Sticky Situations -- Win with Wet Ones

How do you deal with life's "sticky situations?"  My best tips...  First of all, keep calm!  Life is too short to freak out over a sticky, or messy situation.  My other tip, is to totally hoard cleaning supplies!  Haha...I'm half joking and half totally serious.  That aisle is actually my favorite in stores.  I love to browse and see what's new.  Next, use Google and Pinterest to your advantage!  They can teach you how to clean ANYthing...if you just stay calm enough to look. 

I have two young children, a cat, a dog, and a husband.  We have had our fair share of messes in this house.  Like, letting the dog in and asking her to sit so I can wipe her paws since it was raining, but she was so excited to see a visitor that she ran ALL over the house instead!  Muddy paw prints all over the carpet!  A little dish soap and warm water took care of that.  I just had to remain calm. That's usually my biggest obstacle. 

When my youngest was about 3, she somehow got ahold of a permanent marker and scribbled all over the wall and the back of her bedroom door.  She barely got any on herself, but boy did she do a number there on the wall and door!  I never did quite get it all out, no matter how much I scrubbed.  But it was something that I had to snicker at everytime I happened to see it, and it's not like I saw it that often...we keep our doors open most of the time in the house, so it was hidden 99% of the time.  You have to keep a sense of humor or you'll go nuts!

Speaking of nuts...  Just today, I was baking and trying to find something in the pantry when a bag of almonds fell off the shelf.  I tried to catch it but almonds went flying everywhere (I actually made it worse trying to catch the bag!).  I had to laugh because my husband came in to see what the commotion was and just started eating them off the floor.  He said he was helping!  Ha!  Sweetie, that's what the dog does, not you!! :)  (Though, I don't think the dog would be too interested in almonds...)

Wet Ones wants to hear YOUR Sticky Situations.  Your tips and tricks and encouragement for how to deal with them.  They're having a Facebook Contest and want you to enter!  You can log on, share your tips and stories, and then you're entered to win an iPad Mini, or tickets to Six Flags!  I just entered, and if you'd like to as well, just click this link:

https://www.facebook.com/momcentral/app_248884015238315

 

 

 

Oh, and I totally keep Wet Ones in the car because you just never know! They have saved me from sticky kids more times than I can count.



*I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

White Sands Infinity Finishing Spray

I have LONG hair.  It's currently right about to my tail bone.  I just trimmed an inch or so off recently to get rid of some split ends.  I also wear bangs.  Needless to say, I love trying out new hair care products, and I go through some hair spray to keep my bangs under control, especially.  It is so hard to find a good hair spray that HOLDS, but doesn't make your hair crunchy and looking stiff, or gummy, or immediately drying your hair out.

I also have two daughters, and while I don't like to use a lot of product in their hair, or use it very often if I do, sometimes it is just a necessity.  My oldest started cheerleading over the Summer.  It is a very active sport, and her hair needs to look cute and put together, while staying out of her face.  The challenge is to keep it that way once we fix it, with all the jumping and cheering going on. 

When I heard about White Sand's Infinity Finishing Spray, and that it was the favorite hairspray for Dancing with the Stars contestants (it was given rave reviews from Sabrina Bryan!), I was immediately intrigued.  If it was good enough to keep these big stars happy and their hair in place for all of that dancing, would it work to keep my daughter's hair up too? 

Here are some backstage beauty secrets from Russell Latham and Hairstylist Robert Wilson on the voluminous curls you frequently see on Dancing with the Stars:

 

Clean hair was blown dry with a tiny spritz of White Sands Liquid Texture Medium Hold. Before setting with a curling iron, a tiny bit more Liquid Texture Medium Hold was applied, curling the dancers’ tresses in the desired pattern of the night and clipped. Upon returning from makeup, the clippies were removed and hair would be teased at the root. Curls were then fingered out into gorgeous waves, securing the look with White Sands Infinity Hair Spray.

I have to say, that I am impressed by the Infinity spray!  Not only does it work, it kept my daughter's hair nice through her games, which was the ultimate test for me, but it has a pleasant fragrance.  I don't know about you, but I am a drug store beauty queen.  Side effect of playing The Coupon Wars.  Some hair sprays just downright STINK.  I'm used to it, but my daughters would hold their breath and complain any time we needed to give their hair a spritz.  They have no problem with this hair spray, and that is one less battle for this mama.

It is very versatile, it's a finishing spray, but can be used while styling as well, and even helps to protect hair from heat damage.  We have used this spray several times with both a curling iron and hot rollers.  This product leaves a nice shine as well as the hold, but I found that using this with styling tools really adds more shine.  My daughter has gorgeous dark blonde hair, and the shine with this is incredible. 

I love using this spray on my bangs and to keep the top of my hair smooth and tame those little stick ups.  It holds, while still leaving my hair soft, and not super stiff!  I've also noticed that even when it rains, the hold and texture doesn't change.  Some hair sprays can get a bit gummy if it's really humid and wet.  Not Infinity!  It is fantastic and I couldn't recommend it enough.  It is not a drug store hair product, so it's a bit more expensive, but I would purchase this again without hesitation.  You don't need much, and the mist is fine so you don't use a lot when you spray.  Between my daughter and I using this (and I do use hair spray nearly every day on my own hair) for over two months now, we still have well over 3/4 of the bottle left. 

This would be amazing for keeping your hair in check for all those holiday parties coming up!  I can't wait to try more from their amazing line of hair care products!

Infinity Finishing Spray instantly transforms into the hairspray of choice for the stylist and the styled. Due to the product’s versatility and infinite styling options, Infinity is a flexible finish spray, providing incredible hold, control, and volume. It can be easily combed through for any style change, provides UV protection, and repels moisture, even in the harshest weather conditions. Infinity Finishing Spray is also ideal with any hot tool, allowing you to create and recreate with ease.

White Sands has a full-line of hair care products, including shampoos, conditioners, styling sprays, and styling products, treatments, accessories and styling tools.  White Sands Infinity retails for $21 and can be found in salons and on White Sands’ website.




*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!

Sesame Street Live at Hershey Theater in Hershey,PA

Sesame Street Live

“Elmo’s Super Heroes”

Hershey, PA; Hershey Theatre

Friday, January 11 – Sunday, January 13

 

 

Calling all super heroes! Super Grover has lost his super-ness! Never fear, the fabulous five Super Heroes are here -- featuring Elmo as Captain Fuzzy! Elmo, Abby Cadabby, Zoe and all their furry friends are on a quest to put the “super” back in Super Grover. Singing and dancing their way through fun lessons on healthy habits, they discover how exercise, rest, nutritious food and good hygiene can save Super Grover -- and turn your children into Super Heroes, too! You’ll be feeling good when Elmo’s Super Heroes! comes to town!

 

We are big Sesame Street fans here in the Flip Flop Reviews household.  I grew up watching Sesame Street, reading Sesame Street books, and I just love it.  I'm so glad that Sesame Street is still around for my own children!

 

I've always heard such great things about Sesame Street Live, but have not yet been to a show.  I'm so excited to be able to take my kiddos next month!  If you haven't heard, Sesame Street Live is a larger-than-life, musical touring stage production featuring Big Bird, Elmo, Cookie Monster, Bert and Ernie…and more!  Each performance features 90 minutes of singing, dancing and, of course, audience participation! The show also includes a 15-minute intermission, perfect for snack and potty breaks for all the young children attending.

 

Next month at Hershey Theater, Sesame Street live will be putting on  seven (7) delightful performances! Tickets are on-sale NOW at the box office and all Ticketmaster locations.

 

If you'd prefer to order by phone, you can call 800-745-3000.

 

 

 

Save $3 on tickets with Promo Code http://harrisburgkidsguide.com/coupon.php?bid=10967&lid=13551&dealid=1055®ionid=27

 

Ticket information:

· Ticket prices: $15, $18, $22, $29 (Gold Circle) & $64 (Sunny Seats).

· Opening Night (Friday, January 11, 7:00 PM)—All seats $10 (excluding Gold Circle and Sunny Seats).

 

· Group savings available. Groups 10+ call 717-534-3405.

 

· Get the ultimate fan experience with Sunny Seats!

The Sunny Seats Package includes a VIP Seat and a pre-show Meet & Greet photo opportunity with two Sesame Street Live friends.

 

· Additional fees/surcharges may apply.

Performance Schedule:

 

Friday January 11 10:30 am & 7:00 pm

 

Saturday January 12 10:30 am & 2:00 pm & 5:30 pm

 

Sunday January 13 1:00 pm & 4:30 pm

I'm looking forward to the show and maybe I'll see you there!! :)




*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!

Let's Have a PinyPon Party!

First off, what is PinyPon?  I had never heard of them until recently.  Come to find out that the PinyPon brand was popular in the 80's and 90's. As an 80s-90s child myself, I'm super surprised I hadn't heard of them, and a little bit sad because they are so fun!  They are a little different these days than their past forms, because of course over the years tastes change and things need to be updated and modernized.  In 2009, PinyPon creator FAMOSA relaunched the brand with all new PinyPon dolls and accessories!  The dolls focus on fashion and pets, and there is an apartment and caravan that are very popular with the young crowd.

 

Dolls of all kind help children to develop social skills, they can entertain children individually, but are also fantastic and even more fun when you get together with other children.  PinyPon dolls especially since their bodies, hair, clothing, and accessories are all interchangeable, so children can mix and match, swap and share, and create their own little PinyPon fashions and stories.  I love that there are also boy dolls and fashions so these are not just for girls.

 

Just a note though, that PinyPon toys are especially designed and manufactured for boys and girls who are 4 years or older. Their use is not recommended for younger boys and girls, since they contain small parts that could be swallowed.

 

I was recently able to host a PinyPon party!  I lovvve parties.  Any excuse for one is fine by me, so I was more than thrilled when FAMOSA and BSM Media teamed up and sent me some really fun supplies, like two PinyPon Caravans, and twelve PinyPon dolls!  Not only that, but they included Nenuco dolls as well.

 

 

Looks like childhood fun in the making!

 

 

Bright, fun PinyPon Caravans.

 

 

Adorable and sweet Nenuco dolls.

 

 

To start the party off right, we cut these cards and had a Scavenger hunt that lead the kids to their special PinyPon dolls!  This was so much fun!

 

 

Awesome coupon swag for the guests! 

 

 

Checking out the Caravan.

 

 

The kiddos finding PinyPon dolls.

 

 

Found one!

 

 

The hair comes off so you can change styles, and I love that the heads are hollow because it's a great place to keep the tiny little snap on accessories.

 

 

Breaking out the Caravan.  My only complaint is that some of the doors come off during play and can be difficult for the kids to put back on (and some were even tricky for me!).  We all LOVED the working shower for some water play though!!

 

 

Such fun little accessories!

 

 

Play Time!

 

 

Some Justin Bieber got invited for a ride in the Caravan?  Teehee!

 

 

Ooooh, just her style!

 

 

Nenuco doll needed to go potty!  ;)

 

 

Taking good care of "Baby Bella!"

 

 

PinyPon dolls going for a boat ride.

 

 

Looks like somebody thinks these dolls are great!

 

 

So cute! 

 

As you can see, we had a lot fun mixing and matching and creating fun styles and the kids had a blast playing with the dolls and the Caravans.  We decorated our own cupcakes and just had some good old fashioned FUN!  I think I know some kiddos who might be putting PinyPon on their holiday wish lists this year!

 

Thanks PinyPon for a great party experience!

 

If you'd like more information or just to show your support for PinyPon and Nenuco, be sure to follow these Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as check out the websites (where you might be able to find special coupons and savings as well!).

 

Facebook.com/PinyponUSA
Facebook.com/NenucoUSA
Twitter.com/PinyponUSA
Twitter.com/NenucoUSA
www.Pinypon.com
www.NenucoFamosa.com




*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!

Woodrow the White House Mouse

Woodrow the White House Mouse is a children's book written by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes.  In this delightfully illustrated book, children are introduced to Woodrow, the White House Mouse, aka the President of the United Mice of America!  Learning all about the White House and the work of the president through the adventures of Woodrow G. Washingtail, and his family.

Every four years, like the rest of us do, the mice of the nation elect someone, too!  Election years are a great time to teach children about the inner workings of our White House and Presidency, but it can be a bit dry, dull, and too much information for children to process.  This book, published by Little Patriot Press, takes children on a tour of the White House, while taking care to relate everything in a way younger children can understand.  With not only fun bits of information, like the yearly Easter Egg Roll held at the White House, but important information about what the President, and his staff do there as well.  Everything from working with Congress, the House and Senate, to being in charge of all government departments, and the military.  Even better, and easier for children to remember, it's done so in rhyme! 

The illustrations are absolutely beautiful and so full of detail.  Actual rooms in the White House are depicted, in mouse sized scale, of course, with great attention paid to making even the smallest detail as accurate as possible to what you might see in the real White House.  We even get to see the White House beautifully decorated for the holidays.  One can easily get lost in the pages while learning about the Woodrow, his family, and The White House.

I love that there is not only a great story for children here, packed full of learning, but there are pages at the end of the book for parents and teachers with even more information and resources.   Fun Facts about past Presidents and the White House, as well as interesting things you might notice from the book -- like, if you happen to visit the Smithsonian Institution, you might find that you recognize some of the dresses that the First Lady, Bess, wears in the book.  The "Mamie Pink" dress you see Bess wearing at the Inaugural Ball, is a replica of the dress Mamie Eisenhower wore for her husband, President Dwight D. Eisenhower's first inaugural celebration. 

My children had so much fun reading this book with me, and were full of questions.  My oldest daughter is in 1st Grade this year, and I was amazed at how much she understood about elections and our presidents.  We had a great conversation and this book makes a lovely addition to our home library.

Woodrow, the White House Mouse by Peter W. Barnes and Cheryl Shaw Barnes is a hardcover book, with a suggested price of $16.99. The book is available at Amazon.com, Barnes & Noble, and Books-A-Million.






*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!

Cool Men's Fragrances for Fall - w/ Giveaway!

Let us introduce you to some the latest fragrances for men by GUESS, adidas, Playboy and Nautica.

 

 

GUESS Seductive Homme Blue is an elegant oriental scent that simply oozes sex appeal. Reminiscent of a cool and invigorating ocean breeze, this woodsy fragrance fuses the laid-back feel of summer with the exhilarating vibe of fall. 
This fragrances features notes of citrus caviar, blue coral aqua space, cardamom, geranium, and black pepper create a magnetic, seductive, attraction. The base is composed of cashmere wood, moss and Rippled Sand accord.  My husband and I both thought it was quite lovely and perfect for the cool weather.

 

Price: 1.7 oz – $49.00

Availability: Fine department stores, GUESS retail stores and GUESS.com

 

 

adidas Deodorant Body Sprays help you keep up with your active lifestyle even as the seasons change. Available in three captivating new scents, these body sprays deliver powerful, refreshing results with every spritz.
We had a pleasure of sampling Ice Dive.  This features a fresh, ozonic fragrance with notes of citrus, greens and amber.  The Deodorant Body Spray is supposed to last for 24 hours.  Cool Tech technology, with an extra cooling sensation upon application, is developed with athletes for maximum performance.   I find the fragrance to be incredibly strong upon first applying.  It's almost overwhelming, but as it settles, it's quite nice.  Crisp and clean.  You can't be the price and this is great for your gym bag, or perhaps would make a nice addition to a teenager boy's stocking for the holidays!

Price: $3.47

Availability: Walmart

 

Playboy VIP for Him captures the undeniable charisma and magnetism of the modern man. With fresh top notes of bergamot and delicious accents of white chocolate and rich sandalwood, Playboy VIP for Him is the perfect, seductive accessory for fall.  Irresistibly charming and stylish, the Playboy VIP is always in the right place at the right time. Playboy VIP For Him fragrance is the perfect expression of his modern masculine style and charismatic personality. A fragrance as unconventional and addictive as the VIP who wears it!

Featuring top notes of rhubarb, bergamot, and rhum, heart notes of apple, watery accord, and lavender, and base notes of white chocolate, tonka bean, and sandalwood.  I sense a sweet vanilla as well.  This fragrance is sophisticated and seductive.  Don't judge a book by it's cover on this one.  I almost did.  I was expecting cheap and a fragrance that would leave me gasping for fresh air.  Not at all the case with this one!  I could not have been more wrong.  While the price is relatively inexpensive, the sweet fragrance is delightful.

 

Price: 1.7 fl oz – $15.67

Availability: Drugstores nationwide

Nautica Aqua Rush is a blend of spicy, crisp, woodsy notes that are perfect for the refreshing fall season. Bold, masculine and powerful, Aqua Rush embodies what it means to be a man who lives life to the fullest.

 This energetic scent opens with a brisk note of Sea Breeze accord and splashed with Yuzu and a twist of spicy-sweet Coriander. It's infused with watermint, Clary Sage Absolute and Violet Leaves. The Scent is anchored by a teak wood base for a fresh scent that will accentuate your masculine spirit.  You will also note the scents of amberwood and watermusks. 

By far, this was my favorite of the four scents I sampled.  My husband emphatically agrees (though I'm sure he would agree with me either way as if he wears what I like, I'm more likely to snuggle up extra close, hehe!)  It is fresh, clean, reminds me of the sea, and is just delightful.  The kind of scent where you just want to bury your face into your husband's sweater on a cool evening and just breathe in his scent.  It's soothing and yet energizing. … Mor) 

We enjoyed this one so much, we've asked to be able to share it with one of you!  Keep reading!

Price: 3.4 fl oz – $65

Availability: Macy’s department stores and other fine retailers nationwide

Enter to win a 1.7 oz bottle of Nautica's Aqua Rush!

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway.  U.S. entries only.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

*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!

Dermagist for Beautiful Skin

 

Who doesn't like products designed to pamper and enhance the beauty of our skin?  As I'm getting older (I just had a birthday this month, actually), I'm noticing that my skin is changing.  It's a little drier.  It needs a little more help to stay healthy and beautiful.  That's where Dermagist comes in.  Dermagist offers Miracle Cosmeceuticals for Beautiful Skin! 

 

I recently tried out the Hydrating Spa System, which consists of three of Dermagist's most popular products.  When these products are purchased together in the Spa System package, you get a savings of nearly $15 versus purchasing the items individually.  So, what exactly is included in this package?  Luxury! 

 

Hydropeutic Body Lotion for deep hydration, calming of the skin and firming of wrinkles and sags. 
Combining green and white tea for soothing and antioxidant properties with Sesaflash for its instant-effect properties along with an ingenious blend of moisturizing and soothing ingredients, the Dermagist Hydropeutic Body Lotion is an instant classic, and the perfect compliment to everyone's beauty regimen.
Hydro-Renewal Hand Cream for removal of age spots and discoloration, while tightening and providing a youthful look.  A one-of-a-kind, deep nourishing hand cream with Anti Aging benefits too. Age spots and wrinkles are targeted, while nourishing ingredients aim to replenish dry, cracked skin.

 

Foot & Heel Revitalizing Cream for soothing and relaxing tired feet while healing cracks and dryness with a therapeutic combination of ingredients.  Quickly and dramatically aid severely to moderately dry feet and cracked heels. Soothe and cool tired feet with this spa-like cream containing Neem, Manuka and Karanja oil, Shea butter and Eucalyptus.

 

You can read about these products and more on the Dermagist website, as well as see some amazing before and after photos.

 

 I'd have to say my favorite of the three is the Foot & Heel Revitalizing Cream.  It feels so nice when applying!  The cream contains peppermint and eucalyptus oils, which really work to soothe tired, achy, feet, while the cream works to repair skin.  I can feel a pleasant tingle, and it's so relaxing.  I am a flip flop wearing kinda girl, all year long.  As a result, the skin on my feet, especially my heels gets dry and if I don't take care of it, quickly starts to crack.  If I keep my pumice stone handy and use this lotion nightly, I find that my heels are lot healthier and certainly more comfortable.    Plus the nightly ritual of massaging lotion into my feet is really nice and soothing in and of itself. 

I've always had a problem with my hands becoming dry quickly throughout the day.  When I was a kid, and didn't know about using lotion as often as I should have, I used to lick them because they'd get so dry.  I know, gross!  I definitely don't do that anymore, but I've found quality lotion really makes a difference.  I can apply the Hydro-Renewal Hand Cream in the morning and not need lotion on my hands for the rest of the day.  I used to pull lotion out of my purse all the time to reapply, but my tiny lotion bottle I keep in there has been full for weeks.  I just haven't needed it.  My hands have always received lots of compliments as well, I take care of my hands and nails.  I want to keep them looking nice as I get older, and if this cream will help with it's anti-aging benefits, I'm all for it!  The only down side to this hand cream, for me, is that there is a faint scent of licorice.  I've just never been a fan of black licorice.  It's not a deal-breaker, the scent is faint enough, and if that is a scent you happen to like, awesome, this is a fantastic hand cream! :)

 

I also love how deeply the Hydropeutic Body Lotion moisturizes.  As a busy mom, sometimes I tend to concentrate on my hands and feet and then all the sudden I'm faced with dry skin on my legs, knees, and elbows.  This stuff takes care of that for me, quickly! 

 

I would definitely recommend Dermagist.  They offer many other great products.  I'm interested in trying the Ultimate Clarifying System in the future.  Be sure to leave a comment letting me know how you like their products if you've tried them!

 

If you're interested in making a purchase, I've been told that code SUMMER should give you 10% off.

 

Dermagist is also offering one lucky reader a Spa System!  You're definitely going to want to enter this one, especially with the colder weather and dry air coming up!

This is a Rafflecopter giveaway, and open to U.S. residents only.


a Rafflecopter giveaway





*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!