Vow to Tell Them That They're Special with Hallmark {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, blessedintexas!}

Carpe Diem. Live for the day. Seize the moment.

Life is made up of a collection of moments that, whether happy or sad, come together to create the here and now... that go by extremely quickly. We've all been in the situation where we wish we would have told someone in our life what we were feeling or that we cared about them or just said hi, but we missed the chance.

Thanks to Hallmark, the company that has always focused on relationships and the emotional connections their products and experiences represent, we now have even more of a reason to tell those close to us how we feel thanks to their Tell Them greetings program.

With a focus on "vowing to tell" the ones close to you what they need to hear to make them feel special, Tell Them is all about letting the people you care about know exactly what they mean to you. Whether that is typically an easy thing for you to do or something that you struggle with, Hallmark can help you share your voice, your thoughts, and your feelings.

The Tell Them vow itself is easy: simply visit Hallmark's new Tell Them Facebook page and "vow to tell" someone in your life what you think he/she should hear. You already have someone in mind, don't you? What will you tell them?

Tell Them you miss them?
Tell Them you need them?
Tell Them they're still the one?
Tell Them they're your superhero?
Tell Them you love them?

I love the way that Hallmark is introducing Tell Them to the world (keep an eye out for this commercial to appear on your television soon!) and, even though this video makes me tear up, I just have to keep watching it!


I'm not the only sappy one who is reaching for a tissue right now, am I?

When it comes to turning your "vow to tell" into a reality, Hallmark's greeting cards are a wonderful way to do just that... and, with Valentine's Day right around the corner, there's no better time than now to pick out the perfect card to send to someone you've been longing to reconnect with, who you think needs to hear a supportive voice or who you treasure with all your heart.

I'm continually amazed with the innovation and creativity that goes into Hallmark's cards and their collection of Valentine's Day cards are no exception. From simple and sweet to extravagant and humorous (to pretty much everything in between), they are sure to have just what you're looking for to get your message across.

And, if you're like me and you've ever wondered about the artistic minds that come up with the intricate designs...

...or the cool sounds of Hallmark's cards...

...then you've got to check out the answer straight from Hallmark Card Writer Cat Skorupski! I had the opportunity to send over a few questions to Cat and she was great enough to send over a video response answering how greeting cards have changed over the years!

(P.S. ever wondered how to pronounce my name? Cat has it down perfectly!)


Through thick and thin, the good times and the bad, it's important to know that life is a special occasion, and Hallmark can help drive the emotional connections that make all your relationships meaningful. Instead of keeping your feelings bottled up, share them! Now is the time to Tell Them and let the people we care about know it - head over to Tell Them and vow to do it, too!

And, thanks to the generosity of Hallmark, one person will be able to do just that in style, because...

One lucky person will win a greeting card pack from Hallmark!

These cards are just an example; actual prize pack will vary

To enter to win: Visit Hallmark Tell Them, click the Tell Them tab, and make a vow. Then return here and leave me a comment about it! (If you would prefer to not leave a public vow, you are welcome to just leave a comment telling me who you would leave a vow for and what you would Tell Them.)

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 Hallmark on Twitter and/or Like them 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!

I want to WIN a greeting card pack from Hallmark and tell my family and friends I care! http://bit.ly/wnzvfS @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 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 this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on February 21st at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. 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. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to Hallmark for providing greeting cards 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.

Bertolli Weeknight Meal Special Challenge {Bertolli Meal Soups Review}

Without fail, every weeknight right around 5:00 pm my husband's phone rings. I try his office number first and, on the chance that he doesn't answer there, his cell phone is next.

He always says that he can tell what kind of day it has been for the kids and I by precisely what time the call happens. 4:56? Things must be going poorly. 5:27? We must be having too much fun playing.

Along with that part of our daily routine, the ensuing conversation typically follows the same predictable pattern of neither of us having any new or interesting suggestions of what to have for dinner. "What do you want?" "I don't know. What do you want?" That sort of thing.

Therefore, when Bertolli challenged me to make a weeknight meal time extra special, I was looking forward to attempting to add a little creativity into our same old, same old and come up with an out of the ordinary experience for my family. Given the restriction of only spending a maximum one hour of prep time, it was time to see what Bertolli Meal Soups could do to make things special.

Billed as restaurant-quality, fresh tasting, hearty meal soups that are available in the freezer aisle, Bertolli Meal Soups are easily prepared on the stove and ready to enjoy at home in minutes.

Each of the four varieties (Chicken Minestrone, Roasted Chicken & Rotini Pasta, Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken, and Tuscan-Style Beef with Vegetables) contain only the best vegetables, meats, pasta and herbs individually flash frozen at the peak of freshness.

With the main portion of the meal taken care of, all I needed to do was add some decorations and a little ambiance and we would have our own nice evening out... even though we were staying in.

First up, I prepared my ingredients.

Next, I was happy to discover that preparing Bertolli Meal Soup really is as easy as they claim. Simply pour the frozen contents from the bag into a pot, add one cup of water, bring it to a boil, and simmer. That's it! There is even an option to heat it in the microwave if you prefer that route.

While the soup was on, I quickly chopped up my salad and turned to tackle our main issue: the table.

Yikes.

At most points throughout the day, our table serves as the central point in the house. As well as meals, it doubles as my desk, a shelf, an arts & crafts station, a library, a play area, and much more... meaning that when it comes time for dinner, it's just not pretty. We usually shove things to the side enough that there's room for our plates and glasses, but that's about the extent of "setting the table." Not exactly reminiscent of a restaurant, right?

Although I wasn't planning on pulling out anything ultra-fancy (we were, after all, dining with a 5-year-old and a 3-year-old), I knew that the act of clearing off the table completely would make a big difference to the feel of the meal.

It didn't take all that long before I had turned our haphazard piles into something much more inviting and all that was left to do was add the family and the food and we were ready!

Although my husband and I are both longtime fans of soup, there was some initial hesitancy from both kids when they realized that soup and salad was what was on the menu for the night. However, once they took a look and realized that this wasn't the thin soup that they're used to, they were willing to give it a try.

And another.

And another after that.

Yum! This is definitely not your average soup and the Tomato Florentine & Tortellini with Chicken flavor was a hit. The combination of the cheese-filled tortellini, white meat chicken, spinach and tomatoes in a rich tomato bisque with a hint of basil... it's definitely more of a meal than just a simple bowl of soup.

My husband commented on how much he enjoyed having Bertolli Meal Soup for dinner and, as the 24oz package (which resulted in 32oz of soup) retailed for over $8 at our local grocery store (it is typically supposed to be around $6.40), I was glad to hear it!

This new line of hearty, fresh-tasting meal soups from Bertolli is available in the frozen aisle of grocery retailers nationwide, including Walmart and Target. You can also connect with Bertolli on Facebook and Twitter.

I was compensated by Bertolli to participate in the Weeknight Meal Special Challenge but all ideas and opinions shared are honest and my own.

Add Laughter to Family Game Night with Taboo from Hasbro {Review & Giveaway}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, mframe!}

Now that we're moving into February, I've finally come to terms with the fact that 2012 is here.

Instead of continuing to shake my head at the fact that the past year came and went before my eyes, I'm looking towards the future and all that the upcoming 11 months will have to offer. There will be birthdays, holidays, events, get-togethers, and more that are sure to include the fun and laughter that comes along with celebrating with family and friends.

So whether we're gathering to watch the big game on TV, for Mother's Day, or simply to share some time together, I love the idea of extending the enjoyment by including Hasbro and one of their entertaining games for all ages. Our recent addition? Their newly-updated game of forbidden words, Taboo.

Now with a new, sleek look, game-changer die and humorous "Uh-uh!" buzzer sound, Taboo still incorporates the same concept and fun that it has always been known to include. By splitting players into two teams, one member frantically attempts to get their teammates to guess the winning word on their card.

However, things are made much more difficult with the inclusion of the list of "Taboo" words and phrases which cannot be used. As one team is working to describe their word, the opponents are listening for those words that are off limits and, if heard, the "Uh-uh!" buzzer is sounded.

Having played the original Taboo in the past (quite a few years ago), I was interested to see how Hasbro had updated it and how my family would enjoy this game of "unspeakable" fun.

From initially glancing into the box, the game appeared to include the same main parts — the cards, a holder, a timer and a buzzer — and it was mainly the game changing die that made me do a double take.

However, after looking over the instructions, we found that the die (which is optional and easily left out if you would prefer to play classic Taboo) was there add an extra twist to the play.

By rolling the die at the start of your turn, you are presented with one of five ways that you must adapt. Anything from doubling your guessing time to choosing your guesser to not using any gestures and more!

After installing two AAA batteries (not included) in the buzzer, we split into the quintessential men versus women teams and got down to business. As Taboo is designed for adults, Big Sister E helped out as the timer, while also playing with the buzzer. After all, the "Uh-uh!" sound is fairly humorous just on its own!

As for the rest of us? We had a good time coming up with creative, carefully-worded clues that hopefully excluded the obvious (and sometimes not-so-obvious) unmentionable Taboo words. With more than 1,000 total words to guess, we found that we didn't keep strict track of the score but simply played as long as our 5-year-old referee would allow.

I think I can pretty safely say that had we been keeping track, that the women would have won. Don't we always?

Designed for four or more adult players, the refreshed content, new buzzer and unique die that Hasbro has included ensures that Taboo will help make sure your next party or game night will be filled with fun and laughter.

Retailing for $29.99 from Hasbro, Amazon or in retail stores near you, Taboo is sure to be a welcome addition to your game lineup. Just be careful about avoiding those forbidden words, it can be hard to do!

Thanks to the generosity of Hasbro, one person will soon be having a lively time with their family and friends as well, because...

One lucky person will win Taboo from Hasbro!

To enter to win: Visit Hasbro and leave me a comment about another item there that catches your eye.

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 Hasbro's Family Game Night on Twitter and/or Like them 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!

I want to WIN Taboo from Hasbro (ARV $30) and liven up my next party or game night! http://bit.ly/A7ZUT4 @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 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 this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on February 15th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. 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. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to Hasbro for providing Taboo 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.

How To Budget: Money Saving Tips

Although the day-to-day life of one individual, couple or family can vary drastically from that of another, there are some issues that affect us all.

One big one?

That's right, money. We all need it, want it, work for it... it is the essence of what makes the world go round. Whether you have a bank account filled to the brim or need to consolidate your debts; finances are a topic that we often try to avoid.

I don't consider myself to be the most frugal person out there, but when it comes to cutting costs around the house or tips for saving money, I'm always on the lookout. Here is a short list of a few of my favorites...

1. Free family outings.

As much fun as it is to take your kids to the fancy indoor gyms full of inflatables or open gym at the gymnastics facility, whiling away the hours there can quickly take a hit on your pocketbook. Instead, take advantage of the no-cost options in your area - everything from the library to local playgroups to special free days at the Children's Museum, and more.

And let's not forget about good old Mother Nature! Kids love playing outside in nearly any kind of weather and walking out your front door won't cost you a cent. Throw on rain boots and splash in puddles in the spring, grab a swimsuit and a sprinkler in the summer, collect colored leaves on a nature hike in the fall, bundle up to play in the snow in the winter... the options are endless!

2. Pay cash.

You've heard this one before, haven't you? With the amount of credit card debt that our country has racked up, the concept of only being able to purchase an item when you have the money for it can be extremely difficult. However, it's easy to see how the stress over late fees, bill consolidation, and harassing creditors will disappear if you don't owe anything, right?

3. Sales, coupons, discounts, Daily Deals, free shipping and more.

This one seems like a pretty easy one - buy things on sale and save money! I love browsing the circulars in the Sunday paper to see what might be on sale for the following week and my husband does a great job of clipping and using coupons (yes, I'm spoiled and he does the grocery shopping).

I am continuously impressed with coupon bloggers who are always updating with their latest and greatest finds, so find a few that you like and take advantage of their hard work and ingenuity. From free samples to money-saving coupons to codes for free shipping, it always makes sense to get a good deal.

4. Consider secondhand items.

I had a friend years ago who cringed at the idea of going to garage sales. However, after she started to see the amazing finds that I was picking up for my kids (especially toys and clothes) and how easy it was to throw items in the washing machine or scrub them down and have them end up like new, she started coming along with me. A short while later she was hooked and never looked back.

Although I don't make it to as many garage sales as I used to, the girls and I still love to stop at them when we can and see what treasures we might find. I also keep an eye on Craigslist when we are shopping for something in particular, check out consignment stores for great deals, and check with friends to see if they have something that they aren't using (a good friend came over and "shopped" for her niece in our outgrown kids' clothes just last week. I love knowing that the items will go to good use)!

5. Get organized.

Nothing irks me more than when we end up having to purchase an item when I know that we have one in our house already - my husband just did it this past weekend. That lack of organization meant a waste of money!

I'm also never pleased when I clean out my purse or a drawer in the kitchen and find expired coupons, particularly those that would have made the purchase free. So organization not only saves your time and sanity, it can mean extra dollars in your pocket as well.

6. Do It Yourself.

I'm not saying that you have to take a class and learn how to install your own tiles or flooring (although I do know a couple that did that), but it might be worthwhile for you or someone in your family to learn how to change the oil for your cars or construct a simple shelf out of wood and nails.

Going along with #4, I have seen some of the most amazing decor and results when people find cheap or abandoned furniture, frames, jars, and more and come up with a DIY project that is stunning. You can find plenty of inspiration online or on board after board on Pinterest.com.


These tips are just a drop in the bucket when it comes to personal finances and saving money, but they are easy ways to get started in keeping our wallets a little more full in 2012. Are you frugal? What are your best tips?

Valentines for Kids from Peaceable Kingdom {Review}

I love the way that kids view holidays. There's just something so great about the innocent excitement in their eyes when they talk about what they're going to dress up as for Halloween or how cool it was that a leprechaun visited for St. Patrick's Day.

Valentine's Day is no exception. Whereas it is easy for adults to get jaded against February 14th if they aren't in a relationship, kids just know that it is one day that symbolizes love. Love for their family, love for their friends, love for their teachers... just love.

So when it comes to handing out Valentine's Day cards, I find it fun to get in on the joyous spirit with my kids. Whether they are decorating a shoebox to collect all of those colorful cards at school or just hand-delivering a sweet message to neighbors, I enjoy helping them find valentines that they are excited and proud to hand out.

This year I was introduced to a new collection of adorable styles and unique features thanks to the innovative minds at Peaceable Kingdom.

From traditional Valentine Heart Packs that can be folded and sealed with stickers to creative Valentine Super Fun Packs that include scratch-and-sniff, temporary tattoos, paper airplanes, and more, there is a bright, cheerful option for boys and girls of all ages. Whether your child is into trucks, unicorns, monsters, monkeys or many others, Peaceable Kingdom has a style that is sure to be a hit!

After much discussion and contemplation, Big Sister E narrowed down her favorite to the Scratch & Sniff Chocolate Super Valentine Fun Pack and couldn't wait for them to arrive.

Showing up in their own cute handled tote box, this Chocolate Valentine Pack contained 28 valentines (seven of each of the four designs) and 28 envelopes that, due to the fun chocolate treat-themed illustrations, would have been enough on their own.

After all, who doesn't love a chocolates, ice cream cones, cookies or cupcakes?

Along with the bright colors and cute-but-not-overly-cutesy designs on the front of these cards, the back of each one revealed a short message, enough room to fill in the recipient and sender's names, and a little reminder that the valentines are scratch and sniff.

While the chocolate scent is there as soon as you pick them up, these cards aren't anywhere near overpowering enough that they would be bothersome — something I definitely appreciated. Instead, they have just enough yummy smell to them that it's hard to keep from giving them a big sniff over and over again.

Now we're left to anxiously count down the days until February 14th, as Big Sister E can't wait to hand these out to all of her friends. Who wouldn't be excited about spreading a little chocolate-smelling cheer to those that you care about?

For a unique way to celebrate Valentine's Day this year, Peaceable Kingdom's Super Valentine Fun Packs and Valentine Heart Packs are sure to grab some attention and bring a smile. These fun cards have retail prices of $13 and $5, respectively, but are actually priced slightly less on Amazon when you go to make your purchase.

Visit Peaceable Kingdom on their website to browse all of their fun valentine designs (they also offer great games, birthday cards, books and stickers) and be sure to connect with them on Facebook as well.

(Other than the Super Valentine Fun Pack I was provided by Peaceable Kingdom, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this company and their fun products.)

Clorox Lemon Fresh Scent Disinfecting Wipes from CleanItSupply.com {Review & Giveaway - 2 winners!}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, clynsg and Christina!}

When it comes to cleaning, I think it's pretty safe to say that convenience and time-saving are two of the features that are high on the list of must-haves. Who wants to spend all day scrubbing and scouring with a bucket full of a million different products?

Instead, when you've found the ideal quick cleaning choice for everything from everyday household cleaning to stains and spills to janitorial applications, you know that you've found a winner. And when that product provides a quick and easy way to clean and disinfect a variety of surfaces and environments and leaves your home smelling clean and citrus fresh? Then it just has to be Clorox Lemon Fresh Wipes from CleanItSupply.com.

Specially formulated to handle a wide range of cleaning jobs, Clorox Disinfecting Wipes are the disposable cloth wipes that are designed to disinfect while providing a deep and thorough clean when used. With these simple to use wipes there is no need for multiple products and the convenience of being able to pull one out and know that you can wipe, clean and toss can't be beat.

As I was already loving the convenience of the original Clorox Wipes, I was pretty excited to have the opportunity to use a case of six canisters of the Lemon Fresh Scent thanks to CleanItSupply.com.

Around here, everything from the counter tops in the kitchen to the sink in the bathroom to the chairs in the dining room (and let's not forget the doorknobs, toys, windows, and more), need to not only be wiped off, but disinfected to keep away the germs. And these Wipes are just the thing to do it!

Offering powerful disinfecting and sanitizing power, these pre-moistened wipes kill up to 99.9% of germs including viruses that cause colds and flu. So the idea that I don't have to even get out a washcloth or paper towel to clean faucets, tiles, wood, glass, mirrors and much more has proven to be just the versatile solution that I needed for quick cleaning.

In less than a minute, I've pulled out one sweet-smelling wipe and have watched my house go from its typical state to a clean, disinfected, sanitary, lemon fresh replacement!

There's no doubt about it that these Clorox Wipes are here to stay. Plus, just as our past experiences with CleanItSupply.com have proven, picking up their household cleaning products in bulk means that I don't have to worry in the slightest that I'll be running out any time soon. I have a container of these Lemon Fresh Wipes in multiple rooms of the house and love knowing that they're always ready and waiting.

A case of these Clorox Wipes would retail for more than $46 elsewhere online, but CleanItSupply.com offers it for $28.82. With this one affordable purchase (that's a savings of almost 40%!) and their lightening fast shipping, you'll be able to relax the rest of this winter knowing that you are keeping your home germ-free quickly, easily and with a quality product.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, two people are going to be prepared to disinfect in a lemony fresh way as well, because...

Two lucky people will win a case (6 canisters) of 75-count
Clorox Lemon Fresh Scent Disinfecting Wipes!

To enter to win: Visit CleanItSupply.com and leave me a comment about an item there that catches your eye.

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 CleanItSupply.com on Twitter, Like them on Facebook and/or sign up for CleanItSupply's Super Saving Program.
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!

2 winners: Win a CASE of Clorox Lemon Fresh Scent Wipes from www.CleanItSupply.com! http://bit.ly/wbYbDG @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 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 this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on February 17th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. 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. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to continental U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to CleanItSupply.com for providing a case of Clorox Lemon Fresh Scent Wipes for me as well as for two lucky giveaway winners. The opinions shared are my own and honest and if you really need to see more, click here to see how I roll.

Sassi Momma Handbags {Review}

From the time I was pregnant with Big Sister E until now, I've gone through a variety of bags.

At first, I went with the diaper bag that seemed to be rated highly in baby books... only to find that it was huge and bulky and not something that I wanted to carry around unless we were taking longer trips. I also had a stylish little diaper bag that was given as a baby shower gift, but it was impractical in its small size as well as its mainly-white fabric that was instantly dirty the first time I used it.

There were others (many others, actually) over the years and yet, here I am now on the tail end of needing a diaper bag and I'm looking back thinking of the wasted money. Not only did it add up by purchasing multiple bags, what am I left with? I'm not going to carry a bag that looks like a diaper bag when I no longer need to, so they're destined for friends, donations or my next garage sale.

Instead, it makes much more sense to select one. One unique, high quality, ultra-fashionable, extremely versatile handbag that can be used pre-baby, throughout childhood, and then beyond that essentially transforms to meet the needs of women through all of the stages of their life.

Introducing: Sassi Momma.

With a desire to improve the dreadful appearance of current diaper bags as well as alleviate handbag organizational difficulties for all women, Sassi Momma's elegant, one-of-a-kind line of D'imorga Handbags are everything you need all in one place.

Hearing that I would be able to utilize a handbag as a diaper bag, an ordinary purse, a laptop bag, an overnight bag or more and still have it be this attractive, well, I was just slightly over-eager to see the Jordyn Bag in Tangerine in person.

Jordyn, where have you been all my life?

Measuring in at 16.75" x 16.75" x 4.25," this is a substantial handbag that really does managed to include every feature that I could possibly need. The genuine leather is soft and vibrant (it is also available in Sky Blue) and from the moment I removed it from the dust cover, it was clear that this was a very high quality bag.

Opening it up, I was amazed at the two large zippered compartments - not only because there was plenty of room to store all of my belongings (and those that I might need for my children), but at the sheer number of pockets. I have never been more organized in my life since Sassi Momma came into it!

As I peered inside, it became evident as to why they had so thoughtfully included illustrations as a hint to what each compartment might be used for...

I have never been so amazed by the organizational possibilities of a handbag before, I really haven't.

First, the side for mom:

The outer portion of this compartment features a key hook, cell phone pocket, wallet pocket, and a jewelry/accessory pocket and each one is exactly the size it needs to be. Instead of trying to cram my wallet in where it doesn't really fit or slipping my cell phone into a pocket where it slides around, Sassi Momma found just the right measurements.

On the other side of this compartment, there is a small upper pocket where you could put change or keep the included Sassi Momma Signature Mirror safely tucked in, a sunglasses/eyewear pocket, and a makeup pocket.

I have never been a fan of dropping my prescription sunglasses into the depths of my purse, not to mention that always leads to me not being able to find them when I want them. Instead, they now have their own pocket... and I can even pull out the perfect little Signature Mirror to check how I look in them!

Just on "my" side alone, there is plenty of space so that I can easily have all of my items within reach and no matter if I'm going to dinner, for an overnight trip or traveling, the multifunctional aspects are really great.

However, that's just one side! The second compartment for baby (or bonus) contains just as many innovative and convenient touches:

The outer portion of this compartment features a pacifier or iPod nano elastic pocket, a diapers or iPad/Kindle pocket, a wipes or coupons/receipts pocket, a covered, separated pocket for jars of baby food or small bottles of water, and two slots for baby utensils or pens and pencils.

Did I mention that the Jordyn Bag can keep you organized? Love it! Of course if you don't carry coupons or your iPad, you can use those pockets for just about anything, but the fact that they are there and make it possible to place your items into their own spots makes it so much less likely that you'll be digging and digging when you are trying to find them.

The final side to this bag, the inner portion of the second compartment, features a pocket for a changing pad (the Jordyn Bag comes with a gorgeous genuine leather one), baby clothes or an address book/calendar and two elastic pockets that are designed for toys, bottles, lotion or clothes or shoes for you.

The entire interior of this bag is made of waterproof nylon, so wiping up spills or liquid is a breeze and just being able to reach inside and know precisely where my water bottle or Little Sister B's extra pair of shorts are located is nearly priceless.

The attached arm strap measures approximately 16" and easily rests on my shoulder or in the crook of my elbow without problem...

...but for longer trips or when I just feel as though I need extra length, the detachable shoulder strap, which measures around 32," allows the Jordyn Bag to hang comfortably over my shoulder or across my body as well.

I have yet to find something that the Jordyn Bag can't do.

When I'm driving, I don't have to take my eyes off of the road to pull out a tissue for Big Sister E. When we're at the park, it takes only a second to go straight to the pocket with Band-Aids for Little Sister B. When I'm heading to the library or a coffee shop for peace and quiet, my laptop slips right in and I use the elastic pockets on the bonus side to hold my mouse and cord.

I've seen handbags in the past that have claimed to be multifunctional, but Sassi Momma has created one that truly can transform to work for all of the different needs that women have and which role in our lives we are in.

Although their bags cost more than what you might find in the store (the Jordyn Bag usually retails for $280 but is on sale now for $170), these aren't just going to serve as a diaper bag or just as a laptop bag, the high quality of their items are going to last a lifetime. A handbag from Sassi Momma would make an amazing, frustration-eliminating, jaw-dropping, stylish gift!

More information (and drool-worthy pictures) about Sassi Momma's collection of bags (as well as their D'imorga Handbags, they have beautiful oversize clutch bags) can be found on their website. You can also connect with this innovative company on Facebook and Twitter.

(Other than the Jordyn Bag I was provided by Sassi Momma, I was not compensated or enticed to do this review in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion of this company and their amazing products.)

Reed Timmer and Storm Chasers trust Bosch ICON Wiper Blades {Prize Pack Giveaway!}

{This giveaway is now closed. Congratulations, Frugal Tumbleweed Acres!}

What is it about reality television that draws us in? Do we just want to compare our own lives to those featured to see if we appear to be normal? Or, more likely, is it just that we want to shake our heads at those on the screen and wonder how in the world they ended up doing something quite so crazy?

The perfect example: Reed Timmer and his fearless team on Storm Chasers on the Discovery Channel.

I don't mind a nice rainstorm or even a little lightening now and again, but I strongly prefer to watch it from the warmth and safety of my couch (or possibly peeking out from under the covers in bed) rather than being out on the road driving in it. The darkness, the rain, the unknown... no, I'm not purposely heading out there in that.

Reed, on the other hand, is out there with his crew driving straight for the action. They not only want to track down the twisters, but their goal is to actually go inside them. I'm shivering just thinking about it.

Fortunately, the Chase Team isn't out driving around in my minivan, but rather in the "Dominator," a technologically-advanced vehicle that is built to acquire all of the data that they are gathering while also keep them from getting swept up and away and dropped down in Oz.

Check out what this mobile marvel can do!


Crazy, right?

One of the features that Reed talks about in the "Dominator" is the importance of a great set of windshield wipers, because what good is chasing a tornado if you can't see where you're going out the window? After doing research to find the most advanced wipers, the Bosch ICON wiper blades were determined to be the highest quality and best for heading directly into a storm.

These bracketless wipers are designed without metal or plastic brackets, joints or hinges, which means they're an improvement over conventional wiper blades. Not to mention that everything from high-tension springs to an aerodynamic design to the customized, precision fit to the curve of the windshield means that these wiper blades will be able to perform in all types of weather.

Although when I'm out driving it's not to get precisely in the path of a tornado, I still want to know that I won't have a problem clearing my window in anything from rain to sleet to a splatter of mud and the Bosch ICON wiper blades are just the thing to do that to keep my family safe.

Plus, with up to a 40% longer life, it is easy to see that the amount of engineering that went into these wiper blades has resulted in a long-lasting, high quality, must-have product — no matter if you are driving home from soccer practice or into the path of a tornado.

To celebrate the release of the Bosch ICON wiper blades, Bosch is currently holding a contest on Facebook for a prize pack of incredible prizes (e.g. iPad 2, Bosch ICON wipers, iTunes gift card and more). On top of that, one lucky fan will win an experience of a lifetime: an all-expenses-paid, five-night VIP Storm Chasing trip for themselves and a guest with Reed Timmer!

If you've ever wanted to experience storm chasing, this is the contest for you! Be sure to visit the Bosch Facebook page to enter as well as to see Reed documenting his experience with the Bosch ICON wiper blades in a series of great webisodes.

And, thanks to the generosity of Bosch, one person will be prepared to head out safely in their car in nearly any type of weather, because...

One lucky person will win a Bosch ICON Prize Pack (total ARV $195!)*!

*The prize pack includes:

• A set of Bosch ICON wiper blades ($50 value)
• "Storm Chasers - Season 4" DVD ($55 value)
• A signed copy of Reed Timmer’s book "Into The Storm" ($20 value)
• A Bosch C3 6V/12V Fully Automatic 4-Mode Battery Charger ($70 value)

To enter to win: Leave a comment telling me your favorite or least favorite type of weather. (For instance, do you love thunderstorms? Hate hail? Thrive in the snow?)

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 Like Bosch 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 Bosch ICON Wiper Blades Prize Pack (ARV $195) for quality & safety on the road! http://bit.ly/AaIxd1 @thxmailcarrier #giveaway #win

1 Extra Entry (per follow method) if you follow me with Google Friend Connect, subscribe to my RSS feed, subscribe to Thanks, Mail Carrier by email, become a fan on Facebook or add Thanks, Mail Carrier to your blogroll.
2 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 this post. Please leave an address where it can be found.

Giveaway will end on February 16th at 11:59pm CST. By entering this sweepstakes, you are agreeing to these official rules. No purchase necessary, void where prohibited by law. 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. The number of eligible entries received determines the odds of winning. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents only and must be 18 years of age or older.

A big thank you to Bosch for providing a pair of Bosch ICON wiper blades for me 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.