Il Divo “were initially brought together by pop impresario Simon Cowell in 2004, following an extensive worldwide audition process. The virtuoso blending of operatic technique with romantic and popular song took the world by storm, with sales of over 22 million. Their first three albums, 'Il Divo', 'Ancora' and 'Siempre' scored 36 number 1 chart positions across 26 countries.”

The music of Il Divo has an opera influence, and even though I’m not much of an opera fan, I can’t help but be captivated when I listen to their music. The Promise Luxury Edition has beautiful tracks. Although I don’t understand some of the language (Italian and Spanish), it doesn’t matter, because the songs just evoke feelings of romance and harmony.

Il Divo The Christmas Collection features many classic Christmas songs, and again, they are just beautifully sung. Listening to the CD really got me into the holiday spirit and I'll definitely be playing this CD very often this holiday season.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to js22!

Good luck!

Thank you to Sony Music for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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Congratulations to lilyk!

If you don’t win the auction, you’ll still have a chance to win your very own copy of the Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons for the Nintendo Wii system thanks to The Game Factory. Here’s how:

• To enter visit The Game Factory website and comment on which is your favorite game or which game you’d like to try.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you 1)Subscribe to my feed; 2) Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and the The Game Factory website (be sure to leave a comment for each "entry").
• The deadline for entries is December 5, 2008, 11:59pm HST.
• An eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on December 6, 2008 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US and Canada addresses.
  

Good luck!

According to the website, you can “wrap your baby in the comfort of the SwaddleMe® and rest assured she will sleep safe, sound and secure. The renowned SwaddleMe® soothes infants and reduces symptoms of colic by recreating the soothing snugness of the womb. It also reduces the incidence of the startle reflex, helping babies to sleep longer. The award-winning SwaddleMe® has revolutionized the way babies - and parents - sleep around the world and it has forged an international renaissance in swaddling.”

With DS#2 now here, of course I’m using the SwaddleMe wraps again, and this time I’m even more grateful to Kiddopotamus because they now have an eco-friendly line of SwaddleMe wraps, two of which I have been fortunate to try out--one made from 100% Certified Organic Cotton (ARV $15.99) and another made out of Bamboo (ARV $14.99).

As with all the other SwaddleMe wraps, they are so simple to use. I love how I can remove the leg pouch for easy access to DS#2’s diaper when he needs changing, and I love how we can keep DS#2 swaddled in the car seat or swing thanks to the harness access slit.

I also like the designs of these SwaddleMe wraps. The Painted Dot design of the Organic Cotton SwaddleMe is cute and is great for either a boy or girl (the Organic Cotton SwaddleMe also comes in Natural). The designs of the Bamboo SwaddleMe wraps are very trendy--aqua with cocoa trim or raspberry with cocoa trim.

I love the entire SwaddleMe line—especially the eco-friendly SwaddleMe wraps, but I really love the Bamboo SwaddleMe. I’ve read about how soft clothing and other products are that are made from bamboo fibers, but until I actually felt the Bamboo SwaddleMe did I realize how soft they could be. I was so amazed. The Bamboo SwaddleMe is very light and super-duper soft, and it is also naturally anti-microbial, which means the fabric stays fresh longer.

Kiddopotamus’ SwaddleMe wraps are a must-have for any parent of an infant. SwaddleMe wraps are practical, eco-friendly, come in great designs, and best of all—they are a time and sanity saver!

Thank you Kiddopotamus!

Thank you to Summer Infant for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

Thank you to The Libman Company for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

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Congratulations to piece of me!

Important note: This is the same giveaway posted on the Libman Company post. There is only ONE Weiman and Libman prize package, however, you are welcome to enter through both posts to increase your chances of winning. Comments on both posts will be combined, and ONE winner will be selected.

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Congratulations to Kara!

According to the website, “BeFit-Mom, founded by perinatal exercise specialist and author Helene Byrne, is dedicated to helping women stay fit and healthy during and after their pregnancies, and to inspiring and motivating women to lead their entire families to better health and wellness.”

BeFit-Mom is an excellent resource for women who are pregnant or recently gave birth on how to stay fit. The site focuses on different types of exercises, why they are good for you, and how they can help during pregnancy, labor and delivery, and post-partum recovery. The various exercises are explained in depth, and there is great detail about how your body is structured and how different parts function in order for you to understand the importance of the exercises and how to achieve optimum results.

While I was still pregnant with DS#2, Helene had referred me to some key exercises on the BeFit-Mom website that are safe to do during pregnancy that help strengthen the abs, particularly the deep Transverse Abdominis, which is the primary "pushing" muscle. They were simple to do, and valuable to learn. I just wish I had discovered the BeFit-Mom website earlier so I could’ve been much fitter and better prepared for labor and delivery with both sons!

Why is it important to “be fit”? According to the website, “During Labor and Delivery, Fit Women Experience:
• Easier adaptation to the lower-intensity endurance activity of early labor.
• Shorter first and second stages of labor.
• Enhanced pain tolerance.
• Increased stamina for labor and delivery, with less perceived exertion during labor.
• Lower incidences of intervention during labor.
• Substantially fewer caesarian births.
• Good pelvic muscle tone—resulting in fewer episiotomies/tearing.”

A perfect complement to the BeFit-Mom website is the Bounce Back Fast! The Post Natal Core Conditioning DVD ($21.95), which “provides a unique set of progressive exercises that specifically target postnatal physiology and concerns.”

The DVD includes a Fitness Band, and is basically divided into two parts—Gentle First Moves (for beginners and those less than 6 weeks post-partum), and Bounce Back Fast (for those more advanced and beyond 6 weeks post-partum).

Because I’m not past 6 weeks post-partum yet, I did the Gentle First Moves exercises. The exercises were not strenuous—they were indeed very gentle on my body. Helene was very thorough in her explanations of the different exercises and how they are beneficial. My body feels great whenever I do the exercises. I especially enjoy using the Fitness Band to stretch out my hamstrings and calves, and doing the chest stretches, which opens up my chest and aligns my upper body in the neutral position, since I’m constantly carrying DS#2 and nursing him. I sometimes do these exercises without the DVD! I know I'm helping my body recover and I'm strengthening my core little by little each time I do the exercises, and I’m looking forward to getting even fitter and doing the other exercises once I’m beyond 6 weeks post-partum.

As always, it’s important to consult your physician or health care professional before you start any exercise program.

Helene stresses it’s important to take care of not only baby, but to take care of yourself too. Be-Fit Mom and Bounce Back Fast! The Post Natal Core Conditioning DVD will help you do just that—enable you to take better care of yourself, so you and your entire family can reap the benefits of a “Fit Mom!"

Thank you to BeFit-Mom for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

• To enter, visit Fierce Hugs and comment on which design you like the best.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you 1)Subscribe to my feed; 2) Blog about this giveaway and link back to BOTH Sage and Savvy and Fierce Hugs (be sure to leave a comment for each "entry").
• The deadline for entries is November 23, 2008, 11:59pm HST.
• One eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on November 24, 2008 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to Fierce Hugs for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

DS was able to try the Apple and Fruit Punch Sensible Sippers. I like how the juice comes in a convenient box that we can take anywhere, and how it’s unbreakable—especially since I found DS crushing and squeezing the box a few times. DS liked both flavors, but I think he liked the Fruit Punch flavor the best. I gave him his Fruit Punch Sensible Sipper at the beginning of his lunch, and by the time I brought him his meal he was already done with the juice!

It was obvious DS loves the taste of the Sensible Sippers, and I love them because of how it’s healthy and organic, with no added sugar, artificial flavors, or preservatives. I also think it's great how the Sensible Sippers are 50% water, which means I don't have to mix in water with the juice, as I do with other juices DS drinks to reduce the amount of sugar he consumes.

If you visit the R.W. Knudsen Family website, you can register for a $1.00 off coupon which can be used towards any 8-pack Sensible Sippers Juice Box purchase.

Sensible Sippers is a great product that will satisfy both your little one’s thirst for a tasty drink and your desire to provide one that is convenient, healthy, and organic.

Thank you to R.W. Knudsen Family for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

According to the website, 90210 Organics "was started by two California moms who are passionate about living naturally and who want to share that passion with the world. Jennifer and Sarah love natural, organic products for themselves and their families so they decided to open a store that reflects that love. 90210 Organics brings everyone looking for high quality organic fashion, natural and organic baby products, and beautiful handmade accessories to one place."

90210 Organics’ product selection is so immense—you’ll find everything from clothing and bedding to skin care and toys. I was able to try one of the many items they offer in the Whole Body category--Noli n Nali Chamomile Willow organic baby shampoo.

The first thing I noticed was that the shampoo smelled really nice. There was no problem working up a good lather, and it contains ingredients that are safe and nourish my hair. Because the shampoo contains no synthetic fragrance, sodium laurel sulfate, or parabens, I had no hesitation about trying it out on DS as well. And now that DS#2 is here, I know once the pediatrician says it’s okay to give him real baths I’ll be using the Noli n Nali Chamomile Willow Organic Baby shampoo on him too!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to janetfaye!

90210 Organics is generously sponsoring a giveaway of a Noli n Nali Caring Hearts Loving Hands Baby Massage Pack (valued at $28.50) to one lucky winner. The Pack includes: Informative introduction to the art of baby massage; CD of original music that creates a soothing ambiance; Aromatherapy lotion bar that melts in your hands; Beautiful dish for lotion bar.

• To enter, visit 90210 Organics and comment on which product you like the best.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you 1)Subscribe to my feed; 2) Blog about this giveaway and link back to BOTH Sage and Savvy and 90210 Organics (be sure to leave a comment for each "entry").
• The deadline for entries is November 20, 2008, 11:59pm HST.
• One eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on November 21, 2008 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to 90210 Organics for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

I have never tried mineral makeup before until I received an ARTISTRY essentials mineral foundation sampler from Karen Spaeder’s Health and Beauty Zone.

I’ve seen ads in magazines and read articles about the benefits of mineral makeup, so I was eager to try the mineral foundation.

According to the website, “100% pure mineral makeup is a marvel. It’s easy to use; create a flawlessly natural finish; and here’s the best part – it’s actually good for your skin! Preservative and fragrance free, this powder foundation is great for all skin types and helps defend against environmental stressors. Mineral foundation smooths and evens skin tone leaving a simply sheer and luminous finish.”

The mineral foundation was very light and the “finish” was smooth. It wasn’t “cakey” nor did it make my face feel stiff or heavy. I was pleasantly surprised how it actually looked like I wasn’t wearing any makeup, and I love the fact that it’s actually good for my skin.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Forrest!

• Constructed from "Eco-Friendly" premium leather remnants which are safety tested for children(Free of Lead, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Cadmium, Mercury, Selenium and harmful Amines.)
• Exclusive PedFlex™ flat rubber soles provide durability and traction both indoors and out
• Comfortable, flat insoles create a seamless footbed
• Simple Velcro closure keeps shoes securely on feet, no laces to tie or come undone
• Flexible, breathable design with wide toe box promotes healthy conditions around developing feet
• Soles are made with recycled materials to help reduce global waste. They're also safety tested(Passes British Safety Standard BS 5665-3 and European Standard EN71-3)
• Unique Pedoodles styling works well as a casual or dress shoe
  

When DS first tried on the shoes, he didn't take them off all morning! He wore it around the house, danced around, and we finally had to ask him to take it off, which he did very easily because of the Velcro--no need to fuss with laces. The shoes go on and come off quickly. I also like how the shoes go great with anything--t-shirt and jeans or even with a dressier outfit. DS had no problems walking or running (or dancing) around in these adorable shoes, and the fact these shoes are eco-friendly are an added bonus.

Pedoodles offers shoes by age (crawling 0-8 mos, walking 8mos-2yrs, running 2-4yrs), or collection (First Feet or Next Steps). Their shoes are bright and colorful, cute and fun, and you’ll just know your little ones will love wearing these shoes. Pedoodles also offers really cute shirts and hats that would match perfectly with their shoes!

If you’re looking for cute, comfy, eco-friendly shoes for your little one, visit Pedoodles. You’ll love them as much as your kids will!

Thank you to Pedoodles for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.

For all you book lovers out there who are looking for greener alternatives to "normal" books, EcoBrain may be just what you’re looking for.

I was introduced to EcoBrain through Mommy Go Green Blog Tours. According to EcoBrain's website, “EcoBrain offers a top-quality selection of eBooks and mp3 audio about the environment and environmentally-friendly living. All content on EcoBrain is in downloadable, digital format, so you can buy green with zero use of forest-pulping paper and only a minimal amount of expended energy.”

Why eBooks? Not only do eBooks help save the environment, but you can get your eBook immediately—you don’t need to wait for an actual book to be shipped to you or go to a bookstore to buy one. Also, most eBooks can be loaded onto multiple computers/devices with the proper Adobe Reader program. Imagine going on an airplane with several eBooks loaded on your laptop. Wouldn’t that be so much more convenient, not to mention a lot lighter, than carrying books?

EcoBrain offers hundreds of eBooks in different subjects—sustainable living, cooking, business, and more. A free downloadable eBook is available which changes every couple of weeks, and you can also read and write reviews of eBooks. They even offer an affiliate program so you can earn money or store credit.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Kerrie!

To help you start your eBook collection or expand your existing eBook collection, EcoBrain is sponsoring a giveaway for the following eBook: Radical Simplicity: Small Footprints on a Finite Earth (valued at $17.95) by Jim Merkel.

A brief description:

“In the face of looming ecological disaster, many people feel the need to change their own lifestyles as a tangible way of transforming our unsustainable culture. Radical Simplicity is the first book that guides the reader to a personal sustainability goal, then offers a process to monitor progress to a lifestyle that is equitable amongst all people, species, and generations.”

Please click here for more details on this eBook.

• To enter, visit EcoBrain and comment on which eBook you’d be most interested in.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you 1)Subscribe to my feed; 2) Blog about this giveaway and link back to BOTH Sage and Savvy and EcoBrain (be sure to leave a comment for each "entry").
• The deadline for entries is November 11, 2008, 11:59pm HST.
• One eligible entry will be chosen by random.org as the winner; the winner will be notified via email on November 12, 2008 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.

Good luck!

Thank you to EcoBrain for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway.