giveaway

Fabio Viviani Comfort Mat by Smart Step Home Review and Giveaway

July 24, 2013 By Maryann

Disclosure: I was provided with a free Comfort Mat to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own. No other compensation was received.

My aching back! And legs and feet! Yikes.

I have suffered from a bad back for years, and standing for long periods of time usually makes it worse. I have often come down in the morning and stood over the kitchen stove while holding my back for the intense pain. I have to prepare breakfast, but cooking at the stove leaves my legs and back feeling strained and sore. I have coveted kitchen mats for a very long time.

Fabio Viviani of Top Chef fame has a beautiful line of kitchen mats called the Fabio Viviani Comfort Mat by Smart Step Home. They are just beautiful mats designed by Fabio Viviani to be reminiscent of his home; Italy. I loved the Mercato design with the fork, spoon and knife motif. To me it is perfect for the kitchen, and it comes in two colors, caramel and mocha. I personally adore the mocha, it is so dark and rich looking, but the caramel was a more perfect choice for our kitchen colors. The other mat, which also comes in caramel and mocha, has a more stylized pattern which would make it ideal for not only the kitchen but other areas of the home and office. I could imagine it being used in a work shop or studio.

Both styles are made of the same polyurethane composite. These are highly durable mats that will not breakdown and do not roll up. My husband and I have been using the mat for a little over a week and we are extremely pleased with how our legs, feet and back feel while cooking. We can’t get over just how much cushion they provide over our hardwood floors. The mat feels wonderful when I’m in my bare feet. The texture is smooth and it holds a comfortable temperature. I actually would love to get a second mat for under the kitchen sink.

Win Your Own Fabio Viviani Comfort Mat by Smart Step Home:

a Rafflecopter giveaway

The Children’s Place $500 Gift Card Giveaway

July 15, 2013 By Maryann

Disclosure: This giveaway has been sponsored by The Children’s Place and hosted by Kidsumers. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

What boy wouldn’t look amazing in this cute and sophisticated school uniform from The Children’s Place? I love the simple classic styling and even though my boys don’t have to wear a uniform I still find this to be a great option. I have several friends that have children that always look put together and polished. I know for a fact that these children dress in a “uniform” the mom has picked out for them.

When I was growing up, I went to a school that required a uniform and mine was never this cute. I would have loved to wear a flattering outfit that fit the schools requirements yet still allowed me to look perfectly polished.

This outfit would have been perfect. Today The Children’s Place wants to make your children’s back-to-school uniform shopping a snap with really adorable and affordable school-wear. They are also offering a chance to win a $500 The Children’s Place Gift Certificate so one lucky winner can go on a back-to-school-uniform-shopping-spree! I know I will be shopping at The Children’s Place to pick up classic outfits for the boys so that they can look pulled together and always appropriate.

If you have a child that does wear a uniform, what better place than The Children’s Place, to pick up all the essentials that make uniform dressing so easy. All you need now is an entry into the contest and maybe a cute pair of saddle shoes!

Entry -Form

Disclosure: This giveaway has been sponsored by The Children’s Place and hosted by Kidsumers. I have not been compensated and all opinions are my own.

Global Resort Homes Giveaway 7 nights in a 4 bedroom pool home

July 1, 2013 By Maryann

A little over a week ago I was in the beautiful Orlando/Kissimmee area. I was there with several of my friends and blogging buddies. We stayed at a convenient Global Resort Homes condo. The whole area was wonderful and perfectly exciting while offering a relaxed atmosphere that I really enjoyed. Our condo included 3 bedrooms with sleeping accommodations for up to 6 people. There were 2 full baths and 1 half bath along with a fully appointed kitchen. My condo even had a video gaming unit for those days when it was raining.

I spent most of my time at the pool, which was just perfect. The water was a delightful temperature and featured plenty of seating for all 10 of us girls. It has a deep swimming area along with a shallow end, and most importantly there were good, clean restrooms right next to the pool area.

Giveaway

Global Resort Homes is giving away a 7 night stay in a 4 bedroom pool home (or larger) and Kissimmee Guest Services is including 4 tickets to Sea World and Boggy Creek will include airboat rides for 4 guests! Blackout dates will apply. To enter the contest simply use the form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Real Kids Shades Eye Protection for the Whole Year and Giveaway

June 25, 2013 By Maryann

Real Kids Shades Sunglass Giveaway-1-4

Disclosure: Real Kids Shades provided me with sunglasses with which to facilitate this review and giveaway. No other compensation was received.

Summer is here and we are getting outside a lot more often. I know I have to wear sunglasses when the sun is even a little bright, but it is of the utmost importance for little kids. Children’s eyes are at increased risk for permanent eye damage from sunlight until they’re 10 years old. Real Kids Shades makes affordable, stylish and comfortable shades for kids. Their “My First Shades” line was designed with the help of a pediatric ophthalmologist for optimal fit, comfort and safety.

I remember taking all the boys in for eye exams and having our eye doctor tell me that sunglasses were necessary for our two younger boys because they both have blue eyes. She said they are even more susceptible to sun damage because of the light color of their eyes, and she suggested we get them good sunglasses that they can wear all year long. I really had no idea it was that important.

Prevent Blindness America offers the following guidelines for choosing the right sunglasses for your children:

Only purchase sunglasses that block 99% to 100% of both types of ultraviolet rays: UV-A and UV-B. Sunglasses should also eliminate glare and squinting.
Check lenses carefully for scratches, bubbles and distortions. Flaws in the lenses can cause children’s eyes to work harder and result in squinting, tearing and even headaches.
Select sunglasses that suit children’s active lifestyles. They should be impact-resistant; lenses should not pop out of frames; and frames should be bendable, unbreakable, and/or have snap-on temples.
Always choose sunglasses made of polycarbonate, the most impact-resistant material available.

Real Kids Shades sent us three pairs of their children’s sunglasses. We received the 3-7 Flex in Red, the 7-12 Glide in Blue and the 7-12 Blade in Blue. These are perfect for the boys. They are lightweight and fit comfortably. I love that they are stylish, but most importantly they protect my boys eyes.

Real Kids Shades Sunglass Giveaway-1

We have a history of eye diseases in our family, so I want to make sure our boys do everything they can to prevent eye problems that may come from sun exposure. Please visit Real Kids Shades to learn more about Prevent Blindness America and to see a selection of their very cool shades!

Giveaway a Rafflecopter giveaway