I'm Mom Blogger of the Week!

While hanging out enjoying the peace and quiet of naptime this afternoon, I happened to catch the following tweet:


Say what? After my heart slowed back down to a normal pace again, I clicked over there and found myself on About.com, the information source on... everything. Really, if you're looking for guidance on wild birds, game shows, Italian food, ping-pong, scrapbooking or zoology, they have it. And about every other category that you could possibly think of.

My topic? Well, the one that sums up my life in four words:


Every week in the About.com Guide to Stay-At-Home Moms, Apryl Duncan selects a blogger of the week and highlights what she likes about their blog and why readers should visit. Considering you've already seen the title of this post and Apryl's tweet, you know that this week yours truly has the honor of being featured as the lucky blogger.

No, there's no one showing up at my door with balloons and a giant check, but I'm still honored. Everyone likes to be recognized now and then for something that they work so hard on, right? If you'd like to read Apryl's great post, head over and check it out. While you're there, you can also see my profile page and, if you happen to be a member of About.com, leave a review about my blog.

As for me, I'm going to back to whistling a happy tune and marveling at the little things that can bring such excitement to my life.

Votre Vu {Review & Giveaway} Superior Skin Care

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

With Mother's Day right around the corner, there isn't a better time to think about a little relaxation and pampering for all of the moms out there. No matter if you stay at home, work at home, work outside of the home or have kids that are all grown up, we all deserve at least one day of putting our feet up and having someone else do all the work (we actually deserve much more than just one day, but that's a whole separate issue).

And when it comes to treating our skin with the best possible products out there, there's no need to look any further than the top of the line collection available at Votre Vu.


French-made and containing only the finest natural ingredients available, Votre Vu products are hand-crafted with a large proportion of power ingredients within in each formula. In comparison to many skin care products that are comprised of primarily fillers, Votre Vu's higher percentages ensure that they are only produce superior products that give superior results!

With a large collection of amazing products, I like that Votre Vu has something for every age and skin type. Sensitive skin? Troubled skin? Mature skin? There is something formulated just for you. With my normal to oily skin, I was able to try a great 3-step combination to help me cleanse, tone and and balance consisting of the CALM, COOL, AND COLLECTED Calming Cotton Masque Pour Le Visage, the PEAU ÉQUILIBRÉE Tonic for Oily Skin and the PEAU ÉQUILIBRÉE Crème de 24/7 Oily Skin.

Step 1: Using the 3 C's Cotton Masque for Calming Skin, I smoothed a layer on my face and let it sit for 15 minutes while I enjoyed the sweet, flowery scent. The Masque felt smooth and soft on my skin, not rough or drying like others that I've tried.

Step 2: I felt a little odd spraying myself in the face with the Balanced Skin Toner, but liked knowing that it was balancing and purifying my skin. Step 3: I applied a light layer of the Balanced Skin Crème and was amazed to find that my skin felt clean and clear without being stripped of all moisture. It was like a mini trip to the spa all in the comfort of my own home.

So as not to leave out the rest of my skin, I also tried the Tarte D'Amande Hand Crème, one half of Votre Vu's DUETTE LUXE LIP BALM & HAND CRÈME (an innovative double-bottle that contains both a hand cream and a lip balm). This lotion is luxuriously thick and the strong smell of coconut stays with you long after you have massaged it in. I really liked the way it absorbed into my skin but didn't leave my hands feeling greasy or sticky but instead left them fully hydrated with a soft glow.

After having tried Votre Vu's products, I can see why everyone loves them! Their high quality combined with the fact that they do not test any of their products on animals has made a big fan. To find out more, as well as to read up on some great articles on beauty, fashion and health, visit Beauty Bambina. Plus, you can find information on where to go to order Votre Vu items online or by calling 866-52-ORDER to speak to a consultant.

Also, thanks to the generosity of Beauty Bambina, one person will no longer lose their lip balm or forget to carry their hand cream, because...

One lucky person will win a DUETTE LUXE LIP BALM & HAND CRÈME! ARV $38!

(See the unique top? Open the first lid and there is a mirror, open the second to find the lip balm and then behind the third is the hand crème. How cool is that?)

To enter to win: Visit Votre Vu, browse their wonderful selection of products and tell me which one(s) you would like to own.

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 Beauty Bambina on Twitter and/or subscribe to Beauty Bambina's feed.
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!

I want to WIN a Votre Vu Duette Luxe Lip Balm & Hand Crème ($38) @thxmailcarrier from @beauty_bambina! http://bit.ly/d6nWrl #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 Beauty Bambina. Please leave an address where it can be found.


Giveaway will end on May 20th 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 Barbara from Beauty Bambina for providing Votre Vu products for me as well as a DUETTE LUXE LIP BALM & HAND CRÈME for one lucky giveaway winner. This review was made possible due to my membershipo at The Product Review Place. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Winners!

Is there anything better than a kid-powered, no-batteries-required, completely entertaining toy like a PlasmaCar? Just find a smooth, flat surface and you're good to go, no pedaling or coordination required. These really are innovative and creative and just plain old fun, which one lucky person will soon find out...

Congratulations, VJ ~ vantalee!

Spring is definitely a time to not only clean out your house but to clean out your closet as well (at least for me). Shopping at a site like DownEast Basics is great because you end up with trendy, fashionable items at affordable prices. What more could you ask for? To win one? The lucky person who gets to update their wardrobe is...

Congratulations, Kim!

Really, you should see Heather Harvey, inventor of the Measure Up Bowl, in person. I never would have guessed that at one point she was 80 pounds heavier because she looks great now! However, thanks to that long-gone extra weight, we now have the opportunity to eat healthier with her unique and exceptional bowls. No measuring or weighing or anything complicated, just put your food in them and fill to the right line - simple! The lucky person who will get to begin using portion control in a bowl is...

Congratulations, cloud10277!

Even though I'm not looking forward to the drama when my daughters are tweens, if Big Sister E's excitement over the FAB Beauty cosmetics that we reviewed is any indication, at least I'll know one way to make them happy. A little glitter can go a long way! The three lucky people who get to surprise the tweens in their life are...

Congratulations, Kari, polly and jenzen69!

As always, a huge thank you to everyone who entered these great giveaways!

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! {Review} & Orange Pound Cake {Recipe}

I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! is one of those products that I will always associate with its commercials. I know there have been multiple spokespeople over the years but, for me, I can't look at that yellow tub without picturing Fabio. His trademark long hair perfectly styled while he effortlessly woos women with his "I can't believe it's naht bahhhturr" accent. Who wouldn't want to try this spread?

Male model marketing aside, there is actually quite a bit of truth to naming this product I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! With no hydrogenated oils (so there's no trans fat) and 2 grams or less saturated fat per serving (70% less than butter), this soft spread also has no cholesterol and is an excellent source of Omega 3 ALA. But the taste? Still rich and buttery, no matter if you are cooking, sautéing, spreading, topping or baking (it even comes in sticks as well as the spread).

Using I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! on our toast and pancakes the next morning, no one was the wiser. But could it really be used for baking and have the same results? Big Sister E and I were on a mission to find out. When I showed her the picture of what we were going to bake, she was slightly excited:


Orange Pound Cake

1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 tsp baking powder
1/4 tsp salt
1/3 cup lowfat vanilla yogurt
1 tbsp orange juice
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup sugar
1 tbsp grated orange peel
3/4 cup I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! soft spread
3 large eggs

Preheat oven to 325F. Grease and flour 8-1/2 x 4-1/2-inch loaf pan; set aside.

Combine flour, baking powder and salt in medium bowl; set aside. Combine yogurt, orange juice and vanilla in small bowl; set aside. Combine sugar with orange peel in large bowl.

Beat I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! soft spread into sugar and orange peel mixture with electric mixer on medium-high speed until light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Alternately beat in flour mixture and yogurt mixture on low speed just until blended. Spoon batter into prepared pan.

Bake 55 minutes or until lightly browned and toothpick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool on wire rack 10 minutes. Remove from pan and cool completely.

Frost, if desired, with Orange Glaze (combine 1 cup confectioners' sugar with 1 tbsp orange juice. Add more orange juice if needed).

Oh yes, the glaze was desired.

There isn't a better way to sum up biting into this besides YUM! It's not heavy and thick like a traditional pound cake but instead moist, delicious and fluffy. The glaze definitely adds to the overall sweetness and the addition of the orange gives enough tasty flavor without being overpowering. Best of all, because this is made with I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! instead of butter, I don't feel nearly as guilty about going back for a second piece.

Considering the way that spreads like I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! taste and the large health benefits of using them, it would be silly to continue to eat the unnecessary trans fat and saturated fats that butter contains. Plus, with all of the delicious recipes that I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! offers, you'll be able to enjoy your food while feeling good about it.

Yep, feeling good.

Find out more about I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! products, promotions, coupons and more on their website, you'll love what you can create in a healthy, delicious way!

(Other than the I Can't Believe It's Not Butter! VIP Kit 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, its taste and its benefits.)

Eleven Collection {Review & Giveaway and Coupon Code} Shoes for Little Travelers

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

There's something to be said for kids and their outright honesty. Even though I'm not a fan of the times when Big Sister E comments out loud about the people we encounter in public, I hope that she grows up to always say how she feels and isn't afraid to speak her mind (just possibly with a little more tact).

Therefore, using a 3-year-old as a product reviewer really is a perfect way of receiving a 100% truthful and sincere opinion on everything from clothing to toys to food. So when I opened the box to show Big Sister E her new shoes from Eleven Collection and she responded, "Let's wear these RIGHT NOW," I already knew that we had a winner.


One glance and it's easy to see that Big Sister E was right. The Chloe Pink are the cutest Mary Janes around, featuring cute leather uppers in soft pink with cream trim and flower accents. The addition of the tiny cut-outs by the toes and the sweet hint of the green leaves come together to give these the right combination of casual and dressy while still being full-on adorable.

For Big Sister E, her shoes have to also feel great on her feet and, fortunately for her, Eleven Collection is synonymous with comfort. The leather is soft and smooth, the rubber sole is flexible and durable and there is plenty of traction to help keep her moving safely. Inside, the cushioned insoles give cushy padding all around and the Velcro closures allow for us to adjust the shoes to fit her perfectly (as well as making it so that she can put them on by herself).

Additionally, a big plus is that shoes from Eleven are ready to wear right out of the box and don't require being "broken in." From the first time Big Sister E put them on, she was ready to go and I could tell by the way she was running and jumping that she was extremely happy with her new shoes. Considering they are the best of all worlds, how could she not be?

As for me, I love the unique look of the entire line of Eleven Collection shoes. They are bright, unique, fashionable and versatile and run from a size 9 to a size 3 (for approximately ages 3 - 8. For pre- and first-walker shoes, Eleven has a fantastic sister company, See Kai Run).

From dressy to casual, these shoes are not only stylish but don't look at all like the rows of generic shoes that you find in most stores. Their Spring/Summer 2010 styles will truly add just the right amount of color and flair to any outfit for boys or girls.

When it comes to children's shoes, sandals and boots, Eleven Collection can be counted on for high quality, comfort and a premium look that will make a statement. They are continually adding more amazing new styles to their line and each season I am never disappointed in the originality and personality that each shoe entails.

If that isn't enough, from now through May 20, 2010 enter the coupon code thanksmailcarrier20 and you'll receive a 20% discount off of your entire purchase. Take advantage of this great deal to stock up for the next few seasons! Plus, thanks to Eleven's generosity, one person will get to outfit their child in the hottest shoes around, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of shoes from Eleven Collection! ARV $50!

To enter to win: Visit Eleven Collection and tell me which of their adorable pairs of shoes are your favorite(s).

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 Eleven on Twitter, become a fan (Like) on Facebook and/or send Eleven Collection your email information to join their mailing list.
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 cute Eleven Collection shoes (ARV $50) for your little traveler @thxmailcarrier from @ElevenShoes! http://bit.ly/akFAhv #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 Eleven Collection. Please leave an address where it can be found.


Giveaway will end on May 20th 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. and Canadian residents only.

A huge thank you to Eleven Collection for providing shoes 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.

Live Green Together with Cascadian Farm {Review & Giveaway}

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

I'm not sure when exactly it happened, but around here we seem to have turned into cereal connoisseurs. Gone are the days when we used to grab any old box off of the shelf - that has been replaced with my husband and I pondering something healthy and nutritious while Little Sister B refuses most anything and Big Sister E's taste buds are too refined for a 3-year-old (read: picky).

Combining all of our requirements narrows down our cereal options to a very short list, which makes for pretty boring breakfasts and snack times at our house. So, when I was given the opportunity to not only help to promote living green with Cascadian Farm but to sample a range of their delicious products, how could I say no?


Dedicated to organic goodness since 1972, Cascadian Farm products are grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, chemical fertilizers or genetically engineered ingredients. With over 75 high-quality organic products in categories from cereals to frozen vegetables to fruit spreads, their range of items covers foods that the whole family will enjoy.

And enjoy we did.


Within moments of unpacking the box Cascadian Farm sent, Big Sister E and I had dug into the Dark Chocolate Almond Granola. The crunchy combination of oats and almonds with the small pieces of dark chocolate - yum! We ate this cereal dry and with milk and it was delicious each and every time.

Later that day we were meeting friends for lunch so I packed a baggie of Fruitful O's to come along to try. As Little Sister B has gotten pickier and pickier as she has gotten older (she even turns her nose up at traditional O's cereals), I wasn't sure how Cascadian Farm would be received. However, it turned out I needn't have worried because both she and Big Sister E took one taste and the baggie was empty in no time. I managed to sneak a taste and found that they had a sweet, fruity taste that wasn't sugary or overpowering. Another yum!

Later that day, Big Sister E and I shared one of the Chocolate Chip Chewy Granola Bars and I had to hold my sweet tooth back from finishing off the rest of the box. As we later found with the Dark Chocolate Almond Granola Bars, these are the perfect thing to have on hand for a snack or to fulfill my chocolate craving during the day without going overboard. Chewy and delicious!

The next day, everyone was eager to try Cascadian Farm's Cinnamon Crunch and Oats and Honey Granola cereals. Neither left us disappointed with the taste and, as I was munching my Cinnamon Crunch, I went online and compared its nutrition facts to a similar cinnamon cereal on the market. Considering Cascadian Farm's version has one fourth of the amount of fat and sugars, I know that we're not returning to the other brand.


Although Earth Day has passed, Cascadian Farm is still encouraging people to make a positive change for a healthier world. Last week I wrote about the collection of pledges that they have put together on Facebook and how, for each person that signs a pledge through May 31, Cascadian Farm will donate $1 to the Organic Farming Research Foundation. Isn't it time to do your part to initiate a positive change for healthier foods and a healthier earth?

Cascadian Farm thinks now is a great time and, because of their never-ending generosity, one person will get to try out the same great collection of cereals and granola bars that we did, because...

One lucky person will receive a Live Green Together prize package including a variety of Cascadian Farm cereals and granola bars and an eco-friendly grocery bag!

Even if you don't win, you can sign up with Cascadian Farm and receive a $1 coupon to try their products yourself!

To enter to win: Tell me what changes your family has made (or plans to make) in an effort to live greener.

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 Cascadian Farm on Twitter and/or become a fan (Like) on Facebook. One more entry if you sign one of their Earth Day pledges and tell me which one you chose.
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!

I want to "Live Green Together" with a delicious Cascadian Farm prize pack @thxmailcarrier! http://bit.ly/cRQGzS #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 Cascadian Farm. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on May 20th 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 MyBlogSpark and Cascadian Farm for providing information and a Live Green Together package for me 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.

Oompa Toys: Skip Hop diaper bags, toys, accessories and more

{To read my introductory post in this series on Oompa Toys, please click here}

It's hard to think of a day when I won't carry a diaper bag with me. I know that at some point my daughters will be old enough that I won't need to tote around snacks, clothes, diapers, little toys and more, but right now it seems like a long way off.

Fortunately, until that point in the distant future arrives, I am able to travel in style with my Skip Hop Dash Diaper Bag, one of the many great Skip Hop items that my favorite retailer, Oompa Toys, offers for adults and kids.


From the moment I laid eyes on this diaper bag, Skip Hop moved onto my short list of brands that I adore. The perfect mix of form and function, the Dash is stylish and hip while having just the right number of pockets and organizational accessories to keep my life in order. I always know where to find my wallet or phone and being able to slide a cup for each of my girls into the side pockets has made leaving the house so much easier for us all.

Constructed out of an extremely durable poly-canvas, my Dash has easily held up to everything that I have put it through and still is in great shape. Whether I am wearing it messenger-style or using Skip Hop's unique clip system for it to hang perfectly on the stroller, it has been banged up or tossed around without ever appearing anything less than high quality.

So, when I first saw the wall of Skip Hop gear in the Oompa Toys Retail Store, it took me a fair amount of self-restraint to not want to run my hands over each and every one of them. I was drawn to not only the great variety and selection that Oompa carries, but how easy that they make it to shop all of their bags. I felt like each one was calling out to me to throw it open, feel around inside and try it on to see how well it fit.

If the great diaper bags didn't impress me enough, when I turned to follow Big Sister E we walked right up to another fantastic display of Skip Hop items. This time a wall of products for children, Oompa Toys had a wonderful array of bath toys, backpacks (is there anything cuter than the Monkey Zoo Pack? It has a banana zipper pull!) and so much more for any room of the house.

When we moved on from there, we headed back to the baby section of Oompa Toys and I caught a glimpse of the innovative Skip Hop Palette Plate and Mate Stay-Put Mat and Plate while on our way. But before I had time to contemplate how much easier they would make mealtimes at our house, Little Sister B was too eager to have time to cuddle and play with the Plush Piggy Ball.


Big enough to hug but soft and light enough to roll around, these adorable creatures are extremely soft, easy to grab and make a sweet tinkling chime noise when moved. Little Sister B had a wonderful time holding each of the animals close (the Spotty Cow and the Stripey Duck are equally as cute as the Plush Piggy) and twisting her entire body back and forth to hear their sounds. For $12.99, I could see these becoming a go-to baby gift that would make any mom or little one happy.

When it was finally time for us to leave (which is always difficult as both girls want to stay and play for hours), we thanked the ever-friendly Oompa Toys Retail Store employees and took a last glance back at the fun we had there. Even if I'm just browsing the Oompa website, I get the same feeling - that they care. And that's a quality I definitely appreciate.

Be sure to sign up for the Oompa Toys newsletter, connect with them on Twitter and Facebook and check out their blog for more information. And while you're reading their blog, don't miss the opportunity to find out about their Silly Face Contest (running until May 17) where you have the chance to win an adorable piggy bank and a $100 shopping spree on Oompa.com!


(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.)

KINeSYS Performance Sunscreen {Review & Giveaway} ARV $38

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

My husband often jokes that when Big Sister E is playing in the bathtub that she blends right in with the white porcelain. Of course she's not that pale, but she does have extremely light skin and I have always been vigilant about protecting it from the sun when we go out, whether to play or swim or just for a walk.

At some point in our talks she must have understood the importance of sunscreen, because now it seems that she is the one to remind me (over and over) that she needs it when we are heading outside. Does that mean that she wants to stand still and let me grease her all up with traditional sunscreen, though? Not so much.

Life has gotten a little easier around here (just in time for the warmer weather) now that we can use the no-mess, quick-drying, Dermatologist and Pediatrician recommended Kids SPF 30 Alcohol Free Sunscreen Spray from KINeSYS.


There are so many great features of KINeSYS Sunscreens that come together to make this a really great product to use with kids. The light mist of the fragrance-free spray feels soft and clean and requires no rubbing while not leaving any residue behind. I love knowing that by quickly and easily spritzing both of my girls that they will receive broad spectrum UVA/UVB protection without any oil, alcohol or preservatives. And why would I put any of those things on their sweet, soft skin?

Now, instead of impatience and complaining, I can easily pull out the KINeSYS Kids SPF 30 Sunscreen Spray and have both Big Sister E and Little Sister B covered in moments. For their faces or ears, I simply spray a few times on my hands and transfer the protection to those sensitive areas by lightly rubbing it directly on. Plus, as KINeSYS Sunscreens are water and sweat-resistant, I don't have to worry about reapplying nearly as often as I have with previous brands that we've used in the past.

As well as the KINeSYS Kids Sunscreen that has been working great for my daughters, I was able to try the original SPF 30 Alcohol Free Sunscreen Spray in the convenient 1 ounce container. The perfect size for a diaper bag, glove compartment or just in a pocket, this sunscreen has all of the same wonderful features as the version for kids but with a refreshingly pleasant mango scent.

With the ease of the spray and that it is oil-free, hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, I don't have a problem using KINeSYS Sunscreen on my body or face because it doesn't leave me greasy or sticky and won't clog my pores. After having used both of these products, it's no wonder to me that KINeSYS has won a multitude of awards and has been praised in newspapers, magazines and throughout the internet.

As well as selling safe and innovative products, there is a long list of reasons why KINeSYS is a wonderful company to support. Their love for the planet has led them to be green throughout their entire production process. The handy spray bottles use non-pressurized aerosol pumps, recycled and recyclable packaging, soy-based inks and are even Carbon Neutral due to KINeSYS purchasing carbon offsets. They are cruelty-free, vegan and a Certified B Corporation, a true demonstration of their social and environmental dedication.

With the sunshine and warm weather finally arriving, now is the time to prepare for spending time outdoors and protecting your skin from the harmful rays. Knowing that KINeSYS not only cares about the health and safety of my family but also that of the earth is a bonus to using their quick, easy and high quality products. Also, thanks to their generosity, one person will be prepared for the summer sun, because...

One lucky person will win 1 Kids SPF 30 Alcohol free sunscreen spray (4 oz) AND 1 Hydrating Moisturizer with SPF 15 (4 oz)! ARV $38!

To enter to win: Visit KINeSYS and tell me which of their great products (other than the ones mentioned) you like.

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 KINeSYS on Twitter, become a fan on Facebook and/or sign up to receive KINeSYS news and exclusive sale prices by email (found on the middle of their homepage).
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 a $38 KINeSYS sunscreen pack and be prepared for the summer sun @thxmailcarrier from @Kinesys_Inc! http://bit.ly/cZUXp1 #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 KINeSYS. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on May 20th 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 KINeSYS for providing two sunscreens for me to review as well as a prize pack 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.

Princess Couture Designs {Review & Giveaway}

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

Of all the things that Big Sister E can be counted on to remind me, one of the most common is to be sure that she has a hair clip for her hair. And not just any hair clip, it needs to be a matching hair clip. I love watching her stand and contemplate her collection and then select one, hold it against her shirt and consider just how well they go together.

Needless to say, when a beautifully wrapped package arrived from Princess Couture Designs and she opened it to find an assortment of hair clips that were not only colorful and bright but unique and fun... she could only open her eyes wide, turn to me and say, "Oooooh, Mommy. Look!"


Inspired by the birth of her adorable daughter, Michellene's passion for hair accessories easily combined with her skills and talent and Princess Couture Designs was created. From small and simple clips to large and elaborate bows to the new addition of headbands, Princess Couture Designs has an item to make your little princess completely fashionable and stylish for every occasion.

And if you don't see exactly what you are looking for or if you have a cute dress that is screaming for something extra special, Michellene will create a customized accessory just for you (check out the adorable Blue Bird Blossoms clip at right that was made to match the Children's Place dress laid behind it or the sweet Monogrammed Felt Clippie at left that is made just for your child).

I love the variety of styles and the creativity found at Princess Couture Designs - these aren't just the same clippies found elsewhere. Michellene's use of a variety of materials, from the fabrics to the ribbons to the jewels to the beads, adds an extra touch of beauty and flair to all of her creations.

Each clip that we received is not only skillfully handcrafted but finished just right with great attention to detail. The clips - your choice of alligator or snap clips - are lined well (including the no-slip grip that my girls' hair definitely needs) and all additions are securely attached.

Even though I wouldn't purposely leave Little Sister B alone with one of these clips (or ANY clip, for that matter), I'm not concerned that the sparkly gem on the clip at right or the darling beads on the Robins Egg clip at left would come loose due to her or Big Sister E pulling on them. These clips are high quality from top to bottom and will definitely last us for years to come.

If adorable hair accessories aren't enough, Princess Couture Designs also offers the cutest children's bracelets or binkie clips in any bead or Swarovski crystal combination that you choose. What a cute idea for a gift, special occasion or to add bling to pictures!

Big Sister E still treats the hair clips we received from Princess Couture Designs with awe and amazement and it's hard to blame her. Michellene creates unique, beautiful accessories that are as individual as the little princess in your life. Plus, ordering is easy after you've browsed her blog and made your selections. Simply send an email and your custom pieces will be underway, no hassle or complications. As well, thanks to Michellene's generosity, the little girl in one person's life will soon be stylish and fashionable, because...

One lucky person will win a $20 gift certificate to Princess Couture Designs!

To enter to win: Visit Princess Couture Designs, browse back through Michellene's posts to see the adorable selection and then tell me the name of your favorite item.

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 Princess Couture Designs with Google Friend Connect and/or become a fan (Like) 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 a $20 gift card to Princess Couture Designs for adorable bows, clips and more @thxmailcarrier! http://bit.ly/bfmSYz #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 Princess Couture Designs. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on May 20th 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 Michellene at Princess Couture Designs for providing hair clips for me to review and a gift certificate 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.