We've accumulated a lot of toys over the years. There are some that get played with daily, while others sit on the shelves for weeks, if not months at a time. The toys I notice my kids turning to time and time again, are those that promote imaginative play. They enjoy having the freedom to build and create, which is why Mega Bloks has been a family favorite for years.

Mega Bloks is best known for their large, easy to manipulate colorful blocks that give children the opportunity to create and build. But, did you know they've continued to expand their line? With everything from games and playsets...they have something that suits an array of interests and abilities.

Along with being huge Mega Bloks fans, we also have a little girl who loves Dora the Explorer. That's why I couldn't have been happier to learn that we were going to have the opportunity to review the Mega Bloks Dora's Bath Time Buildable Playset!

Features/Benefits:

• Customizable Dora's Bath Time buildable playset
• Includes special pieces like a big rubber duck, a hair dryer, vanity desk and mirror
• Includes Build & Dress Dora that can change outfits - includes 2 pretty skirts!
• Combine with other Dora the Explorer buildable playsets
  
• For ages 3 years +
  

When the Dora's BathTime Buildable Playset arrived, Kaelyn caught sight of it right away. She was tickled to have a new Dora the Explorer toy to play with and couldn't wait to check it out.

Upon pulling it out of the box, I was happy to see that there wasn't any specific way it had to be set up. Children can customize and build this playset any way they like which is great for open-ended, imaginative play. There's even stickers to customize it further, which Kaelyn had a great time helping me put on the pieces!

Once we had it put together the way we liked, Kaelyn immediately grabbed Dora. The build & dress Dora can actually change outfits and comes with an extra skirt to change her into. Kaelyn loves dress-up and was excited that she could dress Dora up too.

Of course, all the snazzy accessories like a hair dryer, vanity desk, mirror and brush are highlights of this buildable playset as well! Aside from giving Dora a bath with her special rubber ducky, Kaelyn also enjoys setting her in front of the mirror and pretending to do her hair. It's neat to see her bring the characters to life (there's a Boots sticker which Kaelyn put on one of the pieces so he could follow Dora around).

Kaelyn has already enjoyed hours of fun, building and re-building with this adorable Dora's Bath Time buildable playset from Mega Bloks. The options are absolutely endless with all the accessories and pieces. Whether it's time for Dora to take a bath, brush her hair or even go on an adventure with her friend Boots...this playset is sure to entertain young children for hours on end. It allows them to use there imagination and play with it in any way they like. I would highly recommend it to anyone with kids who are Mega Bloks and Dora fans!

You can connect with Mega Bloks on Twitter and Facebook. Also, be sure to check out the Mega Bloks Family Club. You'll find exclusive offers, contests, sweepstakes, and promotions on Mega Bloks toys as well as information on new products, a free email newsletter, a printable coupon for $5 off any $30 or more Mega Bloks purchase, and more!

Buy It: You can purchase the Mega Bloks Dora's Bath Time Buildable Playset for just $14.99!

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to have the opportunity to win a Mega Bloks Dora's Bath Time Buildable Playset like the one we received!

Mandatory Entry - Visit The Family Club website and sign up (you'll receive their newsletter, promotions, etc.) It's super quick and easy!

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like Mega Brands on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow Mega Brands on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Mega Bloks) and leave THREE 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 one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a Mega Bloks Dora's Bath Time Buildable Playset! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/kliYmE Ends 5/20

5. 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.

6. 3 extra entries- 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. 2 extra entries- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. 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 (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end May 20th and is open to US and Canada!

**One product was provided to facilitate my review as part of my membership with Team Mom and another for one lucky giveaway winner. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**

*I want to start off by saying that the following was not sponsored by Demy. I have simply found a product that I love and wanted to share that with others who may find a need for something like this as well.*

Last year around this time, I came across a product that I now, couldn't see myself living without. In fact, I wrote about it just before Mother's Day last, and thought I'd share the post again for those still looking for an amazing Mother's Day gift!

Have you ever found yourself looking through recipe cards only to find the one you're looking for somehow disappeared?! Ugh...this was the story of my life. I thought I was keeping them organized by keeping them in a recipe box...but having so many loose cards, I was bound to lose some....and I did! That's why I was very excited when I came across the Demy Digital Recipe Reader and hubby and I decided to buy one last year.

For those who may not be familiar, the Demy Kitchen Safe Touchscreen Recipe Reader is a kitchen safe digital recipe reader. It holds up to 2500 of your personal recipes in one compact device! No more recipe cards to deal with and lose.

Features Include:

• Touchscreen
• Capability to sync all your recipes from KeyIngredient.com
• Can be placed on back or standing up (screen turns both ways) - on back it takes up as much space as a 5x7 card and standing upright as much space as a 3x5 card...so not much at all.
  
• Splash resistant screen and easy to clean
• Easy access to recipes with the Recipe Library and Cookbooks
• Ability to change text size with the touch of the screen
• Built-in timers
• Conversion Table makes converting portions and measurements easy
• Ingredient substitutions list

I cannot believe I went so long without the Demy! It's simply amazing. I've had it for a year, and still use it all the time. I love the touch screen and the fact that I can categorize all of my recipes or search them alphabetically. The bonus features like timers, conversions tables and ingredient substitution lists are fantastic as well. I can't tell you how many times I've gotten started making something, only to find out that I don't have one of the ingredients. Now all I have to do is go to the substitution list and see what I can use in it's place. For instance, in place of sour cream, the suggestion was plain yogurt. SO COOL!

When I got it, I thought it might be confusing to use. I couldn't have been more wrong! All I had to do was type in my recipes on KeyIngredient.com (this takes a while if you have a lot of recipes, but SO worth it!), then sync them from computer to the Demy using the provided USB cord, and within minutes my recipes were on the Recipe Reader. I couldn't believe how easy it was! As I said, the part that takes the most time is putting all of your recipes into the Key Ingredient website and categorizing them into cookbooks if you want....however, once it's done....it's so worth it. As I get new recipes, I simply add them to Key Ingredient and sync them up to my computer. Very simple!

As I'm sure is the case with others, many of my recipes/recipe cards have sentimental value. They're ones that my Grandma's or Mom have actually written out and given to me. For that reason I have put them all in a ziploc and store them in a safe place so I always have them.

Aside from the obvious benefits this little device has....it's also very sleek looking. It looks great sitting on the counter and would suit anyone's decor.

Since getting the Demy I not only enjoy cooking more, but have found recipes I didn't even know I had. It's been fun getting out of the routine of having the same old meals week after week. Making a grocery list is easy too...as I just scroll through the recipes with a swipe of a finger to plan out the ingredients I will need.

If you can't tell, I absolutely LOVE my Demy Digital Recipe Reader and have recommended it to many people that I know. Around the time we got ours, they were selling for around $299. Since then, the price has gone down a lot and is now available on Amazon.com for $199.95! It's still pretty spendy, but a great price and perfect timing with Mother's Day around the corner.


**Again, I was not asked to write this post and no product was received. I just thought my readers might like hearing about this product and my own personal experience with it. All opinions expressed here are my own and may differ from others.**

I apologize I've been behind in posting winners. All winners have been contacted, I've just been slow in getting them posted here. Anyways...I have lots of winners to announce!

Name Frame ~ Commenter 19, Strawberry

Propel Zero Gift Pack (10 Winners) ~
Commenter 37, Jackie
Commenter 155, BabeeLove
Commenter 162, Michelle
Commenter 248, Tabathia
Commenter 310, JR911
Commenter 208, Erin
Commenter 319, Alison
Commenter 23, MAC Mom
Commenter 66, Frugal Tumbleweed Acres
Commenter 305, tarasquad12

Summer Infant Tummy Comfort Seat ~ Commenter 502, Claude

Blissmo $30 GC to My True Nature ~ Commenter 42, Amanda

Personal Creations $50 Gift Code ~ Commenter 173, Amateur Mommy

All winners have been emailed and have confirmed their prizes! I will be posting more winners soon!

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 couple of great promotions going on just in time for Mother's Day. Get 40% off Marilyn Style Aprons while supplies last! To take advantage of this fabulous deal, simply use coupon code: Marilyn40 at checkout.

And, For 20% off all aprons at Flirty Aprons, use code 20M2011, now through May 10th, 2011!

Since having children, my body has changed a lot! Gone are the days of throwing on an outfit and walking out the door without giving it a second glance in the mirror. Now I find myself trying on several outfits before deciding on the one that covers enough skin, lays just right and makes me feel comfortable and confident. Talk about a lot of work! If only finding modest, stylish clothing were easier, right?! Well, it now can be...with Impel Clothing!

What began in 2005 as a home party business providing modest laying shirts for women, has since grown to become a popular online clothing boutique. Offering adorable, yet modest clothing is what Impel is all about. They udnerstand what a headache it can be to find stylish clothes that are modest and affordable which is why they want to provide a unique collection of stylish trends and timeless classics that are cute, wearable, affordable, high quality and modest. A line that makes it possible to not have to compromise modest for cute clothes any longer.

When I first came across Impel Clothing, I was beyond impressed with their large selection of cute, modest clothing. With everything from jeans, tees and dresses to sweaters, skirts and accessories...they have casual, dressy and everything in between.

I couldn't have been happier to learn I was going to have the opportunity to review on of their great pieces of clothing, and decided to go with the Ribbed Henley Tee in Moroccan Blue.

When the shirt arrived, I was immediately impressed with the quality. The ribbed micro modal cotton is thick and something I can tell will last a long time. I also was drawn to the Moroccan Blue color right away. It's very pretty and goes with everything from jeans to khakis.

Of course I couldn't wait to see how it fit. I had read that it was a more fitted type of top, so I decided to go with a Medium instead of a Small (both are sizes I wear often). I'm really happy that I did! As I slipped it on, I could tell that it was still fitted nicely to my body, without being too tight! The arms are a bit longer, but this is something I prefer with long sleeved shirts. I also LOVE the length of the shirt. It features a long, slim body. Not only is this stylish, but it is also great for someone who constantly is bending down to pick up my kids. I like for shirts to cover me and not ride up...so this shirt has been absolutely perfect. It's modest, yet flattering and stylish.

I really like the textured rib too. It's a very easy shirt to layer on top of camisoles and under things as well. I've found that it can easily be dressed up or down which is great too! The deep five button placket creates a look that's both preppy and feminine. I am able to customize my look by choosing how many buttons I keep buttoned.

I've had the chance to wear the Ribbed Henley Tee several times and have been very happy with the quality, comfort, style and how well it covers me. And, of course...this is just one of so many great items offered at Impel Clothing. Whether you're looking for dressy or casual...they have it all!

I am so happy to have found Impel Clothing.... a place where I can shop for clothes that are both modest and flattering. If you're looking for fashionable women's clothing that will make you feel comfortable, beautiful and confident, I would definitely recommend Impel Clothing....especially with Mother's Day just around the corner!

Buy It: You can purchase the Ribbed Henley Tee in several different colors for $23 at ImpelClothing.com.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a $20 GC to Impel Clothing!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Impel Clothing and let me know an item you love!

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like Impel Clothing on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow Impel Clothing on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry - Join the Impel Clothing E-mail List

4. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Impel Clothing) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

5. 1 extra entry- Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (You can tweet once a day for one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

#Win a $20 GC to Impel Clothing! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/kLBG0V Ends 5/20

6. 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.

7. 3 extra entries- 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)

8. 2 extra entries- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

9. 2 extra entries- 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 (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end May 20th and is open to US Only.

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided by Impel Clothing. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**

For the past couple of weeks, I've been posting about Scott Naturals and their 4 Week Challenge. Through TheMotherhood, I have been given the opportunity to test drive their hybrid paper products: paper towels, facial tissue, napkins and flushable moist wipes...all made with recycled fiber. We've been very pleased with how well each of the products work and it feels good to know we're helping our earth at the same time! We've especially gotten a lot of use out of the Scott Naturals Towels!
As I have mentioned previously, Scott Naturals is also partnering with the National Wildlife Federation. For every unique click-thru from this link http://www.ScottBrand.com/4WeekTestDrive, Scott Naturals will donate $1 (up to $25,000 total) to the National Wildlife Federation!!

Scott Naturals is challenging all Americans to pledge to go green. Between April 4 and September 30, anyone can go www.ScottBrand.com/Naturals/ and pledge to participate in the Scott Naturals 4-Week Challenge themselves! While you’re taking the pledge, you can enter for a chance to win a Ford Fusion hybrid sedan too!!

Earth Month for me, serves as a time to reevaluate the green choices my family is making. I think one of the biggest things we've started to do is embrace green cleaning and making several of our own cleaners. It wasn't until I became a mom that I really paid attention to labels and the harmful chemicals and toxins in the cleaners I was using. I wanted to find something that was not only better for our family, but also the environment.

I decided to start using things like baking soda, vinegar, lemon, etc. to do a lot of my cleaning (all purpose cleaners, furniture polish, stain removers,...even air fresheners). It's incredible how versatile products like these are. Vinegar is great for breaking down dirt and killing bacteria, germs, etc., and baking soda works as an abrasive cleaner and is great for fighting odors. Although I had heard of people using these products to clean for years, I was still amazed at how well they work. Not only does my house feel clean and fresh, but I immediately noticed that the surfaces I cleaned did not have a chemical build-up like they did before. I also am very sensitive to chemical smells and get headaches easily. In fact, it got to the point where anything with a chemical smell...my husband had to clean it. Now though, I don't mind the smell of these more natural, green cleaners and they don't cause headaches at all!

With it being Earth Month, I'm looking at ways I can continue to be more green and the changes we can make as a family. One thing I haven't done yet, but want to...is make my own laundry detergent/fabric softener and dishwasher soap.

In honor of Earth Month and Scott Naturals Hybrid Paper Products, Scott Naturals has offered one lucky reader a Scott Naturals Kit like the one we received! (Kit includes: Scott Naturals Tissue, Scott Naturals Towels, Scott Naturals Napkins, Scott Naturals Flushable Moist Wipes)! The winner of last week's Scott Naturals Kit giveaway is: commenter #52, furygirl3132. Congrats!


Win It: Scott Naturals is offering another reader a Scott Naturals Kit like the one we received. (Kit includes: Scott Naturals Tissue, Scott Naturals Towels, Scott Naturals Napkins, Scott Naturals Flushable Moist Wipes)!

Mandatory Entry - Visit www.ScottBrand.com/4WeekTestDrive and make a virtual pledge to participate in the Scott Naturals 4 Week Challenge (It's super easy and fast)!

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like Scott Naturals on Facebook

2. 2 extra entries - Click this unique donation link: www.ScottBrand.com/4WeekTestDrive

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about Scott Naturals donating $1 (up to $25,000) for every unique click (using this URL - www.ScottBrand.com/4WeekTestDrive) to the National Wildlife Federation and leave THREE 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 one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

Short Giveaway! #Win a #ScottNaturals Kit! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/fCdxJm Ends 5/1

5. 1 extra entry- Share about this giveaway on your Facebook status by including a link back to this giveaway (you can do this once a day for an extra entry every day!)

6. 2 extra entries- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. 1 extra entry - Let me know one (or more) of the green cleaners/homemade cleaners you use.
This giveaway will end May 1st and is open to US Only!

**I received a Scott Naturals 4 Week Test Drive Kit and a stipend from TheMotherhood and Scott Naturals for my participation. All opinions are my own and may differ from those of others.**

The weather in the Midwest is unpredictable to say the least. One day it can be 60 degrees...and the next, snowing. That's pretty much how our Spring has looked so far. With so much cold weather, snow and of course...spring showers....our family is stuck indoors a lot! It's always fun to find new engaging activities and games we can do together, especially on days like this. I know I'm always on the lookout for new things and am happy to know Hasbro Games is always there to help!

Hasbro is a company trusted by families for generations. They are known for some of the most well known toys and games available. What I think is so great about them, is that they continue to keep the traditional products we grew up with, but still find ways to update them and keep us all wanting more!

We were sent the new Bop-It! Game to review, and I couldn't have been more excited!
Bop-It! is the fast-action game that calls the shots, inviting players to shout, twist, pull or bop in random order. If players respond correctly, Bop-It! will answer with a new command, but they’ll have to think quickly! The commands will keep getting faster and faster!

When the Bop-It! Game arrived, I was looking forward to trying it out. Bop-It is a game I always enjoyed playing with my family and friends growing up! It was fun, fast-paced and incredibly challenging...perfect for any kind of get together. I was excited to see that this "think fast" game is back and better than ever!

Once I got it out of the package, I was ready to play. For Bop-It, you can have as few as 1 player, so it's a fun game for individuals and groups alike. I turned it on and was ready to Bop, Pull and Twist my way to victory. For even more of a challenge, I also activated the microphone and Shout It, too! Having not played in a while, it took me a couple times to get into it...but then I began unlocking more and more levels. My husband and I have played it several times together and in groups with family and friends, and everyone really seems to love it! As you continue to get the commands right, the Bop-It! goes faster and faster, becoming more and more challenging. It's SO.MUCH.FUN! There's even a Party Bop mode where you can use your whole body, knees, elbows and hips to win!

What I love about this game is that the game itself is such a nice size and easy to hold. It's also super simple without a whole lot of rules and directions.

It's recommended for ages 8 and older, which I think is pretty accurate. It takes a lot of concentration and good hand-eye coordination to play. However...Kaelyn really enjoys playing it and trying to follow the commands too. She usually grabs it by herself and tries to keep up with what she is supposed to do next (Bop it, twist it, etc). It's fun to watch!

Overall, I've been very happy with the Bop-It game. It's a lot of fun and perfect for any family or group of friends who enjoy having fun and like fast-paced, "think on your feet" sort of games! I would highly recommend it!

Also worth mention, is a family Game Night/Tombstone Pizza Promotion that Hasbro has going on. To help ensure FAMILY GAME NIGHT is fun and carefree, Hasbro and TOMBSTONE Pizza are teaming up to give you a FREE (up to $7.01) TOMBSTONE pizza with the purchase of a new game. Through April 30, pick up ANY Hasbro game at your local retailer, then visit FamilyGameNight.com to download a mail-in offer form to receive a coupon for a FREE (up to $7.01) TOMBSTONE pizza.

Purchase any Hasbro game 2/25/2011 through 4/30/2011. See PDF Offer Form at FamilyGameNight.com for complete details. Tombstone Pizza Coupon will be mailed 60 days following receipt of completed redemption form. Offer ends 4/30/2011. Limit five (5) coupons per household. Age 18+. US only. Void where prohibited or restricted by law.

Buy It: You can purchase the Bop-It! Game for $19.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Bop-It! game of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Hasbro Games and let me know another game you'd love to have.

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like Family Game Night on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow Family Game Night on Twitter

3. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Hasbro) and leave THREE 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 one extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste:

SHORT GIVEAWAY! #Win a Bop-It! Game from Hasbro! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/fvP572 Ends 4/30

5. 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.

6. 3 extra entries- 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. 2 extra entries- Become a Fan/Like A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

8. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

9. 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 (or make sure it's visible in your profile) so that I can easily contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end April 30th (SHORT Giveaway!) and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided by Hasbro. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**

Every time I pick up my handy digital camera, I am reminded how much I appreciate the convenience modern technology provides. No more having to take the film into the photo processing store, only to wait several days before seeing how the pictures turned out. I love being able see them the moment I take a picture, and upload them to my computer so I have them on hand to share, save and print. Unfortunately, I have not always been the best about the latter of those three. There are times my pictures never make it past my computer desktop. I have the best intentions of getting them ordered and printed out to put in frames, albums, etc...but it all takes time...precious time. Thankfully, Epson understands how busy life can be, and has created a printer perfect for busy moms like me!
Epson America continues to drive printing innovation with its popular line of Artisan all-in-one printers. Designed for everything from creative projects to afterhours work from home, Epson is a great choice for all your scanning, printing, and creating needs! With image quality preferred by consumers 3-to-1 over the competition and a host of unique features, the new Artisan All-in-ones (Artisan 835 and Artisan 725) are a perfect match for today's active, digital families that require one solution for various printing needs.

I was sent the Artisan 725 All-in-One Printer to review.
Features/Benefits:

• Ultra HD 4"x6" photos in as fast as 10 seconds
• 4-in-1 with Wi-Fi: Print / Copy / Scan / Photo
• Easy-to-use, touch control panel & 2.5" LCD
  
• Automatic two-sided printing and two paper trays
• Supports printing directing from your iPhone & many mobile devices
• Create personalized projects (coloring pages, invitations, note paper, etc)
  
• Print directly onto ink jet printable CDs/DVDs
• Built-in wireless and Ethernet networking
• PC-Free Photo Printing
  
• Individual ink cartridges
• Restores color to faded photos
• ENERGY STAR® qualified
• 1 year limited warranty
  

When it arrived, my husband and I were both excited to check it out. We've owned and reviewed Epson products in the past and have been very pleased with the quality, ease of use and overall capability. I had a feeling we would be just as impressed with the Artisan 725, and I was right!

Upon pulling it out of the box, I was already pleased with the sleek and modern look. It is actually smaller than I expected (which is great considering all it can do!). It's still larger than some printers, but in my opinion, a very nice size! It's very compact, and has a clean style that makes it attractive and perfect for almost any room. You can even hide the paper tray when not in use!

I've been trying to catch up on the kids' baby books, so I currently have it in our living room to grab the pictures as they print and love it. Anyone who has seen it, comments on how nice it is.

Along with the Artisan 725 All-in-One printer also comes each of the ink cartridges, set up and instruction manuals, CD-ROM containing drivers and creativity software (Windows® and Macintosh®, 6' Power cord, and Free sample paper pack. Anyone who purchases this printer, really has everything they need to get started which is great!

If you're like me and not the most tech savvy, have no fear! Although it may sound like a lot...Epson couldn't have made it easier to get everything set up and ready to use. I usually wait for my husband to get home from work before setting up electronics, but after taking one look at the user-friendly manual...I was confident I could do it! I was right!! In under 25 minutes or so, I had the ink cartridges in, connected it to our wireless network and installed the software to my computer.

I love that it has Wi-Fi & Ethernet capability! No matter where I'm at in our house on the computer, I can easily print without having to hook my computer up first.

As technology advances, it seems most things are becoming touchscreen...which I really like. In fact, if something isn't touchscreen...out of habit, I often find myself touching the screen anyways. So the fact that the Artisan 725 features an easy-to-use, tilt touch control panel & 2.5" LCD is something I really love and appreciate!

The touchscreen not only makes it really easy to navigate and use the many features of the Artisan 725, but it also helps guide me in the projects I'm working on by telling me what I need to do next. I've enjoyed browsing through the different features and seeing all that I can do with a simple touch of a button. I can easily view, edit (select, copy, enlarge, rotate, etc) and restore photos, or print directly onto CDs and DVDs without using my computer at all! The touch screen also makes it easy to check ink levels, check and align nozzles, etc.

As a busy mom, I am always looking for ways to save time. So, the fact that this printer makes it easier to print out photos without having to save them to my computer first, is wonderful! All I have to do is simply slip my memory card into the slot. The pictures from the memory card show up on the touch screen...and from there all I have to do is select which one(s) I want to print and print it off. It's really as simple as that!



The pictures print out quickly and look as though they came right from the photo lab! They are brilliant, and although 4"x6" photos print in as fast as 10 seconds, the quality is still top-notch! They are smudge, scratch, water and fade resistant (up to 200 years in album storage and 98 years under glass!)...so I know I can put them in baby books and share them with family and friends and they'll stay as good as new. What's neat, is that the Artisan 725 features Auto Photo Correction to automatically correct the lighting in poorly exposed images, and has the option to remove red eye, to produce perfect prints every time. It also includes advanced face detection, which automatically distinguishes people from scenery, correcting the color accordingly to ensure beautiful, natural skin tones.

You can even print documents, photos, calendars, contacts and more wirelessly using an iPhone or other mobile devices by using Epson iPrint, ePrint or Print-and-Share from the App Store. Not only that, but you can free up an outlet and charge your cell phone MP3 Player by plugging them right into the front USB port! This is a feature my husband especially likes!

Epson was kind enough to send us a variety of different kinds of paper to try as well as project samples to get an idea of all the Artisan 725 can do!



I have spent many hours having fun checking out all the creative features. One of Kaelyn's favorite things is to have me print out photos as coloring pages for her and Kaden. I love being able to do this so easily and customize coloring pages for them. I have also enjoyed printing out note paper and bringing old faded photos back to life! It's amazing to me how fast it prints all kinds of projects without sacrificing quality at all!

Note Card Paper

Coloring Page

We've also used the scanner several times already and found that it couldn't be easier! It's also nice that it has automatic two-sided printing! This not only saves time, but paper and money as well! With the printing my husband has to do for his job, this is especially helpful.

Overall I've been very impressed with the Artisan 725 All-in-One Printer! It was definitely made with the busy person in mind. The quality is great, and it's extremely convenient and easy to use with fast printing speed! If you're looking for a great Mother's Day Gift, I would highly recommend this printer. It definitely appeals to the busy mom!

Be sure to check out Xenia's thoughts on the Artisan 835 All-in-One Printer over at Thanks, Mail Carrier too!

Buy It: You can purchase the Epson Artisan 725 All-in-One printer for an ARV of $199, available now for, $149.99 at Epson.com!

**Epson provided me with an Artisan 725 All-in-One printer to facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own.**