Monday, September 26, 2011

Signs

A couple years ago, a group of children kept wandering into our yard in search of our indoor/outdoor cat.  We had just recently moved in to our home and not yet put a fence up in our back yard.  I love children, but being a homeowner you worry about people getting hurt on your property.  I didn't want one of the children to fall and get hurt, or for my (rather anti-social) cat to scratch one of them because they went after him after he went off to try and hide in our yard. 

I told the children several times they needed to leave the cat alone, and they really needed to stay out of our yard.  I tried to be as polite about it as possible, but it made me want to take extra measures such as putting up some No Trespassing Signs.  (And no worries, we have since put up a fence, and our ant-social kitty has become an indoor only cat, minus the occasional jail breaks, haha)

Also, I realize this is totally random, but in my search online for signs I could put up before we got our fence installed, I also came across this website that has Street Signs, and Road Signs.  I couldn't help but think how fun it would be to use them to decorate with!  A little boy's room, perhaps?  So cute!



*Brought to you by your friends at StreetSigns.com

Sunday, September 25, 2011

Straight Talk for Straight Savings

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

I don't personally have a cell phone. Partly because I don't like to talk on the phone, partly because, well, it's expensive! I've been thinking that it might be a good idea to have one lately though (I know my mom would agree, and well, mom knows best!). I'm glad I just heard about Straight Talk, because this cell phone service provider can save you some of your hard earned money

I don't have a cell phone. Partly because I don't like to talk on the phone, partly because my husband has one and I don't often go out without him, and partly because, well, it's expensive! I've been thinking that it might be a good idea to have one lately though. I'm glad I just heard about Straight Talk, because this cell phone service provider can save you some of your hard earned money.

I love that there are no contracts, no surprise bills and no credit checks. All of these things for half of what other companies charge!  And no contract!  That sounds like exactly my kind of cell phone plan.  You get great nationwide coverage and excellent reception/connectivity. Plus, Straight Talk only uses trusted phone manufacturers like LG, Motorola, Kyocera, Nokia and Samsung.  You can get a reconditioned phone for only $10, and that includes camera, mp3 player, mobile web access, and the capability for blue-tooth.  They also have smart phones (Android on Straight Talk), touch screen phones, and phones with app capabilities, voice navigation, and more.

The “All You Need Plan” comes with 1,000 minutes,1,000 texts and 30 MB of web data. I don’t think I could ever use that many minutes – but it would be nice to use to Call a friend!

Unlimited Monthly service is only $45, and includes calls, texts, picture messaging, and web.  International Long Distance is available for low rates as well.  Sounds like I'm sold on Straight Talk, Hook, line and sinker!

 

Imagine-- unlimited calls, texts, picture messaging and web for a whole year, for only $499.00! Plus, 411 calls are included at no extra charge...and the service is free from activation, reactivation, or termination fees.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday, September 23, 2011

Man Shoes

Yesterday morning, after taking my daughter to school I arrived home to a package on my doorstep.  Inside this package was a book.  A beautiful, hard cover, signed copy of Man Shoes, The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband, and Father, by Tom Watson. 


Now admittedly, my first thought was that I wasn't sure just how relevant this book would be to me.  Sure, I'm a wife, and a daughter, but wouldn't this be so geared towards men that it wouldn't apply to me?  I was worried it would read as your average self-help book and speak more of business and sports than little old stay at home mom, me, might care to read.  Cautiously, I opened the book and read the Foreword, which is written by Pat Williams, Senior Vice-President of The Orlando Magic.  Seeing that, I thought for sure that despite the practical advice I'd heard this book contained, that this book would not be for me.  Sports?  Me?  Oh, no, no, no.  I figured I would just read those first few pages, and go on with my daily chores around the house, before reading a few chapters here and there over the next week or so, so that I might give my opinions on the book.

Let me tell you though, that from the first paragraph of the Foreword, I was hooked.  I simply could not put this book down.  Housework would be there later, I had to devour this book from cover to cover.  And so I did, I sat on the couch with my three year old snuggled up against me, and I read for two hours.  Only stopping every now and then to playfully kiss my daughter's little nose or tickle her belly.

The first page of the Prologue written by Tom Watson, had me smiling.  The next few pages, had me laughing and nodding with understanding, as he explained how and why each chapter of this book, and each chapter of his life have been influenced somehow by his love of music.  Each chapter begins with a lyric that sets the tone for the life lessons, experience, and pearls of wisdom that Mr. Watson bestows upon the reader. 

Each chapter of the book shares a chapter of Mr. Watson's life, a glimpse into his past and what made him the man he is today.  He uses these stories of his past, to explain how he gained the knowledge that he shares, and why he feels things like making family a priority, creating and continuing traditions, and taking responsibility seriously are so important.  These things are already important to me and it was refreshing to read a man talking so fondly of his family and everything that was so important to him.  Things that much more often, I only hear from other women.  It was nice to read a man's perspective and it gave me some valuable insight as a wife and daughter.


Now, I do want to point out that faith and God are important to the author, and there are religious tones in the book. However, they are not overpowering.  I found this book easy to breeze through because the author's writing style is just like he's talking to you over a cup of coffee. Warm, bright, and friendly.

This book made me laugh, smile so big that my cheeks hurt, and on many occasions moved me to tears.  A simple tear escaping here and there, and full on sobbing that I had to try to hide from my sweet baby who might think something was truly wrong if she saw.  This is a very emotional read, and I recommend keeping tissues nearby.  This man has been through so much in his life.  Things that no one should ever have to go through, and things that happen every day--but tear our hearts into pieces...and despite everything that could have sent him spiraling into the darkness, he has chosen to see light.  To see love.  To see that he has value and can make a difference in the lives of those around him, simply by choosing to.  The power of choice.  That is an important lesson for everyone to learn, not just men.  Everyone.  We all have a choice.  We might not be able to control everything that is thrown at us in our lives, but we can choose how to react.  We can choose to learn, to grow, to empower ourselves, and uplift those around us. 

I want to thank Tom Watson for having the courage to wear his Man Shoes, and to share his journey in life with me through his book.  This was an incredible book to read, and I'm so glad to have had the opportunity to read it.  I cannot recommend this book enough.

Right now, if you like the Man Shoes page on Facebook, you can receive a chapter of this amazing read sent to your email (but be warned, you will probably need tissues, and then you will *need* to read the rest of this book!).  Also, if you check the Facebook page, you will find a Sweepstakes with the chance to win a Kindle, that comes with a digital copy of Man Shoes, ready for you to read and enjoy, so be sure to enter! 


So now that hopefully your interest in this book is piqued, how would you like the chance to win a copy for yourself? 

One lucky reader, will win a copy of Man Shoes, The Journey to Becoming a Better Man, Husband, and Father, by Tom Watson.

Mandatory Entry:

Tell me one of your favorite traditions.  Growing up, or as an adult with your own family.  Feel free to share a tradition you'd like to start someday instead.

Extra Entries:


-Follow Tom Watson on Twitter @yourbetterlife.

-Tweet the following and leave me the link to your tweet.

I just entered to win a copy of #ManShoes @FlipFlopReviews!  This is a #MustRead.  Interested?  Enter here: http://www.flipflopreviews.blogspot.com

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews (publicly) on Google Friend Connect. If you already follow us, great, let us know.


-Follow Flip Flop Reviews with Networked Blogs. (check the sidebar)

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews on Twitter @FlipFlopReviews.

-Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in a comment.

-Leave a relevant comment on another blog post here at Flip Flop Reviews.

-Enter one of our other current giveaways and let me know which one you entered. (Feel free to leave one comment for each giveaway entered)


This giveaway will end on 9/30/2011 at 8pm EST. Any entries after that will not count. Please make sure that you leave an email address or some way to contact you in your comments. If we can't figure out how to get in touch with you, you can't win! :o) Good luck! 






*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for the purposes of this review through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency. In the event of a giveaway, the prize is shipped by the sponsor and I hold no responsibility. Thank you for reading!

Thursday, September 22, 2011

EdenFantasys Highlight - 9/22

It is nearly October.  Just about time to start thinking about Halloween.  Dressing up!  Costume parties!  FUN!  October is my favorite month of the whole year.  I have always loved costumes and dressing up.  I love the magic and the whimsy of Halloween. 
Sex toys - EdenFantasys adult toys storeAs you all know I highlight products or just awesome features about EdenFantasys about every two weeks (or at least, I try to), so today I wanted to take a few minutes to show you some of their fantastic costume section.  Now, a lot of these pieces would definitely be considered to be more on the side of lingerie than something you could wear out on Halloween or to a costume party, but they have quite a few cute costumes that you could totally get away with wearing out of the bedroom.  I've seen people wear less to the mall on a normal day, honestly, haha.

Anyway, I was just checking out the selection of costumes at EdenFantasys and they just recently got quite a few new ones in stock.


I absolutely adore this Flapper Costume by Coquette!  It's a little pricey, at $47.99, but with Coquette, you're getting a quality costume that will last a long time.  Plus, it comes with the gorgeous flapper dress, a feathered headband, long satin gloves, the beaded necklace, and the cigarette holder.  All you'd need is a pair of cute shoes! 



I love this Saloon Girl costume too, but I wish the skirt part of the dress were a bit longer.  It's still super cute, and made by Coquette, so I would fully expect quality.  It's $68.99, but you get the dress, lace gloves, a fan, a feather headpiece and a pair of fishnet pantyhose to complete the look.



You could definitely wear this to a costume party, or out on Halloween night.  Again, this Vampire costume is made by Coquette (I'm sensing a theme here, I seem to like their costumes more than any others, haha).  It's $59.99,  and features a stretch lace and velvet top with lace up detail, a matching stretch skirt with lace mermaid hem and a mesh cape with high collar. Plus, vampire fangs are included.  Awesome!






*I will receive a gift card for sharing this post, though all thoughts and opinions are my own.

Moon Dough Review


Last week, after taking my oldest to school, my youngest daughter and I walked home to find a package on our doorstep.  This is not at all unusual around here, as I'm sure you can imagine.  I'll have to be sure to give our delivery folks a nice gift this holiday season, that's for sure!  We're getting to know each other quite well. 

My three year old was beyond excited when we opened the box and discovered a Moon Dough Push N' Pop Breakfast Playset!  The sweet little girl that she is, decided to wait until her sister got home from school to dig in and play, but she sure studied the colorful box hard all day!


My girls were sure to tell me ALL about Moon Dough, as they'd learned from commercials "Mom, it NEVER dries out!"  (I hope they retain everything they learn in school as easily as everything they hear in 30 second commercials they barely pay attention to, tv is background noise here, haha). 

Recommended for ages 3 and up, Moon Dough has an all new dough formula now, which is a huge plus for us parents, as it's been redesigned to be less crumbly.  Hooray for less mess!  Plus, as my girls were sure to inform me multiple times, it NEVER dries out!  We tested this too.  My girls made me some Moon Dough waffles, and we left them out for a few days.  They are still as soft as ever. 


The new consistency of the dough, makes it a breeze to mold into the shapes you want, and it is odor free.  They are introducing lots of new play sets with this new, better, Moon Dough formula, including the Push N' Pop sets (Ocean Pals, and Breakfast, each retailing for $9.99), and a Moon Dough Snack Shop that just might appear under our Christmas tree this year.  You can purchase Moon Dough at Toys "R" Us, Target, Walmart, Kmart, Amazon.com, A.C. Moore, Michaels, and eToys. 

As I mentioned, we recieved the Push N' Pop Breakfast set.  The perfect way to start the day!  This delightful play set includes 3 easy to use Push and Pop Tools, 1 Twisty Mold, 2 Colors of Moon Dough, and 1 Themed Mat to look like a place setting.  The Push and Pop Tools are so easy to use, you just roll out the dough, push the mold into it, and when it pops up, your creation is done! 

The girls LOVE this set, and I love the easy clean up!  It's been put to use nearly every day this week.  My three year old even made up a song this morning about how much she loves Moon Dough.  So cute!

Check out the fun they had the evening we opened it.


















*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for the purposes of this review through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency. In the event of a giveaway, the prize is shipped by the sponsor and I hold no responsibility. Thank you for reading!

Winner of the Cookie Lee Giveaway!



Congratulations to Laurie1993, with comment 113, who won the $25 Cookie Lee Giveaway!

I just sent you an email, and I'm waiting for your response.  :o)  As always, winners have 72 hours to respond, or a new winner is selected.

Thank you all for entering, and thank you to Shannon, who sponsored this giveaway!  Be sure to check out her Cookie Lee page if you're in the mood for some jewelry shopping, or need something special to give as a gift.  The holiday season is already sneaking up on us!




 

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

ThredUP Halloween Sale - $1 box!




ThredUP is *awesome* and today they are having a sale!  Boxes for $1 (plus shipping)!


Please be advised that this offer is valid for new thredUP customers only on their first box only. One use per person.

Monday, September 19, 2011

Online Shopping with MyReviewsNow.net

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of MyReviewsNow.net for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

 GiGGiven the name and title of this blog (Flip Flop Reviews), you all know how I feel about product reviews.  Sometimes you just can't get the information you need and want before making a purchase (especially online, where you don't have the added benefit of seeing and touching the product first hand), from the often lacking product descriptions located on shopping websites. How is the fit?  Is the sizing correct?  Is the color the same as what I see on my screen?  Will this product actually do what it's supposed to?  Will it last?  Is it a quality product, and is it worth the money?  So. Many. Questions!  The first thing I usually do when I want to know more about a product is to Google and hope I find a great review on another blog.  Sometimes, though, this can get time consuming. 

I just heard about myreviewsnow.net this morning.  Have you ever used it?  They say they can help shoppers save time by offering a wide variety of online shopping choices, based on current popular online shopping trends, and featuring real product reviews all in one handy website.  Sounds promising. 

Currently, they are offering users the chance to win a $350 giftcard to Kohl's (um, yes, please!  I pink puffy heart Kohl's!).  Entering is easy.  Just like them on Facebook, and then tweet the message "I love to #shopathome online!"  Please see the official rules for more details.  Good luck if you enter!

Visit Sponsor's Site

ReJuvanescense Review


Follow Thru, LLC is an innovative product development company focused on creating products that are high quality, recyclable and convenient.

Follow Thru recently announced the debut of their first product line: ReJuvanescense.

ReJuvenescence is a line of natural, scent-infused, household products that fit discreetly into any bathroom setting.


I was sent for review, samples of the ReJuvenescence rollers.  These rollers, retailing for $12.99, are made to freshen the air in your bathroom, by being used in place of your standard bathroom tissue holder/roller.  This allows them to be hidden, so you don't have to worry about an unsightly air freshener sitting out in your bathroom or taking up valuable extra space in small bathrooms.  They will match any decor, because they are out of sight.


They are filled with absorbent beads that have been soaked in high quality, long lasting essential oils.  They are alcohol free.  When you take them out of their packaging, you will see a line of perforations on the roller.  These are covered by an easily removable sticker/film.  Just pull off as much or as little as you like, to control the amount of scent that is released.  While the scent immediately beings to freshen the air in your bathroom as soon as you put it to use, as the roll is used, and the beads tumble, an extra burst of fragrance is released.

These scented bathroom tissue rollers come in three signature fragrances.

• Wild Orchid – A delicate infusion of wild orchids, red currants, ginger and peach.
• Moonflower – A floral mix of moonflower, subtle yellow rose and grapefruit.
• Spice – A refreshing blend of clove, cinnamon, sandalwood, and peach.


Plus, they are made in the United States, and contain recyclable materials.  I absolutely adore these products!  As you all know, I'm big on scents.  Candles, air fresheners, you name it, I use it.  Anything to give my home a fresh and enjoyable fragrance.  These did not disappoint.  I've been using them for over a week now and the scent has not faded.  They are supposed to last for up to 60 days.  I love all three fragrances so much, that I can't pick a favorite.  I'm definitely Flipping for ReJuvanescense, and I can't wait to see where this line of products goes next! 




*I received one or more of the products mentioned above for the purposes of this review through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency. In the event of a giveaway, the prize is shipped by the sponsor and I hold no responsibility. Thank you for reading!

Talk Like a Pirate Day

Avast!  As I'm aye you know by now, today be International Talk Like a Pirate Day.

Disney Junior invites you t' celebrate today with Jake and t' Neverland Pirates!  Tune in if ye dare for a frolickin' good time.

Here be some great ideas courtesy o' Disney's Family Fun magazine. I hope you'll check them out and celebrate t' day, Disney style!


Create a "Jake" inspired costume from items you may already have in your own home:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/pirate-costume-662303/

Make some yummy Pirate snacks:
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/shipshape-snack-686871/

Play a little game o' Captain's Callin':
http://familyfun.go.com/playtime/captains-calling-708177/

Get crafty with your little pirate, and make a parrot:
http://familyfun.go.com/crafts/parrot-for-a-pirate-667728/

In t' mood for a sweet treat? Bake one o' t' pirate inspired cakes:
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/pirate-hat-cake-688665/
http://familyfun.go.com/recipes/pirate-ship-cake-686286/

I hope you enjoy talkin' like a pirate today!  Me wee lasses and I be colorin' pictures o' pirates, and dressin' up t' boot!

And don't ye be forgettin', ye can go to the Facebook page here fer old Jakie and his Neverland Pirates, and enter to win some booty!

In case you be in need, here be a handy pirate translator.



Sunday, September 18, 2011

Serenata Flowers

Do you need to send flowers for delivery to someone? Birthday? Anniversary? Retirement? New baby? Get Well Soon? Serenata Flowers has got you covered. They are Award-Winning and offer a fantastic value for your money, as well as an easy to use ordering system and a fabulous choice of floral items so that you're sure to find what you need. They even have cookie towers, and spa baskets. I'd love to receive one of those!

They can send flowers worldwide, to over 150 countries. That's not all, they have a 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. If you are not completely happy with your experience using Serenata Flowers, they offer a no fuss replacement, or full refund if the fault of your unhappiness lies with them (just be sure to read the fine print, they truly want you to be happy with your purchase and floral experience, but they won't refund or replace something that they had no control over happening).

I love the wide range of payment methods too, Google Checkout and Paypal are accepted there. 

Serenata Flowers even has a handy list of upcoming holidays right on their front page, as well as a section of Florist Tips, so you can find out to best care for your flowers.


 

Please see our site-wide disclosure policy located in our sidebar.

Wednesday, September 14, 2011

Winner Wednesday - 9/14



get the InLinkz code (if you'd like to place the link up on *your* blog!)



For now, while this is a small linkup, I'm leaving giveaway links on here until they are over and then going through and deleting them myself. If this gets to be too much, I'll start re-setting the link up every week. ;o)


Also, don't forget, if you've won something on Flip Flop Reviews and would like to share a picture we'd love to post it on Winner Wednesday!

Recently, I won a giveaway over at I Can Teach My Child.  Yay!  My girls were so excited!

We were able to select a bow from Dazzling Diva Bows.  It's SO cute! 



Tuesday, September 13, 2011

New appliances, or no?

Lately I've been debating with myself.  I can't decide if I want to keep fixing up our current home or not.  I love our house, but we knew when we purchased this home that we would not be here forever.  Eventually we would outgrow it.  We would love more space right now, but we're not bursting at the seams here quite enough yet for it to be a pressing matter that we move into a bigger home. 

When we moved here, I had big dreams of replacing the flooring downstairs and in the upstairs bathroom, as well as the kitchen appliances (though that's a whole 'nother debate, stainless or white? http://www.canadapost.ca/shopper/appliances/pc/28).  Really though, we're going to be here for awhile longer...  With the housing market the way it is, we'd lose over $10k if we sold right now, that's if we could even manage to sell right now...  so there is my dilemma.  Replace flooring and appliances now since we have no idea how long we will be here still, and they will help us enjoy our home more...and they will help with resale, or just live with it since we do plan to move eventually, and we'd likely not recoup the costs of updating.  What would you do?



Please see our disclosure policy.

Fall/Winter Style with Cookie Lee

Guest post by Shannon Donet.


Calling all jewelry fans - the new Cookie Lee Fall/Winter Catalog 2011 is here! Cookie Lee Jewelry is affordable, stylish, and fun - you don't want to miss out on these new styles!

First and foremost, Cookie Lee Jewelry is quality made, but affordable. Over 120 pieces in the catalog are priced under $30! That not only makes it possible to buy several pieces you like, but to be able to easily get something to match each outfit. Cookie Lee Jewelry also makes a great gift, and with the many children's styles now available, you can also find something great for the woman-to-be in your life.

Want to earn free jewelry or money for your favorite cause? Host a show! Cookie Lee Jewelry offers amazing hostess benefits including free jewelry, 50% off items, exclusive hostess specials, and even great ways to earn money for fundraisers. Jewelry is ready to take home at your event and there's no presentation and no pressure for your guests to buy. You can also earn the same rewards with a catalog show - ask me how!

Want to start your own business? Sell Cookie Lee Jewelry! Cookie Lee Jewelry offers 50% profit on whatever you sell. They are no monthly minimums, so whether you're a busy mom, full-time corporate professional, or a woman who just loves jewelry, you can choose the business opportunity that fits your lifestyle.




Venetian Filigree Medallion, $38



Extreme Links Hoops, $28



Prismatic Violet Necklace, $52



Ultra Shimmer Ring, $28

-----

I own many Cookie Lee jewelry items myself, and have never been disappointed with quality.  These pieces hold up to wear very well, and there are so many beautiful accessories to choose from.  My absolute favorite pair of earrings is Cookie Lee and purchased several years ago.  I lost one of the earrings, and was so sad!  I found it a few months later in my closet and actually did a little dance, haha.  The new Fall/Winter collection is amazing.  I love this Cherished Key Necklace.  And those Crystal Headbands?  Gorgeous.  I love the vintage style so many of the new items have.

No matter what your style is, you're sure to find something you'll love with Cookie Lee.  They even make jewelry for children!  I have personally hosted a Cookie Lee party with, and purchased from Shannon, and she is fantastic.  She'll help you every step of the way if you choose to host a party. 

You can browse the catalog and/or order online at http://www.cookielee.biz/shannondonet.  Feel free to message shannondonet@yahoo.com for orders, booking a home show (or catalog show), or for more information on becoming a Cookie Lee consultant.

-----

Shannon has generously offered one lucky Flip Flop Reviews reader a $25.00 gift card/credit to spend on Cookie Lee jewelry!   (Winner will have to contact her directly with their order @ shannondonet@yahoo.com)

Mandatory Entry:

Check out the Cookie Lee catalog (click the "shop" tab), then come back here and leave a comment with something that caught your eye.

Extra Entries:

-Make a purchase at http://www.cookielee.biz/shannondonet.  Just comment that you purchased and I will confirm with Shannon to verify your entry.

-Tweet the following and leave me the link to your tweet.

I just entered to win a $25 gift card to #CookieLee @FlipFlopReviews!  Beautiful jewelry!  Go enter: http://www.flipflopreviews.blogspot.com

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews (publicly) on Google Friend Connect. If you already follow us, great, let us know.
 

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews with Networked Blogs. (check the sidebar)

-Follow Flip Flop Reviews on Twitter @FlipFlopReviews.

-Blog about this giveaway and leave the link in a comment.

-Enter one of our other current giveaways and let me know which one you entered. (Feel free to leave one comment for each giveaway entered)

This giveaway will end on 9/20/2011 at 8pm EST. Any entries after that will not count. Please make sure that you leave an email address or some way to contact you in your comments. If we can't figure out how to get in touch with you, you can't win! :o) Good luck!