Enjoying a beautiful summer day!

Do you ever have those days when making supper is just not something you want to do? I usually don't mind it, but after a long and tiring day, there are definitely times I'd much rather have a go-to meal that tastes great, but one I can easily pop in the microwave. Thanks to Lean Cuisine and their new Market Creations Entrees, we can now have great tasting dinner without the fuss when we want.
The all new Lean Cuisine Market Creations dinner entree's are made with deliciously steamed ingredients including crisp vegetables, tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a variety of savory and creamy sauces.

I was excited to learn that I was going to have the opportunity to try out a couple of their new varieties for myself. We received the Garlic Chicken and Shanghai Style Shrimp.

We've had the opportunity to try both and I have to say, I was pretty impressed with how tasty they are. We don't eat a lot of shrimp, so the chicken was probably our family's favorite...however, they were both very good! Even Kaelyn, who is quite the picky eater, really liked it. The only thing I wish, is that there was more in each package. With three of us eating, it went pretty quickly.

With the ease of being able to throw the bag in the microwave for 5-8 minutes and have a yummy meal ready in no time, makes this a great go-to meal for those nights when making a big supper is just not something you want to do. It's easy, quick, and very tasty. I was surprised how freshly the veggies got steamed...they were delicious!

If you're like me and like a break from making supper every now and then, yet still want a great meal to serve your family....you will want to check out the new Lean Cuisine Market Creations Entrees. We have really enjoyed them!

**The products for this review were provided for free. All opinions are my own and may differ from the opinions of others.**

Kaelyn doesn't get to watch a lot of television, and until recently, was not familiar with iCarly. I had heard good things about this hit Nickelodeon show...in fact year to date, iCarly actually ranks as television’s number-one program with kids 2-11 and is the first scripted series to incorporate kid-created original content. I excited when I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review iCarly: iSpace Out on DVD. I read the press release and knew it would be something Kaelyn, and myself would enjoy watching together. I was right!

From the Press Release:
It’s a collection of iCarly episodes that are out of this world! Carly and the crew venture to a training facility to test their space survival abilities. Can they handle being locked in a space pod for 36 hours? On top of this challenge, the iCarly fun continues as Sam decides to reveal a shocking secret, Gibby wants to fight Freddie, Carly and crew hunt for Bigfoot, and so much more when iCarly: iSpace Out lands on DVD Aug. 31st, 2010 for the suggested retail price of $16.99.

iCarly: iSpace Out was created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment . This DVD features 6 new-to-DVD episodes plus a special "iSpace Out" iTrivia feature, as well as a bonus episode of Victorious.

Descriptions:
iSpace Out: An eccentric billionaire asks the iCarly gang to perform the first live web show from outer space and they must go through a series of tests to make sure they’re fit for space travel. Back at the loft, Spencer is visited by a mysterious little girl.

iWas a Pageant Girl: Sam reveals she used to compete in pageants and convinces Carly to compete against her long-time rival in the Miss Teen Seattle pageant.

iEnrage Gibby: When Gibby discovers Freddie and his girlfriend in a compromising position, he vows revenge and challenges Freddie to a fight. Meanwhile, Spencer’s art career really takes off when the local paper incorrectly reports his death.

iFix a Popstar: When Carly, Sam and Freddie agree to make a music video for a pop star who’s trying to make a comeback, they discover that the pop star is out of shape and untalented. Meanwhile, Spencer has trouble dating a woman when he discovers she’s Gibby’s mom.

iWon’t Cancel the Show: When Sam ends up in jail, Carly and Freddie vow that the web show must go on. They try to enlist Spencer’s help at the last minute, but he has a date he can’t cancel.

iBelieve in Bigfoot: Carly believes Bigfoot exists and convinces her friends to embark on a search to prove it.

iCarly: iSpace Out Facts:

• Street Date: August 31, 2010
• DVD SRP: $16.99
• DVD Running Time: 144 Minutes
  

**The product for this review was provided for free. All opinions are my own and may differ from others.**

One yummy treat that almost every adult and child has had at least once (probably more) in their life, is Rice Krispies Treats. They are a favorite in my family, which is why I was excited when I learned that I had been chosen as one of ten bloggers by TheMotherhood.com and RiceKrispies.com to be a part of a Rice Krispies Recipe Challenge! At first I was unsure of how creative I could be, but with some thought and input from family and friends, I ended up having a lot of fun with this challenge!

To begin, each of the 10 bloggers was sent a package to help give us an idea of what the clue might be. As you can see from it's contents (pic below)...it was pretty evident that the recipe we were to create must have something to do with 'back-to-school'.

To make it even more challenging, and fun, we each received a special word in our packages. Mine was 'Krispies'. When put together (which we all got on Twitter to do), we put our words together and came up with the following theme for our recipes:

Make your Rice Krispies Treats Recipe an after school conversation starter.

Before getting started, we were given the rule of making sure that the recipe included either a fruit or nut (in any form). We were also sent Rice Krispies and a bag of marshmallows to use as well. I have to admit my mind was going in all directions at first. I knew that whatever I came up with, I wanted to make sure it was something kids could help make and something that would be appealing to them, as well as a great after-school conversation starter. It took me a couple of days of thinking and talking to some very creative and helpful family members, to come up with an idea I loved.

Ingredients:

• 1 bag of large marshmallows
• 5 cups of Rice Krispies
• 3 T of butter
• 1 C of banana chips
• 5 squares of chocolate almond bark
• 1/2 C of chopped peanuts
• Jumbo popsicle sticks
  

Directions:
1. Melt Butter
2. Add Marshmallows and melt.
3. Add chopped banana chips
4. Add Rice Krispies
5. Form Rice Krispies into the shape of a banana on a Jumbo popsicle stick
6. While the Rice Krispies Treats set up, melt chocolate almond bark in a sauce pan and pour into a mug.
7. Dip Rice Krispies Treats halfway into the chocolate and then places stick in foam to stand straight up so chocolate can set and drizzle.
8. Sprinkle chopped peanuts on the tops of each Rice Krispies Treat with a spoon.

My inspiration for this recipe came from the popular chocolate covered banana on a stick...a tasty treat many of us have probably tried and love! I decided to add the banana into the Rice Krispies Treats recipe and shape them like a banana. Placing them on a stick not only makes it an easy snack to eat, but also allowed me to write 'conversation starters' on each of the sticks. Here are some of the ones I came up with.

Once the 'banana' was on the stick, I of course, could not leave out the chocolate. With the help of Kaelyn (who absolutely loved helping with this recipe by the way!), we dipped each one into a cup of melted Almond Bark Chocolate and then sprinkled chopped peanuts on top.

Once the chocolate had set, we gave it a taste! All I can say is yum! The banana, Rice Krispies, chocolate and nuts all went so well together. Kaelyn told me they were 'delicious'. We had a great time making these, and it was fun having the opportunity to get creative and come up with a fun recipe that would spark conversation about school too!

Out of the 10 recipes submitted, one will be chosen as the best and will actually be featured on RiceKrispies.com! The winner will be announced on Thursday, Sept. 9!

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a set of two Rice Krispies™ Snap™ Crackle™ and Pop™ Bowls.

Mandatory Entry - To enter, leave a comment letting me know a favorite way you like to eat your Rice Krispies Treats. (Do you like to eat something special with them, put something special in them when making, etc?).

The sponsor's rules state that there be only one entry per person for this giveaway. By answering the question above, you will be entered to win a set of 2 Rice Krispies™ Snap™ Crackle™ and Pop™ Bowls.

This giveaway ends Thursday, September 2nd! It's a short giveaway, so be sure to get your entries in! It is open to the US Only!

**This products for this review were provided for free by Rice Krispies and TheMotherhood.com. I was compensated as part of this program, however all opinions are my own.**

As Kaelyn gets older, she enjoys television shows that allow her to interact with the character. That's why Dora The Explorer and Go, Diego, Go! are probably at the top of her list. It's neat to watch her get involved with the adventures these cartoon characters go on, and learn while she's having fun. She doesn't get to watch a lot of television, but when she does, these are the types of shows I'm happy to let her watch.

When I learned that we were going to have the opportunity to review Go, Diego, Go!: Diego's Ultimate Rescue League, I had a feeling it would be something Kaelyn would love. I was right! She loved helping Diego and his friends save animals around the world on the three episodes included on this DVD. Kaelyn loves animals, so that was definitely something that helped hold her attention throughout this action-packed DVD.

From the Press Release: Diego and his friends test their rescuing skills as they travel underwater and up tall mountains to save animals in the three new-to-DVD episodes featured on Go, Diego, Go!: Diego’s Ultimate Rescue League. In these action-packed expeditions around the world, preschoolers can join the Animal Rescue League as they help Diego and his friends undergo a test to earn a World Rescuers’ patch; help Bottlenose become an ocean animal rescuer by saving the ocean animals from a tsunami-like wave and a devastating oil spill; and climb a treacherous mountain to reunite Prince Vicuña with his parents. The DVD includes the double-length Ultimate Rescue League episode, in addition to two more action-packed Diego episodes.

Episode Synopses:

• Diego's International Rescue League - A team of world rescuers will earn their World Rescuer's patch. The team includes Juma (the African desert expert), Shanti (the Indian forest expert), Burgin (an expert diver and surfer from Borneo), Yang (a panda rescuer who can climb up the tallest and most reacherous mountains of China), and team captain Diego. The team races against the clock to identify and return five mystery animal eggs to their habitats.
  

• Ocean Animal Rescuer - Bottlenose wants to become an ocean animal rescuer just like Diego and Baby Humpback Whale. Bottlenose must swim fast and rescue the baby sea turtles from a giant wave that could devastate the population. Then Diego, Baby Humpback, and Bottlenose must work together to rescue the ocean animals from a dangerous oil-spill before it gets too close to their natural habitats.

• Diego Rescues Prince Vicuña - Prince Vicuña embarked on an extensive exploration and has yet to return to his parents, the King and Queen, who long for their lost son. Diego and Messenger Vicuña are quick to develop a plan of action. Diego and Messenger Vicuña run into some trouble as they realize the Prince is over the mountain, near Puma Pass. Diego decides to use a special climbing hook and rope to climb up the mountain toward Puma Pass to rescue the Prince. After a successful rescue, we take the Prince back to Vicuña Valley, and reunite him with his joyful parents.

Go, Diego, Go!: Diego's Ultimate Rescue League was created by Nickelodeon Home Entertainment and distributed by Paramount Home Entertainment. It will be available on DVD August 31, 2010 for a suggested retail price of $16.99.

**The product for this review was provided at no cost. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**

Recently I've had several people e-mail/message me with questions about the following extra entry in giveaways:

1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

The easiest way for me to verify that it was done is by having you 'tag' A Mom's Balancing Act when you share it on Facebook. There has been some confusion on how to do this, so I thought I would post a quick tutorial to help.

If you're entering a giveaway on my blog and would like to do the 'share about this giveaway on facebook' extra entry you can do so in a few easy steps.

1. Click on the blue Facebook share button to the right of the extra entry
2. A screen like the following will then pop up.

3. Before you click 'share' at the bottom of this screen, put your cursor in the box at the top that says 'What's on your mind?'. You can write whatever you want here... ex. "Check out this giveaway at A Mom's Balancing Act", etc. but just make sure you 'tag' (link to) A Mom's Balancing Act when you write it.

To tag, start typing '@A Mom's Balancing Act' and you'll see it pop up under the text box like it shows in the following screen shot. Click it and it will automatically 'tag' A Mom's Balancing Act by linking to my page.

4. Once you have done this, click 'share' at the bottom of the screen.

5. Then, be sure to leave a comment on my blog letting me know that you shared on Facebook so your extra entry can be counted.

I hope that all made sense. Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Can you believe August is almost over already?! As September nears, I can't help but think how fast the next couple of months are going to go. Soon the leaves will be falling, the weather will be changing, and Halloween will be here before we know it. With two kids to find cute costumes for now, I decided to begin my search early.

A family owned and operated company born in 1975, Anytime Costumes started out as a retail party and costume store that grew to be Long Island's leading Halloween and holiday costume supplier. In 1999 their business expanded to the Internet to include AnytimeCostumes.com...a year-round source for adult, child, and plus-size costumes as well as costume accessories, make-up, masks, wigs, and more! AnytimeCostumes.com strives to differentiate themselves from other costume sites by offering a large selection of affordable items, fast shipping and great customer service.

Last Fall we had the opportunity to do a review for AnytimeCostumes.com and were very happy with the quality of the costume. If you missed the review, you can check it out here. When I learned we were going to have the opportunity to review another of their great costumes, I couldn't have been happier. I began browsing their website in search for Kaden's first Halloween Costume. Deciding on one was not easy...they have so many great baby costumes to choose from. Since we thought it would be fun to go with a 'Wizard of Oz' theme for the kids' costumes this year though, the adorable Infant Deluxe Lil' Lion costume seemed like the perfect choice!
Features:

• Super soft, lined zippered jumpsuit with snap leg closures for easy diaper change
• Attached lion tail
• Booties with paw print detail and skid resistant bottoms (made for indoor use only)
• Hood with lion ears and plush mane

When the costume arrived, I was very happy with how nicely it was packaged. Once again...AnytimeCostumes.com really impressed me. The package it came in has snaps on it, so if we need to store the costume, we can do so easily with this reusable bag.

As I took the costume out of the package, I was blown away by the quality! Having been so happy with AnytimeCostumes.com last year, I can't say I expected anything less...but I was still very impressed! The fabric is super soft, it's thick and something that could easily be passed down from child to child. The attention to detail is what really sets this costume apart from other lion costumes I've seen though.

I love the snap leg closures so we can easily change Kaden's diaper if we need to.

It's also nice that the hood with lion ears and plush mane are separate from the costume. That way it can easily be taken off separate from the rest of the costume if needed. The same goes for the booties. They are separate and are big enough to easily slip over a pair of Kaden's shoes. The paw print detail adds detail as well as a skid resistant bottom which will be great if he's just starting to walk by then.

The first chance I got, I tried the costume on Kaden. I wasn't sure how he would like having something like this on...but to my surprise, didn't mind much at all. I absolutely love it! It's so adorable, and although a little on the big side, perfect for our growing boy. He'll grow into it even more over the next couple of months I'm sure!

I really love everything about this costume. This is just one example of the many high quality costumes AnytimeCostumes.com offers. If you're in search for cute kids costumes or even fun adult costumes...AnytimeCostumes.com is worth checking out. There's sure to be something for everyone.

Buy It: You can purchase the Infant Deluxe Lil' Lion Costume for $49.99 at AnytimeCostumes.com.

Win It: AnytimeCostumes.com has generously offered one lucky reader a costume of their choice (up to a $50 value)!

Mandatory Entry - Visit AnytimeCostumes.com and leave a comment letting me know which costume you might choose if you won.

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and AnytimeCostumes.com) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a Halloween Costume of your choice (up to a $50 value) from AnytimeCostumes.com! #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/23nhy9f Ends 9/16

4. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like AnytimeCostumes.com on Facebook

7. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

8. 1 extra entry- Join the Anytime Costumes E-mail List (found at the bottom of homepage)

9. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

10. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 16th and is open to the US Only

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by AnytimeCostumes.com! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

One of my favorite things to shop for is baby items! There's just something about those teeny tiny clothes and plush blankets that bring a smile to my face every time. I am always on the lookout for great must-haves for my little ones, which is why I was excited to learn about the launch of a great online destination, the Precious Moments Baby Boutique!

For more than 30 years, Precious Moments has been a name many have come to know and trust when it comes to celebrating life's most special moments, including the birth of a new baby. Now, when visiting www.preciousmoments.com you'll find the Precious Moments Baby Bouqiue under the shop tab which features a great selection of baby gifts and gear, from apparel and accessories to keepsake figurines. Along with the Precious Moments brand, you'll find a variety of items from well-known names like BabyBoom Consumer Products, Luv' N Care, and more!

I was excited when I found out we were going to have the opportunity to review one of the Precious Moments Baby Boutique baby items. We were sent the Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set.
I have been a fan of Precious Moments for years and have always been impressed with the high quality of the products I buy. I had a feeling the same would go for the Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set, and I was right. The moment I pulled it out of the box the quality was exactly what I expected...and more!

This baby blanket is one of the softest I've ever felt! I don't think there is a baby anywhere that wouldn't love to snuggle up to this blankey every night. It's such a great way to keep a baby cozy and warm. It features an applique in the bottom corner. Kaelyn was immediately drawn to the pretty pink color and has not wanted to put down the blanket every since!

The adorable yellow hat is such a great addition to the soft blanket. It features a pink bow and applique of the Precious Moments character. How adorable would this be on a newborn baby girl?! So sweet!

When it comes to buying baby gifts, I am always looking for something unique and useful for the new parent. That's what I love about the products at the Precious Moments Baby Boutique. They make it easy! What new parent wouldn't love this adorable blanket and hat set?! It's perfect for a newborn baby, not to mention absolutely adorable!

If you're looking for the perfect baby gift, or even a little something for your little one...I would highly recommend checking out the Precious Moments Baby Boutique and their fantastic selection of products!

Buy It: You can purchase the Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set at Wal-Mart and Walmart.com.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win the Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set like the one we received.

Mandatory Entry - Visit the Precious Moments Baby Boutique and leave a comment with another item there that you like.

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

2. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Precious Moments) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win an adorable Precious Moments Ultra-Soft Blanket & Hat set #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/2c5o77d Ends 9/15

4. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

5. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

6. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

7. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

8. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 15th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Precious Moments and Mom Select! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**

I have a lot of winners to announce. I apologize that some of them are coming a little late...we've been crazy busy around here lately with trying to sell our house and all the showings and open houses!

Bambino Mio Swim Nappy and Nappy Swimsuit (Two Winners)
Commenter #99, Owen's Mom
Commenter #127, jackiesmom

VeronicaM $100 (or less) item of choice
Commenter #438, Lynda Del.

Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop
Commenter #591, Amy

Lil' Bettie Beachwear
Commenter #179, Polly

Essential Swimwear
Commenter #88, evilredcaboose

Zuvo Water Filtration System
Commenter #560, ~dab

Dora's Big Birthday Adventure DVD (3 Winners)
Commenter #254, Amanda
Commenter #395, ReggieMann
Commenter #59, thishumanscondition

All winners have been emailed and have 48 hours to get back in touch with me.

One of my hubby's favorite desserts is pie. That's why I was excited when I learned that Banquet has launched a new single-serving fruit pie desserts. Each pie has a half serving of real fruit inside and a flaky pastry shell that bakes fresh and hot from your oven or microwave in just minutes. Having three yummy flavors to choose from: apple, peach and cherry berry...there's sure to be one that any pie lover will like.

When I found out we were going to have the opportunity to review the new Banquet fruit pies, I knew the first one I wanted to get was Apple Pie for my hubby! I'm glad I did...he really liked it. We both tried it, and I thought it was very good too. I had some reservations wondering if would really taste good since it was frozen, but it did! The fruit is so good and the crust tasted homemade. There was a bit too much of a cinnamon taste I thought, but it was still good. I was very impressed, especially considering that it is a frozen pie and only about $1 each. These pies are great and make the perfect dessert or mid-day treat. We also tried the Peach Pie and that was probably our favorite! So good!

Is your mouth watering yet? If so, be sure to visit your local Walmart between August 26th and 28th. 650 select Wal-Marts nationwide will be offering in-store demonstrations with free samples of the pies topped with Reddi-wip! Yum!! You won't want to miss a chance at trying these delicious little pies!

**I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Banquet and received free coupons to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.**

As a first time parent I remember being overwhelmed by all of the baby products. Which playmat and bouncy seat should we buy? Will we even use them? These are the kinds of questions I struggled with in the beginning, which lead to a baby registry with almost every item on it that you can think of! Needless to say, we ended up with some things we hardly used. Now, after having two babies, I've learned there are many great products out there...some used more than others and a few that I wouldn't want to live without.

One of the baby products I consider to be a must-have for our family, is a baby swing. This is something we've found necessary with both of our kids....especially in those early months. Although we do not use a swing with Kaden much, there are still times when he enjoys sitting in it for relaxation or entertainment, which is why I was excited to learn that we were going to have the opportunity to review the Bright Starts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing.

Bright Starts is the place to go for must-have baby products. They are a company many parents have grown to know and trust and are dedicated to providing the highest quality, innovative and relevant products possible, while still making them affordable for your budget. They also strive to inspire a child's curiosity and confidence.

Having used Bright Starts products in the past, and being able to review their InGenuity Playard last Spring, I was very excited to see how we liked the InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing which is also a part of that line. We have always been very pleased with the quality and innovative products from Brights Starts, so I was hoping we'd feel the same way about this one.

Features and Benefits:

• TrueSpeed™ Technology that maintains 6 swing speeds even as baby grows
• Swings from side to side or back to front ('cradle' or 'sway')
  
• Whisper Quiet™ operation for peaceful swinging
• Battery Savings – more than 2X the battery life of comparable swings
• Head rest and cushioned bolster system for ultimate comfort
• Comfort Recline™ seat with 2 positions to suit baby’s needs
• Easy-to-Remove Tray – can lift up left or right, or can be removed completely
• Pivoting Toy Mobile – swings out of the way for easy access to baby
• Swing Timer with 3 settings: 30, 45, and 60 minutes
• Soft, plush toys on tray and on mobile
• 10 Melodies and Nature sounds to soothe baby
• Machine Washable seat pad and head rest
• 5 point Harness keeps baby secure
• Designed for ages birth and up
• Weight/Height - up to 25 lbs
  

When the swing arrived, I was excited to get it put together. With bigger items, I typically wait for my hubby to help, but I decided to give it a shot on my own. As I took all the parts out of the box, I felt a little overwhelmed at first. After reading through the instruction manual and seeing how simple and user-friendly they had laid each step out....my mind was put at ease.

Although there were a lot of pieces, it was very easy to assemble with the help of the instructions. Most of the pieces just snap into place which means it takes no time at all. In about 15 minutes I had the swing put together and ready to use.

Before even trying it out with Kaden, I was already impressed with the quality. This swing is probably one of the most durable, well built that I've seen or used. It's very sturdy which gives me peace of mind when Kaden is in it. I can tell this is something that will last a long time.

I also LOVE how soft and cushy the seat is.

It includes a headrest and cushioned bolster which makes it even more comfortable for baby. Kaden really seems to enjoy it. Who could blame him?! I'd love a seat likes this too! What's great is that the seat cover, bolster and headrest are all machine washable. This is a must when it comes to baby products in my opinion, and something I really appreciate.


To add to the comfort of the seat, there's a Comfort Recline™ with 2 positions (laying back and sitting up). There is a button on each side of the seat that make it easy to adjust.


It also includes a 5 pt harness which is great for babies of all ages. When Kaden is in it, I know he is safe and secure.

One of the most unique features of this swing is that it allows you to provide your baby with the motion that best suits their needs. The swing seat easily rotates 180º for either a 'cradling' motion (from side to side) or a 'swinging' motion (front to back). Depending on Kaden's mood, I think both settings are great and I really like having the option. This is something we have not had with other swings we've tried.



When Kaden is swinging in it, I noticed that it's very quiet which is not only great for us, but also soothing for him. Thanks to the TrueSpeed™ Technology there are 6 different swing speeds, 10 Melodies and Nature sounds, as well as a swing timer with the choice of 30 min, 45 min, or 60 min....so finding the perfect settings for your baby couldn't be easier. The innovative control unit on the swing is actually powered by Hybridrive™ Technology, making it more efficient than any comparable swing and provides more than 2x the battery life. For anyone with several baby items...you know how often you go through batteries. Having products like this that provide a longer battery life is great!

I think one of Kaden's favorite things about the swing are the soft, plush toys on the tray and mobile. The ones on the tray securely hook with the loops included and he loves to play with them! The mobile toys are absolutely adorable and hold his attention while swinging. Something I really love about the mobile is that it pivots so you can easily swing it out for easy access to the baby.

We have been very happy with the Bright Starts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing! The quality is fantastic, the innovative features are great and make soothing baby easier than ever. I would highly recommend checking this swing out!

Buy It: The Bright Starts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing can be purchased for $139.99.

Win It: Bright Starts is generously offering one lucky reader an InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing like the one we received!

Mandatory Entry- Visit Bright Starts and leave a comment letting me know another product you like.

Extra Entries: (Optional and only valid after the mandatory entry has been completed. Leave 1 comment for each extra entry)

1. 1 extra entry- leave a comment letting me know what your favorite feature of the InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing is.

2. 2 extra entries- subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (found along the side column) and leave TWO comments letting me know.

3. 5 extra entries- blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Bright Starts) and leave FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

4. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for 1 extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a @BrightStarts InGenuity Cradle & Sway Swing #momsbalancingact http://tinyurl.com/2fns2bl Ends 9/14 RT PLS!
5. 1 extra entry- Follow Bright Starts on Twitter

6. 1 extra entry- Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

7. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 1 extra entry- Become a Fan/Like Bright Starts on Facebook

9. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on Facebook (when sharing, please tag @A Mom's Balancing Act so I can easily verify) Share

10. 1 extra entry- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

11. Enter any of my other current giveaways. Leave me a comment on which one(s)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Leave one comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end September 14th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Bright Starts! The opinions here are my own and were not influenced in any way. The experiences and opinions of others may differ from my own**