I have often read and heard that playing music during pregnancy helps in a number of ways...it can help reduce stress levels, improves baby's sleeping habits after birth, lays the foundation for your baby's learning abilities, creates a wonderful bonding experience, and more! Although I've always played music during my pregnancies, I've never stretched headphones over my belly as many expecting moms probably do. I have often wondered if there was an easier, safer and more comfortable alternative. Thankfully, with this pregnancy I've found that with Lullabelly!
In 2003, Adrianne Godart (who was a practicing licensed massage therapist at the time) was on the hunt for a baby shower gift for a few of her pregnant friends. She wanted to find something that incorporated her love of massage and music...something expecting mothers could wear to play music to their babies in the womb, while being able to listen to it at the same time. Unable to find this unique type of baby shower gift, she realized the need and a few years late began the steps to creating her own business...and Lullabelly was born.

Features/Benefits:

• Adjustable Velcro straps
• Large front pocket with zipper
• Built-in volume control dial
• Standard 3.5 mm plug compatible with any iPod, Smartphone, Laptop, or MP3 Player
• Safe sound level speaker
  
• Ultra soft minky fabric
• Includes sound splitter and deluxe comfort earphones so mom and dad can listen too

When the Lullabelly Prenatal Music Belt arrived, I was looking forward to checking it out. I was really impressed with the way it came packaged. Displayed in a box with a window, it was easy to see how nice this product was right away. The professional packaging makes it perfect for gift-giving.

Of course, I couldn't wait to take it out and see all that this one of a kind prenatal music belt had to offer.

Upon pulling it out of the package I was really happy to find super soft minky fabric. That, and the fact that it is adjustable makes it very comfortable to wear and fit any growing belly

The large front pocket with zipper is great. There is even a built-in volume control dial! Now, instead of pregnant mama's having to stretch uncomfortable (and breakable) headphones across their bellies, they can use this safe alternative. It's a great way to play lullabies, voice recordings and more! And...best of all, it couldn't be easier! By simply plugging in the 3.5 mm plug into the device you have...a standard 3.5 mm plug compatible with any iPod, Smartphone, Laptop, or MP3 Player... you can begin right away!

The whole idea of the Lullabelly Prenatal Music Belt is something I really love! As someone who is currently pregnant, I truly have enjoyed using this and know my baby is too! I have been very impressed with the quality and can tell with the many features included, that comfort, convenience and overall design were all taken into account when making this great for any expecting mom.

In fact, it's great for dad's too! My favorite feature would have to be the sound splitter and deluxe comfort earphones making it easy for mom or dad to listen too! You can listen right along with baby and bond with them before they're even born. What an amazing experience!

As I said, I've really enjoyed this product and would definitely recommend the Lullabelly Prenatal Music Belt to any expecting mom! I think it would make a terrific gift and is something I would have loved with my first two pregnancies as well.

Buy it: The Lullabelly Prenatal Music Belt is available for $55 in a variety of colors.

You can connect with Lullabelly on Twitter and Facebook.

**The product for this review was provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.

As we get ready to move, we have been going through a lot of things while we pack up. Kaelyn and I have come across several dolls that she absolutely loves...but that definitely show the wear and tear of play and love! She thoroughly enjoys dressing up her dolls and especially playing with their hair. Unfortunately, many dolls do not have the type of hair that you can style and play with without getting matted and ruined. That's why I was excited when introduced to Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Dolls!

Lalaloopsy were once rag dolls that magically came to life when their very last stitch was sewn. Each doll has its own charming personality inspired by the fabric used to make it. Lalaloopsy live in a whimsical world full of silly surprises. With love and a little bit of imagination, you’ll see why Lalaloopsy are sew magical... and sew cute!

When I first learned of the Silly Hair Dolls, I knew this was something Kaelyn would really enjoy. That's why I was thrilled to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll Crumbs Sugar Cookie.

Crumbs Sugar Cookie was sewn December 4th from a baker's apron. Her personality is super sweet and she has many fun interests as well. She loves to experiment with all kinds of silly hairstyles at the salon....beads, curly, straight, and twisted.

Features/Benefits:

• Durable hair that really bends
• Hair allows you to curl, twist and straighten
• Includes fun hair styling tools - brush, 4 clips, and 6 hair beads
• Pet has matching bendable tale
• Recommended for ages 4+

When the Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll arrived, I couldn't wait to show Kaelyn.
Although it took me a bit to get her out of the package, I couldn't have been happier with the quality once I did. Although this doll has that rag doll look, she is anything but that. Crumbs Sugar Cookie is extremely durable and well made. I have no doubt this is a doll that will hold up for years to come...which is great, as I think Kaelyn will be playing with her a lot for a very long time.

I was also happy to see the fun accessories that came with the Silly Hair Doll. With a styling brush, 4 clips and 6 beads...little girls are sure to have everything they need to style Crumbs Sugar Cookie's hair!

Of course, I couldn't wait to see what Kaelyn's reaction would be. The moment she caught a glimpse of her new Lalaloopsy doll, she was smiling from ear to ear. The fun whimsical look of her over-sized head and thin body, along with the classic button eyes and stitched mouth really appealed to her right away.

Not only did she find that she could dress the Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll, but she was most excited about being able to do her hair and not having it get ruined! I have to admit this is probably my favorite feature of the doll as well. Having a doll that is made to have her hair played with has been fantastic.

Although it takes a little effort to get the hair styled like you want...the neat thing is, the options are endless. Kaelyn can style Crumbs Sugar Cookie's' hair any way she likes and it always looks fantastic. She loves being able to curl her hair with the handy brush and of course, add all of the fun clips and beads.

I really don't see Kaelyn getting tired of playing with her Silly Hair Doll anytime soon! She has not let Crumbs Sugar Cookie leave her side since it arrived. Overall I'm very impressed with the quality and the features this doll has to offer. I love that Kaelyn can play with her doll's hair without worrying that it will get ruined. It's really a lot of fun and something I would recommend to any parent with young girls.

For those who are older, there is even a Lalaloopsy Land on the Lalaloopsy website where users can talk with other Lalaloopsy dolls, play games, and do other fun things for free!

Buy It: You can purchase Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Dolls at LittleTikes.com for $34.99.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Lalaloopsy and let me know another of their dolls 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 - Enter the Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll Giveaway over at Thanks, Mail Carrier

2. 1 extra entry- Like Lalaloopsy on Facebook

3. 1 extra entry- Follow Lalaloopsy on Twitter

4. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Lalaloopsy) 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 Lalaloopsy Silly Hair Doll! http://bit.ly/nt4mHL Ends 9/16 #momsbalancingact #giveaway

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

8. 2 extra entries- '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 September 16th and is open to US Only!

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

Kaelyn has always been a learner from the time she was very young. She is constantly challenging herself and loves to learn new things. That's why I'm always on the lookout for high quality games and activities that we can do with her to help support this love for learning. Thankfully, I know we can count Learning Resources for exactly that!

The leading manufacturer of innovative, hands-on educational materials for classrooms and learning toys for the home, Learning Resources has been a trusted source for educators and parents for more than 25 years! With a diverse product line of over 1300 products focusing on everything from mathematics, science, early childhood, reading, etc...it's no wonder Learning Resources is a name known around the world.

I was introduced to Learning Resources when I taught preschool. They have a great selection of products for children, with a mission to develop quality educational products that make learning exciting for children of all ages and abilities. No matter what age or skill level your child may be at...Learning Resources is sure to have a hands-on activity to help build important skills through imagination and fun.

I was excited to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review another one of their great products. We were sent the Pizza Mania early math Game.

Features/Benefits:

• Reinforces listening, counting, and early addition and subtraction
  
  
• Challenges students with 2 levels of play
  
  
• Includes 4 pizzas, 48 toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives and peppers), and talking chef (3.5"L x 3.5"W x 5"H) with volume control
  
  
• Requires 3 AA batteries, not included
  
  
• For 2-4 players (ages 4-7)

Although Kaelyn is not quite 4 yet, I knew she'd be excited to play a game that had to do with counting and math. This is something that's right up her alley...not to mention a game dealing with one of her favorite foods...pizza!!

When the Pizza Mania early math game arrived, she and I were both excited to try it out. Upon opening the box we found everything we needed to play. It includes: 4 pizzas, 48 toppings (pepperoni, mushrooms, olives and peppers), and a talking chef (3.5"L x 3.5"W x 5"H) with volume control. The talking chef does not come with batteries, but AA batteries are very common and something we always have on hand so this was no problem at all. After putting in 3 AA batteries, we were ready to read through the instructions and get started.

Setting it up couldn't have been easier. Each player got a pizza and we set the Chef and all pizza toppings in the center.

We then turned on the talking Chef and followed the directions he gave. For instance, "Add 3 olives; take away 1 pepperoni". After 1 minute, the Chef calls out what toppings the pizzas should have and all players with the correct toppings win.

We played it several times and had a great time! Kaelyn is getting so good at counting and really is getting the hang of the game the more we play. I can see it helping her with her counting and listening skills...as well as addition and subtraction and she doesn't even know it. Best of all...all this learning is going on while she's having fun!

I really love this game for several reason. First of all...it's simple to understand and goes fairly quickly (each game lasts about 60 seconds). Young children Kaelyn's age do not always have the longest attention span, so keeping things moving and short are important. It's really been perfect for her. I also appreciate that there are two levels of play for an additional challenge. This ensures that it's something both younger and older children can use and enjoy.

The first way to play is as mentioned above. It's great for younger players to listen closely and following the direction for addition and subtraction of the toppings.

The second way to play is called Pizza Panic. This is for more advanced players and sounds like it will be a lot of fun once Kaelyn is a bit older. The game plays the same as Game 1, but the speed of the game is increased even more. You have to think fast.

Finally, I really like that's it's not so much a competitive game amongst other players, but a way to work on these early math skills for yourself. More than one player can win which helps young children keep the focus off of beating another child, and on doing the best that they possibly can.

Overall I've been really happy with this game. The quality is great, and best of all it offers an opportunity for us to work with Kaelyn on her early math skills while having fun at the same time. I can see this being a game we pull out to play frequently over the coming months and years. Once again, Learning Resources did not disappoint!

Buy It: The SRP of Pizza Mania Early Math Game is $24.99 and is available at www.LearningResources.com, other online retailers and specialty stores.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Pizza Mania game from Learning Resources!

Mandatory Entry - Visit Learning Resources and let me know another product 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 Learning Resources on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry- Follow Learning Resources on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry - Subscribe to the Learning Resources You Tube page

4. 1 extra entry - Following the Learning Resources Blog on Google Friend Connect

5. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Learning Resources) and leave THREE comments with the URL to that post.

6. 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 Pizza Mania Early Math Game from Learning Resources! http://bit.ly/n9oWbt Ends 9/9

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

9. 2 extra entries- 'Like' A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

10. 2 extra entries- Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

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 September 9th and is open to US Only!

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

Kaelyn had never been to a Chuck E. Cheese's before, but seeing commercials for this kid-friendly, fun place to eat and play has had her begging to go to one for quite some time now. We were fortunate enough to have that opportunity recently, when we were sent a Guest pass to visit our local Chuck E. Cheese's!

The Chuck E Cheese's Guest Pass is redeemable for a large pizza, four drinks and 30 game tokens. This was the perfect amount for our family of four and we couldn't have had a better time!

When we arrived at Chuck E. Cheese's, the kids were in awe of all the games and fun things to do. Kaelyn couldn't take her eyes of the stage and the entertainment that was going on there. It's like a child's dream come true. So fun!

We ordered our pizza and got our drinks right when we got there. We were amazed with the great service and how quickly our food got to us. At first the kids didn't want to sit down (they wanted to play!), but once they did...they were in love with the yummy food...as were my husband and I.
Chuck E. Cheese's has upgraded their pizza recipe...coming up with an all-new, cheesier, crispier pizza! Made with fresh, never frozen dough, 100% real Mozzarella cheese, zesty pizza sauce, and a variety of quality toppings, it's a pizza the whole family will love. We got a half cheese half pepperoni and ate almost the entire thing just the four of us in one sitting. It was so fresh and delicious! Although we didn't try it, there's also a garden fresh salad bar and oven toasted sandwiches which looked really good too. That's on my list for the next time we go (which I have a feeling will be sooner than later!).

Of course, a visit to Chuck E. Cheese's wouldn't be complete without playing some games and seeing Chuck E. Cheese himself! Once we were finished eating, the kids were on foot ready to check out all of the fun they were watching around them. I was very impressed with the variety of games offered. Not only was Kaelyn able to do them, but Kaden at almost 2 years old enjoyed many of the little rides too. There's even a playground area that the kids had a blast on! Kaelyn was all smiles the whole time. She loved winning tickets after playing the games, and was overjoyed to find out she could actually "buy" something with her tickets once we were done.

The fact that each game is just one token is really nice too. That made 30 tokens go a long way and it really made for a fun family night. Even hubby and I played some games and had a blast.

Other than the delicious pizza and fun games, I would have to say the highlight of the night was meeting Chuck E. Cheese himself. The kids were sooo excited when he came out to greet them. They danced, sang, and even got some free tickets which was fun too.

We had the best time at Chuck E Cheese's and definitely plan on going back again. The kids had a blast and it really made for a fun time for us to spend together as a family. I could see this being great for birthday parties and family get togethers with cousins.

Coupons: Be sure to check out the Chuck E. Cheese website for great coupons and promotions.

Win It: THREE very lucky readers are each going to win a Family Guest Pass which will give you 1 large pizza, 30 tokens and 4 drinks for FREE!

Mandatory Entry - Visit the Chuck E. Cheese website and tell me something you learned.

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like Chuck E. Cheese on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow Chuck E. Cheese on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry - Sign up for the Chuck E. Cheese Email Club

4. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Chuck E. Cheese) 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 Guest Past to Chuck E. Cheese's (redeemable for 1 lg pizza, 4 drinks and 30 tokens!) THREE Winners! http://bit.ly/nmxzc0

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

8. 2 extra entries- '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!!

11. 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).

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 September 9th and is open to US Only

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

At nearly 27 weeks pregnant now, I have more and more people noticing my growing bump. I'm often asked how I'm feeling and so far, I can't complain. Things have been going smoothly and seem very similar to my previous two pregnancies. Of course, from my experience I know it's only a few short weeks and I will start feeling more of the physical discomforts of the third trimester and my growing belly... backaches, indigestion, difficulty breathing, etc. Having experienced these things with each of my pregnancies, it didn't surprise me to learn that 4 million women experience these same discomforts during pregnancy each year!

The great news is, I've learned that these don't have to be unavoidable side effects. There is a simple solution I've been introduced to and it deals with reducing muscle tension.

The Miracle Ball Method For Pregnancy by Elaine Petrone, is a low-impact, non-invasive series of "unexercises" that relax muscles and allow the body to realign and reshape as it adjusts to accommodate a growing baby. Using the same easy to follow style of instruction as Petrone's million-copy bestseller The Miracle Ball Method, The Miracle Ball Method For Pregnancy includes positions for problem areas - neck on the ball, the rib cage side stretch, etc.

I was excited when introduced to The Miracle Ball Method For Pregnancy and couldn't have been happier to learn I was going to have the opportunity to review it. I was sent a complete kit containing two squishy Miracle Balls and a fully illustrated companion book, The Miracle Ball Method for Pregnancy.

When the product arrived, everything was packaged in one nice sized box. It was nicely presented...making it a great gift idea for expecting moms too!

Of course I couldn't wait to open it up and see what this product had to offer. In the box I found two squishy Miracle Balls and an illustrated companion book. Before receiving this kit, I was having a lot of tension in my back and neck. I was hoping this would help with that, and other discomforts...and so far, I'm finding that it has! What makes this product work is that it relaxes the muscle tension that keeps your body misaligned.

It's actually very simple to use! Simply place the ball under the body part of your choice (there are different ball positions depending where you're feeling discomfort), take note of breathing, and let your weight be absorbed by the ball.

I was surprised just how soft these balls are. They're the perfect size and give the perfect amount of give to help me sink into it and allow my body weight to be absorbed by the ball. It's very durable and something I can see lasting a long time.

The book that comes with the balls is incredibly helpful. It not only describes how to use this product, but does so in such detail. It goes through each ball placement including detailed instructions and pictures to help guide you. I've really enjoyed all three parts to the method: breathing, ball placements and Whole Body moves. After trying many of the different ball placements and moves, my favorite would have to be the Neck on the Ball position which helps the head/neck/and shoulders - all areas I've been having tension in. Lying on the floor with the ball under the back of my neck has really helped relieve stress and promotes relaxation. It's wonderful.

I do find myself referring back to the book often to make sure that I have the balls positioned correctly. It's not difficult, but just takes time making sure that each position is being done the right way so you get the best results. I love that it's not strenuous and actually very relaxing.

I've been really happy with The Miracle Ball Method For Pregnancy and wish that I had it with my previous pregnancies too. It's already helped relieve some of the discomforts I was having with this pregnancy and has greatly eased my stress and tension. I look forward to continuing to use it over the next 13 weeks of pregnancy, as well as afterward (there's a great section on reshaping your body after birth in the book too...yay!). I would definitely recommend any woman who is planning to become pregnant, already pregnant, or just had a baby...look into this great product.

Buy It: You can purchase The Miracle Ball Method For Pregnancy Kit for $19.95.

**The product for this review was provided for free. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way. The opinions of others may differ from my own**

Those who visit here often, know that I've been posting less than normal. As I mentioned in previous posts...we sold our house and are set to close on both at the beginning of next week. We're very excited, but still have a lot to do and get packed (which is why I have been, and will be MIA more than usual). At least I have these two little helpers to help me though :)....

It's not always easy to find television shows and movies that are appropriate for young children. That's why I'm thankful for VeggieTales and the wholesome, life long lessons their episodes teach my kids.

Like many households with young children, our family is very familiar with VeggieTales. That's why we were thrilled to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review the VeggieTales Princess and the Pop Star DVD which released August 13th.
Synopsis:
Princess Poppyseed's life on her family's far is far from the glamorous but lonely world of her favorite pop singer Vanna Banana. On a chance meeting at a playground. Vanna and Princess cross paths and discover they look almost exactly alike - which leads to a crazy secret plan where they decide to switch lives! As each girl realizes that the life they longed for doesn't fulfill all their dreams, they learn the life God gave them is the one for which they were uniquely and lovingly designed.

As always, my kids loved this VeggieTales story. The Princess and the Pop Star may seem more geared toward girls, but both my kids enjoyed it the same. It's fully of energy, family-friendly catchy music, and best of all...a wonderful, valuable lesson on being yourself. It helps viewers understand that each of us are created unique and special with God-given talents and to be happy with who we are.

There are also several bonus features that we've enjoyed as well. They include:

• Audio Commentary
• Princess Poppyseed's points for being uniquely you!
• Behind the music with Francesca Battistelli, Mike Nawrocki and friends
• Astonishing Wigs singalong

Our whole family has really enjoyed the Princess and the Pop Star DVD and think it's a great addition to our growing VeggieTales Collection. I love the message and the VeggieTales characters which make it a DVD that my kids want to watch over and over. I would definitely recommend it other families with young children.

Buy It: You can purchase the VeggieTales Princess and the Pop Star DVD for $14.99.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a VeggieTales Princess and the Pop Star DVD of their own!

Mandatory Entry - Leave a comment and let me know what VeggieTales fan this DVD would be for if you won!

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

1. 1 extra entry - Like VeggieTales on Facebook

2. 1 extra entry - Follow VeggieTales on Twitter

3. 1 extra entry - Sign up for the VeggieTales Email Newsletter

4. 3 extra entries- Blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and VeggieTales) 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 VeggieTales Princess and the Pop Star DVD! #momsbalancingact http://bit.ly/qBaRqZ Ends 9/5

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

8. 2 extra entries- '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!!

11. 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).

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 September 5th and is open to US Only

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

When it comes to my favorite foods, Chinese ranks up at the top of my list. I'd love to eat it more, however, my husband is more picky and isn't fond of trying new foods. It's very much a treat when I get to eat it, which is why I was excited when introduced to P.F. Chang's China Bistro restaurant.

Committed to providing customers with an exceptional dining experience...P.F. Chang's offers an extensive menu of dishes made up of only the freshest and highest quality ingredients. With their stylish, comfortable and upbeat dining experience...it's no wonder they are a name known by people everywhere!

I have always heard great things about P.F. Chang's from family and friends, but have never been to one myself. That's why I was excited to learn that we were going to have the opportunity to do a review and try out their amazing Chinese food.

My husband wasn't sure how well he'd enjoy the food, but he agreed to go with me and try it out. In the end, he's so happy he did! Walking into the restaurant we were greeted with a unique environment combined with influences from Chinese and American cultures. We were greeted with such kindness from the people who worked there, and seated almost immediately. I have to say, I was very impressed!

P.F. Chang's menu is packed full of great choices. Being the type who has a hard time deciding at times, we decided to try out several of their dishes...and even got the kids something from the kids menu. We got an order of the following dishes:

The kid's sweet & sour chicken, P.F. Chang's fried rice, Chang's Spicy chicken, sweet & sour chicken, egg drop soup, and mongolian beef. We were amazed with how much food there was! We could have easily shared our food with the kids and still had plenty to take home for leftovers.


The kids absolutely loved the sweet & sour chicken. Kaelyn even had fun trying out the chopsticks that were given to her. Kaden even enjoyed some of our rice and mongolian beef and thought it was pretty tasty as well!


As for me...I LOVED the food at P.F.Chang's. I tried a little of everything, but my favorites would have to be Chang's Fried Rice and Chang's Spicy Chicken! YUM!


My husband really enjoyed his mongolian beef too. This was a pleasant surprise, as he's very picky...especially when it comes to Chinese food. He took him his leftovers and ate every last bite. I was shocked (and THRILLED since that means we will be going back to P.F. Chang's again very soon)!

Overall we were thrilled with P.F. Chang's. The food is fantastic and there's plenty that comes in each dish. A person wouldn't have to order much and would still easily have enough to take home with them. We also found the service to be top notch. Not only were we seated right away, but our waitress was great in checking in and making sure we had everything we needed. I can't wait to go back and would definitely recommend P.F. Chang's to anyone looking for great food and wonderful dining experience.

You can connect with P.F. Chang's on Twitter and Facebook.

**I was provided with a GC to help facilitate this review. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way.**

With September just around the corner, many of us may already be thinking about costume shopping and getting our kids ready for Halloween. I am the type who likes to plan ahead, and know that the next couple of months will fly by. That's why I was thrilled when introduced to ChildCostumes.com and their great selection of Halloween costumes for children.

A complete headquarters for child Halloween costumes, ChildCostumes.com offers a great selection of costumes for boys and girls in a variety of sizes to fit any age group. Whether you're looking for infant costumes, teen costumes, or something in between...they have it all at prices to suit any budget.

As I browsed ChildCostumes.com for the first time, I was impressed with their incredibly user-friendly website. With the help of their convenient category tabs at the top of the page, I was able to easily search everything from boys costumes and girls costumes to accessories. I also appreciate their large selection of costumes for kids of all ages and couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review one.

I began with the boy costumes and found so many adorable choices. I decided to go with the Toddler Railroad Engineer Costume for Kaden and am so happy I did!

Features/Benefits:

• Striped denim overalls
• Neck scarf
• Engineer hat

When it comes to getting any type of apparel online, the biggest challenge is usually deciding which size to get. Thankfully, it couldn't have been easier with ChildCostumes.com though! Not only were the torso, chest and length given for each size...but there was also great information given on how to measure correctly. After measuring Kaden, I decided on the size small which has worked out perfectly!

When the costume arrived, I was happy to see that it came so nicely packaged. We will be moving next week, and I love having a nice package to put it in to keep it safe until Halloween.

Upon pulling it out, I was impressed with the all that was included. The Toddler Railroad Train Engineer costume comes with the engineer hat, neck scarf and striped denim overalls. That's pretty much everything you need for this costume (other than a shirt and shoes). YAY! I always love when costumes come with the accessories so I don't have to go out and find and buy them separately.

I put Kaden in a navy blue t-shirt which went really well with the overalls. I like that I have the choice in shirt, because come October 31st...the weather will be quite chilly. If it's too cold, I will be able to easily change out the t-shirt for a long sleeved navy blue shirt.

As I put the striped denim overalls on, I was not only impressed with the great quality...but also the fact that the straps Velcro. The reason why I appreciate this so much, is because it makes it easy to fit to the size of your child. Even if Kaden grows a bit before Halloween, I know I'll be able to get the straps to fit him perfectly thanks to the Velcro closure.

The overalls really fit him pretty well overall. They are a bit long but with one roll of the pant leg...they fit perfectly and still look super cute. I actually really appreciate that he has room to grow. Not only will this work great for Halloween, but it will also be perfect for dress up play for a long time!

The scarf and hat really make the outfit. I love how easy they are to put on and how cute they look.

Kaden wasn't real wild about the hat in the beginning, but the more he tries on the costume, the more he loves it!

Overall I'm very happy with the Toddler Railroad Train Engineer costume from ChildCostumes.com! The quality is great and the costume was shipped very quickly. We will definitely be checking out Child Costumes in the future and would recommend taking a look at their great selection of Halloween costumes to other parents.

Buy It: You can purchase the Toddler Railroad Train Engineer costume for $21.99.

**The product for this review was provided for free by ChildCostumes.com. All opinions are my own and were not influenced in any way**