Thursday, September 30, 2010

Old Geezers- Church Talent Show

 

I am in charge of the Activity Days program in my ward.  We have hosted our ward Talent Show two years now.  With the help of some awesome moms/friends we put together a Hollywood movie themed event.  It was such a blast!!  Everyone was surprised when the "Old Geezers" came out.  This included my dad and a few other men with my sister leading-  I can't help but laugh everytime I watch this!! HAHA Enjoy :o)

Wednesday, September 22, 2010

Snaxx Box Review & GIVEAWAY




I am so busy with three young children, work, school, church activities, trying to keep up on my home etc. that I always feel like I need to improve on some areas.  A major thing I am always trying to be better about is getting my children to eat healthy.  As most young children, they seem to want to eat constantly and when they are filling up on sugary foods they are hungry every 30 minutes.



Then I found Snaxx Box.  Sisters Betsy and Molly worked to bring a helpful idea to life for families all over.  Betsy started with Snaxx for her own three children and realized not only did this help to decrease the constant nagging of  "I am hungry" but also helped them to eat better at meal time and boosted their confidence.  Molly joined in to help and Mini Bean, LLC was born with the goal of helping other moms.


Snaxx Box is a really neat recipe box that keeps healthy snack ideas filed by group (fruits and veggies, grains and nuts, and dairy).  Each card contains a colorful image of the food itself and the back side has nutritional facts and a fun fact about the food.  The box also contains three time cards.  You can use a crayon to write a time (by drawing hands on clock and/or digital time) and place this next to a clock so your children will know when it is time to choose a snack.



I was impressed with Snaxx Box for so many reasons!  This is such a great idea that would benefit anyone.  I often have a hard time thinking of healthy snacks for my children and this really helped to give me some ideas.  They contain such a variety of foods, many I hardly ever think of.  This has also helped me to eat healthier and be more conscientious of what and when I am eating.  We love to read the fun facts on the back and this has helped my children learn why certain foods are good for them.  They hardly ever ask for "junk food" because they are so excited to get to pick a card out of the HEALTHY box.  Although I have not done this yet, if you have a favorite food not included it would be extremely easy to make up a card to slip in the box for your kids to choose from. 

I have just loved having Snaxx Box in my home-  I am actually staying more consistent now :o) 

BUY IT:  ***You can purchase your own Snaxx Box online from Mini Bean, LLC***

WIN IT:  The awesome ladies from Snaxx Box have offered to give one of my readers their very own Snaxx Box to help make snack time easier & healthier!!

~Rules~
1. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above
2. You must do the mandatory entry, if you do not complete this additional entries WILL NOT count
3. Leave 1 comment for each entry including e-mail and/or link (ie if you blog about this for 3 entries you need to leave 3 comments)



~Mandatory~:
Visit Snaxx Box and tell me your favorite thing about this product :o)  I can think of a ton!

~Additional Entries~:
1. "Like" Snaxx Box on Facebook and let them know The Simple Things sent you (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
2."Like" The Simple Things on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
3. Follow The Simple Things on Twitter (1 entry-leave a comment with your twitter id)
4. Follow Snaxx Box on Twitter (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
5. Subscribe to The Simple Things (2 entries-must verify email)
6. Facebook, and/or Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry each-must leave link)  Feel free to use:
7. Follow me on GFC (1 entry)
8. Enter one of my other giveaways (2 entries, past giveaways do not count)
9. Blog about this giveaway- Include links to Snaxx Box and The Simple Things (5 entries- must be at least 2 paragraphs)

This contest will end Wednesday, October 6, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The winner will be chosen using random.org. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If the winner(s) do not claim their prize in the 48 hour period, a new winner(s) will be chosen at random

Disclaimer: I did not receive any form of cash for this review and this is written based on my own honest opinion (other people opinions may vary). I was provided with a Snaxx Box to be reviewed but this does not affect my review and opinion of the product(s)

Monday, September 20, 2010

Apologies


I just wanted to make a public apology to my awesome blog followers/readers.  I have been dealing with being sick for quite awhile now.  It seems like I wasn't feeling good and school started for my two children all at the same time and I have fallen way behind :-(  I have some great posts including reviews and giveaways for some awesome companies and I am gonna start trying to get back on top of things (including my house too!).  I just want to thank all of you for still reading my blog!!!  You are what makes this worth it :o)

Saturday, September 4, 2010

LG Kompressor Vacuum Review & Giveaway


I have always loved LG products.  My phone and my parents washer and dryer are LG but I never knew LG made vacuum cleaners.  When I was asked to review LG’s new LuV300B Kompressor Vacuum – LG’s first line of vacuum cleaners in the U.S. market- I was ecstatic!!  First off, it's LG so I figured it had to be awesome.  Then I started reading about the vacuum and I was so impressed with all of it's many features.

The vacuum arrived quickly and was packaged very nice.  There were only a few pieces to put together and I had no problem doing this myself.  I have owned a Rainbow, Kirby & have used a Dyson.  Let me start by saying the LG Kompressor is my favorite vacuum EVER!  There is no water, no bags, no heads to switch and the power on this thing is amazing!!


It Cleans Better


 • LG’s patented Kompressor® technology utilizes the world’s first motorized compression system to compress dust intake and hold three times more household dust than non-compressor models.

 • With DualForce™ suction technology, two additional air pathways pick up dirt from both sides of the vacuum head in addition to the traditional center section, enabling users to capture dust and debris over a wide surface area and in hard-to-reach edges.

This vacuum picks up things a regular vacuum just can't get.  I get some nasty things stuck on my carpet (gotta love kids!) and the Kompressor sucked them up no problem where with a regular vacuum I would be trying to pull and scrape it off my carpet.  You don't have to go over and over an area and you would be amazed at how much dirt (and other junk) this vacuum can hold!  I love not having to dump it so often.

It’s More Efficient


• For those with children, there is a compartment designed to capture toys and other items that may accidentally be vacuumed up while cleaning in a separate area away from any dust/debris for easy recovery.

I can't tell you all of the things I have vacuumed up before & there was NO WAY I would go dig for them!!  I accidentally vacuumed up a penny with the Kompressor and was pleasantly surprised to find it nice and clean in a separate little compartment.  This should be standard on all vacuums :o)

• LG’s versatile Click 'N Go™ wand detaches from the base, providing up to 15 feet of additional reach for easier cleaning of stairs, upholstery, and other out-of-the-way areas.



• A built in RF™ (radio-frequency) control allows users to adjust power and settings conveniently from the Click ‘N Go wand without going back to the base.


• The LuV300B features an extra-long 40-foot cord making it easier to clean a larger area in less time without having to switch outlets multiple times to reach the entire space.

LG put so much thought into every detail of this vacuum-  It is well designed and constructed.  As a busy mom this is the perfect vacuum.  A wand that attaches from the vacuum (very easily) and has a great attachment for cleaning stairs and other smaller areas.  You can turn the vacuum on and off from this handle when you are using it- You do not have to go back to the vacuum.  The long cord is one of my favorite things.  I hate vacuuming and being halfway done to have the cord come unplugged.  I have not had that problem with this vacuum, it can reach!  I think this vacuum was designed just for the busy mom (which makes it great for everyone!). 



It Reduces Exposure to Allergens

 • The LuV300B is certified asthma & allergy friendly™ by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA).


 • The vacuum’s powerful engine also provides superior suction power, picking up 99 percent of dust on hard floor surfaces and 70 percent of dust on carpets, while its HEPA filter captures 99.97 percent of allergens such as dust mites and pet dander.

No one in my immediate family suffers from allergies but my mom and sister are both allergic to my cat who has 7 kittens.  It is nice to know that this vacuum is keeping my house cleaner by capturing the pet dander. 

 Comes with a Stylish Design


 • The sleek styling and eye-catching Riviera Blue finish is sure to complement the décor of any home.

I love the look of this vacuum.  Some vacuums are still ugly but not the Kompressor. 

Included Accessories

Telescopic Aluminum Wand

Additional Foam Pre-Filter

Pet Hair Turbine Tool

Crevice 2 in 1 (Upholstery Tool and Dusting Brush)
 
When I first used the vacuum I was surprised at how light it was to move.  When I turned it on it got significantly heavier (not too much though!).  This was just the power of the vacuum on high.  My sister commented on how my carpet looked clean and it was still picking up dirt/debris.  The vacuum is very simple to empty.  You put it over a garbage and push a button and it dumps.  I have not found anything I did not like about this vacuum.  LG did an amazing job with the Kompressor!






 LG Kompressor giveaway



BUY IT:  You can purchase LG's vacuums online at Amazon, at Home Depot, Best Buy, Sears, etc. 

WIN IT:  The awesome people at LG are giving away a Kompressor to one of my lucky readers!! ARV $419
 
~Rules~
1. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above
2. You must do the mandatory entry, if you do not complete this additional entries WILL NOT count
3. Leave 1 comment for each entry including e-mail and/or link (ie if you blog about this for 3 entries you need to leave 3 comments)
 
~Mandatory~

1.Visit LG & let me know another product you would love to have or did not know LG made
2. Let me know your favorite thing about the Kompressor


~Additional Entries~
1. "Like" LG on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
2."Like" The Simple Things on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
3. Follow The Simple Things on Twitter (1 entry-leave a comment with your twitter id)
4. Post the Kompressor giveaway button on your blog (3 entries-leave a comment with link.  This must stay on your page until the giveaway is over)
5. Subscribe to The Simple Things (1 entry-must verify email)
6. Blog about this giveaway with a link back to The Simple Things and LG (3 entries- leave link) 
7.  Facebook, and/or Tweet about this giveaway (1 entry each-must leave link)  Feel free to use:
I entered to win LG's new vacuum @ashlesmommy07 ARV $419 #giveaway http://alturl.com/r9fh2
8. Follow me on GFC (1 entry)
9. Enter one of my other giveaways (2 entries, past giveaways do not count)

This contest will end Friday, October 1, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. PST When I choose a winner . The winner will be chosen using random.org. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If the winner(s) do not claim their prize in the 48 hour period, a new winner(s) will be chosen at random

Disclaimer: I did not receive any form of cash for this review and this is written based on my own honest opinion (other people opinions may vary). I was provided with the LG Kompressor to be reviewed but this does not affect my review and opinion of the product(s)

Friday, September 3, 2010

Jari Love Get RIPPED! DVD's Review & Giveaway


I have really had trouble finding the motivation to work out.  I know this is just going to get worse as it gets colder and I don't want to go outside :o(  I have tried workout DVD's before but too often they are just BORING.  It is hard to do them after the first time, they have horrible music or even worse, none at all.  When I am stuck inside working out I need something upbeat that will keep me motivated.

For myself and the many more out there that I know feel the same Jari Love's new fast paced, exciting DVD's are the perfect solution.  The Get RIPPED! DVD series is awesome!


Certified personal trainer, Jari Love is the creator of the Get RIPPED! full body workout system- a multiphase, no-nonsense fully body workout system designed to help people of any fitness level shed unwanted pounds in just weeks.  The Get RIPPED! series Get RIPPED! series enables individuals to burn up to three times more calories than the traditional weight-training program. 



I was sent the above DVD's for review.  Jari does a wonderful job explaining what each routine consists of making it easy to follow along.  Each DVD contains numerous workouts for targeting different areas.  I love putting in 1 DVD and getting a full body workout.  Depending on your level you are able to follow along with or without weights.  I did the program without weights and still got an amazing cardio workout.  

These DVD's work well from beginners all the way to those who are more advanced.  I know I will not get bored of these as there will be something new I can add in/try as I continue to become more fit.  These DVD's contain workouts that will have you burning up to 1000 calories in 1 hour!!  Between the high-intensity resistance and the cardio workout it has been proven that this keeps your metabolism elevated for hours after you are finished!

I loved that these are not cheesy, boring DVD's that get used once and then are forgotten about.  Jari does such a great job keeping your interest while giving you an excellent workout!  It is so nice as a mother to be able to turn this on at home and get such a high intensity workout.  I don't have the time to go to a gym and now I don't have the need.  These DVD's are something my husband can do with me and still get a workout from which is an added bonus. 

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

A workout Step is optional for all the Ripped workouts.
Free Weights or Body Weight.
  • Absolute Beginners: May start by using your own body weight. (This is what I have done so far)
  • Beginners: 2 sets of dumbbells. 2-5 pounds for females and 3-8 pounds for males.
  • Intermediate: 2 sets of dumbbells. 3-8 pounds for females and 4-10 pounds for males.
  • Advanced: 2 sets of dumbbells or a barbell. 6-8 pounds for females and at least 8-10 pounds for males.
BUY IT:  You can purchase Jari Love Get Ripped! workout DVD's along with apparel and other fitness products HERE

WIN IT:  One LUCKY winner will receive a complete set of DVD's (the same DVD's I reviewed above) to keep you fit this fall/winter! :o)  ARV $104.96

~Rules~
1. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above
2. You must do the mandatory entry, if you do not complete this additional entries WILL NOT count
3. Leave 1 comment for each entry including e-mail and/or link (ie if you blog about this for 3 entries you need to leave 3 comments)

~Mandatory~: 
Visit Jari Love's site and let me know which product you would most like to try or your favorite thing about Jari's workouts

~Additional Entries~:
1. "Like" Jari Love on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
2."Like" The Simple Things on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
3. Follow The Simple Things on Twitter (1 entry-leave a comment with your twitter id)
4. Follow Jari Love on Twitter (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
5. Subscribe to The Simple Things (2 entries-must verify email)
6. Blog, Facebook, and/or Tweet about this giveaway (2 entries each-must leave link)
7. Follow me on GFC (1 entry)
8. Enter one of my other giveaways (2 entries per giveaway entered, past giveaways do not count)

This contest will end Friday, September 24, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The winner will be chosen using random.org. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If the winner(s) do not claim their prize in the 48 hour period, a new winner(s) will be chosen at random

Disclaimer: I did not receive any form of cash for this review and this is written based on my own honest opinion (other people opinions may vary). I was provided with the DVD's above to be reviewed but this does not affect my review and opinion of the product(s)

Pierre The Penguin Book Review & Giveaway


I LOVE reading and so do my children.  With school starting I have to read to my daughter every day.  It is nice having new books to keep her from getting bored.  We were so excited to read Pierre The Penguin- A True Story.  This is one book I know my children will never get bored with.

Pierre The Penguin is a story told by By I Spy children’s author, Jean Marzollo.  It was released in April from the California Academy of Science.  This is the true story of Pierre, a little African penguin.  Pierre lost his feathers a few years back and had problems as he could not keep warm.  Biologist Pam Schaller came up with a great idea to keep him warm- a wet suit inspired by her dog's rain jacket.  This heart warming tale is told in rhyme.  It contains beautiful artwork and also has questions at the end of the book with answers from Pam. 

We have read this book as a family many times and there is something special we really enjoy.  You are able to view the Live Penguin Cam on the Academy’s website where you can watch Pierre and other penguins!!  You are also able to visit the California Academy of Sciences where you can view the penguins in real life (I wish we lived closer!!)

This is a great family book that can be purchased from Amazon.

WIN IT
One of my lucky readers will win a copy of Pierre the Penguin


~Rules~
1. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above
2. You must do the mandatory entry
3. Leave 1 comment for each entry including e-mail and/or link (ie if you blog about this for 3 entries you need to leave 3 comments)

~Mandatory~:  Let me know something you have learned about California Academy of Sciences

~Additional Entries~:
1. "Like" California Academy of Sciences on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
2."Like" The Simple Things on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
3. Follow The Simple Things on Twitter (1 entry-leave a comment with your twitter id)
4. Follow California Academy of Sciences on Twitter (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
5. Subscribe to The Simple Things (2 entries-must verify email)
6. Blog, Facebook, and/or Tweet about this giveaway (2 entries each-must leave link)
7. Follow me on GFC (1 entry)
8. Enter one of my other giveaways (2 entries per giveaway entered, past giveaways do not count)

This contest will end Friday, September 17, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The winner will be chosen using random.org. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If the winner(s) do not claim their prize in the 48 hour period, a new winner(s) will be chosen at random

Disclaimer: I did not receive any form of cash for this review and this is written based on my own honest opinion (other people opinions may vary). I was provided with one book to be reviewed but this does not affect my review and opinion of the product(s)

Wednesday, September 1, 2010

Bendaroos Review & Giveaway


I was super excited to find out we would be getting a chance to review Bendaroos.  My daughter has wanted these for a long time but they are just something we had never got around to purchasing.  Now I wish I would have bought these a LONG TIME AGO!  They provide hours of fun.  We received the Bendaroos 500 piece set.  This set comes with 250 rainbow & 250 neon Bendaroos, 10 traceable templates and simple to use fun guide with step by step instructions on how to make your favorite creations.  The two pictures below show us playing with them and a ladybug we made. 



These are perfect for back to school!!  I love having something to keep my daughter entertained after school other than sitting in front of the TV all day.  Bendaroos really bring out their creativity!  I love that they can be used over, and over and over.  Bendaroos do not leave a mess or any sticky residue which is awesome.

Bendaroos has a lot of great new kits coming out this fall.  We can't wait to try the new ones and a few on our must have list include glow in the dark and Bendaroos Creativity Center-

Bendaroos® Glow-in-the-Dark Mega Pack



Bendaroos® building sticks now come in fun, glow-in-the-dark styles perfect for kids’ sleepovers, camping trips, or playtime at home. The glow-in-the-dark sticks are made of the same durable, flexible material as the original Bendaroos® building sticks but come in cool glowing colors. The Bendaroos® Glow-in-the-Dark Mega Pack includes 250 glow and 250 rainbow-colored building sticks. (MSRP: $19.99; Available: Fall 2010)

Bendaroos® Creativity Center



Now kids can store and display their Bendaroos® building sticks creations for all to see with the Bendaroos® Creativity Center! The colorful platform allows kids to construct new models, showcase their favorite creations, and store spare Bendaroos® building sticks. The Bendaroos® Creativity Center features a rotating plate, four molding and shaping tools, three BendaModels™ for easy 3-D modeling, scissors, and 100 Bendaroos® building sticks. (MSRP: $19.99; Available: Fall 2010)

There are so many uses for Bendaroos including great gifts!  If you are like me and have thought about buying these but never got around to it I would definitely recommend getting some.  Your kids will love you (even more!)  You can also enter to win Bendaroos on Facebook- Until September 10th Bendaroos will be giving away 10 – 500 packs to 10 lucky winners each week!

Buy It:  Bendaroos can be purchased online HERE.

Win It: One lucky winner will win a 500 piece Bendaroo Set!!
~Rules~
1. Limited to US residents; 18 years old and above
2. You must do the mandatory entry
3. Leave 1 comment for each entry including e-mail and/or link (ie if you blog about this for 3 entries you need to leave 3 comments)

~Mandatory~:  Let me know which Bendaroo set your kids (or yourself) like the most

~Additional Entries~:
1. "Like" Bendaroos on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
2."Like" The Simple Things on Facebook (1 entry-leave a comment with your fb id)
3. Follow The Simple Things on Twitter (1 entry-leave a comment with your twitter id)
4. Subscribe to The Simple Things (2 entries-must verify email)
5. Blog, Facebook, and/or Tweet about this giveaway (2 entries each)
6. Follow me on GFC (1 entry)
7. Enter one of my other giveaways (2 entries per giveaway entered, past giveaways do not count)

This contest will end Friday, September 10, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. PST. The winner will be chosen using random.org. Winners will have 48 hours to respond to my email. If the winner(s) do not claim their prize in the 48 hour period, a new winner(s) will be chosen at random

Disclaimer: I did not receive any form of cash for this review and this is written based on my own honest opinion (other people opinions may vary). I was provided with a Bendaroo set to be reviewed but this does not affect my review and opinion of the product(s)

Enstrom's Toffee & Sock N Boots Share Winners


CONGRATULATIONS!!!  Thanks to all who entered and the wonderful sponsors :o)

Anonymous said.. "follow sponsor on twitter 9ziggy"





#29 buzzd said. "The mini turtles"

Winner's have been e-mailed.  Please respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  Thanks
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