Aurora Plush Review and Giveaway

Thanks to Aurora, my boys received some cute and cuddly plush toys from the following Aurora collections:

Aurora – Dreamy Eyes™: Dreamy Eyes™ feature loveable expressions, big eyes and appealing cuddle material that just melts in your hands. 13 brand new styles include tiger, pony, pig, cow, lion, elephant, monkey, giraffe, cat, pug, Chihuahua, frog and lamb (10”, bean filled; MSRP: $12.99). Perfect for ages two and up!

Aurora - Cheeky Charlie™ & Carmen™: Retailers know Aurora’s go-to monkeys with personality, lovable smiles and signature banana in the tail, Cheeky Charlie™& Carmen™, fly off store shelves. Three newer styles in the line include Cheeky Charlie “Rock Star” which features Charlie with a Mohawk, sporting a guitar and t-shirt (14.5 inches). Cheeky Charlie Surfer (14.5 inches) in a visor and board shorts is ready to hit the beach with his surfboard. Cheeky Charlie Zoo Keeper (14.5 inches), Wrangler Cheeky Charlie (pictured, 14.5 inches) and Carmen “BFF” (pictured, 14.5 inches) are some other top items in the line. Each monkey’s Velcro hands make “hanging out” easy! Ages three and up. All “14.5 inch” Cheeky Charlie & Carmen styles retail with a suggested price of $17. All of the plush we received were just so cute and cuddly, but Smiley's favorite was Wrangler Cheeky Charlie!

Smiley kept saying "monkey, monkey!" and would giggle whenever playing with it. His Velcro hands made playing with him even more fun, as we'd constantly hang him on furniture and gates, and connect him with Carmen.

The Dreamy Eyes Fantubulous Frog was also very cute--its eyes really are "dreamy!"

There are so many adorable plush toys that Aurora has to offer, that it's easy to find something for the little one(s) on your holiday list!

Shop: You can purchase a variety of Aurora Plush on the Aurora website.

Win: One lucky winner will receive a choice of the following: Dreamy Eyes Fantabulous Frog, Wrangler Cheeky Charlie, or Carmen BFF.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Nicole Greene!

• To enter, visit Aurora and comment on what Aurora product you think your child(ren) would love (excluding any of the giveaway items).
• 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 Aurora; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is December 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 December 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 and Canada 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 Aurora for providing the products for review/giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Taylor Eigsti: Daylight at Midnight Giveaway

Concord Jazz is proud to announce the release of Daylight at Midnight, the newest album from the pianist/composer Taylor Eigsti. This innovative collection includes original Eigsti compositions, as well as other remarkable musical renditions by composers such as Nick Drake, Imogen Heap, Elliot Smith and Rufus Wainwright.

On Daylight at Midnight, Eigsti continues to challenge the norms of what constitutes jazz today. While Eigsti pays full respect to the jazz tradition, he also exercises his passion for melodies of esteemed songwriters from his generation and explores a variety of music that piques his curiosity. In this collection, he not only finds resonance in the aforementioned top-tier, pop-oriented composers... but also brings to light a doubleheader of personal revelation: 20th-century Catalonian classical pianist Federico Mompou and up-and-coming vocalist/songwriter Becca Stevens, who sings five of the 11 tunes and adds her own flavors of the ukulele and charango. As fitting for an adventurous repertoire, the young pianist augments his unique and lyrical style with the Fender Rhodes, Rhodes PianoBass, Wurlitzer electric piano and Mellotron samples to add color and texture to the tunes.

Even as important as Daylight at Midnight is to Eigsti's growth as an artist, the pianist is already thinking about his next musical projects. The once prodigious child pianist is unsatisfied staying static. He is always craving for change in a new music project or exploring different sounds. “With Daylight at Midnight, I wanted to tap into the singer-songwriter world, which will hopefully lead to the next compositional phase in my musical development.”

Shop: You can purchase Daylight at Midnight at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $14.98)

Win: Three lucky winners will each receive a signed copy of Taylor Eigsti: Daylight at Midnight!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Megan, lkvoyer, Gianna!

• To enter, comment on why you'd like to win!
• 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 Taylor Eigsti; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is December 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 December 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 product for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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IntelliCeuticals Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

I recently got to try out a product from IntelliGender's new line, IntelliCeuticals.

Welcome to Intelligender! We have revolutionized baby gender discovery with the world’s first in-home, urine based Gender Prediction Test™. IntelliGender was founded in 2006 and has over 500,000 satisfied customers worldwide. At the core of our success is our goal of providing high quality, fun, affordable pre-birth experiences for the expectant mother and healthy essentials for mom and baby.

The Intelligender product line continues to expand, now including more exciting products for Mom and baby. Our new IntelliCeuticals™ products are made of proven remedies, herbal extracts, and flower essences all formulated to promote physical, emotional or psychological health and restore balance in the body. They are safe, effective, and designed to bring you relief from the stresses of pregnancy and early motherhood.

I was fortunate to receive the Harmonic Baby Massage Oil (ARV $19.50).

I've read many articles about how massage is beneficial for babies because it helps soothe them and even helps them sleep better, so I couldn't wait to try some on Smiley.

After placing the bottle in hot water to warm the oil, I opened it up and immediately noticed how pleasant it smelled. It had a citrusy scent from the mandarin essential oil, and it wasn't too oily (I've tried some baby oils that were really, really oily and I could still feel it even after I washed my hands!).

A little went a long way, and although I really couldn't tell if the massage oil helped Smiley sleep better since he's already a good sleeper, I know I can't wait to try it on DS3 once he's here (and old enough--recommended for babies ages 12 weeks and older).

I love that the massage oil is all natural and contains no parabens or sodium laurel sulfates.

I'm actually very tempted to use it on myself since I'm so stressed out these days!

There are many other IntelliCeuticals products for both mom and baby, and you can find them on the IntelliGender website.

Savvvy Savings: Use code IC025 to receive 25% off your IntelliCeuticals order (no exp. date).

Win: One lucky winner will receive an IntelliGender Gender Prediction Test and an IntelliCeuticals Clear-Away Cradle Cream.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to LizSamples!

• To enter, visit IntelliCeuticals and comment on which product you'd most like to try.
• 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 IntelliGender and IntelliCeuticals; 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)
• 9)Follow IntelliGender on Twitter; leave your Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• The deadline for entries is December 11, 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 December 12, 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 IntelliGender for providing the products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Oral Care And Health Daily: Your Best Self

5 Superfoods You’re Not Eating

By Ella Brooks for Oral Care And Health Daily
We’ve all heard about the amazing powers of salmon and blueberries, but some commonly neglected nutritional superstars deserve a spot in your shopping cart too. “There are thousands of phytonutrients that have potential health benefits,” says Beth Reardon, a registered dietitian and the director of nutrition at Duke Integrative Medicine in Durham, N.C. “We are just beginning to understand the synergy between foods and their bioactive compounds.”

Here’s the dish on five standouts that prove it’s smart to think outside the superfood box.

Secret Superfood No. 1: Black Rice

Like its brown counterpart, black rice is packed with cholesterol-lowering fiber. But that’s not all: Researchers from Louisiana State University in Baton Rouge recently discovered that it’s a powerful source of antioxidants. In fact, it contains anthocyanins, the same phytochemicals in blueberries that have been shown to help maintain brain function. You can buy the Asian cooking staple online or in an Asian supermarket.

Super idea: “Try black rice in pumpkin or butternut squash soup -- it’s perfect for fall,” says Reardon.

Secret Superfood No. 2: Cabbage

Cabbage isn’t only for coleslaw. When you chew this cruciferous vegetable (ditto for broccoli and kale), you break down the plant cell walls and trigger the formation of a powerful anti-cancer compound called sulforaphane. “Sulforaphane detoxifies carcinogens and speeds their elimination from the body,” explains Reardon. One study from Georgetown University found that compounds present in cabbage help cells recover from the damage of breast and prostate cancer.

Super idea: Put cabbage on a burger or toss it into a stir-fry.

Secret Superfood No. 3: Chia Seeds

Flaxseeds aren’t the only game in town: Chia seeds contain antioxidants and heart-healthy omega-3s. In one study in the journal Diabetes Care, people with type 2 diabetes experienced health benefits when they ate chia seeds for 12 weeks. “The soluble fiber in the seeds slows the digestion and absorption of glucose over time,” says Reardon. Study participants also had lower blood pressure.

Super idea: Sprinkle chia seeds on oatmeal or stir them into yogurt.

Secret Superfood No. 4: Watercress

This peppery green was reportedly used by the Greek physician and father of modern medicine, Hippocrates. “Watercress contains high amounts of antioxidants that protect cell DNA,” says Reardon. In one British Journal of Nutrition study, breast cancer patients who ate watercress had significant levels of compounds that seemed to interfere with cancer cell development.

Super idea: Add watercress to a turkey sandwich or stir it into pasta dishes.

Secret Superfood No. 5: Black Raspberries

These dark-hued berries have been shown to reduce the risk of oral cancer, as well as esophageal and colon cancer in animal studies -- perhaps due to a compound called ellagic acid. And new research from Ohio State University also shows promise for humans, lowering levels of oxidative stress.

Super idea: Serve black raspberries with vanilla ice cream or on top of Greek yogurt with a drizzle of honey.

Ella Brooks is a New York City-based health writer and editor. Her articles have appeared in such national women's magazines as Shape, Prevention, Natural Health and Woman's Day.

Sage and Savvy is a Studio One Networks Media Partner.

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Bryan Adams: Bare Bones Giveaway

Bryan Adams' Bare Bones is an inspired collection of minimally arranged hits culled from Adams’ impressive body of work spanning three decades. Recorded in spring of 2010 during his "Bare Bones Tour," the disc captures a raw Adams, featuring only his distinctive voice and guitar, accompanied on select songs by keyboardist Gary Breit, lending a newfound appreciation and perspective to what many consider some of the most beloved songs in pop/rock music.

Inspired by his experience recording “MTV’s Unplugged” in the 90’s, Adams decided to revisit performing his material pared down once again in 2008. With a consistently loyal following on the road, Adams continued playing live shows with these new spare arrangements in 2010, and as an experiment decided to start recording them for a possible record. Comments Adams, “as the tour rolled across the USA and Canada, many people were asking for a recording of the songs as they had just heard in the show. So in response to that, I decided to record a few shows to see if a recording was even interesting… I like the way the songs carry themselves warts and all, bare-boned, without the original arrangements of a full band or an orchestra.” He continues, “These recordings only have the voices and handclaps of the fans in the audience and the ambiance of the room to lift them.

Shop: You can purchase Bare Bones at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $16.98).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of Bryan Adams: Bare Bones!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Sue Farrell!

• To enter, comment on your favorite Bryan Adams song.
• 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 Bryan Adams; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is December 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 December 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.

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Ziploc Holiday Prints and Colors Giveaway

If you love to give homemade edible delights for the holidays, Ziploc's Holiday Prints and Colors are a great way to present the treats to the lucky recipient!

This year, give homemade treats to your friends and family as a special holiday gift. Homemade treats are always loved and appreciated, plus they’re delicious and come straight from the heart. To keep them fresh and fun, pack them in Ziploc® Holiday Bags and Containers. The trusted Ziploc® seal lets you feel confident your treats will stay fresh, while the festive designs and colors add an extra touch of holiday sparkle.

If you need an idea for a yummy holiday treat, here's a recipe for Swirled White & Milk Chocolate Mint Bark courtesy Robin Miller and Ziploc:

Swirled White & Milk Chocolate Mint Bark

Serving Size:
· Makes 3 cups

Ingredients:
· 1/4 cup red (peppermint) or green (spearmint) round candies
· 8 ounces white chocolate, such as Baker’s, coarsely chopped
· 8 ounces milk chocolate, coarsely chopped
· 1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract, divided

Directions:
1. Place mint candies in a quart or gallon-size Ziploc® Brand Freezer Bag with the Smart Zip™ Seal and mash with a rolling pin, meat mallet or bottom of a heavy skillet until coarsely crushed (1/8-1/4-inch pieces). Set aside.
2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. Set aside.
3. Melt chocolates separately in the top of a double boiler or glass bowls resting in saucepans over simmering water (bowls shouldn’t be touching water, just sitting above it)*.
4. Remove from heat and stir 1/4 teaspoon of the peppermint extract into each of the chocolates. 5. Pour half of the white chocolate crosswise (side to side) on prepared baking sheet.
6. Pour half of the milk chocolate next to white chocolate.
7. Repeat with remaining white and milk chocolates, making a 4-stripe pattern.
8. Using a wooden pick, swirl the white and milk chocolates together and spread out to 1/4-inch thickness (chocolate will not reach sides of pan).
9. Arrange crushed mints over the top and push gently into chocolate.
10. Cool until hard (refrigerate to speed up cooling).
11. Break bark into pieces and store until ready to serve.

*You can also melt the chocolates in separate microwave-safe bowls, stirring and checking every 30 seconds.

Tip: Create a festive hostess gift or holiday treat for your kids’ teachers by placing the Swirled White & Milk Chocolate Mint Bark in Ziploc® Brand Holiday Containers with the Smart Snap™ Seal.

Shop: You can purchase Ziploc Holiday Prints and Colors at various retailers online and and nationwide.

Win: One lucky winner will receive a Ziploc Holiday Prints and Colors Prize Pack consisting of: Ziploc Brand Freezer Bags Holiday Design (quart); Ziploc Brand Slider Storage Bags Holiday Design (gallon); Ziploc Brand Containers Holiday Design (Gold-large bowl); Ziploc Brand Containers Holiday Design (Gold-medium square).

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to rubymoon!

• To enter, comment on what you'd fill the Ziploc Holiday containers with!
• 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 Ziploc Holiday; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is December 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 December 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 SC Johnson for providing the products for giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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mama mantras Review and Giveaway

I admit that there are times during the day that I feel like I could scream--days where the boys are not listening, the house is a mess, and things are just not going right.

It's on those types of days that the mama mantras parenting cards and iPhone app come in handy.
Refocus on what matters most.
Reboot your mood and the moment.
Reconnect with your family.

We've all been there. We get it. We've all had "those" days. mama mantras products are like a good friend - one who picks you up, sets you on your feet and then helps you pull it together. The friend that utters just a few words that you can repeat to yourself for a little bit of sanity during a stressful day.

Whether a gift for a new or expecting mama or a gift for yourself, mama mantras cards and iphone app offer quick wisdom when you need it most. Each saying provides a little perspective and affirmation to stressful moments.

When life gets crazy, it's often necessary to just stop, take a breath, and remember what's important.

But that's easier said than done, which is why I think the mama mantras parenting cards and iPhone app are very handy to have.

Mantras such as "The days are long, but the years are short," "It's ok to take a break and hide in the bathroom" and "Will it matter in five years? Five days? Five minutes?" really help to make you stop and think.

The cards are small enough to carry with you anywhere--you can carry the entire set or slip some in your wallet, your purse, your pocket, and even keep some in your car when you're stuck in traffic!

The mama mantras iPhone app allows you to easily "favorite" mantras you love, and it's great for when you're waiting at the doctor's office and your kid is screaming because he doesn't want to get a shot, or maybe you're waiting in a long line somewhere.

The days can get chaotic, especially now during the holidays, and when they do, I know I can pull out a mama mantras card or check my iPhone for a mantra that will help me remember what's important in life and to get myself together.

And then maybe I'll go and hide in the bathroom...

Shop: You can purchase the mama mantras parenting cards (ARV $8) on the mama mantras website or the iPhone app (ARV $.99) on iTunes.

Win: Three lucky winners will receive a download code for the mama mantras iPhone app!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Stuff Parents Need, Ransomed-Redeemed, FDP 4 Life!

• To enter, comment on a situation you'd think mama mantras would come in handy.
• 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 mama mantras; 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 December 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 December 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 mama mantras for providing the products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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1+1=5 Giveaway

Not too long ago I posted a review on 1+1=5 and Other Unlikely Additions, by David LaRochelle, illustrated by Brenda Sexton.

How much is 1+1? Think the answer is 2? Not always, as this playful approach to addition proves! David LaRochelle takes children on a joyful mathematical journey that will engage their minds and teach them to think about numbers in a creative, outside-the-box way.

Brenda Sexton's wild and wacky illustrations add layers of witty fun to LaRochelle's clever game.

Here is an excerpt from my review:

1+1=5 is indeed really clever and although my boys simply enjoyed the colorful illustrations, identifying the objects, and counting since they're too young to figure out the equations on their own, I personally had a lot of fun trying to figure out when 1+1 didn't equal 2.

For instance, 1+1=3, when you have one unicorn with one horn, and one goat, with two horns.

Get it?

1+1=5 is a great book for the entire family to go through together to challenge thinking and encourage creativity, resulting in a whole lot of fun!

Shop: You can purchase 1+1=5 at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $14.95)

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of 1+1=5!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Emillie Rose!

• To enter, comment on why you'd like to win!
• 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 1+1=5; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is December 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 December 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 Sterling Children's Books for providing the product for review free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post. All opinions are my own.

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You Cannot Be Serious by Elizabeth Lyons Review and Giveaway

I recently had a chance to read the hilarious, yet enlightening, book You Cannot Be Serious - and 32 Other Rules that Sustain a (Mostly) Balanced Mom by Elizabeth Lyons.

For years, author Elizabeth Lyons has been asked how she does it all.

Whether she’s negotiating a truce between her 10- and 5-year-old while eulogizing goldfish, swinging a sledgehammer in her garage-to-be-nursery, bribing her twins to keep their pants on in the grocery store, planning her product line, strategically placing carrot seeds in her garden, receiving life lessons from her oldest daughter, or explaining to her kids why a fellow post office patron has pierced nipples, Elizabeth Lyons has discovered that the secret to navigating through the land of euphoria and hysteria is a carefully crafted set of rules—for herself!

You Cannot Be Serious is a contemporary and humorous roadmap for “doing it all” that any woman can relate to for untying her own “nots.” And for moms who lie awake at night wondering if their sanity will remain intact until the kids move out, Lyons provides a girlfriend-to-girlfriend guide, not just for getting through each day, but for being able to say with conviction, “I love my life!”

As a mom, I often wonder how other moms can "do it all," since I often find myself struggling to stay calm and sane during so many situations.

Many of my friends who are moms seem to always have it together, but You Cannot Be Serious made me realize that I'm not alone when it comes to feeling like I'm losing my mind.

The first thing that struck me about Lyons was not only her humor, but how I could actually relate to her in so many ways.

For instance, she seems to be quite a germaphobe, and so am I!

I cracked up as she wrote about not wanting to use a shopping cart in fear of the swine flu, and how she thought her son was using a "possibly Ebola-contaminated lip balm" found in the parking lot. That totally sounds like the kinds of thoughts I would have!

I also learned a lot of interesting lessons on how to better handle certain situations, but I learned a lot about myself too.

I learned that it's okay to indulge and have a "Treat of the Moment" (Rule 6), how to create something good (or memorable, or blog-worthy) out of crazy situations (Rule 7-Bedlam Breeds Innovation), and most importantly--how no one really has it easy.

It's difficult to find that balance in life, especially when you're a mom, but I think the challenges and obstacles we go through as a mom are all worth it.

It's all a matter of perspective and accepting that there will be chaos. Things change. You can't control everything, especially when it comes to kids and being a mom.

You Cannot Be Serious is such a funny book (I can't wait to see what kinds of conversations my kids have with me when they get older--human bladders? hot girls?) and ultimately enlightening, and I know Lyons' 32 rules will come in handy time and time again (especially once DS3 arrives!).

Shop: You can purchase You Cannot Be Serious at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $13.95)

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of You Cannot Be Serious by Elizabeth Lyons!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Ellen C.!

• To enter, visit You Cannot Be Serious and comment on which chapter (please list chapter title) you're most interested in reading.
  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 You Cannot Be Serious; 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 December 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 December 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 Elizabeth Lyons for providing the products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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MommyParties-Mega Bloks Review

I was very fortunate to have been selected by MommyParties to host a Mega Bloks party!

Each child that came to the party was able to select a Mega Bloks vehicle. As soon as I brought the vehicles out, Musician wanted to play with them. Who could blame him?

I decided to put the kids' names in a cup and draw names one at a time, so when a child's name was called, he/she could pick the toy of choice!

Amongst the choices were the Lil' School Bus, Lil' Pink Bus, Lil' Dump Trunk, and more!

Here's one of the boys about to make his selection...
There just so happened to be 3 Lil' Pink Buses, and three girls were in attendance. They all picked the Lil' Pink Buses!

After all of the vehicles were taken, we randomly pulled names for the Pull Along Musical Pirate Ship.

The winner had no problems letting everyone else play with it! My boys loved playing with the pirate ship. Musician especially liked firing the cannon!

Although a couple of parents thought opening up the Mega Bloks toys were a bit difficult, once the toys were out, the kids had a blast!

Smiley had fun making a tower, Musician kept driving his boat through "water," and everyone else happily played with the other Mega Bloks toys, including the Play'n Go Table and the Mega Bloks Classic 80 piece set.

The Mega Bloks are bright and colorful, and are very easy for the little ones to manipulate. They had no problems putting them together and taking them apart.

I love how the Mega Bloks foster imagination and allow little ones to be really creative.

One of the moms commented how she thinks Mega Bloks are great because of how they offer a lot of products targeted to younger kids, such as the Mega Bloks Ni Hao, Kai-Lan and Thomas and Friends sets.

The Mega Bloks were such a hit, so much so, that when I asked the kids if they wanted to eat a snack (cookies, Mega Munch, cheese and crackers, etc.) or drink some juice, they all said "later."

I ended up with so many leftover snacks simply because the kids just wanted to play with the Mega Bloks!

Even the littlest party-goers got a taste of how much fun Mega Bloks are!

The Mega Bloks party was a success. The kids left more than happy with their Mega Bloks toys, and I know many of the parents left with some great holiday gift ideas as they browsed through the Mega Bloks catalog!

Since my boys love Thomas and Friends, I know exactly what to get them for the holidays, but the only hard part will be deciding on which Mega Bloks Thomas and Friends set to get them!

Thank you to Mega Bloks and MommyParties for providing the products for review. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Time for a Boost(er)...

Musician is ready to move up to a booster seat, and the timing is great because we'll be needing his car seat for when DS3 arrives.

However, I'm clueless as to what the best brands/models of booster seats are. Therefore, I started doing some research.

During my research, I was surprised to find out in Hawaii, as well as in many other states, the Child Restraint Law states no preference for rear seats. I always just assumed a car/booster seat must be in a rear seat, but this does explain why I've seen a few people with car seats in front seats (like in trucks with no rear cab).

It was really interesting to read each state's Child Restraint Laws.

Does your child use a booster seat? If so, what brand/model do you have and what do you like/dislike about it?

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Kikkoman Review and Giveaway

I love Kikkoman shoyu (what we in Hawaii call soy sauce), and I recently received a bunch of Kikkoman products, recipes, and a Whole Foods Gift Card to make some delicious dishes that would be perfect for upcoming holiday meals!

The holidays are upon us, and that can only mean three things: family, festivities, and of course, feasts. Adding Kikkoman to your main courses, sides, and even salads is a fresh new way to go beyond traditional tastes.

In the goodies I received, there were recipes for Savory Turkey Brine, Green Bean Casserole, Glazed Yams and Panko Crusted Potato Cakes, and here is the final "plate" from my pre-holiday trial run (I didn't make any of the yams--I'll be trying that out for a "real" holiday meal).

Everything turned out delicious, but I have to admit my favorite dish was the Panko Crusted Potato Cakes.
Those are similar to korokke (croquettes) that are really popular here in Hawaii.

They are a great alternative to regular mashed potatoes, or can also be served in addition to mashed potatoes, and they taste delicious with Kikkoman Tonkatsu Sauce.

For the recipes for the above dishes, along with many other delicious recipes, visit the Kikkoman website and "wow" your friends and family at your next holiday gathering!

Shop: You can purchase Kikkoman products at grocers nationwide.

Savvy Savings: Click here to find a Buy One Get One Free Coupon.

Win: One lucky winner will receive two full-sized Kikkoman products (winner can choose two products, but if those products are unavailable, sponsor will send a similar product instead).

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to sksweeps!

• To enter, visit Kikkoman and comment on which two products are your favorite or which two you'd most like to try!
• 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 Kikkoman (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 December 5, 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 December 6, 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.

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The Great Stuffing Debate Review and $150 Visa Gift Card Giveaway

When it comes to holiday meals, I usually go straight for the sides. And when it comes to stuffing, I can be a little picky. I like my stuffing savory--no fruits, no nuts, and if there's mushrooms, and better yet--bacon mixed in, all the better!

To celebrate the upcoming holiday season and all the stuffing people across the nation will be consuming, Swanson Broths' The Great Stuffing Debate has launched!

Argue all you want, but the debate won't be settled until the dishes hit the dining-room table. So grab your plate and join the debate. Each week, we'll release new debate questions along with recommended stuffing recipes and more. So make yourself at home. The debate has been served.



I was fortunate to receive a Visa Gift Card to purchase some Swanson Broth and everything else I needed to make stuffing just the way I like it.

After browsing the recipes on The Great Stuffing Debate website, I decided to go with the Quick & Easy Stuffing, primarily because I'm not the greatest cook, and the easier the recipe it is, the better.

This stuffing would also serve as my "practice" stuffing for a real holiday meal.

I've made stuffing several times before as a side dish for dinners, but I've always used water. Using the Swanson Chicken Broth instead of water made the stuffing so much tastier.

The stuffing was moist and delicious, and the Quick & Easy recipe really was quick & easy!

Now that I'm fairly confident in my stuffing-cooking skills, I'm going to try the Sausage & Mushroom Stuffing recipe next (with a little twist, using Portuguese Sausage instead of Pork Sausage).

Visit The Great Stuffing Debate to find great stuffing recipes and to see what the question of the week is!

Win: One lucky winner will receive a $150 Visa Gift Card to purchase Swanson Broth and everything else you need to make the perfect stuffing!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to sodahoney!

• To enter, visit The Great Stuffing Debate and comment on your favorite stuffing recipe.
• 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 The Great Stuffing Debate(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 Swanson Broths on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is December 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 December 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 M80 for contacting me on behalf of Swanson and providing the gift cards for review and giveaway. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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The Gallery Collection Review and Giveaway

I recently received some holiday cards from The Gallery Collection that are perfect for sending to business colleagues and acquaintances!

The Gallery Collection is the leading business-to-business mail order publisher of premium quality personalized Christmas, Holiday, and All Occasion greeting cards in the United States. Established in 1929, and still family owned by Prudent Publishing Company, we are proud to present the finest quality personal and business greeting cards available. We guarantee it!

There are many great designs that The Gallery Collection offers, but I ended up selecting the Holiday Surprise Package Card.

I love the blue gift box design and the expressions of goodwill and joy!

Once you select your card, you can select the greeting (you may also customize it or leave the card blank), and add an optional personalization imprint (I added my family's last name).

You then choose what type of envelope you'd like (I selected self-adhesive), and you can add a personalized imprint on the envelope if you wish (I added our home address).

The entire process was quick and easy!

The Gallery Collection also offers Sympathy Cards, Birthday Cards, and even Gift Bag Ensembles!

Whether you're looking for cards to give away to your colleagues, acquaintances, family, or friends, visit The Gallery Collection to see what they have to offer!

Win: One lucky winner will receive a Gift Bag Ensemble (winner's choice of Everyday, Elegant, or Classic Ensembles).

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Jennifer T.!

• To enter, visit The Gallery Collection and comment on your favorite holiday card.
• 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 The Gallery Collection; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is December 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 December 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.

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.

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Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player Review

Thanks to Mom Central Consulting, I received a SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player our entire family uses!
The Sansa® Fuze™+ MP3 player delivers a rich portable multi-media experience with superior audio and video capabilities, stylish industrial design, a best-in-class unique graphical user interface, and flexible storage expansion via a microSD™ card slot.

I was fortunate to receive a black Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player. I immediately noticed how compact and light it was, and I couldn't wait to start using it!

It comes pre-loaded with a few songs, and to add more songs, you simply need to drag and drop!

The audio was clear with the included headphones, and even connected to our cars audio system it sounded great!

To add video and photos to the Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player, I had to download the Sansa Media Converter.

Once I launched the Sansa Media Converter, for some reason it took a while to update the player--it couldn't recognize it, and after numerous attempts at turning it off and on, I was finally able to get all the files I needed so I could use the program.

And using it was simple too. I just had to find whatever media files I wanted to upload (video, photo, etc.), and in just a few moments the files were converted for playback on the player.

DH and I love listening to the songs, and the boys love watching the home videos and viewing the photos we uploaded.

The Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player also has the ability to play, pause, and record FM radio, record your voice, and play podcasts! It also has a slot for microSD cards, and SanDisk offers a variety of slotRadio cards which offers lots more music.

I was also fortunate to receive the VH1 Classic slotRadio card. Each slotRadio card contains 1000 songs, and I really enjoyed the VH1 Classic songs. I especially enjoyed the 80s songs--so many great songs I haven't heard in a long time by Bon Jovi, Tears for Fears, and more!

I do have to admit that I'm still not used to the controls, simply because I'm so used to touch screens. The Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player has a control panel that you swipe to change screens, select options, etc., and I often found myself trying to swipe the screen instead!

Despite the initial difficulty in converting media and getting used to the Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player's controls, it's lightweight, has a nice, big screen, and so far we've all been enjoying this versatile player!

Shop: You can purchase the Sansa Fuze+ MP3 Player (ARV $79.99) and slotRadio cards (ARV $29.99-$39.99) at various retailers online and nationwide.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of SanDisk and received the SanDisk Sansa Fuze+ and VH1 slotRadio Card to facilitate my review.

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The Canadian Tenors: The Perfect Gift Giveaway

The Canadian Tenors have dazzled millions of people on five continents with their exciting blend of classical and contemporary pop. Throughout their career, the accomplished foursome has shared the stage with such notable artists including Sting, Sheryl Crow and Andrea Bocelli.

After 45 weeks at the top of the Billboard Classical Crossover chart, Canada’s Platinum-selling vocal group, The Canadian Tenors, have released their debut holiday album, The Perfect Gift. The album was released on October 12th through Decca Records and includes a beautiful duet, Wintersong, with Grammy Award winner, Sarah McLachlan.

This year, The Canadian Tenors have appeared on The Oprah Winfrey Show, and Dr. Phil. They were also featured, singing the national anthem at both the 2010 NBA and MLB All-Star games. The Canadian Tenors also performed at the closing ceremonies of the G20 Summit of world leaders, in Toronto, in front of an audience, which included Barack and Michelle Obama, and also performed for Queen Elizabeth II upon her visit to Canada that same year.

I visited The Canadian Tenors website and previewed some of their music after launching the music player--such beautiful voices they have! I think The Perfect Gift will really make a "perfect gift" for just about anyone on your holiday list!

Shop: You can purchase The Canadian Tenors: The Perfect Gift at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $$16.98).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of The Canadian Tenors: The Perfect Gift!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to vwestermeyer!

• To enter, comment on why you'd like to win.
• 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 The Canadian Tenors; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is December 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 December 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 sponsor for providing the product for giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Fiber One Review and $25 Safeway Gift Card Giveaway

Sorry, this maybe a little TMI, but with my first pregnancy, I suffered from a lot of constipation, and was told I should eat more fiber.

When I became pregnant with my second child, I searched for high-fiber snacks at a local warehouse club one day, and I came across Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Chewy Bars. Compared with the other similar bars available at the warehouse club, it had the highest percentage of the daily value of fiber, so I picked up a box.

Now that I'm pregnant again, you can bet I have lots of Fiber One Chewy Bars in our pantry!

It´s time for a wake-up crunch! The delicious Fiber One taste you know and love has just gotten even better! Now getting the fiber that you need can be the most delicious part of your day with Fiber One cereals and bars. With guilt-free and indulgent choices that now taste even better than before, Fiber One helps make it easier than ever to increase your daily intake while leaving your taste buds jumping for joy.

When hunger strikes and you need to satisfy your sweet tooth, Fiber One has you covered with at least 35% of your daily value of fiber in every serving of their cereals and bars.

Thanks to MyBlogSpark, I received some coupons for Fiber One cereal and bars and a $25 Safeway gift card so I could pick up more of my favorite Fiber One Oats & Chocolate Chewy Bars, as well as try one of the cereals.

I love the Oats & Chocolate Chewy Bars. They are really delicious and quite chocolaty! And the fact they are a good source of calcium and fiber is a bonus!

There were so many Fiber One cereals to choose from, but I ended up choosing the Fiber One Honey Clusters. There didn't seem to be too many honey clusters, but I thought the cereal still tasted good. It was just sweet enough, and I think that it's great that it contains a lot of fiber--13 grams!

Fiber One offers a lot of tasty ways for me to get my fiber, and I can't wait to try out the other bar and cereal flavors!

Shop: You can purchase Fiber One cereals and bars at various grocers nationwide.

Win: One lucky winner will receive VIP coupons good for one free box of Fiber One cereal and one free box of Fiber One bars, along with a $25 Safeway gift card (also valid at Dominick´s, Tom Thumb, Randalls, Vons, and Genuardi´s).

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to clc408!

• To enter, visit Fiber One and comment on which of the bars or cereals you'd most like to try.
• 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 Fiber One (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 December 1, 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 December 2, 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 Fiber One and MyBlogSpark for providing the Safeway gift card, VIP coupons, information, and giveaway items free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Sesame Street Video USB Review

Thanks to Team Mom, I received a Sesame Street Video USB that not only stores files, but it plays a fun Elmo video as well!

Video USB drive offers a full-length home video as well as discretionary storage space that can hold up to 400 photos, 400 songs or a virtually unlimited amount of written content!

A child cannot accidentally erase or remove the movie, ensuring viewing pleasure for a long time to come. The flexibility and portability of the drive make it the perfect item for travel and use at home!

Character drivers are waterproof, dustproof and drop proof.

A special "wearable" connector strap ensures that both parts of the character stay together. Collect them all!

We were fortunate to receive the Best of Elmo Video USB, which included an Elmo movie of some of Smiley's favorite clips from Sesame Street. It was really easy to access the video--just insert it into your computer, a menu pops up, and select the video to play!

I love that I can also store files (songs, photos, etc.) and how the cap is attached to the drive. I am notorious for losing USB drive caps. Actually, I think all of the USB drives I have are missing their caps!

The Sesame Street Video USB also allows quick access to the Sesame Street website, and besides being practical, it's just so cute!

The Sesame Street Video USB is functional and fun for both adults and kids!

Shop: You can purchase the Sesame Street Video USB at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $24.95).

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

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Norah Jones: ...Featuring Review and Giveaway

I recently had a chance to listen to Norah Jones' new album, ... Featuring, which released today.

On November 16th, Norah Jones will release ...Featuring, an album of the multi-platinum selling, multi-Grammy Award winning singer Norah Jones' musical collaborations from the past decade. The 18 songs on the album include duets with such legends as Ray Charles, Willie Nelson and Dolly Parton, and with 21st century icons from OutKast to the Foo Fighters.

"A lot of the people on this record are people I've worshiped since I was a kid, and some of them are younger and more my contemporaries," says Norah. "Even though the musicians are so varied, the vibe of the songs makes sense when we put them all together." These collaborations reveal Jones' astonishing musical versatility, from jazz to country, hip hop to rock. Songs on the album range from classics recorded by Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, and Joni Mitchell to new material by such wide-ranging innovators as Ryan Adams and Q-Tip, as well as recordings by some of Jones' own bands and side projects (The Little Willies and El Madmo).

The tracks on ...Featuring span her entire career, from one of her earliest recording sessions with guitarist Charlie Hunter in 2001 to her most recent performance, a song called "Little Lou, Ugly Jack, Prophet John" that she cut with indie rock legends Belle and Sebastian, which will also appear on their new album. The result serves as a kind of parallel history to her own four albums, which have sold over 40 million copies worldwide.

Tracklist
1. The Little Willies - "Love Me"
2. The Foo Fighters feat. Norah Jones - "Virginia Moon"
3. Sean Bones feat. Norah Jones - "Turn Them"
4. Willie Nelson feat. Norah Jones - "Baby It's Cold Outside"
5. Norah Jones and Sasha Dobson - "Bull Rider"
6. Dirty Dozen Brass Band feat. Norah Jones - "Ruler of My Heart"
7. El Madmo - "The Best Part"
8. Outkast feat. Norah Jones - "Take Off Your Cool"
9. Q-Tip feat. Norah Jones - "Life Is Better"
10. Talib Kweli feat. Norah Jones - "Soon the New Day"
11. Belle & Sebastian feat. Norah Jones - "Little Lou, Prophet Jack, Ugly John"
12. Ray Charles feat. Norah Jones - "Here We Go Again"
13. Norah Jones feat. Gillian Welch and David Rawlings
14. Ryan Adams feat. Norah Jones - "Dear John"
15. Norah Jones feat. Dolly Parton - "Creepin' In"
16. Herbie Hancock feat. Norah Jones - "Court & Spark"
17. Charlie Hunter feat. Norah Jones - "More Than This"
18. Norah Jones feat. M. Ward - "Blue Bayou"

Norah Jones has such a beautiful voice, and I enjoyed all of her collaborations with the various artists on ...Featuring, from the first track to the last.

I found her sultry voice to be perfect on such tracks as Love Me and Blue Bayou (my favorite track), and it easily shined on so many others, such as Take Off Your Cool and Life is Better.

Jones' collaborations span different genres, and it was neat to hear her team up with such artists as Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Outkast, and Q-Tip!

...Featuring really showcases Jones' talent and voice, and I think the CD will make a fantastic gift for the holidays!

Shop: You can purchase a copy of ...Featuring on Amazon.com and at various other retailers online and nationwide (ARV $18.98)

Win: One lucky winner will receive a copy of ...Featuring!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Mrs. Desimone!

• To enter, visit Norah Jones and comment on your favorite "Featuring" Video Vignette.
• 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 Norah Jones; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is November 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 December 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 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.

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Clic-It Smart Diaper Bag System Review

Thanks to Team Mom, I received the Clic-It Smart Diaper Bag System, which enables me to carry as little or as much as I need whenever I'm out and about with my kids!

There are some days you will need an extra bottle or snack. There are some days you are just running out for a quick shopping trip, and other days you need to pack up baby for a long drive.

And then baby starts to grow up. No longer a newborn, your little one has new and different needs.

Until now, there has been no diaper bag that truly meets these changing needs of moms, dads and caregivers. So, after designing diaper bags for over twenty-five years, the creative team at Baby Boom Consumer Products was ready for a challenge: to find a functional diaper bag, one that is versatile, organized, and comfortable, yet stylish enough to meet the needs of today’s on-the-go parents. And so Clic-It was born.

Clic-It is the Smart Diaper Bag System that easily changes to meet all your needs. With the patented quick release clip system, you can Clic & Connect accessories to customize your bag.

I was fortunate to receive the Clic-It Diaper Bag (ARV $49.99) and some great accessory carriers, including the Diapers & Wipes Case (ARV $11.99), Bottle Holder (ARV $11.99), Pacifier Holder (ARV $7.99), and Organizer Pouch (ARV $9.99).

I love how the Diaper Bag itself has several pockets (I think you can never have enough pockets to store stuff), and how the interior is easy to wipe down. It's large enough to fit several diapers, wipes, a change of clothes, and other little necessities, and it's great how I can attach accessory holders in case I need to carry more items for a longer trip (or when DS3 arrives).

It really is easy to attach and detach each accessory to the bag with a click. And so far, despite all the moving and transporting, the accessories have stayed on!

I also think it's great that you can only use the accessory carriers if needed.

For instance, I can take the Diapers & Wipes Case off and only bring that with me when we take a walk around our neighborhood, or I could take the Organizer Pouch off, which I can stuff with money, my driver's license, my cell phone, pens, etc., and take only that with me if I'm off to run a quick errand by myself--no need to carry my large purse!

Although the bag is a little bulkier than another diaper bag I've used, and I personally would like to see more stylish designs and colors, the neutral black and green is great for baby girls and boys, and both DH and I can use it!

Overall I think the Clic-It Smart Diaper Bag System is practical and convenient, allowing you to customize it to carry all that you need!

Thank you to Team Mom and Clic-It for providing the products for review free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Envirosax Bloom Bag Review

Envirosax Bags not only make great gifts, but they are a great way to wrap gifts too!

Envirosax has so many great designs, such as the new Bloom Bag designs. I know many of my friends would love to receive one of the Bloom Bags for the holidays, like the Bloom Bag 3-Lotus design I was fortunate to receive:

Bloom in pops of rich, saturated, romantic floral colors. Inspired by dusk picnics in fragrant blossoming gardens, these new Bloom bags offer a chocolaty palette of smoky tobacco, raspberry pink, and blushing scarlet.

Bag Dimensions (unrolled): 19.5” x 16.5”

Bag Dimensions (in pouch): 4" x 1.5"

Weight Capacity: 44 lbs

Bag Weight: 1.4 oz

Of all the Bloom Bags, my favorite design is the Lotus. The flowers just "pop" against the brown.

Even though I have several other Envirosax bags, I find that you can really never have too many!

The bags are great not only for shopping, but as I mentioned, they're great for gift-giving and gift-wrapping too!

So whether you're looking for a practical and fashionable reusable bag for yourself or for a gift, or you want to present a holiday gift in a stylish way, check out Envirosax for a great selection of designs!

Shop: You can purchase Envirosax bags at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $8.95).

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

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The Best of Nelly Furtado Review and Prize Pack Giveaway

I recently had a chance to listen to The Best of Nelly Furtado, which releases tomorrow (Nov. 16, 2010).

Multi-platinum-selling, Grammy-winning global superstar, actress, philanthropist and recent Canadian “Walk of Fame” inductee, Nelly Furtado, will celebrate her first 10 years of recording with her first greatest hits compilation, The Best Of Nelly Furtado (Geffen Records). The album features #1 Pop smashes, collaborations and three previously unreleased recordings and will be available in standard and double-disc deluxe editions.

The Best Of Nelly Furtado looks back at a simply sensational and genuinely global first decade for the acclaimed Canadian-born singer-songwriter of Portuguese heritage. She has won and/or been nominated for seven Grammy awards, has a BRIT Award win, and has been awarded numerous Junos (Canada’s equivalent of the Grammy), including Album Of The Year for Loose as well as an MTV Europe Music Award. Furthermore, she has been nominated for a handful of Billboard Latin Music Awards and a Grammy for her groundbreaking 2009 album Mi Plan that further solidifies her vibrant and successful career as a dual language superstar. Embracing different cultures, musical styles and even languages, Nelly Furtado has helped define musical diversity for a new generation.

It's been a while since I heard some of my favorite Nelly Furtado songs, such as I'm Like a Bird and Promiscuous, so I really enjoyed listening to The Best of Nelly Furtado.

I also discovered some new favorites, such as Fotografia, a duet with Juanes. Even though I don't understand the lyrics (in Spanish), it's such a beautiful song!

Powerless (Say What You Want) is another new favorite, and I also rediscovered some songs that I completely forgot about, such as In God's Hands.

I always enjoy listening to "best of" compilations, and The Best of Nelly Furtado is no exception.

Full of some of Furtado's most popular hits, beautiful duets, and previously unreleased tracks, The Best of Nelly Furtado is one of the best CDs I've heard all year!

Shop: You can purchase The Best of Nelly Furtado at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $13.98).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a prize pack consisting of a Nelly Furtado canvas bag, The Best of Nelly Furtado CD, and Nelly Furtado branded candles.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to JR911!

• To enter, comment on your favorite Nelly Furtado song.
• 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 The Best of Nelly Furtado; 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 Holiday 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 Holiday Gift Guide http://tinyurl.com/29m86ac"; leave your link/Twitter name in your comment (1 extra entry)
• 8)Leave a comment on the Holiday Wish List post stating what item(s) is(are) on your holiday wish list this year (3 extra entries)
• The deadline for entries is November 29, 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 products for review and giveaway free of charge. All opinions are my own. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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