The smart solution to my soda craving, SodaStream Source - #review

I do my best to live a healthy lifestyle. But there are times that I want a soda. Not a two liter bottle and most times not even a full can. Still I want a soda. Since my soda craving comes and goes, I can't just run to the store at odd hours of the day. The percent solution to my craving, SodaStream. 

Many families may have a SodaStream in their homes. But the company is always seeking to improve its devices based on consumer input. The new SodaStream Source offers improved ease of use and a sleek design. 

The SodaStream Source was created by Yves Behar, the world-renowned designer and social entrepreneur. This newest version offers an elegant soda maker that combines beauty, functionality and efficiently. 

Different from other versions, the Source carbonating bottle easily locks into place with a single-push motion. Instead of pushing a button, the entire top surface is responsive to touch. The best part is the LED display. The carbonation strength is visible through the LED display. The user knows exactly the level of carbonation.  

I really like the SodaStream Source not only for the soda it produces but also for the design. I have our sitting on the kitchen counter. Now I have soda how I want it and when I want it. Plus, I feel good know that 1 SodaStream bottle can replace 2,000 bottles and cans. 

The SodaStream Source starts at $129.99. The starter kit contains:

• Source home soda maker
• 1 Reusable 1L BPA-free carbonating bottle with fizz-preserving cap
• 1 60L* CO2 carbonator (makes up to 60 liters)
• Sodamix Taste Sampler (6 flavors)
• MSRP $129.95
• Available colors - white, black

SodaStream can be purchased online at http://www.sodastreamusa.com/ or locally at many major retailers. 

Stop lugging around bottles and cans. Get soda at home for a fraction of the cost with the SodaStream Source.   

 

Disclosure: I received this item to review. All opinions are my own.

Give mom a picture she won't forget - free 8x 10 canvas

Not sure what to get mom for Mother's Day? Right now you can get a FREE 8 x 10 canvas. Whether its a baby picture or a family portrait, it is time to fill up those bare walls.

Get yours today!

Walgreens Friends and Family Sale - April 19

Today, Friday April 19, there is a friends and family sale. Use the coupon to save 15% on eligible store items and 20% off Walgreens, W Brand and Nice products.

Time to stock up!

CafePress, express your individuality for all to see - #review

I have kids who are swimmers. It is very important to them to show their team spirit. Of course, we have tshirts with our team logos, but the kids want more. From hats to bags and from large to small, we need a variety of items to enhance our team spirit. That is why we turn to CafePress.


CafePress offers wide selection of custom shirts to custom baby onesies and just about everything in between. Whether you have a favorite image, custom logo, or even motivational phrase, CafePress can create an unique item for your special occasion.


With summer swim just around the corner we ordered stainless steel water bottles with our team logo. Athletes always need water bottles. These stainless steel ones are easy for the kids to use and durable for the entire season. Plus, after the season, the kids can bring these bottles to school to show their team pride.

Uploading our logo was extremely easy. I took the image from the computer and uploaded it to the website. The instructions for the image placement were very user friendly. The logo can be placed on a variety of items. Plus, the image is stored in your account for easy access of future purchases.

While I was finishing our custom products, I looked at other swimming related products. Many companies have tshirts, sweatshirts and other items available for purchase. I was able to purchase a Swim Mom tshirt for myself and a motivational tshirt for my son.The selection of fun t-shirts is enormous. Next time you are stumped for a gift, CafePress can provide the necessary inspiration.

With Mother's Day just around the corner, a gift from CafePress might bring a smile to mom's face. A thoughtful item for the new mom might be some cute baby clothes that would coordinate with some adorable items for her. When she knows that the items were created especially for her, the gift will be cherished.

Head over to CafePress for a huge selection of products that can fit any of your needs.





Disclosure: I received a gift card to use at my discretion at CafePress. The use of this gift card did not influence my thoughts or reactions to this company. All opinions are my own.

Satisfy your secret chocolate craving with Pure Madness - #review

It's time to confess. I adore chocolate. When the sun goes down, I want a silky smooth bite of dark, delicious chocolate. As an adult, I want my chocolate to be good. Bring on the depth of flavors.

Pure Madness is a company that has a passion for chocolate. These creations aren't a boring candy bar. The creations are daring and bold twists on classic favorites.

 Pure Madness Chocolate is a curated collection of truffles, bars, sipping chocolate, toffee and seasonal bark. Inspired by a fanatical devotion to the seductive confection, the makers of Pure Madness import raw chocolate from Belgium and add an alchemy of flavors – both classic and bold – and finish with techniques that leave their luxury cocoa wares nothing short of luscious.

My favorite Pure Madness creations are the truffles. Personally, there is nothing better than a glass of red wine with a delectable bite of truffle. I have tried a few of these truffles and my favorites are espresso and salted caramel. Another great option is the chili lime. If you haven't had spice and chocolate before it is a just try.

Are you ready to indulge your chocolate cravings?




Disclosure. I am a BzzAgent. I received this item to review. All opinions are my own.

Are you ready to fire up your metabolism? Fast Metabolism Diet, #review

Everywhere we turn, someone is saying that we can look better, feel better or improve our lives in some fashion. The question on the table is whether you are willing to make the sacrifice to produce the change. If you are willing to put in the work and effort, you can rev up your metabolism. Crack open the Fast Metabolism Diet book and get reading.


The Fast Metabolism Diet by Haylie Pomroy is a plan where you can eat more food and lose more weight. For anyone who has tried dieting, this statement seems counter-intuitive. The common core to losing weight usually means that a person eats fewer calories and becomes more active. These two factors bring together a weight loss. (or so we've been told).

Recently, I had the opportunity to host a Mommy Party for the new book The Fast Metabolism Diet. Since a lot of my friends workout together, I thought that I would host my gathering during our weekly spin class. I gave everyone the book one Thursday and the following Thursday we discussed it.

Here's the premise of the book. Follow this plan to the letter and the user can achieve some amazing results. The key to success is commitment to the plan. If the user isn't inclined to be a good rule follower, this program may not be for you.

The Fast Metabolism Diet is broken into various phases. During each phase, the user eats certain foods and completes a particular type of exercise. The phases are designed to rev up your internal furnace.  For example, during phase 1, you eat more carbs and fewer proteins. These foods coupled with cardio exercise kick up your calorie burning potential. The following phases work on other aspects. Your body isn't starving from lack of food; rather it is being confused by the changes to its fuel.

In addition to the phases, participants need to follow other dos and don'ts. Some options are easy. For example, organic is better and meats should be nitrate free. Other rules may be more difficult. Eating within 30 minutes after you wake or staying on the program for 28 days (without cheating) can be more cumbersome.

My group of workout buddies came to the following conclusion. If you are good at following the rules and can stick with the plan, the results would be huge. If you aren't ready for this type of commitment, the program may not be the best choice.

Like any program, the user has to gauge your commitment level and your goals. If you are ready for the next step, the Fast Metabolism Diet can help you reach your goals.



Disclosure: I received this book to review and giveaway to a group of friends. All opinions expressed here are my own and were not influenced by any person or entity.

Show mom the love - ProFlowers special

Mother's Day will be here before you know it. While we should show the love to mom all year round, this special day comes with extra presents, hugs and love. Remember to order your flowers early. This ProFlowers promotion will get mom free issues of Woman's Day with her floral arrangement. It's the gift that lasts all year long. 

Imaginations run wild, RideMakerz Extreme Customs #review, MommyParties

I am always amazed by children's minds and how they create. My recollection of my childhood is that I was a rule follower. I colored inside the lines, followed the directions and different really break any of the perceived norms. Looking at my kids and their friends, I can see that I was in the minority. Kids want to explore, imagination and create their own way. With RideMakerz Extreme Customs, kids dream it and build it.

Recently, we had the opportunity to allow the neighborhood kids the chance to play with RideMakerz Extreme Customs. There is something to be said for little boys and their cars. These cars brought more than just smiles to their faces, these toys brought imagination. 

Each kit comes with the following: wheels, wings, engine blocks and spoilers. The car can be played in several modes including race, jacked, lifted and off-road. Basically, kids can mix, match and make it their own.


The boys had no problems putting together the cars on their own. I was very politely that they could follow the directions on their own (and they did). While the boys did like to race the cars and play with them, the biggest hit was the ability to change the car itself. From adding wings to new wheels, the car constantly changes. Long after the party, the boys enjoyed playing and modifying the cars.

What I would suggest is that you have a bag to keep all the extra parts. While the kids like to change the wheels, attachments and other customized parts, these little pieces can go missing. In our house each boy has a little bag to keep his car and the extra pieces. It is easier to keep everything together (and to reduce potential fighting).
 

RideMakerz Extreme Customs can be purchased at various retailers, including Target and Toys R Us. The toy retails for approximately $9.99 each.

Disclosure: I hosted a MomSelect party for this product. The guests were given this product and I was asked to publish a review. All opinions are my own and were not influenced by any person or entity.

Time for a vacation - Great Wolf Lodge Groupon deal

Groupon: Up to 38% off Great Wolf Lodge Deals


So the kids are ready for Spring, Summer and no school. Time to start thinking about vacations!

Check out this great day on family getaways at Great Wolf Lodge!  

Who's an Instagram fan? Connect because it's a Blast - #giveaway

 Do you love Instagram?  From snapping the casual picture to customizing your photo with special features, Instagram is such fun.

If you ask my kids, they love Instagram. It's the fast, easy way to share a favorite moment, new toy or just something special with everyone on your list.

Want to catch up with some of us other Instragram fanactics?  Join us in the Instragram Amazon Giveaway event.

Please use the entry form to win.

Entry-Form

Makobi Scribe is bringing you this Amazon Instagram blast. We host one of these blasts each week! If you are a blogger, you can sign up for the blast here. If you are a reader, then good luck! The winner will receive an Amazon gift card for $100. The giveaway is open WW.

Little Pim & Mission Giveway, giving your kids the tools to succeed - #giveaway

I believe that learning a second language is very important. When I studied Spanish in high school and college, I did well, but others were better than I. What I found was that classmates who were introduced to a second language early in their development were stronger in a second language. Based on my experience, I introduced my kids to other languages when they were young. While I want my kids to learn, I know that the process needs to be fun and easy.

About Our Sponsor

 Little Pim is a foreign language learning company that introduces children between the ages of 0 and 5 to a foreign language using DVDs, music CDs, flash cards, and books. Little Pim is the brainchild of Julia Pimsleur Levine, an award-winning documentary filmmaker and mother. Julia was inspired by her own bilingual childhood; she learned French fluently by age six and is the daughter of Dr. Paul Pimsleur, who created the Pimsleur Method, the popular language learning program for adults. Little Pim uses the Entertainment Immersion Method®, which integrates the latest scientific research regarding kids’ language learning and brain development. Each of the Little Pim educational DVDs has a unique, child-friendly theme, such as eating, playtime and feelings. The method teaches 360 words and phrases, providing the essential building blocks for language learning. A child only needs 500 words to be considered “conversational” in a language. Babies, toddlers and kids respond enthusiastically to Little Pim’s format, which combines animated and live-action videos. Check out this great review of Little Pim from Blogging Mom of 4.

The Prizes

 Our winner will get to choose between the Little Pim French 3 DVD Set ($60 Value) or the Little Pim Spanish 3 DVD set ($60 value). Each set will include: 3 DVDs (eating and drinking, wake up smiling, playtime), a 9" velvety soft plush Little Pim panda and a fun, see-through Little Pim tote bag. Together, the three DVDs will introduce your kids to 180 words and phrases. Using Little Pim’s unique Entertainment Immersion Method, Little Pim will captivate your child by turning everyday activities into fun adventures. The DVDs combine animation and real kids, teaching simple words and phrases for everyday activities. Winner Keeps: Language set of choice (French or Spanish) Winner Shares: Language Set of Choice (The remaining prize pack)

How to Enter

The Giveaway will open up on 4/16 12:01 am EST and Close on 4/19 at 11:59 pm EST.

Complete the mandatory entries on the Rafflecopter below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Check out and Enter our Other Giveaways

Side note...It's not mandatory to enter all the giveaways at each blog. Those are just great bonus giveaways for you to enter. Mission Giveaway started with Madame Deals and her $100 story where with $100 several people received the help they needed. We are on a mission to help people help each other! We have gathered a group of bloggers that want to make a difference. Together we are Mission Giveaway! To ask about becoming a sponsor, please contact Amee or Dawn at madamedealsmedia@yahoo.com for details. Take a look at our Media Kit to see what Mission Giveaway has to offer. Are you a blogger that would like to participate in Mission Giveaway? Find out how you can join us. Find our official Terms and Conditions on the Madame Deals Media page.

Shark Sonic Duo, deep clean all your floors effortlessly- #review

There are many things that I love about my house. Unfortunately, there is one aspect that I want to change, my carpet. Off white, cream colored carpet is not conducive to family life. From the muddy shoes to the daily dirt and grime, this carpet never really looks clean. Of course, I vacuum, but our floors need more.

Cleaning carpets can be a tiresome tasks. The machines tend to be bulky and difficult to maneuver. For me, the worse part is the bucket of dirty water that remains after cleaning. It makes my stomach turn. What is the alternative? 

Carpet isn't the only flooring that we have in our house. With hardwood and tile in other portions, I need another cleaning system to scrub and polish the floors. With all the different cleaning devices, I need a whole storage area to house them all. There has to be a better way.

The new solution is  the Shark Sonic Duo.

The Shark Sonic Duo is the first device to deep clean all types of floors. From carpet to wood and vinyl to tile, this single machine effortlessly cleans it all. The system makes it easy to clean all the floor surfaces in a home. The color coded solutions and matching pads makes it easy to go from room to room scrubbing away the dirt.

What I like best about the Shark Sonic Duo is that it is lightweight and can be maneuvered easily. If you have ever struggled to lift, carry or move about a carpet extractor, it can be a difficult task. With the Shark Sonic Duo, I can bring it up and down stairs, fit into tight corners and move it about with great ease. More importantly, I don't have the gross container of dirty solution to carry around. My carpets look and smell clean. Since the system is easy to use, I can spot clean or deep clean more often because it is less of a chore.

When using the Shark Sonic Duo on hardwood floors, the 1,000 scrubs per minute means that any spills, dirt or grime are removed easily. With the Duo Scrubbing Power, gone is the extra time that I would sit on the floor to pre-scrub a mess. Now, a few passes with the Sonic Duo and the floors are shiny.  Whether after dinner or weekly cleanings, the floors are sparkling clean.

Since I try to keep harsh chemicals out of the house, the cleaning solutions for this system are non-toxic. While mitigating the effects on the environment, it is also safe for families and pets. No mom wants her house to be full of fumes after a day of cleaning. 


The Shark Sonic Duo is available for purchase online at  http://www.sharkclean.com/shark-sonic-duo/ for $199.80. It can also be purchased at Walmart, Target and other mass merchants.  Each system comes with pads  and solution for both carpet and hardwood/tile cleaning.

It's time to simplify house cleaning. Turn to the Shark Sonic Duo for the system that cleans all the floors in your house effortlessly.





Disclosure: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.

Cut the tax day stress with FREE Curly Fries at Arby's

Some people are looking at April 15 as the most stressful day of the year.  I doubt that there is anyone who truly likes tax day. To make everyone's day a little brighter, Arby's is giving away free curly fries.

Right now head over to www.arbys.com/taxdaygiveaway to receive your free fry coupon. With this coupon, a customer can receive a free value size curly fry. this offer is available why supplies last. 

New this year, customers can opt for the free small potato cake. 

Don't let tax day get your down. Head to Arby's to make April 15 a little brighter.