We hadn't gotten professional pics taken of the kids together, or our family, since Caysen was born last November. So, we decided we'd get that done in August. I'm so happy we did..we got some great shots of the kids and were even able to do Caysen's 9 month pics the same day. I thought I'd share them with you as a Thankful Thursday post, as I'm very thankful for my family. :)

 

As a busy stay at home mom, I don't have a lot of time to spend putting myself together each morning. I'm lucky if I get a shower and my hair dried by the time my kids wake up.That's why I need tools that make the process as easy and quick as possible. I've been using an old hair dryer that I've been unhappy with for far too long, along with styling tools that haven't been doing what I'd like them to do. Which is why I was excited to learn more about the Infiniti Pro by Conair and the Conair Retractable Bristle Brush.

If you're familiar with Conair, you know that they have a great selection of products. I've owned several and can tell you that I'm always impressed with the quality and design. That's why I was excited to learn I was going to have the opportunity to review these two products from Conair.

I was sent the Infiniti Pro by Conair and the Conair Retractable Bristle Brush.

The products couldn't have arrived at a better time! We had just gotten back from vacation and my hair dryer was no longer working for me. I was excited to try out the Infiniti Pro, and with my shorter hairstyle, knew the Conair Retractable Bristle Brush would come in handy as well.

Right out of the box, the Infiniti Pro by Conair impressed me with it's sleek design and attractive pink color. I love how bold it is, and the modern look. Of course, I also noticed the great quality as well. I could tell it was well-made and something that will last me a long time.This AC motor hairdryer is more durable and longer lasting than others, and is supposed to deliver faster, more powerful, airflow for up to 50% faster drying time.

In the time I've used the Infiniti Pro by Conair I've been very happy with how well it works. Just turning it on I could tell it is very powerful. It dries my hair quickly which is a must since I don't have much time in the morning to get ready. The Ionic technology also means up to 75% less frizz. I've found this to be true as my hair always seems smooth.

I appreciate where the 3 heat/2 speed rocker switches are located. They're easily accessible while I'm drying my hair to customize heat and airflow control. I especially like the true cold shot button to lock in my style or to provide a little lift at my roots.

I have been equally as impressed with the Conair Retractable Bristle Brush. I've used different bristle brushes in the past, but none have retracted like this one...a feature I LOVE! I get all the benefits of a round brush, without the tangles. YAY! This brush actually retracts its bristles with the touch of a button to help me achieve a salon-finished look that's tangle-free.

I like to use the brush to add body and fullness to my style most days. It's an easy way to do it while I'm drying my hair, and now with a retractable brush...well, it doesn't get easier! And, when I let my natural curl come out, this Conair Retractable Bristle Brush helps me create fun curls as well.

I've found it to be very easy to use. It's lightweight and the size is perfect for handling.

Overall I've been thrilled with both the Infiniti Pro by Conair and Conair Retractable Bristle Brush. The quality is exactly what I would expect from Conair, and I'm very happy with the result.

Buy It: Infiniti Pro by Conair retails for $39.99 and the Conair Retractable Bristle Brush retails for $12.99 - both available nationwide at mass market and drug retailers.

Win It: One very lucky reader is going to win a Conair Retractable Bristle Brush (US Only). Simply enter the Rafflecopter giveaway below. If you don't see the form, click here. (Ends 10/18)

a Rafflecopter giveaway


**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Conair. All opinions are my own**


 

My kids have a lot of toys. There are many they play with on a daily basis, while there are others that stay on the shelves for weeks (or months) at a time without being touched. Over time I've learned that the toys they pull down and play with more than anything are those that encourage open-ended play. Blocks are especially a favorite for all three of them, which is why I was excited to learn about a new product from Mega Bloks!

We love Mega Bloks which is why we were thrilled to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review their newest toy relase, Lil' Princess 3-Story Enchanted Castle! This castle is part of the new Lil' Princess series of preschool toys in the Mega Bloks First Builders toy line.

Features/Benefits:

• Big sparkling tower tops for exciting princess playtime
• 3 ways to build for hours of fun
• Ideal for children aged 1-5
• Includes Princess Ivy with magic pop-up tiara and her pony Chestnut with sparkling removeable wings.
• Also includes 2 chairs, table, mirror and food
• Stickers to decorate castle

Kaelyn is very girly and loves all things having to do with princesses. She has seen all of the princess movies and owns many of the toys. That's why I knew this toy would be a hit with her...and my son who also loves anything to do with blocks!

 

When the set arrived, both she and my 2 year old were begging to play with it. Of course, I was just as excited to check it out. Out of the box I was not only impressed with the great quality, but also all that was included. Between the 2 chairs, table, mirror, food and three ways to build...I knew this would provide hours of fun! 

 

Kaelyn's favorite part is making the castle a two story and setting up the furniture inside for Princess Ivy and her pony Chestnut. I love that it can be used in different ways as it makes it more open-ended provided hours of fun for both her and Kaden.

 

I've been really happy with the great quality, as well as the fun this toy provides. It allows my kids to use their imaginations while they also use their fine motor skills to build and create. I would definitely recommend this to families with young children!

Buy It: You can purchase the Mega Bloks Lil’ Princess 3-Story Enchanted Castle for $34.99

You can connect with Mega Bloks on Facebook as well.

Win It: One lucky reader is going to win a Mega Bloks Lil' Princess 3-Story Enchanted Castle of their own! To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter giveaway below. If you don't see the form, click here (open to US Only and ends 10/16).

a Rafflecopter giveaway
**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free. All opinions are my own.

At the end of a long day playing, picking up toys, making meals and chasing after three little ones...I want nothing more than a comfortable, soft and relaxing place to fall asleep. We absolutely love our bed, but finding the right set of sheets has been a struggle. We've tried several, and none were quite what we were looking for. They've either been too rough and hard or poor quality. In search for better sheets, I came across ShopBedding.com and am so glad I did!

 

For those who are not familiar, ShopBedding.com is a bedding wholesaler in business for over 50 years! They offer an extensive selection of hard-to-find colors and sizes all at reasonable, discounted prices that are excellent quality. With everything from pillowcases, satin sheets, bed skirts and more you're sure to find exactly what you've been looking for a price you can afford. 

As I browsed ShopBedding.com I was impressed with their large selection of products. I couldn't have been happier to learn we were going to have the opportunity to review a satin fitted sheet in the color champagne for our bed.

As I said, we've tried several sheets sets over the years, but satin sheets is one we have never thought to try. To be honest, I always thought they'd be out of our price range...that is, until I came across ShopBedding.com!

When our satin fitted sheet arrived, I pulled it out of the package right away. I have to say, I was impressed with the great quality right off the bat! I was hoping I would be just as impressed with the comfort!

Having had this sheet for a while now, my husband and I both agree that it's a keeper! We've been very happy with how comfortable and soft it is. For some reason I thought they might make me hot, but it's quite the opposite. It actually is nice and cool which is great, as I get hot easily when I sleep.

These satin sheets are made of 100% polyester satin and the more we use them, the more I am certain that these are the nicest quality sheets we've owned. They fit so nicely to our bed.

We are now wanting the flat sheet, which is easy to purchase since you can order separates. This is nice since we don't have the top sheet yet, but also for down the road if we need to replace one.

Overall we've been really happy with the satin fitted sheet from ShopBedding.com and would recommend them to anyone we know. The quality is fantastic, the prices are great, and the comfort they provide is amazing!

Buy It: The queen satin fitted sheet can be purchased at ShopBedding.com for $11.99-18.99. 

Coupon Code: ShopBedding.com has offered A Mom's Balancing Act readers a 10% off discount on their next purchase. Simply use the discount code ELTK10 upon checkout. Only valid through 10-15-2012

**The product for this review was sent to me for free to help facilitate this review. However, all opinions are my own.