One Haute Mommy: March 2011

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Mar 30, 2011

Smiles for everyone! How do you keep your family happy?

Raising a family is hard enough in this tough economy, keeping everyone happy can be tougher. So how do you keep your family happy? Do you spoil them? Do you give them lots of attention? In my family, its the little things that keep everyone happy.

I have a 3 year old son, his name is Riley. He is my "wild" child. He is constantly moving and does not stop. He can be very sweet, yet very temper-mental (it's the age). I keep him happy by keeping him busy. He enjoys running around outside, so we will go outside and play tag. I walk with him while he rides his bicycle or scooter. He also loved playing hide & seek, so out of nowhere I will start counting and tell him to hide. He laughs when I am looking for him so I always know where he is hiding, but I pretend that I do not see him. I keep "looking" around and he will start laughing and say "Mama, here I am!" It's always great to hear him laughing and smiling.

I also have a 16 month old daughter, Brianna. She is my "cuddle bug". She loves attention and loves to cuddle and kiss. She has a very calm personality. I keep her happy by cuddling and kissing her all the time. She is my little explorer, always saying "that" and pointing. I tell her what it is and she moves on to the next thing.

My fiance is definitely the hardest person to keep happy. He works a lot, which can make him cranky. He is a "jack of all trades". He seriously can do anything that he puts his mind to. He loved to surf, ride his dirt bike and also loves music (he is a drummer at heart but also loves playing all types of guitars). I keep him happy by making his laugh at my corny jokes. I strongly feel that laughter is the key to the heart and making someone laugh can really make their day. I also encourage him to play his drums or check the surf report, pushing him to keep up with his hobbies, keeps him happy.

I also have to make myself happy. Keeping myself happy, keeps my family happy. I always make sure to have a little "me" time. "Me" time includes giving myself a manicure and pedicure, doing a little shopping, and taking time to the things that I enjoy (like blogging). I also get happy from making everyone else happy.

Happiness doesn't cost a dime, it just takes a little time and effort. Wikipedia's definition of happiness is "a mental state of well-being characterized by positive emotions ranging from contentment to intense joy." Happiness to me is seeing my family smile, watching my children learn and develop, and laughing so hard, I cry. So what do you do to keep your family happy?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Farm Rich blogging program, for a gift card worth $25. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Mar 27, 2011

Roundabouts Cupcake Sleeves Review & Giveaway

Dive into the season’s sexiest swimwear.

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Express for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

Have you checked out the new swimwear collection? Why not?! Express has the hottest women's swimwear collection on the market this season. Express has everything from two piece swimwear, bikinis, swim suits, to string bikini's (if you dare).

Shop Our Newest Arrivals in the Express Spring 2011 Swim Collection!

* Available in our always-popular monokini, sexiest string bikini and must-have strapless and halter bikini styles.
* Shop bright solids, on-trend graphic prints, the essential reversible style, nautical-inspired striped and sleek metallic styles.
* Designer details include flirty ruffles, sexy self-tie sides, glam beaded embellishments and polished metal hardware.
* Removable padding in tops.
* Bottoms fit smaller to size for moderate back coverage.
* Swim shorts available for men.
* Accessorize with Express spring essentials including sandals, tote bags, sunglasses and hats For Him and For Her.

Express Swimsuit

I was browsing through the Express swimwear collection and I found this sexy, yet simple, bandeau top and bottom that I absolutely love. I love the price even more!

What could be better than a hot and affordable swimwear collection? How about the chance to win one of ten $200 Express gift cards! If you sign up for Express e-mail you will be automatically entered to win one of ten $200 Express gift cards. Hurry and sign up and remember to view the sweepstakes rules.

Mar 18, 2011

Giani Granite Countertop Paint Review & Giveaway

My kitchen is hideous. Yes, it is. The countertops and back-splash are white and stained, the cabinet doors are spray painted black, and the kitchen itself is a really dull yellow. The kitchen was like this when we bought the house. My family cannot afford to do a full remodel our kitchen, so we decided to give it a makeover.

Giani granite countertop paint is a wallet-friendly way to re-do your countertops and back-splashes. When they contacted me to do a review, I was thrilled. We chose the Bombay Black color and painted our countertop and back-splash in our kitchen.

Features
* Unique blend of polymers and minerals create a countertop that locks out moisture - while showing off the beauty of exotic black granite!
* Great for upgrading Formica*laminate, Corian*ceramic tile, butcher block, cultured marble and traditional granite countertops and vanities
* Covers 35 square feet or 16 running feet of standard 24" wide counters
* Quick, fun and easy 'paint-by-number' process for beginning painters
* Project time - 4 hours of painting and 16 hours of drying
* Water-based safe and low odor
* Hides any existing stains, scratches or burns
* Granite color is adjustable to your decor
* Durable automotive grade clear polyurethane topcoat
* 100% Satisfaction Guarantee
* Complete Kit -
-12 Oz. of IronCoreTM Primer-Base Coat
- 6 Oz. of Pearl Mica Mineral
- 6 Oz. of Black Onyx Mineral
- 4 Oz. of Bronze Mineral
- 16 Oz. of Automotive Polyurethane Topcoat
- 6" GIANITM roller arm and two roller pads
- 4" GIANITM granite paint sponge
- 2" Foam Brush
- Black Practice Poster Board
- 'Paint-by-Number' DVD for beginners
- Illustrated Instructions

How does the product work?
Before starting you will need to:
*clean your countertops (about 3 times) with a degreaser.
*tape off the edges (painter tape is recommended)

Step 1: Apply a thin coat of the primer to the entire area and allow to dry for a minimum of four hours (we let it dry overnight)

Step 2: Cut your sponge and begin sponging on the colors in two feet sections. All of the products are labeled which makes the project go very smooth. You will sponge on three colors, one at a time. Continue this process until you receive your desired look.

Step 3: Apply the sealer. We applied two coats of the sealer (you can do a maximum of three coats).

Giani Granite offers countertop painting kits in a wide variety of colors:
*Sicilian Sand
*Chocolate Brown
*Bombay Black
*Roma Red
*Sapphire Blue
*Emerald Green

We thought the Giani granite paint worked great, we didn't have any issues with the application process. I have had it on my countertops for a month now and have not had any problems whatsoever. Next, we will be painting our cabinets and cabinet doors. Then we will paint the kitchen! I love the new countertops and have received compliments from everyone who comes over.

The generous folks at Giani Granite have offered one lucky One Haute Mommy reader the chance to win a Giani Granite countertop painting kit in their choice of color. Can't wait? Buy it now. Giani Granite countertop painting kits sell for $69.95 and can be purchased here.

MANATORY ENTRY: (Must be completed first or other entries with be void)
Follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect AND tell me what you dislike about your kitchen the most.
EXTRA ENTRIES: (Leave a separate comment for each extra entry)
Follow @GianiGranite101 on Twitter. (Leave your Twitter handle)
Follow @OneHauteMommy on Twitter. (Leave your Twitter handle)
"Like" Giani Granite on Facebook. (Leave your Facebook handle)
"Like" One Haute Mommy on Facebook. (Leave your Facebook handle)
Visit Giani Granite and tell me the color you would choose if you won.
Subscribe via email (2 extra entries)
Subscribe via RSS (2 extra entries)
Blog about this giveaway (5 extra entries)
Grab my button and post link so I can verify (2 extra entries)
Tweet about this giveaway (Can be tweeted 3x a day, 1 extra entry per tweet, must leave permalink to each tweet)

Can't afford Granite Countertops? #Win the next best thing from @GianiGranite101 & @OneHauteMommy http://bit.ly/gm093I #contest #giveaway

Thank you Giani Granite!

Open to residents of US only. Giveaway begins now and will end April 2nd at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 72 hours to respond to the winning email notification before another winner is chosen. Entries that do not adhere to the rules will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck!

Disclosure:
The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Mar 16, 2011

Luvs Heavy Dooty Protection Diapers Review & Giveaway

Luvs has recently changed the design of their diapers. They now have an adorable monkey design! After surveying current users of Luvs diapers, P&G is releasing a new, adorable monkey design – a look that is preferred three-to-one by those surveyed – enhancing the diaper-changing experience for parents. There will also be a diaper packaging upgrade that will consist of new, updated photography and an added back package panel that will provide parents and caretakers with additional product information.

For all you Luvs lovers, don't worry, because while the look may be new, the diapers will still be comprised of the same trusted and safe materials used in all previous versions of the product – and will still have the same performance, quality and value parents have come to expect from the Luvs brand. Find out more at http://luvsdiapers.com

I received a box of the newly-designed Luvs diapers and love them. My daughter Brianna is 16 months old and crawls, walks and climbs everywhere and these diapers allow her to move comfortably and still provide superior leak protection. We finished the box that I received for this review and my fiance picked up another because we thought they were great and the price is right! Plus, I happen to love the new design!

As always, Luvs still offers ultraguard money-back guarantee: If Luvs doesn’t meet your leakage performance, they will refund your money.

Luvs has generously offered one lucky One Haute Mommy reader their very own pack of size 4 Luvs. Can't wait? Luvs are available at Wal-Mart and many other well-known stores.

MANATORY ENTRY: (Must be completed first or other entries with be void)
Follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect AND tell me a cute/funny story about your little one(s).
EXTRA ENTRIES: (Leave a separate comment for each extra entry)
Follow @Luvs on Twitter. (Leave your Twitter handle)
Follow @OneHauteMommy on Twitter. (Leave your Twitter handle)
"Like" Luvs on Facebook. (Leave your Facebook handle)
"Like" One Haute Mommy on Facebook. (Leave your Facebook handle)
Subscribe via email (2 extra entries)
Subscribe via RSS (2 extra entries)
Blog about this giveaway (5 extra entries)
Grab my button and post link so I can verify (2 extra entries)
Tweet about this giveaway (Can be tweeted 3x a day, 1 extra entry per tweet, must leave permalink to each tweet)

#Win a pack of @Luvs Heavy Dooty Diapers from @OneHauteMommy http://bit.ly/gH60cF #contest #giveaway

Thank you Luvs!

Open to residents of US only. Giveaway begins now and will end March 30th at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 72 hours to respond to the winning email notification before another winner is chosen. Entries that do not adhere to the rules will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck!

Disclosure:
The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.

Mar 10, 2011

Have fun & make it a movie night with Redbox tonight!

The only thing better than $1 a night movies – free movies! Lucky for you, redbox, America’s destination for movie rentals, is giving everyone the chance to score free movie credits now through St. Patrick’s Day, during the Lucky to Have Friends Like You promotion. Rental credits are valid for ten (10) days after they’ve been deposited into your account.

Follow these steps to score free redbox movies from now until Thursday, March 17th.

* Sign-up for a redbox online account at www.redbox.com/luckymoms
Why? By signing up for an online account, you can see what movies are currently in redbox kiosks near you and reserve your picks to guarantee they’ll still be waiting for you when you get there (until 9 p.m. the next day).
* Redbox will email you a personal web address link
* Share the link with your friends
* Every time someone reserves a movie online through your personal web address, you’ll receive a credit in your online account for a free one-night DVD rental
* If it is your friend’s first time reserving online, they’ll also receive a credit for a free one night rental
* Spread the luck! Email it, post it to Facebook, Tweet about it

“HAVE FUN AND MAKE IT A MOVIE NIGHT WITH REDBOX TONIGHT!”

Disclosure - This post enters me for a chance to win free redbox movies and movie snack packs as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.

Mar 8, 2011

Earthen Instantpeel Review

I am always on the look out for new skin products and when I was sent Earthen's Instantpeel to review, I have to admit that I was a bit skeptical. It just sounded too good to be true, but it wasn't. This is actually a skin products that does what it says it does.

I used the Instantpeel while taking a shower. I followed the directions and applied the product to a small area on my face and firmly massaged it back and forth. It was amazing how much dead skin cells, this product removed. After using this product, my complexion is brighter and my skin feels fantastic! I have been looking for a product like this for years!

From the website:

InstantPeelTM naturally and gently peels away dead skin cells, debris and impurities to reveal skin's true vibrancy. InstantPeel isn't a facial scrub. The gentle action comes from InstantPeel's unique combination of proteins and enzymes, and is proven safe for even the most sensitive skin. InstantPeel is a natural exfoliator and an effective alternative to facial scrubs, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, which can cause irritation. You can't overuse InstantPeel. Once the dead skin and debris are peeled away, InstantPeel stops working, revealing a youthful glow.

Use Earthen's InstantPeel:

* For naturally glowing skin — Clinical results show highly significant improvement in skin's radiance and facial rejuvenation following a single application. The elimination of dead skin cells speeds up new skin cell production for noticeably younger-looking skin.
* To dramatically improve skin texture — Studies show InstantPeel's natural exfoliators significantly decrease flakiness. As we get older, the shedding of older skin cells slows down. InstantPeel removes the uneven outer layer of skin cells.
* To avoid the irritation of microdermabrasion and chemical peels — InstantPeel is sensitization-tested for all skin types. Natural proteins bond with dead skin cells to gently lift and peel away instantly.

You can purchase the Instantpeel for $50 (includes 6 single use packages) here and it is definitely worth the money!

Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Mar 1, 2011

Purex Complete Crystals Review and Giveaway (3 winners)

I am constantly trying out new fabric softeners because I want it all. I want a fabric softener that smells great, leaves my clothes feeling soft and is easy to use. I thought that I was asking for to much until I tried Purex Complete Crystals, yes it is that good.

Purex Complete Crystals are a purer way to get laundry that smells clean and fresh for weeks. 92% natural, this product’s unique crystal form works differently than traditional oil-based softeners that coat fabrics with oily residue, because it infuses fibers with long-lasting fragrance. In addition, since you add it directly with your laundry, this means no more waiting for the rinse cycle, no messy residual gunk in your washing machine, and no more stains from spilling liquid fabric softener.

How to Use It: Simply add Purex Complete Crystals Softener directly with your laundry at the beginning of every wash cycle to infuse fabrics with long lasting freshness.

When I first opened the bottle and saw the crystals, I didn't know what to think. It was different than any other laundry softener I had ever used. The dispenser is great, the product dispenses with ease. No residue was left behind (like some powdered laundry detergents do). The clothes came out smelling incredibly fresh and soft. A big plus is that Purex Complete Crystals are 92% natural. I will definitely continue to purchase this product.

A little bit more about this amazing product:
Do ALL of your laundry—worry free! Purex Complete Crystals Softeners are safe for
all laundry and will not harm, wear down or discolor your fabrics like oil-based softeners.
Safe for all fabrics, including baby clothes, athletic wear, towels, and whites. Unlike other softeners, Crystals will:

• Preserve the flame retardant benefits of your children’s clothes

• Retain your athletic wear’s wicking ability which draws sweat away from your body

• Maintain your towels’ built-in ability to absorb water

• Keep your white clothing from yellowing and graying vs. using traditional softeners

The product won’t harm your clothes, is safe and convenient for the entire family and comes in three scents! Purex Complete Crystals are available in food, drug stores, and mass retailers nationwide starting at $3.99.

Purex has generously offered 3 lucky One Haute Mommy readers the chance to win a free bottle of Purex Complete Crystals.

MANATORY ENTRY: (Must be completed first or other entries with be void)
Follow this blog publicly via Google Friend Connect AND visit Purex and tell me which scent of Purex Complete Crystals you would like to try.
EXTRA ENTRIES: (Leave a separate comment for each extra entry)
Follow @Purex on Twitter. (Leave your Twitter handle)
Follow @OneHauteMommy on Twitter. (Leave your Twitter handle)
"Like" Purex on Facebook. (Leave your Facebook handle)
"Like" One Haute Mommy on Facebook. (Leave your Facebook handle)
Subscribe via email (2 extra entries)
Subscribe via RSS (2 extra entries)
Blog about this giveaway (5 extra entries)
Grab my button and post link so I can verify (2 extra entries)
Tweet about this giveaway (Can be tweeted 3x a day, 1 extra entry per tweet, must leave permalink to each tweet)

#Win a bottle of @Purex Complete Crystals Softener from @OneHauteMommy (3 winners) http://bit.ly/etTSfl #contest #giveaway

Thank you Purex!

Open to residents of US only. Giveaway begins now and will end March 15th at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 72 hours to respond to the winning email notification before another winner is chosen. Entries that do not adhere to the rules will be disqualified and a new winner will be chosen. Good Luck!

Disclosure:
The product(s) provided for the review were sent to me free of charge from the company or the PR agency. I did not receive monetary compensation for this review. The opinions expressed are 100% my own.