The Review Wire

#SavorySummer: Knox Spice Co. Dry Rub Gift Basket Giveaway | Ends 5/30

Dena — Wed, 16 May 2012 04:01:58 +0000

The Knox Spice Company was started in 2005 by Bryan and Tim Knox. They currently have 6 dry BBQ rubs that are available; Chipolte BBQ (a taste of the southwest), Cracked Pepper (South American churrasco, for beef lovers), Jamaican Jerk (the flavor of the Islands), Yummy Chicken (well…chickeny) and the salt-free seasonings Sabroso (Mexican Style) and Barabicu (Caribbean Style). Compared to any other dry rub seasoning you will find big authentic flavors with lower salt ratios than most commercially available dry rubs and all are gluten free.

I just received all 6 of these to try. I can’t wait to use the cracked pepper rub! I love that flavor especially covered on a big juicy filet mignon. My kids love spicy flavors, which is surprising considering what picky eaters they are. They loved the Barabicu on their hamburgers. The 3.4 ounce jar runs around 5.50.

Stay Connected: Visit the Knox Spice Co. to pick up some spice rub for your next grill out!

Special Offers: Visit Knox Spice for Special Offers and Promotions.

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Knox Spice Co. Gift Basket Giveaway

1 Winner Will Receive a Knox Spice Co. Dry Rub Gift Basket {RV $44.95}!See Rafflecopter for entry details. Ends 5/30

The Gift Basket Includes:

Knox’s Jamaican Jerk, Knox’s Chipotle BBQ, Knox’s Cracked Pepper, Knox’s Yummy Chicken, Knox’s Salt Free Barabicu (Caribbean Style), Knox’s Salt Free Sabroso (Mexican Style), Kitchen Towel, Ozark Hickory Chips and Recipes

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to the 2012 Savory Summer blog-hopping giveaway event! The hosts, Measuring Flower, Graphoniac, and a bunch of other fabtabulous blogs are bringing you some great food-related giveaways!

The Grand prize sponsors for this “Savory” event are Nostalgia Electrics and Ella’s Kitchen, who are offering prizes worth over $100 each! You can enter to win one or both grand prizes HERE.

Disclaimer: An email address is required to enter. The winner will be chosen randomly through Rafflecopter and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 24 hours before a new winner is chosen. One person entering per household please. U.S. only. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on May 30, 2012.

I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to the products or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.

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Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur? APP Review

Dena — Fri, 18 May 2012 08:25:04 +0000

Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur? is part of The Cat in the Hat’s Learning Library which is a nonfiction series that introduces youngsters to basic science concepts.

Our Take: Oh Say Can You Say Di-no-saur APP Review: My four year old loves dinos and this doesn’t disappoint! In typical Dr. Seuss rhymes, learn about the different dinos. This interactive app lets your child tap of words to learn the meaning, find hidden information cards and tap pictures for different surprises. I would definitely recommend this app! This app runs 5.99 and is available for both iPhone and iPad.

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You can also read about my other Oceanhouse Media App Reviews: Dr. Seuss: Oh Say Can You Say? App, How The Grinch Stole Christmas! by Dr. Seuss and Dr. Seuss App Reviews: If I Ran the Zoo & And To Think I Saw It on Mulberry Street.

With this app, there are two ways that you can enjoy this book:

”Read to Me” — listen to the narrated story with words highlighted as they are read
”Read it Myself” — read the book in its traditional form

Stay Connected: Visit The Oceanhouse Media Website and Oceanhouse Media on Facebook

Disclosure: I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to the products or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.

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#Giveaway: 250 Business Cards from PrintRunner | Ends 5/28

Dena — Fri, 18 May 2012 04:01:14 +0000

PrintRunner is an online printing company, and they are commitment to providing the best value in high quality full color printing at an affordable price! I have not used PrintRunner yet but I am looking forward to using their business card printing service. I am in need of new business cards to be made. The ones I have now for Cincinnati Coupons, have a blank white backside. The business cards for the giveaway includes color on both sides, I plan on placing a QR code on mine!

Business Cards from PrintRunner Giveaway

250 Business Card Size and Style Business Cards – 2×3.5 (Standard). See Rafflecopter for Entry Details. Ends 5/28. See Below for Details on the cards:

Colors 4/4 Color Both Sides
Paper 14 pt. UV Coating on Front, 14 pt. UV Coating on both sides,
Proof NONE
Rounded Corners NO
Ready To Ship In 3 Business Days
*Giveaway is open to US Residents only, ages 18 years old and above.
*Standard shipping Fee is for free. Expedited shipping will be shouldered by the winner

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Thank you to PrintRunner for providing us this giveaway, I will receive a set of business cards for hosting this.

An email address is required to enter. The winner will be chosen randomly through Rafflecopter and contacted via email. A reply to the winning email is required within 24 hours before a new winner is chosen. One person entering per household please. U.S. only. This giveaway ends at 11:59 PM EST on May 28, 2012.
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#DawnPowerClean | Dawn Power Clean Dishwashing Liquid Review

Dena — Thu, 17 May 2012 18:02:58 +0000

With Dawn’s line of power products, you can get the amazing power of an overnight soak in just five minutes. These products cut grease and dissolve tough foods on your everyday dishes (even the ones you bake in) without the effort of elbow grease!

Dawn Power Clean Dishwashing Liquid is the newest in the long line of Dawn products. DAWN’S Power Clean has micro-scrubbing enzymes that power through food messes with ease, from everyday grease to tough lasagna dishes! Dawn Power Clean is available in Refreshing Rain Scent and Vibrant Fresh Scent. I received a bottle of Dawn Power Clean in the Refreshing Rain scent. I hate doing dishes as I am sure most people do. So the lazy part of me just put the pan, which was used to cook Hamburger Helper, in the dishwasher. I rinsed it off but didn’t scrub it. So the first picture is when it came out of the dishwasher. Still gooey caked on food. Then I used the new Dawn Power Clean, with hot water and let it sit for 5 minutes like it said. The last picture is after the five minutes and me taking a sponge to it, I didn’t have to scrub hard either. Almost good as new. Maybe if I had let it sit longer the last little bit might have come off too.

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This will certainly help in saving time after dinner! I am a neat freak…maybe even a little OCDish! Some of my other time saving tips include:

~ Having a clean kitchen at the nights end. Dishes put away, nothing in the sink and a cleanly polished sink, the kitchen table/counter cleared of plates, papers and what not.

~ When cooking or making lunch, I always put the ingredients/foods away after I use them. That way after I eat there is less mess to clean up. Plus who like to look at all the mess while they eat!

~ I try to have the kids make part of their lunches at night that way I only have to make the sandwiches in the morning.

~ I make the kids clear the table whenever they eat, even the 4 year old. Unless they leave me a tip, like in the restaurant, they can help clean up.

What are some efficient and time-saving daily kitchen routines that you have around your house?

Stay Connected: Visit Dawn on Facebook and Follow @dawndish on Twitter

Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Dawn blogging program, to earn My SocialMoms Rewards Points, and I received free product for participating. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here.
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I’m Part of the #DontSweatMoms Team! Book Giveaway | Ends 5/31

Dena — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:19:00 +0000

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms by Kristine Carlson

I’m a Don’t Sweat Mom! I received a preview of the book, Don’t Sweat The Small Stuff for Moms before its release to preview, and is now available online or at your local bookstores. I have read some of the others in the series, and really liked the positive message. This book doesn’t disappoint! There are 100 chapters, don’t worry they only contain 2-3 pages! The book is filled with tid-bits on well…being a mom! Some of the chapters include; Practice Breathing Before You Speak, Mom Takes a Time Out, When Kids Makes Mistakes, If you Want To Be On Facebook, I’m Going To Be Your Friend (something that we have already dealt with), Say It With Post-its and Texts, It’s the Small Things To Count, You Just Gotta Roll and that isn’t even the beginning! This is a great little book full of valuable lessons and helpful hints.

A little bit about the book: “In the first new Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff book in nine years, Kristine Carlson shows how moms can live with less stress and more happiness. Kristine Carlson gives mothers tried-and-true advice that will empower them to find greater peace, joy, and harmony within themselves and their homes. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms reveals how to: be a mom (not a friend), balance being a woman and a mom, pursue your passion (but not at the expense of your children, and reclaim your family time.”

Visit the Don’t Sweat Website where you can read more reviews, download the first chapter of the book and where YOU can join the community of don’t Sweat Moms!

Stay Connected: Visit the Don’t Sweat Moms Facebook Page AND @DontSweatMoms

Buy It:

Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff for Moms Giveaway

1 Winner Will Receive a copy of Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff Book {RV $13.99}! See Rafflecopter for entry details. Ends 5/31

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to the products or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.

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Ghirardelli Chocolate’s Newest Flavors

Dena — Wed, 16 May 2012 08:16:02 +0000

Did you know that Ghirardelli is turning 160 this year! Over a century and a half old and no slowing down in sight. And with that they have come out with several new products and flavors, including Gourmet Milk Sea Salt Escape and Dark & Truffle, just to name a few. I being a chocolate lover and self proclaimed chocolate connoisseur, received a special sampling of their newest temptations!

I’m glad to know that all of the individually wrapped SQUARES chocolates are under 100 calories each! Although when you eat several squares at a time, calories seem to be a far off thought. My favorite has to be the milk chocolate with caramel filling. My oldest and the only one who likes mint liked the dark chocolate with mint square. It said it was smooth and creamy. Below is an up close picture of the new Dark Chocolate With Sea Salt Caramel Filling. Dark chocolate is not my favorite but this was very good. “A perfect balance of intense velvety dark chocolate and a rich buttery center enhanced by a touch of savory sea salt.” My husband loved the Intense Dark Midnight Reverie, one of the highest cacao content bars available anywhere, 86% cacao. This one was too dark for me! Thanks to Ghirardelli for this wonderful product to review!

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Stay Connected: Visit Ghirardelli Chocolate on Facebook

Starting May 15, 2012, you can Enter to win a Ghirardelli Chocolate Weekend Getaway for Two!

Buy It:

Disclosure: I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to the products or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.

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Oceanhouse Media: 5 Kids #Apps to Giveaway | Ends 5/22

Dena — Wed, 16 May 2012 03:59:43 +0000

I have a collection of Apps from Oceanhouse Media for you and your child to enjoy:

Five Little Monkeys Bake a Birthday Cake by Eileen Christelow

The five little monkeys wake up early to bake a surprise birthday cake for Mama. One little monkey reads off the recipe while the others scatter about the kitchen collecting baking dishes and ingredients. . . “Sh-h-h! Don’t wake up Mama!,” they remind each other. Once the cake is in the oven, they start on Mama’s birthday present. Hilarity ensues as the five little monkeys’ rambunctious activities end up drawing some unexpected (but welcomed) visitors to the house.

Once Upon a Potty: Boy or Girl by Alona Frankel

If it’s time to potty train, “Once Upon a Potty: Boy” (Girl edition also available), is your new best friend. For decades, Alona Frankel’s toilet learning classics have been helping parents and children conquer the developmental leap from diaper to potty. Narrated by his mother’s voice, Joshua learns about different body parts and functions, and figures out what the potty is (and isn’t) used for. This patient, loving and humorous Boy edition encourages children to learn through play and empowers parents and caregivers of all ages. Follow Joshua through his stages of discovery, and enjoy the many delightful hidden audio surprises throughout the story. Discover what millions of book and video lovers already know: “Once Upon a Potty” is “…one small step for mankind, but a giant one for your family.”

Cuddly as a Bunny Picture Me®

Take new pictures or add photos from your library and this app will place your children in adorable baby animal costumes. Dress up as a cuddly bunny, woolly lamb, frisky kitty, dalmatian puppy and more! Children will enjoy the playful sounds and interactive objects on every page as they flip through the story and see themselves (and other costumed characters) in each illustration. You can read my review on: Cuddly as a Bunny Picture Me® App

All By Myself by Mercer Mayer

In this simple, sweet, and very human picture book, Mercer Mayer’s popular Little Critter shows us all the things he can do by himself. He starts by tying his shoes (almost) and continues by pouring his own juice and spilling just a little! The wry illustrations often point to the fact that Little Critter doesn’t do everything perfectly, but he always makes an effort to do the best he can! You can read about my review on the: Little Critter Collection App.

With the apps, there are three ways that you can enjoy these books:

”Read to Me” — listen to the narrated story with words highlighted as they are read
”Read it Myself” — read the book in its traditional form
“Auto Play” — plays like a movie, automatically reading and turning pages. Great for younger children!

Stay Connected: Visit The Oceanhouse Media Website and Oceanhouse Media on Facebook

Oceanhouse Media App Giveaway!

1 Winners Will Receive a Collection of Oceanhouse Media Apps for iPhone/iPad! See Rafflecopter for entry details. Ends 5/22

The apps include: All By Myself, Cuddly as a Bunny – Picture Me, Once Upon a Potty: Girl, Once Upon a Potty: Boy and Five Little Monkeys Bake a Birthday Cake

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to the products or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.
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Draw Along with Stella and Sam iPad App Review

Dena — Tue, 15 May 2012 08:54:03 +0000

Draw Along with Stella and Sam in this fun new art app from Zinc Roe. Pick a shape, decorate it and watch it come to life in a delightful animation. Choose the photo sticker tool to snap a picture and use it decorate your shape. Save images and animations to your Photo Album and share them with friends and family.

Draw Along With Stella and Sam iPad App Review: We have a few of the Stella and Sam books that I just adore. So when I found these apps, I was excited! The Draw Along app is a fun interactive app that my four year old loves. First you start out by choosing one shape out of the ten available. Then you can color, decorate or add your own picture (taken with the iPad) to the picture. Then you can watch the picture “come to life” with cute illustrations. Here is my little ones Purple Flower picture that was set in the scene when he completed coloring it. We both liked this app! It states 4 and up but I think that it is geared for even a 2 or 3 year old to start with as long as they have help to move to the next screen. This app runs 1.99 and is available for the iPad.

Stay Connected: Visit The Stella and Sam Apps Website

Buy It: Draw Along with Stella and Sam iPad App

Disclosure: I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to the products or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company.

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Rock of Ivanore Book Blast & $50 Amazon Giveaway – Ends 5/22

Dena — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:03:11 +0000

The Rock of Ivanore (The Celestine Chronicles) by Laurisa White Reyes

The annual Great Quest is about to be announced in Quendel, a task that will determine the future of Marcus and the other boys from the village who are coming of age. The wizard Zyll commands them to find the Rock of Ivanore, but he doesn’t tell them what the Rock is exactly or where it can be found. Marcus must reach deep within himself to develop new powers of magic and find the strength to survive the wild lands and fierce enemies he encounters as he searches for the illusive Rock. If he succeeds, he will live a life of honor; if he fails, he will live a life of menial labor in shame. With more twists and turns than a labyrinth, and a story in which nothing is at it seems, this tale of deception and discovery keeps readers in suspense until the end.

Stay Connected:

Visit the Laurisa White Reyes Website, Facebook Page and on Twitter

Buy It:

$50 Amazon Giveaway

1 Winner will Receive a $50 Amazon.com Gift Code. Open to anyone 13 or older who can legally enter & use an Amazon.com Gift Code. Ends 5/22/12

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: I was not provided with product for this review. In exchange for this post, I received a link on the Rafflecopter form.

#HappyTailsSpa Pet Giveaway | Ends 5/29

Dena — Tue, 15 May 2012 04:01:45 +0000

I received several products from the Happy Tails Spa canine spa line. A line that is all natural, eco friendly and cruelty free. This site is narrowed down to specific problems for your pet: itchy skin, smelly and nervous dogs to name a few.

Peppermint and Tea Tree Paw & Nose Rub: This blissful balm will relieve the itching from those pesky fleabites while alleviating the discomfort of dry, itchy skin with a creamy Shea Butter and soothing coconut oil. The smooth balm also provides fast relief for eczema, hot spots and insect bites with good stuff like mango seed butter, hemp seed oil and peppermint oil. Don’t worry, if your dog licks it off it’s perfectly safe to ingest. (It’s also great for your dry cuticles, elbows & dry patches!) This stuff smells wonderful! I am thinking about swiping it for my self. The package even states that it is safe for humans.

Sparkle & Shine Brightening Shampoo: All natural Sparkle & Shine Shampoo is perfect for any dog whose coat needs brightening but is especially good for dogs with light-colored or white coats. Pearlescent brighteners enhance the natural luminescence of the hair, while all natural emollients like flax seed and honey refresh the silky texture. This is perfect for Sadie, who has a white coat. This smells great too! After washing, it did make her feel smooth.

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Happy Tails Spa Pet Giveaway

1 Winner Will Receive the Sparke & Shine Shampoo and Paw & Nose Rub (RV $34)! See Rafflecopter for entry details. Ends 5/29

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Welcome to Happy Tails Spa Giveaway Event hosted by Two Little Cavaliers, and sponsored by Happy Tails Spa! This event will end on May 29, 2012 at 11:59pm EST.

Over 65 bloggers have come together to bring you some amazing natural spa products for your dogs. Each blog is offering one or more products offered by Happy Tails Spa that are Eco-Friendly, All Natural, and Cruelty Free. Make sure to stop by the other sites to see all the great products!

Disclosure: I was provided with product for this review. All views and opinions with regard to the products or the company are my own and were not influenced by the company

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