Reviews/Giveaways Archives - Mrs. Weber's Neighborhood

A Visit from the Fairy Hobmother

14 May posted by Mrs. Weber

Recently the Fairy Hobmother paid me a visit. This might not mean much to most of you, but as a blogger, it feels like hitting the lottery! I try my best to comment on blogs I love as much as possible, and this is a good example of how commenting and sharing other’s work can pay off.

I was greeted with this email the other day:

Follow the Fairy Hobmother on Twitter.

Seems kind of odd, right?! Well, it’s legit. I’m so excited the Fairy Hobmother — aka Matt — paid me a visit!

Here’s a “picture” of him:

I’m already looking forward to getting a bike rack for our car that has been on my Amazon wish list for more than a year with my payment!

Make sure to leave me a comment if you’d like the Fairy Hobmother to pay you a visit as well

Have a great week, friends!

Disclosure: This is a sponsored post courtesy of the Fairy Hobmother. All opinions expressed are my own.

Bloggers: Make sure to comment so he visits you too! What would you spend $50 of Amazon credit on?

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Enter to #Win a Year’s Supply of Quilted Northern Soft & Strong {#Giveaway Ends 5/27/13}

13 May posted by Mrs. Weber

Do you all have a favorite brand of toilet paper? I totally do. Mine is Quilted Northern, and has been for a long time. Once in awhile I would stray and try a different brand, and I’d always regret it. I can go cheap on many things, but I totally think it’s worth paying a little extra for a plush TP!

I got giddy when Meijer sent me a super awesome package from Quilted Northern to celebrate their new product Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong so I could test it out and report back. Ya’ll? This is the good stuff. There’s a science to making quality toilet paper, and Quilted Northern has the formula down pat.

A bit about the product:

A confident clean starts with a strong bath tissue. New Quilted Northern Ultra Soft & Strong™ with CleanStretch™ has more sheets for added strength. This absorbent toilet paper’s strength teams up with a flexible construction to limit bath tissue ripping, shredding, separating, and breaking. The unique combination of strength and flexibility allows Ultra Soft & Strong™ with CleanStretch™ to hold up better than other toilet papers. Get strength you can trust, flexibility you can feel, and a clean you can believe in with Ultra Soft & Strong™. Be confident and secure with this absorbent, layered, soft, septic-safe bath tissue.

Also, don’t forget to shop Meijer when your shopping list calls for TP!

GIVEAWAY

One lucky winner will receive a YEAR’S SUPPLY {!!!} of Quilted Northern Soft & Strong! How amazing would that be? {I estimate we spend at least $300 a year on toilet paper…and our kids aren’t even potty trained. It would be such a HUGE savings to win!} Enter to win using the Rafflecopter form below.

Must be a U.S. resident who is 18 years or older to win. Winner will be contacted following the 5/27/13 close date and will have 24 hours to respond to their email. Quilted Northern will supply the prize.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: Quilted Northern provided me with a year’s supply of their product for the purpose of this giveaway. Quilted Northern will provide a year’s supply to one lucky winner as well. All opinions expressed are my own.

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Fun with United Dairy Industry of Michigan {+ Cheese Lovers Giveaway!} #MiDairy

6 May posted by Mrs. Weber

Disclosure: The giveaway below is sponsored by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan. I received a similar gift package in exchange for posting. All opinions expressed my own.

An 8 ounce serving of milk, flavored or not, gives us as much…

Vitamin A as 2 hard-boiled eggs

Phosphorus as 1 cup of canned kidney beans

Calcium as 10 cups of raw spinach

Riboflavin as 1/3 cup of whole almonds

Vitamin D as 3/4 ounce of cooked salmon

Potassium as one small banana

A few weeks ago, I was able to attend a super fun blogger event sponsored by the United Dairy Industry of Michigan {UDIM}. I’ve mentioned it before, but I love all things related to farming, so this was the perfect excuse to get away for the night since it included one of my other passions — learning to cook!

The event brought us together at Ann Arbor Cooks. If you’ve never heard of them and live close, you MUST check it out. They have a variety of cooking classes, knife skills classes, date nights, kid-friendly events, and more. Such a cool spot for getting some kitchen inspiration.

On this particular evening, we made an absolutely delicious meal, while learning more about our dairy industry here in Michigan. In fact, all of the items were made with something related to dairy…and oh my! So delish.

Look, ma! I’m cooking!

See photos from the event and like the Michigan Dairy News Bureau page here.

I especially loved learning about our dairy products here in Michigan, and how hard our local farmers work to keep our milk safe {It would NOT be easy with all the regulations, but I am happy they are in place to ensure our safety}.

For instance, did you know milk contains nine essential nutrients, making it one of the most nutrient-rich beverages you can enjoy? Glad to hear that because we love everything related to milk, yogurt and cheese in our house

I also thought this graphic was a great representation of how we can look at the beverages we consume. This is something I am hyper-aware of with my current health journey as well. Water, milk and low-sugar orange juice are my family’s go-to beverages.

{Click on the image twice to get a closer look}

GIVEAWAY!

UDIM has offered the chance for one of my readers to win the following package:

A fun cookbook: Mac & Cheese: 80 Classic and Creative Versions of the Ultimate Comfort Food
Cheese knife and cutting board made with Michigan hardwood {the cheese knife is AMAZING! Cuts like butter.}
Cheesemaking kit for ricotta and mozzarella {fun family activity!}

Valid for U.S. residents that are age 18 or older. This giveaway ends on 05/17/2013 at 11:59PM EST.

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Stay tuned…I’ll be sharing a delicious breakfast recipe using dairy later this week!

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Cindy’s Cookies for Nursing Mamas {Review/Giveaway! ENDED}

2 May posted by Mrs. Weber

Disclosure: I was provided with a dozen cookies for the purpose of this review. The opinions expressed are my own.

Have you heard of lactation cookies? Yeah, me neither, until my friend Amber at Metro Detroit Mommy did a giveaway awhile back, and I totally entered since I was curious.

From there, I learned more about a local business helping nursing mamas: Cindy’s Cookies, based out of Roseville, Michigan.

Owner Cindy Lyons bakes each batch of cookies and ships them to whomever is it need of some help in the breastfeeding department. As a pro-breastfeeding mama, I think this concept is genius.

As a gal who initially struggled with breastfeeding, I’ve been happy to find my way. Lately though, since I’ve been working on getting my body back, it seems like my supply is a bit lower. I thought it may be in part due to not drinking enough water, but after consuming massive amounts, I still seem to be a pacifier for my baby who hasn’t seemed full lately. Coupled with the fact that she refuses to take a bottle when I’m out, and her being 20+ pounds, I need a solution to keep her happy and full. {She does eat solids 3-4 times/day, but that seems to pale in comparison to her time with me!}

Enter Cindy. Her cookies are here to help! First of all, how can COOKIES save the day? The key ingredients of oatmeal, brewers yeast and organic flax seed can help increase the milk supply. In fact, I definitely noticed a difference in my fullness after eating just a couple.

These cookies are great for:

New moms working on establishing their milk supply
Moms returning to work
Wanting to work out but afraid of supply issues
Exclusive pumping mamas
That “special” time of month when supply naturally goes down
ANY cookie lover!!!

Let me tell you — these cookies taste AMAZING. I’ve worked hard to perfect my own chocolate chip recipe, but I would eat these all day — milk supply needed or not! Obviously, I need to be careful in the cookie department as I watch what I eat, but this is one splurge I love since it helps me and my baby. Also, these tasted fresh for 2 weeks, which is awesome.

{BONUS: They are vegan and can be made dairy and gluten free, so they truly are perfect for anyone.}

The current flavors Cindy offers are oatmeal, oatmeal chocolate chip and oatmeal raisin. They cost $6 a dozen or 2 dozen for $10 {dairy & soy-free cookies $8}. Cookies are baked same day as shipped or dropped off. Additionally, she will meet anyone within 5 miles of 48066.

Make sure you drop by her Facebook page or email her at cindys.cookies{at}yahoo.com to place an order!

GIVEAWAY

Cindy is helping me to give away a dozen cookies to a lucky winner! You do not need to be a nursing mama to win — I promise they are delicious for all — but you must live within the U.S. and be 18 years or older.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Filed Under: Reviews/Giveaways

Getting My Fix with Werther’s Sugar Free Candy {+ Coupon Giveaway!} #WerthersSugarFree

26 Apr posted by Mrs. Weber

There has been one area of my new healthy lifestyle where I struggle: I love sweets. Unfortunately, when I bake a batch of cookies, I want to eat them ALL. I am thankful for my “sweet” yet healthy smoothies because they help to calm my cravings, but sometimes they aren’t enough and I want *something* to chew on as well.

Like a ray of angelic light, a giant box of candy showed up on my porch one day while the toddler was napping — just in time for that 3 p.m. weakness hour. I tore into it faster than a banshee, ready to go to town. And you know what? I don’t have an ounce of guilt because this candy is SUGAR FREE, and only 8 calories per piece. I’m talking about Werther’s Sugar Free Candy, ya’ll.

I especially have a soft spot for gum and hard candies and friends and family always know I will have something readily available in my purse for when we finish a meal. Shoot, I even like to chew on something as I warm up for a workout. Can’t explain it — it’s just what I do to help myself focus.

I was pleasantly surprised by the taste of Werther’s Sugar Free. OhMyLawd, these candies are super delicious. I’m not sugar-coating it (ha!) — they are perfect for satisfying my sweet tooth without the chemical fake sugar taste that some sugar-free options have. Plus, I love that they are not only diet-friendly, but also perfect for my diabetic dad for when he pops by for a visit…because he always has to munch on whatever is sitting on my counter. Happy to provide him with a little treat that won’t make his blood sugar spike.

I love the flavor options I was able to try: classic caramel, caramel apple, carmel cinnamon and caramel coffee. I honestly enjoyed them all, but have to say the coffee was my absolute favorite. You may like it too — if you love the taste of coffee-flavored things. Tasted just like a caramel-covered coffee bean without the sugar and calories of real caramel!

WIN A COUPON!
I have 10 coupons available for 75 cents off a bag. Leave me a comment and I will get in touch with you to get your address and drop a coupon for you in the mail

Learn more about Werther’s Sugar Free by visiting them on Facebook.

I was selected for this opportunity as a member of Clever Girls Collective, and the content and opinions expressed here are all my own.

What “treats” help you squash sugar cravings?

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HUGGIES® Little Movers Slip-On® Diaper Pants: Solution for Wiggly Worms! #FirstFit

23 Apr posted by Mrs. Weber

Life is getting crazier by the day thanks to my two crazy muchkins. Between toddler meltdowns and acts of defiance, and a baby we jokingly call “handsy mcgee” who loves to be on the move now, I loathe diaper changes.

Suffice to say, I was beyond thrilled when I was chosen to receive some HUGGIES® Little Movers Slip-On® Diaper Pants to try on my little muchkins. To be honest, I had never tried a slip-on diaper and wasn’t really sure if I would like them, but thought they would be the perfect solution for my two wiggly worms who don’t sit still for diaper changes any longer. {Seriously, I rejoice when the hubby gets home for the day and can help me out!}

Turns out I think they are fab, my girls were excited that they could stand while I changed them so they could be holding their favorite toys, or in Karina’s case leaning against the couch or me since she newly into standing for a minute or so at a time.

My main question when I received them: What if the kids poop?! How does that work with a slip-on diaper? Problem solved: They have easy open tabs on the side so you can attempt to get your babies to lie down for a proper wiping/change and easily dispose of it by giving it what I call the “mama diaper burrito roll.” Genius! I loved that the sides were easy to stick together too, and they fit like a glove.

My only complaint is they don’t seem to hold as much pee, so I felt like I was changing Karina more often. Going a size up seemed to help though {I requested both 3′s and 4′s since she is kind of in between right now}, so I would definitely take that into consideration when purchasing these.

DISCOUNT!

Want to try HUGGIES® Little Movers Slip-On® Diaper Pants? Save $3 when printing this coupon –> http://www.huggies.com/en-us/products/diapers/littlemoversslipons

Share it with three friends, and the coupon value increase to $2.50!

Disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for HUGGIES. I received product samples to facilitate my review. All opinions are my own.

How do you keep your kids busy as you change their diaper?

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Recess Family Music Festival at Meadow Brook {+ Giveaway!}

18 Apr posted by Mrs. Weber

Disclosure: The following post and giveaway is sponsored by Palace Sports & Entertainment. I will be provided with complimentary passes to the festival. The words and thoughts expressed below are my own.

I am a music nut. I seriously LOVE all types of tunes from country to rock, pop and showtunes. I don’t discriminate — if it has a great beat/catchy words, I’m down for listening. These days, that means a ton of kid music because both of my gals love to jam like mama We always have music on at our house.

I was super excited when I learned about the Recess Family Music Festival making its debut in the Detroit area…Especially because I love ALL the acts! {Read: Kid music that is tolerable…and maybe even enjoyable to us parents too!}

Here’s a bit about what’s coming, courtesy of the folks behind Meadow Brook Music Festival:

You loved recess and now we’re bringing it to you! The daylong Recess Family Music Festival is coming to Meadow Brook Music Festival Saturday, June 22, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Tickets for $25 in the pavilion and on the lawn are now on sale at Palacenet.com, The Palace Ticket Store and all Ticketmaster locations, including The Locker Room Store at Great Lakes Crossing. Tickets may be purchased with American Express, Discover, Visa and MasterCard by calling 800.745.3000. Family 4-packs are also available for a discounted price of $75.

The Recess Festival will feature some of the biggest family-friendly acts – The Laurie Berkner Band, Dan Zanes & Friends, Ralph’s World, Candy Band, The Verve Pipe and the School of Rock – in addition to other performers and deejays, games, interactive activities, storytelling, and fun workshops.

The Laurie Berkner Band photo

The festival is designed to actively engage the imaginations of children, specifically ranging in age from 4-9, and their parents where families can visit various creative spaces on the Meadow Brook grounds to write and record a song, take a dance class, do arts and crafts or get a “rock star” makeover.

Learn more about the Recess Family Music Festival and get your tickets at Palacenet.com.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I don’t know how you all feel, but this sounds like the perfect day for family fun! I know Kinley would LOVE this…We’ve taken her to hear live music a few times and she has enjoyed it. We often listen to the toddler music channel and many of the acts that will be there are on it! We’ve seen The Verve Pipe {both adult and children’s songs} a few times, and they ROCK. Also, the Candy Band? AWESOME. I wish I could rock out like these local mamas! Really pumped to see all of them.

Candy Band photo credit: Gary Malerba

GIVEAWAY!

Enter to win a family 4-pack using the Rafflecopter form below. Winner must be 18 years or older and live in the Detroit area, or be willing to drive to Meadow Brook Music Festival, located in Rochester Hills, Mich. on the festival date — June 22, 2013. Winner will have 24 hours to respond to the prize-winning email. If there is no response after 24 hours, another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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All Stitches Vintage {Mama & Baby Headband Giveaway!} ENDED

10 Apr posted by Mrs. Weber

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: I have crazy talented friends! I love surrounding myself with all this talent because they inspire me every day

One of my best gal pals who has been my friend through thick and thin is Lindsey. Even though we were opposites in high school {she’s a total jock who made fun of me when I was a cheerleader}, we still had mad love for each other. I have fond memories of all the crafts and notes she made for me while we were younger because she’s totally artistically talented and has been for years.

Time has gone by, yet we’re still great friends. I’ve always admired her, but I’ve grown to have even more respect as she got married, had babies and finished her PhD…pretty much at the same time. She’s not the lazy type, that’s for sure.

I wasn’t the least bit of surprised when she decided to start a little side biz for fun: All Stitches Vintage. Antiquing is in her blood {her whole family is into it}, and I’ve learned lots from her.

Currently, she’s making headbands, home goods and other little fun items from repurposed vintage fabric. Her goods are super unique and affordable and they are already selling like hotcakes.

Here’s me and my gals modeling our mama and baby/toddler headbands! I love that they stretch easily. We are a family of big heads, so size is always a concern for us all And for the record, this is the first headband the toddler will actually wear for more than 5 minutes. She lasted for 3 whole hours with it on!!!

I pretty much haven’t taken off my headband since I got it. It makes me look hip {right?!}, and I don’t even have to stress about my hair looking good. So crucial for this mama!

Lindsey is adding new stock daily, but for now you can see what goods she has available on her Facebook page. Just shoot her a message if anything interests you and she can ship it your way. Most of her pricing is between $8-$12. You can see a few of my favorite picks from her shop at the top of the post.

GIVEAWAY

I’m also giving away a mama and child headband to one lucky person! {Get creative – give one to yourself, and give one away if you don’t have a baby girl yourself!} The winner will be able to select their style and kid’s size {baby, toddler or big kid}. Many are reversible too, so you potentially can get two colors in one, which is great.

Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Winner must be 18 years or older and live in the United States. Winner must respond within 24 hours of the notification email or another winner will be chosen.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received my own mama and kid headband, but not really for the purpose of posting this. I’m posting it because Lindsey is my friend and I want to help out her business!