Dressbarn's Mother's Day Celebration: Makeup Kit Giveaway

Posted by Jenna | Friday, April 30, 2010




May is upon us which means Mother's Day is right around the corner. It's the perfect time to celebrate and recognize the extraordinary women in your life...whether it be your your mom, grandma, sister, or friend...it's a very special day! Dressbarn agrees and they are celebrating too! They recently had a photo shoot featuring dressbarn associates with their daughters. Their best Mother's Day memories can be found in the May issue of O, the Oprah Magazine.

For those who might be unfamiliar with Dressbarn, here is a little background on their company. Roslyn and her husband Elliot built Dressbarn as well as a reputation for quality, style, value and customer service. They wanted to launch a new era in women's fashion by offering things like designer label wool pencil skirts, sheer blouses, flares, furs and more! Although it all started many years ago, Dressbarn still remains focused on their customers...both their needs and desires. With over 800 stores across the country, they strive to provide contemporary fashions at great value.

I've reviewed products from Dressbarn in the past and have been very happy with the quality and style. That's why I was thrilled when I found out they wanted me to paricipate in their celebration of moms, by offering one lucky reader a day-to-night makeup kit.
Win It!!

To enter to win this fabulous Day-to-Night Makeup Kit, leave a comment letting me know the sweetest/most inspirational thing your mom/daughter has ever done OR your favorite Mother's Day traditions.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Dressbarn) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Enter to win a Day-to-Night Makeup Kit from @Dressbarn @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/2fcjmec Ends 5/14 RT PLS!

6. Follow Dressbarn on Twitter

7. Become a Fan/Like of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

9. Become a Fan/Like Dressbarn on Facebook

10. 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!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

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

**I will receive a Day-to-Night Makeup Kit from Dressbarn as a thank you for hosting this giveaway. I was not paid to write this post and all opinions are my own**



Winners!

Posted by Jenna | Friday, April 30, 2010



Make-Ahead Meals for Busy Moms Cookbook Winner
Commenter 234, Elena said, "Signed up to receive the Make-Ahead Meals For Busy Moms Newsletter."
DownEast Basics Item of Choice Winner
Commenter 230, Cindy said, "I have the Celebrating Moms button at http://getalonghome.com"

Soopsori Ecowooden Push Car Winner
Commenter 138 Polly said, "email subscriber #2 polly"
Thanks to everyone who entered! Be sure to enter the Chili's $50 GC Giveaway if you haven't already...it ends TONIGHT!





It wasn't until I became a mom that I really started to question the ingredients and chemicals that were in the products we use daily. Not only did it make me more aware of the things I use with and around my kids, but also myself....specifically when it comes to lotions and cosmetics. That's why I was very happy when I came across 100% Pure.


Founder of 100% Pure, Susie Wang has made it her mission to create pure, effective, and cruelty-free products. They formulate 100% Pure, vegan, synthetic fragrance free, paraben free, toxic free and the most concentrated formulas possible without the use of water, thickeners, emulsifiers or any other cheap fillers. Their products are never tested on animals, as it is very important to them to help and save animals.

So, why 100% Pure?
“As much as 60% of topical skin-care products are absorbed through the skin and into the bloodstream,” Says Dr. Nancy Lonsdrof, M.D. an lowa-based physician, “They should be consumed with the same prudence that we use to choose our breakfast cereal.” – April 2006 issue of Women's Health Magazine. There are many toxic chemicals in cosmetic products that have been clinically proven to cause cancer, tumors, irritation and many different skin disorders. 100% products are truly 100% Pure-no synthetic chemicals, chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, harsh detergents or any other unhealthy toxins."

This was something that really made me think. I've tried to be more cautious about the lotions I use, and now have become more educated about the use of cosmetics as well! Having browsed the 100% Pure website and learned more about who they are and the products they offer...I couldn't have been happier when I found out I was going to have the opportunity to review some of their Fruit Pigmented Cosmetics and body creams.

Fruit Pigmented Cosmetics are the first and only cosmetics colored from antioxidant rich fruit and vegetable pigments. All the antioxidants and vitamins are in the pigments, so you are applying all the healthy nutrients of the fruits directly on your skin. I had never tried anything like this before and was very curious how I would like them.

I was sent sample pack which included the 100% Pure:

  • Pink Grapefruit Glow Lip & Cheek Tint
  • Fruit Pigmented ultra lengthening 100% natural mascara
  • Organic Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel
  • Organic Honey Almond Lotion
  • Organic Body Cream (nectarine, fuji apple, pineapple)

The Pink Grapefruit Glow Lip & Cheek Tint is 100% natural and designed to be used as a cream blush and a lip tint. I don't wear a lot of blush, but I have used it a lot on my lips and love it! It not only smells great, but has also helped to soften my lips and moisturize. It's also concentrated with anti-aging vitamins and antioxidants. I really like this product and would love to try some of the other ones they have to offer. I think I'd really like the Shimmery Strawberry!
The Fruit Pigmented ultra lengthening 100% natural mascara was probably my favorite of the products sent. I'm always looking for a better mascara, and seeing how this was completely different than anything I have tried before I was more than happy to test it out. I've used it many times and love it! I love that it's 100% natural and works just like any other mascara, if not better! It's lengthens, separates, and thickens lashes. I have sensitive eyes and love the fact that it's made to suit everyone. Now that I've tried it, this is something that I'd love to continue using.

All three body creams are amazing! They smell great and leave my skin feeling so soft and refreshed! As with the other products, I love knowing that they're safe for my skin and 100% Pure. There aren't any chemical preservatives, artificial fragrances, alcohol or other toxins. They're only made from the highest quality, natural and organic ingredients! I also really liked the Organic Honey Almond Lotion and Pink Grapefruit Shower Gel.

100% Pure offers so many great products. I've only tried a few and love them all! I definitely plan to try more of their Fruit Pigmented Cosmetics and skin care products! I can tell they are high quality and also smell great! I'm quite sensitive to smells, but these are perfect...not too strong...but just enough to smell wonderful. I felt like I was pampering myself with these products and think any woman would love them. They would make a terrific Mother's Day gift this year.

I have only touched on all they have to offer. I would highly recommend checking out their site to see everything. Their selection is amazing! There are even shampoos and body washes for kids...check out this Yummy Ice Cream 2 in 1 Mint Chocolate!


Buy It: You can purchase all of these products and more on the 100% Pure website.

Win It: 100% Pure is offering one lucky reader a Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening 100% Natural Mascara (an $18 value).

To enter, visit 100% Pure and leave a comment letting me know another product you like.


Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and 100% Pure) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Celebrating Moms 22: Fruit Pigmented Ultra Lengthening Natural Mascara from 100% Pure @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/28bqzo7 Ends 5/14

6. Join the 100% Pure Mailing List

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

9. 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!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end May 14th and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by 100% Pure. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. Others experiences and opinions may differ from my own**



Happy Friday Follow!

Posted by Jenna | Thursday, April 29, 2010



Thanks for visiting A Mom's Balancing Act and Happy Friday Follow! Whether you're a new follower or have been for quite some time, leave me a comment and let me know. I'd love to come follow you and visit all of your sites as well! :) While you're here, feel free to enter my giveaways and read about amazing products, companies, life, etc!

Current giveaways can be found along the sidebar! Be sure to check them out :)
Also, if you missed my announcement about my upcoming Gearing Up For Summer Event you can read about it here....I can't wait for it to begin, there are so many amazing sponsors participating! You can grab the button along my sidebar which will get you extra entries into each giveaway during the event.

Follow Friday is a great way to meet new friends, gain new followers and find other wonderful blogs out there. You can learn more by visiting the 3 great sites who host it: One 2 Try, Hearts Make Families and Midday Escapades!

Friday Follow



Ebeanstalk - Expert Selected Learning Toys for Babies and Kids

Posted by Jenna | Thursday, April 29, 2010



I'm sure many of you have heard of Ebeanstalk before, but if you haven't...I wanted to give you quick idea of what they're all about. Ebeanstalk has a group of over 700 moms and 5 child experts that pick ALL of their toys and match them to a child's stage of development! This is great because you know that these items have been chosen by those who know and have kids of their own!

Each time I browse their website I can tell they are dedicated to providing quality toys for children. It's great to know that there's a place like this with good quality, safe toddler toys and kids toys. I love their user friendly website as well as their large selection of educational products. My favorite part about it is that they have divided toys by age. It makes it SO easy to find the perfect thing for our 2 year old daughter and 5 month old son.

You should check out their site if you never have before. They have so many educational toys at affordable prices.

Also, stay tuned...I will be doing an Ebeanstalk product review in the near future...


**I was not paid for this post. I wanted to give my readers a little bit of background about the company before an upcoming review that I will be doing for them**






Having natural wavy hair means a little more time goes into fixing it each day...especially when it's at a length where I can't pull it up if I want. Thankfully Misikko offers a great line of products to make getting ready each day easier and faster than ever!

For five years, Misikko has committed themselves to finding the newest innovations in the hair and beauty industry. It's their desire to give people an easy way to shop for, and compare, the best professional styling tools and beauty products out there. Whether you're looking for a Chi hair straightener or professional hair dryers...they have it all!

Misikko sent me their Hana Professional Flat Iron 1" - Pink Edition to review.

Hana Professional Features;

  • Stylish pink edition!
  • Advanced Tourmaline Ceramic Plates for Accelerated Ion Generation and Maximum Frizz-Free, Conditioning Shine
  • Ceramic is naturally hygienic, protects color & retards fading
  • Floating 1” Plates Auto-Adjust To Glide Over Any Hair Texture
  • Curved Plate Edges For Versatile Styling - Curl, Flip or Straighten!
  • Adjustable Temperature Dial - 5 Settings from 140-450° F for All Hair Types
  • Flash Heats in Seconds with Instant Compensation for Heat Loss
  • Ergonomic Handle Design with No-Slip Grip
  • Smooth Grooves Keep Hair Strands Separate and Snag-Free
  • Tangle-Free Salon Quality Cord Swivels 360°; Convenient Hanging Loop
  • Energy Efficient at 38 Watts
  • Independent On/Off Switch
  • Includes Luxe Heat Proof Storage Pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat, & Special Edition Tin Case
  • Made in Korea
  • Two Year Warranty
I was very excited when the flat iron arrived on my doorstep and couldn't wait to try it out! Upon opening the package I was very impressed with it and all the goodies. Along with this pretty pink flat iron came a Luxe Heat Proof Storage Pouch, Heat Proof Silicone Mat, Special Edition Tin Case and more! Just look at how beautifully it arrived!


I've taken this flat iron with me on a couple of trips already and love having the storage pouch to keep it protected. I had never used a heat proof mat before and can't believe I went this long without one. It's perfect for keeping my counter tops safe. These are probably a couple of my favorite accessories and such great quality too.



Of course the big question was...how would I like the flat iron. Well...having used it several times now, I can tell you it's one of the nicest I've tried. The Advanced Tourmaline Ceramic Plates help leave my hair shiny and healthy looking. It's also very easy to use and takes just minutes to straighten my hair. I love the curved plate edges as this allows me to use it in many ways...to straighten, to flip, and to curl! They auto-adjust making it a great choice for all textures of hair.

The adjustable temperature dial has 5 Settings from 140-450° F which is also nice as it suits many different types of hair as well.


I also received the Hana ShineShield. It's a thermal serum that can be used as a leave-in conditioner - lightweight and never greasy, it protects and strengthens hair whether you use it with a flat iron, hair dryer or alone. I absolutely love it and can't believe I went so long without using something like this! Designed to protect and restore both my hair and scalp, the Hana ShineShield deeply conditions and removes build up...leaving me with simply healthy hair.

Overall I'm very pleased with the Pink 1" Hana Professional Flat Iron. The quality is fantastic which lets me know this is something that will give me the results I'm looking for time after time. It would definitely make a great Mother's Day gift this year.

Be sure to visit Misikko and check out their great selection of hair care products like their Chi flat irons for sale.

Buy It: You can purchase the Hana Professional Flat Iron 1" - Pink Edition for $119 on the Misikko website.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a Hana Professional Flat Iron 1" - Pink Edition.

To enter, visit Misikko and tell me another product you like.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Misikko) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Celebrating Moms #21: Win a Pink 1" Hana Professional Flat Iron from @Misikko @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/2f9tbq4 Ends 5/13 RT PLS!

6. Follow Misikko on Twitter

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

9. 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!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end May 13th and is open to the US and Canada!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Misikko. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. Others experiences and opinions may differ from my own**



Flirty Aprons Mother's Day Promotion - Get 40% Off!

Posted by Jenna | Wednesday, April 28, 2010



Just a reminder....

If you are looking for a fun and stylish Mother's Day Gift this year you may want to check out Flirty Aprons! They have a special Mother's Day promotion going on. From now until May 12th You can get your Flirty Aprons for 40% off of their already great prices. To take advantage of this fabulous deal, just use coupon code FA-4110B at check out!



Nelle & Lizzy Birthstone Ring Giveaway Winner

Posted by Jenna | Wednesday, April 28, 2010




And the winner is...

Commenter #477 Abby said, "I entered the Xtrema giveaway."

Thank you so much to everyone who entered! The winner has been contacted and has 48 hours to get back in touch with me.

Don't forget to check out all of my current giveaways along the sidebar. The following two are ending tonight!


Also, grab my new 'Gearing Up For Summer' event button. Having it on your blog will get you extra entries into each giveaway during this event. Stay tuned for a sneak peek of some of the amazing sponsors who are taking part! You can read more about it here.



Mutsy Grow Up! Booster Seat Review

Posted by Jenna | Wednesday, April 28, 2010






It wasn't long after Kaelyn's first birthday that we decided it was time to graduate her from a high chair to a booster seat. The high chair was great for a time, but there came a time when that big bulky seat and tray were not necessary. She was a big girl and learning to feed herself...so it was the perfect time for her join us right at the table for mealtime. We tried a couple of different booster seats over the past year and a half and found nothing that worked for us. They were either to low so she couldn't reach, or had too many cracks for food to get stuck in. Thankfully I recently came across the Mutsy Grow Up Seat and am SO happy I did!

Mutsy was founded in 1935 and is a name parents have grown to love and trust. Their mission is to meet the needs of today's modern and mobile parent by offering high quality baby transport products, as well as high chairs, booster seats and other innovative baby accessories that offer flexibility for all lifestyles.

I have browsed the Mutsy website many times and absolutely love the selection of products they offer. Their Grow Up toddler booster seat was especially intriguing to me...especially since I was beginning to feel as though there was no hope left in finding one that had everything we were looking for. I couldn't have been happier when I found out that Mutsy was going to send us a Mutsy Grow Up seat to review.

Before it arrived I wasn't sure what to expect. I really didn't know if this booster seat would be any better than the others we've tried. Well, I couldn't have been more wrong! This seat is wonderful!


The moment I took it out of the box I was already impressed. Not only is it very modern and attractive, but the seat is soft and comfortable which is something we had not found with other boosters we had tried in the past.

I hooked it to the chair and was very happy with the size as well. It's the perfect size for Kaelyn to sit at the table on an average grown-up chair. She can easily reach her utensils and set at the same level as everyone else. It's fantastic! I also like the harness which makes sure she is fastened in safely.

The fact that this chair can be used with children up to the age of 4 is great! That means we will get many more uses out of it. Having had the chance to use it several times already, I can tell you that this is the best quality booster seat we've tried. It's extremely durable and comfortable. Oh, and clean up couldn't be easier. There aren't any tricky cracks and creases for food to get forever stuck in. I love that part about it!

I would definitely recommend the Mutsy Grow Up Seat to anyone looking for a great booster seat! It comes in 6 vibrant colors: raspberry, apple, aqua, blueberry, mandarin, and nut.


Buy It: You can purchase the Mutsy Grow Up Booster Seat for $59 at www.mutsy.com.

I also wanted to mention their NEW chairs for those who missed the announcement I made about them a while back.


The first is the Easygrow "Next" chair:

From the Press Release:

The evolution of the Easygrow, the extraordinary high chair that grows with baby, continues with the debut of the Easygrow “Next”. The Easygrow “Next” features a sleek brushed aluminum finish and unique dinner tray tilting feature. The chair’s comfortable molded plastic seat features a luxurious suede-like texturized feel. The tilting feature lets the tray fold down and away from baby allowing for them to be placed and removed freely from the seat. This pioneering new highchair brings life to a home’s interior and offers a child a safe and comfortable place at the table. In addition to the dinner tray features include a bumper bar, flexible seat reducer and a 5-point harness. The flexible seat reducer allows use of the chair from the time baby can sit on his or her own. Both the seat and foot rest can be easily adjustable and can accommodate children from the time they can sit unaided to 12 years of age. Easygrow “Next” is lightweight at just 16.5 lbs., allowing for mom or dad to easily position the chair anywhere they want.

Available in: Navy and Brown

Recommended Retail: $249


The second is the Easygrow High Chair:


From the Press Release:

The new lightweight and durable Easygrow features a shortened wheel base designed to take up less room. Additionally, the new dinner tray tilting feature is offered along with an easily adjustable seat and foot rest. Easygrow can accommodate children from the time they can sit unaided to 12 years of age. A flexible seat reducer is included which allows use of the chair from the time baby can sit on their own.

Available in: White or Dark Grey

Recommended Retail: $199

Buy It: You can purchase each of these products on the mutsy website at: www.mutsy.com.
**The product for this review was provided at no cost by Mutsy. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. Others experiences and opinions may differ from my own**






I have to admit I'm not the best when it comes to keeping things organized in a suitcase when traveling. I try, but when it comes right down to it...there's so much stuff and things end up getting wrinkled and smashed. Many things can be ironed and look as good as new...but not dedicates like bras. That's why I was excited when I came across The Brag Company and their stylish line of products...perfect for the traveling woman!

Jane Webb realized she had a problem when her expensive bras kept getting ruined in her suitcase every time she traveled. It didn't matter how they were packed, they would always end up dented and creased. After a lot of searching for a product that would protect them, she came up empty handed. That's when she came up with the idea for The Bra Bag. After many months of failed product designs and a lot of tweaking, The Bra Bag was finally born! In just three years, The Bra Bag is now sold in over 10 countries around the world and is joined by the Panty Pak, the Buxom Bra Bag (for bras up to a 'G' cup) and more!

When I first came across The Brag Company, I not only loved the idea of their products, but also thought they were super cute and stylish! I couldn't have been happier when I found out I was going to have the opportunity to review the Emily Bra Bag.

When it arrived I couldn't wait to check it out. I was even more impressed than I thought I would be. Not only was it even more cute in person...but it was a lot more durable than I expected. It's fantastic quality! I can see why they say it can withstand travel adventures because the hard case really is hard enough to ensure that bras are protected... 'travel in style...arrive in form'!


I also was very happy with the size. I received the regular Bra Bag which can hold up to 6 bras up to size C and even some D cups. It's larger than I expected it to be which is great. Now even for longer trips, I'm sure to have my bras packed and protected in the best way possible.

I am extremely pleased with The Bra Bag! I have had the chance to use it a couple of times already and think it's perfect! I'd love to get more in the future, as they come in so many adorable styles!


Another product that I'd love to get at some point is The Panty Pak. The Panty Pak is perfect for travel as well. No more having to put your panties in a plastic bag. It's a travel bag that zips shut so your panties will not only all be in one place, but it also allows you to keep your 'clean' and 'not so clean' ones separate with their two inside zippered pockets. Isn't it cute?! What a great idea!


Buy It: You can purchase The Bra Bag for $49.95 on The Brag Company website.

Win It: Thanks to The Brag Company, one LUCKY reader is going to win a Bra Bag in the style of their choice!

To enter, visit The Brag Company and leave a comment letting me know which style you would choose if you won.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and The Brag Company) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Celebrating Moms #20: Win a Bra Bag of your choice from @thebragcompany @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/2dm2sbz Ends 5/12 RT PLS!

6. Follow The Brag Company on Twitter

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. Become a Fan of The Brag Company on Facebook

9. Share about this giveaway on Facebook Share

10. For TWO extra entries, Sign up for The Brag Company Newsletter

10. 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!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end May 12th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by The Brag Company. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. Others experiences and opinions may differ from my own**



It's a Social Parade

Posted by Jenna | Wednesday, April 28, 2010




I recently came across Smart and Trendy Moms and their "It's a Social Parade". It seems like a great way to meet new people and gain followers/fans/friends, so I decided to join in the fun!

Smart and Trendy Moms

Here's more info about it and how it works:

It's a Social Parade - Wednesday Link-up is a weekly link-up hosted by Smart and Trendy Moms. We created it for socializing and to get new followers, fans, subscribers, readers without feeling overwhelmed. Every week will be a new link-up that will focus on one of the ways you connect with people through your blog! We will rotate through gaining followers, fans, Networked blogs and more. Link-up and focus on one thing at a time. Its about fun one follower,fan and reader at a time!

And don't worry you do not have to carry this button or any button of ours on your side bars. Your blog sidebars are great real estate and we respect that : ) The button needs to be posted in your participation post only.

This week is Fan-Page Round Up. I'd love it if you would become a Fan (or like) of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook if you're not already. :) This is where I update fans on the latest info/giveaways going on here at A Mom's Balancing Act.

For complete instructions on how to participate, you can visit Smart and Trendy Moms.



Wordless Wednesday ~ Excited For Summer

Posted by Jenna | Tuesday, April 27, 2010



Kaden trying out his new shades



Can you tell we're excited for summer to get here?!? :) Can't wait!




Winners!

Posted by Jenna | Tuesday, April 27, 2010




More winners to announce...

Joey Junior Purse Organizer
Commenter #264 stephy905 said, "Daily Tweet http://twitter.com/stephy905/statuses/12824480691"
Yoreganics Sample Pack
Commenter #64 ohhhfire said, "i am an email subscriber 2"
Alli's Originals $40 Gift Certificate
Commenter #273 Anne J said, "entered hot mama jewelry"


The winners have been e-mailed and have 48 hours to get back in touch with me! Thanks to everyone who entered.



Gearing Up For Summer Event ~ Begins May 17th

Posted by Jenna | Tuesday, April 27, 2010



The Celebrating Moms Event is in full swing with many more spectacular giveaways to come over the next couple of weeks! As May nears I can't help but be reminded that Summer will soon be on its way! YAY! Since it is my favorite season of the year I wanted to celebrate with a Gearing Up For Summer Event beginning May 17th! There will be lots of fun reviews and giveaways featuring great products for Summer the whole family can enjoy!

I have many wonderful sponsors lined up already, but could use even more. If you have a product that you think would fit well with this Gearing Up For Summer Event, please e-mail me at jenna(at)momsbalancingact.com ....I'd love to hear from you!

My Gearing Up For Summer event button can be found below, and along the sidebar. Be sure to grab it and place it on your blog...as this will get you extra entries into each giveaway featured during this event!



<a href="http://www.momsbalancingact.com"><img src="http://tinyurl.com/22luvoz"/></a>


Stay tuned for a Gearing Up For Summer sneak peek of some of the amazing sponsors who will be participating!






I'm sure there are very few people who have never heard of Wilton before. For 80 years they have been helping families celebrate those special occasions in life with their quality bakeware and cake decorating products. They are a name people have grown to love and trust and are definitely the industry leader when it comes to cake decorating, quality bakeware and food crafting!

A culmination of Wilton's 80 years of experience, the new UltraGold line of bakeware takes the art of baking to a higher level! Every UltraGold pan was designed to provide perfect baking results.

Features/Benefits:

  • Premium Aluminum: Every Wilton Ultra Gold pan is hand-crafted to ensure a perfect shape and better baking results for you.
  • Even Heating - Won’t Warp: UltraGold heats more evenly and holds its shape like no other brand. Our premium aluminum distributes heat evenly for a light, golden brown cake surface that is ideal for decorating.
  • Durable Anodized Surface: Anodizing creates a more consistent surface finish. This means that UltraGold’s signature golden finish will look great and bake beautifully for years to come.
  • Oversized Handles for Easy Lifting: Convenient extended handles help you lift the UltraGold pan safely and easily. Pan dimensions are stamped on the handles.
When I came across the UltraGold line of products on the Wilton website, I was very impressed with all they had to offer. That's why I couldn't have been happier when I found out I was going to have the opportunity to review two UltraGold 10 in. Round Pans.



I was very excited when they arrived on our doorstep. My first thought was how beautiful the signature golden finish is! I couldn't wait to use them, and have been able to many times since receiving them! The 10 in rounds are such a nice size for so many different things. They work great for cakes, as they distribute the heat evenly.

One of my favorite things to make in them is frosted cinnamon rolls! They turn out perfect every time!



I couldn't be happier with the quality and the way they make baking so easy. I can see these lasting us a very long time and being used a lot! One feature I love, and don't have with any of my other baking pans, is the oversized handles. They extend far enough to help make lifting the pan easier and safer. I love it!

As with any other Wilton product I've used in the past, these pans did not disappoint. They are beautiful, high quality and made to give better baking results! Now that I've had the chance to use the 10 in round pan, I definitely want the other pieces in the UltraGold line. It would especially be nice to have the UltraGold 9x13 in. Sheet Pan and the UltraGold 11x17 in. Jelly Roll Pan.



I would definitely recommend Wilton's UltraGold Bakeware to anyone I know. They would make a terrific Mother's Day gift as well!

Buy It: You can purchase the Wilton UltraGold 10 in. Round Pan for $14.99.

Win It:
Wilton has generously offered one lucky reader TWO UltraGold 10 in. Round Pans like the ones I received!



To enter, visit Wilton and leave a comment letting me know another product you'd love to have.

Extra Entries: (only valid after the required entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Wilton) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. 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)

4. For THREE extra entries, Grab my 'Celebrating Moms' event button and leave a comment with the URL where it can be found.

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Celebrating Moms #19: Enter to win UltraGold Bakeware from @WiltonCakes @MomBalancingAct http://tinyurl.com/2cogx46 Ends 5/11 RT PLS!

6. Follow WiltonCakes on Twitter

7. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

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9. Share about this giveaway on Facebook

10. Subscribe to the Wilton It's a Piece of Cake blog

11. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

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

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end May 11th and is open to the US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided at no cost by Wilton. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions have been given. Others experiences and opinions may differ from my own**




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