Tuesday, June 29, 2010

Missing- One blogger.

Due to a family emergency, I will not be available to post any of the reviews and/or giveaways I intended to post this week. Me, Bri and the kids are fine, but it's been a rough week. If you could please keep our family in your thoughts, it would be genuinely appreciated. I should be back soon, I hope you all understand. If you've emailed me, please know there may be a delay in my response due to this unforeseen circumstance. Thank you again for your patience and understanding.

Warm Wishes,
Lauren & Family

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Wednesday, June 23, 2010

Who Needs a Vacation? Backyard Safari Outfitters Brings Adventure Straight to Your Yard!

My kids are always searching for an adventure, and despite having a girl, they are always into "something" in our back yard. Both of the kids like to play in the mud, chase little lizards, and play with rolly-polies. The only bugs Abbie really doesn't like is spiders, mosquitoes and ants. (In her defense, neither do I.)

With only one car at the moment, many of my goals for summer vacation had to be rescheduled onto a jam packed weekend. I was struggling to find new things to occupy the kids with in our house or our backyard.

When a gigantic box showed up on my doorstep, I honestly had no idea what to expect inside. Thanks to Team Mom, our family was given the opportunity to review a great collection from Backyard Safari Outfitters.

As we pulled the stuff out, the kids eyes lit up like the 4th of July! Alex loved the cargo vest, because it made him look like a real explorer. Abbigaile thought the bug vacuum was a dust buster- until I told her what it was for. Alex took it from there, eager to see what kind of bugs he could suck up with it. The periscope sparked both of the kids interests, and although we have yet to experience using it underwater, the kids have enjoyed playing pretend with it. Whether they were camping under their bed, or the picnic table in the backyard, their imaginations ran with stories and tales of pirates and submarines.

Aside from allowing pretend play to soar, the kids have loved learning about new bugs and birds nests, using their new explorer gear. The periscope was perfect to allow the kids to get a sneak peek at our little birds nest in our front tree. I love the way my children's eyes light up when they're experiencing something new.

This summer, if you're looking to fuel your child's desire to explore, or just for a new experience to share with them, be sure to check out Backyard Safari Outfitters at www.BackyardSafari.com.

“If a child is to keep alive his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement and mystery of the world we live in.” ~ Rachel Carson


Special thanks to Team Mom and Backyard Safari Outfitters for providing these products for us to evaluate and write a candid review about. This post is 100% our opinion.


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10 Nights with my SleepJoy Mattress Topper


I have a horrible back, and when we purchased our bed, it took us forever to find one that worked for both me and my husband. Our mattress is supposed to be good for 10-15 years or something like that, without ever having to flip it. It has a plush top, and when we first bought it it was great. That was only 3 years ago, and I can tell you that it is no longer as great as it once was. Last time our taxes came back, we actually considered buying a new bed, but decided against it.

Needless to say, when I was contacted by SleepJoy.com to review a ViscoFresh Memory Foam Mattress Topper, I jumped at the opportunity. I love products that are "Made In the USA", especially if it's something that claims to help me sleep better, reduce the pressure points in my back while I sleep, and absorbing some of the shock of my husband who likes to toss and turn often.

After the first couple of nights, I wasn't quite sure what to think about the topper. It felt good when you climbed into bed, but in the morning both Brian and I felt stiff and uncomfortable. We felt like we had to stretch and pop our backs back into place just to function. We felt more exhausted when we woke up than when we went to bed. I asked around on Twitter and Facebook, and the general consensus was that when you have a new bed (or topper) that it usually takes at least a week for your body to start getting used to it.

What I learned in the ten nights that I've slept on our ViscoFresh Memory Foam mattress topper is that our bodies weren't sore because of the topper, it was because our bodies were trying to realign. They were not used to being properly supported while we slept. Essentially, our bodies were confused. Since the second or third night I realized that I was sleeping much deeper than I ever had on our bed. Every night since about night 5, we've noticed our bodies have been adjusting much better. 

We're definitely waking up much more comfortably, and I've noticed less aches and pains during the day. I find that I don't want to get out of bed as quickly, because of how comfortable it is in the morning. We chose a medium firmness, and I still feel like I'm laying on a giant marshmallow. The one major difference that I've noticed is that Brian isn't snoring as loud as he usually does, and I barely feel him moving next to me at night until he's right next to me. I have stopped using my pillow, as the pillow I have doesn't keep me well aligned. Since I stopped using my pillow, I've noticed vast improvements.
SleepJoy does carry pillows, which I may look into further. If you are in the market for a Memory Foam Mattress, mattress topper or pillow, I recommend taking a look at SleepJoy.com.

Before we ordered our mattress topper, I learned a lot about memory foam mattress toppers and the difference between SleepJoy toppers and "other" brands. The FAQ's page at SleepJoy.com was incredibly helpful.

Here is some of the information that I thought might help while shopping for a new mattress topper and to learn more about ViscoFresh:
From the SleepJoy FAQ page

Q: What makes memory foam so good for sleeping?
A: Memory foam is great because of its unique ability to mold itself around your body. It allows your body to “float” in the foam itself, relieving the pressure points typically experienced during sleep. The floating effect allows your blood to flow unrestricted and keeps your muscles relaxed, allowing you to sleep uninterrupted by discomfort.

Q: What is ViscoFresh?
A: ViscoFresh is an enhanced memory foam with many important technological advances that solve the most common complaints consumers have about memory foam. ViscoFresh’s breathable, open-celled formula provides 5 times more airflow than traditional memory foam. This enhanced airflow helps you sleep at a more comfortable temperature throughout the night and ensures that the products recovery quickly from their compressed packaging. So, you get to use your product immediately with no waiting. ViscoFresh uses plant-based ingredients that decrease its effect on the environment and uses a more eco-friendly anti-microbial. ViscoFresh includes a green tea additive that removes the typical “fresh foam odor” of ordinary memory foams. And, ViscoFresh is made in the USA for quality.

Q: What is ViscoFresh/latex hybrid?
A: Our hybrid foam, ViscoFresh Latex, provides the pressure relief of memory foam, along with added support of latex because of its the resilient, firmer texture. ViscoFresh Latex Hybrid Foam feels more bouncy and firmer than ViscoFresh Memory Foam. With ViscoFresh Latex Hybrid Foam, you’ll lay more on top of your topper, versus sinking into your bed like you do with ViscoFresh Memory Foam. ViscoFresh Latex has all the great attributes of ViscoFresh Memory Foam like an open-celled formula, plant-based ingredients, eco-friendly anti-microbial and green tea additive.

Q: How does the ViscoFresh/latex hybrid feel vs. ViscoFresh memory foam?
A: ViscoFresh Latex Hybrid Foam feels more bouncy and firmer than ViscoFresh Memory Foam. With ViscoFresh Latex Hybrid Foam, you’ll lay more on top of your topper, versus sinking into your bed like you do with ViscoFresh Memory Foam. It offers both pressure relief (by molding to your body shape) and added support (by virtue of its bouncy, resilient feeling).

Q: Is density the same as softness/firmness?
A: Density and softness are two completely different qualities. You can have a dense foam that is soft or firm, as well as a less dense foam that is soft or firm.
Firmness in foam is measured by what’s called an IFD or ILD. This measures the amount of cushioning the foam provides. Density is the measurement of the weight of foam contained in a square foot of material. All SleepJoy products offer the most advantageous density and IFD options.

Q: Is ViscoFresh eco-friendly?
A: SleepJoy has replaced up to 10% of the petroleum-based ingredients typically found in traditional memory foams with natural, plant-based oils. Unlike soy-based memory foams, though, our formula still provides a high-performance memory foam that feels great and provides the maximum amount of pressure relief. And, our plant-based ingredients have a lower carbon footprint during the manufacturing process than soy.

Q: Does ViscoFresh have “fresh foam” odor?
A: No! Thanks to our green tea formulation, ViscoFresh has a light scent that quickly fades away, leaving behind no trace of fragrance. That “fresh foam” odor is a thing of the past!

Q: Is all foam hot to sleep on?
A: Not anymore. SleepJoy’s breakthrough breathable foam formulation allows much more air to circulate around you, so you sleep more comfortably.

Q: How do I know what height of ViscoFresh memory foam or ViscoFresh Latex topper to choose?
A: Since memory foam is meant to be used for comfort and pressure relief, and not as much for support, a topper of 2” or 3” is typically more than sufficient. ViscoFresh Latex will provide you with the support you need and is also recommended in a 2” or 3” height.
Keep your eyes out for another post soon, sharing more about our experience with our SleepJoy Memory Foam mattress topper, and a giveaway!


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Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Sarah McLachlan: Laws of Illusion ~7 years in the making and well worth the wait!

I first need to start this review by telling you that I absolutely love Sarah McLachlan. There may be points in this review where I sound like a gushing fan, but I am, so.. that's my disclaimer. My first "official" job (aka, one that I worked more than a month) was at a music store. I worked there for almost 3 years, and I'll never forget during one part of my interview I was asked what my favorite album was. Without blinking I told them it was Fumbling Towards Ecstasy. When I was a teen I went to all of Sarah McLachlan's concerts in New York, including the Lilith Fair, and went to the Junior Prom just because they chose one of her songs.

From Arista & the One2One Network

The Grammy® award winning, multi-platinum singer/songwriter Sarah McLachlan is set to release her long awaited new album, LAWS OF ILLUSION on June 15th. This marks Sarah's first studio album of brand new material in 7 years. The album’s first single is called, “Loving You Is Easy”.

This summer, the historic all-female Lilith Fair festival returns! From 1997 through 1999, Lilith Fair was one of the highest grossing touring festivals in the world, with over 2 million fans in attendance and raising over $10 million dollars for national and local women's charities.

In a career spanning more than two decades, Sarah has over 20 million career sales to date and, every one of Sarah McLachlan’s studio and live albums has been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the RIAA.
I usually hate when "old" artists try to make a comeback seven to ten years up the road. Their voices always sound older, and the album usually doesn't compare to any of their previous releases. There might be one song which you can tolerate, perhaps even like, but that is not the case with this album- AT ALL.

Even though this is the first album recorded in seven years, Sarah McLachlan is like wine, or cheese, in the sense that the time has done her well. Filled with the light and airy vocals that mesmerize and capture your soul, the new album Laws of Illusion is more than magic- it's incredible. Hands down my new favorite, although some classics will hold a special part in my heart, I cannot rave about this album enough. 

If you are active online, follow @SarahMcLachlan on Twitter to get the inside scoop on where you can catch free videos, downloads (like Starbuck's free iTunes pick of the week!!) and interviews that ask everything you want to know about the new album.

Along with the release of Laws of Illusion, the Lilith Fair is coming to a town near you this summer. For more information on how to buy tickets, or for the lineup visit the LilithFair.com.

For more information on Laws of Illusion or to listen to the tracks, visit Sarah McLachlan's Facebook fan page now!

Special thanks to the One2One Network and Arista for allowing us to review LAWS OF ILLUSION at no cost and before the release date.

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Monday, June 21, 2010

Champs Sports #1 Dad Shirts Still Available! (+ $50 Giveaway!)

So, Father's Day was yesterday. Did you get Dad the "perfect" gift? Want something special for that sports fan? What about his birthday.. is it coming up soon?  I hate shopping for my husband and my father. How many packages of socks can you buy?? This year, my dad got dinner.. and my hubby got a movie, actually two this weekend. We watched Toy Story 3 as a family, and then he and a buddy went to watch the A-Team. Unfortunately, my husband is the anti-man when it comes to sports. He likes a couple of teams, but is not an over-the-top die hard sports fan like some men I know. Bri is definitely more the man that plays ball outside with the kids, or at the park.


For Christmas, I shopped with a dear friend of mine who walked into one of those stores in the mall that sells nothing but sports pictures, autographed merchandise, and the like. She was so excited, because she got her husband and teenage son done in one stop. I envy people like my friend. Brian would like a gift like that, but it wouldn't be THE gift.

This Father's Day, Champs Sports put out these awesome MLB “#1 Dad” shirts for the sports enthusiast dad. The #1 Dad message on the back shows how much the kids care, (without it being one of those cheesy, embarassing kinds of shirts) and the team logo on the front shows dad’s team pride. If baseball’s not his first choice, Champs Sports still has you covered with NFL & NBA gear, as well as footwear and apparel from Nike, Adidas, Reebok and more for every type of dad.

My husband does enjoy watching the Rays and the Yanks, so tomorrow I think I will head to the mall to see if they have one available. These shirts are not available online, and are only going to be on shelves for a limited time. My advice, buy it now and keep it for Dad's Birthday, or Christmas!

Want it?
Visit a Champs Sports Store near you to find Dad's favorite team!

WIN IT!
Our friends at Champs Sports have offered one of our readers their chance to win a $50 gift card to Champs Sports!

Here's How:
What did you do for Dad this Father's Day? What would you spend your gift card on? Tell me below for your mandatory entry.
EXTRA ENTRY OPPORTUNITIES:
After the mandatory entry is completed, you may participate in our Extra Entry Opportunities.

  • LIKE us on Facebook- 4BabyAndMom.
  • LIKE ChampsSports on Facebook. Find a store near you, get the heads up on new and exciting products, and catch your favorite ad or commercial.
  • Follow 4BabyAndMom on Twitter.
  • Follow Champs Sports on Twitter.
  • Create your own tweet or R/T the message below, or use the Share button at the bottom of this post to Tweet on Twitter (two per day, please)


    Win a $50 GC from Champs Sports store. Great for Dad or Grad- or any sports fan!! http://bit.ly/dadNEo ~Ends 7/3
  • Follow 4BabyAndMom publicly through Google Friends/Blogger
  • Subscribe by Email, so you never miss a giveaway or article. (leave your email address, please)
  • Leave a comment on a post which is NOT a giveaway & tell me which one.
  • Enter any of our other open giveaways!
  • Share this review on any social media or bookmarking sites. Feel free to use the Share tool at the bottom of the post.
This giveaway is open to residents of the US. This giveaway will end on July 3, 2010 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be chosen using Random.org, and all winner information will be posted on our WINNERS PAGE and on this post. Any unclaimed prizes will be redrawn accordingly and at the discretion of 4BabyAndMom. Disclosure: I received this no monetary compensation for this post. Any opinions expressed are 100% that of 4BabyAndMom. Your experience with these products, website and company may differ.

CONGRATULATIONS



Congratulations to our winner! Please refer to our WINNERS PAGE for more information on how to claim your prize!

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Tuesday, June 15, 2010

VOTE- to win a $25 gift card from Ronzoni!

Earlier this week, I posted about the Ronzoni SmartTaste Pasta. Along with the review opportunity, I submitted a picture of my little lady, Abbigaile, eating her Ronzoni SmartTaste pasta for their blogger photo contest.


Well, the contest is under way, and we need your help! We are competing with some blogs that have a much larger audience, and we can use all of the votes we can get.

Here's how to vote:

  • Head to RonzoniSmartTaste.com/blogger/ and check out all of the submissions.
  • Be sure to read all of the cute captions, and select your favorite photo. (Just in case you can't recognize her, Abbie's picture is posted on our banner on the right side bar.)
  • The first time you vote, you have to register, but it's very quick. You may vote once a day until the 25th, and every time you return, you only need to enter your email address. 
What's at stake?
Just by voting, you are entered to win a $25 Gift Card from Ronzoni!! Plus, the winner of the photo contest will receive $500 and a year's supply of Ronzoni SmartTaste Pasta.  What a great way to help show your support! (Plus, if we win, I smell another cash giveaway.. )

So.. What are you waiting for? Visit Ronzoni now and cast your vote. If you are a fan of 4BabyAndMom on Facebook, be sure to share the link with your friends and followers.

Thanks to you, our fans, and most of all, Mom Central and Ronzoni SmartTaste for allowing us to participate in this great opportunity.

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Monday, June 14, 2010

Is it September yet?

Technically, I should be asking if it was August yet, because that is when both of my kiddos go back to school. Part of me is kidding, but the other part totally isn't.

The kids have been at each other's throat for the past four days, and I'm ready to pull my hair out. A bald bridesmaid would not be pretty, so I am trying to restrain. Today we have appointments up the wazoo.. I know the first week or so is rough (packed with appointments you couldn't get done while the kids were in school)- but dear God, give me strength.

What are you and YOUR family doing this week?

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