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Shutterfly’s Long Live Summer Photo Contest on Facebook

What is it about Summer that really makes it stand out from the other seasons? Is it the warm weather that conjures up lazy days by the beach sipping cold lemonade or perhaps hiking in the woods and enjoying nature at its best? Whatever reasons you may enjoy Summer, here in our household, we love Summer because of the warmer weather (but then again, in California we enjoy warm weather pretty much year round). Although I’m not too crazy about the burning heat that can sometimes arise, it sure beats having to shiver through cold winter months wondering if you can jump out of the shower without freezing your butt off. For most people I would assume, Summer means going on vacation with the family and taking endless snapshots of everything that you’ve done and been to. Snapping a photo is so easy to come by nowadays what with cameras on phones and tablets, one really would have no excuse not to take a picture of well, anything. And since Summer is associated with creating vacationing memories, what you do with your photos is another thing entirely.

I enjoy taking photos but I’m not fanatic about it. I prefer taking photos of events and special circumstances like when my son does something cute or goofy. And to me, I think that’s really what taking great photos are all about. You capture a unique and unusual moment or action and it’s forever remembered as a photograph. Otherwise, your house would be cluttered with endless photos of things or people that are too mundane. However, if you’re those that can’t stop taking photos of everything, luckily there’s a really great photo keepsake company called Shutterfly to help you with your pictures. I’ve been using Shutterfly for many years from creating spectacular photo books to photo magnets to regular photos that just pops with incredible color and vibrancy. If you’ve never tried Shutterfly before, you’ll instantly notice the difference in the high quality of their prints and photo books. Shutterfly takes great pride in the quality and craftsmanship of their prints and photo gifts and I have yet to be disappointed in the quality of their products.

Currently, Shutterfly is running a unique contest on Facebook called “Shutterfly’s Long Live Summer Photo Contest” ( http://bit.ly/sweepS) where you can submit your favorite photo that matches the week’s theme for great prizes. The grand prize is a trip for four to The Bahamas and a professional photo shoot so you’ll remember your trip forever. The contest runs for 5 consecutive weeks starting on July 9th and ends on August 12th and the five weekly themes are:

•       Week 1(7/9): Americana
•       Week 2 (7/16): Great Outdoors
•       Week 3 (7/23): Water Fun
•       Week 4 (7/30): Sports & Activities
•       Week 5 (8/6): Parties & Celebrations

And the prizes are:

•       Instant win prizes just for submitting a photo!
•       Weekly prizes (contestants can enter one time/week)
•       Weekly featured photos: up to 5 weekly entries will be selected from the gallery and featured on the Facebook fan page and awarded a $500 gift card on Shutterfly and a copy of the new Lonely Planet travel photography book.
•       Grand prize: trip for 4 to Bahamas, 4 nights, family photo shoot

Like I said, I’m not a fanatic when it comes to taking photos, but I’m definitely going to enter in Shutterfly’s photo contest. Now I just have to wow them with great photos!

Disclaimer: The product(s)were sent to the author for review by the manufacturer/PR. All reviews on “Happymomblogger” remain unbiased and unpaid and are the sole decision of the author. The opinions of these product(s) were not influenced in any way, shape, or form. As always, please read the ingredients carefully when trying new products.

Please read the labels and ingredients carefully and follow all manufacturer’s instructions (if any). The products selected for the giveaway were generously donated by the companies/PR to help readers learn more about their products. The winner’s choice in using/consuming these products are entirely up to the winner and will not hold the author and her family liable nor the companies/PR liable. These products are made with non-toxic ingredients but always be safe with what you use and consume.

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July 27, 2012

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Dolphin Organics – Products Worth Reviewing

I love a company who can live up to their standards and reputation. It’s not often when an all-natural company makes products that actually contain natural ingredients – ingredients derived from mother nature and are safe and effective. And when they are made especially for children, I’m even more delighted. There are many companies who produces products specifically for children, but sometimes when I look at the labels, I’m disappointed at the things they add in there. I’m a constant label reader as most parents should be when it comes to stuff for their kids and oftentimes I’ll research into a particular ingredient that may sound strange to me, but is actually really safe. It’s pretty common sense to read food ingredients labels on food for your children, but sometimes, parents forget or do not realize that they need to read the labels on products that are used on your children’s skin as well. Because what goes on their skin will also go into their bodies.

That’s why when we were introduced to a company called Dolphin Organics, I was immediately impressed at the ingredients they use, at their honest approach to using natural and organic ingredients, and their belief about not hiding their ingredients. In fact, if you look at the back of their bottles, they clearly illustrate a table of ingredients that list the difference between organic, natural, and synthetic. And of course, you won’t find anything listed under the synthetics tab. Dolphin Organics promises to use 100% natural raw ingredients that have been tested and certified to be organic and absolutely safe for people. They are also completely family-owned and operated and all ingredients are derived from the US. When we met the owners at the Natural Products Expo, they were friendly, delightful, and full of information about their company.

Dolphin Organics (http://dolphinorganics.com/) came about when the owners, a husband and wife team, realized that in the world of babycare products, they couldn’t find anything that was truly 100% natural. As parents, they set out to make a product that’s safe for children and that would not contain any potentially harmful ingredients. They wanted something truly safe for their children as well as for the general public. Now, their line of organic and natural personal care products for children are becoming a popular item in homes and you can find their products at most natural grocery stores. Their current lineup of products include Bubble Bath, Shampoo and Body Wash, Conditioner, Body Lotion, and Sunscreen. And their main scents are Simply Citrus which is a delightful blend of Calendula, Lavender, and extracts of Citrus and Fragrance Free. The main ingredient used in all of their products is Aloe Vera extracts and juice which gives their products exceptional softening and healing powers. Their DO Naturals Sunscreen has an SPF of 32 and offers both UVA and UVB protection.

When Dolphin Organics had sent me their Simply Citrus Shampoo and Body Wash and Bubble Bath to try and review, my son and I were looking forward to trying them. He loved the scent immediately and the Shampoo and Body Wash is so much more convenient than having to use a seperate shampoo and body wash each time he bathes. The Bubble Bath is absolutely a joy to use and creates so many bubbles for hours of fun. Of course you probably don’t want your kids to soak in a bathtub for hours even with Bubble Bath, but it’s fun to play and clean with it. We also tried their DO Naturals Sunscreen and it went on really easily and smoothly. It didn’t leave a greasy residue and it had a very light scent, unlike the conventional suncreens which has a really strong fragrance.

For more information about Dolphin Organics, you can visit their website: http://dolphinorganics.com/dolphin-organics.html as well as their Facebook and Twitter pages. Give their products a try – you won’t be disappointed. My son still raves about the Bubble Bath and the wonderful scent that surrounds us and our bathroom.

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July 24, 2012

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Deuvo Gourmet Sweets – Products Worth Reviewing

If there ever was a time to start liking pralines, now would be the time. Why? Because pralines contain natural nut protein and are full of healthy essential fatty acids along with many other vitamins and minerals. And the main factor – they are really delicious! And although they are usually a little more expensive than other nuts, pralines are really worth the extra price. I like to make sugar-glaced pralines as a healthy and sweet snack, and they are great in trail mixes and in certain baking and stir-fried recipes. One other fantastic way of enjoying pralines is with Deuvo Gourmet Sweets. Deuvo Gourmet Sweets (https://deuvoonline.com/gourmet-sweets/) uses praline as their main ingredient along with other natural ingredients to make a truly unique sweet sensation.

We discovered Deuvo Gourmet Sweets not too long ago at the Unique LA event in Los Angeles. When we were introduced to the company, I couldn’t believe how incredibly scrumptious their praline desserts were. Deuvo’s high-quality, gourmet praline candies are definitely something I’ve never tasted before and once you take a bite into the luscious squares you’ll likely want more. To say they’re just praline candies or desserts doesn’t really do justice. Deuvo Gourmet Sweets makes a unique combination of ground pralines with milk, sugar, and butter along with a few other natural ingredients to produce a delicate, crunchy, and moist candy/dessert that delights the senses and tantalizes the taste buds. The praline sweets are cut into cute little squares and drizzled with chocolate over the top so they are bite-sized and melts in your mouth.

Deuvo Gourment Sweets has a distinctive background. Based on an 80-year old Southern recipe that was later fine-tuned for the modern world, Deuvo Gourmet Sweets live up to the superior standards of other gourmet sweets that you may find at 5-star restaurants and their praline sweets are not your typical candy either. With using only natural and organic ingredients, Deuvo Gourmet Sweets was founded on the concept that true sweets do not need a lot of sugar to be enjoyable. With their praline candies, the graceful blend of organic sugar and cream creates a subtle hint of sweetness that’s sweet enough to satisfy any sweet tooth, yet not overwhelmingly so. However, with the Candied Apple Spice pralines, they were a bit sweeter than their original flavor yet the apple and cinnamon really makes it shine. My favorite however, is the Sea Salt Pralines because I love the taste of sea salt and the distinct blend of saltiness with sweetness is quite addictive.

Deuvo Gourmet Sweets pralines also comes in several other flavors including Original and Espresso, along with Candied Apple Spice and Sea Salt. When I was sent samples to try and review, it was really difficult to say which was better because their four flavors were all so different. If you like just the exquisite taste of pralines, then you’ll enjoy their Original Pralines. But if you fancy something out of the box, then their Sea Salt and Candied Apple Spice strikes an unusually familiar yet modern version of other candied apple desserts or sweets flavored with sea salt. There’s just something delightful about sea salt and sugar – an intense blend of ying and yang, so to speak. And in each bite of Deuvo’s Pralines, you can see and taste bits of actual pralines in them which gives them an extra crunch.

Currently Deuvo Gourmet Sweets can be purchased online and I have yet to find them in natural food or gourmet stores. Their prices are reasonable in comparison to other gourmet candies and with natural and organic ingredients, they make excellent choices as gifts or to enjoy for yourself. You can purchase Deuvo Gourmet Sweets incredible praline sweets at: https://deuvoonline.com/gourmet-sweets/. You can also find them on their Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/DEUVOgourmetsweets.

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July 21, 2012

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Follow Your Heart – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

Being a vegetarian isn’t always easy but it is very rewarding. I feel better knowing that eating a diet rich in plant proteins and vitamins and minerals is better for my health and not being part of eating innocent animals is better for my soul and conscience. For many vegetarians whom I’ve come to know throughout the years, they’ve told me that sometimes finding a balance between eating the right kind of vegetarian foods and eating enough foods to sustain good health can be hard when a lot of food companies and restaurants do not cater to vegetarians as readily. I’ve learned that there are true healthy vegetarians and “junk” vegetarians who dine on junk food to sustain their health although they live a meat-free life. Well, I believe that the “junk”vegetarians don’t truly know what to eat in order to stay as healthy vegetarians – and that means buying the right products and cooking them to be delicious and satisfying.

When I’m looking for something to enhance my vegetarian dishes I usually look to companies who make products specifically for vegetarians and vegans. Many years ago, there were hardly any kind of this company but as vegetarians and vegans have become widely acknowledged (strange that this even has to be the case), companies who make food solely for vegetarians and vegans are popping every day. One of these companies is Follow Your Heart (http://www.followyourheart.com/). Follow Your Heart makes extremely delicious food products designed for vegans and vegetarians in mind. But don’t worry if you’re not a vegetarian – Follow Your Heart’s products are so tasty that you would hardly notice the difference. In fact, I buy only Follow Your Heart Vegenaise for our sandwiches and salads and my husband has not commented on the difference between his “traditional” mayonnaise and Follow Your Heart’s Vegenaise. Even before I discovered Follow Your Heart’s Vegenaise, I really didn’t enjoy the taste of traditional mayonnaise made with low quality ingredients. And because Follow Your Heart is made using simple and natural ingredients, I feel good about using their products pretty generously.

Follow Your Heart really chose a perfect name for their company. Not only are their products better for your health, they are also giving you the opportunity to enjoy food that do not contain animal by-products. At least that’s where I think the “Follow Your Heart” moniker truly means – to follow your heart’s instincts on eating more of a plant-based protein diet than animal-based. But regardless of what your taste buds will tell you, once you’ve tasted Follow Your Hearts Vegenaise and Salad Dressings, you’ll probably wonder why you didn’t discover them earlier. And then you’ll understand why Follow Your Heart’s products are so popular among vegetarians and non-vegetarians. We keep at least a few bottles of their Veganaise and dressings in our fridge so that I won’t get nervous when we run out. Because I truly don’t want to go back to eating traditional mayonnaise. Not that there’s anything too wrong with them besides the fact that they contain a lot of fillers and unhealthy ingredients.

Besides Vegenaise and salad dressings, Follow Your Heart also produces dairy alternatives such as dairy-free cheese, sour cream, and cream cheese. My son really enjoys their Vegan Gourmet Cheddar Cheese and with tofu as the main ingredient, it’s really quite filling as well. He likes to eat the cheese as is and sometimes I’ll make grilled cheese sandwiches with the Vegan Cheddar Cheese. Follow Your Heart also produces sauces and marinades and veggie meat alternative patties. They also make an Organic Vegenaise using 100% organic ingredients and a touch of lemon juice which really makes their vegenaise stand out from other traditional mayonnaise. I prefer using their Vegenaise mixed into salads but they also make extraordinary dressings specifically designed for salads and dips. I made a yummy potato salad using their Organic Vegenaise and we polished the salad off in one meal.

Follow Your Heart is truly a unique one-of-a-kind company. They were founded by four friends who started the Follow Your Heart restaurant and Market over 40 years ago and the market and restaurant still stands in Southern California today. In fact, they encourage you to visit their quaint market and restaurant tucked neatly inside the suburbs of Los Angeles. As their restaurant and market provided a growing need for their vegan and vegetarian community, Follow Your Heart later developed their own line of natural, simple, and delicious foods. You can find their all-natural food products in most natural grocery stores as well as ordering them from their online store (http://store.followyourheart.com/). Follow Your Heart’s facility is also 100% solar powered so besides feeling good about eating and purchasing their foods, you can feel good about helping the environment as well. And most of their products are gluten-free so they’re perfect for those on a gluten-free diet.

Currently Follow Your Heart produces the following products: Vegenaise, which comes in unique flavors such as Roasted Garlic Vegenaise Gourmet, Barbeque Vegenaise Gourmet, Pesto Vegenaise Gourmet and their other traditional Vegenaise flavors. They also make Dairy Alternatives which are dairy-free cheese, Salad Dressings in yummy flavors such as Vegan Lemon Herb, Organic Tamari Miso, Organic Bleu Cheese, Vegan Honey Mustard, and many other delicious flavors. They also make Thick & Creamy Dressings which are great as dips and marinades in flavors such as Organic Thick & Chunky Bleu Cheese and Organic Thick & Creamy Ranch. And their renowned sauces and marinades in unique flavors such as Mild Balsamic Barbeque Sauce and Spicy Balsamic Barbeque Sauce. And ofcourse, their famous Follow Your Heart Veggie Burger that’s incredibly juicy and very much “meat-like” for those non-vegetarians who has a hard time giving up meat.

Vegetarian foods are easy to come by and easy to make and if you have the right tools such as marinades and dressings from Follow Your Heart, it doesn’t have to be boring either. People imagine vegetarians eating grass and straw (and hey, maybe some of them do) but that’s really not the case. Vegetarian fare is all about eating what’s healthier and sustainable and in fact, with vegetarian food, you can really go all out with the ingredients. Imagine a traditional lettuce salad using fresh corn, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a mixture of Follow Your Heart’s Barbeque Sauce and Dressings -flavor explosion! And if you’re wondering how to use their products, Follow Your Heart offers a great array of recipes on their website to enhance your culinary experience. Follow Your Heart knew that long time vegetarians like myself enjoy great-tasting vegetarian food so they had sent me several coupons to pick up any variety or flavors of my choice. They are also offering 2 LUCKY readers of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win their Vegan Made Easy Kit which is pictured below. So how do you win this ultra yummy prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Follow Your Heart giveaway:

(Please note, the rules have changed slightly. Please read carefully before entering)

ENTRIES:

#1 entry – “Like” Follow Your Heart on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FYHProducts and write on their wall that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger: http://www.happymomblogger.wordpress.com/. Please put Happymomblogger as the heading.

ADDITIONAL ENTRIES:

#2 entry – Become a follower: http://twitter.com/#!/happymomblogger and “Tweet” me @happymomblogger that you are entering the Follow Your Heart giveaway.

#3 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

#4 entry – Enter in my other contests.

#5 entry – Vote for me at Top Mommy Blogs using the link provided below.

You can enter by telling me the 5 entries in the LEAVE A COMMENT box. Please be sure to give me your name and email address so that I may contact you if you win. Contest is open to residents of US only. 18 years and older please. Please be sure to provide a physical address and not a P.O. Box. Only 1 contestant per household please. Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery of prize. Any violation of the rules will deem your entry as disqualified. Happymomblogger is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged prizes but will do the best to ensure your prize gets there. In the event the winner can not be contacted within 3 days of email sent then another winner will be chosen. Contestants must not have won a Follow Your Heart contest/sweepstake/giveaway within 90 days of this post. No purchase necessary to enter. Void where prohibed by law.

Contest Start Date: July 11, 2012

Contest End Date: July 18, 2012 – Congratulations to Layne and Maryann for winning the prizes!

Only 2 winners will be chosen at random and I will post the winners names on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

http://www.topmommyblogs.com/blogs/in.php?id=storm

July 12, 2012July 29, 2012

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Purex, Let’s Be Honest – Products Worth Reviewing and Giveaway

Purex, the leading manufacturer of laundry care has come out with a new “Let’s Be Honest” promotion where you can enter to win a year’s supply of Purex products! Purex makes laundry detergent in liquid, powder, and sheets form as well as in-wash fabric refreshers, stain removers, and dryer sheets. Purex has dedicated themselves to improve their cleaning products to be safer for the environment and non-toxic to people. Their products are readily biodegradable and free of NPE’s, APE’s, and phosphates. Purex has also been awarded Champion Status by the United States E.P.A. Design for the Environment with their Safer Detergents Stewardship Initiative. They also have a natural laundry detergent called, Purex Natural Elements Liquid Detergent which has naturally sourced cleaning ingredients, is hypoallergenic and free of dyes, has natural fragrance extracts, and is 95% natural.

On April 30th Purex launched their new ‘Let’s Be Honest’ promotional campaign featuring Second City Comedian Molly Erdman. Purex created a funny series of short video vignettes sharing honest moments that reflect the ironic truths of everyday Life, Laundry, and Whatever: http://www.purex.com/lets-be-honest. And through mid July, there will be new funny videos uploaded every few days at www.purex.com, plus posts on Facebook and promotional tweets on Twitter. And the best part is – you can enter to win a year’s supply of Purex products! The daily sweepstakes will run through July 20th. You can find entry codes on specially-marked Purex products and after you register on their site, you can enter your codes as often as you like, but only one code entry per day. There are several unique videos on their website and my favorite is “Lost and Found” – Honest Moment #16. Hilarious! You’ll have to watch it to know what I mean.

As a Purex Insider, I was given the opportunity to view these comedic videos as well as try their new Triple Action liquid detergents – formulated to work better than before. The new Triple Action Liquid Detergents currently come in the following: Purex Complete with Shout, Regular formula, Free & Clear, Natural Elements, Coldwater, With Color Safe Bleach, With Fabric Softeners, and for Baby. Purex is also offering 3 LUCKY readers of Happymomblogger the chance to win 1 FREE product coupon for each winner. So how do you win this wonderful prize? Read below to find out!