SmartShield Self Tanner Lotion with SPF 15 {Review}

Ah, high school. There are some aspects (okay, lots) that I look back on and just shake my head. What was I thinking? The look had to be just right, didn't it? Those clothes, the specific shoes, that makeup (was glitter really popular at your school, too? I sure hope it wasn't just me) and that's not even taking into account the tans.

I don't remember the first time I went to a tanning salon with my friends, but it definitely wasn't the last. We went regularly to keep a nice glow and then, whenever a school dance was nearing, the frequency increased and by the time the big event rolled around, our skin was bronzed and beautiful.

There isn't really anything I can do now to reverse the amount of damage I may have done and all of the wrinkles I'm sure I caused, so instead I try to do a better job of protecting myself from the sun's ultraviolet rays. My new favorite way? SmartShield's Self Tanner with SPF 15.

Combining the best of both worlds, this innovative lotion protects, hydrates and moisturizes your skin while building a natural, healthy glow - definitely something I would rather have than the extremely pale look I have after this long winter. The oil-free formula contains Vitamins A, C and E and Aloe Vera to soothe and smooth your skin and uses DHA to cause the body to produce melanin and create a natural, safe tan.

I love the idea of my skin naturally and safely tanning itself rather than being dyed or stained as with traditional self tanning lotions - forget the worry about turning orange or having some spots look different than others. SmartShield's Self Tanner with SPF 15 absorbs and dries quickly and doesn't leave any greasiness behind, something that is pretty important if I'm going to use it on my face.

In fact, I have used this lotion on my face for quite a few days now and it hasn't clogged my pores or left me feeling shiny at all. Instead, I can detect a soft glow that makes it appear that I don't spend my days inside hidden away from the sunlight. I also tried putting the Self Tanner on just one of my arms to really see if it was making a difference and found that it truly did. The one arm looked as though it had spent time outdoors while the other stayed in!

SmartShield really has invented a "smarter sunscreen" with their Self Tanner with SPF 15. It is light, waterproof, eco-friendly (why rub harsh chemicals into your skin?) and keeps your skin protected from both UVB and UVA rays while still giving you a sun-kissed look. I'm able to satisfy the part of my brain that is still in high school and thinks a tan is beautiful while the logical part of my mind knows the importance of being smart and safe in the sun.

Thanks, SmartShield, for not only having a line of safe, hypoallergenic, dermatologist-approved sunscreens, but for adding in a natural self tanner to appeal to pale people like me. And, for bringing the sunshine with you as you come down my block, thanks, Mail Carrier.

(Other than the SmartShield Self Tanner with SPF 15 that I was sent, I was not provided with anything or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my opinion of this product and the difference it made on my blinding whiteness.)

KOR ONE Hydration Vessel {Review & Giveaway} Water ReDesigned

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

When we first started "going green" around here, giving up my bottled water didn't seem all that difficult to do. In fact, as I learned more and more about what could easily be seeping into my water, I began to feel a little squeamish about using plastic bottles anyway.

Add to that all of the pretty designs and styles of reusable bottles that were beginning to flood the market and it wasn't hard for me to jump on the bandwagon. Until recently, I was switching between one or two metal bottles, one with a sports top and one with a screw-on cap and was... well, perfectly satisfied with them. But nothing more.

That is, however, until I began using a KOR ONE Hydration Vessel and realized all that I had been missing.

Available in four great colors, the KOR ONE Hydration Vessels (sounds much more professional than calling it a water bottle, doesn't it?) are made from a material called Eastman Tritan, a new generation of copolyester. Offering the clarity and performance of polycarbonate but without the dangers of BPA, these Vessels are completely safe, healthy and sustainable.

What makes the KOR ONE so much better than the metal bottles that I was previously using? The list is surprisingly long, actually. I'll start with the obvious: just how darn pretty they are to look at. Measuring in at 1 foot tall, the KOR ONE Vessels hold 25 fluid ounces, which is much more than I could carry before. I barely have time to take a drink of water sometimes, so not having to stop and refill this as many times is a huge plus for me.

Also, the long, elliptical shape of the KOR ONE is not only unique-looking but the ergonomic design fits extremely well in my hand. The convenient handle on the top can be used to carry the Vessel or can be hooked on or attached with a strap depending on what is convenient. It slides perfectly into the side pocket of my diaper bag, easily fits in all of the standard cupholders that I've tried and the soft rubber ring on the bottom means it stands firm and won't scratch on the counter or table.

Next, there's how much I don't miss that slightly odd, metallic taste to the water that I was getting before, nor the feeling of the metal on my lips. Instead, the KOR ONE has an even, rounded mouthpiece that is comfortable to drink from and fits well to the shape of my mouth. Instead of the annoying threads from a screw-on cap, this opening is smooth and sleek and manages to minimize the amount of water that splashes out. Not to mention that the space is plenty wide enough to drop in ice cubes for an extra dose of cooling at home or on the go.

I love the convenience of the flip-top cap as well, it opens quickly and easily with one hand by simply pressing a button and the strong hinge keeps the top in place while I am drinking (instead of it flopping forward into my nose). When it comes time to close the cap, the KOR ONE gives a satisfying snap to let me know it is closed and I have never once seen a single drop leak out afterward. No matter how much it has been shaken or splashed around, this Hydration Vessel has held tight, something I definitely appreciate.

Completely upside down and not a single leak. Thankfully.

Finally, the KOR ONE does more than just provide me with my water - together with its KOR Stones, it is a motivator every time I open the cap to take a drink. Right underneath the lid is a compartment that holds any of the 5 included inspirational messages or a note or picture of your own. I debated over Laugh Often, but chose to put Now Is The Time because of all of the meanings it holds for me. As well as working on being a procrastinator, reading this is a reminder to focus on the moment and not dwell on the past or try to control the future. A pretty significant idea from one small Stone.

Behind the great KOR ONE Hydration Vessels is a company that is equally as impressive. As well as understanding that the path to "going green" is a continuous process and that we all work to find the balance between ourselves and the environment, KOR Water stands strongly behind their mission to "Protect and Celebrate Water." As members of 1% for the Planet, 1% of all of KOR's annual sales are donated to a select group of non-profit organizations that benefit the earth.

In fact, the color KOR ONE that you choose not only reflects your personal style, but each Vessel benefits a different water-related cause. The Orchid Pink that I picked works to fight the Global Water Crisis by partnering with Blue Planet Run, a non-profit dedicated to bringing the global community together to provide safe drinking water to people around the world in need. And here I just thought that the pink would make Big Sister E happy (which it does).

I don't regret retiring my previous water bottles in the least, the KOR ONE has far surpassed them in all areas. The sleek style, extremely high quality, comfort to drink from and versatility (dishwasher safe!) make this my favorite on all levels. Add to that KOR Water's devotion to the environment and to helping people live a better life and you just can't go wrong. Not only that, thanks to their generosity, one person will get to experience these amazing Hydration Vessels for themselves, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of color KOR ONE Hydration Vessel! ARV $29.95!

To enter to win: Visit KOR and tell me the full name of the color KOR ONE that is your favorite AND which of the NEW KOR Stones sayings you like best.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow KOR on Twitter and/or become a fan on Facebook.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN an incredible KOR ONE ($30) - the next generation of water bottle @thxmailcarrier from @KOR_Water! http://bit.ly/ciZlp1 #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and KOR Water. Please leave an address where it can be found.


Giveaway will end on April 22nd at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

A huge thank you to KOR for providing a KOR ONE for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Flirty Aprons make cooking fun again {Review & Giveaway} ARV $29.95

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

For me, there's nothing like the feeling of making a home-cooked meal for my family. I'm not what you would call an "experienced cook" (do the air quotes with your fingers for me, please) or even all that much of a creative one, but if there's a recipe, I can follow it to the letter. And when I can look around the table and see a whole meal that I put together, I take great pride in that.

Unfortunately, the combination of lack of time and picky kids (and adults) leads to me usually feeling pretty uninspired when it comes to the kitchen. So who would have thought that all it would take to make me want to get in there and do some serious cooking would be an apron? However, this isn't just any apron. This is the Little Black Dress of aprons, it's the Original Sassy Black apron from Flirty Aprons.


Definitely the site to go to for aprons that will make any woman look and feel beautiful, Flirty Aprons has found a way to involve fun and fashion while performing traditional, everyday activities. Their wide selection of stylish and high quality aprons come in so many great colors and patterns that there is sure to be at least one that fits your personality and decor.

Aside from the obvious ultra-attractiveness, the first thing I noticed when checking out my Original Sassy Black apron was the condition of the item itself and the workmanship that went into making it. Having grown up with a mother who is an excellent seamstress and doing a little sewing myself, I immediately noticed that the 100% soft cotton fabric was fully lined and each seam was clean and strong.

Measuring in at 21" in width and 27" in length with generous ties on each side and an adjustable neck, this apron truly does fit all sizes without being overly baggy or frumpy looking. It was easily able to keep me clean and comfortable and, although not exactly made for her, my little cooking helper was able to be quite stylish as well:


In reality, Flirty Aprons knows that kids are anxious to help out with the cooking and has a full line of children's aprons that are an even cuter, scaled-down version of the women's aprons. Or, if the man in your life is the chef around your house, the men's aprons are strong, durable and manly enough for even the most masculine cook.

Following their mission to create products that truly help you rediscover what it means to be cute and fun in and around your home even while performing a mundane task, Flirty Aprons has done just that. Their bright colors, fun patterns and sassy styles are a welcome change compared to the usual aprons found in stores or online.

Add to that the high quality (even after multiple wearings and washings, my apron hasn't torn or faded one bit), affordability, easy return policy and stellar customer service and this is the site to go to for a unique and stylish item for yourself or as a gift. For your next housewarming party, bridal shower or the upcoming Mother's Day, an apron from Flirty Aprons is a item that can surely make cooking more fun for anyone.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will add a little spice to their kitchen, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of Scalloped Apron from Flirty Aprons! ARV $29.95!

To enter to win: Visit Flirty Aprons and tell me which of their cute styles is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry (per method) if you follow Flirty Aprons on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook and/or sign up to receive exciting deals and news by email from Flirty Aprons.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Flirty Aprons are cute, fashionable, quality and make cooking fun @thxmailcarrier from @Flirty_Aprons! http://bit.ly/bSB1UI #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Flirty Aprons. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 22nd at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open worldwide! If you're reading this, you can enter!

A big thank you to Flirty Aprons for providing an apron for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. Cooking has never been so fun (or sassy) before! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Hallmark Kids Collection cards {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

As I've been reading more and more about the USPS preparing to drop down to a five-day delivery schedule (which will have me sitting around depressed on both Saturday and Sunday while my mailbox remains empty), it makes me think about how much I've loved getting mail my entire life. There's just something about the suspense and surprise that made me happy even as a kid.

And even though by the time my daughters are old enough to read and write they'll probably be communicating exclusively through technology, I still plan on making sure that they appreciate the importance of a great card or letter. There's just no better feeling than discovering someone is thinking about you or wishing you well with a card.

Plus, now that Hallmark has come out with their Kids Collection, its easier than ever to let kids from grade school to high school know that they're special and supported with a thoughtful card or gift designed just for them.


Designed with the idea that everyone, including kids, need to be cheered on, Hallmark's Kids Collection cards provide parents with a way to give an extra dose of encouragement with kid-friendly, heartfelt words. Instead of traditional cards that would have kids rolling their eyes or being far too embarrassed to read them in public, this collection is modern and hip... and you just might end up looking pretty cool by giving them.

Being Hallmark, the variety of styles and options in the Kids Collection are, of course, high quality and pretty eye-catching. From simple 99¢ cards to "tricked out" cards with music, recordable sound or attached gifts, there's something for all occasions. I was immediately impressed with the selection of cards that we received, as they were colorful and bright and each one contained a sincere message that kids could enjoy.

One of my favorites, the card pictured at right, says "We're talking foam-fingered, face-painted, popcorn-spilling cheering for you!" on the outside and "In other words, behind you all the way!" on the inside. The friendly monster on the front is actually a magnet that can be removed and placed anywhere (like inside a locker) to remind the recipient every day that they are being cheered for and loved. I think that's pretty darn cute.

Another card that I really enjoy, pictured below, includes a wearable wristband with BELIEVE printed on it and such wonderful wording to go along with it:


Kids experience so many moments where knowing that they are supported can make a big difference, whether taking a test, trying out for a team or opening night of a play. Having a way to show your support and pride while boosting their confidence is something all parents can appreciate. Even if kids don't always listen to what they're told, this collection can help easily get your point across in a fun way.

As much as I try to always point out to Big Sister E how proud I am of her at what she accomplishes (or tries to), I know that as she gets older she'll need it more and more. The last thing I want is for us to lose out on our ability to communicate as she grows up, but I do have to be realistic and know that she's going to turn into a tween and teenager at some point (which I'm not at all prepared for). Slipping one of these cards or gifts into her lunch or leaving it in her room might just help remind her that I'm here for her.

Through April 14 at participating Hallmark Gold Crown locations, you can receive one free card from their Kids Collection. What a great way to try out these fun cards! Plus, thanks to Hallmark's generosity, one person will get to send their child even extra love and encouragement, because...

One lucky person will receive a surprise assortment of cards from Hallmark's Kids Collection (which can be tailored to the winner's choice of gender and age group)!

To enter to win: Visit the Hallmark Kids Collection and tell me which of their fun cards is your favorite.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you tell me an occasion when a card or gift from the Hallmark Kids Collection would have come in handy for you or might in the future.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

WIN an assortment of Hallmark Kids Collection cards to encourage and support kids @thxmailcarrier! http://bit.ly/dmPC8I #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and Hallmark Kids Collection. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 22nd at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to residents of the U.S. and Canada only.

A big thank you to Hallmark for providing an assortment of cards for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. What a great way to encourage our kids! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

McNeill Designs games: You've Been Sentenced! and Twisted Fish {Review & Giveaway} ARV $75

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

When I try to remember what my life was like before I had kids, sometimes I find myself drawing a blank. Was that possibly a different lifetime?

What I do know, however, is that my husband and I used to get together much more often with family and friends for a regular game night. We would hang out, talk, laugh... and hopefully find a game we could all agree on. It had to be interactive, challenging and, of course, a lot of fun. Throw in some educational value and we would have had a hilarious time with You've Been Sentenced! from the creative thinkers at McNeill Designs for Brighter Minds.

Designed for ages 8 and up, You've Been Sentenced! is the type of game that can be played almost immediately after opening the box. Simply pass out 10 of the pentagon-shaped cards to each player and the round begins as they each try to score the most points by constructing the longest, grammatically correct sentence. Sounds like an innovative way to hide some thinking skills behind the laughter, doesn't it?

In fact, You've Been Sentenced! cleverly disguises teaching abilities such as sentence structure, vocabulary, spelling, word comprehension, language, and more on each and every card. Beginning with the base word, the 5 sides show multiple conjugations that make players think about which would be appropriate for their sentence... or at least somewhat make sense. With 540 cards, that adds up to well over 2500 words and an almost infinite number of creative possibilities.

However, the game gets even funnier as sentences are read aloud and other players have the opportunity to object based on the grammar or if the sentence just doesn't work. The defending player and the objecting player then debate their views while the rest of the players vote thumbs up or thumbs down for their opinion on the matter. If you've never tried to defend or explain a completely ridiculous sentence, you don't know just how much fun it can be!

Even though my own children are too young to play You've Been Sentenced! now, I am definitely keeping this game around for them as they get older. I love that it inspires creativity and independent thinking much more than rolling dice or moving a game piece around a board. McNeill Designs even offers 5 different Add-On Decks to tailor You've Been Sentenced! to specific interests or subjects (for example, pop culture or sports).

Whether playing the original You've Been Sentenced! or with the added twist of the Add-On Decks, you're almost guaranteed an evening of fun and laughter. I don't know why my sentence of "odd noisy fish will have weak and mouthy faces before chickening out" didn't make sense to some people, though...

For a game more manageable for slightly younger players that still involves humor and quick-thinking, McNeill Designs also offers their innovative twist on Go Fish with their version, aptly named Twisted Fish.

Taking the traditional rules of Go Fish and including flashy new cards, inventive additions to the rules and Zingers to keep things exciting and fresh, Twisted Fish takes much more thought than just asking if your opponent has any twos. Only when you have compiled a "Full Basket" (complete set) of one of the illustrated fish can you remove them from your hand to gain the points.

Adding in the options to peeks at another player's hand, gain an extra guess or even steal someone's card and Twisted Fish will hold the interest of kids and adults alike. Even though Big Sister E is too young to play by the actual rules, she still thought the brightly decorated cards were a blast to sort and match together.

McNeill Designs for Brighter Minds creates unique, addicting, educational and humorous games for all ages and can easily be adapted for individual needs. Scoring for both games isn't really necessary, and the timer for You've Been Sentenced! can be left out to remove the pressure for younger players. Both games will provide a completely different experience each time they are played, making for a new and unpredictable challenge.

Even better, McNeill Designs uses their success to help charitable causes in the community. They currently donate a portion of the sales of You've Been Sentenced! to Success Won't Wait, Inc, a wonderful non-profit organization that works to fight illiteracy. Each time that McNeill Designs comes out with a new product, they are committed to finding a new way to give back, and that makes enjoying their games even more fun.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of McNeill Designs, one person will have the opportunity to play their inventive set of games, because...

One lucky person will win Twisted Fish, You've Been Sentenced! and all 5 Add-On Decks! ARV $75!

To enter to win: Visit McNeill Designs store locator and tell me a retailer near you that carries these great games.

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you tell me you or your family's current favorite game(s) to play.
1 Extra Entry if you subscribe by email to the McNeill Designs blog.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

Fun family games! You've Been Sentenced, Twisted Fish & more! WIN a $75 prize pack @thxmailcarrier! http://bit.ly/ak18ey #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and McNeill Designs. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 15th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to McNeill Designs for providing You've Been Sentenced!, its Add-Ons and Twisted Fish for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. Educational and fun, what a combination! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Oompa Toys: Dante Beatrix backpacks, bags, suitcases and more

Over the course of writing this blog, I've been extremely fortunate to try out some amazing products and work with some really great companies. I've read about their missions and browsed all of the innovative items that they offer and have truly enjoyed introducing them to all of you.

I've had friends ask me if I could name my favorite items, the ones that I liked reviewing just a little bit more than the others and, up until now, I've kept those a secret. But I'm letting the cat out of the bag today and revealing one of my top picks. At the end of last December, I reviewed Oompa Toys, an amazing website filled with a huge variety of high quality toys, gear and furniture.

Seeing the pictures and reading about how Oompa provides only natural, beautiful toys was one thing. Actually visiting the Retail Store was entirely on another level. I would have never expected such an incredible company to have their headquarters right here in town and their one and only store almost in my backyard. Since our initial visit, my daughters and I have become even bigger Oompa fans and in the upcoming months you'll see some of the many, many reasons why.

When Big Sister E was preparing to start preschool, the last thing I asked before leaving the orientation meeting was, "What should she bring?" Her teacher nodded at me and replied, "A backpack with extra clothes. That's it." During the drive home, I couldn't wait for my big girl to get to pack up her very first backpack, partially because it really is symbolic of school and partially because she had the cutest backpack ever waiting for her.


The Little Kid Backpack: Monkey from Dante Beatrix combines all of the features I could have come up with to create the most charming, adorable backpack for little ones. Made of lightweight nylon (just wipe it clean with a damp cloth!) with a padded back and adjustable straps, Big Sister E is able to carry it comfortably and easily, even when filled.

Smaller than a traditional backpack, the Little Kid Backpacks don't overwhelm younger children or prove to be too big and bulky like the traditional sizes tend to do. Even though a standard size folder won't fit inside Big Sister E's Monkey Bag, it has proven to be the perfect thing to tote around her clothes, shoes, artwork and letters home from school. On non-school days, it's the cutest bag to come along with us to Grandma's house or other fun outings.

With options available for far past the preschool years, Oompa Toys offers an amazing selection of Dante Beatrix items that will work for any stylish child for multiple occasions. I know Big Sister E would be more than happy to carry a matching Monkey Lunch Box, which features insulation to keep her snacks fresh and cool and heavy-duty laminated canvas for easy cleaning.

Or, when she has outgrown her Little Kid Backpack (and passed it down to Little Sister B), one of the Big Kids Backpacks from Dante Beatrix would work great for Big Sister E. Using the same quality construction and durable nylon, these packs can fit textbooks, a laptop, shoes, food and more. Instead of the same generic backpacks that all the kids have, my daughter could stand out with the Panda Bag and be set for years to come.

Even better, I imagine that the next time we travel Big Sister E would be overjoyed to bring along the Bunny Wheelie Bag that Oompa carries (available in-store only) so that she could feel like a true jet-setter. These sturdy little suitcases have multiple pockets, a roomy interior and an adjustable handle that even reaches tall enough for an adult to comfortably use. Hmm, maybe I need one of these for myself...

Oompa Toys carries so many great backpacks and bags that it's hard to choose between them, but the Dante Beatrix line is definitely a favorite at our house. Plus, having the ability to browse them online and in the Oompa Retail Store is a big advantage for us - I hadn't even known the cute Wheelie Bags existed until our recent visit.

With spring break upon us, the end of this school year is not too far off. How has your child's backpack held up? Is it showing wear-and-tear? Big Sister E's Monkey Bag is in perfect shape and still looks pristine, which demonstrates its strength and durability - an attribute of all Oompa products. They care about where their items come from, who makes them and how the employees there are treated. Not to mention they strive for complete customer satisfaction and to only sell the most high quality of products.

Even if you aren't lucky enough to have the Oompa Toys Retail Store nearby, their website is clean, colorful, fun, user-friendly, and most orders ship within 24 hours. They even have a 30-day return policy if, for some reason, you aren't fully happy with your purchase... although I highly doubt that's even possible. Be sure to sign up for their newsletter, connect with Oompa on Twitter and Facebook and check out their blog for even more information.

And if you decide to come visit their store, don't be surprised if the girls and I are hanging out there playing and shopping - it's hard to stay away!


(This post is part of a series highlighting Oompa Toys. In exchange, they are helping sponsor me to attend the BlogHer '10 conference in August. However, that partnership has not influenced my opinion of Oompa in any way - I was a complete and utter fan long before that.)

ThermaPAK Pink HeatShift Laptop Cooler {Review & Giveaway} ARV $29.99

{This giveaway is now closed. Thanks to those who entered!}

When my husband and I moved into our house years ago, we bought a dining room table and chairs set that fit right in with the space and decor. Now that we have a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old, at any time during the day that table (safely covered with an easy-clean tablecloth) might be serving a number of different purposes. It's the location for a wide variety of coloring, painting or crafting projects as well as, of course, 3 meals (and a snack or two).

The dining room table also acts as my "office" and my laptop stays sitting out and turned on from the time I wake up until the time I finally drag myself to sleep. Convenient? Yes. Good for the laptop? No. Keeping it running for that amount of time leads to it getting pretty warm and, up until recently, I didn't make the connection between being it being overheated and poor laptop performance.

What made me realize this was the problem was the fact that I now had a preventative solution in the form of a ThermaPAK 15" Pink HeatShift Laptop Cooler.


The most effective answer to laptop heat, ThermaPAK's HeatShift Laptop Coolers have been proven to lower laptop temperature by more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit and significantly outperformed USB cooling fans. Constructed out of safe, laboratory-tested cooling crystals, heat is dissipated quickly and effectively without the use of any power, wires or refrigeration.

Not having been overly familiar with laptop cooling devices, in preparation for this review I looked up various types to try to understand if ThermaPAK's HeatShift Technology was really all that unique. The answer: a resounding yes! I can't imagine using a noisy, fan-type product that would blow dirt and dust at your laptop that would either require electricity or use up one of your USB ports (and the energy to run it).

Instead, ThermaPAK's HeatShift crystals cool uniformly and shift from being solid when they are cool to a gel as they absorb heat. All that is required is to place it on your table, desk or lap (no more scorching your legs!) and set your laptop right down on top. Simple and eco-friendly? Completely. Effective? 100%. And when you are done for the day and your laptop is removed or turned off, the crystals solidify once again and are ready and waiting for tomorrow.

My child-friendly vinyl tablecloth is no longer in danger of melting and my laptop hasn't frozen up or had any delay problems since I've left it placed on top of this stylish pink pad. When I do move to sit on the couch, the ThermaPAK Laptop Cooler is lightweight and soft and the design is slim enough that it could slip into a briefcase or bag for easy travels.

Available in 3 different colors, ThermaPAK HeatShift Laptop Coolers are more successful, mobile and ecological than anything else on the market I've seen. Their comprehensive research and development, attention to details and continual evolution of design has put ThermaPAK and their products (they also have a HeatShift Laptop Bag that looks pretty amazing) as the brand to go to for laptop cooling devices.

And, thanks to their generosity, one person will have the opportunity to cool their laptop in a fun, pink way, because...

One lucky person will win a 15" Pink HeatShift Laptop Cooler from ThermaPAK! ARV $29.99!

To enter to win: Why would a ThermaPAK HeatShift Laptop Cooler be helpful for you and where would you use it the most?

Extra Entries (available after the mandatory entry above is completed; please leave a separate comment for each entry in order for them to be counted).

1 Extra Entry if you suggest another color that ThermaPAK HeatShift Laptop Coolers should come in.
1 Extra Entry if you follow the ThermaPAK blog with Google Friend Connect.
1 Extra Entry (per giveaway entered) - Enter any (or all) of the giveaways running on Thanks, Mail Carrier for the duration of this giveaway.
1 Extra Entry if you follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway by copying and pasting the tweet below and leaving me the link. Tweet daily for an extra entry every day!

A ThermaPAK Pink HeatShift Laptop Cooler (ARV $30) prevents overheating in style! @thxmailcarrier http://bit.ly/9RVuRX #win #giveaway

2 Extra Entries (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar), subscribe to my RSS feed or subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email.
3 Extra Entries if you put my cute button up on your blog. Please leave an address where it can be found.
3 Extra Entries if you blog about this giveaway linking back to Thanks, Mail Carrier and ThermaPAK. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on April 15th at 11:59pm CST. Do me the favor of leaving an email address or making absolutely sure it is visible in your profile, I have to have a way to contact the winner. The winner will be chosen by random.org and announced here as well as emailed and will have 48 hours to contact me or respond to notification or a new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only.

A big thank you to ThermaPAK for providing a Pink HeatShift Laptop Cooler for me to review as well as for one lucky giveaway winner. My laptop thanks you too! The opinions shared are my own and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Traveling With Children Winners!

What a week! I hope that the reviews from all of these great products helped in any current or future planning for travels with children, they definitely all came in handy with Big Sister E and I on our recent airplane ride. Now, with 11 winners to pick, let's get to it...

I loved seeing which color of Mrs. Smith's Diaper Bag everyone liked and for those of you who said that you would be boring and choose black - don't worry! I did, too! There just really isn't any way that my husband would be caught anywhere near a zebra-print bag, no matter how amazingly organized and helpful it was. The lucky person who will get to use one of these unique bags is...

Congratulations, Emily B!

I took another airplane ride two weeks ago and got to put my wonderful High Sierra Sport Company Carry-On Wheeled Backpack with Removable Day Pack to the test yet again - and it passed with flying colors! As I was just gone for a few days, this was the perfect bag to bring with me so that I didn't have to check any luggage and the convenience was really appreciated. I recognized the High Sierra logo on a few other bags during the trip and had to hold back from asking those people what they thought of their luggage!

The lucky person who will get to travel with a high-quality, durable bag soon is...

Congratulations, Bethany!

Were you as impressed as I was that a grandmother invented the CARES Child Aviation Restraint System? After having used it with Big Sister E, I can't see ever going back to lugging a big car seat around again. Simply toss this in the bag and you're ready to go! The lucky person who will get to use this innovative device is...

Note: this was the second number drawn as the first winner said that they subscribed by email... but their address was nowhere to be found on the list.

Congratulations, Kevin E!

Your child would be pretty entertained the next time they're in a restaurant/at church/at the doctor/on a car ride/at a friend's house with a My Busy Kit, wouldn't they? The moms who invented these great kits definitely knew what they were doing and have made keeping children occupied much easier by giving parents a big selection of fun items in one small container. However, you all came up with some pretty good suggestions as to ideas of what could be added, so maybe they'll turn up in one of the kits soon!

The lucky person who will get to surprise their child with a My Airport Busy Kit is...

Congratulations, momtoem!

Noodle Head Toys' Travel Buddies are so cute! By combining a plush, furry friend with a comforting, soft pillow they have created a must-have for children to sleep comfortably while traveling. The lucky person who will get to give their child a new fuzzy pal is...

Congratulations, One Southern Girl!

RandomLine has so many fun and educational games for kids of all ages and skill levels that there really is something for everyone. Big Sister E really enjoyed using the SQUIGGLE Shapes & Colors On-The-Go pad during our trip and because it has so many fun pages, there are enough left that I've tucked it away for the next time we travel. The lucky person who will get to entertain their child (while also making them think a little bit) is...

Congratulations, Rachel C!

Finally, don't forget about the potty! Having an On-The-Go Inflatable Potty Seat was a big help during our trip and it allowed Big Sister E to be much more independent than she otherwise would have been. Had we owned this sooner, my in-laws wouldn't have had to go out and buy a separate potty seat for when we visit because we could have just brought this along! The 5 lucky people who will get to provide their child with a way to use the potty at home or on the go are...

Congratulations rainmommy, contestrobyn, skgaff, Kristy and Jennifer!

Whew! Thanks to everyone who entered these fun Traveling With Children giveaways - I hope your next trip is a great one!