Review and Giveaway: Woolzies Dryer Balls

  Dear Readers:
  Have you ever used dryer balls? Oh my goodness, I do love them. My older dryer balls were starting to unravel and fall apart after months and months  of use when I found Woolzies.  Woolzies are made from 100% Pure New Zealand Wool and they are extra large and super fluffy.  And they work.

  How, you ask? Wool dryer balls cut down on the time it takes to dry a load of laundry by 25%.  They are natural fabric softeners without all of those yicky, yucky chemicals. And, Woolzies are guaranteed for 1,000 loads. I received my box of Woolzies, and took all 6 out to throw into the dryer with Ana's clothes. I do not trust any chemicals in the dryer with her cute little toddler clothes, so I use dryer balls instead of liquid or  dryer sheets.

I love knowing that I am saving time and money by using something handmade, and natural. And one more great thing about Woolzies ( that is of course personal to me, ) is that they are based in the beautiful Hudson Valley. My backyard and place of residence. So in actuality, I am supporting a local company as well. It is a win-win.

Looking to buy Woolzies?  It is easy on their site:

• Buy Woolzies Here   (with free shipping)
• Woolzies on Facebook
• Woolzies on Twitter

   Are you feeling lucky today? Woolzies is being generous and is offering one of my readers their own box of  dryer balls!  Watch these babies in action below:




 Enter to win at the rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received a box of Woolzies to faciliate this review, I did not receive any compensation in the writing of this review. The opinions within are my own. 

Wordless Wednesday: Journey to Birth

I really did not get this blog off the ground until a few months ago, so it is only fair that I start from the very beginning. After all this is Everything for Ana. And it really is all about Ana.

The Pregnancy Journal: A Day-To-Day Guide to a Healthy and Happy Pregn (Google Affiliate Ad)

A week pre-Ana

and

Giveaway: Shower in Style Event

Hello and Welcome to the Shower in Style Giveaway Event, hosted by Everything For Ana and several other wonderful blogs. I am so excited about this and wish I had one!!

Sponsored by Change your Bathroom.com, and hosted by S.O.S. Mom, Real Momma and The Bunny's Reviews, one lucky person will win an 8" LED lit shower head (as seen in picture above)! Prize is valued at $120. Pimping your shower, yes we are!

Change Your Bathroom is at the cutting edge of today’s popular home design trend. Their years of experience will guarantee a seamless finish. Whether budget,  style, or texture is at the front of your mind, they have the right look for you.

The team is composed of Josh, the tile installer/electrician,who has worked in remodeling for 14 years and is proud to be a 2nd generation home builder. His passion lies in turning his concepts into reality. He has created several products including but not limited to the inflowAIR dust containment system and our very own hidden drain system for curb-less showers. He also loves to create beautiful spaces and for the past seven years has made bathrooms his specialty. From custom projects including hidden TVs to more traditional projects, Josh enjoys a challenge.

Michelle is in charge of customer service and design. Her passion for design developed around her extensive travel through Europe. She sets new standards in the design industry. Michelle incorporates the strength of ancient architecture and beauty of modern concepts to create a whole new world of design options. Working with the home owner every step of the way, she works to bridge the gap between the contractor and the client. Michelle custom designs each bathroom as a work of art to be enjoyed forever.

And finally, Jesse the plumber/tile installer. Jesse is trained as a skilled tradesman and has been in the construction industry for over 10 years. As a 3rd generation plumber and 2nd generation remodeler, Jesse understands all aspects of the trade from demolition to completion; he has an eye for detail and strives for perfection. Jesse has been with the team for 5 years and continues to keep every project running smoothly. He enjoys working closely with the home owner to make each project simple and seamless.

Please visit Change Your Bathroom at this address http://www.changeyourbathroom.com to get acquainted with the work they do and offer. 

This giveaway event will be running until February 9th inclusively and is open to US residents only. To enter, simply fill the form below to gain entries to win.

Special thank you to co-hosts Give Oh Giveaway, Simply Sherryl, Tabby's Pantry and Tunica Mama. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Everything for Ana is not responsible for the shipping of prizes and is hosting this giveaway in exchange for a link on the rafflecopter. 

Giveaway: Keurig Vue V700 second chance to win!

Seeing Double! Keurig Vue V700 Event

Hosted by Mom To Bed by 8 and Donna’s Deals and More

I am so super excited to have yet another Keurig Vue up for grabs here and to host this giveaway. I have a Keurig and love it. I tested the Vue before it was on the market, and it is a fantastic coffeemaker. Sleek and hot!

Brew with a Vue. Keurig has done it again with an entirely new brewing system that gives you more of the tasty beverages you love, exactly the way you want them. Now, you can decide how strong you want your coffee to taste and how hot, no matter how big or small your cup is! From creamy hot chocolate to delicious iced teas and frothy cafe beverages, the Keurig Vue V700 delivers the size, strength, and consistency you love, with every single-serving.

Still deliciously simple. At just the touch of a button, Keurig's revolutionary Custom Brew Technology adjusts water pressure, timing, and airflow to deliver the perfect cup of coffee or tea every time. You'll love the Vue's quiet operation and shortened steep time, as it whips up cafe-quality treats in a matter of minutes. Plus, there's no grinding beans, measuring, or cleanup needed--just add water and enjoy.

Countertop coffee shop. With the Keurig Vue system, you get the single-serve brewer with interactive touchscreen display, 66 Vue packs and a water filtration kit. And, for your convenience, it comes with two 16-oz iced coffee tumblers to get you started right out of the box.

Well, if that isn't the pot calling the Keurig fabulous!

• Includes Keurig V700 Vue Brewer, 10 Variety Vue packs, 12 travel-sized Breakfast Vue packs, 12 Vue House Blend Vue packs, 16 Donut Shop Vue packs, 16 Celestial Iced Tea Vue packs, two 16-oz tumblers, and a water filter kit
• Variety pack includes one each of Gloria Jean Hazelnut Coffee, Timothy's Decaf, Tully's French Roast, Celestial Seasoning Southern Sweet Tea, Green Mountain Breakfast Blend travel-sized, Celestial Seasoning Sleepytime, Barista Prima Italian Roast, Cafe Escape Milk Chocolate, GMC Nantucket Blend, and Donut Shop
• Tumblers: plastic/acrylic construction
• Colored touchscreen user interface
• Eight brew sizes: 4 oz, 6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, 14 oz, 16 oz, and 18 oz
• 74-oz water reservoir
• Brew coffee from 187F to 197F
• Strength selection for stronger flavor
• Removable drip tray with adjustable plate
• Vue packs are #5 recyclable plastic

One winner will receive a Keurig Vue V700 + V-Cups!

Giveaway ends February 7th at 11:59pm, open to US & Canada, ages 18+. To enter please use the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!

Special thank you to our co-hosts: Penny Auctions Canada, Homeschooling Mom 4 Two, Simply Sherryl, The Dragyn's Lair, Spend With Pennies, Sparkles and a Stove, Freebie Spot, The Frugal Batavian, Cherished Handmade Treasures, Just Davey and Me, My Four Littles and Funny Postpartum Lady!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

Disclosure: I received no compensation for this publication. My opinions are my own and may differ from those of your own. Everything For Ana is not responsible for sponsor prize shipment. Please contact Mom Powered Media with questions or to see your business or blog featured on the next big event!

Review: KD Novelties : Looney Tunes Off to See the Wizard book

Hello Dear Readers:

 Every night I read Ana one, two or three books as part of our nightime routine. She definitely has her favorites: Goodnight Moon, The Very Hungry Caterpillar, A Little People School Flap Book and anything with Fancy Nancy. So it was so nice to hear that KD Novelties wanted us to review their newest personalized book: Looney Tunes Off to See the Wizard. Now we can add a new book and mix it up at bedtime.

 To personalize the book, it was an easy process.  Once you are on the main page of the site, choose your book, then fill in the blanks such as name, town, friend or family member etc.  Then you order and wait for your fun book to arrive.

 Ana and I have read the book several times and she loves hearing her name, and her cousin's names which are also in the book. She really gets a kick out of being included. I try to make the voices silly and fun and she seems to enjoy the silliness and is amused by the story line too. She really responds well to the colorful pictures and fun characters from the Looney Tunes. We will be ordering another book soon, they have such a great selection including Princess books (Ana's faves).

To connect with KD Novelties:

KD Novelties on Facebook
KD Novelties on Twitter


Right now KD Novelties is holding a giveaway on their facebook page for likers/subscribers. Just leave a message on their wall that you were referred by Everything For Ana and they will send you their private giveaway page. There they will be giving away a Mother Goose personalized children's book with personalized nursery rhymes on a music CD. Cool!

 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.

Review and Giveaway: Lovable Labels for Ana the Princess Sippy Cup Girl

I asked her to smile and she put on this face, lol

 Dear readers:
   As soon as Ana became a Toddler and we became more active at playdates, playgroups, classes, indoor playgrounds etc we started losing things or leaving things behind. And when you have a group of toddler girls hanging out inevitably most of the sippy cups will be pink and feature princesses or flowers. And they all look alike.

 It is just a fact of our toddler life, that Ana loves to carry her things around with her and deposit them in search for something else  e.g a doll, toy, basket, ball.  I knew that I would have to invest in some labeling and writing her intials with a marker on the bottom of her things just was not going to cut it. So I searched online and found some great labels with a company that really stood out for me :

Loveable Labels.

Lovable Labels launched in 2003 and all started because a mom was in need of durable,well made labels that could stand the toddler test of time.  Lovable labels are " waterproof,dishwasher and microwave safe, washer and dryer safe, sun safe, bleach safe, sunscreen safe and temperature safe".

An example of a design we could choose from!

The cute folder our labels arrived in. Love the paperwork too!!

Wow! I am impressed. First off, the labels arrived in an adorable book of labels that were easy to remove and find the different sizes. Inside the book were: Sticker size, slimline size, and fun stickies shaped like flowers.  The colors are bright and pretty and perfect for Ana's belongings (see photos). I especially love the theme we chose, it goes so well with all of her "Princess " cups, bags and her ipad. 

Look at how colorful and bright the labels are (please ignore my flash)

Ana's Ipad.

We were so lucky to be chosen to test out the Friendship Pack and FREE Friendship Sampler, with brand new designs. We chose Whimsical Love Story with frogs, crowns,flowers, hearts,and stars. They are so fun.

This adorable label blends right in with the sippy cup. I love it.

What you need to know about the Friendship Labels:

Colors: Available in 4 designs : Whimsical Love Story, You're Out of this World, Bedazzled and Majestic available Here

Features: Dishwasher and Microwave Safe, Waterproof, UV Resistant, Peel & Stick
Quantity:
30 Sticker Labels
80 Slimline Labels
 10 Fun Stickies

Bonus! FREE Friendship Sampler (40 Slimline Labels) for a friend!  And I have a coupon code for you:

 Friendship40
This coupon offers $5 off any purchase of $25 or more and is valid until Feb 28th, 2013

Feeling lucky, enter to win a set of labels at the Rafflecopter below:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Open to those in the USA only. 


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.

Giveaway: Amazing Valentine's Day: Be My Valentine

Welcome to the Be My Valentine Giveaway Event! Everything For Ana has teamed up with To Sew With Love to bring you this event. I love Valentine's Day and am so excited for this great group love.Some beautiful prizes are up for grabs!    

Hosted by To Sew With Love

Co-hosted by To Cook With Love, Random Deals
These are the cutest baby and children's items, so feminine and frilly. Gorgeous. I want everything for dear sweet Ana. Which is your fave??

A special thanks to our truly fabulous online shop owners for sponsoring this event. There is almost $600 in total of prizes!  There are 20 prizes and 20 winners by the end of this giveaway!


OPEN TO THE US

One winner, $25 GC, Open to the US - Ja'diour Couture Tots 

One winner, $25 GC plus FREE shipping, Open to the US - Melbows Place

One winner, headband and necklace set + Free shipping, Open to the US - Ella Bella Boutique
OPEN TO THE US AND CANADA

One winner, Surprise Dress (winner's choice of size from 6M - 7T) valued at $31 and up plus FREE shipping, Open to the US and Canada - Joey Dresses by Amy Rey

OPEN TO WORLDWIDE

One winner, $50 GC, Open to the WW + Free Shipping - Strawberrie Rose Petti Tutu Couture Collection

One winner, $30 GC, Open to worldwide - Rhinestones & Ruffles Boutique   

One winner, 5-pack pdf sewing patterns, Open to Worldwide - Tie Dye Diva Patterns 

One winner, $35 GC (shipping included), Open to Worldwide - Little Lizard King   

One winner, Lilac blanket valued at $33 (shipping included), Open to Worldwide - Kirinati 

One winner, 5 patterns pack valued at $25, Open to Worldwide - Squishy Cute Designs 

One winner, $45 GC, Open to Worldwide - Raggedy Baby Gifts

One winner, $25 valued pattern pack, Open to Worldwide - Sew Sweet Patterns

One winner, $25 GC, Open to Worldwide - Sonya DeHart Design 

3 winners, any of the three pdf sewing patterns, Open to Worldwide - Maria Palito USA

OPEN TO SELECTED COUNTRIES

One winner, 20€ GC, Open to Mainland Spain, Balearic Islands, Canary Islands, Ceuta, Melilla and Portugal - Maria Lunarillos, S.L.

One winner, Krill Oil pack valued at $29.55 plus FREE shipping, Open to Australia, Canada, France, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, NewZealand, Singapore, Switzerland, U.A.E., UK and USA - Krill Oil

If you'd like to win any of those prizes, all you have to do is enter via the Rafflecopter form below. There is only one mandatory entry but the more optional entries you do, the more chances you have in winning! And don't forget about the DAILY entries which will earn you +5 points per day! 
This giveaway will end on February 6, 2012 23:59 EST. Winners will be contacted through their email and will have 48 hrs. to claim their prize. If unclaimed, a new winner will be drawn. Winning entry will be verified.
Have fun and good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway


DISCLAIMER: This giveaway is in NO way sponsored, endorsed or administered by, or associated with Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest or Etsy. Information collected is NOT collected by the aforementioned sites. In signing up for this promotion, participants release and indemnify aforementioned sites from all liability. By entering this contest, you may be choosing to opt in to newsletters and other emails from To Sew With Love, To Cook With Love and/or it’s sponsors, opting out of emails does not jeopardize your chances of winning. To Sew with Love and other participating blogs are not responsible of sponsor's prize shipment. Check the Rafflecopter form for full disclosure. 

Searching for Nursery School...Montessori?Or?

 Finally this busy week has come to a close and although we got a lot done around the house, I am no closer to making a decision about Nursery School/Pre School.  I guess that I shouldn't complain, as some people have little or no options. Here, there are a bunch of different options and it looks like we have narrowed it down to three local schools. Two of the schools teach the Montessori Method, and the third is located on the Vassar College Campus and is considered a Lab School. All three are not cheap by any standards, but they will allow Ana to thrive, learn to be an organized student and will be challenging in curriculum.

  D and I have been talking it over, and we cannot make a clear cut decision. There are some great benefits to all three, and Ana would probably be comfortable and thrive at any place we choose. We might just choose two and flip a coin. Yikes!

Here are the three choices , links and all.

1. Wimpfheimer at Vassar  This is where my sister went to school and she loved it. I like that it is all contained in one very beautiful building, and that the student/teacher ratio is so small. Also, that the students work with the teachers and learn through a Lab.  Vassar is a very good school, and their students would be up to date with the philosophy and psychology behind early childhood learning. They would have the latest exercises for Ana, and would help her to thrive in an early intellectual setting. Plus, the playground kicks butt.

 2. Hawk Meadow Montessori  I am really impressed with the organization of the classrooms, the integration of all of the Montessori tools and manipulatives, and the pets. I love the size of the rooms, how insular they feel, and that in Montessori each child goes at his/her pace. Ana would thrive in this type of classroom, and having tried some of the manipulatives, I know she would challenge herself. I like the space, but the school is located in an office building, and the playground is quite a walk away through a parking lot, and no great shakes.  Does it matter really since Ana will be going for half days at first?

3. The Nurtury Montessori  Again , a Montessori program. This school is located in an older , converted house . This is very cool. It is a series of rooms with all of the Montessori manipulatives, a reading loft, and cute, small tables. I like the location and outside play area here better. And, also like that they have Spanish and Music Together, which Ana has been attending since she was crawling. Also, they have Yoga.  Cool!

How do we choose? I know it is soooo important for these formative years, 3 and 4 to make the right choice. Ana is advanced with language, writing, and building and I know that Montessori would help her learn to read, write and thrive. But then, when she goes to public school for All Day Kindergarten, would she bored if too far ahead?

Adoptable Pet of the Week: Ferris Bueller of the NYC ASPCA

Ferris Bueller is an 8-month-old pit bull mix puppy who takes on many of the 
characteristics of his famous namesake. Like the film, Ferris is very confident 
and friendly. He loves everyone that he meets and everyone seems to fall under 
his charms as well! Ferris came to the ASPCA when he was very young, and needs 
some help in learning how to play without using his mouth. Giving him proper 
toys and chews when he gets excited should help team him appropriate playing 
manners. Mr. Bueller is extremely intelligent and a quick learner, he already 
knows how to sit and lay down on command. He loves other dogs, but needs 
approval from the vet before he can play with them due to a medical condition. 
The best home for Ferris would be an active family, one who can keep him well 
exercised and devote time to helping him become a calm, well-behaved dog. Since 
he still plays a bit rough, it might be overwhelming for young kids, but teens 
and older should be fine. Ferris Bueller is neutered and up-to-date on all 
vaccinations. We also include a microchip and free follow-up vet exam. 

424 E. 92nd Street (Between York and 1st Avenues), New York, NY 10128
Hours: Monday - Saturday 11:00am - 7:00pm and Sunday 11:00am - 6:00pm
Visit: www.adoptaspca.org or call 212-876-7700 ext. 4900 for additional 
information

 I am so in love with that little face. I wish I could bring him home today, 

but Chai and Ginger, my pups would not allow it.If you know of anyone who wants to adopt, 

please forward this or send it on.  Thanks! 

Review: Ateevia Botanica Natural Pain Relief Skin Care Cream

  Hello Dear Readers:
  A couple of weeks ago I went to an open jump at a local gymnastics center and I thought it would be fun to show Ana how Mama does the rings. Ouch. Boy, was that the wrong thing to do. I wrenched out my right shoulder and felt shooting pain through my right arm down into my hand for several days. Then, I remembered that I had received a tube of Ateevia Botanica to try out on my aching muscles. Within a day after using it two times before bed, my arm felt better and I am so glad that I have found a natural way to heal my pain after especially hard workouts or mishaps like this one. I love the story behind this product as a family created company.

 Here is more info directly from the company:

"Welcome to Ateevia Botanica’s PRIME Therapy, an extraordinary, natural formula that is one of the most therapeutic topical analgesics existing today. Ateevia Botanica is representative of the unwavering belief that ecological integration of plant activity with human physiology offers an opportunity to facilitate the healing process. PRIME is an acronym for “Phytonutrient-Rich Inflammation-Minimizing Extract”. Ateevia Botanica is a powerful biochemical storehouse of vital phytonutrients compelling in fighting inflammatory activity. Power-packed with essential anti-inflammatory nutrients, such as antioxidants, flavonoids, lignans (as well as oleic and linoleic acids), Ateevia uses Mother Nature’s own medicine to conquer inflammatory pain naturally and safely."

   That is a lot of big words. Really what is important to me is that it works, does not have a harsh scent, or ingredients and I can use it on a regular basis without harm. All of this this true about Prime, so I will continue to use it when I have a running or sports injury or regular pain. I feel good knowing that I am using a cream on my body that will not harm me, and even includes anti-oxidants that I regularly ingest.

• Official Ateevia Site
• Ateevia on Facebook

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.

Review: Stickerhub Personalized Stickers

Hello dear readers-
   I have to show you the cutest stickers that Ana and I received to put on all of her stuff. We ordered personalized stickers from Stickerhub and it was easy to use the site to make them.  There is an easy form here: Custom Sticker design at Sticker Hub and you will see this:

You can choose the shape, customize and even use your own photo! So cool, and so many options.


  Ana loves stickers and sticks them anywhere she can (I am still looking for a blank sticker book like I had when I was a kid in the '80s) so I thought it would be cute to order stickers with her name on it. Then she can stick them in her books, on notebooks, the back of plastic toys, etc. I chose the heart shape in a pretty pink with her name:

We put her first sticker in a Curious George book.

  From the site: "StickerHub.com uses only high quality vinyls that can be used on almost any smooth   surface. With our free online sticker designer you can choose from dozens of shapes and hundreds of sticker sizes. Unlike other competitors we give our customers unlimited colors for the same low price. All our stickers can also be used as labels so don't waste your time trying to print your own Avery labels at home, let the pros do it in full color for you. If you have any questions please call us at 866-445-2050."

 We found the site user-friendly, shipping was quick, and the quality of the stickers is great. They stick well and do not seem to rip. I call them Ana-friendly, since a toddler's touch is really the ultimate test.

So cute, and perfect for a toddler, and a nice size too!



 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.