Happymomblogger

How do you spark creativity in your children and allow them to create new things through color and drawing? You can always give them crayons, markers, and paint, but in the high tech world nowadays, there’s something even more fascinating and creative than plain old markers. With Crayola’s newest Crayola Story Studio, your child’s drawings can come to life in 3 exciting kits featuring Crayola Story Studio Spiderman, Story Studio Adventure Maker Cars 2, and Story Studio Disney Princesses: http://bit.ly/StoryStudio

The Crayola Story Studio Spiderman lets your child star in his own Spiderman comic story by uploading a photo and personalizing the comic book to create and color. And then once your child has created his own storyline, you simply print it out and color it. The kit comes with paper, glossy cover sheets for printing comic book-style covers, binding strips and 15 Twistables® colored pencils to create three complete books. I think this will be great  for superhero fans and anyone who wishes to star in his own comic book version and allow the imagination to run free!

With the Story Studio Adventure Maker featuring Cars 2, your child can make up his own version of Cars 2 with a kit that transforms regular markers and papers into a real story. The kit includes 10 Pip-Squeak Skinnies markers, 3 Pip Squeak broad line markers, 2 Pip-Squeak glitter glue tubes, 30 story sheets, 6 glossy cover sheets and 3 comic binding strips to make three complete story books. My son already dived into his Cars 2 story book the minute he opened the package since he loves Cars 2.

With the Story Studio Disney Princesses, your child can upload a photo using a unique online code and transform themselves into fairy tale characters and stories. The storylines they can choose from are Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast, the Little Mermaid, Tangled, Sleeping Beauty, and Princess and the Frog. With the free on-line access code that comes inside, Pip-Squeaks® markers and glitter glue, blank sheets and binding strips, your child can create three complete story books! Again, I think this is a fabulous gift for a little girl who dreams of becoming a “princess”.

Crayola has also introduced a new Crayola iMarker to use with the ColorStudio HD app for iPad. With the iMarker Digital Stylus, your child can use his digital stylus to create drawings and color on their iPad using the available 64 Crayola digital colors. Your child can use the iMarker to create the look of Crayola crayons, markers, paints and colored pencils as the stylus interacts with the iPad. The digital coloring pages respond with movement and sound as the pages come alive as kids color. Key points of the Crayola iMarker are:

• Animated images stop moving on the screen so kids can easily color them in without going outside of the lines, so objects look picture perfect when they start moving again. Tidy up your page with an eraser function or an “undo” arrow that removes larger areas of color.

• Kids can save their work in a gallery to be emailed, printed or uploaded to Facebook (mom’s account, and with her permission and help of course!), and also free draw, play interactive games and create their own customized coloring pages they can print and color off-line.

The Crayola iMarker uses the digital genius of Griffin Technology: http://bit.ly/CrayolaGriffin and is retailed at $29.99. It is recommended for ages 3 and up, but I think it’s probably better for kids at least 4 years old as long as they are responsible with the iPad and the digital stylus.

Although Christmas is over for this year, the Crayola Story Studio and the Crayola iMarker with ColorStudio HD app can be a wonderful and thoughtful gift any time of the year. They make great birthday presents for the little “superhero” or “princess” and as reward gifts for when your child does something wonderful! And at $9.99 retail for the Crayola Story Studio, they even make excellent party favors for your child’s birthday party. Imagine the surprise reaction of your child’s friends as they open their very own Crayola Story Studio. And since they’re available for both boys and girls, it won’t be hard to decide what party favor to buy: http://bit.ly/CrayolaGift

I remember using Crayola crayons and color pencils when I was a little girl and then advanced to markers and paints as I got older. I remember the excitement when my parents bought me a new box of crayons or paints and I wasted no time in using them. In fact, I went through a lot of crayons, paper, pencils, markers, and paints throughout the years. I still enjoy using Crayola to color and draw with my son and we have tons of fun with Crayola products. They really know how to spark creativity and fun in the lives of children (and some adults!).

As a MyBlogSpark member, I was given the unique opportunity to try and review Crayola’s newest Story Studio and iMarker with ColorStudio HD app. Crayola and MyBlogSpark has also generously offered 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win a prize pack of their own! The winner will receive the following prizes:

• (1) Crayola Story Studio Comic Maker:

  Spider-Man

• (1) Crayola Story Studio Fairy Tale Maker: Disney Princesses

• (1) Crayola Story Studio Adventure Maker: Disney/Pixar Cars

• (1) Crayola iMarker to use with the ColorStudio HD app for iPad

• (1) Free download of the ColorStudio HD app

So how do you win this fantastic prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Crayola Holiday Tech Spark giveaway:

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

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Crayola on Facebook  http://on.fb.me/CrayolaFacebook 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 Crayola Holiday Tech Spark giveaway. Become a follower of Crayola: http://bit.ly/CrayolaTwitter and “Tweet” that you are entering the Crayola Holiday Tech Spark giveaway at Happymomblogger.

#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 as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn.  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.

Contest Start Date: January 3, 2012

Contest End Date: January 17, 2012 – CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED. Congratulations to Adrienne V. for winning the prize!

Only 1 winner will be chosen at random and I will post the winner’s name on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

Disclaimer: The products, prize pack, information, and giveaway were all provided by Crayola through MyBlogSpark. 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.

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

Life can be tough when you have certain food allergies. You have to constantly watch what you’re eating whether at home or in restaurants. Luckily, there are a few companies today on the market that makes food for people with certain allergies – such as gluten/wheat allergies, nut allergies, dairy, etc. But how do you know for sure that the food you buy in grocery stores are made without any ingredients that you may be allergic to? One surefire way of course is to read the label. But you can go beyond that by reading whether the company is certified to produce without the use of certain allergy-containing ingredients. Since gluten or wheat allergy has become such a big headliner nowadays, many companies are producing products that are made without the use of any ingredients containing gluten proteins which are found in Wheat, Rye, Barley and most Oats. These companies are certified to ensure that these allergic ingredients are not ever used in their facilities or at least are strictly tested and checked on a regular basis.

One company who has dedicated themselves to making gluten-free products is a company called Bakery on Main: http://bakeryonmain.com/ . You may have heard of them since their products are sold in most natural grocery stores and they make a great variety of products including granola, instant oatmeal, granola bars, and their newest, Truebar. Truebar is a moist, chewy, slightly sweet, and all-natural fruit bar and one which I have come to delightfully like.

Truebars – accurately named and delicious as well – is a fruit bar that’s made with nuts, brown rice, fruits, and a whole lot of other natural goodness. Currently their variety of bars include Apricot Almond Chai Truebar, Coconut Cashew Truebar, Fruit and Nut Truebar, Hazelnut Chocolate Cherry Truebar, Rasberry Chocolate Almond Truebar, and Walnut Cappucino Truebar. I loved their Hazelnut Chocolate Cherry Truebar because it was slightly tart, a bit crunchy, and oh-so-chocolately. Who doesn’t love nuts and cherries and chocolates mixed together? Truebars are also high in Omega-3 and fiber and do not contain any artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives. And all of their ingredients are certified GMO-free, dairy and casein free, gluten-free, and contains no trans fat. If the names of these Truebar flavors don’t tempt you already, then you have to try one for yourself to really know that all-natural fruit and nut bars can truly taste great.

Bakery on Main began in a small bakery in Connecticut in 2003 when the owner and founder wanted to make something delicious and free of gluten ingredients for his gluten-intolerant customers. When he made his first batch of granola to give to his customers, he knew he also had to make them in a certified gluten-free facility. Thus, Bakery on Main opened their own facility later on and started making wholesome, delicious, and gluten-free products for everyone to enjoy. You don’t have to be allergic to gluten to enjoy their food – you just have to like eating healthy and tasty food. Trubars can be easily packed into a lunch box, purse, backpack, and great for travelling. And since they are full of fiber and important vitamins and minerals, you’re getting a great mini-meal in one Truebar.

The good folks at Bakery on Main wanted me to try and review their newest Truebar which I did in all of their flavors. They also want to offer 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win a case of 12 Truebars in the flavor of the winner’s choice. So how do you win this ultra-delicious prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Bakery on Main Truebar giveaway:

(Please note, the rules have changed slightly, so please read carefully)

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Bakery on Main on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bakery-On-Main/115726695118335 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: https://twitter.com/#!/happymomblogger and “Tweet” me @happymomblogger that you are entering the Truebar giveaway. Become a follower of Bakery on Main: http://twitter.com/#!/bakeryonmain  and “Tweet” that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

#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 as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn.  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.

Contest Start Date: January 3, 2012

Contest End Date: January 17, 2012. CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED. Congratulations to Sara W. for winning the prize!

Only 1 winner will be chosen at random and I will post the winner’s names on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

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.

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

As you age, you may often wonder, “Why is my skin changing too?” Well, nature and your body’s natural biochemistry plays an important role in how your skin changes as well. That’s why as you get older, it’s crucial for you to take even better care of your skin and your body. You can eat healthy, exercise, reduce stress, limit exposure to toxins and most importantly, using products for your skin that are free of toxic ingredients. Remember, what you put on your skin may get absorbed into your body and you really don’t want all those unnecessary preservatives, artificial ingredients, or ingredients that can cause potential health problems later on.

I take skincare very seriously as I know the results of what you put on your skin and in your body. When I worked with a beauty cosmetics company a long time ago, I learned alot about skincare and the steps you can take to ensure a healthy, radiant skin for many years. Besides eating well and drinking plenty of water on a daily basis, you also have to take great care to detoxify your skin regularly. You also have to use protective skincare products that work with the balancing of your skin and body and most importantly – use skincare products that uses natural ingredients. When I was searching for a new skincare company, I came across a company called Andalou Naturals who makes all-natural skincare products for adults.

Andalou Naturals diversed themselves from other skincare companies by using advanced Fruit Stem Cell Science with natural, fair-trade, and organic ingredients. Fruit Stem Cells from certain fruits produce certain beneficial results such as repairing and regenerating healthy skin, increasing the longevity of skin’s own stem cells, defending against UV and oxidative stress, and repairing skin’s DNA to combat the visible signs of aging. The active fruit stem cells used in their products come from rare Swiss apples and grapes from the Burgundy region of France. Both have proven to be effective in the combat against aging skin and the abilities to renew, regenerate, and repair. Andalou Naturals also incorporates their BioActive 8 Berry Complex with bilberry fruit stem cells. These important berries include certified organic blend of Acai Berry, Aronia Berry, Bearberry, Bilberry, Black Elderberry, Goji Berry, Rosehips Berry, and Sea Buckthorn Berry all of which provides the skin with super antioxidants to combat environmental stressors, support cell turnover, increase collagen and elastin, and strengthen dermal immunity.Andalou Naturals objective is to provide natural, healthy, and effective skincare products for your face, your body, and your hair. All of their products contain certified organic ingredients and ingredients that are beneficial to your body and your health. I was given an opportunity to try and review their Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser because of its brightening properties. The Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser contains vital ingredients for healthy skin which includes Meyer Lemon extracts which tone, heal and protect promoting healthy cell renewal, Manuka Honey which soothes and heals to clarify and restore balance, Rosehip Oil which naturally contains essential fatty acids to hydrate and nourish and to support healthy cells, and Vitamin C which increases healthy circulation and defends against free radicals for a balanced complexion.  And I have to say – it smells absolutely wonderful! The Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser smells like you stepped into a garden of fresh citrus fruits radiating their exquisite scents. And of course, the product is easy to apply, rinse off, and left my skin soft and radiant. It was a fantastic new product and I was glad to discover them.

So if you’re looking for a natural skincare and body care  company with products that can promote and heal, then look no further than Andalou Naturals: http://andalou.com/. Andalou Naturals would also like to offer 1 LUCKY reader of Happymomblogger the opportunity to win their very own Meyer Lemon Creamy Cleanser! So how do you win this great prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Andalou Naturals giveaway:

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

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Andalou Naturals on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/andalounaturals 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 Andalou Naturals giveaway. Become a follower of Andalou Naturals: http://twitter.com/#!/AndalouNaturals and “Tweet” that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Visit http://andalou.com/ and tell me what products you would like to try.

#4 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

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

You can enter as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn.  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.

Contest Start Date: January 3, 2012

Contest End Date: January 17, 2012. CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED. Congratulations to Maryann D. for winning the prize!

Only 1 winner will be chosen at random and I will post the winner’s name on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

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.

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

There’s nothing more satisfying than a bowl of rice with your favorite Asian stir-fry. Or a plate of buttered rice with your favorite baked fish. Or seasoned rice in your favorite burrito. No matter how you use it, rice is a versatile, delicious, and healthy food. Rice can be enjoyed by virtually anyone of any age and it’s easy to eat, easy to prepare, and easy to store. And when you eat whole grain brown rice, you get even more health benefits than regular white rice. No matter what kind of rice you eat and cook with, it’s easy to see why rice has become a popular staple in most households across the world.

I’m particular to all kinds of rice but I particularly love brown rice. Brown rice is a whole grain and all of the grains in the rice is retained, nothing taken out. Brown rice has a natural nutty texture and flavor and I particularly enjoy it as fried rice. You can also use brown rice to substitute white rice in any of your recipes and you’ll find a delectable delight to the new texture and flavor. Brown rice can be used in many recipes and although it’s a bit rougher in texture and taste, once you begin eating brown rice, you’ll find yourself wanting more of it because of it’s unique flavor and texture.

Without a doubt, rice, either white or brown, has quickly become a household favorite throughout the world. Although it is known to have originated in Asia, many other counties eat rice as either a main dish or as a side dish. In Asia, rice is usually eaten steamed or as a porridge. In Southern America rice is enjoyed as a side dish usually flavored with something else. And in the US, because of its diversity of people, rice can be enjoyed virtually in any way – whether it be steamed, fried, or flavored. When I discovered a rice company that makes exceptional, delicious, and natural rice grown in the US, I’m happy to support them. Rice Select has become a favorite brand in our household because they make an assortment of organic and naturally-grown rice right here in the United States. Their rice are also grown from non-genetically-modified grains and they proudly support the Non-GMO Project. Rice Select also supports sustainable agriculture by developing high yielding rice varieties that require less pesticides, fungicides and water resources as well as organic foods by developing new organic products. Rice Select’s production facilities operate pollution-free and use only minimal processes to mill and package nutritious, high quality, all natural food products. Rice Select’s PET jars are also re-usable and recyclable and BPA- free.

Rice Select is a company based in Texas and they have been in the rice-growing business for over 30 years, which started with their famous Texmati Rice. Texmati Rice is basically a combination of basmati rice and traditional American long grain rice. The result is rice that’s a bit fragrant, chewier, and fluffier. Rice Select makes both non-organic and organic versions of their Texmati rice which also comes in brown rice. I’ve tried their organic Texmati rice in both white and brown and I have to say, that their brown Texmati rice is incredibly delicious and unlike other traditional brown rice. It’s a bit nuttier in texture and flavor but it’s also slightly fluffier than other traditional brown rice. My son also enjoys brown rice and I’m so glad since brown rice is a bit more nutritious.

Rice Select is a leading maker of rice in the United States. But they don’t produce just rice – they also make whole wheat couscous, Texmati with red rice and beans, Texmati with red rice and lentil, Texmati with brown and wild rice, pearl couscous, orzo, Texmati Mushroom Medley, Texmati Vegetable Medley, and Risotto. So I’m sure you’ll find something that will fit your exquisite palatte. All of their rice are grown in the United States and they are completely natural without any added colorings or preservatives. Their products are also non-genetically modified and kosher and they support many programs and charities such as the Susan G. Komen Foundation.

Rice Select was kind enough to send me samples of their organic white and brown rice and their regular Texmati white and brown rice. It was a sincere delight to try all the varieties with our meals at home. Sometimes I made fried rice with them, sometimes we just ate them steamed. No matter how you enjoy your rice, you’ll find something delightful with Rice Select’s rice as well. Rice Select has also generously offered 3 LUCKY readers of Happymomblogger the chance to win their very own far of Rice Select rice! The winners will each receive 1 FREE product coupon to pick up their own choice of rice at their favorite grocery store (you can find stores near you on their website: http://www.riceselect.com/). So how do you win this fabulous prize? Read below to find out!

Here’s how to enter in the Rice Select giveaway:

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

MANDATORY ENTRY:

#1 entry – “Like” Rice Select on Facebook:  http://www.facebook.com/RiceSelect?v=wall 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 Rice Select giveaway. Become a follower of Rice Select: http://twitter.com/#!/riceselect and “Tweet” that you are entering the contest at Happymomblogger.

#3 entry – Visit http://www.riceselect.com/ and tell me what products you would like to try.

#4 entry – Subscribe to my Blog.

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

You can enter as many times as you like but you MUST enter in the Mandatory entry to qualify. The more you enter, the more chances your name will be drawn.  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.

Contest Start Date: January 3, 2012

Contest End Date: January 17, 2012. CONTEST CLOSED. WINNER WILL BE SELECTED. Congratulations to Julie M., Dave L., Eugenie W. for winning the prizes!

Only 3 winners will be chosen at random and I will post the winners names on my blog.

GOOD LUCK AND THANK YOU FOR PARTICIPATING!

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.

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