Steam Machine Review & Giveaway

STEAM MACHINE GIVEAWAY
Brought to you by: Making Memories With Your Kids

I never knew how much my life could benefit from a Steam Machine until I met the Steam Machine Multi Purpose Power Steamer.We've lived in my house for 8 years now and I am constantly amazed at how dirty the floors can get!  It's horrible! 

I'm not much of a mop person.  I'm not sure why.  I just clean my floors with a rag and cleaner on my hands and knees.  It makes me feel like I am actually cleaning and not just rubbing the dirt around.  Well, that's what I thought... then I used the Steam Machine on my floors!

There's definitely a good reason why they call it a Multi Purpose Steamer and that's because it has so many different functions. From room-to-room the Steam Machine is amazing! If you need to remove wallpaper, simply use the Steam Machine to quickly remove it and best yet - it's chemical free! The kids drag in a little dirt on your carpet? No problem, use the attachment to not only clean up the carpet, but also to sanitize your tile, hardwood or vinyl floors. And that's not the only thing it sanitizes either! Use it to sanitize your kitchen area including your stove top and oven. And don't forget about your grills and bathrooms!

One of my favorite things to use the Steam Machine for is my dirty kitchen floor. It sanitizes my floors while cleaning them at the same time. The steam blasts them clean and then I use the cleaning pad to wipe them clean. It does a much better job than me scrubbing them on my hands and knees!  And it's so much easier too.

 

How does it work?   The Steam Machine works by pressurized high temperatures to efficiently steam away grime and dirt, grease, and even bacteria.

The Steam Machine includes:

 

•Owners Instruction Manual

•Two Nylon Brushes

•Jet Nozzle

•Brass Brush

•Squeegee

•Floor Steam Mop With Microfiber Cleaning Pad

•Wallpaper Steam Plate

•Measuring Cup With Fill

•Funnel 

Use the Steam Machine with ease by grabbing the handle and then using the two wheels to roll it around with you wherever you may need it. Take advantage of the 8 foot hose to reach hard to reach places both high and low. Rest assured - your purchase is totally covered with a two year guarantee. 

BUY IT: You can purchase a Steam Machine for $99.99. Use their product finder to find it in a store near you or find it online.

LEARN MORE: To learn more be sure to visit HOMERIGHT online.

WIN It: Want to win a Steam Machine Cleaning System of your own?  It's easy!  Just enter on the rafflecopter below!

Giveaway open to US and Canadian residents, 18 years of age or older. 

Giveaway ends May 27th at midnight.

  a Rafflecopter giveaway 


 

Mustache Cookie Cutter Set Review and Giveaway

 

If you've done any searching of the web the past year or so you know how popular mustache paraphernalia is.  There is mustache glasses, jewelry, tattoos, drinking glasses and so much more.  When I saw these adorable mustache cookie cutters I fell in love.  How cute are they!  I have a co-worker that will flip when she sees cookies shaped like mustaches.  I can't wait!

 

I love making sugar cookies (although I'm not very good at the frosting part.)  But I'm going to give it a shot with these cute cutters.

 

The great things about these 100% stainless steal cookie cutters are that they are deep.  They aren't those plastic cookie cutters that are less than 1/2 inch thick.  Those work great then you're making a thin sugar cookie.  But I like my sugar cookies thick.  And if you want to make other things with these cookie cutters, like fun shaped sandwiches or tortillas, they cut perfectly.

 

This mustache set is complete with 3 differentt styles, and is sure to make you the hit of any party or event.  They measure around 4"W x 1.25-1.5"T but vary depending on shape.

You can find these great mustache cookie cutters, along with a plethora of other great mustache fun on Fuzzy Ink.  You can also find them on Twitter, and Facebook.

 

And here's the best part, one of you get to win one of these mustache cookie cutter sets!  Just enter on the rafflecopter below.

 

Giveaway open to US residents, 18 years of age and older and ends on May 20th.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

April is National Soyfoods Month

 

April is National Soyfoods Month so it’s the perfect time to learn about the place for soy in a healthy diet and easy ways to incorporate it into everyday meals. Packed with protein and fiber, soyfoods are a tasty way to reduce calories, saturated fat and maintain your weight. Many soy products like veggie burgers cook and thaw faster than traditional meat sources so that means more time and convenience—who couldn’t use more of both?

The Soyfoods Association of North America (SANA) provides information about the health benefits and nutritional advantages of soy. SANA offers fun recipes and convenient ways to incorporate soy into meals for everyone – from athletes to families. SANA is dedicated to spreading the word about soy, especially during National Soyfoods Month in April!

Soyfoods aren’t just for vegetarians anymore. In fact, dishes made with soy are quick, tasty, and often healthier than traditional protein sources.

Here are just a few ways that soy can help make your life easier and healthier:

Take this mixed berry smoothie up a notch with creamy and delicious WESTSOY Soymilk made from whole organic soybeans:

Need a snack on-the-go?  Grab some gluten free SOYJOY bars to fuel up with nutrients in seconds.

On those busy weeknights, add some Wildwood tofu to the standard stir-fry for more protein or this spinach fettuccini to your favorite pasta sauce.

Packing lunches with the same snacks can get a little boring, but honey roasted soy nuts are a sweet and crunchy snack packaged in individual sizes, perfect for the lunch box.  And they taste wonderful!

I love soy nuts.  I buy them regularly to eat as a snack at work.  They are great to add in a trail mix, adding great flavor and protein!  These Soy Nut (Honey Nutz) were delicious!  The honey flavor added a little sweetness to them which I loved.  What a perfect snack in a sack lunch or after school.

Packed with protein and fiber, soyfoods are a great way to reduce calories, cholesterol and saturated fat.

They also serve as a great source of iron, calcium, vitamin B-12, magnesium and zinc.

Including soyfoods into your diet is easy and convenient.   There are so many easy recipes to get cooking with soy ingredients.  

We are huge fans of edamame in this house.  My kids love it and can eat multiple bowls of it.  I feel good about serving them this healthy snack and don't feel guilty at all when I scarf down a bowl myself.  =o)  But how about a fun and delicious twist using this healthy bean.  Edamame Hummus!

Edamame Hummus

2 cups edamame, shelled and cooked according to package directions

¼ cup soybean oil

3 tablespoon lemon juice

2 teaspoon garlic, chopped

¾ teaspoon cumin, ground

½ teaspoon salt

Directions

Puree edamame, oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin and salt in food processor for 30 seconds, scraping sides twice, until almost smooth. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Serve with pita triangles, crackers, baguette or raw vegetables.

Yield: 2 cups. Per 16-2 tablespoon serving: 60 calories, 5 g fat (0 g sat fat), 2 g protein (2 g soy protein), 3 g carbohydrate, 90 mg sodium, 0 mg cholesterol, 1 g dietary fiber. 

 

Don't just take my word for it. Find them on the web and read for yourself:

April is SoyFoods month! Explore the site for recipe ideas and ingredients!

SoyFoods Association on Facebook

Follow the SoyFoods Association on Twitter at @SocialSANA

 

This sponsorship is brought to you by the Soyfoods Association who we have partnered with for this promotion.

School of Wash Bath Products Review

We are bath product snobs in my house. No, let's rephrase that. We're bath product aficionados.  That sounds much better right?  We love things that smell wonderful and I've passed that love on to my kids.  When it comes to body wash, we have about 15 different scents to chose from each bath.  My daughter closes her eyes and I squirt some body wash in her hand and then she has to guess which scent it is.  It's fun and she's pretty good at guessing all of the scents.

In comes School of Wash.  Have you heard of them?  I hadn't until recently.  Where have I been?!  The website is like a dream come true!

School of Wash is a family owned and operated store who sees their customers as their family.  Our FRESH Promise: We believe fresh ingredients are not only important on your dinner table, but also in your bathroom. We only use the highest quality ingredients and make all our products at the time of ordering. Our Products are – Paraben-free, Talc-free, SLS-free, Sulfate-free, Sodium Chloride-free, FRESHLY made when ordered and contain No Dyes.

They have products for men, women and kids, all with amazing scents.  We had the pleasure of reviewing the Bath Whip and the Foamy Bath Bubbles.

Creamy, smooth, marshmellowy bath whips by School of Wash™ pamper your skin with rich and creamy love. Like bathing with whipped cream, our bath whips will make bath time FUN! Our whips are not sticky or oily, and are enriched with cocoa butter, shea butter and jojoba oil which condition your skin. With over 138 scents to choose from our bath whips smell and feel yummy on your skin.

✓Paraben free and no added colors.

Body Whip Ingredients: Glycerin, Water, Sodium Cocoyl Isethionate, Sorbitol, Propylene Glycol, Disodium Lauryl Sulfosuccinate, Stearic Acid, Sodium Chloride, Diazolidinyl Urea, Idopropynyl Butylcarbamate, Cocoa Butter, Shea Butter, Jojoba Oil, Fragrance Oil, Tetrasodium EDTA.

We just loved the Bath Whip.  It was thick and creamy and the scent was amazing!  We chose Fizzy Pop (Pop Rocks and Soda Pop which create a sweet and snappy scent with citrusy lime, sunny pineapple, bright lemon and orange.

Get carried away with mountains of frothy, foamy bubbles! Each bottle of School of Wash™ Handmade Super Foaming Bubble Bath encapsulates the essence of your Pick-A-Scent™ fragrance. With over 138 scents to choose from your bath will smell as good as it looks.

✓Paraben-free and no added colors.

☞Directions: Pour 1-2 capfuls into water stream while filling tub.

Bubble Bath Ingredients: Water, PEG 80 Sorbitan Laurate, Cocamidopropyl Betaine, Sodium Trideceth Sulfate, PEG 150 Distearate, Sodium Lauroamphoacetate, Fragrance (Unless Fragrance Free), Sodium Laureth-13 Carboxylate, Glycerine, Citric Acid, Tetrasodium EDTA, Quantenium 15, Propylene Glycol, Diazolidinyl Urea, Iodopropynyl Butylcarbamate.

The bubble bath was also amazing.  I hate it when we buy bubble bath and have to add almost 1/3 of the bottle in order to get enough bubbles for a bath.  Not with School of Wash Bubble Bath.  We added 3 capfuls (because I wanted to make sure and have bubbles) and the bath was exploding in bubbles!  My daughter loved it!  And the scent was wonderful.  We chose Rock Candy Star (sweet, ripe berries and a snap of bubblegum, smooth the kick of vanilla and fizzy soda pop.)  Doesn't that just scream 8 year old girl?!

Would you like to check them out for yourself?  Go to their website and read about all the other amazing natural bath products they carry and how many wonderfully delicious scents they have!  You can also find them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ruth's Brownie Zingers Review

A Brownie Zinger??? What the heck, right? What's a Brownie Zinger?  That's exactly what I was thinking not so long ago.  Then Ruth's Kitchen introduced me to them.

A Brownie Zinger is basically the crunchy tops of their (Ruth's Kitchen) famous brownies.  They are like a brownie and a crunchy cookie combined.  You get the rich, chocolatey flavor of a brownie in a crunchy brittle or cookie.  And let me tell you, they really do taste just like an amazing brownie. 

Ruth's Kitchen has three flavors of Brownie Zingers: Walnut, Chocolate Chunk and Toffee Crunch.  And get this!  They even come in gluten free varieties.  So all of my gluten free friends can also enjoy these crunchy, chocolatey treats. 

And they arrive in this adorable box.

 

I took these delicious treats to my work to share with my co-workers.  Everyone loved them.  If you are a "corner piece" brownie lover because you love the crunchy part of the brownie, then these are the perfect treat for you.

But who is Ruth's Kitchen?  From their website: 

We Are A Small, Artisanal Baking Company  

Dedicated To Absolute Perfection In All We Do...

From the beginning, Ruth's Brownie (and Cookie & Biscotti) Kitchen has been committed to baking the world's highest quality and best-tasting chocolate gourmet brownies, biscotti, cookies and cakes available anywhere in the world. We bake them for you, our customers, the most important people in the world. Named after Grandmother Ruth —and beginning with her recipes— we've created baked goods that have that memorable, delicious homemade taste we remember from our childhoods.

The Artisanal Approach... 

With the dedication of our artisan bakers, we seek perfection in each and every batch of gourmet chocolate brownies, biscotti, cookies and cakes we make. To help achieve our goal we have committed ourselves to making a handcrafted product. Each and every brownie, biscotti, cookie or cake we make is made to order one batch at a time... NO mass production methods in our kitchens. Nothing is ever frozen. Nothing is ever "from the day before."

 But don't take my word for it.  Go check them out on their website, Twitter and Facebook.

And as a special thanks to all my readers, Ruth's Kitchen is offering everyone a 20% discount on your order.  Use code 20myblog20 when you check out.

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Spring Giveaway Hop with Zupers Everyday Activewear for Girls

Have you heard of

They are new to me too.  Cute name, right?  But what makes Zupers so special?  Holy smokes.  Where do I even start? 

I went to their website and asked my daughter which shorts she wanted to try.  She's such a picky girl when it comes to the clothes she wears.  Not necessarily because they have to look a certain way (but that's pretty important to an 8 year old), but also how the material feels.  This is huge for both of my kids. 

Anywho... she looked on the website at the shorts and her first reaction was "no thanks."  I about dropped my jaw.  What the heck?  I asked her why and she said they didn't look like what she would wear.  I'm smart enough to not fight that battle with my daughter (because I just end up spending money and having the clothes sit in her dresser.)  So I said, "okay, what one's do you think Ava would like?"  (That's her friend.)  "We'll just give them to her.

It was a hard choice, even for my daughter.  The colors and patterns are so cute.  But she finally decided on the Ric Rac shorts.  So cute!

They came in the mail and I showed them to my daughter.  She looked at me and immediately said "these are awesome.  I'm not giving these to Ava!"  I knew she'd love them once she saw them!

Now to get back to my original question... what makes Zupers so special?  This is what their website has to say:

These shorts are totally multi-functional! Pair them with our Faux Wrap Dress, Halter Dress, or Racer Back Tunic Tank Top. Or, pair them with one of her own rash guards or bikini tops and wear them to the beach! Made from rip-resistant yet soft and silky fabric, these UV protectant and moisture wicking shorts will keep her looking and feeling cool in the summer. Oh, and don’t forget to show her the secret treasure pocket! Available in Size 6 months to 14 years. Made in the USA (YAY!).

Here's what I have to say: they are wonderful.  They are soft and silky and adorable!  The colors are vibrant, the pattern is hip and fun and the fit and feel is perfect for a girl who thinks everything is itchy.  We loved these shorts!!!

The functional fabric of Zupers offer:

* UV protection 50+

* soft and silky feel

* durable and rip resistant

* moisture wicking

* quick drying

* easy care

And they are super comfy, with:

* flat seaming which means less chafing

* gusseted crotch

* low rise waist

* tagless label

My daughter now wants every color they have.  I haven't even shown her the other things they carry, like leggings and dresses!

Would you like more information Zupers amazing clothing lines?  You can check them out on:

Facebook

Twitter

Zupers

And here's the best part for you!  As part of the Spring Giveaway Hop sponsored by The Flourishing Life and Generations of Savings, one of our lucky readers has the chance to win a pair of these adorable shorts!  Just enter on the rafflecopter below for your chance.

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
 
And when you're done entering, "hop" on over to all of the other blogs that are participating in the hop.  There are so many great giveaways to check out and enter!

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Crafty Bands Review

 

Crafty Bands are the cutest things.  They are bands or bracelets that kids can personalize with pictures or wording that they chose.  It's pretty clever.  Maybe a better way to describe them is it's a kit that kids can design their own "charms" to personalize their bracelets.  Does that make sense?

 

The starter kit comes with everything you need: hole punch, bubble caps, bandz and crafty snaps.

 

 

Kids get to pick out whatever picture that they want to put in the charm.  You use the hole punch to cut out the picture.

 

 

Then add a bubble cap and glue into the crafty snaps.  It's super easy!

 

This is what my daughter decided on.  (Yes, that's Justin Beiber.)  =o)

 

Then you snap them in the bandz.  Easy peasy!

 

My daughter loved them.  The bandz are durable and pliable so they don't break and can fit on most wrist sizes. 

 

 

If I had a printer that worked, I would have loved to make personalized ones with my daughter and her friend's faces on the charms.  How cute would that be?  Or how about personalizing them for a birthday present or party?  It would be fun to do as a party favor at a party too.  (I think I'll have to remember this for my daughter's birthday party in a couple of weeks.

 

And you can buy refill kits.  I love this part.  I get so tired of buying a craft kit to do with my kids, we do the project and then have to throw away the kit because there's no way to buy only certain items (the ones we run out of.)  With Crafty Bandz, you buy the starter kit and then all you have to buy to make more are the "innards".

 

Don't want to take my word for it.  Well. you totally should.  =o)  Check them out and see what you think!

 

You can find Crafty Bands on Twitter and Facebook too.

 

I was given this product free of charge to write this review.  The opinions expressed are my own.

It's a Justin Beiber Party from Birthday Express

I have a little girl who is turning 8 in a couple of weeks.  If you have a little girl who's around this age you know exactly what I'm implying.  And 8 year old party?  Oy vey!  But I love parties!  And because I'm that Mom, she will get to have the party of her dreams.  (Well, as long as her dreams aren't too expensive.)  =o) 

 

I was thrilled when I had the opportunity to review a party pack from Birthday Express.  If you've seen any of my posts on previous birthdays, we like to party.  So this was perfect!  I asked my daughter to look through the tons of different party packs they offer.  There is so many I thought, for sure, it would take her hours to go through them all and decide.  So I was a little surprised when I heard a very loud squeal and then her shouting "Mom!  I found it!"  And guess what she picked... Yep, Justin Beiber.   She was so excited it made me smile. 

 

 

The items they offer are amazing!  There is every theme you can think of, from baby's first birthday, 

to Fancy Nancy 

to John Deere 

and even WWE.  

 

And one of my favorites - Pink Mod Monkey.

There's truly something for everyone!  They carry everything you will need for a party: plates, table clothes, posters, invitations and decorations, to name just a few. 

 

When our package came my daughter was thrilled.  She pulled everything out and immediately wanted to put up the poster.  I attempted to tell her that it was for her birthday, but guess who won that one???
 

 

One thing I loved about their site is that they have all the supplies you will need, color coordinated, on the page.  So if you search Justin Beiber, they will have all of their Justin Beiber items come up, but also matching, solid color, items as well, like streamers, additional plates, balloons, etc.  Everything is right there and I don't have to figure out what goes with what. 

 

Another thing I really appreciated is the quality.  Who's gone out and purchased plates or napkins for a party and gotten home to find they are literally "paper thin"?  I hate that.  These are good quality products that are sturdy and excellent for a kid's party.  And come one, you have to admit, what 8 year old girls wouldn't love these?!

 

You'll have to wait for our party posts.  I still haven't decided on the food or all of the events, but we can't wait!

 

 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

General Tsao's Meatballs from Thai Kitchen & Simply Asia

At Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia, we’ve made your favorite Asian flavors available to enjoy anytime and anywhere. From noodles to sauces and seasonings, coconut milk to fish sauce, our premium products deliver restaurant-quality Asian cuisine in minutes. Our ingredients and recipes offer simple solutions to spice up any celebration - and what better time to “thai” new dishes than Chinese New Year? The traditional 15-day celebration kicks off February 10, 2013, and is a perfect reason to gather a group of friends and try tasty Asian cuisine. From mild to spicy, appetizers to dessert, Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia have something for every taste bud, sure to please even the most discerning palates.

The aromatic essences. The exotic flavors. The abundant texture. There’s no culinary experience that compares to Asian cuisine – whether you’re preparing a meal for the whole family or looking for a quick snack, we’re here to bring the adventure to your kitchen.
 

Thai Kitchen and Simply Asia offer a complete line of Asian ingredients and convenience items, including sauces, curry pastes, rice noodles, fish sauce, coconut milk, noodle bowls, and more. Most items are free of gluten, artificial colors/flavors and MSG – more reason to celebrate a New Year, and new you! Our ingredients and recipes offer simple solutions to spice up any celebration - and what better time to “thai” new dishes than Chinese New Year? The traditional 15-day celebration kicks off February 10, 2013, and is a perfect reason to gather a group of friends and try tasty Asian cuisine.

I was thrilled when I received my box of Thai Kitchen and SImply Asia products to try.  I am very familiar with both brands and have using them for years.  I love them!  They have such wonderful and delicious products!

The first product I tried was Simply Asia's General Tso Stir Fry Sauce.

I'm hooked.  It was delicious!

General Tsao's Meatballs

Source: Simply Asia

• 1/4 cup plain breadcrumbs
• 1 egg, beaten
• 2 Tbsp. milk
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 1/2 tsp. ground ginger
• 1 pound ground beef or turkey
• 1 pouch Simply Asia General Tsao Stir-fry Sauce
• 1/4 cup orange juice

Mix breadcrumbs, egg, milk, garlic powder and ginger in a large bowl until well blended.  Add ground beef and mix well.

Shape into 1 inch meatballs and place on a foil lined baking sheet.

Bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes or until cooked through.  Drain, if needed.

In a large skittle bring Stir Fry Sauce and orange juice to a simmer over medium heat.  Add meatballs; toss to coat.

You can serve these as an appetizer just like this.  Or serve over sticky rice.

They were wonderful!  Next time I make these (and I will definitely be making these again!) I am going to buy 2 packets of the Simply Asia's General Tsao's Stir Fry Sauce so there is extra sauce to pour over the rice.  It was that good!

For entertaining, why not try a Satay Partay - a delicious chicken dish featuring Thai Kitchen's Coconut Milk, Premium Fish Sauce, Red Curry Paste, Lemongrass and Peanut Satay Sauce. 

Peanut Sauce is one of my absolute favorite sauces!  And Thai Kitchen makes a wonderful one!  It has the right amount of peanut butter flavor and isn't terribly spicy (which I appreciate.)  Doesn't it look wonderful?

Another recipe that is now on my to do list is Thai Kitchen's Ginger Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps.

Or, add a little zing to traditional party favorites with Thai Kitchen dipping sauces. Our Spicy Thai Mango dipping sauce puts a fruity twist on traditional spring rolls in this Zing Rolls recipe featuring Thai Kitchen's Red Rice Noodles.

Whether entertaining a crowd or an everyday dinner with the family, Simply Asia Stir-Fry Sauces are the perfect way to create Real Asia, Real Fast at home. Try our mild, flavorful General Tsao Stir-Fry Sauce in Restaurant Style General Tsao Chicken or General Tsao's Meatballs. Fans of ginger will enjoy the flavor our Ginger Teriyaki Stir-Fry Sauce brings to these Ginger Teriyaki Lettuce Wraps. Looking for a little more heat? Serve up these "Kung Wow" chicken wings with our Thai Kitchen Kung Pao Stir-Fry Sauce.

Check out Thai Kitchen and explore their amazing Asian cuisine ingredients!

Follow Thai Kitchen on Twitter at @Thai_Kitchen

Follow Simply Asia on Twitter at @SimplyAsiaFoods

Thai Kitchen on Pinterest

Simply Asia Foods on Pinterest

Thai Kitchen on Facebook

Simply Asia on Facebook

This sponsorship is brought to you by Foodie Blogroll who we have partnered with for this promotion.