Real Moms Real Views

Zero in on your fitness goals {Zero scale review}

 

Christmas is right around the corner. The holiday goodies have started piling up. At my parents house, we have what we fondly refer to as “the table of sin!” It is where all the yummies from neighbors and my parents clients get piled for everyone to enjoy. Add to that the fact that my family has an absolute killer fudge recipe that we make every year which gets added to the holiday goodness. Along with the goodies also come the wonderful festive meals and parties too! It’s enough to make a girl want to just throw up her hands and say “To heck with it all! I’ll live in stretchy pants until new years!”  :-) Unfortunately, I don’t have that luxury this year. We are planning a trip to Mexico in January, so I need to be able to get into my swimsuit and not feel like a whale at the beach. I have a game plan for how I’m going to navigate all the “food landmines” this year. One includes making sure I keep exercising regularly while I’m on vacation. Oh… We’ll be spending the 2 weeks before Mexico at my parents house, out of town, which adds to the challenge of exercising away from home. I’m either going to just cave and spend too much $$ on a pass to the local gym or I’m going to tote all my stuff with me and do it at the parents house. I’m quite determined! The other thing I’m going to be packing is my ZERO SCALE!! It is a revolutionary new way to track your fitness goals! I was generously sent one to try out and I am happy to say I love the concept! Who out there gets discouraged every time they step on the scale. All you see is that big number!! Even if you have lost a few ounces each day, which really is the best way to go about it anyway, it can still be hard to see little progress when you weigh yourself! Well, the ZERO scale takes care of that! It is a scale that takes your weight the first time you get on. From there on out, when you weigh yourself, you only see how much you have either lost….or gained! Brilliant right?? It allows you to focus on small steps rather than getting caught up, or hung up on the big picture!

The original and unique scale designed to help you achieve your fitness goals whether it’s to lose, gain, or maintain your weight. The advantage is that you NEVER have to see your weight again! Our scale shows small increments of gain or loss, plus the number of days since your last check and your very first check so it does all the tracking for you!

All you need to see is your “Results without the weight”! As you may have experienced, seeing your weight can derail the best of intentions to get in shape. In the past you might have worked hard on your diet or exercise programs but you still had a big number facing you. Our clients have discovered that when you ONLY see small manageable numbers of gain or loss, it’s easier to stay motivated and on-track!

With the easy-to-use ZERO Scale, you can forget what you weigh (who wants to know anyways?) and start focusing on looking and feeling great.

4 User settings, plus a Guest Mode (if you must peek at your actual weight) make this the perfect scale to replace your old or overly complicated scales.

 

I love the fact that I can focus on small numbers, which eventually add up to big results! I was also lucky enough to receive the ZERO pedometer, which is a fantastic, sturdy pedometer which helps you track your daily steps.

The perfect companion to help you track your progress! Our digital pedometer simply clips on to your belt, or slips into your pocket, to give you a readout of how many steps you’re actually taking during your day. It can also tell you how many calories you’ve burned based on your number of steps throughout the day.

I know that this is the time of year most people just give up on their diets, but won’t you feel better come January 1st of you have a head start on your fitness goals! Trip or no trip, I know I would. Every year I always vow to not overdo it over the holidays. The ZERO scale helps you see just how you are doing! It would make a great gift for the fitness enthusiast or anyone who is being conscientious of their weight…. yes…I’m advocating giving a scale as a gift! NO… it doesn’t mean you are sending someone “a message!” (Although maybe do a little asking before you just get them one!!) :-) I received a scale a number of years ago from my Hubby for… Valentines Day! And I loved it because he knew I was trying to get back in shape! So there ya go! Happy holidays and here’s to everyone surviving the holidays with a little less jelly in their belly!

The ZERO scale is available exclusively online!  For more information and cool stuff, follow them on  Facebook!

Take advantage of 15% off by entering “zero” at the time of checkout when purchasing The Zero Scale!

Audrey

Audrey has one very sweet baby boy & has been married for 5 years. She is a licensed massage therapist and enjoys being a SAHM with her little munchkin! She loves working out…especially running, cooking, shopping, makeup, reading, playing the piano, traveling, & spending time with family!
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Once Upon A Time… {YourNovel.com Review and Giveaway}

At Christmas time my husband and I always try to give each other something unique.  I have given him a couple of photo albums and he has given me a jewelry box.  I have given him a watch box and he has given me a bread maker.  It is always fun to see what we can come up with to give to one another.

YourNovel.com, founded in 1992, is a husband and wife company who write books together.  They have written 20 of the 28 novels available on YourNovel.com.  But these are really unique and interesting novels.  YOU get to be the star of these romance novels!

“Any couple can play the starring roles in these novels – as hero or heroine – how cool is that? With dozens of books and eBooks set in exotic locations around the world, there’s something for everyone (even vampire, detective, golf and historical fiction).”  There is a little bit of action and a little bit of romance which makes a fun and one-of-a-kind gift or keepsake.  “These books have been featured in People magazine, on “The View” and “The Today Show,” Elle magazine, Bridal Guide, Entrepreneur magazine and NPR Marketplace.”

YourNovel.com is very simple to use.  First, pick out what novel you like the best.  There are a few different categories so you can really pick something that reminds you of relationship….or perhaps one you think would be fun. :-)   I picked “Another Day in Paradise.”  It is “set on a lush, exotic, Caribbean island. [The] couple win an all-expenses paid trip to a lavish, new resort where they are pampered as honored guests. … As they explore their paradise, they stumble onto unsavory characters and a danger that threatens to keep them apart.”  Next, choose hardback, paperback, or eBook.  I received a paperback.    Next, pick steamy, sexy “wild,” or cuddly, flirty “mild.”  I chose to go with wild…after all it is a romance novel. :-D   Next step, add a photo…if you would like.  I chose to add our engagement picture, a nice close up of the two of us.  Lastly, add the details.  YourNovel.com asks you questions and you fill in the blanks.  “Her closest airport:”  “What make of car he drives:” “His pet name for her:” etc.  This way your information goes in the book, personalizing it just for you and your lover. These details make the book so fun to read because it is about YOU!

I can hardly wait to give this to my hubby!  You can give one to your loved on too!  At checkout use this code for 20% off: REALMOMSROCK  (and we do too!!)

Today, YourNovel.com is giving one lucky winner…

a paperback with or without a cover photo. An $82 value!!

Want to win?  Here is how to enter:

1st entry–MANDATORY–Go to YourNovel.com and tell us what book you would pick if you won

1 entry–Would you pick “wild” or “mild”?  Would you add a photo to the cover?

1 entry–Who would you make your novel about?  You and your spouse?  Made up people?  etc

2 entries–Sign up to receive the YourNovel.com newsletter

2 entries–”Like” YourNovel.com on Facebook

2 entries–Go to YourNovel.com’s blog and tell us something you read

1 entry per day–Follow YourNovel.com and RMRV on Twitter and tweet: Enter to #WIN a personalized romance novel! $82 ARV @agiveawaydaily @yournovelcom

4 entries–Sign up to receive RMRV emails

6 entries–Make a purchase from YourNovel.com

{You have until November 29th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.}

 

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Caution: Bump Ahead! {2 Chix Review & Giveaway}

 

When I first found out I was pregnant I began to get excited about shopping for maternity clothes.  I had seen so many cute pregnant ladies and was thrilled to start dressing my cute bump like them.  The only problem was…I had no clue where to find stylish clothes.

Then I discovered 2 Chix!

2 Chix offer “a fresh and fun selection of maternity clothing that is hip, trendy, and funny.”  With 2 Chix there is an option for “sexy, funky, and comfortable” clothing.  They sell long and short sleeved tops, tanks, dresses, pants, and even shirts for dad!  Their clothes range from just finding out you are pregnant all the way through to post-pregnancy.  Everything is made with haute mama in mind!

Every pregnant woman wants to feel hot and not fat.  2 Chix is just the company that will help you look and feel great during you 9 months of waiting for baby.

One thing I like about 2 Chix is they can help you announce your pregnancy is a funny and creative way.  They have some great funky and sassy shirts to show that bump off.  Here are three they sent me.

Aren’t those the funniest and most wonderful bump announcement shirts ever!?  I just love them!  Plus, the material is SUPER soft!!  They are pre-shrunk so you don’t have to worry about your pregnancy brain making your clothes too small :)

2 Chix also sent me this great skirt.  This “40-week maternity and post-pregnancy skirt will take you through your entire pregnancy and beyond.”  It is made from the same soft cotton that is extra stretchy.  “It has a frayed bottom hem-line to complete the vintage look” and “is designed with an extra wide waistband that can stretch as your belly grows and can also be tightened with a drawstring when transitioning back down to your pre-baby size.”  Isn’t that genius!!??

I can hardly wait to have a little bump so I can show it off in these comfy and sassy clothes!  2 Chix is Real Moms recommended! Don’t forget about yourself or your favorite pregnant woman this holiday season.  There are tons of things any lady with a bump will love.

At 2 Chix maternity…they pride ourselves on providing quality products and excellent customer service. From bump to birth and through the “back nine”…they’ve got you covered! And…now they make NON maternity items as well!

When you are shopping at 2 Chix be sure to use the code REALMOMS20 for 20% off anything online!!

TODAY, 2 CHIX IS GIVING ONE LUCKY READER…

A MOMMY/DADDY/BABY PACK!!  VALUED AT $108.00!!

Want to win?  Here is how to enter:

 

1st entry-MANDATORY- Go to 2 Chix and tell us your favorite item.  It can be for Mom, Dad, or Baby.  If it is one mentioned in this review, please leave us your 2nd favorite.

1 entry-Go to 2 Chix and check out their non-maternity line.  What do you like there?

2 entries- Sign up to receive 2 Chix newsletters and receive special discount codes and offers!

2 entries- Sign up for RMRV emails

2 entries- Subscribe to the 2 Chix blog

3 entries- “Like” 2 Chix and RMRV on Facebook.  You can leave either of us a little note if you would like!!

1 entry per day- Follow 2 Chix and RMRV on Twitter and tweet the following: #WIN a $108 Mommy/Daddy/Baby pack!  @agiveawaydaily @2chixmaternity

5 entries- Make a purchase from 2 Chix.

 

You have until November 23rd @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.

 

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Got you covered! {Wicked Big Bibs review}

We have reached the toddler stage at my house! You know… the stage where meal time can sometimes almost be a battle zone. The stage where more food is sometimes on the floor or on the clothes than in the mouth… not to mention the stuff that also comes back out of the mouth! Yeah… sometimes I feel like my little monster eats NOTHING…. except his new favorite, peanut butter toast (more on that later!) Not only is the food flying, being smeared and flung, he is mastering drinking out of a cup… by himself!! YEP! I have to say I am super proud of my little peanut! He has been drinking assisted from an open cup since he was 6 months, but last week I offered it to him unassisted and he just picked it right up  and drank (without dribbling!) like he’d been doing it forever!!….. however, the putting down part is what we are still working on. He likes to just drop it when he’s done! So there is another mess to address! :-)

I recently had the opportunity to try a brilliant creation from Wicked Big Bibs…. meet the MONSTER MESS BIB!!! ( I just love the name!) It is bib meets drop cloth rolled into one! This bib is hand crafted by a mom of three who really knows how kids get messy!

As a mom of three young kids, I know that they love to make a mess when they eat—what fun would it be not to? You can’t stop the mess, but you can cover your little one from neck to knee with a Wicked Big Bib.

Available in two sizes, the Monster Mess Bib and the Lesser Messer Bib come in a variety of trendy patterns. The Monster Mess Bib drapes a child from neck to knee, and is designed to make buckling into a high chair or booster seat easy.

The Lesser Messer Bib’s wide design covers a child’s entire upper body. Both sizes feature soft Velcro closures. The Classic Monster Mess features a quilted backing and the Duo is a reversible bib with coordinating fabrics. Wicked Big Bibs also stand up to washing machines and clothes dryers.

When my little girl met her high chair 6 months ago, it was mess central from that day forward. She loves sticky fingers and making messes. The problem was that every time we ate a meal, I ended up having to at least change her shirt or pants. This lead to a frustrated mom doing a lot of laundry everyday.  Then we were introduced to the Wicked Big Bibs! This bib is great. It covers her entire outfit from top to bottom. I am now able to feed her with no worries of clothing changes to follow. Thanks Wicked Big Bibs for making a product that is definitely needed by every mommy of a baby or toddler.

This bib is awesome!  It is made out of a quilty soft  fabric that can be thrown in the wash. It has a Velcro closure and is reversible so you can choose what style for each feeding. It comes in lots of trendy patterns too! It fits perfectly so that my little guy is totally covered, yet I can still buckle him in. And something else I really like is that it seems to really help catch the pieces that always fall down and get smashed into the highchair cover. Now I can let him really play with his food… and believe me, with his new peanut butter obsession, he is LOVING getting his fingers all messy, as well as everything else. Thanks Wicked Big bibs!

This bib is REAL Mom Recommended!

Wicked Big Bibs are available online!

Get 10% off your total purchase by using coupon code   10Holiday

Want more information from Wicked Big Bibs? Check them out on facebook and twitter.

This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.

Audrey

Audrey has one very sweet baby boy & has been married for 5 years. She is a licensed massage therapist and enjoys being a SAHM with her little munchkin! She loves working out…especially running, cooking, shopping, makeup, reading, playing the piano, traveling, & spending time with family!
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

A Sweet Tweet {Your Bird Oasis Review and Giveaway}

One of my favorite things about my house is that I have a window over my sink that has an incredible view.  It looks straight up the canyon where we some see some incredible sun rises.  This time of year we also get to see the leaves changing colors.  When the mountains change, it is like living in a totally different area, it looks nothing like it does in the summer.  I spend a lot of time at that front window.  I do my dishes, watch kids ride bike and play in the front yard, and it is right next to my stove as well, so all of my cooking is done there as well.  So when I receive my Garden Sip and Seed Bird Feeder and Waterer from Your Bird Oasis, I knew the perfect spot for it.  Somewhere I would see it, and get to enjoy all of our new friends that would be coming to visit.  It has been the perfect place for my kids and I to do a little bird watching.  I had no idea how fun it would be to sit and watch birds come and eat, but it has been wonderful!  My kids are always asking what kind of bird is that?  Since I have no idea, we just make up different kinds of birds. :)  

“The Perky-Pet Garden Sip & Seed Bird Feeder is constructed of durable plastic and antiqued copper finish.

The unique double silo patent pending design is sure to complement any backyard decor.”

Welcome to Your Bird Oasis, home of the best birding products on the net! An oasis by definition is something that provides refuge, relief, or pleasant contrast.  At YourBirdOasis.com we strive to help you create an oasis in your very own backyard.  For us, watching birds nest or feed provides that “pleasant contrast” to the daily grind.  A bird oasis in your backyard will prove to be a beautiful and serene addition to your lifestyle.  To that end, we strive to offer our customers a wide selection of attractive and highly useful items.  We also offer a wealth of information, such as where to place birdfeeders, how to attract hummingbirds, and much more!

I wish I would have know how much fun it would be to have a bird feeder a long time ago.  I would have gotten one then!  If you are looking for a fun, different, or just nice looking bird feeder, bird house, or bird bath you have come to the right place.  They have everything that you could ever need bird related!  I think the next bird thing I need is a humming bird feeder.  My parents have one at their cabin and it is always so fun to watch the humming birds come in and eat.  The do dive bomb you every now and again, so you have to be careful. But they are sure pretty to look at a watch them eat.  The kids get so excited to have a bird coming in to eat.  That is good, innocent, kid fun!  They are definitely Real Mom approved!   -NEED IT??  Here is a 15% discount on The Sip and Seed Bird Feeder and Waterer this item: gardenfeeder15

Do you LOVE it and want to call all the birds to YOUR yard?!

Enter to WIN a Sip and Seed Bird Feed and Waterer!  Here is how:

{Mandatory entry}  Visit YourBirdOasis and take a look at all the incredible bird house, feeders, and baths.  Come back and tell us what item you would like to add to your yard.

Once the mandatory entry is complete, you can gain additional entries from the following:

2 entries- “Like”  Your Bird Oasis on Facebook.

2 entries- “Like” RMRV on Facebook.

3 entries- Subscribe to RMRV emails.

2 entries- Follow RMRV on Twitter.

1 entry per day- Tweet the following and leave us your tweet link:

#Enter to win a Garden Sip and Seed Bird feeder and Waterer from Your Bird Oasis @agiveawaydaily

3 entries – Become a follower of the YourBirdOasis blog!!

5 entries- Blog about this entry and leave us the link.

You have until October 19th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.

Erin

Erin is a mommy to 4 fab kiddos! She serves as their maid, cook, and taxi driver. She has been married to the “man of her dreams” for 11 years now. They love spending every free minute together enjoying activities such as camping, swimming, playing games and having movie night.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Gorgeous and Green {The Ultimate Green Store $25 GC Giveaway}

There are many things that I am practically BFF’s with…chocolate, shoes, pedicures, etc.  One of my favorite best friends is purses!  I am totally a purse girl…I especially love medium to large purses.  Although it can be a bit of a hassle to dig in the black hole looking for your lip gloss, I secretively enjoy it.

The Ultimate Green Store has some fabulous purses!  But these aren’t just any kind of purse–they are eco-conscious!  The Ultimate Green Store has a collection of the finest environmentally friendly purses.  They are made out of materials that are “sustainable, natural, organic, recycled, [and] eco-friendly.”

“Products that are made with your health and the health of our planet in mind.”

 


Look at these two bags!!  The black one is made from reclaimed truck inner tubes!!  Who knew an old tire could look that good!!??  The teal one is “100% hemp and is trimmed with “reborn” leather (made from re-purposed recycled leather).”  I am loving the look of recycled.  I didn’t know it could look this good…seriously!

The Ultimate Green Store knocked my socks off the the wonderful piece of arm candy they sent me.  Check this bad boy out.

Say hello to the Hemptress Mercedes Carryall Hemp Bag in Raw.  Isn’t it stunning!?  I love it because it is a perfect size…not too big and too small.  It also has a detachable shoulder strap.  This bag comes in raw (as shown), black and terra cotta.  Like the teal one shown above it is made from 100% hemp and reborn leather.  I have gotten sooo many compliments on it and everyone is amazed it is “green.”

Apparently people…I was one of these kinds before I learned of The Ultimate Green Store…relate “green” things to being weird, low quality, and certainly not fashionable.  Well I will eat my words and they should too.  Green is FAB!  “At the Ultimate Green Store, you will find that shopping green is hardly a sacrifice. Quite to the contrary, you will find beautiful, cool, hip, colorful, fun, effective, beautifully smelling, quality products that stand on their own.”  They even go beyond the mark by providing “information about each manufacturer and their lines so that you can better understand the benefits to you and our planet.”  Pretty fancy!!

The Ultimate Green Store is your one-stop green shopping destination.  They have organic baby products, green office furniture and supplies, eco jewelry, solar laptop bags and backpacks, organic bedding, and so much more.  You could shop for hours!!  In fact, go and shop!! 

Use the coupon code “REALMOMS” for a 20% discount off of the Hemptress Mercedes Carryall in Raw and it will expire on 9/30.

Today, The Ultimate Green Store is giving one lucky reader…

a $25 Gift Certificate to use on any item in the store!!

You want to enter…I promise!  Here is how:

1st entry–MANDATORY–Go to The Ultimate Green Store a tell us a product or two that you would love to own.

2 entries–Sign up to receive their newsletter.  Make sure you tell them we sent you.

2 entries–”Like” The Ultimate Green Store on Facebook

1 entry per day–Follow The Ultimate Green Store and RMRV on Twitter and tweet the following:
Win a $25 GC from The Ultimate Green Store! @agiveawaydaily @UltGreenStore

3 entries–Blog about The Ultimate Green Store…either an item(s) you love, this giveaway etc. and leave us the link.

5 entries–Make a purchase from The Ultimate Green Store.  May I suggest the Bamboo Sheets…ooh!  those look heavenly!

You have until September 16th @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only.

This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.

 

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

SOS (Save Our Seats) {Kooli Review}

As the summer goes on the cement gets warmer.  Normally that wouldn’t matter, but when you are sitting on it it does.  Picture this: It is a beautiful day and the kids want to play in the pool.  You have worked hard to get your body ready to show off and have spent hours buying just the right swimming suit.  You put it on, head out to the water, and enjoy the sun.  You start to feel too hot so you go to dangle your feet in the water.  OUCH!  That cement is hot.  Hurry, splash some water on it to cool it down.  Ick!  A soggy booty.  Oh well!  You are too hot to not sit with you legs in the cool water.  15 minutes later you hop up to get back on your lounge chair and you hear it: crrrrr….  DANG!  The cement just snagged my brand new bath suit.  Stupid!  Stupid, cement!!

Kooli to the rescue!!

Kooli is a cushioned mat that has been stylishly designed to prevent swimsuit snagging and provide comfort while sitting poolside and in other locations where swimsuits are commonly worn.”  YES!  Finally a product to save our seats!

“Kooli is made of Neoprene (the lightweight, flexible material used to make wetsuits) and features a soft and comfortable nylon fabric surface. Each Kooli™ has an attached elastic band that makes it easy to roll, secure and store in a beach bag or purse.”  It is “washable, waterproof, slip proof, resistant to chlorine, sand and other similar abrasive surfaces.”  And it is big enough for any booty, measures sixteen inches in diameter.  It is available in four summertime colors, black, blue, red and green.

Here is what the RMRV ladies think:

If you read my recent post about Hapari, you would know that I have a new swimming suit that I am in love with.  You would also know that I am a bad friend because I won’t go shopping with you if you look better then me :)   Kooli is a suit saver!!  This little round disk is genius!  Being the super cheap lady I am, I want my cute suit to last as long as possible…I don’t need stupid snag-tush to ruin it!  That is just one reason I love this little gem! Another, I hate hot buns!  You know that burn and sting that comes with pool sitting??  GONE!  This is the cure to all of your pool bum issues!  GENIUS!  Only problem, I only have one!  All the ladies sitting around the pool were jealous of little slice of heaven that I sat on while the rest of them squirming in the sun!

Summer is sizzlin’……literally.  With temperatures reaching over 100 degrees everyday, its almost unbearable to go outside, but when we do, its off to the pool!   While my girls splash around, I put my Kooli on the coping and have a comfy place to dangle my legs without  getting all scratched up.  It is also nice for the kids to sit on when they are taking a quick break.  It prevents their suits from snagging, which means they might have a swimsuit or two that would last another season!  The neoprene is a great material.  We have several life jackets made of this, and they have lasted for years looking as good as the day we bought them.  Kooli is a simple, but fun product to enjoy sitting poolside.

There is nothing that drives me more crazy than spending money on a swimsuit and then having the bottom get all snagged due to sitting on the side of the pool. Seriously, drives me crazy and has ruined so many of my swimsuits! As soon as I heard about the Kooli I was so excited to get one and give it a try. It has worked out so well for us and is such a great addition to the pool bag! The Kooli is plenty big, a 16″ neoprene circle that you sit on poolside, and it works like a charm. No snagging & no hot concrete, so nice. I love how it rolls up so well for easy storage and is so simple to toss in a bag and take on the go! The Kooli has most definitely be saving my booty this summer at the pool!!

I love swimsuit season. Especially when I find an adorable swimsuit that I love. You know one that fits perfectly and is super cute on? I am sure you have all found one that you adore. What I hate about swimsuit season is swimsuit snag! Ugh! You know when you climb out of the pool or hot tub and sit on the edge of it, and your swimsuit gets little snags in it? That’s the worst. Too many summers I have had swimsuits ruined by the pool cement. Not anymore! Kooli to the rescue. Kooli sent me a black Kooli to test out at the local pool. I threw it in my swim bag and away we went for a day of fun in the sun. I pulled it out and sat along the edge of the pool for hours. It also dried out very quickly since it’s pretty thin. It was so nice to have and it fits easily in any size bag. Now, I leave it in my swim bag permanently so I never have to worry about the dreaded snagging of my cute summer suit! Thanks Kooli.

I don’t get to go to the pool much since I am a working woman but when I do I don’t want to ruin my suit from sitting on the pool edge.  I worked hard for that suit and cement is not going to ruin that for me.  Up until I learned about Kooli I had given up sitting poolside.  Now I can again and not worry about what will happen when I stand up.  The Kooli can withstand chlorine without fading keeping it looking nice from summer to summer.  It just rolls up and fits right in my pool bag.  Perfect!  Thanks for saving my suit and bringing back poolside sitting Kooli!

But wait!  Kooli isn’t just for poolside sitting! Here are a few more ideas:

An “artist” stool for sidewalk-chalk masterpieces (keeps your bum cool and your pants clean)

Diaper changing pad (it is easy to wash off)

Sitting on the grass or park bench (keep the dew off of you so you don’t stand up with a wet spot)

Picnic placemats (just rinse clean)

Markers for kids games such as Duck, Duck Goose and relay races (small, lightweight, and easy to carry)

Today there is something for everyone!!  Buy-one-get-one-free!! For $9.95 you get two Kooli’s!  What a deal!

Go get at least two Kooli’s…you, your buns, and your swim suit will thank me later!

{All opinions are 100% our own.  We were not paid for this post.  Thank you Kooli for the products for this review.}

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

What’s Mine is Mine {Elemental Threads Giveaway}

I love accessories!  I especially love purses and totes.  I like to find cute, funky, and cool bags that express who I am.  The only problem comes when I can’t find one I really like or when I find one I really like and someone else has it.  BOOO!  No one likes to have the same things as someone else…unless you are 8 and want to dress the same as your BFF.

Elemental Threads knows that we like to be different than others.  Elemental Threads also helps out those of us who can’t sew or don’t have time for it fulfill our inner fashion designer needs.  Elemental Threads “creates bags that are durable, stylish and made to your order.”  Designing your own bag is as easy as 1, 2, 3.

1. Choose the type of bag you want.
2. Choose the fabric you you love.
3.  Pick your hardware.

It is super easy….and fun!!  After you design your own bag they “are lovingly made to order in [their]Boston, MA studio by an enthusiastic team of seamstresses.”  Not only will you be getting a bag you love, you will be doing a good deed.  “Elemental Threads was founded with the idea of giving back.  [They] believe in preserving the rights of people and our planet.  [They] use eco-friendly fabrics, recycled packaging, participate in a carbon offset program, donate to charitable organizations and produce all goods in the USA.”

Check out the wristlet I made!

This is the straight wristlet.  I chose the peacock feathers cotton fabric, with a black cotton handle, nickle hardware, a black zipper, and teal lining.  I love it because the fabric is sturdy, the lining is beautiful, and the hardware is stable.  This screams quality!  Plus I loved picking out what I wanted.  I have to admit though, that was tough.  There are sooo many cute fabrics and combinations to pick from.

Elemental Threads can also take your old t-shirts, jackets, baby blankets…whatever…and repurpose them into fabulous new bags!  That is creative and fun!!

OOO!  Don’t you think these bags would be fun bridal party gifts!  Just design them in the colors of your wedding or send them your wedding fabric.  FANCY!!

Elemental Threads is giving something to each of you. Make as many custom made bags as you want and get 20% off.  Just use the code RMRV20.  This offer is good during this giveaway.

But for one lucky reader, you could win…

a straight wristlet ($48)!

Want to win?  Here is how to enter:

1st entry–MANDATORY–Go to Elemental Threads and design a wristlet.  Give us all your details of what you would want if you won.
1 entry–Go to Elemental Threads and design a bag that isn’t a wristlet and tell us which bag it was and all of the details.
1 entry per day–Follow RMRV and Elemental Threads on Twitter and tweet:
Win a Customized bag ($48)! @agiveawaydaily @ethreads
2 entries–Go to the Elemental Threads blog and tell us something you read.
3 entries–“Like” RMRV and Elemental Threads on Facebook
3 entries–Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link
5 entries–Make a purchase from Elemental Threads

You have until July 19th@ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thank you Elemental Threads for providing the products for this review and giveaway.

 

http://www.elementalthreads.com

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Snap ‘Em, Catch ‘Em {ChrystalBlu Giveaway}

Mothers, soon-to-be mothers, and people shopping for soon-to-be mommies PAY ATTENTION!  You are going to love this!!

Why will you love it?  Because not only will this benefit mom it will benefit baby.

ChrystalBlu is the maker of Paci-Catchers.  These little pieces of genius will save mom so much hassle….the hassle of trying to find the lost pacifier, the hassle of trying to keep baby clean during meal time, the hassle of trying to calm baby down, and the hassle of trying to keep covered up.  Let me explain.

Paci-Catchers are stylish ways to keep babies’ precious little pacifiers safe.  Those little “binkies” land on the floor, come up missing, or are toss a side all the time.  Keep them safe and clipped to baby with these pacifier catchers.  Each clip is free of sharp edges and are lined with PVC grippers.  Now they are keeping “passy”, clothing, and baby safe.

Each Paci-Catcher is made from high quality grosgrain ribbon and easy to use snaps.  Simply put the ribbon through the end of the baby pacifier and snap it shut.  Snapped shut they are all 8 1/2 inches long.

If you don’t use a pacifier like the one pictured above it is okay!  ChrystalBlue sells adapters so every baby with any pacifier can use Paci-Catchers.

(Orange pacifier picture) “For use with Mam pacifiers, Munchkin knob pacifiers, Gerber Nuk pacifiers, Nuby pacifiers, Razbaby pacifiers, Born Free Night pacifiers, Hospital’s Choice Digital Thermometer pacifiers, The First Years American Red Cross, Digital Thermometer pacifiers, Vicks Thermometer Pacifier.”  (Green pacifier picture) “The Soothie Adapter is a metal PVC lined clip that you simply attach to  to the end of your Paci-Catcher for use in attaching to your Soothie Pacifier. Your Paci-Catcher should have a clip on each end when using the Soothie Adapter”.

Wait!  It gets better!

Link two Paci-Catchers together to hold any napkin, burp cloth, or towel to create an on-the-go bib!

This bib is available in the Lots of Dots Gift Set and can be unsnapped to use as a burp cloth.

Paci-Catchers can also be hooked around a tether toys.  Moms, this will save you from playing fetch!

Connect two Paci-Catchers together to hook on any blanket to instantly change it into a nursing cover!!

These are the perfect little pacifier holders.

Paci-Catchers come in so many different colors…polka dot, stripes, sports, animals, and CHRISTMAS!!  Paci-Catchers would make great Christmas presents, baby shower presents, or just a “saw it and thought of you” present.  They are fun unique, stylish, and affordable!

ChrystalBlu is offering Real Mom Real Views readers 20% off!!  Just use the coupon code: holidays20 But wait!  Like before, it gets better!!  ChrystalBlu has FREE SHIPPING until the end of the year!!

Today ChrystalBlu is giving THREE lucky winners…


a Christmas design Paci-Catcher!!

Want to win?  Here is how to enter:

1st entry-MANDATORY-Go to ChrystalBlu.com and tell us which Christmas design you would choose if you won

1 entry–Go to ChrystalBlu.com and tell us another design (not Christmas) or another product you like

1 entry–“Like” ChrystalBlu on Facebook

1 entry per day–Follow ChrystalBlu and RMRV on Twitter and tweet:

Win a Christmas Paci-Catcher! @PaciCatchers @agiveawaydaily http://tinyurl.com/ChrystalBlu

2 entries–Join the ChrystalBlu mailing list

2 entries–Sign up to receive the RMRV newsletters

5 entries–Make a purchase from ChrystalBlu


{You have until December 21st @ 11:59 PM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thank you ChrystalBlu for providing the products for this review and giveaway.}


Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

Get Your Guard Up {HomeDataGuard Giveaway} CLOSED

Raise your hand if you:

–Put all your pictures on your computer to clean off your memory card…maybe even thinking one day you will burn them all on a dvd or get them printed off.

–Have tons of word documents saved on your computer.

–Paid to download music and have saved them all on your computer…maybe thinking that one day you will burn them onto cds.

–Uploaded all our your videos from your camcorder to your computer…maybe thinking that one day you will burn them onto dvds.

–Gone somewhere and needed a document or photo from your computer but do not have it with you.

Ok…now think…what if your computer crashed?  What would happen to all your precious things, memories?  You paid for them and now they are gone.  Photos and videos can’t be recreated.  Moneypaid to buy music is down the drain.  I would be devastated.  How about you!?

Did you know most computers crash within three years?  Random disasters and viruses can cause your computers’ external hard drives and other data storage devices to be vulnerable to destruction at any moment.  If you are not backing up your valuable digital things you take the chance of losing everything.

HomeDataGuard (HDG) is “essentially a remote file cabinet for your important documents, photos, videos and anything else digital.”  They use Amazon for their secure servers, so it’s well encrypted (meaning you’re quite safe from identity theft).  Not a computer guru?  No worries.  Their interface (or perhaps in your terms, “program” ;) ) is very simple, clean, and animated.

“HomeDataGuard was originally founded by Dina Moskowitz, a serial entrepreneur in San Diego, California who is also a Mom raising two kids.  The business was sparked by the evacuations and impact of the 2007 San Diego wildfires that destroyed thousands of people’s homes and memoirs.”  Wouldn’t it make having to evacuate your home less stressful if you didn’t have to worry about packing up your computer in order to save your things!?

Not only does HomeDataGuard protect your things, it allows access to any of your documents, photos, videos, etc from any computer 24/7/365!! Wouldn’t this be great for traveling business people.  Now you don’t have to haul around your computer and hassle with hooking it up just to show your slide show.  Just arrive at your destination and log in!

Here is a great tip:  If your documents or photos aren’t in digital format now, just scan them in or use a fax machine.  “If you do not own one, take your documents to a local copy store for assistance.  [If] you reside in regions where [they] offer HomeDataPro assistance, you can schedule an appointment to have a HomeDataPro come to your home to do all the scanning for you.”

Here is how it works–

Once you are signed up, “enter your username and password. The vault door will open and you will be taken inside to your File Cabinet. You have the choice of working in the File Cabinet view (most popular) or the Tree Structure view (best when you’ve added many files).”

“Your HomeDataGuard File Cabinet has four drawers: the top two drawers include several pre-named folders to get you started; the bottom two drawers are empty. In each drawer, you can create new folders as you need them. We recommend that you open the top two drawers to see if the pre-named folders are useful to you; simply delete those which are not.” (There is a great video of how it works on the home page www.HomeDataGuard.com)

We recommend that you decide in advance how to organize your file cabinet in the most logical way for your personal needs and preferences. For example, you might want to put all home-inventory and emergency related information together in one drawer, all videos in another drawer, and all business-related information in another.”

PLUS–Your subscription comes with its own unique email account, so that you can do things like email photos from your cell phone right into your account, or have your advisers send important files into the account, or use that email address when you make travel reservations, etc.

I think this is the greatest thing!  I am totally hooking myself up with HomeDataGuard.  I just would be sick if I lost some of the things on my computer…especially my pictures and all the music I have paid for (not to mention the time I have taken to upload all my cds onto my computer).

Since regular 12 month subscription is $49.95 and you get one month free up front. HomeDataGuard is offering Real Moms Real Views readers a discohttp://realmomsrealviews.com/wp-admin/post-new.phpunt!!  50% off the first year’s subscription (price will actually be $25.00). Use the code: !RealMomsBackup!

Today HomeDataGuard is giving FIVE lucky readers…

a one year subscription to HomeDataGuard!!

Want to win!?  YES! Yes, you do!  I do!  :)   Here is how to enter:
Leave one comment for each eligible entry.

1st entry–MANDATORY–Visit HomeDataGuard and then tell us one thing you would make sure to put in your file cabinet.
1 Entry per day–Follow HomeDataGuard and AGE on Twitter and tweet: Win a  years subscription to HomeDataGuard! ($50 value)
2 Entries–
“Like” HomeDataGuard on Facebook
2 Entries for each–“Like” AGE on Facebook, follow Real Moms Real Views via Google Friend Connect, or sign up to receive Real Moms Real Views daily emails
5 Entries–Sign up for a one year subscription with HomeDataGuard (don’t forget to use our discount code!)

You have until November 11th @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own.  I was compensated for this review.

Crissa graduated from Brigham Young University in 2005 with a BA in Home and Family Living….the mom degree! Shortly after she found her dream guy and was married. They are now expecting their first baby in 2012. She loves shopping, baking, getting pampered, blogging, chocolate, and traveling.
_____________________________________
This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure & giveaway rules here.

We love showcasing the best products and companies to our fabulous readers. We are PR friendly and welcome all pitches. Would you like to see your product featured here on Real Moms Real Views through a product review, feature, or giveaway? It's simple, contact us and we will chit chat.

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This site receives free products and other forms of compensation for posting. See the Real Moms Real Views disclosure here.