Barbie Hug n' Heal Pet Doctor

With Christmas coming up, I'm definitely on the hunt for fun gifts for my daughters.  We have three sets of grandparents (and one set of great grandparents).  My girls are the ONLY grandchildren at the moment!  Needless to say... they have a well stocked playroom.  This can create a challenge for me when it comes to gift ideas.  What's new...  What are they going to LOVE and actually play with, something they are not going to just put in their playroom and forget about.

It's no secret that I have always been a Barbie Girl.  Growing up, Barbie was my favorite.  I was beyond excited to have not one, but two daughters, and it was like fate because I'd managed to save most of my old Barbie toys from when I was a little girl (and I even had some, that I'd bought second hand from the previous generation, like a super cool vinyl airplane and some awesome furniture and clothes).  My girls are lucky because they have some really neat Barbie stuff... and I'm lucky because they LOVE it and I get to play with it too.  ;)  Girls are so much fun!

When I heard about the Barbie Hug n' Heal Pet Doctor playset, I knew it would be something my girls would enjoy.  We have a cat and a dog ourselves, and they love interactive animal toys.  That this was a Barbie toy as well, was just icing on the cake.

This sweet little pup is so cute and cuddly!  When you pet her head or press her paws she makes puppy sounds, as well as when you use the interactive vet instruments to help her feel better.  Her nose even lights up red when she's not feeling well!  We love her sweet little pink bow, collar, and Barbie tag.

She comes nestled in a pink bag that you can use to carry her and/or the instruments that are included.  You receive a thermometer, a stethoscope, a prescription pad, a syringe, a tissue, and a bottle to feed her with, as well as a bone.  Her paw is bandaged.

There are several different puppies to choose from, but we received the white lab.  Which is great, because we happen to have a real lab too!  My kiddos were in a "don't take my picture!" kind of mood when I pulled this out, so we took a picture with our real puppy.  :)  It's funny, we have a couple of the little pets that move and make sounds, and our dog loves them too.  If she was allowed, she'd claim them for herself to carry around and love on, but I'm always afraid she might chew them.

There is also a Beagle, Maltese, Cocker Spaniel and Retriever that are just as cute!!  

If you'd like to give your aspiring veterinarian a Barbie Hug n' Heal Pet Doctor Kit, you can find them at KidDesigns.com for $29.99!  Free shipping on orders over $50.

  *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!

Skytop Lodge - 20% Coupon and Enter to win a free stay!

 

Experience the ultimate retreat by visiting one of the most esteemed lodges in the country—Skytop. This grand historic estate features the very best in accommodations, fine dining and limitless recreation including the new Adventure Center at Skytop. You and your family can explore 5,500 pristine acres of inspiring natural beauty while enjoying a range of seasonal activities. Choose from the adventurous—like clay shooting and downhill skiing—to the serene—like nature hikes and full spa services. No matter your age, personality or desire, Skytop Lodge can make your next trip an unforgettable experience.

 

EASTER GETAWAY SPECIAL:

Looking to make Easter extra special? Take advantage of our 20% OFF PLUS KIDS FREE* midweek special offer and enjoy Skytop Lodge for an extended stay over Easter and Spring Break!

Celebrate the holiday throughout the week with Easter-themed activities including:

• Help Build Skytop's famous 7 ft.tall Floral Easter Bunny
• Egg Coloring
• Easter Egg Hunt
• Meet Peter Cottontail
• Make an Easter Bonnet
• Lawn Games: egg toss, three-legged race, relay races
• Easter Egg Nature Walk

Spring will be in bloom so be sure plan an adventure at The Adventure Center at Skytop Lodge!

Rates starting at $352.00** which include charming accommodations for two, 3 meals per night stay - including Easter Brunch, and most activities.

Please call 855.477.8305 for reservations or more information, or visit www.skytop.com

 

 

FAMILY GIVEAWAY:

Win a Weekend Getaway for a Family of 4!

Includes one room accommodation, three delicious meals daily and most activities. Not valid July, August or Holidays. Based on availability. Some restrictions may apply. Valid for one year. Random winner chosen Friday, May 10!

ENTER TO WIN A FAMILY GETAWAY!

*I will be entered to win a trip for sharing this information with you 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!

New Fragrance - #MariahCareyDreams

Mariah Carey's new fragrance, Mariah Carey Dreams, is available exclusively at Kohl’s in April and Kohls.com today!  I have long been a fan of Mariah and I very much enjoy her fragrances, I can't wait to try this one.

 

In Mariah Carey’s debut number one single, “Vision of Love,” she sang and wrote the lyrics “I’ve realized a dream…” and she has continued to realize and fulfill many dreams in her life and career – she’s the best selling female artist of all time with 18 number one hits (17 are self-penned) and over 200 million records sold worldwide. She is a multiple Grammy award winning artist, successful writer and producer, an acclaimed actress, an empowered business entrepreneur, and loving mother and wife.

 

This spring, Mariah unveils Mariah Carey Dreams, a feminine fragrance that celebrates the many stages of life and evokes the most intimate memories.

 

Mariah Carey Dreams is a sensual feminine fragrance that celebrates the many stages of Mariah’s life. This inviting scent is a blend of floral and gourmand notes symbolic of Mariah’s lifelong journey.

“The process of developing a fragrance is exhilarating and it takes me to another place within my creative self, which is why I enjoyed creating Mariah Carey Dreams. I humbly call myself a ‘perfumer in training’ because I love it so much – almost as much as I love making music. I have the utmost respect for the perfumers because they have the ability to combine a few simple scents into a classic and exciting fragrance.” --Mariah Carey 

Fragrance Notes

· Top: salted caramel apple, star anise, bergamot and toasted almonds

· Mid: honeysuckle, freesia and lily of the valley

· Base: patchouli, Tonka bean and Madagascar vanilla

 

The Mariah Carey Dreams bottle is designed to mirror the curves of a champagne flute, and is a beautiful tribute to Mariah’s festive nature. The butterflies entwined around the champagne flute hold a special meaning for Mariah and her fans. They are a representation of what matters most to her.

Eau de parfum/ 1.7 oz/50 ml $49

Eau de parfum/ 1.0 oz/30 ml $39

 

Mariah Carey Dreams is available in April 2013, exclusively at Kohl’s.

*I may receive 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!

Noizy Bandz

 

Noizy Bandz Children's wristbands are musical, educational and a whole lot of fun! Watch your children light up as they hear the music and fun sounds coming from their wristbands that they control. First of its kind, expect more from your silicone bandz check out Noizy Bandz and hear the music at www.noizybandz.com Great for all ages and all occasions. Have a Birthday party give a musical Happy Birthday band instead of a card kids just go crazy for them. Check them out at www.noizybandz.com

Go HERE for a coupon!!

*I will recieve one or more of the products mentioned above for the purposes of a future 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!

Melissa & Doug Easter Shop and Giveaway

 

Fill your Easter basket with bunny rabbits, lambs, classic toys and other sweet surprises and gifts! We have the perfect presents for children this Spring. Check out Melissa & Doug's Easter selection to find the perfect presents for your little bunny and be sure to click the pic above to enter the giveaway!

 

 

*I will be entered to possibly win the opportunity to host a giveaway through the above mentioned company or representing PR agency for sharing this information. In the event of a giveaway, the prize is shipped by the sponsor and I hold no responsibility. Thank you for reading!

Patch Buddies - 40% Coupon!!

 

Patch Buddies are an adorable combination of a Plush Toy and a custom Backpack that has a built-in carrying case. There are ten playful animals and four unique characters in the Bubele's Patch Buddy collection and each has a unique personality that will provide endless hours of entertainment and comfort, at home or on the go. Safety is important to us and to your children. So we manufacture and produce our products with the highest quality materials, dedication to safety and especially designed to protect your little ones. To see our loveable and playful collection visit our website at http://patchbuddies.com/ or our facebook page.

Aren't these adorable?  I have a little one starting Kindergarten next year, and I think she would flip over these.  She has a thing for bunnies and Funny Bunny would be just her style. 

I'm excited to be able to offer you all a coupon to save 40% on ANY Buddy Bundle Purchase!  Simply click HERE.

*I will recieve the opportunity to possibly win a Patch Buddy for making this post, 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!

The Resilient Woman: Challenging Those Girly Thoughts and Accessing Your Personal Power

Albany, NY, March 2, 2013 - Dr. Patricia O’Gorman’s latest book, The Resilient Woman: Mastering the 7 Steps to Personal Power (HCI Books), is a vital guidebook for today’s women. Women seem wired to have to make others happy and if they don’t live up to these self-imposed expectations, they blame themselves for the hardships that befall them.Competing voices vie for women’s attention: societal messages that tell them they aren’t smart enough, pretty enough, good enough—self-sabotaging girly thoughts that tell them who they are and how they should act—and the voice of their inner strength, which helps them forge their own best solutions for their best courses of action.

In The Resilient Woman: Mastering the 7 Steps to Personal Power, Dr. O’Gorman offers a thoughtful analysis of the causes of girly thoughts as well as in-depth self-evaluation assessments any woman can use to identify her personal strengths, weaknesses, and resilience style. She created seven daily steps that offer concrete strategies for women to create and strengthen their own resilience. The book is a ‘must-read’ tool for self-growth for women of any age.

In The Resilient Woman, readers discover:

• resilience patterns established in childhood
• how girly thoughts become so powerful and how to neutralize them
• relationship issues that are specific to women
• how to overcome physical/ psychological/emotional trauma
• how to self-motivate by losing the victim mentality
• methods for tuning in to the inner self and consciously align with personal strengths to expand their personal power
• what resiliency is and is not and how to achieve it
• personal resilience patterns

“Women often miss the path toward achieving their true potential because they have been conditioned to blame themselves for something someone else has done to them,” says Dr. O’Gorman. “But with the right tools to break the cycle, they will learn to consciously harness and nurture their strengths and find the personal assets we often take for granted, realizing that a resilient life is generated not from the things that happened to us, but from our reaction to them.”

Patricia O’Gorman, PhD is an internationally recognized psychologist, coach, and public speaker for her work on women, trauma, and substance abuse. She was one of the first researchers in children of alcoholics in the early 1970s, documenting the impact of alcoholism and sobriety on adolescent development, and went on to create the Department of Prevention and Education for the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD).She is also a cofounder of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics and has run a rape-crisis center.

Dr. O’Gorman is a veteran of numerous television appearances, including Good Morning America, Today, and AM Sunday, and is the author of numerous articles in magazines including Addiction Today, Teen Vogue, Counselor, and Recovery. Dr. O’Gorman maintains private practice offices in Saranac Lake and Albany, New York. For information, please visit: www.patriciaogorman.com.

Available at fine bookstores, online outlets and author’s website

The Resilient Woman: Mastering the 7 Steps to Personal Power
by Patricia O’Gorman, PhD.
Publisher: HCI Books
ISBN-10: 075731709X
ISBN-13: 978-0757317095

Soap & Paper Factory - Green Tea Solid Perfume

 

I love solid perfumes.  They're less mess, often take up less space, and I can toss them in my purse without worry that they're going to spill, or leak everywhere. 

 

I apply them to pulse points, just a swipe, and I feel like they last longer than traditional spray perfumes.  Soap & Paper Factory also suggests that they act as a great hair pomade, though I have never tried them as such.

 

 

Soap & Paper Factory makes a lovely selection of solid perfumes. I was sent a pot of the Green Tea scent to try, and instantly fell in love. This is one of my favorite scents as of late. It's light, fresh, with a hint of citrus as well as the light fragrance of green tea.

Clean and sweet, green tea is detoxifying and uplifting. We love this fragrance for its crisp citrus notes. It is loved by both men and women for its deep, provocative scent!

 

Isn't the packaging just darling?  Such a pretty, vintage, vibe.

 

 

There are a variety of other eco friendly solid perfume scent options to choose from if Green Tea isn't your style.  Each fragrance is designed to stimulate the mind, body and spirit.  Next on my list are Midnight, and Gardenia (oh, how I love the fragrance of gardenias!), though honestly I don't see a single scent that I wouldn't at least like to try. 

 

Soap & Paper Factory also offers a line of Soy Candles, Hand Cream, Room Diffusers, Room Spray, and Shea Butter Soaps.  Products are hand crafted in New York.   The entire line of products is designed with the environment in mind. Never tested on animals, and they avoid the use of petroleum, parabens, or phthalates. Recycling is of great importance, and they use recycled materiels whenever possible, as well as encourage the buyer to recycle the containers and items used for the products around the home.  Used up candles can see glass used as a vase, an empty perfume container could be used to store something.  I love that! See beauty and usefulness in everything.

 

 

 

 

 

*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!

Güd - Orange Petalooza

 

I recieved for sample the:

 

Orange Petalooza Natural Body Butter

 

Ingredients: water, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, glyceryl stearate, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), cetearyl glucoside, fragrance, tapioca starch, phenoxyethanol, althaea officinalis root extract*, carica papaya (papaya) leaf extract*, fragaria vesca (strawberry) leaf extract*, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract*, prunus serotina (wild cherry) bark extract*, glycerin, tocopherol, glycine soja (soybean) oil, cetearyl alcohol, xanthan gum, potassium sorbate, citric acid, alcohol denat. *Organic.

 

Orange Petalooza Natural Body Mist

 

Ingredients: water, fragrance, polysorbate 20, coco-glucoside, lavandula angustifolia (lavender) flower extract*, rosmarinus officinalis (rosemary) leaf extract*, zingiber officinale (ginger) root extract*, potassium sorbate, citric acid, alcohol denat. *Organic.

 

Orange PetaloozaNatural Hand Cream

 

Ingredients: water, helianthus annuus (sunflower) seed oil, glyceryl stearate, glycerin, ceteareth-20, cetearyl alcohol, fragrance, phenoxyethanol, tapioca starch, butyrospermum parkii (shea butter), angelica archangelica root extract*, calendula officinalis flower extract*, glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) root extract*, lippia citriodora leaf extract*, tocopherol, plantago lanceolata leaf extract*, xanthan gum, glycine soja (soybean) oil, alcohol denat., potassium sorbate *Organic. 

 

I was really excited because Güd products are by the makers of Burt's Bees, and I've always been impressed by the quality.  When I heard of the Orange Petalooza scent, I knew I had to try it.  Blood Oranges and Hyacinth.  Yes, please!  (and do blood oranges now totally make anyone else think of Dexter?)... orange/citrus is such a happy, and uplifting scent.  It's light and fruity for Summer, but also a pick me up for the bleak days of Winter!

 

There are several other scents in the Güd product line and each include the body butter, body mist, hand cream, and more (shampoo, conditioner, body wash, hand wash...a full line in each captivating scent).  Products boast of no parabens, phthalates or petrochemicals.  Also, no animal testing, as one would expect from Burt's Bees.

 

I love how HAPPY this brand is...now only is there a smile in the name Güd, the packaging is fresh, bright, colorful, and just...happy! 

 

I loved the light citrus scent of Orange Petalooza line, but I couldn't really give a rave review to anything but the Natural Body Butter.  It's a bit runny for a body butter, but just thick enough.  It's super moisturzing and I really enjoyed using it.  It's great for elbows, knees, and heels.  I also tend to have super dry legs, so when I apply to my heels and knees, I rub the excess into my legs.  It feels so nice for parched skin.

 

 Other Güd scents include:

 

• Red Ruby Groovy

• Pearanormal Activity
 
• Floral Cherrynova
 
• Vanilla Flame
 

I bet it would be awesome to use a combination of the Floral Cherrynova line and the Vanilla Flame line at the same time.  I love Cherry-Vanilla!  :)

 

 

*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!