Company: Kazoodle Kids
Item Reviewed: Kazoodle Kids Teach Me Tee
Item Given Away: Kazoodle Kids Teach Me Tee
Start Date: May 16
End Date: May 31

Teach-Me-Tees

Learning the alphabet is easy and fun with Teach Me T’s! These all cotton T’s aren’t just cute, they are educational. Designed to look like flashcards, Teach Me T’s are a fun way to learn the ABCs. Their bold design helps kids connect letters with words and images.

My youngest loves clothing, especially shirts. And when those shirts also teach her something then I love it too! Not only are the Teach Me Tees comfortable and colorful they have the added bonus of teach your child a letter of the alphabet. Abigail only recognizes the letters that spell out her first and last name so I was shocked the other day when we were out and she spotted a “D” on a sign. When I asked her how she knew it was a D she said, “D is for dog like on my shirt.” I was pleasantly surprised that she learned that. I highly recommend everyone check out Kazoodle Kids

I have been given the opportunity to host a giveaway where one lucky Dirty t Shirt reader can win a Kazoodle Kids Teach Me Tee of their choice of letter, any size on white, blue, pink or grey shirt. Please see rules below to enter to win today!

You can also use code dirtyshirt for 15% off Kazoodle Kids Tees.

Rules

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Company: Anheuser-Busch
Item Reviewed: Michelob ULTRA Light Cider
Item Given Away: Michelob ULTRA Light Cider Prize Pack – Must be 21 or older
Start Date: May 16
End Date: May 31

Michelob Ultra Light Cider is a fermented alcoholic drink made from apple juice. Cider has long been enjoyed as one of the world’s most popular beverages. Now given an ULTRA makeover with ULTRA Light Cider, a less sweet, lower calorie alternative to traditional flavored malt beverages and ciders.

Made from all natural apples, it’s the perfect choice for anyone looking for a great cider taste that fits their active lifestyle. Naturally gluten-free, it’s the ideal balance of crisp, light and refreshing.

My Thoughts

There is nothing better to me than a summer BBQ. I love to host them, go to them and just relax and enjoy everything! There is a new player in what I like to drink at these BBQs and I am so glad I got the chance to learn about it! Michelob ULTRA Light Cider is a crisp, cool drink that goes down easy and is pleasantly flavorful. Sometimes I like to drink a cool white wine at a BBQs and I can now add ULTRA Light Cider to my drink list. I am actually very excited to bring this drink to my sisters when I get back home because I think she will love it just as much as I do! In fact I know that my whole family back home will love Michelob ULTRA Light Cider and I can’t wait to share it with all of them!!!!!

I have been given the awesome opportunity to share this delicious new drink with a giveaway where one lucky Dirty t Shirt reader can win the ULTRA cool prize pack below.

ULTRA Prize Pack Includes:

• $20 gift card to purchase Light Cider samples
• 2 acrylic glasses
• 1 Crate & Barrel Table In A Bag,
• 2 napkins
• 1 insulated picnic bag
• 1 picnic blanket
• 1 cutting board
• 1 summer sausage
• 1 box of crackers

Rules

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Company: Nintendo
Item Reviewed: Mario Tennis Open 3DS Game

Mario Tennis Open

Mario Serves Up Portable Tennis Fun in 3D
In Mario Tennis Open, Mario and his Mushroom Kingdom friends return to the court for a flurry of intense tennis action, from engaging singles and doubles matches to skill-building minigames and online play. Using the built-in wireless features of the Nintendo 3DS system, up to four people can play together in local* or online** multiplayer modes and exchange player information via StreetPass. Players can choose between intuitive touch-screen and gyro sensor controls or strategic button-based game play that delivers an even deeper experience. Players can also choose from a variety of playable characters or use their own personalized Mii character as they serve, volley and smash their way up the leaderboards.

Features:

• As many as four players can connect online with their friends for singles or doubles matches. Additionally, Open Match mode can automatically pair players of comparable skill levels. Nintendo 3DS owners who are near each other can also face off via a local wireless connection, even if only one player has a Mario Tennis Open game card.
• In single-player tournament mode, players compete against fan-favorite Mushroom Kingdom characters in a classic single-elimination tournament. Players who want to quickly jump into the action can choose the customizable Exhibition mode, allowing them to adjust the skill level of their computer-controlled opponent, select a court and choose the number of sets to be played.
• In Mario Tennis Open, strategy is key as players execute lobs and drop shots or unleash powerful topspin to outlast their opponents in intense rallies. When Chance Areas appear on the court during a match, players can run to them to execute a supercharged Chance Shot. Intuitive touch-screen controls allow players to easily and skillfully perform different swings. Players can also choose to use the motion controls of the Nintendo 3DS system to precisely shoot to the left or the right in order to ace their opponents.
• Using the Nintendo 3DS system’s StreetPass feature, Mario Tennis Open players can exchange and show off their customized Mii characters and incorporate them into minigame challenges or competitive singles matches. They can also exchange win-loss records, spread the news about their current winning streak and view online leader boards of their registered Friends.

My Thoughts

I love playing tennis, on a video game that is, I am horrible at the real game Mario Tennis Open has afforded me the ability to play a really fun game. And while I love all Nintendo characters (always have, always will) I love the fact that I can use my Mii. Any game that allows that is a great one in my book. Mario Tennis Open is a beautiful game, crisp, colorful graphics, and I love the ability to play with the Mushroom Kingdom characters, some who can kick my booty in a game, or play with my daughter while she is in the vicinity of me. Sadly she has beaten me more times than I care to admit.

Mario Tennis Open is a great game that my whole family can enjoy, even my almost 5 year old. She may not win too many times but she has a blast playing it and has actually kept the ball going quite a few times. When my oldest daughter sneaks into my room and removes the game card to take back to her room to play I know it is a much loved game. We highly recommend Mario Tennis Open to everyone

Company: P&G
Item Reviewed: Crest & Oral-B Products
Item Given Away: Crest & Oral-B Products
Start Date: May 14
End Date: May 29

This new line-up includes Crest Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control Toothpaste, Crest Pro-Health Clinical Rinse, Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Pro-Flex Toothbrush and Oral-B Glide® Pro-Health Clinical Protection Floss. When used together, these products significantly reduce plaque, and help prevent it from coming back, so you can help maintain the clean you got at the dentist’s office.

I was introduced to the new Crest and Oral-B line a couple of months ago and I have made the decision to continue using these products in my home. My family has said that they love the way the products work and that the toothbrushes are the best they have ever had. When my family tends to likes products as much as they do I will keep them around. With our oral health on the line I do not take risks, I know what happens when I have in the past. We all are in a routine, which we make fun for our youngest, and I will never let anyone slack when it comes to their mouths again, in the end it just costs too much! So we gladly use Crest & Oral-B products multiple times a day for a fresh, healthy mouth!

I have been given the opportunity to host a giveaway where one lucky Dirty t Shirt reader can win Crest & Oral-B products to help you on your way to a healthy, happier mouth. Please see rules below to enter to win today!

Rules

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Company: Fresh Produce
Item Reviewed: Catalina Escape Top

Catalina Escape Top

This season’s coolest new style, the open shoulder Catalina Escape Top makes an on-trend statement with its fresh graphic print and flattering shape. 100% cotton slub, Catalina print, open shoulders, raw-edge binding at neckline, topstitched raglan seams, made in USA.

I love to feel great when I dress up and this summer I will feel amazing in my new Fresh Produce top. Fresh Produce has a great selection of women’s tropical resort wear that I love. Thinking of walking along the beach wearing Fresh Produce clothes makes me feel like I am right there right now. Seriously, Fresh Produce has great, comfortable clothing, with bright colors in women’s casual tops from small to plus size shirts. With shipping to over 200 countries, all women can enjoy their colorful styles.

I have received many compliments on my Catalina top and I love how soft it feels, really comfortable and light and it will be perfect for wearing to the pool or the beach when I get back home. The color is one of my favorites and will match perfectly with my bathing suit and white skirt for the casual stop on the pier. My daughter told me that she loves the cut out on my shoulders and said it was like having instant air conditioning. I really love my top and I love Fresh Produce clothing and will continue to shop for my summer styles with them.

Company: All Free Clear
Item Reviewed: All Free Clear Picnic Kit
Item Given Away: All Free Clear Picnic Kit
Start Date: May 10
End Date: May 25

Spring allergy season is in full bloom, with allergists expecting an earlier, longer and more severe season than usual. While you’re likely aware that you and your family breathe in allergens while outside, what you may not know is that those allergens are getting trapped on your clothing.  According to a recent study, who knew that on a peak pollen day up to 7 million pollen grains can get trapped on a large t-shirt?

all free clear, which is the #1 brand recommended by dermatologists and allergists for sensitive skin, removes 99 percent of the #1 spring allergen, grass and tree pollen.

For my family and I All Free Clear is a brand we love having around the house. Since our move we have noticed that we have begun suffering from allergies a bit more than we did in Florida and I know that there are other things in the air out here that weren’t back home. And when those things get trapped in your clothing it is kind of hard to overcome them. I have even told my sister how well All Free Clear has been working for us and she has gone out and bought some to try for her family’s allergies. Because we wash our clothes will All Free Clear we know that we can enjoy the outdoors as much as we want to, like for hikes and picnics. Speaking of picnics…

I have been given the opportunity to host a fun giveaway for my readers. One that will allow you to enjoy being in the outdoors. Please see rules below to enter to win today!

(1) All Free Clear Picnic Kit includes:

• A sample of all free clear for you to use and write an honest review for your blog
• A fun picnic kit to enjoy the spring weather with your family
• A laundry bag to place the picnic blanket and your family’s clothing in after enjoying the outdoors to wash trapped spring allergens
• Additional information about spring allergens

Product and kit items were all given to me from all free clear. All Free Clear does not prevent or mitigate allergy symptoms and is not intended to treat or prevent allergies.

Rules

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Company: Lay-n-Go
Item Reviewed: Lay-n-Go COSMO

The Lay-n-Go COSMO is a new cosmetic bag that allows for quick and effortless access and clean-up. This smart luxe gift is a 4-in-1 solution for mom’s cosmetics: clean surface, quick cleanup, carryall, and storage. Unlike others on the market, moms don’t have to dump out items to find what they’re looking for… just open the COSMO to see make-up spread out and ready to use. The specially designed “lip” around the bag keeps items from rolling off the counter.  When finished, pull the drawstring and the 18” flat surface is converted into a completely sealed off clutch.  Plus, there is an added pocket inside for discrete jewelry storage.

My Thoughts

When I first heard of Lay-n-Go I loved it, wish it would have been around when my kids were younger and their toys took over the house and were a pain to get from the living room back into their bedrooms. Now they have the Lay-n-Go COSMO and it is the perfect solution to containing my cosmetics, contacts, hair ties and more. See everything is in one place, all tied with a bow. Okay, it’s not exactly a bow but take my word for it, this thing is brilliant!!! I love that I can open it right up and see everything in one glance, I don’t have to dig through it like the bottomless pit of my past cosmetic bags. And it fits perfectly into my purse for easy access when I am out and about. The good thing about the Lay-n-Go COSMO is that I have room to expand what goes into it, because I have now inherited my daughters things to carry around with me when we go out together. WE both love the Lay-n-Go COSMO and highly recommend it to everyone.

Company: Frankford Candy / Welch’s
Item Reviewed: Welch’s Filled Licorice

WELCH’s Filled Licorice

Introducing Welch’s filled licorice. Welch’s filled licorice comes in Concord Grape and Strawberry. Real fruit flavors are used to create an incredible tasting licorice that will leave you wanting more. The great Welch’s licorice taste is enhanced by a soft and flavorful filling that sets Welch’s licorice apart from everything else. This is not typical licorice. This is licorice that you’d expect from Welch’s.

To say that my family loved the new WELCH’S Filled Licorice is a massive understatement! The two packages (one Strawberry and one Concord Grape) were gone within five minutes! We got the package in the mail and were on a mini road trip (as only going to Bozeman is) and once the packages were open they were devoured. We took a poll and all agreed that our favorite was the Concord Grape but the Strawberry was also good, we are just a grape loving family!

I am very excited to have had the chance to try WELCH’S Filled Licorice out because now we have another snack to make sure we have with us on our upcoming cross country journey! My kids are excited about that, as they are kinda upset that we have run out and haven’t been able to find them yet here. Fingers crossed we will before we hit the road.

We highly recommend WELCH’S Filled Licorice to everyone!!!!

What is a Fika?

Fika, a Swedish social institution that allows Swedes to take true coffee breaks throughout the day (not just grabbing a coffee to go and drinking it at their desk). Swedes actually slow down, sit and savor a rich cup of coffee, a sweet snack and the company of friends, twice a day, every day. Gevalia Kaffe, a Swedish heritage coffee new to U.S. retail stores, is the preferred brand in Sweden and an official coffee of the Swedish Royal Court.

Tips to create your own fika:

• Silence the cell phone, set the timer for 15 minutes and take a break with a friend
• Choose the right brew, like a delicious cup of Gevalia Kaffe, a Swedish heritage coffee that is now available in retail stores nationwide
• Do what the Swedes do and bake a simple decadent dessert like Kanelbullar (Swedish Cinnamon Buns) or even something as simple as a Pepparakakor (Swedish Ginger Snaps) – if you’re not up to baking, any sweet treat will do!
• If you want to go all out, decorate your space with a nice place setting, use Swedish-designed mugs and label the desserts in Swedish making it feel authentic and festive

I love coffee and I love taking breaks with friends so a Fika is just what I needed. All I had to do was tell a few friends to come on over. After checking their phones at the door we sat around sipping coffee, eating a delicious pastry one of them brought over and just relaxed and enjoy each others company. It was such as nice morning that I have decided to make sure that I have a Fika on a very regular basis, the ability to just relax and catch up is great and after the first one I realized that the social relaxing part of my life was missing.

I am warning all my Florida friends ahead of time, when I get back I will be doing this on a regular basis and would love for you all to join me, we have A LOT of catching up to do!!! I highly recommend you all take a page from the Swedes and take a true coffee break, relax and enjoy a cup of Gevalia coffee.

What sets Gevalia apart from other premium coffees?

• For more than 150 years, the Swedes have been perfecting Gevalia coffee. Gevalia roasts its beans with care and the result is an exceptional taste, cup after cup.
• In Sweden, where the citizens drink more coffee than almost anywhere else in the world, Gevalia is their preferred brand.
• Previously available online only, Gevalia is available for the first time in select stores in 10 premium varieties: Traditional Roast, Traditional Roast Whole Bean, House Blend, House Blend Decaf, French Roast, French Roast Whole Bean, Colombia, Espresso Roast, Vanilla and Chocolate Mocha.

I received a sample of Gevalia from Kraft Foods.All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

I am thrilled to announce that over the course of the next few weeks I will be working with Mom Central as a Skype Ambassador. Skype has become a very important piece of technology for my family and I, with thousands of miles between us and our son we have become attached to Skype, and seriously do not know what I would do without that connection to him. And of course Skype also allows the grandparents to see their grand kids when we are miles away. It is fun seeing their excitement over how much the kids have grown since they last saw them, without Skype they might never see that. Stay tuned for updates on what I have discovered using Skype (as I know I have only touched on the surface of what Skype can do) and for other information.

Speaking of information I want to share with you a fun way to let your mom know how much you love her this Mother’s Day. Skype’s “Mom You Rock” charity campaign (Skype and Save the Children partnership) allows you to send a rockin’ video message to your mom on her special day and Skype will donate $1 for each ‘Mom, you rock’ video created between 4/29/12 and 5/14/12 with a minimum of $30K and a maximum of $40K to Save the Children’s Global Action Fund in support of the new MomsTheWord.org campaign. What a fun way to let your mom know that she is very special to you, and you help a charity in the process!

I love using Skype to actually see the person I am talking to, it’s the next best thing when you can’t put your arms around that person and hug them! Stay up to date with the happenings of Skype on their Facebook page, and come back here and see what I am up to using Skype for video cards, chats and more.

I am participating in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Skype. I received Skype credits to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.