New Year, new rug, totally new room for 2012, RugsUSA.com, Review

This year I'm resolved to have a grown up house. Now that my kids are school aged, I've decided that my house shouldn't look like a disaster pit.

My first project is my living room. The easiest way to make a huge difference without any manual labor is to add a rug. That's what I did. I got a rug from RugsUSA.com.



The rug that I chose was the Dynasty Bej Beige Rug. It is a good size for my living room and nicely fits in front of my sofa. After letting the rug flatten for a week, we were able to place it in front of the sofa under our ottomans.

What I like about this rug is that it is neutral, but adds some depth to the room. The combination of beige tones, blue and a hint of green compliments other areas of my home. Since my dining room and living room are connected the rug compliments the colors in my dining room while giving the living room it's own personality.




From the rug, I've decided to change the paint color of my living room. I would like to pick up the blue color in the rug and add it to my walls.

RugsUSA.com offers a large variety of rugs at reasonable prices. Whether you are looking for a contemporary piece or a more traditional item,  RugsUSA.com has you covered. All their prices are very reasonable and many of their items include free shipping (rugs are heavy, so free shipping is a great offer).

Now that I have one room that is on it's grown-up decorated path, I can't wait to get started on other rooms.I'm sure that I will find the perfect rug for the dining room and kitchen from RugsUSA.com. I think that my next purchase is going to be the Serendipity Perisana Rug. With the money I'm saving, I'll be able to decorate my whole house in no time.


Disclosure: I received a rug from RugUSA.com. All opinions are mine and were not influenced by any person or entity. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Clens, making sure all those new touch screen devices stay clean

Electronics are hot in-demand items for this holidays. To keep your iPads, iPhones and other touch screen devices pristine, use Clens.

Clens is the Bausch + Lomb's cleaning system. This system is a two step process that safely cleans the surface of Apple electronic products without dulling or discoloring the surface. Clens safely cleans a device that has oleophobic coating. It provides a streak-free clean to the device's surface.

What I like about Clens is that I know it won't harm my iPad and iPhone. Since it was designed with Apple products in mind, I feel comfortable using them.

Anyone with kids can attest that sticky, grimy fingers can do a number on your iPad and and iPhone. My kids love playing with my devices when we are stuck somewhere waiting. But I hate all the goo, mess that they leave on my screen. With Clens, I can easily wipe the screens clean. It's as if the screen had never been touched by little hands. 

Clens has two packing sizes that will cover all the uses in your household. For the home or office, this packaging features a 2oz spray, 6 pre-moistened tissues and 1 premium microfiber cloth. This option retails for $19.95. The travel version, with 20 pre-moistened tissues and 1 premium microfiber cloth, retails for $14.95.

Clens can be purchased at the Apple store or online at www.buyclens.com. For more information about Clens and where to buy it, please visit the Clens website.

ebags packing cubes, making holiday travel packing easier, Review

I have the hardest time packing. Between my clothes and the kids clothes, it seems like everything becomes a giant wrinkled mess rolling around the suitcase. What I need is a way to divide all the clothes, pack items easily and keep everything organized. One product that is helping in organize are eBag Packing Cubes.

During my holiday travel, I'm using the eBags Packing Cubes. These assorted size packing cubes are perfect for organizing all my family's items.

Here are some features of these packing cubes

• Corded double zipper pulls making opening/closing simple and fast
• Mesh top panel for easy identification of contents
• Interior fully finished for durability
• Soft mesh won't damage delicate fabrics
• Webbing handle for convenience when carried by itself
• Small cube dimensions 11" x 6.75" x 3"
• Medium cube dimensions 13.75" x 9.75" x 3"
• Large cube dimensions 17.5" x 12.75" x 3.25"

 These bags come in a variety of colors, including titanium, black, tangerine, canary, raspberry, denim, and grasshopper. These sets retail for $23.99 at eBags.com. 

What I like about these packing cubes, it that I can the smaller sized ones inside the large one for our trip. It's a great way to have extra storage for our return trip. Think about it. When you travel, you always come home with extra stuff. By having all the cubes with me, I have a safe place to bring them home.

For anyone traveling over the holiday season, extra packing space is so important. From Christmas presents to souvenirs, we need all the space that we can get. Plus, since these bags are collapsible, they don't take up a lot of space or weight in your suitcases ( important with all the baggage fees today).

Also, the eBags packing cubes are great for duffel bags or other soft travel bags. It's easy to keep toiletries away from your jeans. Everything will have a place. No more jumbled messes. 

Make that last minute purchase from eBags.com today. Add the 3 piece packing cubes to must have travel accessory list.

For more information on eBags and it's products, please visit their Facebook page, Twitter page or eBags.com.


Disclosure: I received a set of Packing Cubes to review. I was not compensated. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Don't take family time for granted, Relish the Moment - the Game, REVIEW

Sometimes my kids are so talkative. Other times it is pulling teeth to tell me anything about their day. I want to know about their friends, likes and thoughts, but I have to come up with a creative way to entice the information from them. That's where Relish The Moment is perfect.

Relish The Moment is a fun family game that gets everyone talking. You can play this game a variety of ways. The game has a variety of cards that require an answer, complete an action or play a game. For example, action cards include Chinese Fire Drill, Rock Paper Scissors or charades.

For our family, I like the question cards. Some example of the question cards are what is your favorite movie or do you like being inside or outside . I've taken these question cards and put them on the dinner table. Towards the end of dinner, I'll pull one or two questions. It's a great way to get the kids into a discussion. Now we don't have the dead silence at the dinner table.

The discussion cards would be great on a car trip or family gathering. Personally, I really don't like it when the kids veg out in front of the DS or television. Relish the Moment is a fun way to see how everyone thinks and gets people interacting.

Relish the Moment can be purchased online for $15 (plus $4 shipping and handling). This company also offers Catch-Up the Game.

This holiday season don't let the moment pass you by. It's time to Relish the Moment.

Disclosure: I received Relish the Moment to review. I was not compensated for this review. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure. 

Gogos Crazy Bones, a perfect stocking stuffer - REVIEW

Looking for the perfect stocking stuffer? Grab Gogo's Crazy Bones.

Gogo's Crazy Bones are for both boys and girls ages 3-7. These crazy little guys lots of playing options. Whether you play with a Gogo's mat or create your own game, kids will have hours of fun.

What is a Gogo? Gogo's are small colorful characters that come in hundreds of colors and designs, each one with a unique name, design, personality and special ability.


Gogo's games offer some educational benefits too.
Math and logic skills are involved in game playing and keeping score
Reading and comprehension are practiced as you learn about the unique personalities and special powers in the games, sticker album and website
Storytelling and imaginary play are encouraged as you build and share stories around the characters.

My kids make up games with their Gogo's. Sometimes it's color against color or brawlers versus boxers. It's a good hour plus of entertainment for them.



For the holidays, Gogo's has a special limited edition good collectors tin. Gogo's come the Limited Edition Collector Tins, individual packs, Gogo's Play Mat, and many more variations, prices range from $0.79 - $19.99, and Series 1 - 3 are currently all available across North America.

Gogo's can be purchased at Target, Walmart, Learning Express, and many more. For a complete list of retailers, please visit the Gogo's website.

Go Gogo crazy. Put Gogo's Crazy Bones in your kid stockings or under the tree this Christmas.


Disclosure: I received Gogo's Crazy Bones to review. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Rachel Rene Bath and Body, adding luxury to my relaxation, REVIEW

As a busy mom, I need time to unwind. Those few minutes at the end of the day help prepare me for the next round of chaos. I have a few options for my down time. I could watch some television or enjoy a glass of wine, but my favorite way to relax is with a hot bath. Of course, I need some luxurious bath products to make my experience complete.

Recently, I had the opportunity to try Rachel Rene Bath and  Body.

Bath bombs are the perfect addition to my relaxing bath. Each bath bomb is made with Shea Butter and Olive Oil. These ingredients leave my skin silky smooth and completely moisturized. Plus, the scents are amazing. Whether you like citrus or floral, there is a scent for you. A 6 pack of bath bombs retails for $10. 

My favorite item of the collection is the brown sugar and fig hand-made soap. I have this soap in my guest bathroom. The smell is warm and inviting. Each batch is handmade from scratch using the finest vegetable and nut oils and butters. The result is hard-long lasting bar that produces a rich and creamy lather Plus, the soap doesn't dry out my hands (which is important for us in the Midwest during the winter).

Rachel Rene products can be purchased on-line athttp://www.shoprachelrene.com. The line offers Body Mousse, Body Polish and a variety of gift sets.

If you are looking for a perfect teacher gift, hostess gift or stocking stuffer this holiday. Look no further than Rachel Rene Bath and Body.



Disclosure: I received Rachel Rene Bath and Body products to review. I was not compensated for this post. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure. 

Reverse Charades, changing the rules and creating fun, review

Everyone knows the game of charades. Pick a word, act out the word and everyone guesses. Now there is a new option to charades, Reverse Charades.

In Reverse Charades you work together as a group to act out as many clues in 60 seconds. Check out this video for how it's played.


We have a copy of Reverse Charades Junior. Since my kids were new to charades, it took a few minutes for them to understand that they couldn't talk (not talking is super hard for my youngest). After a while, they enjoyed acting silly and seeing who could come up with the most outrageous ideas for their words. The words/phrases are common, which made it easier for the kids to understand and guess. With a little practice, the kids enjoyed themselves.

For us, the game worked best when an adult or older child participated. Reverse Charades works great family game night. As the game progresses the actions and option get funnier. Who can be the most outrageous or who can be the most boring. Anything to make the game fun.

Reverse Charades can be purchased online, on Amazon,and at specialty stores.

Now there is a Reverse Charades app for the iPhone, iPad, iPod Touch and Android. The app contains over 1000 words from the original version and words from the new themed editions. Visit the Apple App Store and the Droid Marketplace to purchase these free apps.

Also, Reverse Charades donates a portion of the game price to support kids and their families at Children's Hospitals. Sometimes a little laughter can be the best medicine.

Get the family together and laugh a little. Reverse Charades will bring some levity to your holidays.

Prove Santa has been watching with icaughtsanta.com REVIEW/GIVEAWAY

For the past couple of days, my kids have been a little mischievous. I'm not sure what has gotten into them. I keep reminding them that Santa is watching, but it doesn't seem to register.

I found a way to keep them in check and show them Santa has been in the house and watching, icaughtsanta.com.

Icaughtsanta.com is a great way to show your kids that Santa has been watching them. Simply take a picture of a place that your kids will recognize. It could be your home, school or grandma's house. You upload the photo, add Santa. Then you can email or print the picture.

I took a picture of our Christmas tree and added Santa. If left the picture on the kitchen table for breakfast. The kids were shocked. All I had to say was - see Santa's always watching. I've had much better behaved boys in my house. 

Icaughtsanta.com pictures cost $9.99 and can be purchased at icaughtsanta.com. 

I have 5 codes to giveaway. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter.

Great ready for the next Chicago football season - Chicago Slaughter season ticket promotion

Ready to root for some fast paced, exciting Chicago football?  Get ready for the Chicago Slaughter! 

Chicago Slaughter play for the Indoor Football Team, the world's largest indoor football league. The team is owned by Jim McMahon and is coached by Steve "Mongo" McMichael.These former Chicago Bear legends bring notoriety to the franchise.

Indoor football is fast paced action. It's played on a 50 yard field and scoring opportunities are abundant. Plus, you don't have to worry about the unpredictable weather conditions. Every home game is played at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates.

Right now, the Chicago Slaugther are offering an amazing season package deal just in time for the holidays. Check out the offer. 

Season tickets packages (7 home games) include:

	2 Tickets and 1 Steve McMichael Autographed Football	4 Tickets and 1 Steve McMichael Autographed Football
Club	$503	$979
Sideline 1-5	$342	$656
Sideline 6-19	$272	$516
Endzone	$199	$367

 What do you get as a season ticket holder? 

• Same Great Seats for Every Action-Packed Game! 
• $10 Slaughter Merchandise Card (one per order) PLUS 10% Merchandise Discount!
• FREE Playoff tickets
• FREE tickets to any one 2012 Chicago Slaughter game (equal to the number of season tickets purchased and at the same price level)
• Option to purchase Discounted Parking Passes
• Season Ticket Exchange Program 
• Exclusive Season Ticket Holder Season-End Party & Special Season Ticket Holder Contests & Giveaways!
• Exclusive Merchant Discounts for Season Ticket Holders!

Those other Chicago football teams don't give you all of these benefits at such a great price. To place your order, call a Slaughter Sales Representative at 647-310-3190 or tickets@chicagoslaugther.com.


This holiday season give the gift that everyone will love, season tickets to the Chicago Slaughter.  

Say Anything, I can't believe you said that! Review

Do you have friends who come up with the strangest ideas? For example, when everyone is discussing the best bands from the 80s, does your friend say Ace of Base when everyone else says Bon Jovi? These differences of opinion are perfect for the fun party game, Say Anything.

Say Anything is a game by North Star games. It is a simple idea, answer the question with your best answer. It's just a best answer not a right answer. Say Anything isn't based on trivial knowledge rather it's based in opinion.

One person is the Selector. After all answers are given the Selector secretly selected his/her favorite. The other players wager on which answer the Selector picked. Players receive points based on the selections.

The fun of the game is seeing everyone answers. Do you want to be right or do you want to be funny? We played Say Anything with our friends this weekend. At first the answers started as serious. For example, what's the most hated person of the twentieth century (answer Hitler, Saddam Hussein.) But as the night went on, the answers became more outrageous. Here are a few examples.If you could have a BIG anything, what would it be?  I can't say some of the answers.

Say Anything is a great ice breaker for parties or small get togethers. It's an easy way for people to see everyone's personalities in their answers.

Say Anything can be purchased at Target, Toys-r-Us, Meijer, Barnes & Noble, and Go the Game Store. For more information on Say Anything, please visit their Facebook and Twitter pages or North Star Games.

Don't censure your opinions amongst your friends.  This holiday season Say Anything!


Disclosure: I received a copy of Say Anything free. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Action Mat Football, bringing real footbal action to your man cave - REVIEW

Do you have a man cave? Is football a way of life not just a game? Do you remember sliding the football back and forth on a table? I have a game for you.

Action Mat Football is the real football strategy game that is the must have gift for the football enthusiast in your life.

Played on a 35 x 65 field, it looks just like a real football field. With full offensive and defensive schemes, this game works just as if you were on an actual football field. The game is played by sliding the football across the field. The football will catch on players helmets which creates a realistic drag, just as if a defensive player was trying to slow down the offensive player. It's just like real life action.

Want to see how this game works? Check out this YouTube video.



We have set Action Mat Football in our man cave (the basement). It works great on the pool table when it's covered. The guys like having it out during Sunday football. They keep playing football during half-time or when their team is finished for the day.

Another fun use for Action Mat Football in our house has been a teaching tool for my two little football players. With one son playing football and another about to start, we use the game to explain offense, defense and game strategy. It's a perfect visual for the boys to learn football positions, game plays, and overall football strategy. We can use the game after the boys "real' football game to explain why certain plays worked and others did not. The game has been helpful to explain football positioning and strategy (a good idea for football coaches)

My husband and boys have been playing Action Mat. It's simple and easy for the boys to play on their own or with their dad.  The boys make their games simple. Some examples are who can have the longest kick-off or pass. It may not be a complete game, but it keeps them interested in football and game strategy.  Now we can have football all year round in our house.

Action Mat Football can be purchased on-line at http://www.actionmatfootball.com/games.The game retails for $39.95.

If you don't have the space for the full scale version of Action Mat, there is a Pass, Catch, Kick mini game. This item retails for $9.99. It's a perfect stocking stuffer for your little football enthusiast.

Get your football fanatic a game that they will love. Put Action Mat Football under the tree this holiday season.

Disclosure: I received Action Mat Football to review. All opinions are 100% mine and have not been influenced by any person or entity. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Mrs. Prindables, gourmet apples that you love to give and get, review/giveaway

I love caramel apples. Correction, I love GOOD caramel apples. When I eat a caramel apple, I want a super crunchy, slightly tart apple to compliment the smooth, gooey caramel. My absolute favorite gourmet caramel apple is Mrs. Prindables.

Mrs. Prindables offers gourmet apples. These aren't your typical caramel apples. A jumbo Mrs. Prindables apple weighs up to 1.5 pounds and can serve 8 to 10 people. A Mrs. Prindables apple is definitely not a affy apple.

The caramel that Mrs. Prindables uses is made in small batches. It is smooth, creamery and made with care. The small batches ensure high quality and consistency.

Each Mrs. Prindables apple is hand dipped in caramel and coated with the toppings that you want. There are 8 Classic Gourmet Apple Flavors. The flavors are: Triple Chocolate Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift, Milk Chocolate Walnut Pecan Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift, Double Chocolate Peanut Butter Almond Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift, Milk Chocolate Toffee Walnut Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift, Dark Chocolate Delight Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift, Dark Chocolate Cashew Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift, Dark Chocolate Splendor Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift, Milk Chocolate Pecan Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift, and Double Chocolate Mocha Jumbo Apple. 

Throughout the year, Mrs. Prindables offers specialty apples. This holiday season Mrs. Prindables has a new flavor, NEW! Peppermint Bark Jumbo Caramel Apple Gift  . If you have a peppermint fan on your holiday shopping list, this gourmet apple might be perfect for them.

In addition to single gourmet apples, Mrs. Prindables offers a variety of gift baskets. From large to small, there is a gift basket that can fit almost any occasion.

Are you ready to try Mrs. Prindables?  I have a $50 gift certificate to giveaway to one of my readers. Please use the Rafflecopter form below to enter.







Disclosure: I received a Mrs. Prindables basket and a gift certificate to giveaway. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Rocketfish Advanced Series Stand, making my life easier, review

I love my iPad. For me, I'm never without it. From working to play, the iPad is a constant in my busy life.

With the holidays in full swing, I've been using my iPad instead my cookbook. There are so many on-line recipes that I love. I don't want to waste all that paper printing everything. So, the iPad is in the kitchen with me. The only downside to using my iPad was that I couldn't have it propped up for easy viewing. But, I've found the perfect solution, Rocketfish™ -Advanced Series Stand for Most Touch-Screen Devices.

Rocketfish™ - Advanced Series Stand for Most Touch-Screen Devices, available at Best Buy, is the easy way to use your iPad or other touch-screen device hands-free. The stand can be used with your device placed vertically or horizontally. With or without your iPad cover, the device easily slips into the device.

What I like about the Rocketfish stand  is that I can easily view my iPad. Either vertically or horizontally, the iPad is at a good reading height. 

In the kitchen, the stand makes reading recipes while cooking very easy. I can place it on my counter-top, away from the mess, but within easy reach. For me, this device is extremely useful. 

When I'm not actively using the iPad, I've left it in the stand and used it like a digital picture frame. It's a great way to showcase all our vacation photos. Plus, I can run music at the same time. It's a great way to combine all my digital devices. 

The Rocketfish Advanced Series Stand for Most Touch Screen Devices is available at Best Buy. It retails for $29.99. 

If you are looking for a new iPad or touch screen device accessory for your Christmas list, the Rocketfish Advanced Series Stand for Most Touch Screen  would make a great choice.

Disclosure:I have received the reviewed product from Best Buy for free. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Rocketfish car mount for the iPad 2, making the long car ride bearable - review

If you've made a long car trip with kids, you know that it can be a nightmare. From the fidgeting to the fighting, it's enough to make you never want to spend another minute in the car again.

Like many families, we have an in-car DVD system. But the single screen usually creates bickering because no one wants to watch the same movie.

Now I have an iPad, which could prevent the movie problem. But, no parent wants a little person spilling on or dropping the iPad. Luckily now there's an in car solution for the iPad, the Rocketfish Car Mount for the iPad 2.

The Rocketfish Car Mount for the iPad 2 is designed to mount to a vehicle's dual-post headrest. It clips into the headrest for easy installation. Plus, it is adjustable for multiple viewing angles.In addition to the car use, the mount can be used as a viewing stand.

What I like about the car mount is that the kids can watch a movie, but keep their hands (and drinks/food) away from my iPad. We can plug in the headphones and they can watch a movie or listen to music. It solves the battle over what to watch. Plus, with headphones, I don't have to hear another SpongeBob movie. Everyone is happy. 

Rocketfish Car Mount for the iPad 2 is available for purchase at Best Buy. It retails for $59.99.

Make your next car trip more enjoyable with the Rocketfish Car Mount for the iPad 2. With this very useful accessory, you might not mind those extra hours in the car.



Disclosure: I have received the reviewed product from Best Buy for free.  For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Sears, everything on my holiday shopping list review/giveaway

Do you have a lot of people on your holiday shopping lists? I have a few. Usually, I have a good idea what to buy for everyone. Sometimes, I need a little help. Since my time is valuable, I like to go to one store and get all my shopping done. This year my go to store is Sears.

I know that you are thinking, don't they just sell lawnmowers, tools and appliances. Yes, Craftsman is a well known name in tools, hardware and lawn products and Kenmore is a leader in applications. Sears is more than just Craftsman and Kenmore.

Sears has lots of brands unique to the Sears stores. From Jaclyn Smith to Joe Boxer and the Covington to Lands End, there is a product that is perfect for everyone on your shopping list.

This year Sears was my go to store for my husband's Christmas gifts (I hope that he isn't reading this). My husband had two specific items on his Christmas list this year, a cordless drill and a shop vac. I really didn't know a lot about tools, but I do know that Craftsman is a trusted brand. I remember my dad only buying Craftsman tools because they were high quality. So, when my husband wanted tools, I turned to Craftsman and Sears.

I did research on Sears.com and picked the Craftsman 17338 19.2-volt C3 Cordless Impact Driver Kit. This combo kit had everything that my husband needs for simple home improvement projects.It includes Impact Driver, (2) 19.2-Volt Battery Packs powered by DieHard, a one-hour charger, socket adaptor, 2 bits and storage bag. Also, it has enough torque to drive long screws and tag bolts. I know that next time I want a shelf hung, this drill will do the job.

The second item on my list was a shop vac. I found a great option at sears.com. The Craftsman 20 gal. Wet-Dry Vac has 8 accessories for anything that we could possibly use. On Sears.com, I read all the reviews and it received 4.5 star rating. I can't wait for my husband to open this present.

Sears offers in store pick-up of many items. For me, in store pick is very convenient. I was able to order my purchases online and pick them up at my local store. I didn't have to worry whether an item wouldn't be in stock or visit multiple locations. The in store pick-up is definitely a holiday shopping time saver.

Of course, I needed a little holiday treat. For myself I bought a pair of boots from the new Kardashian collection. This line has some great black boots for just $29.99. What a deal!

Would you like to do some holiday shopping at Sears?  I have a $100 gift card to giveaway. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter.

This holiday season visit Sears for all your holiday shopping needs. You might be surprised at what you find.





Disclosure: I received a gift card to shop at Sears and a gift card to giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit http://www.more4momsbuck.com/p/disclosure.html 

MyPublisher, add high style to your holiday cards review/giveaway

We send and receive tons of holiday cards. With all the family and friends cards, I want my holiday cards to stand out amongst the stacks. This year some of our holiday cards are from MyPublisher.

MyPublisher offers lots of extras when you order your cards from them.

With MyPublisher you can get free envelope liners, more paper choices, better envelopes and free shipping. Many photo sharing sites do not offer deluxe paper or envelope liners.

Plus, you get FREE return address printing on your envelopes. When you add return address printing on other card websites, it is usually between $0.35-$0.85 per envelope.

Now, I'm sure that you are thinking with all these extras, the cards from MyPublisher must cost more. Actually, they cost less. MyPublisher cards are $1.49 each where photo sharing and specialty stationary stores cost between $1.95 and $3.43.


MyPublisher offers a variety of card designs from the following companies amanda larsen design, Cambridge Omnimedia, the co.co studio, Lynn Grieveson Designs, Your Invites, Lobird, Marci Stewart Designs, The Paper Apple, Pincushion and Salt&Syrup

I ordered some of our Christmas cards from MyPublisher. I chose Gifts design. It's simple and makes our family picture stand out. Plus, I'm a big fan of green. Also, with any card, you can add up to four photos. It's a fun way to show favorite events throughout the year.

To compliment the card, I choose a red striped envelope liner. I like the color contrast with the green card. I've covered all the Christmas colors.

Would you like to order some holiday cards from MyPublisher?  MyPublisher has graciously given me a $50 gift card to give to one of my readers. Please enter via the Rafflecopter form below.





Disclosure: I received a $50 gift card to use and one to giveaway. All opinions are 100% mine. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Stone Soup, bringing the beloved book to a cooperative game REVIEW

Stone Soup is a wonderful children's book. I, like many of you, have read the book to your children. The story is simple. A stranger helps a small town make soup together. By working together, everyone makes a delicious soup.

Now the well-known book, Stone Soup, is a cooperative game from Peaceful Kingdom. What is a cooperative game? These games have the players play against the game, not each other. The game's emphasis is playing not competition. Cooperative games build confidence, encourage inclusion, and teach kids to share.

Stone Soup, the game, has children work together to "cook" a soup. Children match the soup ingredients. The goal is to fine all the ingredients before your fire goes out (you turn over all the fire out cards). The game is simple to play and no reading is required.

This cooperative game enhances the following learning skills: memory, social development, helping others and cooperation.

My boys have been playing Stone Soup. It's easy for them to play without direction. For example, I have them play while I was putting up Christmas decorations. There was no fighting over who won or lost because the goal is to beat game, not each other.

Stone Soup is available at Amazon.com for an estimated retail value of $15. Peaceful Kingdom offers many other cooperative games including  Count Your Chickens, Hoot Hoot Owl, and Fish Stix. All of these games can be purchased on Amazon.com.

This holiday season give your kids a game that will build a confidence. Put Stone Soup from Peaceful Kingdom on your holiday shopping list.


Disclosure: I received Stone Soup to review.  All opinions are mine and were not influenced by any person or entity.  For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure. 

Flipoutz, wear them, collect them, and trade them, review/giveaway

Kids love things that they can collect and trade with their friends. Whether it's a toy that everyone must have or an accessory that they can wear to school, kids want to be part of the latest trends. The latest accessory trend is Flipoutz.

Flipoutz is interactive fun wear. Each customizable bracelet comes with tradable coins. Each coin has various pictures or sayings. You can have 5 coins on a bracelet. The mixing and matching of coins allows the wearer to express his or her individuality. No two bracelets will be the same.

What is different about the coins is that you can track you coins online in the Flipoutz interactive community. Each coin comes with a serial number.

For example, you can register your tiger coin/serial number in your online  profile. Then you trade your coin for your friend's totally cool coin. In the online community, you can watch your tiger coin go from person to person. Maybe it will make it to a different school or state. There are lots of possibilities.

Flipoutz retail for $6.99 and come with one coin. Additional coins, sold in a 2 pack, can be purchased for $1.99. Flipoutz can be purchased online at http://shop.flipoutz.com/ or visit the Flipoutz website for a complete list of store locations.

Flipoutz has graciously given me a Flipoutz prize pack to giveaway. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter.

Get a jump start on the newest interactive, trade-able trend for kids, Flipoutz. Don't be left behind!





Disclosure: I received Flipoutz to review and some to giveaway. All opinions are mine and have not been influenced by any person or entity. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Smarte cards, sending holiday cheer and donations to charity, review/giveaway

During the holiday season is your mailbox full of cards and letters from family and friends? What if you could email everyone a card instead? What if your holiday card could donate money to a worthy charity too? Welcome to Smartecards.


Smartecards are electronic, personalized cards that support charities. These environmentally friendly alternative to traditional mailed cards can be customized with your favorite photos, music and sentiments. Smartecard believes their cards are that the smartest way to give and receive.

Creating your cards on Smartecard is simply. First, choose a theme, for example, holiday. After choosing a theme, upload all your photos. Choose from one photo or many photos. Then you can choose music to be played while your photos are displayed.


Smartecards are only $1 per card. Think about what you spend on traditional mailed card. $1 is a great value. Plus, a portion of your payment is allocated to charity. 80% of every donation (minus credit card processing fee) is allocated to 501 (c) 3 organizations---70% is sent to your designated non-profit organization; 10% is retained by Urban Affairs Coalition for fiscal management services.

I'm a huge supporter of charitable endeavors. I will try to choose a company who supports charity whenever possible. Knowing that my money is being put to good use is important to me. Some of the charities supported by Smartecards are Homes for Our Troops, CURE for Childhood Cancer, and Doctors Without Borders.

What I like about Smartecards is that I can add lots of photos. It's a great way to recapture an entire year in photos. In our card, I was able to incorporate vacations, school events, sports accomplishments and the group family photos.

Here's a look at the card that I created for my family. The final shot is shows everyone in their Green Bay Packer attire.

Would you like to send Smartecards to your family and friends this year?  Smartecards has generously given me 25 credits/cards to give to one of my readers. Please use the Rafflecopter form to enter.





Disclosure: I received Smartecard credits to use and some to giveaway. This review/giveaway was part of a MomSelect campaign. All opinions are 100% mine and have not been influenced by any person or entity. For my complete disclosure policy, please visit www.more4momsbuck.com/disclosure.

Make it, guess it, win it - Morphology, creativity and fast thinking, REVIEW

What can you do with a string, cubes, beads and some sticks? Could you create a volcano or a punkin chunkin' trebuchet?  Would anyone be able to guess your picture?

That's the premise of Morphology. Morphology is a game that uses your creativity in a fun and engaging way. With a variety of items (string, sticks, beads, etc), a player creates a picture of the word she is dealt. For example, you get the word light bulb. The player takes the string and creates the shape of a light bulb. Everyone who is guessing the picture would get that - right? Sounds easy right? 

The fun part of Morphology is gathering lots of different people together to play. When different genders and generations play together, you can get some usual pictures.

Over the holidays, we have been playing a lot of games. We played Morphology with my extended family over Thanksgiving, with adults and kids joining in on the fun. There were a few disagreements and a lot of laughs. We played boys against girls and  old against young.  The best version of the game was what we called minimalist. You could use 5 pieces or less to create your word. Trust me those pictures became a little difficult to guess.

The most important about Morphology is getting people together and interacting. With this game,  no one feels left out when they can't answer a trivia question. As you get better with the play, the game can be adapted and grow with the users.

While this game is recommended for ages 13 and up, I've been using the game with my boys. Sometimes my son has problems pronouncing words clearly. It can get boring looking at words and making him pronounce them. So, I've borrowed the concept from Morphology to help them guess words he has difficulty saying. I take the cards with words that are hard for him to pronounce. It's making his learning much more fun.

Morphology was named the #2 game of the year by Time Magazine (2010), Chicago Tribune 2010 Top Ten Game to Help Get a Party Started and Top Party Game of the Year nominee in 2011.

Morphology can be purchased at Barnes and Noble, Marbles The Brain Store and on-line at http://morphologygames.com/purchase.  It retails for approximately $29.99.  For more information on Morphology, please visit their website at http://morphologygames.com, Facebook page and Twitter account.

Don't let your next holiday party or family gathering become dull. Add a little Morphology to the mix and let the laughter begin.