed "cool." Yes, I went to school once. Yes, I know a lot of older, "cool" kids sit in the back. Yet, I do not think that just because my son wanted to sit in the back one day that he should be continuously teased and told he isn't allowed to sit with anyone (apparently he tried to sit with another child after this and no one would sit him). This is unacceptable to me, and not just because he is my son. I went through some pretty intense bullying as a child, and I never want to hear that my children are experiencing the same type of bullying or teasing. I was almost ready to pull him off the bus, because I think it is ridiculous for that type of behavior to continue and I don't want him upset over it either.


He has started sitting with another boy around his age, and things have seemed OK. I still wanted to check, because I worry, as parents usually do. This is how the conversation unfolded:

Me: "How was the bus ride?"
Son: "Fine."
Me" "Was anyone bothering you on the bus today?"
Son: "No."
Me: "You can tell me if someone was bothering you."
Son: "I said it was fine! Why do you keep asking me all these questions?"
Me: "Honey, I am just worried about you and want to make sure no one is bothering you or teasing you."
Son: "Well, the only thing actually bothering me right now is YOU, and all your questions."

OK, point taken on that one. I decided to drop the conversation after that.

Yet, all I can do is worry about him and the effect this has on him. My son is unique and special, he has several behavioral/emotional issues that I will discuss more in the future.  He can be incredibly sweet, but also incredibly sad and even very angry, which usually results in destruction and violence. He uses up all of his strength just to make it through each day at school. He tries to please people, which is actually kind of manipulative (he lies often). Yet, he still tries to do his best in school, as much as he can. He really holds himself together, which has amazed me this year. So, once he comes home, he is finally able to really be himself and kind of let loose all those tensions and things that bothered him that day. This usually results in a very chaotic house after he comes home, but I know he is trying so hard to "keep it together" all day.

He is not open about what happens at school, but I can see the way he acts at home and know when something happened that bothered him. I know I will not let my son have to deal with bullying every day, and if it results in me removing him from the bus, then that is what I have to do.

Have you ever dealt with your child being bullied? Did your child talk to you about it? What did you do (call the school, call the parents, remove your child from the situation, talk to your child about bullying and standing up for himself or herself)?


Friday, February 24, 2012

New Coupons Available

Here are some new coupons available to print. 

Simply click on the link and you will be taken to the page where you can print them!



Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are always my own. Sometimes, this blog receives items for free for the purpose of writing a review and/or hosting a giveaway. Some posts may be paid sponsored posts. These factors to not determine the type of review posted, and the reviews are always factual and based on my own opinions. Please visit my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Awesome Deal on Canvas Photo Prints

Canvas People offers you the opportunity to add any picture to a canvas. You could choose family pictures, wedding photos, or any special picture that you would like transformed into a canvas.

Check out these great deals, simply click on the picture to be taken to the website. Canvas People is offering a free 8 X 10 canvas or $35 off a larger size! They are also offering discounts on select sizes of canvases or free shipping. With these savings, you could get the larger size you want for a cheaper price or purchase two instead of one.










Disclaimer: the post above contains affiliate links, but the thoughts and opinions expressed are always my own.



Thursday, February 23, 2012

Calling All Bloggers: Free Events to Join

If you want to gain new followers and receive more entries in giveaways, participating in a group giveaway hop is great exposure for your blog and your giveaway. More entries into your giveaways is also great for the sponsors, so I definitely recommend joining in on a group event when you can. It is always nice to follow the linkys and find some giveaways to enter, as well! Who doesn't like to have the chance to win some awesome prizes and support other bloggers?

Here are a few awesome events coming up.

The first one I want to mention is a free giveaway event, and you don't even need to supply the prize!


Win a 2 Night Stay in Estes Park Central

Hosted by
Two Little Cavaliers, this giveaway gives readers the chance to win a two night stay at Este Park in Colorado. The winner will be able to stay in a luxury condo that is fully equipped with a Jacuzzi bathtub, gourmet kitchen, cable, and plenty more. The area is beautiful with picturesque scenery and plenty of chances for outdoor activities, including skiing, fishing, horseback riding, and more.

Dates: The giveaway will run from 2/27 to 3/6.

Details: Bloggers will be given a link to the Rafflecopter form and further details to include in the post. Each blogger will receive a link to their Facebook fan page on the Rafflecopter form.

Cost: Signs ups are free! You just need to blog about the event and help promote the giveaway.

Read more about this event and sign up!


Crazy Dog T-Shirts Review and Giveaway

My husband and I usually dress pretty casual, which really means we never dress up. We both live in jeans and t-shirts. Sometimes, I spend most of my day in sweats and a tank top or t-shirt. It's not that I don't like to dress up, but I just find it easier to dress simpler and stay comfortable. Since T-shirts are one of our go to every day pieces of clothing, I was thrilled when Crazy Dog T-shirts agreed to do a review and giveaway on my blog.



A Little About the Company: Crazy Dog T-Shirts is a New York based company that offers quality T-shirts at affordable prices. With submissions from customers and the use of their own imaginations, they are able to create unique and funny T-shirts that are appealing to men and women. They say that the foundation of their company is built on their customers, who continuously provide them with new ideas and inspiration for T-shirt designs. They take pride in their customer service, so they offer fast service with high-quality silk screen printing done quickly and efficiently. Their shirts truly bring out the kid in everyone, with funny designs and humorous quotes. From shirts that keep you prepared for the zombie apocalypse to ones that are inspired by some of the most well-known 80's movies, they offer a large selection of tees.

They offer a great selection of items for men, women, and even children!

Look at this cute onesie for babies.














Check out the cool St. Patrick's Day tees.














 Fan of all things retro? the 80's? movies? They have plenty of vintage styles to choose from. 


 




My Review: I browsed through the website for a few days (really a few days, I am so indecisive) before I decided which shirt to choose. They offer so many unique styles, with everything from funny T-shirts to ones inspired by 80's movies. I finally selected the Irish Girls Drinking T-Shirt, which can be found in the Girls T-shirt section of the website. We were lucky enough to be able to select two T-shirts (one from Crazy Dog T-shirts and one from their sister site Nacho Mama Tees), so I had my husband choose one he liked. He has to deal with me spending quite a bit of time on the computer, so I figured it would be great for him to pick out something he liked, as well. He selected the Scuba Steve Scuba Squad T-Shirt, which can be found in the Movie section of the website.



The T-shirts are soft and comfortable. I really like that the shirt is a bit longer and doesn't ride up. The stretch of the shirt gives it a nice fit, which makes it fit well without being too loose or too tight.  I like to have shirts that feature a flattering fit, and this shirt will definitely be one of my new favorites. I love the color of my T-shirt, and it is perfect for me to wear on St. Patrick's day. I did not previously own a fun St. Patrick's day shirt, so I thought this one was something that would be funny and reflect my sense of humor. My husband also likes his shirt. My husband is a big fan of Adam Sandler and the T-shirt instantly reminds me of the movie Big Daddy.





But It: You can purchase T-shirts from Crazy Dog T-shirts on their website. There are plenty of different styles to choose from, and some only cost $6.99! They also have a sister site, Nacho Mama Tees, where they offer affordable and funny t-shirts, as well.



Win it: Crazy Dog T-Shirts is offering my readers the chance to win a gift card to be used at www.crazydogtshirts.com.

Prize: $15 gift card to Crazy Dog T-Shirts

Rules: Open to US residents 18 and older who have not received a promotional item from Crazy Dog T-Shirts within the last 90 days. Those who enter cannot own a review/giveaway blog of their own.

Enter: Simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

Good Luck!



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