Company: Innovation First, Inc / MomSelect
Item Reviewed: Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters

My kids recently had a few friends over for a fun afternoon playing with the Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters. Boy did they have fun! I was sent a package to throw a Moshi Monster gathering chock full of Bobble Bots Moshi Monster Moshlings, Moshi Monster Stores, Moshi Monster Starter Sets and batteries to keep them all running for hours to come! We carefully wrote down everything that came in each set for a fun thing my youngest daughter thought of, happening at the end of the party.

I had both my daughters put together the whole set, put a number on the bottom of each piece, and also put a number on a piece of paper into a hat. When the guests arrived they also got a number, and headed to the snack table to get some food and juice boxes and then settled in for a little presentation of the Bobble Bots Moshi Monsters. Their eyes lit up as they leaned in closer to see. One was a little afraid of the noise of 10 Moshlings vibrating around the shops (that many going at once is a bit loud) but soon got over it and started laughing that one of them went in and out of the front  door of the Ice Scream Store.

They each took turns playing with the set, having a lot of fun doing so. The moms had a much needed break to just sit and chat, with the occasional kid running up and telling their mom that they want one of these toys. After they played for awhile I told them all that we had a fun surprise for them and gathered them all in the center of the room. See, my daughters plan was to pull a number and the person holding that number wins the corresponding piece in the set. Smart cookie and so proud of her that she didn’t expect to keep them all. The kids were so excited getting their number pulled and seeing what they got to go home with, it was a good afternoon for everyone.

I do plan on getting my daughter some more of the starter sets and shops so she can have a little town for her Moshlings to live in. These toys are a lot of fun for the kids.

I was sent a package of Bobble Bot Moshi Monsters to host a small gathering for my kids via MomSelect. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Company: Weight Watchers
Item Reviewed: Double Chocolate Muffins & Blueberry Muffins

Stay on track with Weight Watchers Snack Cakes, Brownies, and Muffins. These delicious treats are perfect as part of a smart breakfast, an afternoon snack, or an easy, sensible dessert to finish your day. Making smart choices doesn’t mean sacrificing delicious Sweet Baked Goods.

Weight Watchers Blueberry Muffin – Topped with coarse sugar crystals and filled with real wild blueberries, this classic morning treat looks and tastes like a bakery fresh muffin. But with 5 grams of fiber, 160 calories and a PointsPlus® value of 4, this muffin is a great addition to a well-balanced breakfast or morning snack.

Weight Watchers Double Chocolate Muffin – For chocolate lovers, this muffin delivers a burst of real chocolate flavor from larger chocolate chips, coupled with a slight sweetness from the coarse sugar crystals on top. With just 160 calories, a PointsPlus value of 4 and a filling 6 grams of fiber, this quick treat satisfies taste buds and hunger pangs at any time of day.

My Thoughts

To say that the new Weight Watchers muffins are good is a understatement. Their muffins are far better than good, they are outstanding! I seriously thought that I would take a bite and not like them, but I was pleasantly surprised in the fact that not only did they taste good, they were better than some bakery muffins I have had, including the ones that I make from scratch! The muffins are moist and fluffy with sugar sprinkles on the top for a great crunch. I have had both flavors right out of the box and have also heated them up a bit and they tasted amazing warmed up. I can see now why many of my friends have turned to Weight Watchers for the weight loss and management, I seriously didn’t put much thought into it working but if their food tastes this great then I can totally see why they turn to Weight Watchers.

I HIGHLY recommend Weight Watchers muffins to everyone, they are so good and I can’t say enough good about them. I am a believer of Weight Watchers foods tasting great now, sorry I ever doubted that!

I received free product as part of a promotional program with Weight Watchers Sweet Baked Goods and MomSelect.

Company: Cepia LLC
Item Reviewed: Zhu-Fari toys
Item Given Away: Zhu-Fari Character
Start Date: December 3
End Date: December 17

Zhu-Fari are the latest, loveable Zhus, and they can’t wait to take you on a safari-inspired adventure! Meet Ozzy the Monkey, Zuri the Leopard, Zulu the Giraffe, Baako the Zebra, Wharton the Elephant and Jack the Lion. Get ready for a magical jungle of fun.

The latest addition to the Zhu-niverse is a fun one indeed. My daughter was thrilled to see new animals and new play sets and has spent hours of playtime with the set she received. I love the Zhu Zhu Pets because they have brought her such happiness and it is one of the toys that she happily collects and actually takes care of. They all have their own place on her shelves. More often than not I have heard some of her pets spinning their wheels on the shelf and had to go try to turn them off. She likes when they are going on their own though and asks me to leave them on because they will “go to sleep on their own”.

My daughter loves all Zhu Zhu pets and especially loves the new Zhu-Fari play sets and characters. I have been given the opportunity to host a giveaway where on Dirty t Shirt reader can win a Wharton the adorable elephant, Baako the daring zebra, or Zuri the pink-spotted leopard. Please see rules below to enter to win today!

Rules

Company: Patch Products
Item Reviewed: Singin’ Sea Creatures 3D Puzzle

Taken from website… At Patch Products, we are serious about fun! Some days, you will find us playing games—to test them, of course! We are a group of energetic, talented and passionate employees who love what we do and love exploring new ideas that lead to exceptional games, puzzles and toys. Every day, we are busy packing the most value possible into quality, family-friendly products that are FUN!

Read more on Patch Products here.

3D Sneaky Puzzles Singin’ Sea Creatures

This 46-piece puzzle is full of surprises! Put together the colorful sea scene and then slip on the included 3D glasses for a magical experience! It looks like the fish are swimming toward you. Then, notice that all the letters of the alphabet and numbers 0-9 hidden in the picture…sneaky, huh? Find them all! Finished floor puzzle is 2 x 3 feet – that’s humongous!

Check out the video below about the fun 3D Puzzles from Patch Products (I reviewed the Sea Creatures puzzle not shown in video)

My Thoughts

If there is one thing my toddler loves it’s puzzles, especially big floor puzzles. But her new 3D puzzle from Patch Products was a BIG surprise to her as it was the “Hugest puzzle she has ever seen”, and she loved putting it together. Funny thing is she thought that was all there was to it until I showed her the 3D glasses and she put them on to discover the fish popping out at her. She also discovered all the numbers that were hidden in the puzzle that she did not see before (they are visible she just wasn’t looking for them and only saw the fish).

She really had fun not only putting the puzzle together but she was so excited to show her brother and sister that the fish popped out at her. I was happy to see her so excited.

LOL No clue why she is wearing a bathing suit and that silly face

This post was written for MomSelect & Patch Products who provided product in exchange for my honest review.

Company: Discovery Bay Games
Item Reviewed: Yoomi Duo for the iPad
Item Given Away: Yoomi Duo for the iPad
Start Date: January 3
End Date: January 17

Duo is the first and only integrated game device in the world to work with iPad.

Duo is ready to go as soon as it’s placed on top of the iPad!

Duo combines innovative technology and family fun, making it possible to play a multi-person game, like Yoomi, on the iPad.  The goal of Yoomi is to find out who knows the “Chooser” best, which results in family bonding. Check out this fun “How to Play” video at www.yoomigame.com for an awesome demonstration.

Please note: You MUST HAVE Duo to play Yoomi on your iPad.

My Thoughts

This is one of the most creative ways I have seen the iPad being used and it is one that is high up on my kids list of being a load of fun! They love that they get to see who knows mom best by choosing what they think I chose and placing their stones on the correct color. Definitely has been a fun, bonding game for us since we got it. I also like playing alone with just my toddler, so she has no competition from her older siblings and it really makes me laugh when she gets one right and says, “See, I know you better!”. I have been loving watching her and her older sister play together too. I am very impressed with Yoomi Duo for the iPad and I HIGHLY recommend playing a round our ten with your kids, nice and fun quality time together.

I have been given the opportunity to host a giveaway where one lucky Dirty t Shirt reader can win their own Yoomi Duo game for the iPad (not included). Please see rules below to enter today.

This post was written for MomSelect & Yoomi who provided product in exchange for my honest review, as well as one to giveaway.

Giveaway

• MAIN RULE – Tell me in comments who you will play with if you are the winner. (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter (button in header) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste – @Jentifa is giving away Yoomi Duo! Check it out here http://bit.ly/f6d67q . Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
• 1 Extra Entry – Friend me on Google Friend Connect on sidebar and leave a separate comment that you did.
• 2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog.

This giveaway will run through midnight on January 17, with winner being announced the morning of January 18. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Company: Expressions Gift Factory
Item Reviewed: Customized Candy Bouquet
Item Given Away: Customized Gift Basket (up to $70 value)
Start Date: November 28
End Date: December 12

Create Customized Gifts

Express yourself with a personalized gift for any occasion. Put your creative touch on Cookie Bouquets, Candy Bouquets, Baby Lollipops and Bear in a Balloon mementos. Get creative with your choice of vase, stuffed animal, its outfit, cookie and candy designs. Millions of combinations let you create the perfect gift!

I was able to try out the whole ordering process and I was so pleased not only with how easy it was but the array of things I was able to select from. For mine, I chose the ladybug theme for my toddler who loves everything ladybug! I was able to give her this customized gift for her potty training success and she was so excited about it. Here is what I chose:

• Lady Bug container
• Lady Bug Bear
• Flower & Butterfly Suckers

It arrived fully wrapped and ready to give. She was so happy when she saw the little bear through the wrapping and she couldn’t open it fast enough! Once she did she was so excited to see that the bear had a costume on and she could take it off, and she wanted to jump right in to eat the candy. But before she did I managed to snap a picture of her and her excitement…

I loved that I could customize it to fit her and her likes, and even though I used it as a potty training gift you can create one for a thank you gift, congratulations gift, birthday gift and so much more. There are a lot of possibilities. Speaking of possibilities how would you like to create your own special gift? I have been given the chance to host a giveaway where one lucky Dirty t Shirt reader can win an Expressions Gift Factory basket (up to a $70 value). Please see rules below to enter to win today!

This post was written for MomSelect & Expressions Gift Factory who provided product in exchange for my honest review, as well as one for the giveaway.

Giveaway

• MAIN RULE – Tell me in comments what occasion you would make a gift basket for. (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter (button in header) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste – @Jentifa is giving away an Expressions Gift Factory $70 Credit for a customized gift. Check it out here http://bit.ly/hVuHx9. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
• 1 Extra Entry – Friend me on Google Friend Connect on sidebar and leave a separate comment that you did.
• 2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog.

This giveaway will run through midnight on December 12, with winner being announced the morning of December 13. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Company: Water Pik, Inc.
Item Reviewed: SinuSense Squeeze Bottle & SinuSense Neti Bottle

Since 1962, Water Pik has been a leader in developing and manufacturing innovative personal and oral health care products. Our products are available through mass-merchandisers, home centers, drug chains, clubs, specialty retailers, wholesalers, and contractors.

Waterpik SinuSense Squeeze Bottle – allows you to customize the amount of water flow for a complete cleanse,  simply with an easy squeeze. The SoftSeal nozzle maximizes comfort and the One-Way FlowControl valve prevents backflow to maintain solution purity.

Waterpik SinuSense Neti Bottle – a unique approach to the traditional neti pots; its ergonomic shape, SoftSeal nozzle and One-Touch FlowControl  valve make the Neti Bottle easy to hold, comfortable against your nose and creates a controlled gravity-fed water flow that provides a gentle sinus cleansing.

My Thoughts

One of the biggest problems I have during the spring and summer are with my sinuses, weather it be from a cold, allergies or just plain having to deal with them. Always in search for things to bring me relief I have found the Waterpik’s SinuSense line does the job and leaves me being able to breathe. I recently had the chance to test out both the Squeeze Bottle and the Neti Bottle and I was happy with the outcome. I personally prefer the Neti Bottle more but my husband likes the Squeeze Bottle better. Whatever your preference you will definitely get relief using Waterpik’s products. We recommend them to everyone!

This post was written for MomSelect & Waterpik SinuSense who provided product in exchange for my honest review.

Company: Parigi / Apple Bottoms
Item Reviewed: Apple Bottoms outfit
Item Given Away: Apple Bottoms outfit size 2T
Start Date: June 29
End Date: July 13

For nearly a quarter of a century, Parigi Group’s stable of brands has played a major role and are some of the main contributors in helping to shape and define the children’s fashion apparel market.

With brands like Puma, DKNY, L-R-G, Phat Farm, Baby Phat, Akademkis and Apple Bottoms you are certain to find something that fits your child’s style. For me I am going to have to go with Apple Bottoms.

Apple Bottoms is inspired by world renowned rapper Nelly & in the essence & uniqueness of Apple Bottoms by Nelly Juniors apparel, Apple Bottoms Girls exudes the words fresh, hip, fun & style. Their girls line features a mixture of embellished denim jackets & jeans, while incorporating the hottest washes and techniques. These essential pieces  are complimented by an array of tops, whose fabrications & silhouettes are a direct reflection of it’s core customers love of fashion & bling.

My Thoughts

My toddler has turned into a mini fashionista and she knows what she likes and doesn’t like and the adorable Apple Bottoms outfit I got to review for her is a definite like, in fact she gets mad when I want her to take it off for her pajamas. She loves her little jacket and I just think it is one of the most cutest thing outfit she has. The clothes are made very well and for her fit true to size. I love that it is summery, but she can just add the jacket for a little added warmth in a cold store or home. The color combination is just gorgeous and we both love this outfit. She even put on a little fashion show for me!

I recommend Apple Bottoms clothing to everyone, especially those with little girls that know what they want!

I have been given the wonderful opportunity to host a giveaway of the very same outfit in size 2T for one lucky Dirty Shirt reader. Please see rules below to enter today!

This review is part of a blog campaign by MomSelect and the Parigi Group and I received the above outfit for review and one to give away to a reader.

Giveaway

• MAIN RULE – Tell me in comments what your child’s favorite article of clothing is (mine is a white top that is so stained from the years but she still wants to wear it, at home of course ). (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter (button in header) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste – @Jentifa is giving away an Apple Bottoms Girls 2T Denim Outfit! Check it out here http://bit.ly/9fLJ4v. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
• 1 Extra Entry – Friend me on Google Friend Connect on sidebar and leave a separate comment that you did.
• 2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog.

This giveaway will run through midnight on July 13, with winner being announced the morning of July 14. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Company: RaceTrac
Item Reviewed: Freefill Cup
Item Given Away: $10 RaceTrac Gift Card for a Freefill Cup
Start Date: June 26
End Date: July 10

If you’re always on the go with a drink in your hand, you have to check out the new RaceTrac Freefill Cup. Available for only $6.99 at your local RaceTrac location, this cool cup entitles you to FREE refills from their impressive fountain for the entire summer. From now until August 1st, you and your family can be sipping all of the refreshing drinks you love, without any additional charges!

I love this deal! We live around the corner from a RaceTrac and most days I leave my house on errands I am struggling to find a travel cup to take a drink along with me. RaceTrac has solved that problem for me, now I just make sure I grab my Freefill cup and make a quick stop at RaceTrac to fill it up before I head on out. And my kids love to mix the drinks up and surprise me, so most of the time I end up with a lemon-cherry cola concoction. But that is the beauty of this deal, you can get whichever fountain drink you want, when you want it!  I recommend you get one too and am happy to host a giveaway where one winner can win a $10 RaceTrac Gift Card so you can get your very own Freefill Cup! Please see rules below to enter to win today!

This post was written by me and all my opinions about RaceTrac Freefill Cups are 100% mine. MomSelect has provided me with a gift card for the cup for this blog tour.

Giveaway

• MAIN RULE – Tell me in comments what your favorite summertime drink is. (remember if this rule is not followed then no others will count)
• 1 Extra Entry – Subscribe to my RSS feed or by email (or let me know if you already are) in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Follow me on Twitter (button in header) and let me know your Twitter name in a separate comment.
• 1 Extra Entry – Tweet this giveaway. Copy and paste – @Jentifa is giving away a $10 RaceTrac Gift Card! Check it out here http://bit.ly/9Rf25v. Then come back and leave the direct link to your tweet (go to your twitter account, click on the words when your tweet was sent (ie. 5 seconds ago) and copy and paste that link in comments.
• 1 Extra Entry – Friend me on Google Friend Connect on sidebar and leave a separate comment that you did.
• 2 Extra Entries – Write a post on your blog linking to my blog.

This giveaway will run through midnight on July 10, with winner being announced the morning of July 11. Winner will be chosen using Random.org from all valid entries and notified via email. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

Company: KC Distance Learning
Item Reviewed: The Keystone School website

KC Distance Learning (KCDL) is a leading provider of distance learning programs for middle school and high school students including core, Foreign Language, Honors, and AP courses. Since our first programs were introduced in 1974, we have enriched the lives of over 200,000 students through high quality online and correspondence education programs. In 2006-07, over 50,000 students took courses from KCDL.

KCDL provides online accredited online education directly to families through The Keystone School, the nation’s leading online school for middle school and high school students. For schools, KCDL provides solutions through Aventa Learning, including credit recovery, individual courses designed to augment existing school curriculum, and complete virtual school solutions.

KCDL also offers iQ Academies, statewide online schools operated in partnership with public school districts or charter school management organizations to serve the education needs of grade, middle and high school students. iQ Academies are public schools, and so are tuition-free for in-state residents.

I am a firm believer in education of any kind, and that you never stop learning. I made the decision to homeschool my children for many reasons and to this day and although sometimes it is a struggle, it is the best decision I have ever made! I love being hands on involved in the kids learning, and even enjoy re-learning things with them. My oldest is in high school and my middle daughter is almost finished with her six grade curriculum, a year ahead of her peers. I am excited that with my youngest I get to experience elementary school again but that is still a few years off.

I love learning about places like KC Distance Learning and all the help that they offer those seeking to homeschool their kids with a core curriculum. Just to know that a place like this exists is enough to open some people’s eyes to the benefits of having their child learn from the comfort of their own home.

Today’s students, known as the “iGeneration”, are the first to crave and benefit from education “on demand” – or the option to choose where, when and how they want to learn.

To put it in context, the “iGeneration” has never known life without the Internet, being mobile, using avatars, IMing or choosing and watching content whether they are at home, in the car, at a football game or shopping at the mall. To reach them in their high-tech, high-touch world, many parents and educators are looking at how to rewire schools to match how the iGeneration learns.

Taking classes online is one way to give middle and high school students (and their school districts) new options to learn using preferred tools in a familiar environment, and even experience enhanced, one-on-one relationships with educators.  Whether they’re in need of more assistance, looking for wider range of classes or simply prefer to learn in a medium that they have grown up with, online learning can be a great way to fit your child’s needs.

I love embracing technology and can vouch for just how well places like KC Distance Learning help in teaching your children. In my state, The Keystone School is an option for a tuition based, full curriculum education. But don’t just take my word for it, a recent survey found that compared to traditional learning environments, online learning is proving to be an effective way in teaching today’s “iGeneration” who live in a world of customized and instant feedback.  Here are highlights from the survey:

• 72% of online students spend three or more hours on homework per week vs. 56% of students in traditional schooling.
• 54% of online students get more challenges when they are doing well in school vs. 49% of students in traditional schooling.
• 58% of online students get more help when they fall behind vs. 40% of students in traditional schooling.
• Online students have more interest in attending a four year college after graduation than students in traditional schooling. 78% vs. 67%

This is one topic I feel strongly about, an education isn’t something to play around with and homeschooling your children is such an uplifting experience that I just can’t say enough good things about. I love that my time is spent with my children, learning with them, growing with them and seeing them flourish on a daily basis and it is just amazing. Places like KC Distance Learning can help you achieve that feeling too!

This post was written by me and all my opinions about Online Learning are 100% mine. MomSelect has provided me with a gift card for this blog tour.