Monday, December 23, 2013

Sponsored Review: Kidoodle.TV

“I participated in a Blog Blast program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Kidoodle.TV. I received a promotional item and a free trial as a thank you for participating.”

Dear Readers:
 I am somewhat careful when it comes to screen time with Ana. I like to know the content of what she is watching and I prefer commercial free programming and dvds. 

  When I was approached about trying out the new Kidoodle.TV site, an online site that allows parents to tailor age appropriate viewing to each child's needs, I thrilled. 

Ana was also excited about watching Kidoodle.TV. Especially when I told her what cool shows she could watch.   Kidoodle.TV has been designed specifically for the use and navigation by kids (ages 12 and under). Parental controls include age category filtering and title selection and de-selection. One of my favorite features is that Kidoodle.TVis free of advertising (yay, no commercials). 



    I was able to create a profile for Ana and personalize the profile with her age appropriate content, favorite colored background and a profile photo of a favorite show character. She loves watching My Little Pony episodes via Kidoodle.TV. 


Be sure to follow Kidoodle.TV via Twitter and Facebook


The Kidoodle.TV Holiday Giveaway
TV. Built for Kids, Loved by Parents!
Try Kidoodle.TV for FREE and enter by December 31, 2013 to win 1 of 10 tablets or 1 of 10 Kidoodle.TV year-long subscriptions!
To enter the giveaway, go to Kidoodle.TV to sign up for a free trial. Follow the on-screen directions and submit!

Friday, December 20, 2013

Review: My Hikes make shortening too long pants super easy and stylish!


Ana and her new My Hikes


Disclosure: I received this product as part of an advertorial for tomoson.

Dear Readers:

  I have finally found the solution to Ana's pants that fit her around the waist, but are too long and trip her up: My Hikes!!!  These are so super cool. They are little hem fasteners in cool shapes and they are so super easy to put on and take off. Just roll up the hem, clip over the hem and then push through and fasten.  So perfect.  Ana has lots of jeans, and I found a cute pair to show you just how easy it is to use the My Hikes. We chose the Flower style to review. Aren't they the cutest. So colorful and feminine. These are the perfect stocking stuffers, or a cute gift for the holidays for the special kiddo in your life. 




Single hem with a cute pink flower! 


From the company:

"My Hikes Fasteners help kids and sometimes even moms "hike" up their pants.  They are lightweight and comfortable.  Kids love to wear them because they're cute, fun and they work.

They are for use in a variety of situations:



  • 1) Size transitions: Previous size is embarrassingly short, but the next size starts out too long
  • 2) Pants preservation: Kids are "walking off the hems" of that brand new pair of pants and driving mom crazy.
  • 3) Capri style:  Kids can shorten pants to get a capri look or for practical reasons such as water play.
  • 4) All weather:  Pants can be lifted off the ground when rain and snow might dampen the hem as kids splash through puddles and muck.  We all know a wet hem takes forever to dry! 

My Hikes have passed USA safety tests for use with children of all ages.






So they are safe to use, easy and very very cute. And, they come in a variety of styles for both boys and girls such as: Flower,Butterfly,Soccer Ball, Train, Etc.

You can see them all at the link below and buy them there too! Also check them out on Amazon.  

Important Links:







And right now you can get a coupon for  40% off :  Use code MyHikes40off   Wow, go and get yours now and let me know what style you choose ;)





  I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thursday, December 19, 2013

Sponsored Review and Giveaway: Walmart.com makes it easy to buy the New Herbal Essence Naked Volume Collection #herbalessence



Hello Dear Readers:

 I received a Walmart gift card to facilitate this review and the information within has been provided by Herbal Essences. 

Don't you love gift cards? I do. Life and shopping (specifically online shopping) has become so much easier for my busy mama life with gift cards and online retailers. I love that all of the big retailers have the competitive pricing online too. No muss , no fuss. Easy shopping from my living room, bedroom or kitchen table.  

I am so super excited to present my readers with Part 1 of this review.  Thanks to Herbal Essence, I used my Walmart card to order the new Naked Collection Volume Kit, which includes:  Naked Volume Shampoo, Conditioner, Volumizing SoufflĂ© Styler, and Dry Shampoo.  Part 2 will include a video review of the products and show you just how wonderful they are on my curly, thick unruly hair!! 

Watch this quick Youtube video to see just how easy it is to use Walmart.com with a  giftcard to order this wonderful set:





  And make sure you read up about all of the products included in the set, and then enter to win a $50 giftcard below to buy your own!!


"What Herbal Essences is saying about the new Naked Collection:

  • Bare your softest hair with the new Herbal Essences Naked Collection
  • Next time you shower, let your hair get naked too!
  • 0% heavy residues, dyes, and parabens


Naked Volume Shampoo & Conditioner


  • Restores hair’s natural body.
  • Made with zero heavy residues, dyes, and parabens.
  • Shampoo provides a weightless clean.
  • Conditioner keeps hair detangled, nourished, and full of volume.

Naked Volume Dry Shampoo


  • Great for days when you don’t have time to wash your hair.
  • Refreshes your look for lightweight, clean hair — even on days when you don’t wash.
  • The natural tapioca formula absorbs excess oil and transforms lifeless, oily hair into fresh hair.
  • Delights senses with the crisp essence of citrus and mint.
  • How to use: Gently spray on and work into roots, brush out as desired.

Naked Volumizing Souffle


  • Weightless, volumizing styler gives you a lift for fullness that lasts.
  • Delights the senses with a boost of grapefruit and mint.
  • How to use: Gently work mousse through wet hair for touchable, natural volume.

The Volume collection lets you bare your softest hair! It has an invigorating blend of white grapefruit and mint extracts. It contains zero dyes to leave your hair naturally clean and full of irresistible volume."

Now that you know all about the collection, enter to win in the easy Rafflecopter below.  Winner must be from the USA, 18 and over please.  One winner will win a $50 Walmart card provided by the Sponsor , Herbal Essence.


a Rafflecopter giveaway


Monday, December 16, 2013

Guess who is NOT gaining weight this holiday season <----- this girl!!! #revoltnowfit #sugardetox



Hello Dear Readers:

   Call me crazy, call me silly, just don't call me gaining weight!! That is right!! Because, this girl is going to lose weight and tone up this holiday season.  I am so tired of gaining 5 lbs or even more over the Holidays (from Thanksgiving on down the slippery cookie slope). So, I am taking the reindeer by the horns and am working out regularly and maintaining my low glycemic, healthy ,clean eating regime.  What does this mean for the actual Christmas and New Year's celebrations I am attending??

  Well, I get to be choosy.  I can have a bite of something sweet. Or a slice of brie.  Because that will be my "cheat " meal.  But that does NOT mean that every meal will be a caloric bacchanal of sweets and carb-y goodness.  And sadly, no alcohol. Not that I really drink anyway.

And it starts now. With my detox week starting today, December 16th on a Monday. Seems like a good day to start a sugar detox right?

And, there are no cookies in this house. No homemade sweets. And there wont be. That helps.  Of course, I am sure people will make some and bring some...and they are going straight to Ana's classroom. Let the toddlers eat them.  Ha.

What else does it mean??

It means that my measurements are going to change. That the scale will be my friend and that my new bikinis (I bought three ) will look even better.

So let us call it ROUND 3 of Revolt.  Holiday Edition. And let us look back and where I started this journey months ago. And where I am now on maintenance. And where I want to get to.

The past:

May 2, 2013

I was 150 lbs  with a Bust of 38 dd , Waist of 33 and Hips of 40.  Ugh. But do not dismay.

Today:

December 16,2013  7 months later and in maintenance.

I am 133-136 depending on what time it is for the scale.  Bust of 35dd , Waist of 27.5, and Hips of 35.  And now I am measuring my booty (since I would like that to get smaller too).  Booty: 38"


Where do I want to go?

Goals:

125-130   34dd, 27, 34    A nice curvy but strong hourglass , and a solid size 4.  

Right now I hover between a 4/6 depending on the item of clothing. And how it fits on the bust.


Sooooo I am putting it out there. For the universe to hear me.  I am strong, I work out. I eat healthy. And I WILL wear a bikini by my winter vacation to Florida. Dammit.


Happy Holidays. Check out my upcoming giveaway for a $50 Walmart card later this week and stay healthy.

XO Z

Ana and I before our visit to the "The Nutcracker" at the Bardavon last week.

Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Review: Pompeian Grapeseed Oil for delicious and healthy cooking! #smiley360


Hello Dear Readers:

 I am so excited to continue working with the Blogger program at  Smiley360, and I received a fun Pompeian package to faciliate this review. The opinions and photos of food within are my own.

Before receiving my Pompeian Grapeseed Oil Spray (a brand new product from Pompeian), I confess I had never used Grapeseed Oil. I was super excited to try it out and see how it tasted with several different dishes.

 I use cooking spray all of the time to cut down on calories and fat, and it is definitely an easy and healthy way to cook.  First I tried out the spray with the basics: eggs!


I sprayed and then poured 3 eggs in.  My omelet came out fluffy and light and did not have any kind of oily or heavy taste to it. No after taste. I loved how light it was too.

Then I tried the spray with:

Roasted Peppers!!
Roasted Peppers!! I decided to use a whole bunch of peppers that my mom gave me to make stuffed peppers, and sprayed the baking pan with the delicious Grapeseed spray first. Success! The peppers came right up off of the pan and tasted great!


Also:

Green Onions (Scallions)


and



Tilapia. Yum.

Grapeseed Oil really works with my veggies and my protein.  And , coming from delicate wine grapes, Pompeian Grapeseed Oil reduces the absorption of food, preserving its natural flavor. And its high smoke point makes it ideal for your heavy load of holiday baking.


And check out these links:


More details from the company:

"Pompeian imports 100% of its Grapeseed Oil from France. Its light flavor comes from delicate wine grapes, preserving the flavor of food. It’s perfect for stir frying, deep frying, sautĂ©ing and baking.

 Grapeseed Oil is also a rich source of Vitamin E and antioxidants. Grapeseed Oil is an all-natural cooking oil known for its high smoke point, a characteristic that makes it an ideal choice for stir-frying and deep frying. And because of its high fluidity, it reduces excess oil from absorbing into the food."


Thursday, December 5, 2013

#Sponsored: Cardstore makes creating holiday cards sooooo easy! #TopoftheMantel #MC

Hello Dear Readers:

“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting (#MC) for Cardstore. I received a promotional item as a thank you for participating.”


I can admit it. I have not yet made my holiday cards yet. Because, well,  sometimes I put things off. (no, not  moi) Well, even though I am a bit late this year, it will be super easy because I can turn to: 

 Cardstore, an innovative online resource which removes the hassle from mailing out holiday cards. Once I create my custom cards with personalized pictures, messages, and signature, Cardstore will print, stamp and send the cards for me! –I will own the top of the mantel this holiday season!! So head over there now and get started! What are you waiting for? 



Review: National Geographic Books From Moms Meet! #nationalgeographic #books


Hello Dear Readers:
  I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meets blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC. or the manufacturer of the product.

Ana and I were so excited when we opened up our BIG box of National Geographic Books and picked one to read together. She is learning all about different animals at school and these books have the most amazing facts and photography to put all of the info together. Ana was really driven to the baby animal photos of Mother's Love and the The First Big Book of Why for obvious reasons. She asks what and why and how and so on every day. I love this age! Check out the cute photos of Ana reading her faves.

Add photos

The best part for my readers??

*****There is a  special 30% discount offer to my blog readers–the deal only lasts until December 31, 2013. Order by December 6, 2013 for delivery before Christmas. Books can be ordered at the mom's meet link : ngbooks.org/momsmeet.  



So what fabulous books were included in the box??

• Almanac 2014

The world’s best-selling Almanac for kids is packed with amazing animals, cool inventions, dinosaurs, robots, maps, games, activities, and more--all in one “fun-tastic” volume. In true National Geographic style, this bookexcites young people about their world andeverything in it, so it’s no surprise that it’s the only kids’ almanac with mobile media featuresthat allow kids to download National Geographic videos, photo galleries, and games.


• Little Kids First Big Book of Why

Bursting with fun facts and perfectly suited for 4-8 year olds who are brimming with curiosity about their world, this book features big, color photographs, playful design, lots of questions to encourage interactivity, and fun, hands-on activities.


• Just Joking 4

Packed with 300 hilarious knock-knocks, question-and-answer jokes, tongue twisters, riddles and more, paired with silly photos of chuckling animals, this book is sure to have kids ROTFL.


• Devoted

This heartwarming little book features inspiring true stories and touching photographs of amazing dog rescues, accomplishments, and abilities that showcase the bravery, intuition, intelligence, and yes, devotion of dogs.


• Mother’s Love

Brimming with the immeasurable love that mothers have for their young in the animal kingdom, beautifully expressed in a collection of intimate and moving portraits, inspiring true stories, and inspirational quotes, this
book tugs at the heart and celebrates the tireless devotion of motherhood.

• National Geographic Kids Chapters:
         Best Friends Forever

National Geographic Kids Chapters offer young animal lovers, who are ready for short chapters, a collection of lively, true stories, written in fun, accessible prose and packed with full-color photography.

Best Friends Forever presents inspiring examples of unlikely animal friendships that defy the laws of nature and leave even scientists baffled.

• Everything Pets

Filled with fabulous and funny photos and peppered with fun facts, this is a must-have for all young lovers of
animals, be they furry, feathered, scaly, or slithery. Everything Pets, one volume in our Everything Series, has a wealth of amazing information on pets, including pet heroes, communicating with pets, pet breeds, dog houses of the rich and famous, the world’s richest pets, and much more fun on every page.


• Funny Fill In: My Animal Adventure

Filled with color pages, great photography, laugh-out-loud illustrations, and fun facts, Funny Fill In books are sure to provide hours of entertainment. Each book contains over 20 fill-in-the-blank activities that, when completed by the reader, make one big story, created by and starring... YOU!


• National Geographic Reader: Meerkats

Beginning readers with a focus on our world are a natural offering from National Geographic. This high-interest, educationally vetted series combines magnificent color images with text written by experienced children’s book authors. Welcome to the wacky world of meerkats, where groups of these furry friends team up to survive in the wild.


• Ultimate Weird But True 2

The world is a wacky place filled with the weirdest animals, freakiest foods, extremely odd sports, mind-bending inventions, and so much more. The funtastic facts and outrageous photos in this book prove that truth really is stranger than fiction.

Learn more online at these important links:


Thanks again for the fabulous books Moms Meet, we love them and will be gifting some to the children in our family for the holidays!! 

Monday, December 2, 2013

Review: Oxygen Pur Antiaging Booster Serum #oxygenpur



Hello Dear Readers:

 It is a busy time here at the Lee household and we have been having so much fun running around with family and fall events. Lots of photos coming soon, in the meantime I have this amazing review to show to you.


 I was so excited when I was contacted to video review Oxygen Pur Antiaging Booster Serum.  I love trying new products and anything that makes my skin look younger and feel nice and soft is okay by me. For the past couple of weeks I have been using the Booster Serum in the morning before my moisturizer, here is a little youtube review that I made!


After using the Oxygen Pur for a couple of weeks, my skin felt soft, supple and smooth. I feel like years have been taken off. The proof is in the pudding. I do take care of my skin well and Oxygen Pur helps me to do so.





Here are all of the deets:


Anti-Aging Oxygen Booster Serum

0.5 FL OZ/15 mL

Oxygen Pur Anti-Aging Oxygen Booster Serum is a powerful synergy between 100% pure oxygen and water; both natural ingredients that are essential building blocks to young, healthy skin.  This lightweight, fast absorbing serum is the daily foundation of your skin care routine. Reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improves texture, tone and overall skin appearance. Promotes natural radiance and skin vitality.

Ingredients: Water, Oxygen, Cellulose gelling agent, Microcare MTC



Recommended Use: Use daily as the first step in your skincare routine.  Apply 1-2 pumps over clean, dry skin.  Apply to face, neck and dĂ©colletĂ©.  Allow one minute for maximum absorption; follow with moisturizer, if needed.  For optimum results, combine with Oxygen Pur Antioxidant Pomegranate Night Serum.


Made from natural sources and is free of harmful ingredients.  No perfluorocarbons, parabens, phthalates or sulfates.  Not tested on animals.  Fragrance free.


And important links:





I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Thursday, November 21, 2013

Sponsored: It smells a lot like the holidays!! #FebrezeHoliday



This is a sponsored post for SheSpeaks and Febreze. I received a fun and great smelling kit from Febreze to facilitate this review. The opinions within are my own. 


 It is that time of year again. Merry Berry and Bright. Cranberry that is. And apple and cinnamon. Yum. Nothing makes me feel as festive as the wonderful scents of late fall into winter. I love the smell of baked goods, delicious autumn fruit and berries throughout the house.   I was so excited to receive a great little package from Febreze that included: 

1. Cranberry Cider Febreze  Set and Refresh.  A stand alone Air Freshner in a wonderful cheery holiday scent.  Right away, I opened the package and voila it was ready to set down wherever I wanted. I put it in the downstairs bathroom for now. But, may be moving it around depending on my mood. 



2.  Febreze Noticeables warmer. Plug it in and there are 2 scents that alternate. How cool. You can also adjust the intensity of the scent, which helps if I have it upstairs in or near a bedroom.



3. Febreze Noticeables Special Edition apple cider and cranberry frost.   The combination of scents takes me back to pretty much every fall in the Hudson Valley when we apple pick, head out for outdoor Pumpkin or Corn festivals and hike. I love the fresh, fruity scent. It is warm and inviting and smells just like Fall should. 

What memories do you think of when you smell Apple Cider?Or cranberries?  Are you ready for the holidays?

Important Links for Febreze (and where to buy it!! ):

Monday, November 11, 2013

Upcoming Review: Batter Babies




Dear Readers:

 This week at Preschool Ana is learning all about Bears, including bringing in her favorite bear and having a bear picnic :)  On Friday we will be bringing in Black and white panda bear cupcakes made with our Batter Babies.  So our photos will be Live Thursday night :) In the meantime know that:

 Batter Babies are cake batter separators made specifically for cupcakes.  With them, you can make half & half cupcakes - either flavor or color combinations.  Made of a food-grade plastic, they are reusable and dishwasher safe.  Cool huh? So we will be using them with lots of cute photos and I will tell you how they come out!

Always remember:
 Remove before baking.   And they are so simple to use, even children can create their favorite cupcake flavor/color combinations.

Want to know more right now? Cannot wait to see more on Thursday??Visit www.kimbercakeware.com for more information.


And the important Links:


Check out this cute video at Youtube:


Come back for the full color photos and our immediate review on Thursday, I cannot wait to make these with Ana!!!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Sunday, November 10, 2013

Review: WEXY ecofriendly snack bags, adorable bags for Ana's snacks!


Dear Readers:

 Ana and I were so excited to receive and try out the aorable WEXY snack bags. I love that they are eco friendly, biodegradable, BPA Free, Recyclable , and reusable and Ana loves the cute little monster designs. She thinks it is fun to pick out a bag and pack her pretzels, Goldfish, animal crackers, raisins, almonds etc. for the park, playground or a roadtrip. They are the perfect size and hold a good amount for a toddler's snack. Plus, I like how long they last!

(I will insert a cute photo of Ana with her WEXY bag tomorrow, Monday afternoon).

All the deets:

  •  Made in the USA.
  •  WEXY bags feature four funky monsters that all kids love.
  •  Colorful and fun!


Check out this cute video:

You can find out more at the links here:





I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, November 8, 2013

Review: Pajanimals Bedtime Routine Board by TOMY


 Dear Readers:
   The one thing that D and I have folllowed through with since Ana was a baby was a nighttime routine. We have pretty much had the same one for a long long time and I think it works for Ana. Trying out The Pajanimals Bedtime Routine Board by TOMY has made it even easier. 

 Plus it "makes bedtime fun and helps little ones transition from play time to bedtime. The board highlights pre-bedtime activities such as taking a bath, brushing teeth, putting pajamas on and getting into bed. Fun sounds ping as your child slides each character to perform and complete each task. Complete all tasks to hear the “La-La-Lullaby” theme song." from the company! 

After Bathtime and into Pajamas.

  Pretty much every night is the same. At bedtime, a bath, then pajamas, take the vitamins/brush teeth and get into our bed for story time. Ana has such fun sliding the characters and making the sounds and music play. She wants to even skip ahead sometimes to hear the end song (naughty! ).  Ana really loves the sliding factor and how easy it is to follow. Big characters for small hands, cute sounds and a soothing song that she can relate to, equal fun. Lovely. 

Brusha Brusha....

Ana loves to brush her teeth and couldn't wait to slide the button down to the brusha brusha time!

Here are all the details about the Pajanimals Bedtime Board:

Ages: 12 months to 6 years
MSRP: $29.99, Walmart.com and Amazon.com


And finally its time for the lullaby and lights
Her favorite part, when all is done and it is time for the lullaby and good night songs from mama and daddy! 

And the important links you need to know:

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Starkist Tuna Creations Sample and Share on #crowdtap


Hello Dear Readers:
 I received a complimentary sample of Starkist Tuna Creations in Ranch to facilitate this review. All opinions within are my own.

I love salad. I eat a salad almost everyday and sometimes twice. I like it plain, with lots of veggies, with proteins on top, any which way. Salad is my life. So, I was excited to try out the Starkist Tuna Creations in Ranch. I opened the packet (single sized serving, how easy!!) and mixed it into my green salad. It was light tasting, and quite delicious. Not too overpowering or ranchy.

 I love tuna, and I usually do not use mayo, but eat it plain. I like to throw it in with lettuce and cucumbers and a little hot pepper. But this packet has everything included and already mixed, so I dont have to lift a tuna finger. Easy Peasy. And low calorie.  Thanks Crowdtap. Now, I have another healthy choice for my lunches!

Check out the Starkist Site for more info and flavors including: Ranch, Herb and Garlic, Lemon Pepper, Hickory Smoked and Sweet and Spicy (which I have had several times and loved!! ).  Which one would you love to try??


Also:




Thanks Crowdtap and Starkist for this review ;)

Sunday, November 3, 2013

Review: Kind Bars are so much more than KIND @KINDsnacks



Dear Readers:

Thanks to KIND for sending me a delicious box of yummy bars. I have been oogling them for some time and couldnt wait to try the:


Pomegranate Blueberry Pistachio Antioxident Kind Plus Bar!Those are three of my favorite ingredients (especially for Fall), and all together they are a great mix in this bar of salty/sweet and gooey yumminess. In one word: Delicious.  Also in the box were:



Almonds and Apricots in Yogurt.  Sound good? Ugh, yeah! They are THAT good.  I dont often eat sweets or dessert and these bars definitely satisfied that sweet craving that I get once in a while, without all the bad stuff. Just good stuff. An even better than the amazing ingredients is the message behind KIND.  From the company:

 " KIND Healthy Snacks has teamed up with Dr. Elizabeth Thompson, radiation oncologist and founder of BFFL Co to offer a limited-edition BreastBFFL Bag for Breast Cancer Awareness Month. The limited edition Breast BFFLBag (http://bfflco.com/product/limited-edition-breast-bfflbag/) contains all the essential items a women needs during the first days following breast cancer surgery including KIND bars, a toiletries kit, amusement pack, skinceuticals, comfort pillow, drainage pack, collapsible water bottle, and expandable folder for important paperwork.

 For every bag sold in October, KIND will donate an extra $5 to Friends Fighting Breast Cancer. You can purchase the bag for a woman in your life who is recovering from breast cancer or "Do the KIND Thing" by purchasing one to donate to an anonymous, deserving patient. Can't commit financially - no worries!

  Within each of the donated bags we will be including words of encouragement from women across the country. Submit your note to one of these brave women anywhere on KIND's Facebook wall (http://facebook.com/kindsnacks) or to bfflco@kindsnacks.com and we'll be sure it makes its way to a deserving patient.

 Gift a @bfflco bag to a breast cancer patient & @KINDsnacks will donate $5 to @FFBC1
http://bit.ly/14mEI2I

Giving back is #kindawesome Help @KINDsnacks & @bfflco share notes of
encouragement to be delivered to breast cancer patients: email them to bfflco@kindsnacks.com

Check out Kind's facebook page to stay up with this campaign and help out where you can!!



 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Friday, November 1, 2013

Beginning Ballet at Dutchess School of Performing Arts with Ms Denyse Looney


  Since Ana was very young, she showed an interest in dance and music. And really, how could she not. I played all types of music for her since she was in the womb: Nina Simone, Jazz, Blues,Rock and Pop,  Broadway etc.  One of the first songs she knew the words to was "Bushel and a Peck" from Guys and Dolls.   We would constantly  put on a cd soundtrack or Broadway Pandora channel and dance around the house, giggling.

   It was obvious that Ana had a natural rhythm and after several seasons of Music Together, knew how to drum out a beat in time. But, could she point her toes and move in time to slow classical music? I didn't know. All that I DID know is she really really wanted to take ballet. It was an important impetus for her to potty train (after all : Ballerinas do NOT wear diapers).  So when she turned 3, I started looking for a ballet school for her.


   I should have prefaced this blog entry with the information that I studied ballet for many, many years. And although I knew I would never be a ballerina, I loved how it taught me grace and the basic movements that I needed to be a Broadway style dancer. I did work on some music videos, touring musicals and cabaret style shows before I moved onto voice-over and film. And I do miss dance. And, I will take classes again. I know it.

 In the meantime, I knew that I wanted Ana to take a class that was fun, but really did teach her ballet and the basic steps to form a strong base for her dance career, be it short or long.  One of the schools that I called was the Dutchess School of Performing Arts in Poughkeepsie.  Right away, I knew it was a match for Ana and I.  I spoke with Ms Denyse Looney , the Head Ballerina and Creator of the School. She understood how important it was for me that Ana be trained in proper technique but with fun, as she is only 3.  I didn't want her to take a class that was silly, and just jumping around a lot, but one that really taught her the language and basics of ballet.

 So we went in and took a sample class to see if it was a fit. And I have to admit, I was more than impressed and she has been dancing there ever since.   Ana has really taken a liking to Ms Denyse and she is learning her positions as well as tendus, and other basic steps.  Denyse is patient, and makes learning ballet fun while combining the grace, structure and proper posture for Ana.  We love her. I can only hope that Ana loves to dance as much as I do, and that she will study dance for many years to come.  If she is serious, graceful,  and has the physique of a ballerina as she grows, I will full on support her in her dance career.

If you are looking for a school of dance that will really teach your child to dance in a nurturing way, please do check out the Dutchess School of Performing Arts.  I am hoping that one or two of Ana's friends will join us and see how amazing this class is.

The studio (gorgous and bright)

 The location is brand new, spacious and clean. It is a beautiful dance space , light and airy and ready for grace and beauty.  Check out all of the info and photos at their new website and make sure to follow on facebook for master classes and announcements!

Main Website: Dutchess School of Performing Arts
Facebook Page: Dutchess School of PA on Facebook


Sunday, October 27, 2013

Review: Zombie Tux Tee Shirt from Halloween-T-Shirts.com #Halloween




Dear Readers:
   As some of you know, I am a HUGE Walking Dead Fan. And Vampire Fan. And Witches. And pretty much anything that appeals to the darkside of human kind. So I was super excited to review this fun Zombie tux tee from Halloween-T-Shirts.com.   I love how colorful, and vibrant it is and the fun corsage detail. Super cute.  And how perfect for this time of year. 


There are hundreds of colorful, dark and fun shirts at this site. I am sifting through and could pretty much imagine wearing any of them for Halloween. Everything from a cute devil baby, to Zombie Lady Liberty and 333 Half Evil which makes me giggle. 

I was sent a Medium tee and then shrunk it down to fit (I like my tees tight). The cotton is super soft and the design bright and a bit shiny so it stand out well on the black background. Overall I found the tee to be of good quality and it will be fun to wear all of the time for shiggles. 


Check out the site and let me know which is your fave! There are hundreds of different tees including drinking tees, birthday tees and so much more! 

And Happy Halloween from the Lees! 



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Wednesday, October 23, 2013

Sponsored Review: V8 V-Fusion® Refresher: Cranberry Grape and Tangerine Passionfruit with Ana #V8Refreshers


Hello Dear Readers:
  This is a sponsored post, we received delicious juice in exchange for this review.

Ana and I received a nice big box full of delicious and nutritious V8 V-Fusion® Refreshers to try out. She is a bit of a juice monster and when she loves a juice, she drinks it all of the time.  We decided to try out the Cranberry Grape juice first and we found it sweet, but not too sweet, and delicious. It was perfect for our fall meals, and even with snacks (like pumpkin bars and delicious apples.).  I like that the juice is a blend of fruit and vegetable juice and Ana likes the colors and taste in her cup! The Tangerine Passionfruit appeals to me more than Ana, and I loved drinking it in the morning before my egg whites. It was different than any other juice I have tried before, light and sweet, and orangy but not too much so. Great!


 From the company:

"  New V8 V-Fusion Refreshers are a light and crisp juice drink with a 20-25% blend of fruit and vegetable juices that come in four delicious – and unique – family pleasing flavors. Made with both fruit and vegetable juices, V8 V-Fusion Refreshers are naturally sweetened, contain no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives and are an excellent source of Vitamin C.

V8 V-Fusion Refreshers are available in four tasty flavors, Black Cherry Berry, Cranberry Grape, Tangerine Passionfruit and Peach Strawberry, providing premium juice refreshments that will make the whole family happy."


It certainly made my family happy, especially my little sweetie. She is a convert and has requested the the new juice over and over again. Ana is one happy toddler and Mama is one happy Mama. No high fructose corn syrup, lots of vitamin C, and vitamins from yummy fruit and veggies. A great way to get her to drink her vitamins daily.


Monday, October 21, 2013

Review: Amy Adele Flat Notecards , fairy design for Ana.



Dear Readers:

  I am rather old fashioned when it comes to things like invites, thank you cards and holiday cards. Evites are fun and all, but I like well designed, simple and pretty cards that you can mail out. After all, isn't it fun to open the mailbox and find a beautiful card just meant for you?? I think so. So much better than an email.

Ana and I were super excited to pick out a cute card from Amy Adele, and we looked at all of the designs over and over until Ana chose the fairy cards that could be personalized (found below):



  Aren't they the cutest? I love the simple fairy and lovely signature.  If you like these too, you can find them here:

Fairy Cards.

To order cards on Amy Adele, it was a simple process and the shipping was quick and easy. Plus, the cards arrived in a cute mesh bag, so they were protected while shipping. Super cute! I love the quality of the cardstock and the adorable printing. Great, high quality. I am really impressed and will be ordering more cards from Amy Adele.

Make sure you check out the Flat Cards at the  Amy Adele site to see all of the adorable designs that they have, there are so many you will really have a difficult choice to choose just one!





I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.