Greenie 2 Steps

**Disclosure: A product sample was giving to me for review in order to give you a honest and informational review. I was not monetarily compensated for this post. Below is my opinion of the product - your opinion may vary.

Greenie 2 Steps is an original collection of Whimsical Wall Art that is both educational and eco-friendly. The prints are peel and stick prints that can be removed and reapplied. We did not have any problem making them stick and stay on the wall without starting to peel off. I remember when I was pregnant and trying to decide on a theme for our new arrival. I wanted something different, something out of the norm, but cute and that would appeal to my little one. I forgot what we went with as that was five years ago....lol, but can tell you that this is something that I would take a second look at. It is unique, cute, eco-friendly (which is a bonus) and so adorable you just want to hug it!! Aren't they cute? The elephant is named Greenie and she travels the world teaching children how to make our world a better place to live. This would not only be great for new arrivals, but for any age. My youngest who is five wanted these up in her room. I would even love to see stuffed animals come out of these products. The collection is fun and safe, made in the USA and the materials are eco-friendly. Prices start at only $19.00 for a large 9.5 inch tall stick up. Greenie 2 Steps is offering our readers a 10% discount with the code HULAMOM now through December 31st.

You can find Greenie 2 Steps at www.greenie2steps.com

EA Video Gaming

**Disclosure: EA Sports provided us with a copy of Madden NFL 10 for the Wii to review for this feature. No monetary compensation was received.

Sports and Video Games - two things that most all boys live for, and some men for that matter! The boys in my family have played this game almost every day since it's arrival - the youngest is six and I think he has played it more than anyone else. My husband - well I have seriously never seen him get into video games like he does with NFL Madden 10.

Product Description from the manufacture -

"Madden NFL 10 epitomizes what fun looks like on the Wii, delivering the most social and dynamic experience from the franchise to date. Completely redesigned and built from the ground up, Madden NFL 10 introduces a unique art style that will redefine the look of sports games on the Wii. All-new player models embody characteristics of your favorite athletes, plus new larger-than-life stadiums showcase the unique details found at each of the 32 NFL stadiums. Madden NFL 10 is the perfect game to play with friends and family, whether you’re starting a cooperative season with the all-new Road To The Super Bowl, or crowning a "King of the Coach" in the brand new Madden Showdown party mode! Whether playing alone or with a living room full of friends, Madden NFL 10 is what fun looks like on the Wii!"

We had a ton of fun with this game and still do - the competition that arises from the boys in this house is so hilarious to us girls :) but we are always up for some good gaming!! Bring it on boys...

For more information visit maddennfl.easports.com/wii.action

Fairytale Brownies

**Disclosure: Fairytale brownies sent us a dozen brownies to try one of each flavor. The opinion below is that of my own, your opinion may vary.

Don't these look good?? I don't know if I would be able to order as a gift for someone without ordering some for myself as well, especially after trying them! Fairytale Brownies is pretty much just as it sounds - heavenly brownies! It all started with a family recipe and has turned out to be a magical blend treasured by many. Also a something you would never guess by eating one is that they are all-natural with certified kosher and free of trans fats, hydrogenated oils, preservatives and artificial colors.

Every box includes instructions on how to care for your brownies to help them keep their freshness. Each brownie is individually wrapped. They have 12 different flavors, all of which we loved without question!! Our favorite was the toffee crunch. These brownies did not last more than two days at our house!! If you have someone on your gift buying list, I highly recommend these brownies. I am a huge chocolate lover and these satisfied my chocolate craving plus some!

You can visit Fairytale Brownies at www.brownies.com Prices are a bit high, but for sure worth it. Right now they have a holiday special where you can save up to 20% on select items!

WB Holiday Movies

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (Blu-ray):

Every who down in Who-ville likes Christmas a lot, but the Grinch who lived just north of Who-ville did NOT! So the cuddly as a cactus Grinch (with termites in his smile and garlic in his soul) tries to wipe out Christmas for the cheerful Who-villains, only to discover: maybe Christmas, he thought doesn't come from as store. Maybe Christmas perhaps means a little bit more! Magnificently narrated by Boris Karloff and animated by cartoon legend Chuck Jones. Price: $19.16 and you can purchase this at WB.com **Our review of this movie is that although most may find it entertaining, my youngest who is five did not want anything to do with it. Even my six year old boy was not too sure about this movie. I loved it, I thought it was cute, a good Christmas Story and if you love Dr. Seuss you will love this movie. It is great to use as a family tradition - a movie watched every year with the family.

I Want A Dog For Christmas, Charlie Brown

This is a really cute movie! When I was growing up I remember my mom loving the Peanuts Gang; anything snoopy! I even worked at Knott's Berry Farm as my first job - home of of Snoopy. This cute holiday movie centers around ReRun - the younger brother of Linus and Lucy. It's Christmas Vacation, and as you probably understand sometimes one my become a bit bored, ReRun feels just that and decides to turn to his best friend Snoopy for some holiday cheer. If you know anything about Snoopy you know he's always up to some snooping around or even trying to help out others not know what he is really getting himself into. This is the deluxe edition which you can buy for only $15.16 from WB.com Our family loved this movie and as a parent I especially love it because there are no weapons, foul language, and all in all a good family holiday movie!

Artistic Sensations

Artistic Sensations is a family based company that specializes in helping to create your child's "dream" room. They offer hundreds of unique items to dazzle up any child's room. Sometimes it can be hard trying to decide on the perfect gift for the children on your list. An easy, simple gift that any child would love no matter what age would be anything that would help accessorize their room.

They sent us this cat pillow, which at first I was not sure what to expect. I know though that my five year old daughter would love it no matter what. When it arrived I was a little surprised. It was something I could easily make myself. This pillow sells for $35.00 - too over priced for the quality you get. Again, it was cute and cuddly, but.....something that would so easy to make. I do not sew as a hobby, but could easily do this one.

Pros -

• Cute
• Soft
• Kids love it, especially the younger ones
• Most of their other items are so cute and great to accessorize any child's room
  

Cons -

• Too much to spend on something you could easily make yourself

Visit Artistic Sensations at www.artisticsensations.com

Baby Alive

Baby dolls seem to always be a the top of every little girls wish lists. Baby Alive is an amazing life like doll that comes to life. This doll actually pees and poops! Now I have to say as a mother who is done with diapers, I was not sure how I would like having to clean up after another baby, and especially that baby being a doll. My daugher loved it! She loves playing mommy and taking care of her babies. So to be able to actually change a "dirty" diaper was wonderful for her!

The doll comes with a rattle, bottle, two juice packets and a diaper. The Baby Alive Whoopsie Doll giggles, coos, eats, pees and even poops - yes I said poops! It also comes with two apple juice packets you mix with water for only the doll to drink. The mix is non toxic so you don't have to worry too much about your little one drinking it, but would monitor the feeding anyway.

You can purchase this doll at most any major retailer including www.hasbro.com starting at $29.99

Pros -

• Really sounds like a real baby cooing and giggling
• Juice mix is non-toxic
• Easy to care for
• A big hit with my daughter
• Price is reasonable and affordable
  

Cons -

• If you are not prepared, it can get messy
• I could not really tell the difference between the pee and the poop
• If your daughter enjoys feeding, you are once again bound with diaper costs! lol

Fancy Fortune Cookies

Celebrating 20 years of fortune cookie innovation, Fancy Fortune Cookies makes the perfect gift for anyone on your list. Their cookies are baked fresh in an on site bakery. The cookies ordered are baked the same day they are shipped out, how many companies can say that?

If you have friends and family that come and go through out the holiday's this is a good thing to have around. You can keep these stored in a cool place to have on hand for any unexpected guests. They can also be used as a fun, inexpensive gift for the kids. These specially decorated fortune cookies are great for any occasion. They weigh over one pound, are dipped in a milk chocolate, and are elegantly packaged complete with a personalized fortune inside. Our family received a fortune cookie to try and I have to say, honestly this was the best fortune cookie I have tried. They were very fresh, lasted days, and something the whole family could share. The kids loved breaking it apart and pulling out the fortunes for me to read. This could even make a great center piece on a buffet table! It's decorative and yummy!

The giant fortune cookies start at $29.95 with 100% satisfaction

Visit Fancy Fortune Cookies at www.fancyfortunecookies.com

Disclosure: The featured product in this review was provided to me, at no cost for the sole purpose of product reviewing. I do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. I only review products that I or my family have personally used, and all opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

Chic Canvas & Erin Condren

What do your pictures bring out in you? I love looking through old photos and keep them up around the house. For me, when I am having a stressful day, or things just don't seem to be going the way I plan - all I have to do is take one look at the pictures I have hanging on the walls and it gives me a warm feeling of family, security, and love. It's amazing how a picture can wipe away all your worries and makes all the little things we stress about seem so trivial.

Chic Canvas is a professional printing service that provides personalized photos on canvas. As a mother I love getting personalized items for the holiday's. It has so much more meaning and can be treasured for years. Our family was sent a canvas to check out - below you can see our canvas, although I have to say the camera does not do justice. I did make the mistake of choosing a picture with a dark side, the side with the boys is in the shade and I had to place the canvas in the light to always get a good view of it. It makes a wonderful addition to any room. The canvas is also "gallery wrapped" meaning that the canvas wraps around the side and then is secured to the back of a frame.

Pros -

• This would make a wonderful gift for anyone
• Great quality, durable and sturdy
• Friendly customer service, always available to help you if you need it
• If you are not happy with the product you can return for a replacement, no questions asked
• Quick turn around; close to 3-5 days
• Many different sizes and options to choose from

Cons -

• Can be a little pricey for some starting at $63.20 for an 8x10 (quality & customer service makes up for that)

You can visit Chic Canvas at www.chiccanvas.com/home

erin condren . com

Erin Condren designs offers personalized printed items for every occasion including invitations, thank you cards, table name cards, as well as life planners. Personalized life planners make a great gift for that busy and stylish person on your list. While I love the stylish aspect of it, what I found got in the way a bit was that the dates (numbers) actually overlapped the days so it was not like I could get a quick look at it and know what date it was or day. Everything else was great, I loved the little stickers that came inside the planner, it helped to make that date stick out more and not get forgotten.

Getting ready for the holidays you want to be "younique" - and Erin Condren has just that! Their holiday designs combined with their state-of-the-art technology ensure that your holiday cards are extra special! Each card will also come with a colored envelope and will be sealed with a style matching return address label. They have so many options available, it fun to see all the different styles and so hard to choose one!
You can visit Erin Condren at http://www.erincondren.com/store/#

SwitchFlops

Do you love a good pair of sandals? I am not one that is big on tennis shoes, just have not been able to find the pair that really hits me. One thing I love about the summer is the wide variety of sandals that are out there. You can find a different pair to go with every outfit. My husband laughs at me for my love of sandals. SwitchFlops are really two pairs in one. The straps are Velcro and can be flipped over for an entirely new look. Lindsay Phillips is the inspiration behind SwithFlops. Simply choose a shoe, then a strap. They also carry ballet flats, travel bags, and kids shoes.

Pros -

• This is a great gift for the female in your family - she will love it as much as I do!
• There are many straps to choose from as well as a wide variety of sandals
• Prices are good, and if the price seems high to you - they make it up in quality!
• As you shop you can see what the strap will look like on the shoe
• Easy to navigate website

Cons -

• Price might be a bit high for some, but I can say the quality makes up for it and you get two looks for the price of one.

You can visit SwitchFlops at www.switchflops.com and at Twitter

Disclosure: The featured product in this review was provided to me, at no cost, by the PR agency representing this product for the sole purpose of product testing. I do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. I only review products that I or my family have personally used, and all opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

Boon Inc.

Boon Inc.

innovations for modern parents

Boon Inc. offers a wide range of modernized products to help parents cope with the daily tasks that come with raising children. Our youngest daughter is five, so I was not sure if I was going to find a product to meet our needs. She just turned five, and I think up until then I still considered her a toddler. As I was browsing Boon's website, I came across these Groovy Plates. I thought how neat is that; and something that can fill a need for our kids. This is definitely something we could use, even for our six year old son. I loved how it had separate little bowls for the side dishes or dipping sauces. I could wait to get the bowl, my kids did not like it when all their food piled together, or the melted butter touched the meat....so figured this would be great! Just looking at the picture I loved how it has a little bowl that I could use for soup or a salad. Well....the Groovy Plate arrived and I could not believe how small it was.
Look at how small that is!! Even for dipping sauces that would just not do. My daughter who just turned five is a ketchup lover and this would be gone with one french fry! It does say this is for toddlers, but I would say more for newly eating babies.

Pros -

• Durable
• Bowls are removable and can be placed anywhere along the plate
• Scratch resistant and dishwasher safe
• Slip resistant base

Cons -

• Way too small for a child other than a baby who is just beginning to eat

To purchase this plate, find out more information or see their other innovative products visit www.booninc.com The Groovy Plate retails for $12.99 and is available in a variety of colors.

The featured product in this review was provided to me, at no cost, by the manufacturer or PR agency representing this product for the sole purpose of product testing. I do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. I only review products that I or my family have personally used, and all opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

Hasbro Nerf Football

Ready for some football? Growing up I remember every Sunday, we could not bother our Dad - he sat in his rocker all day watching Football or Baseball. I have two boys now myself, and sports is a big part of their life, and I have to say I love it!! Watching them be involved in something other than video games, and that helps them to keep active is always a plus in this Mama's book.

The Vortex Mega Howler Football gives you that mega experience with an added howling sound as it flies through the air. The boys love this! They spent an entire afternoon outside tossing the football around, and even got a few neighbors peering out to see what was going on. It almost became a competition to see who could throw it the farthest and who could make the louder howling sound. As a family we found no flaws in this product. It's a great, affordable Holiday gift that any boy would love. It retails for around $7.99, it very durable and gets the kids out of the house for a bit.

The featured product in this review was provided to me, at no cost, by the manufacturer or PR agency representing this product for the sole purpose of product testing. I do not accept monetary compensation for reviewing or writing about products. I only review products that I or my family have personally used, and all opinions expressed are my own and not influenced in any way.

I-Carly Remote

I-CARLY

I-Carly has become one of the hottest TV shows kids are watching these days. I know as a parent, I think I have seen almost every I-Carly episode at least three times! LOL!! Every night before the kids go to bed, we all gather around the TV and watch our nightly episode of I-Carly. The kids just love it! Playmates recently introduced us to the I-Carly Sam's Remote.

The Remote allows the kids to be just like Sam (my kids loved it as you can see them playing out their own I-Carly show) It has fun sound effects like applause, laughter and booing.

Make sure you turn up the sound as it was a bit low when recording. The kids made me record them over and over doing different variations of the I-Carly show. I highly recommend this product! The remote was much larger as I thought it would be, and the sound was loud and clear. A must have gift for any I-Carly fan! (Average price runs around $21.99)

Disclosure: Thank you Playmates for providing a product sample for our family to review. No other compensation was received for writing this post.

SodaStream

Thinking about all the money the average family spends on soda you could probably make a couple car payments with that, and then some. When I heard of SodaStream, a machine that allowed you to create your own soda creations at home, I was skeptical that it would taste like real soda. I have tried those store brand drinks and they do not even come close to what real soda tastes like. The SodaStream system includes products to make fresh, fizzy, sparkling water and soda at home.
With the SodaStream machine there is no electricity used, and no batteries needed. It is actually a very easy process, and really does take less than 30 seconds to make. Simply use cold water and fill up the bottle that comes with the starter kit. Screw the bottle onto the machine. Press the button on top until you hear about three buzzes or carbonate to your liking. Put the lid on quick, turn it upside down a couple times and that's all there is to it! Very easy! It took us a couple times to get the right carbonation mix, but now that we know how much to add, there is always a full bottle in our fridge. I think it comes very close to the "real" soda taste. My husband on the other hand is real picky and won't drink it unless there is absolutely nothing else to drink.

Pros -

• Quick & Easy to make
• Saves money in the long run
• Many different flavors / varieties
• Regular soda mix contains no high fructose corn syrup and diet soda mix contains no aspartame
• All-natural MyWater flavor essences are unsweetened and calorie-free
• Each 500ml soda mix bottle makes the equivalent of 12 liters (about 33 cans!) of soda
• Eco-Friendly - Reusable bottles reduces packaging
• Comes real close to the taste of "real" soda

Cons -

• Start up cost is a bit high (but so is a case of soda at the store)
  
• Tastes does take a bit getting use to, but that goes with most anything

For more information on SodaStream visit www.sodastreamusa.com The start up kit starts at $99.00. They have a wide range of over 25 regular, diet, energy and caffeine-free flavors.

Disclosure: Thank you SodaStream for providing a product for a review. No other compensation was received.

Kidorable

Little girls and fancy umbrellas just go hand in hand, as do little boys in seek of imagination. Without a doubt children of all ages love to look cute and have fun while doing so. Kidorable gives them just that with the cutest umbrellas, most with matching rain coats. From Ladybugs to Pirates Kidorable brings you the latest in kids fashion.
This is the perfect gift for the little ones in your life. When we received ours, my little girl wanted to wear it everyday, rain or no rain! We do not have any cons about this product or the company. You can find Kidorable at www.kidorable.com
Umbrellas are only $13.50!! How cute is the one above for the little boys! You can also sign up for the Kidorable Birthday Club - Thirty days before the birthday of the children you sign up, they will send you a free gift, plus a special offer only available to Kidorable Birthday Club members.

***Kidorable is supporting Toys for Tots by donating $1 for every new Kidorable Facebook Fan that signs up between Nov 1-Dec 25! (up to 500 fans). In addition, if Kidorable reaches 2,000 Facebook fans by Dec 25, it will donate 250 umbrellas to the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Toys for Tots Program. Please help them to reach their goal - visit their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/kidorable

Auntie Anne's

If you have a pretzel lover in your family this is a must have gift! Ever since I was a little girl every time I went to the mall, the fair or even big events like the circus I would have to have a pretzel. It has always been one of my favorite snacks. There is just something about pretzels that is so comforting. Maybe it's the soft fresh dough, the warmth, or even the salty side kick - but the pretzel is just one good snack! Auntie Anne's freshly baked, hand-rolled soft pretzels come in a variety of flavors from Cinnamon Sugar to Sour Cream & Onion, all with a pretzel perfect guarantee; if a customer does not love his or her pretzel, Auntie Anne's will replace it with one he or she does love. Auntie Anne's also serves Pretzel Stix, Pretzel Dogs and its signature lemonade, along with a selection of dipping sauces to complement every pretzel flavor.

For the times that you cannot get out and to an Auntie Anne's they have created their Anne's special recipe, just for at-home baking kit. Mix, twist, and bake 10 Original or Cinnamon Sugar Pretzels. You supply the vegetable oil, non-stick spray, and butter. We were able to get more than ten out of the mix and they turned out just like the ones you buy in the store! I was very impressed, I had doubts that they would not turn out as good.
We did half cinnamon and half salt. My favorite was the salt, the kids loved the cinnamon. They were quick, easy, and best of all provided that good old taste of the pretzel at the mall!

Pro's -

• Same taste as the pretzels they sell at their stores
• Quick
• Easy
• Very little ingredients needed
• Came with both salt and cinnamon sugar
• Great low price of only $12.95
  
• Fun Gift

Con's -

• We did not find any con's for this product!

Visit Auntie Anne's Online Store at www.shopauntieannes.com. Sign up to get Pretzel Perks here and become a V.I.P. - Very Important Pretzel Lover. VIP's get coupons, great offers and are the first to hear about new products.

PLAYHUT

Can you believe that PlayHut has only been around since 1992? As one of the largest toy producers in the United States PlayHut has been around enlightening children of all ages with it's EZ Twist toys. The Crawl n Play is such a versatile toy. It can be taken along with you on trips to the park, beach, camping or can simply be set up in the home. This can even be set up in a variety of configurations, using the child's imagination for hours of fun play. It also comes with a carrying case for easy storage and travel. My two youngest children are five and six. I would recommend this for younger children. The bottom is not weighted, so as the children played it moved all around the room. It did hold up though, and has not ripped at all. The kids loved to bring their toys inside and play in their secret tent, or even peek out and watch TV.

Pro's -

• Folds easily for easy storage
• Spill proof - can easily be wiped down
• Provides hours of fun for the kids
• You can connect other EZ Twist toys together with this one

Con's -

• The price is a little more than I would pay for this
• No way to hold this down (like a tent), is not weighted

You can buy the EZ Twist most places toys are sold. Amazon is selling this one for $35.95 (this price cannot be guaranteed and is the price as of today only)

Disclaimer: Thank you PlayHut for providing our family with this Crawl N Play to review. This did not influence the post in any way.