Sofia the First Floating Palace DVD Review

        I knew right away Declan would love the newest Princess Sofia movie so when I was asked to review Sofia the First Floating Palace, I quickly said yes.  Declan is in love with Sofia.  If he could watch it all day, everyday, he would.  Which is why I was extremely excited to get the opportunity to review this DVD.  Disney released this movie on DVD on April 8th, 2014 including three bonus episodes as well as a set of exclusive friendship bracelets.

#PuritansPride Review and #Giveaway #MothersDayEvent

        I have to be completely honest, when I was first asked by Puritans Pride to take part in reviewing several of their products, I didn't know much about them as a brand.  As far as I understood they were a natural, organic company with a variety of health products available.  I truly had no idea they had as much as I've discovered over the last few weeks!

Chamberlain's Leather Milk Leather Care Liniment No. 1 Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

        So being that my husband and I have always been a very athletic set of individuals growing up, we are active now as adults as well.  We love taking the boys outdoors to play as much as possible.  Our entire family knows that once spring comes along, mom and dad start their softball season too!

SLICES OF LIFE: A Food Writer Cooks Through Many a Conundrum

        As a Restaurant Manager and Foodie Blogger, I can honestly say I struggle through my love for food and weight.  I tend to be a stress eater and over-eater.  Depending on what is going on in my life, you can believe that my weight and health are very reflective of it.  I was beyond excited when I received an email from Running Press asking if I would be interested in reviewing a new book by Leah Eskin called "SLICES OF LIFE: A Food Writer Cooks Through Many a Conundrum".

Purex® No Sort® for Colors Review

        I've told you all of my long time love for Purex products and my loyalty to the brand above all others. But I haven't shared my actually experiences with learning how to do laundry as well as teaching my teenage daughter before now.  Everyone has to learn at some time how to do it and even if they don't choose to do laundry on their own, I can promise it is something you want to know the basics of.  Otherwise, you can truly mess up the cloths you've spent money on as well as the machines you either bought or are using.

Pint Sized Power Across the Planet @MOON_Blogs #Giveaway Event

Prize:

The PowerPot V

Lithium 4400 Battery Bank

ARV $220

Hosted by:

A Ladybug on the Go (A.L.L. Review)
and 

The PowerPot V + Lithium 4400 Battery Bank Review and #Giveaway

        First and foremost I truly believe we need to start teaching our children how to survive without all the luxuries they have become accustomed to - you just never know what could happen in the future.  This is why I garden year round, sew as many things as I can, make as many of my own products, and use as little energy as I can.  I also teach my kids how to do these things right along side me.

Global Garden Friends Oystershell Garden Pot/Ultimate Plant Cage Review and #Giveaway

        Each year I grow this huge beautiful garden that produces some really great fruit and vegetables in the beginning of the year.  Then towards the middle to end of the summer, I get busy spending my time with the kids or friends.  It never fails, I forget to water my plants one day, one day only and everything goes down hill from there.  The plants somehow slowly begin to die or just don't recover for the rest of the season.

The Birdhouse Chick Bouteille Hummingbird Feeder Review and #Giveaway

        Being such a gardening freak can have its ups and downs throughout the year.  This is mostly due to the fact that I live in Michigan and the weather here sucks throughout the winter.  Each spring I look for new and decorative planters to accent the plants I've started over the winter.  I love adding different wind chimes and decorations to the potted plants as well as around the in-ground gardens.

What's It Like, Living Green? Kids Teaching Kids, by the Way They Live Book Review and #Giveaway

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

        Do any of us really realize how many of the things we use each day that are not only harmful to the earth but ourselves and our loved ones?  People may not have lived longer lives a couple hundred years ago but in my opinion they lived happier and healthier lives.  Change doesn't happen over night and you'll kill yourself if you try to get rid of everything potentially harmful in one day.

Growing a Green Planet @MOON_Blogs #Giveaway Event

Sponsors:

Gardener of Urban (A.L.L. Review)

Mister Landscaper (A.L.L. Review)

Global Gardening Friends (A.L.L. Review)

Zero Soil Garden (A.L.L. Review)

Best Drying Rack (A.L.L. Review)

Xlear (A.L.L. Review)

The Birdhouse Chick (A.L.L. Review)

Brighton's Mountain Books (A.L.L. Review)

Hosted by:

A Lucky Ladybug
and 

Xlear XyloSweet Review and #Giveaway

        A few years ago, I discovered an awesome company with a range of products that can help out you and your family in an extremely natural way.   Xlear, founded by Dr. Alonzo H. Jones in June of 2000, manufactures all-natural and health enhancing products.  They are "recognized as one of the leading manufacturers of xylitol products".  What first caught my attention to this amazing brand was how xylitol had an affect on ear infections in children.  Then I quickly realized that it was actually huge in the world of oral care because of its effects.

Best Clothes Drying Rack Review and #Giveaway

        You know not only have I had a dream of living in the country being completely self sufficient for years, but I've made every attempt to live that way without the property and means just yet.  One of the odd things I miss from my childhood is having a close line in our backyard.  Even as a child I truly loved when my mother would air dry our clothes and sheets.

TeenSafe $100 VISA Gift Card #Giveaway

        Having children in this day and age is so much more different than it was for the generation before us.  There has always been and always will be crime regardless of where you live as it's nothing that is new to this generation.  The advancements and use of technology has made it possible for both predators and bullies to make their ways into our homes.  It seems as if our children can now take on almost alter egos in their online personalities.

Gardener of Urban Worm Factory® 360 Review and #Giveaway

        A lot of you already know that besides just being a green enthusiast, I am a proud worm compost'er.  My friends tease me constantly as they find it entertaining to find me outside "picking worms" on a Friday night for fun.  One of my best friends recently called me the worm lady saying she thought of me instantly when her son dug a worm up in the backyard.  Weird?  Yes, but I am very proud of what my worms can do.

ZeroSoil Mini Indoor Garden Review and #Giveaway

        Usually by now I've started preparing seedlings for my summer gardening, however things have been a bit different this year.  This polar vortex has destroyed any thought of getting started early gardening here in Michigan!  The weather has just been too unpredictable and with packing to move we have been afraid to plant too much early on thus adding to our load.  Still, that doesn't change the fact that I need to get started for this Summer's crops.

Mister Landscaper Micro-Sprinkler Landscape and Shrub Kit Review and #Giveaway

        It's actually very interesting to me that I acquired my green thumb from my Mother but in a very different way.  She can grow any type of plant or flower better than any one I know whereas I will more than likely kill it.  But when it comes to edible plants, we are the complete opposite!  I can grow food like a pro farmer and her crops are pitiful.

PicturesonGold.com Mother's Day Silver Personalized Locket Review and #Giveaway

        You now I'm not usually a big jewelry person but that doesn't mean I don't like to shop around for it.  Ever since having my children (and even before the boys when I became Alana's mother), I have become obsessed with wearing jewelry which represents who I am.  My children and family being the most important parts of me.  So when PicturesonGold.com asked me to review one of their personalized lockers for Mother's Day, I was thrilled.

Close to Mom's Heart @MOON_Blogs #Giveaway Event

Prize: 

Pictures on Gold Silver Locket (created/personalized by winner)

A.L.L. Review

ARV: $200+

Hosted by:

A Lucky Ladybug
and 

Transformers Energon Coming in May

Get ready for a new Transformers from Shout Factory!!  I know my boys are pumped as if I wasn't sure they'd want this one already.  When I asked Dane he jumped up and screamed, "Um yeah!!"

Rabbids Invasion Prize Pack #Giveaway

Get Ready for a Rabbids Invasion and Giveaway

Now, I don't know if you've ever watched this show but it is quickly catching the eye and interest of our little ones!  Declan has watched this since it first came out as he actually started liking the Rabbids from their video game.  These are goofy, trouble making bunnies who obnoxiously get into everything around town!  We watch this show constantly in this house so I am thrilled to see them expanding the line of products available!

Spring Showers @MOON_Blogs #Giveaway Event

**5 Winners**

Prize:

Mister Landscaper Micro-Sprinkler Landscape and Shrub Kit (A.L.L. Review)

Total ARV $160

Hosted by:

A Lucky Ladybug
and 

Micro-Sprinkler Landscape & Shrub Kit with 5 Green Stake Assemblies covering up to 250 sq. ft. (Each kit sold individually.) MADE IN USA

Spring Fit & Fun @MOON_Blogs #Giveaway Event

Prizes:

Strider Bike (Mama C's Review)

iLeesh Retractable Leash  (Mama C's Review)

Shazzy Fitness DVD Set  (Mama C's Review)

ScoreStix  (A.L.L.'s Review)

EatSmart Precision Elite Digital Kitchen Scale (A.L.L.'s Review)

Total ARV OVER $240

Hosted by:

Mama C's Secrets to Saving
A Ladybug on the Go
and 

Hapari Swimwear Review and #Giveaway

        Alright since I was little I've always had a thing for water.  From the second our pool was open in the spring to the minute it closed for the season, I loved to swim.  I was even on a recreational swim team in the winter month's to keep up with it.  They says it's one of the best forms of exercise you can get which is why I was always such a buff athletic girl.  At one point and time I could even bench press my own weight which I was quite proud of (lol).

Blast Zone Hydro Rush Water Park Review and #Giveaway

        There are very few children I have come across which do not like bouncing.  Bouncing on your bed, the couch, on a trampoline, through puddles, into the pool, and pretty much any where you can think of.  I am sure you can agree with me, you've done it too!  I also know most children love the water, especially during the summer.  Of course being in the pool is great but even beaches, lakes, splash pads, and toys like slip-n-slides or sprinkler's become irresistible to most!

Medallion Geo HALO® SleepSack® Review

        Luckily there are companies out there which truly care enough to make their products geared towards the safety of your children.  HALO is one of them!   Now I'm sure you've heard of and used the Halo Sleep Sacks before if you have children already but I want to tell you that they now offer their products at Pottery Barn Kids!  Since we've worked together several times in the past, I just knew this recent venture would be perfect for Chantel and her new twin girls!

ScoreStix Review and #Giveaway

        Not only is baseball one of our entire family's favorite sports but it is has become a way of life during the Summer for us as well.  I swear most of my family would die if someone took softball and baseball away from us.  The adults in our family play softball on a league together, we used to coach our daughters softball team a while back and now that the boys are getting old enough, they are starting to play on the T-Ball teams as well.

        Last year I was given the opportunity to work with an awesome brand on a review of the GameDay Scoreboard which was for basketball play.  Thankfully they've asked me to review another product since then that fits even more perfectly in my families lifestyle called ScoreStix.  Developed by a father, coach, and spectator, ScoreStix was created to answer the good ole question, "what's the score?".

        Now being that we play in an adult beer league and there can be some slight intoxication when playing, we are frequently asking what the score is.  When watching the kids play, we are constantly confused as to who is the home or away team too!  It was really quite excited to me to see the  ScoreStix has the teams labeled differently than your typical scoreboards (ie. Home/Away).  Teams are labeled as Us vs. Them which is both awesomely competitive and reasonably easy for all ages to understand.

        Besides keeping score, the ScoreStix helps keep track of outs and innings as well.  The scoreboard attaches to any backstop or most fences and is "completely weatherproof with powder coated steel frame and vinyl cards."  It even came with its own carrying bag!  I love the fact that this is a compact design which is easy enough to carry with us everywhere.  In fact, we now keep the ScoreStix board in our truck so we will always have it on hand!

Cost/Available to purchase:  $24.99 Basic Scoreboard 
Recommendation:  We love this!  Plain and simple - if you play or watch baseball or softball, you need to have one in your possession!  It is reasonably priced, can be personalized for your team for $10 more, and makes life easier on and off the field!!!
Facebook:  ScoreStix 
Facebook:  GameDay Score Board

Giveaway:  ScoreStix is going to give one of A Lucky Ladybug's lucky readers a ScoreStix Scoreboard set of their own!

Entry-Form

*Read my Disclosure

EatSmart Precision Elite Digital Kitchen Scale Review and #Giveaway

        I have quickly realized that as we get older, it doesn't really matter what kind of shape we used to be in.  Our bodies completely change with age and especially after having babies!  I have always been a strong female and some times I have a hard time remembering I am not in a 16 year old's body anymore.  The weight loss and fitness journey idea I have in my head ends up a bit different than I dream up the night before each day.

Pamper Your Pet @MOON_Blogs #Giveaway Event- Blogger Opp

Prize: 

Interactive Feeder

Junior Interactive Feeder

Stimulo Cat Feeder 

Paw Plunger Petite

Paw Plunger Large

Vetericyn Pet Med Spray for Skin care and Hot Spots 

Newman's Own Organics Dog Treats Assortment 

(3) Tuggo Dog Toys

and growing...

ARV: $280+

Hosted by:

Joans 5 Star Reviews
and 

Sign-ups close 5/6

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this or a Blogger interested in working with M.O.O.N. please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com
*Read my Disclosure

Highlights of Your Life Book Review and #Giveaway

        One of the things I knew I had to have when I first found out I was pregnant, was a Baby Book.  It has always been something I thoroughly enjoyed looking through over the years.  Of course because I am the oldest, mine is filled out completely with every detail of my childhood.  I know something of this enjoyment comes from being a very sentimental female but at the same time, I knew my boys would appreciate the memories as well.

Always A Girls Best Friend @MOON_Blogs #Giveaway Event- Blogger Opp

Prize: 

Diamond Nexus Round Cut Stud Earrings, Screw Back, Basket Set

ARV: $245

Hosted by:

Joans 5 Star Reviews
and 

Sign-ups close 4/29

Click HERE to sign up and for more html info.

M.O.O.N. has now added several perks/discounts for frequent participation in our events but you must be a member of our Facebook group to be eligible.  Please visit the M.O.O.N. group if you are a blogger and would like more information regarding these perks and other group events.

**If you are a company and would like to see your brand advertised in a M.O.O.N. event similar to this or a Blogger interested in working with M.O.O.N. please contact MakeOurOwnNetwork@gmail.com
*Read my Disclosure

Todd Oliver: Funny Dog DVD Review and #Giveaway

        When I first asked Dane if he'd like to help review the new movie from Inception Media called Todd Oliver: Funny Dog, he said sure why not, however I was a bit confused by what the movie would be about.  My expectations weren't set too high even though I thought it looked potentially pretty funny.  On April 8th, 2014, Inception Media Group released the new Todd Oliver: Funny Dog on DVD.

Hot Wheels Battle Force Season 2 DVD Review

        You know when I first heard about the release of Hot Wheels Battle Force Season 2, I knew it would be another great DVD for the boys to enjoy.  We have recently taken several trips over the last couple months to the local Monster Jam appearances. This has brought a whole new light the boys when it comes to vehicles and I love it. Being that I actually use to be quite the car chick pursuing a career in mechanic engineering, I love watching them take an interest in the field.

Guardian Of The Highlands DVD Review

        We were recently asked to review the Guardian Of The Highlands which became available from Cinedigm and Random Media on DVD, on April 8th, 2014.  I hadn't heard of the Guardian before this and nor had the children, but after reading that it was about a character protecting the planets wildlife, you know I was all in! Being that the main character is voiced over by Sean Connery, who I have always been a fan of, I figured I might enjoy it even more!

@BestBuy @Logitech #HarmonySmartKeyboard Review

        So being a blogger I am always updating my entertaining areas around the home inside and out.  Of course you all know I love trying out the newest gadgets I can find and technology/electronics are a huge part of my life!  My husband is not only a hardcore gamer but he is a singer/musician so home audio is a big part of our life.  We frequently enjoy watching movies as a family with our entertainment system blasted as if we were in the theater.

Kiss Me Organics Organic Matcha- Green Tea Powder Review

Disclosure: I got this product as part of an advertorial.

        Every now and then you find a product that you really want to try, but are almost certain you won't like it or it won't work for you.  This recent product for me has been Organic Matcha- Green Tea Powder.  I've heard tons and tons of amazing things about it however, I despise the taste of green tea itself so I have not been sure how I would like it.