October 31, 2010

Filtrete Water Pitcher Review

Our family drinks a lot of water, and I've been drinking more than usual these days since I'm pregnant. Thanks to Mom Central Consulting, I received a Filtrete Water Pitcher that provides me with a lot of filtered water really quickly so I can easily quench my thirst when necessary!

Unlike traditional filtering pitchers, the new 12 cup Filtrete pitcher fills faster than slow filtering pitchers!
-One Water Pitcher and Lid, One Filtrete™ Fast Flow Filter
-Filters and fills five times faster than traditional pitcher filters*
-Holds more water in less space; filters into a 12 cup pitcher
-Filter lasts longer, filtering two and a half times more water than traditional pitcher filters (up to 100 gallons or for approximately three months)

After washing the pitcher and running water through the filter as instructed, I ran some water through the Filtrete Water Pitcher, and I was impressed with how quickly the water flowed through the filter!

I was also impressed with how much water the pitcher can hold (more than any other pitcher I've tried), yet it can fit in the refrigerator door shelves (in my fridge it can only fit in two of four door shelves, but since those shelves are usually full, I simply leave the pitcher on the inside shelves).

I also thought it was a lot lighter than other pitchers I have, even when full.

The water tasted just fine, and during meals, I usually leave the pitcher out so I can easily pour water for anyone in our family, and when it's empty, I quickly and easily filter more water!

What's also great about the Filtrete Water Pitcher is that by registering on their website, I can get newsletter, promotional information, as well as reminders as to when to change the water filter (there is a timestrip on the water filter to remind you when to change it, but getting another reminder via email wouldn't hurt!).

Overall I think the Filtrete Water Pitcher is a lightweight and space-saving pitcher that quickly and easily provides my family with refreshing water whenever we need some!

Shop: You can purchase the Filtrete Water Pitcher at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $55).

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Filtrete and received the water pitcher to facilitate my candid review.

Playhouse Disney: Let's Dance Review and Giveaway

Our family recently listened to the CD Playhouse Disney: Let's Dance, which was full of songs that made my boys go crazy dancing!

This album features songs from the most popular shows like Handy Manny, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Imagination Movers, plus brand new music from Agent Oso and Dance-A-Lot Robot!

Playhouse Disney: Let's Dance really is a CD that will make both kids and adults want to dance!

My boys loved dancing along to most of the songs, and Smiley Boy really enjoyed The Birthday Song and Beat Box.

My favorite songs were those by Happy Monster Band, such as London Town and Siesta, Siesta. We all enjoy watching Happy Monster Band, which we usually catch between certain Playhouse Disney Shows--they have such a cool vibe and I love their sound!

The next time we have a playdate in our home I'll be sure to have Playhouse Disney: Let's Dance playing. I don't know who'll have more fun singing and dancing--the adults or the kids!

Shop: You can purchase Playhouse Disney: Let's Dance on Amazon.com and at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $11.99).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Playhouse Disney: Let's Dance!
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to coliebear!
  • To enter, visit Playhouse Disney: Let's Dance and comment on your favorite track (excluding anything mentioned in this post).
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Playhouse Disney: let's Dance(leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 14, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 15, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to Walt Disney Records for providing the products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post. Some links are affiliate links.

October 30, 2010

Gin Blossoms: No Chocolate Cake Giveaway

Last month the Gin Blossoms released their new album, No Chocolate Cake.

Known for creating indelibly melodic, Grammy-nominated Top Ten singles and platinum-selling albums, Gin Blossoms—Robin Wilson, Jesse Valenzuela, Scott Johnson and Bill Leen, are back and in peak form. The eleven new tracks were written, produced and performed by the band with the help of John Richardson (drums) and Danny Wilde on keyboards and additional production (of The Rembrandts).

Four years after the critically acclaimed “Major Lodge Victory,” Gin Blossoms have put together a seamless musical confection. The band continues to benefit from an innate chemistry and inspiration—a dynamic that helped catapult songs such as “Hey Jealousy,” “Found Out About You,” “Till I Hear From You” and “Follow You Down” into the collective musical consciousness and helped define an era as well as selling 30 million records worldwide.

Says Wilson “There’s just something about the way we play and sound together. It’s those songs and the sound we make that add up to something indefinable.”

“NO CHOCOLATE CAKE” track listing:
1) Don’t Change For Me
2) I Don’t Want To Lose You Now
3) Miss Disarray
4) Wave Bye Bye
5) I’m Ready
6) Somewhere Tonight
7) Go Crybaby
8) If You’ll Be Mine
9) Dead Or Alive On The 405
10) Something Real
11) Goin’ To California


Shop: You can purchase No Chocolate Cake at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $15.98).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Gin Blossoms: No Chocolate Cake.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Melissa B.!
  • To enter, comment on why you'd like to win!
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Gin Blossoms (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 13, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 14, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the product for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post. Some links are affiliate links.

October 29, 2010

My Holiday Wish List

DH says I'm the hardest person to buy gifts for.

I disagree.

My favorite kinds of gifts are ones that are handmade and from the heart--poems, crafts, blankets (DH actually made me a blanket!).

In fact, for our stocking stuffers, instead of little gifts, we all write notes to each other about our favorite memories of the past year and what we look forward to in the next.

But when it comes to things that you can actually buy in a store, I love practical gifts.

You may think this is odd, but in the past I've requested and gotten a Food Saver, a George Foreman Grill, and a Crock Pot!

There are a lot of things on my wish list this year of similar nature--a steamer carpet cleaner, a bread machine, a new camera, "green" cookware...

I don't know if I'll get any of those for the holidays (or maybe I'll end up buying them myself), but maybe DH will read this so he can start doing some research!

What "material" things (things you can buy in a store) are on your wish list this year?

Just Jen Review and Giveaway

Thanks to Just Jen, a company that offers fashionable wedding hoodies, maternity shirts, and even baby apparel, I received a "sweet" tee that I simply love!

Welcome to the Custom T-Shirt of your dreams, at JustJen.com! All our sparkling rhinestone t shirts and clothing are embellished with genuine Swarovski crystal rhinestones. Shop our Bride Shirts, Big Sister T-Shirts, Cheerleading T-Shirts, Christmas T Shirts, Halloween Shirts, Birthday T Shirts or create your own custom designs online. Shirts are shipped within days, not weeks!

There are so many cute designs on Just Jen, but I ultimately decided on the Cupcake T Shirt.


For this tee, I picked a brown fitted short-sleeve tee, and the cupcake design really popped against the brown. Even DH complimented me on the shirt!

Depending on the design, not only can you pick the style and color of the tee, but you can also pick out what color rhinestone you want.

I love that you can really customize the shirts on Just Jen to suit your own tastes.

The designs Just Jen offers cater to a variety of tastes too. You can select tees with symbols, your zodiac sign, or ones that display your name, your hubby's name, or your initial! And I love the baby girls clothing too--they're so adorable! If you or someone you know has a little girl, there are so many cute items perfect for that little princess or rock star.

So whether you're looking for something stylish for yourself or a little one, check out Just Jen for customizable tees that are sure to make a statement!

Win: One lucky winner will receive a Just Jen shirt of choice!
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Jennifer R!
  • To enter, visit Just Jen and comment on what shirt you'd pick if you won.
  • You may do any of the following for extra entries (be sure to leave a comment on this post for each “entry”):
  • 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Just Jen; leave the link in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 2)Subscribe to my feed (1 extra entry)
  • 3)Add my button to your sidebar; leave the URL (1 extra entry)
  • 4)Add my Baby Essentials & Gift Guide button to your sidebar; leave the URL (1 extra entry)
  • 5)Follow me on Twitter; leave your Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 6)Tweet this giveaway; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 7)Tweet the following "Check out @sagemom's Baby Essentials & Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29gb9uk"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 8)Leave a comment on the Must-Have Baby Products post stating what your all-time favorite baby product is; please be specific (3 extra entries)
  • The deadline for entries is November 12, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 13, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Image courtesy JustJen.com. Thank you to Just Jen for providing the products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 28, 2010

Ten Big Toes and a Prince's Nose Review

There's so much news about bullying these days, and the book Ten Big Toes and a Prince's Nose by Nancy Gow, illustrated by Stephen Costanza, is a great book for little kids to learn how it's important to accept themselves and others for who they are, despite differences that are physical or otherwise.


Poor princess! When suitors saw her feet, they ran for the door before even getting to know her. And in another land, far away, a kind prince had a similar problem: although he was funny and kind, he also had a huge nose that scared off every maiden he met. But a serendipitous meeting on a ski slope teaches this adorably flawed (and well-matched) pair an important lesson:
I am what I am and that's all right with me.
I don't have to be different, I just have to be.
I don't want to be somebody else. No sir-ree!
I am what I am and that's all right with me.

With whimsical surprises, lavish art, and a fantastical story about love and acceptance, this picture book will delight readers of any age.

When I read Ten Big Toes and a Prince's Nose to my boys, Smiley Boy immediately said "wow" when he saw the princess' big feet and toes. The story does exaggerate the princess' toes and prince's nose so they look extraordinarily big, but it does help in teaching them that such physical differences really doesn't reflect a person's personality and character.

The story itself was a really nice one, and the "I am what I am" poem is a great addition to the story.

Although I think my boys are still a little too young to understand the point of the story, it's amazing how observant kids are, so as a parent I always make sure they treat everyone with kindness and respect and that I do the same.

Ten Big Toes and a Prince's Nose combines whimsical illustrations, a great poem, and a sweet story to stress the importance of accepting people despite any differences they may have.

The story would be great to read again and again as my boys get older so they never forget that they, along with everyone else, are unique individuals, and should be proud of who they are.

Shop: You can purchase Ten Big Toes and a Prince's Nose at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $14.95).
Thank you to Sterling Children's Books for providing the product for giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post. Some links are affiliate links.

Sage and Savvy Holiday Gift Guide


If you haven't already noticed, I have a Holiday Gift Guide banner on my sidebar. I wasn't planning on doing a holiday gift guide, but I had a change of heart. Especially since there are just so many great gift ideas--books, CDs, gift cards, toys...

So starting next month I'll be posting some cool Holiday Gift Guide Giveaways, so maybe you can win something for yourself or someone special in your life!

Fresh Produce Review and Giveaway

Thanks to Fresh Produce, I received a pretty and very comfy dress that I wore to my favorite brunch venue to celebrate an anniversary.

Now in its third decade, Fresh Produce continues to be primarily Made in the USA and has grown into a $50 million company with one of the most original, refreshing and captivating casual, resort and sportswear lines in America. Known and loved by women ages 6 months to 60-plus for lush colors, year-round sensibility, simply inspired design and coastal comfort, Fresh Produce continues to delight customers around the globe. Fresh Produce can be found in Nordstrom, Walt Disney resorts and stores, and over 800 specialty boutiques and resort retailers. Plus, company-owned stores and factory outlets are scattered throughout the country, including exclusive seashore resorts in North America and the Caribbean.

I was fortunate to receive the Sunshine Dress (ARV $54.00) in black. The dress comes in other colors, but I prefer dark, neutral colors in my wardrobe, so I was very happy with the black dress.

It was so comfortable! I love the empire waist and the flounce ruffles at the bottom.
But what I like most about the dress is how versatile it is!
As I mentioned, I wore it to a brunch, and it was perfect for the occasion. Sitting alongside the beach, the dress left me feeling nice and cool, and even now that I have a growing baby bump, I still felt so comfortable in it!
I could also imagine wearing this dress at a wedding or a girls night out dinner. Just add on a few accessories and I could take the dress from day to night!
Fresh Produce offers many other dresses, as well as tops, bottoms, and items for kids too!
So whether you're looking for something comfy and classy, for a casual outing or an evening out, Fresh Produce has a nice selection to choose from!
Win: One lucky winner will receive a Cafe Wrap Dress, choice of size and color (based on availability).
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Linda Henderson!

  • To enter, visit Fresh Produce and comment on your favorite item (excluding anything mentioned in this post.
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Fresh Produce (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 12, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 13, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post. Images courtesy Fresh Produce.

October 27, 2010

Daily Guideposts: 2011 Giveaway



Daily Guideposts: 2011” celebrates growing in God’s love and wisdom, bringing readers simple yet profound devotions to connect with God in new ways — even on the most hectic of days.

Daily entries open with a scripture reading for meditative reflection, followed by a true, first-person story, and close with a short prayer. Monthly “seeds of love” sections encourage readers to write down their blessings so they will become more mindful of all they have to be thankful for in their lives.

More than 50 writers contribute to this new spiritual companion, sharing stories of how God has transformed their relationships, jobs, families and faith. With stories from bestselling authors such as Debbie Macomber to veteran “Daily Guideposts” devotional contributors Marion Bond West and Carol Kuykendall, Daily Guideposts readers will recognize their favorite writers while discovering new voices along the way.

Shop: You can purchase Daily Guideposts 2011 at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $19.99).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Daily Guideposts: 2011!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Kerrie!
  • To enter, comment on why you'd like to win!
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Daily Guideposts (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 10, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 11, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the product for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post. Some links are affiliate links.

October 26, 2010

Little Chimp's Big Day Review

Smiley Boy and I recently read the book Little Chimp's Big Day by Lisa Schroeder, illustrated by Lisa McCue.


In the jungle, in a tree
Sits a little chimpanzee.
Mother said she'd be right back
But now the branch snaps with a crack…

And in a SNAP, Little Chimp is off on a big adventure-taking a watery ride atop a hippo, swinging on vines, and munching bunches of bananas. But as he goes bumping, jumping, and racing across the jungle, he never stops wondering: “Where could Mother be?” Little Chimp may not know, but sharp-eyed kids will see that mommy has an eye on him all the time! An enchanting text filled with rhythm and rhyme, and sweetly charming illustrations.

Not only did Smiley Boy enjoy listening to the rhymes, but he loved imitating Little Chimp! When Little Chimp landed with a thud in mud, Smiley Boy crouched down to the ground in the same position as Little Chimp.

He also had so much fun trying to glide and ride, roar and soar, and flip and flop!

Smiley Boy also loved looking at the different animals, but I know Little Chimp was his favorite, because he'd always have a big smile on his face whenever he'd see Little Chimp!

Little Chimp's Big Day is a really cute book that Smiley Boy loves to read and act out!

Shop: You can purchase Little Chimp's Big Day at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $14.95).



Thank you to Sterling Children's Books for providing the product for review free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Treme: Music from the HBO Original Series, Season 1 Giveaway

I've heard many positive reviews about the HBO series Treme, and today marks the CD release of TREME: MUSIC FROM THE HBO ORIGINAL SERIES, SEASON 1.

The soundtrack album includes 19 tracks featuring music heard throughout the groundbreaking series over the course of its first season, offering a cross-section of New Orleans-bred music including rhythm and blues, soul, jazz, rock and roll, funk, folk and country that reflects the diversity of the city’s musical tradition.

Artists heard on the soundtrack -- and seen in the series -- include John Boutté whose “Treme Song” is the series’ theme. The Rebirth Brass Band’s “Feel Like Funkin’ It Up” reflects the melding of the city’s brass band tradition with a contemporary funk cadence that exemplifies the musical melting post that is New Orleans. Steve Zahn who plays DJ/musician Davis McAlary in the series is heard performing “Shame, Shame, Shame” The album includes Dr. John’s “Indian Red,” as well as “Time Is On My Side” by Irma Thomas and Allen Toussaint plus Steve Earle’s “This City” and much more music that evokes the tenor of the series and the spirit of New Orleans.

From David Simon and Eric Overmyer (both of The Wire®), Treme follows musicians, chefs, Mardi Gras Indians and ordinary New Orleanians as they try to rebuild their lives, their homes and their unique culture in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The acclaimed show has been renewed for a second season which will air in 2011.

Shop: You can purchase Treme: Music from the HBO Original Series, Season 1 on iTunes or Amazon.com (ARV $14.99).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Treme: Music from the Original HBO Original Series, Season 1.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Gianna!
  • To enter, visit the Treme Soundtrack website and comment on your favorite track.
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Treme Soundtrack (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 9, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the product for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 25, 2010

It's a Boy!

For those of you who don't already know, I'm having another boy!

I'll have three little rascals running around!

I'm not disappointed at all that I'm not having a girl.

Really.

I'm just so concerned that the baby will be born happy and healthy, since after all, it was a surprise blessing.

And that's what it really is--a blessing.

It's funny how if you have only boys (or girls) people will ask if you're going to try for a girl (or boy).

I just feel fortunate to be a mom and have my wonderful kids, regardless of their gender!

Meet Pocoyo! Review

Several months ago we watched an NCircle Entertainment DVD which featured several preschool shows, one of which was Pocoyo. We had never seen or heard of Pocoyo before, but ever since we watched that DVD, my boys have been hooked, and we were just bummed that it wasn't shown on TV here in the US.

But that all changed a few months ago! Pocoyo made his debut on Nick Jr., and now toys and DVDs are available at stores nationwide.

We recently got to review one of the Pocoyo DVDs: Meet Pocoyo!

Meet Pocoyo, the unforgettable little boy with a very big personality! Your child will learn through laughter as 3-year-old Pocoyo and his adorable friends Elly, Pato, Loula and Sleepy Bird explore the world around them. In these charming episodes, Pocoyo enjoys making music, blowing bubbles, solving puzzles, and even watching an egg hatch. Filled with sights and sounds perfectly tailored to encourage child development, Meet Pocoyo is preschool entertainment especially designed to delight your child!

Pocoyo is so appealing to my little boys, especially Smiley Boy. The colorful characters, the playful language, and the fun gestures make my boys giggle and smile.

Smiley Boy's favorite episode was The Big Sneeze . He thought it was so funny whenever Elly would sneeze and the blocks would fall!

He also liked Umbrella, Umbrella, exclaiming "mameya" (he has a hard time pronouncing "umbrella) whenever he'd see the umbrella!

Pocoyo is full of delightful characters that help to teach lessons and show how to problem-solve in a fun and charming way!

If your kids haven't discovered Pocoyo yet, Meet Pocoyo! is a great way to discover what Pocoyo's world is all about!

Shop: You can purchase Meet Pocoyo! at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $14.99).

Thank you to the sponsor for providing the product for review free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Betty Crocker's Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes Review and Giveaway

When I was a kid, I despised mashed potatoes, but now I love them. Whenever I go to restaurants, if one of the starch options with my meal is mashed potatoes, I'll always opt for it. I've never tried making mashed potatoes at home though since it seems like it would take too much time and effort. But thanks to MyBlogSpark, I received a couple of boxes of Betty Crocker´s® Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes and other kitchen necessities that made making mashed potatoes a cinch!
A tasty companion to any meal, that's ready in just 8 minutes! Your family will love Betty Crocker flavored mashed potatoes. They're made with 100% real potatoes and blended with just the right seasonings. And with 8 different varieties of flavored mashed potatoes, you can bring more variety to your family menu, without any extra work.

Since I love garlic, I decided to make the Roasted Garlic mashed potatoes. I simply boiled some water and butter, then removed it from the heat and mixed in the potatoes along with some milk, let it stand for 3-5 minutes since I like my potatoes stiffer, then fluffed it with a fork.
Fluffing the potatoes with a fork was a bit difficult for me--it seemed like I couldn't get it nearly as smooth as how it looked in the box, so I left it a little bit lumpy.
I served the mashed potatoes with some chicken, and I admit I was a little bit skeptical as to how good it would taste, but I was pleasantly surprised.
The mashed potatoes tasted delicious. The garlic flavor was just right--not too overpowering.
Although I personally prefer mashed potatoes with chunks of potatoes in them, I still thought the Betty Crocker's Instant Mashed Potatoes was really good.
Who knew making mashed potatoes could be so easy and tasty?

Shop: You can purchase Betty Crocker Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes at grocers nationwide.
Savvy Savings: Click here to print a $0.55 off coupon for one package of Betty Crocker Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes.

Win: One lucky winner will receive a Betty Crocker Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes Prize Pack which includes two boxes of Betty Crocker Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes (one Roasted Garlic, one Homestyle Creamy Butter), a serving bowl, a trivet, and a serving spoon.
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to FDP 4 Life!

  • To enter, comment on a dish that you think would go great with Betty Crocker's Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes.
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
  • 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Betty Crocker's Boxed Instant Mashed Potatoes (leave the link in your comment)
  • 2)Subscribe to my feed
  • 3)Add my button to your sidebar
  • 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
  • 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • 6)Follow Betty Crocker on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 8, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 9, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!

Thank you to Betty Crocker and MyBlogSpark for providing the information and products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 24, 2010

Infantino Partner Products-Annabel Karmel Feeding Products Review

When Smiley Boy was born, my goal was to make as much homemade baby food as possible once he was ready for solids. I did make some baby food, but not as much as I would have liked to. This was due to various reasons--a lack of good tools and equipment, as well as a lack of knowledge in terms of how to prepare foods and what types of foods were best to prepare.

Fortunately, I recently received some great Annabel Karmel feeding products that not only will help me easily prepare baby food for DS3, but they are already coming in handy for Smiley Boy too!

Welcome to Annabel Karmel – everything you need to feed your baby or toddler and make mealtime fun. As your baby grows into a child, it’s an incredibly exciting and busy time. Annabel Karmel can give you a helping hand, with cooking and mealtime accessories that make for easy prep, healthy cooking, fun eating and simple storage and clean up.

Annabel Karmel's products are bright and colorful, and what I think is very important--they're BPA-free.

The Stackable Food Pots are nicely sized and I like how they can go directly from freezer to microwave. I had another type of baby food storage containers that couldn't go directly from freezer to microwave, so this ability is a big time saver!

So far, my favorite item (or should I say Smiley Boy's favorite item) is the Fill & Freeze Puree Pops.

These are ideal for when your baby is teething, and even though Smiley Boy is beyond his teething stages, I knew he'd still love indulging in a pop (Little Music Man indulged in one too!).

I filled the molds with pomegranate juice, and froze them.

I couldn't find any information on the packaging or inserts on how long to freeze them, but after a few hours, they were ready to eat.

Taking them out was a bit difficult. The first one broke apart, so after putting the mold in some warm water and then letting it sit for a few minutes on my counter, the pops came out easily and unbroken.

And the boys sure loved them! Annabel Karmel's products make home preparation and storage of food easy, and whatever I can do to help my boys eat healthier, the better.

I am a participant in a Mom Central Consulting campaign for Infantino and have received various Infantino products as part of my participation.

Awaken Your CAREERpreneur Giveaway


With national unemployment still hovering around 10% (and as high as
14% in states like Nevada), job seeking, career reinvention, and business start-up are all the rage. Author Alexia Vernon recognizes that you already possess the know-how to make the career of your dreams a reality. You just need a little chutzpah and an All-Star Team to unlock the answers and take action from them.

In her book,
Awaken Your CAREERpreneur (with a forward by #1 author Gabrielle Bernstein, Add More ~Ing to Your Life), Alexia fuses best practices of entrepreneurship with her straightforward approach to self-help to teach you how to develop the mindset, relationships, skills, and materials to make career success a way of being.

In each chapter Alexia dishes up practical advice, real-world examples, and action-oriented SUCCESSwork exercises to ensure that you are able to take what you read and translate it into the results you seek.

Drawing on her background as an International Coach Federation (ICF) certified coach and speaker/trainer for hundreds of organizations such as the National Association of REALTORS®, American Society for Training and Development (ASTD), Step Up Women’s Network, Woodhull Institute for Ethical Leadership, and College Summit,Alexia offers such tips as:
• Articulate your vision of who you want to be and not just what you want to
achieve
• Craft a Unique Benefits Statement (UBS) that in 15-seconds or less
communicates the results you are uniquely poised to deliver
• Develop an All-Star Team of mentors, decision makers, connectors, and cheerleaders to expand your professional reach
• Use informational interviews to connect with key players in your field/business
• Shift real and unforeseen career setbacks into opportunities to learn, grow, and
forgive to continue to attract the right opportunities your way

Shop: You can purchase Awaken Your CAREERpreneur at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $21.95).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Awaken Your CAREERpreneur!
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to maryjaco1!
  • To enter, comment on what your dream career is.
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
  • 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Awaken Your CAREERpreneur (leave the link in your comment)
  • 2)Subscribe to my feed
  • 3)Add my button to your sidebar
  • 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
  • 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • 6)Follow Alexia Vernon on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 7, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 8, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the product for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It Review

I've mentioned before how much DH and I love to play trivia games (I've lost count of how many Trivial Pursuit games we have in our game closet!), so we couldn't wait to play Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It.



TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Bet You Know It edition is the most inclusive and exciting version of TRIVIAL PURSUIT yet, where players don't have to know all the answers to win - but they do need to know their friends! TRIVIAL PURSUIT: Bet You Know It edition introduces high stakes betting to trivia, where players bet on whether or not their opponents know the answer. Guess correctly and players will earn chips that can be used to buy wedges -- or they can earn wedges by answering questions correctly on their turn.

The first time we played Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It, we often times forgot that we had to bet if the other player would get the answer right or wrong, so betting did take some getting used to. However, once we got the hang of it, it was pretty funny to see how often I would bet that DH would get an answer wrong, and how often he would bet that I would get an answer right!

Another thing about Bet You Know It that's different from other Trivial Pursuit Games we've played is the use of Topics. On your turn, you pick a card (out of 4) based on the topic, which allows the other player to bet for or against you. The topics can be a bit deceiving, which makes it even more fun!

Throughout the game, when I landed on a Buy or Roll space and had enough points to buy a wedge, I immediately bought a wedge of the color category I always have trouble with (like History).

Normally, DH beats me at Trivial Pursuit, but so far, I've beaten him in more Bet You Know It games, since I'm often buying wedges, but that's part of how you play the game, so I shouldn't feel bad. A win is a win!

Shop: You can purchase Trivial Pursuit: Bet You Know It at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $29.99).


Thank you to Hasbro for providing the product for review free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 23, 2010

Luvs Diapers Giveaway

When it comes to diapers, there are so many factors when it comes to making a purchase. For many, cost is a big factor, especially in today's economy, and many parents find Luvs Diapers to be amongst the most affordable.

We realize you demand more from your baby diapers, and less from your wallet. That's why Luvs® Diapers provide premium leakage protection for less than the pricier brands.

Luvs not only offers diapers for less than other brands, but they are constantly seeking feedback from parents, and have recently created a new design based on customer opinions!

After soliciting feedback from current users, Luvs will be replacing the backsheet currently found on their diaper products with an adorable, new monkey design – a look that is preferred three-to-one by those surveyed – enhancing the diaper-changing experience for parents. Consumers will also be treated to a diaper packaging upgrade that will consist of new, updated photography and an added back package panel that will provide parents and caretakers with additional product information.

While our look may be new, the diapers will still be comprised of the same trusted and safe materials used in all previous versions of the product – and will still have the same performance, quality and value parents have come to expect from the Luvs brand.

I personally think the monkey design would look adorable on my little monkey and can't wait until the new design hits the shelves!
Shop: You can purchase Luvs Diapers at various retailers online and nationwide.
Win: One lucky winner will receive a sample pack of Luvs Diapers in the new packaging (size 4 only; approximately 30 diapers).
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Renee!
  • To enter, comment on what factor is most important to you when purchasing diapers.
  • You may do any of the following for extra entries (be sure to leave a comment on this post for each “entry”):
  • 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Luvs; leave the link in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 2)Subscribe to my feed (1 extra entry)
  • 3)Add my button to your sidebar; leave the URL (1 extra entry)
  • 4)Add my Baby Essentials & Gift Guide button to your sidebar; leave the URL (1 extra entry)
  • 5)Follow me on Twitter; leave your Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 6)Tweet this giveaway; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 7)Tweet the following "Check out @sagemom's Baby Essentials & Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29gb9uk"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 8)Leave a comment on the Must-Have Baby Products post stating what your all-time favorite baby product is; please be specific (3 extra entries)
  • The deadline for entries is November 6, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 7, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the product for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 21, 2010

Trivial Pursuit - Steal Review and Giveaway

DH and I love playing Trivial Pursuit, but ever since we became parents we've found it harder to find the time to play. Usually we'll play at night when the boys are asleep, but thanks to Hasbro, we received Trivial Pursuit-Steal, which we can play in just a few minutes, anytime-day or night!



STEAL is the perfect trivia game if you have just 15 minutes to spare.

This fast-paced game is the first ever Trivial Pursuit card game that combines questions and answers with the strategy of winning your wedges by stealing your opponents' - all in a quick-play card game.


We had a lot of fun playing Trivial Pursuit-Steal. There are Steal Cards you can use to steal a wedge (or even two wedges) from your opponent, Block a steal from occurring, or use a Buzz card to "buzz in" with an answer before another player answers.

Because only DH and I played, we decided not to use the Buzz card, but since stealing wedges was encouraged, it made the game very interesting, especially since DH usually wins Trivial Pursuit games and Steal gave me a chance to actually win!

At first we didn't use the Steal cards because we kept getting the same color wedge cards correct, but of course, if the other person earned a wedge card in a category we thought was difficult (like History), you can bet that the Steal card was used!

Unfortunately for me, I haven't won in Steal yet, but I'm sure I will soon!

You don't need a lot of time to play Trivial Pursuit-Steal. It's fast-paced fun, and at least for me, it gives me a better chance at beating DH in a Trivial Pursuit game!

Shop: You can purchase Trivial Pursuit-Steal at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $6.99)

Win: Three lucky winners will each receive Trivial Pursuit-Steal!
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Swtlilchick, Adam Lipkin, darlanpaulsmamma!
  • To enter, comment on which is your favorite Trivial Pursuit-Steal category: Geography, History, Science & Nature, Entertainment, Art & Literature, or Sports & Leisure.
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Trivial Pursuit-Steal (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 4, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 5, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to Hasbro for providing the products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 20, 2010

KraftMaid Online Inspiration Board and 2011 Product Launch

DH and I have been thinking about remodeling our home a lot lately, and when it comes to the kitchen, the one brand that keeps popping up is KraftMaid.

However, when it comes to remodeling, I know how daunting the task can be, especially when it comes to finding the right design. Fortunately, KraftMaid has some great tools and some new products to help make the design process easier!


One tool that KraftMaid is offering to help people create their dream kitchen is an online Inspiration Board.

After selecting a template and creating your board by selecting door styles, ambiance, and other characteristics, you'll have an inspiration board that'll help you when you make your design decisions.

And once you're done, you can even enter your inspiration board into the KraftMaid Define Your Style Contest where you could enter to win a $50,000 Dream Kitchen!

Combine our great new products with what inspires you to create your personal Inspiration Board—then share it with us for a chance to win!

It was so easy to create the inspiration board, and I chose a lot of words and images that described my design style (light and timeless) that I'm sure will help me find the right cabinetry and hardware styles from KraftMaid's extensive selection, including items from their 2011 product launch:

This fall, KraftMaid Cabinetry, an industry leader and one of the largest semi-custom cabinet manufacturers in the United States, will redefine kitchen and bath décor with the launch of a trend-forward collection of cabinet styles, finishes, storage solutions and decorative accessories. Additionally, KraftMaid is launching new cabinetry styles for the bath, as well as a new collection of decorative hardware, putting the final touch on customized furniture for the home.

· The newest collection from KraftMaid includes more than 30 cabinet doors, more than 24 finishes and 100 hardware choices.

· All KraftMaid Cabinetry comes standard with solid wood dovetail drawers with full extension runners and a soft close buffer system and it’s backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

· The 30+ new cabinet door styles fall primarily into one of four leading design styles that are prevalent in home design today: Soft Modern, Modern Farmhouse, Heritage and Coastal. Most door designs are available in both Maple and Cherry. Some are also available in Quartersawn Oak.

· The 12 newest hardware collections include more than 100 new trend-forward designs in decorative hardware to put the finishing touch on cabinetry and customized furniture designs. Styles range from classic to contemporary in a multitude of finishes, including Polished Nickel, Polished Chrome, Satin Nickel, Brushed Bronze, Antique Pewter with Copper, Statuary Bronze, Ancient Bronze, Dark Brushed Bronze and Blackened Pewter.

To find out more about KraftMaid's new products or the Design your Style Contest, visit KraftMaid.com.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of KraftMaid. Mom Central Consulting sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Wendy's 2 for $4.99 Review and $7 Gift Card Giveaway

I recently took advantage of Wendy's 2 for $4.99 special (it's 2 for $5.98 in Hawaii).

Pair any premium half-size salad with one of 7 tasty options, such as a small beverage, a baked potato, or a small Frosty!

Even though I already tried the Baja Salad before and said I'd try another salad the next time, I really wanted to eat it again so I ordered the Baja Salad and a Baked Potato since I haven't had a baked potato in a really long time.


As with the last time I ordered the Baja Salad--everything was fresh (the lettuce, the pico de gallo) and delicious! The Baked Potato was yummy too!

Both the half salad and the baked potato was actually too much food for me--I ended up eating only half of the salad and I got to enjoy the leftovers the next day!

I think Wendy's 2 for $4.99 menu is a good deal (even at $5.98 in Hawaii I still think it's a good deal), and hopefully they'll continue to have this promotion so the next time I can try new salads (really, I will)!

Win: Three lucky winners will each receive a $7 Wendy's Gift Card!
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to JR911, JC, 07violet!
  • To enter, visit Wendy's and comment on which two items you'd pick in the 2 for $4.99 special!
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Wendy's (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is November 3, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 4, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the gift cards for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 19, 2010

New Coupons When You Buy Specific Cereals

The Anniversary Rose Review and Dakota's Personalized Gifts $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway

I always think personalized gifts are special, and I recently found out about two sites, The Anniversary Rose and Dakota's Personalized Gifts, which offer a variety of gifts for a new baby, an anniversary, a birthday, and many other occasions!

The Anniversary Rose offers a variety of items primarily for couples, but there are a lot of different items that could be the perfect gift for anyone special in your life.

I decided to look for something that I could incorporate a photo in, such as one of The Anniversary Rose's memory boxes, puzzles, albums, or apparel, but I ended up selecting the We Love... Personalized Wooden Picture Frame (ARV $24.95). It states We Love Grandma and Grandpa, and I could have personalized it with my kids' names, but at the time I ordered it I didn't know what baby #3's name would be, so I decided to leave the bottom of the frame blank.

It's still a very special frame that I know the boys' grandparents will love!

Dakota's Personalized Gifts offers a great variety of personalized gifts too. For babies, there are blankets, toys, frames, and more!
You can find something for the holidays, birthdays, graduations, and all sorts of special occasions!
Whether you're looking for a gift to celebrate a new baby, a birthday, an anniversary, or even a promotion, The Anniversary Rose and Dakota's Personalized Gifts make it easy to find a special gift for that special someone.

Win: One lucky winner will receive a $50 Gift Certificate to Dakota's Personalized Gifts!
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Tiffany Christie!
  • To enter, visit Dakota's Personalized Gifts and comment on what you'd use the gift certificate on (please be specific).
  • You may do any of the following for extra entries (be sure to leave a comment on this post for each “entry”):
  • 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Dakota's Personalized Gifts and The Anniversary Rose; leave the link in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 2)Subscribe to my feed (1 extra entry)
  • 3)Add my button to your sidebar; leave the URL (1 extra entry)
  • 4)Add my Baby Essentials & Gift Guide button to your sidebar; leave the URL (1 extra entry)
  • 5)Follow me on Twitter; leave your Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 6)Tweet this giveaway; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 7)Tweet the following "Check out @sagemom's Baby Essentials & Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29gb9uk"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 8)Leave a comment on the Must-Have Baby Products post stating what your all-time favorite baby product is; please be specific (3 extra entries)
  • The deadline for entries is November 2, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 3, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to The Anniversary Rose and Dakota's Personalized Gifts for providing the products for review and giveaway. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 17, 2010

Lawry's Review and Giveaway

As with my previous pregnancies, my flavor preferences have been changing. Usually I prefer savory flavors, but lately I've been preferring sweet flavors. Did you know your flavor preference says a lot about you?

A recent Lawry´s survey found that your choice of flavor says more about you than you think. The nationwide poll looked at preferences for tart, spicy, sweet, and savory flavors and found that your choice can reveal some interesting aspects of your personality.

Joyous Joiners - Tart Flavors
If you are one for tart flavors, you tend to be extremely happy overall, particularly with your family, finances, work/life balance and even your health. As a Joyous Joiners you are an extrovert who loves to entertain at home, find it very important to join in social events in your community and are active on the greatest number of social networking sites.

Self-Assured Adventurers - Spicy Flavors If your preference is for spicy flavors, consider yourself a confident, adventurous individual with a passion for travel and cooking. You are the biggest risk taker and although impulsive, you are not reckless - as a Self-Assured Adventurer you also tend to be resourceful, analytical, and most able to "look at the big picture."

The Sweet Lifers - Sweet Flavors
As a Sweet Lifer, home and family are close to your heart. You are the kindest and most loyal, although you probably wouldn´t admit that as you are also the most modest. As an individual that prefers sweeter flavors (honey and fruit-infused), you are influenced by your parents, enjoy family entertainment, and consider yourself spiritual.

The Conventionalists - Savory Flavors
Your passion for savory flavors shows you have an enthusiasm for politics, enjoy camping and hiking and love outdoor barbeques and American cuisine. Along with the other Conventionalists, you tend to be more introverted than the rest of the groups and often describe yourself as a homebody.


Lawry´s has something for you no matter what your flavor is, including two new marinades and four new Seasoning Mix packets that help create simple meals with an abundance of flavor:

Marinades: Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ; Tuscan Sun-Dried Tomato; Seasoning Mixes: Asian Style Beef & Broccoli, Chimichurri Burrito Casserole, Mediterranean Sundried Tomato & Garlic Chicken, Tuscan Style Chicken Marsala with Garlic and Basil.


I was fortunate to receive a bunch of Lawry's goodies thanks to MyBlogSpark, which included the marinades, seasoning mixes, and more.

It was so hard to decide what to make with all of the delcious-sounding flavors, but the first thing I made was chicken with the Szechuan Sweet & Sour BBQ.


The marinade smelled great, and I marinated some chicken tenderloins in it for 45 minutes. All it takes is 30 minutes, but the longer you let it marinate, the stronger the flavor is supposed to be. I would've let it marinate a lot longer, but I wanted to make sure it would be ready in time for dinner.
After baking the chicken tenderloins for about 35 minutes, it came out moist and delicious.

It was a bit spicy, but also very tangy and flavorful.
I think I'll be trying the Tuscan Style Chicken Marsala Seasoning Mix next because I love to eat it Chicken Marsala at restaurants, so hopefully it'll turn out just as good when I make it!
Lawry's offers a variety of products to cater to all sorts of tastes, so it should be easy to find something that suits your flavor preference!
Shop: You can find Lawry's Seasoning Mixes and Marinades at grocers nationwide.
Win: One lucky winner will receive a Lawry's "What's Your Flavor" kit which includes a marinating dish, a set of skewers, Lawry´s two new marinades, as well as a sample of each of the four new Seasoning Mixes and a bottle of Lawry´s Seasoned Salt.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to ruslady!
  • To enter, comment on what your flavor preference is (tart, spicy, sweet, or savory)
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Lawry's (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is October 31, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about November 1, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to Lawry's and MyBlogSpark for providing the information and products for review and giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

October 16, 2010

Maroon 5: Hands All Over Giveaway


Maroon 5 have released two multi-platinum studio albums (2002’s Songs About Jane and 2007’s It Won’t Be Soon Before Long), scored a string of hit singles (“This Love,” “She Will Be Loved,” “Harder to Breathe,” “Sunday Morning,” “Makes Me Wonder”), won three Grammy Awards, and sold 15 million albums around the world. Now the Los Angeles quintet is back with its third-studio album, entitled Hands All Over — a killer hybrid of rock, pop, funk, and R&B, that showcases the band’s considerable strengths: buoyant, unforgettable melodies, sleek, stylish grooves, charged lyrics about turbulent relationships, and crisp, dynamic performances.

Adam Levine, the band’s lyricist, began writing the songs that appear on Hands All Over after winding down from a world tour in support of It Won’t Be Soon Before Long. A few months later, Maroon 5 received a phone call from veteran studio wizard Robert John “Mutt” Lange (AC/DC, Foreigner, The Cars), who had heard that Maroon 5 were beginning to write a new album and expressed an interest in producing it. “We didn’t even talk to anyone else,” Levine says. “Mutt is undeniably one of the most successful producers who’s ever lived.”

In July 2009, the members of Maroon 5 — Levine, keyboardist Jesse Carmichael, bassist Mickey Madden, guitarist James Valentine, and drummer Matt Flynn — decamped to Lange’s studio in Vevey, Switzerland, on the north shore of Lake Geneva where they worked distraction-free with the Swiss Alps looming in the distance. “Just being near those majestic mountains and lakes was so inspiring,” says Jesse Carmichael. “Waking up and seeing these giant snow-capped peaks, it set the tone for the record and made the whole thing feel like some sort of magical summer camp experience.” Adds Carmichael: “Mutt really helped us play to the best of our ability. And it drove us to be bigger and better than ever. Everything he does is huge.”

“Huge” is a good way to describe Hands All Over, starting with the hard-rocking title track that is heavier than anything Maroon 5 has ever done. Says Valentine: “It doesn’t sound like anything we’ve done so far.” Another stylistic departure is “Out of Goodbyes,” a stunning country ballad that features musical and vocal contributions from Nashville chart-toppers Lady Antebellum. “We’ve always loved country music,” Levine says, “and they brought that necessary twang to it with the lap steels, ambient guitar, and Hillary Scott’s pretty country voice.” Other highlights include the deeply groovy “Don’t Know Much About That,” the propulsive “Stutter” (“a great showcase for Adam’s voice,” Valentine says) and “Misery,” which will thrill long-time Maroon 5 fans with its funky guitars and high-stepping melody.

“Every record should be like our first, that’s the way we think about it,” Levine says. “We don’t ever want to rest on our laurels or get too cozy. We always want to keep aspiring to do our best — and this album captures that.”
Shop: You can purchase Hands All Over at various retailers online and nationwide.

Win: One lucky winner will receive an autographed copy of Maroon 5: Hands All Over!
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Amber!
  • To enter, comment on why you'd like to win!
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Maroon 5 (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is October 30, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about October 31, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to the sponsor for providing the product for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 15, 2010

Chunky Bling Review and Giveaway

When it comes to jewelry, I have a lot of bracelets and necklaces, but I don't have any rings other than my engagement and wedding ring. But thanks to ChunkyBling.com, I received a pretty ring in in one of my favorite colors!

Chunky Bling started out in northern California and recently relocated to Utah. We love beads! As a child, one of my sisters taught me to make bead jewelry, and now, 20 years later, my love of beads has grown...chunkier! My husband was the driving force behind starting up Chunky Bling, and we both enjoy finding new and unique beads, designing jewelry and getting feedback from our customers.

I was fortunate to receive the Swarovski Crystal-Peridot Ring (ARV $10). I immediately knew which ring I wanted because I simply love the color. Finding the correct ring size was simple with their printable ring sizer, and in just a few days my ring arrived--it was so quick!

The Swarovski Ring adds a splash of color to a neutral wardrobe, and complements other wardrobe colors in a similar palette.
The ring fits perfectly, is comfortable, and it's simply pretty. And at such a reasonable price, I could buy several in different colors, or even buy other types of chunky jewelry to match!
Chunky Bling offers a lot of other great pieces to accessorize your wardrobe, such as bead watches, interchangeable charm necklaces, bead bracelets, and Swarvoski birthstone bracelets, and if you and your friends love jewelry, you could even host an online jewelry party!

So whether you're looking for bracelets or rings, something classic or colorful, check out Chunky Bling for a wide variety of jewelry pieces to match just about any wardrobe!
Savvy Savings: Now through Nov. 1, 2010, use code GEM121to get 15% off any jewelry on our website. This coupon will be good through Nov 01, 2010.

Win: One lucky winner will receive a Swarovski Ring of choice (winner may choose any color and style).
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Homemaker!
  • To enter, visit the Chunky Bling's Build Your Own Watch page and comment on your favorite watch band and face combination.
  • You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
    1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Chunky Bling (leave the link in your comment)
    2)Subscribe to my feed
    3)Add my button to your sidebar
    4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
    5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
  • The deadline for entries is October 25, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about October 26, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to Chunky Bling for providing the products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

October 14, 2010

Sage and Savvy Giveaway Deadlines

In case you haven't noticed, I extended giveaway deadlines by a week, so instead of the usual 1 week, giveaways are now open for two weeks.

Some have suggested to keep the giveaways open longer than a week due to the amount of giveaways there are in the blogosphere and not being able to enter them all in time.

I know there are some blogs that hold giveaways for longer than 2 weeks, and some stick to a week, but for the time being, Sage and Savvy Giveaways are open for two weeks, unless the sponsor requests otherwise.

And if you haven't already done so, don't forget to enter the current giveaways (ten right now)!

Thank you all for your continued support!

Please Don't Sneeze...

The other day our family went out to lunch at a restaurant near Waikiki and we sat in a booth. Eventually another family--parents with a little girl, sat in the booth next to us.

The little girl started to stand up, peer over into our booth, and make lots of noise.

At first it was cute, but as she continued on, it became distracting.

And all I could think was "Please don't sneeze..."

Because once, it did happen.

At another restaurant, a girl in a booth next to us kept standing and looking over at us, and why the parents did nothing to stop her I have no idea, but all of a sudden... AH CHOO!

All over me.

Yuck.

I was a little upset.

And the parents didn't even apologize. They just let her continue to stand up and bother us.

Fortunately, this time around, the little girl sat down nicely once her food came. She did get up occasionally after that, but the parents did a pretty good job of keeping her seated once they realized how much of a distraction she was.

If my boys were doing something that I thought was bothersome to another customer, I would definitely do whatever it takes to make them stop, even if it meant taking them outside.

Fortunately, whenever we go out, they're usually on good behavior. Now, they're far from perfect--there are times when they get fussy and cry for whatever reason, but once we take out snacks, crayons, or the iPhone, they usually calm down right away.

We definitely don't want to upset or interrupt other guests' meals.

Fortunately, I rarely encounter instances where kids are really misbehaving and the parents just don't do anything about it.

I simply think common courtesy is essential, wherever you go...

Have you had similar unpleasant dining out experiences?

October 13, 2010

Cradle Rock Giveaway

Even though Little Music Man was born just a few years ago, lullaby CDs have come a long way since then. Just take a listen to the CDs by Cradle Rock Music and you'll know what I mean!

“The ‘Cradle Rock’ lullabies are unlike any other in the marketplace today, since we wanted to focus on iconic artists and albums that appeal to music fans across a wide variety of genres,” says Steve Jones, CEO of Brash Music. “Each project is produced with child and parent in mind, so the melodic structure and tempo of each song stays true to the original.” Jones says most lullaby releases are a collection of hits or compilations by various artists. “While some projects in the Cradle Rock series follow a compilation model, most are replications of entire albums in lullaby form..." Dating back to ancient cultures, science demonstrates the importance of lullabies in the development of children. “Babies are actually born with a basic sense of timing, rhythm and tone,” says producer Stephen Gause, “which is why soothing lullabies help speed up the process of falling asleep.” Gause says the albums are for true and dedicated music fans who want to share popular music with their children.

I listened to several of the lullabies on the Cradle Rock website, and although I'm not too familiar with the music of Kenny Chesney or Johnny Cash I thought the lullabies featured on the respective CDs were really nice.

However, my favorite CD was Michael Jackson's Thrillababy, since I am more familiar with the songs.

I could never have imagined Thriller or Beat It as lullabies, but it's so neat to hear them converted to lullabies!

Cradle Rock is full of lullabies that I'm sure both babies and parents will enjoy!
Shop: You can purchase Cradle Rock at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $11.98; digital download $9.99).
Win: One lucky winner will receive the Cradle Rock CD of his/her choice.
***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***
Congratulations to Hifam!
  • To enter, visit Cradle Rock and comment on your favorite track from any CD (excluding anything mentioned in this post).
  • You may do any of the following for extra entries (be sure to leave a comment on this post for each “entry”):
  • 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Cradle Rock; leave the link in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 2)Subscribe to my feed (1 extra entry)
  • 3)Add my button to your sidebar; leave the URL (1 extra entry)
  • 4)Add my Baby Essentials & Gift Guide button to your sidebar; leave the URL (1 extra entry)
  • 5)Follow me on Twitter; leave your Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 6)Tweet this giveaway; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 7)Tweet the following "Check out @sagemom's Baby Essentials & Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29gb9uk"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
  • 8)Leave a comment on the Must-Have Baby Products post stating what your all-time favorite baby product is; please be specific (3 extra entries)
  • The deadline for entries is October 27, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
  • If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on or about October 28, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment and be sure to check your junk/spam, etc. folders) and will have 3 days to accept.
  • Valid for US addresses only.
  • By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.
    Good luck!
Thank you to Brash Music and Tree Top Records for providing the products for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

 
The review posts published on Sage and Savvy are personal opinions only. Press releases and other information from business are shared if I believe it may be of interest to Sage and Savvy readers. Press releases/information from businesses do not reflect my personal opinion. Unless otherwise specified, products are provided by the sponsor free of charge, and no monetary compensation is received. Sage and Savvy assumes no liability for any malfunction, injury, or other loss or damage, whether direct, consequential, or incidental, arising out of services, companies, or products that have been featured, reviewed, given away, advertised, or written about on Sage and Savvy. Click here for my Terms of Use.

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