MOTORWORKS Customizable Vehicles and Tri-Level Garage {Review & Giveaway}

One would think that, by this point, I would be able to design or describe my girls' ideal toy. The one that would combine the quality and educational aspects that I look for with the entertainment and imaginative properties that they love.

But, I can't.

There are times that I think that we've come close... but then I'll find that particular item discarded and ignored a few weeks later, same as all the rest because, as with everything else, it remained static. The same. Fixed. Unchanging. My girls' creativity kept on going, but the toy remained... stagnant.

And then a set of MOTORWORKS customizable vehicles and the Tri-Level Super Garage arrived and we discovered the difference when playing with toys where the fun never stops.

Designed for ages 3 and up (due to the removable small pieces), Manhattan Toy's new MOTORWORKS line of vehicles, accessories and play sets take traditional "playing with cars" and gives it a modern, interactive twist.

Each of the three different trim levels of MOTORWORKS vehicles — Street Series, Speed Series and Extreme Series — starts with a sleek, modern, detailed European beech wood body. But then, instead of adding flashing lights, beeping sounds or batteries of any kind, the wide assortment of interchangeable pieces turn regular cars into custom rides limited only by imagination.

With everything from car decals to monster wheels to spoilers, young builders simply snap their own selection of colorful parts and pieces into place (either those that come with the vehicle or from a separate accessory kit or different vehicle), and they are able to make them their own.

Interested to see how much my girls would enjoy being able to create and re-create their own cars time and time again, when the STS Stealth Police Cruiser, FSX Monster Truck, Police Pursuit 1.0 Accessory Kit and Tri-Level Super Garage arrived, we were all clamoring to get started building.

As the girls began to eagerly examine the vehicles, I was pleased to see that Manhattan Toy had made the Tri-Level Super Garage very intuitive and easy to put together.

With the help of the well-labeled parts and pieces and the clear, step-by-step instructions...

...it didn't take more than around 15 or 20 minutes before I had the entire thing complete and ready for play.

With three different levels, a working elevator and more than 30 repositionable decals, this solidly constructed, nearly-all wood ramp was instantly the site of all future MOTORWORKS tales, stories and pretend play.

While both girls expressed their awe over the colors and quality of the Tri-Level Super Garage, they really couldn't get enough of all of the possibilities that came along with the MOTORWORKS vehicles.

You can just pull them apart? And replace this piece with any other piece that I want? It's all up to me?

In stark contrast to the majority of kids' toys that have set directions and instructions, the open-ended, innovative aspects of these vehicles truly stimulate their minds to come up with new ways to redesign them over and over!

I love watching Big Sister E and Little Sister B play together with these MOTORWORKS toys and hear the ideas and interpretations that they come up with one minute after the next.

They'll be right in the middle of a make-believe episode about the cars living on the different levels of the Super Garage when Little Sister B will stop, pull the wheels off of her STS Stealth Police Cruiser, and replace them with others.  

Because they needed to be changed, she'll tell me confidently, as Big Sister E nods in agreement.

Then, in the course of the story continuing, I'll shake my head in amazement as Big Sister E manages to turn her FSX Monster Truck from monster truck form...

...into some sort of hybrid police drag racer...

...and then into a regular pickup truck, all in about five minutes.

No, really. Can these vehicles get any cooler?

Not once during the hours of playtime and numerous times that my girls have returned to play with their MOTORWORKS vehicles and Super Garage have they even remotely seemed to notice that these toys aren't sparkly or that they don't play music and that they don't move on their own. Because who needs that when your imagination is the driving force for an extremely good time?

For a short demonstration of the continuing fun that MOTORWORKS has provided more times than I can count, take a peek at this unique collection in action:


No matter what style, design or form of car or truck your child prefers, it exists in the Manhattan Toy MOTORWORKS line-up... not to mention that it can then be customized and personalized to create even more of a perfect fit.

Best of all, the whole collection is extremely affordable, as the initial vehicles are priced from $13.99 to $29.99 (two-pack vehicle sets). Accessories start at $4.99 and the Tri-Level Super Garage, the largest item in the collection, sells for $100 (and is sure to be an investment that will last for years and years to come).

To find out much more about all of the entertainment and infinite possibilities that MOTORWORKS can provide, visit DrivenByFun.com and connect with Manhattan Toy on Facebook and Twitter.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon get to see just how many ways that the child in their life can turn a single vehicle into the coolest rides around, because...

One lucky person will win their choice of MOTORWORKS 

vehicle AND accessory pack (ARV $31.98)!

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A big thank you to Manhattan Toy for providing the above products for me to review as well as the vehicle and accessory kit of choice 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.

Shaklee 180™ Program Month 3 Weight Loss Update {#ShakleeBlogger}

 

Three months? It has already been three months since my first Shaklee 180™ Turnaround™ Kit arrived and I blended up my first smoothee? Where has the time gone?

A few weeks ago I pondered about what the Shaklee 180™ program has taught me and, looking back, I'm convinced that the aspect I still need the most help on is #3, Today is always a new day. Just because yesterday was filled with a moment or two (or 10) of weakness, that doesn't mean that today is automatically a total loss, right?

While I would love to say that I lost 10.2 pounds this month like I did in my first month with Shaklee 180™, I have to take responsibility for the fact that I'm not being nearly as diligent now as I was then. Where did the motivation go? Why can I not remember that today is always a new day and that I can just as easily continue to make this program work for me once again?

June is only one day away and right here, right now I'm choosing to focus on the possibilities of what the fourth month of this weight loss program can bring (instead of my usual pessimistic I'm gonna fail anyway way of thinking). Back once again, here I am owning up to my choices and remembering just how lucky I am to be a part of the Shaklee 180™ blogger program in the first place:


I'm trying to say goodbye to my Before and am ready to say hello to my After with Shaklee 180™. If you'd like to find out more about the program, connect with them on their website, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

You can also find out more about all of Shaklee's incredible products for healthy nutrition, home and beauty by connecting with Shaklee Corporation on Facebook, Twitter and Pinterest.

This is a sponsored post as part of the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. I have received free products, online support and incentives for participating in the Shaklee Corporation blogger program. My opinions are my own. I am also a Shaklee Independent Distributor.

People following the weight-loss portion of the Shaklee 180™ Program can expect to lose 1-2 pounds per week.

Laser Hair Removal at Home with the Remington i-LIGHT Pro {#iLIGHTPro}

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Remington. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and as a thank you for participating.

As much as I have been excited for the arrival of spring and summer, I can't ignore the cons that come along with the warmer weather.

I love pulling out my flip flops, but that means keeping my toenails looking painted and pretty. I love the sunshine, but that means being extra diligent about sunscreen. And I love pushing all of my layers and layers of clothing to the back of the closet, but wearing shorts and skirts means hair removal if I don't want to go out in public with my legs looking like a sasquatch.

While there are those women (that I am in awe of) that make shaving or waxing a part of their daily routine, I have just never been able to find the motivation. When you add up all of the time and money that is put into the upkeep of fabulously smooth legs, my laziness always wins out in the end. That's what long pants are for, right?

Until recently, the only options for hair removal have been shaving, waxing or laser hair treatments, with the latter options typically involving thousands of dollars and numerous, painful sessions with no guarantee the hair won't grow back. Hasn't technology provided us with an improvement yet?

I'm going to find out, now that Remington has proudly introduced their innovative hair removal system, the i-LIGHT Pro Intense Pulsed Light Hair Removal System.

Offering the ability to use light to safely get rid of unwanted hair in the privacy of your own home, the new i-LIGHT Pro is designed to help remove and reduce growth of unwanted hair on arms, legs, bikini, underarms, stomach and chest.

As opposed to razors or wax, this Intense Pulse Light (IPL) device doesn't cut, burn or pull out hair, but instead works below the skin's surface to disable active hairs and prevent new ones from growing. This new machine is FDA cleared and clinically proven, while also featuring exclusive ProPulse technology with the highest flash rate for speedy hair removal.

Can it be this easy? I simply shave, test the desired area, and flash-away unwanted hair with controlled pulse technology right in my own home? I have had professional laser hair treatments before, so I am anticipating that this device will produce the same feeling (like a rubber band snapping against your skin), but it will be worth it if it really can give the hair-free results that I would love!

Just in time for summer, the i-LIGHT Pro has arrived and I am beyond anxious to get started using it! I've been familiarizing myself with the different buttons, various energy levels, skin contact sensors, and more, and am looking forward to putting this high-tech device to work.

While I have to admit that I initially opened the box and felt the tiniest bit concerned about being the one in control of a gadget this powerful, but I'm confident that the clear instructions (and my common sense) are going to make using the i-LIGHT Pro a great ready-for-summer experience.

Looking for a little bit of the science behind the Remington i-LIGHT Pro and just why I'm so excited to ditch my razors in favor of it? Check out this short video that goes into more detail on how this machine can provide at-home professional hair removal for a fraction of the cost of in-office visits!


With summer knocking at my door, the idea of not worrying about leg, underarm and bikini line hair (and the immense time and hassle that women everywhere spend removing it) is one that I'm ready to turn into a reality... so be sure to check back in about six weeks to see how things are going!

In the meantime, find out more about the Remington i-LIGHT Pro (which retails for $249.99 or slightly less on Amazon) on the Remington website and connect with them on Facebook and Twitter.

The Thrifty Decor Chick Helps Spruce Up Your Outdoor Space Without Breaking the Bank {Home Depot Gift Card Prize Pack Giveaway!}

Now that Memorial Day — the official kick-off to summer — has come and gone, everywhere I go the topic of discussion seems to be outdoor entertaining.

Considering that the temperatures have finally warmed up (I was convinced that winter was never going to end here in the Midwest) and that staying home is nearly always more affordable than going out, it only makes sense that having family and friends hang out and relax right in your own backyard can be extremely appealing.

However, if you're anything like me, turning your outdoor space from a boring, grassy nothingness into a decorated, invited space can be awfully daunting. Where do I start? What should I be looking for when I shop? How in the world can I not spend a small fortune yet still have great results?

Fortunately, this summer I had some extra help in the form of the advice and knowledge from nationally-recognized DIY and design expert, Sarah Saucedo from Thrifty Décor Chick.

Blogging about thrifty home decor and DIY projects at Thrifty Décor Chick since 2008, Sarah has been helping and inspiring her readers day after day by sharing her home decorating process with them. It really only takes one visit to her site to see that Sarah really knows how to make home a haven without spending a lot of money!

Do you think she'd let me move into her backyard?

While I don't actually want to live in her yard, I would definitely love to transplant it to my own house so that I (and my guests) could enjoy the comfort, style and beauty that she has in it.

Curious as to how she got it that way and what her tips are for creating atmosphere and ambiance that will make all of your own warm weather festivities shine? I wanted to hear everything Sarah had to say about maintaining outdoor furniture, removing clutter, setting the mood, finding inexpensive décor, ways to use lighting, how to maximize space and function, and much more...

...and, as luck would have it, Sarah was gracious enough to take the time to make a video answering five questions that I submitted on the subject.

Pretty great, right? Now I'm even more motivated to get our outdoor space spruced up and ready for a summer full of entertaining, relaxing, playing and more!

If you're looking for ways to get your home ready for summer fun while not breaking the bank, be sure to head over to Thrifty Décor Chick and check out all of Sarah's great posts and photos.

Plus, thanks to the generosity of Procter & Gamble and The Home Depot, one person is going to be able to head outside and get their deck, yard and more cleaned and ready for guests, because...

One lucky person will win a $25 gift card to The Home Depot, a Bounty paper towel roll, a Mr. Clean Outdoor Pro Magic Eraser and a Mr. Clean Outdoor Pro Spray!

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A big thank you to Procter & Gamble and The Home Depot for providing a prize pack 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.

Playskool Sesame Street LOL Elmo {Review}

Whether you had children or not, it was impossible to miss the Tickle Me Elmo craze that swept the nation in the late 1990s. Kids and adults alike just couldn't get enough of the cute, lovable red character that giggled and laughed and made interacting with him an entertaining experience every time.

This hot, must-have Christmas gift caused fighting, stampedes, price hikes and more and now, 20 years later, Elmo has been recreated in updated, even more fun ways. He plays music (we had a great time with our Let's Rock! Elmo review!), he sings, he plays lullabies, he cuddles, he teaches shapes and colors...

Most recently at our house, he laughs. And laughs. And laughs! Because of course life is much more fun with the arrival of Playskool's Sesame Street LOL Elmo from Hasbro.

Designed for ages 18 months - 4 years, Big Sister E and Little Sister B were beyond thrilled when they had the chance to be introduced to LOL Elmo and the way that his contagious laughter easily spreads throughout everyone within earshot.

Knowing that I wouldn't have to spend a minute convincing them to laugh out loud with him, we quickly admired the adorable box and packaging that Elmo arrived in...

...before pulling him out to see his cuteness up close.

As LOL Elmo comes complete with four AA batteries already installed, all that we had to do was move the switch on his back to On (I appreciate that Playskool included a way to turn him off just in case non-laughter time is needed)...

...and get the giggles going!

LOL Elmo has a variety of different forms of laughing action, each one bringing just as many smiles as the last. My girls love that Elmo laughs out loud when Dorothy's fishbowl squeaker toy is squeezed..

...or if he hears a funny sound. Big Sister E can often be found making animal sounds as she plays near LOL Elmo just so that he'll keep on laughing!

More laughter occurs when Elmo is ticked on his tummy or his feet, plus he acts as his own comedian when pressing on his foot. One squeeze and Elmo tells one of eight silly jokes such as "Why did the cookie have to go to the doctor? Because he felt crummy!"

All in all, from the smaller giggles to when Elmo is overcome with laughter and falls back on the floor kicking his feet and waving his hands, his happiness and joy is sure to always brighten the day. Just try to watch our short video demonstration without smiling!


For Elmo fans of all ages, the Sesame Street LOL Elmo would be a simple and fun addition to playrooms and bedrooms everywhere. Available now at most major toy retailers nationwide, on HasbroToyShop.com and on Amazon, Elmo retails for $39.99 (but is on sale on Amazon for $28.99). Will it be time to LOL at your house soon?

(Other than the LOL Elmo that I was provided by Hasbro in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed or to do this review in any way. This post is solely my honest opinion of this toy.)

Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Machine {Review}

One aspect of motherhood that becomes clear even before your precious bundle of joy has arrived in the world is the overwhelmingly large number of rules.

Your baby must wear a hat, the nursery must be kept at one certain temperature, don't dare put a blanket anywhere near the crib... and that's only the tiniest tip of the iceberg.

When it comes to feeding, that's an entirely separate can of worms simply because of all of the personal opinions and viewpoints that get involved. However, in my mind, it is up to every mom to make and follow her own rules.

Many women believe "breast is best" and many do not. Many moms stay home with their babies and can breastfeed on demand and many go back to work and don't have that option. Many women find that nursing comes naturally to them and many struggle through all sorts of unforeseen issues with their own bodies as well as their babies' that end up making breastfeeding not possible.

Whatever the reason, whether by choice or by necessity, for parents that turn to formula, that leads to all of its accompanying rules in preparing it correctly so as to avoid bacteria, incorrect temperature, and more. And as much of a hassle that it is during the day, when you have a hungry baby in the middle of the night, you know that you just want that bottle made and you want it made NOW.

Which is why Tommee Tippee's new Perfect Prep Machine can make life much easier for everyone with it's amazing ability to make a fresh bottle at just the right serving temperature in less than two minutes.

The first machine of its kind to make bottle feeding easy, quick and accurate, the Closer to Nature Perfect Prep Machine is a revolutionary product that provides the correct amount of filtered water at the ideal temperature (98.6°) within two minutes in order for moms, dads or caretakers to prepare individual bottles.

Sound a bit far-fetched? I thought it was time to find out.

After pulling all of the components out of the box, I was already glad to see that Tommee Tippee had included everything necessary to get started right away (just add your own water and formula) as well as clear, easy instructions to follow.

As I went through the initial steps to clean the Perfect Prep for use, it also gave me a chance to familiarize myself with the various features and buttons that this machine includes.

Right away I thought that it was a stroke of genius that the bottle stand is adjustable to so many varying heights, making it possible for parents to use just about any size or shape bottle that they have at home. No need to specifically purchase Tommee Tippee bottles if, for some reason, you didn't want to, just adjust this stand higher or lower and place yours right on!

Next, I really appreciated the way that Tommee Tippee placed all of the warning lights and action buttons together, so that they are able to be seen right away (and without searching around the machine or on the back).

Whether you need to change the filter, add more water, descale calcium and mineral deposits or more, the Perfect Prep notifies you clearly and easily.

When it comes to using the Perfect Prep, it doesn't take much more than pressing a few buttons before your baby's bottle is prepared and ready (which is especially great for tired moms and dads in the middle of the night).

First, tap water is poured right into the tank of the machine, which then runs through the built-in filter, ensuring that any impurities are removed.

Second, use the dial to select your bottle size (from 4oz - 11oz) and place your bottle on the adjustable stand so that it sits close to the outlet.

Once your bottle is in place, simply press the start/stop button (located in the center of the setting dial) and an initial 'hot shot' of water is dispensed. Designed to be hot enough to kill any bacteria that might be found in the formula (as well as make it easier to dissolve), the double beep then indicates that it is time to add the powder.

Remove the bottle, add the correct amount of formula, shake until dissolved and then remove the cap and place the bottle back on the stand. Press the start/stop button once more and the remainder of the water is then dispensed at body temperature.

Voilà! No waiting with a hungry baby while a kettle boils and then waiting some more while the water cools, the Perfect Prep does all of the work quickly and safely. It's no wonder that, as soon as a friend of mine saw this machine, she exclaimed,

"I've heard of this! It's like the Keurig of formula machines!"


Removing the inconvenience, extra time and hassle out of preparing a bottle of formula and easing parents' minds that they are providing their child with a bacteria-free bottle (at the correct temperature), the Tommee Tippee Closer to Nature Perfect Prep is a huge leap in making feeding time easier, day or night.

Retailing for $149.99, the Perfect Prep is currently on sale on Amazon and at Babies 'R Us for $114.99. This innovative new product would make a wonderful gift for moms-to-be or new moms that plan to formula feed or mixed feed as well as those that find that they have to move away from breastfeeding.

Find out much more about this and all of Tommee Tippee's high quality items at TommeeTippee.us and by connecting with them on Facebook and Twitter.

Other than the Perfect Prep that I was provided by Tommee Tippee in order to facilitate my review, I was not compensated or enticed to do this post in any way. This review is solely my honest opinion about this product.

Winners!

The lucky winner of a Little Mommy Bubbly Bathtime Doll is...

The lucky winner of Versace perfume in honor of Kraft Zesty Italian Anything Dressing is...

The lucky winner of a Kidde Worry-Free Carbon Monoxide Alarm is...

The lucky winner of a Honeywell with Febreze Freshness Cool & Refresh Fan is...

The lucky winner of their choice of four boxes (96 K-cups!) from Cross Country Cafe is...

The lucky winner of a pair of tickets to the Josh Groban "In the Round" concert tour is...

Thank you to everyone who entered these fun giveaways! Have a great Memorial Day weekend!

Plan Your Summer Menu with Musselman's Apple Butter {Review & Prize Pack Giveaway} #AppleButterRecipes

As temperatures have been heating up day by day, it's time to enjoy the beautiful weather as much as possible. Open the windows, take an extra walk, go for a picnic — the opportunities are endless!

Along with simply heading outside to enjoy the sunshine, it's also time to give our culinary skills an outdoor workout by pulling out the grill and incorporating the sweet fruity flavor of summer into recipes whenever possible.

Which is why now is the perfect time to create all sorts of tasty recipes for your cookout menu with the rich flavor of Musselman's Apple Butter.

A gluten-free, dairy-free, highly concentrated form of applesauce, apple butter can be used individually as a yummy spread or in any number of dishes to give a rich apple zing. This unique, versatile ingredient is just the thing to reach for to celebrate summer!

While Musselman's offers so many great recipes to get you started (or to inspire you to create your own), once I looked over the three options that they had sent to me, I knew immediately which one I wanted to try first.

How in the world could I pass up the Caramel Apple Crumble Bars when they sounded so yummy?

After all, these bars looked extremely easy to make, very delicious to eat, and something that the whole family would enjoy munching on whether eating indoors or out. Let's get baking!

Caramel Apple Crumble Bars

Ingredients

1 box (18.25 oz) yellow cake mix
½ c butter, softened
¾ c Musselman's Apple Butter
1 egg
1 pkg (14 oz) vanilla caramels, unwrapped (I couldn't find vanilla caramels so I used traditional caramels instead)
2 Tbsp butter
3 Tbsp Musselman's Apple Butter
⅔ c walnuts, chopped
⅔ c flaked coconut
2 Tbsp butter, melted

Directions

Heat oven to 350°F. Grease 13x9" baking pan. Beat cake mix and ½ cup butter with electric mixer on low speed until mixture is crumbly. Spoon out 1 cup of the mixture into medium bowl; set aside. To remaining mixture, add ¾ cup apple butter and egg. Beat on medium speed until smooth and creamy. Spread evenly into pan. Bake 20 minutes or until starting to brown and top is set.

Meanwhile, unwrap (great task for kids!) and place caramels, 2 Tbsp butter, and 3 Tbsp of apple butter in a microwavable bowl. Microwave on High for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth and melted.

Combine walnuts, coconut, and 2 Tbsp melted butter with reserved cake mix mixture. Mix until crumbly.

Pour caramel mixture evenly over partially baked crust. (If caramel has cooled and set, microwave 1 minute until it is very soft and pourable.) Break up and sprinkle topping evenly over caramel. Some of caramel will show through.

Bake 16 to 18 minutes or until topping is starting to brown. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

I have to admit that I was slightly skeptical when these bars came out of the oven and looked a bit like all of the ingredients were just mashed together.

But once I let them cool and cut them up, it only took one bite before I was hooked.

I'm telling you, I'm addicted!

I love the way that the rich apple flavor of Musselman's Apple Butter is throughout the entire bar and the way that the softer, more cake-like bottom complements the crunchier, chewy top.

Plus, with the layer of caramel in the middle, it just holds it all together perfectly! Simply add a tall glass of milk and just try to stop yourself from going back for seconds or thirds or...

When it comes time to prep for an outdoor cookout or simply to incorporate a mouthwatering product into your summer meals – whether cooking, baking, spread on bread or more – Musselman's Apple Butter can add an unexpected, flavorful kick to your favorite recipes, dips and sauces.

Be sure to visit Musselman's recipes to see all of their delicious summertime ideas that are sure to be crowd pleasers for the whole family and all of your guests. You can find a yummy bottle of Apple Butter in the jam/jelly aisle of your favorite grocery store, while also connecting with Musselman's on Facebook so that you'll never miss information, recipes, products, coupons and more.

Plus, thanks to their generosity, one person will soon be prepared to give their BBQ a tasty treat as well, because...

One lucky person will win a Musselman's Apple Butter Prize Pack*!

*Prize Pack includes (1) jar of Musselman's Apple Butter, (1) sauce mop for BBQing and a recipe card.

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A big thank you to Musselman's for providing a prize pack 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.