I am always looking for a good cleaning product.  Anything to make my life easier since cleaning is not my favorite thing to do. The Ultimate Cloth* is just that product.

The Ultimate Cloth is perfect for all you "green" and non green people out there. This is a cloth that uses only water with never a need for those harsh chemical  normally used to clean surfaces.  The Ultimate Cloth uses MiraFiber™ Technology.  

The results are spotless, streak free surfaces. Water simply acts as a 'lubricant' which helps emulsify dirt & oil making it easier for the MiraFiber™ technology to pick the dirt, grease & grime from your surfaces.

Spaces also allow large amounts of moisture to be collected into the cloths making them very absorbent in quickly picking up spills. It also allows for quicker drying time eliminating much of the bacterial growth found in slow drying cloths.

So what can you use The Ultimate Cloth on?  How about nearly everything!

• Household - Besides your windows, glass & mirrors.....it's great for shower doors (get that soap scum off), bathroom tile, countertops, appliances - including stainless steel, corian, granite, marble, glass-topped appliances. Computer screens, TV screens, framed artwork, glass Patio Tables, Sporting Equipment and much much more.
• Autos - bumper to bumper - inside & out - it will sparkle!!.
• Motorcyclees, Boats and RV's - Safe for Lexan, pain, chrome...Convenient as it travels with you - just dampen & clean wherever you are.

I put it to the test myself. I used it on leather, vinyl, glass, mirrors, plastic, linoleum, granite, wood, and my television and computer screens. I was really impressed with how well it cleaned my bathroom mirrors and sliding glass doors. It really does do what it says and I couldn't believe how clean my sliding glass doors were. I didn't have any of the streaks or smudges that I occasionally get when I use glass cleaner. Not to mention since I live in an RV, which is a confined space, I hate having to use spray chemicals and this eliminates that.  Plus I save money on not buying cleaners and no wasting of paper towels I would normally use to clean with.
The Ultimate Cloth is so easy to use.  Just wet it and wring it out very well and start cleaning.  Actually the dryer it gets the better it cleans so the better you wring it out the better it works.   I was very happy with the use of it and how it cleaned.  It also comes in various sizes to accommodate the smallest to the largest jobs you have.

The Ultimate Cloth is washable too.  In fact, you can wash it and bleach it.  Nice that you can give it that good cleaning to prepare for the next time you use it.

I am pretty sure someone in my family is going to get The Ultimate Cloth in their Christmas Stocking this year. (Shhhh, don't tell them)

Please check it out for yourself at their website HERE  They back every Ultimate Cloth with a five (5) year guarantee, and challenge users to find new and innovative ways to use the cloth.   Money saving tip from an Ultimate Cloth user:  If you have a single-use, flat head mop (such as Swiffer), use the machine washable Ultimate Cloth instead of the expensive, disposable, replacement pads. 


* I received one Ultimate Cloth for the purpose of this review.

Straight from Parents magazine!! 
They got together with Apple and October 1st was the release of their unique iPhone/iPod Touch application – iPlay n’ Learn.  "The activities in the application keep children laughing and entertained as they learn about letters, numbers, colors and shapes. Encouraging audio messages and exciting animations like a chugging train  deliver positive reinforcement and keep kids engaged."

I got the chance for my boys to try out this cute and fun learning game. My two youngest sons are 4 and 6.  First off my 6yr old thought he was "too old" for it seeing as he already knows his letters, numbers and colors.  However my 4yr old loved it.  There are so many different things he can do.  They have flashcards, quizzes and tracing for all three of the categories ( letters, numbers and colors ).   For the letter flashcards it will say the letter, the sounds of the letter and also have a picture of something that starts with that letter.  There was a lot to keep my boy interested in iPlay n' Learn. 

Here is a great site with a review for the iPlay'n Learn  where you can see some great screen shots and learn more about the game.


Right now iPlay n' Learn is only $0.99  form iTunes.  Get it while it's hot!

Mmmmmmmm, Dole fruit. I have always loved Dole fruit.  My kids love it, and even better,  it's good for them too.


DOLE Fruit Facts
Did you know by serving your kids pineapple you are providing them with an excellent source of vitamin C? Here are 5 more tips about fun and healthy snacking from the DOLE Nutrition Institute.

* For children who love to eat, let them eat their fill of DOLE Jarred Fruit, limiting only higher calorie foods.
* Fruit combats childhood obesity. Studies at Tufts and Baylor Universities link high fruit and vegetable consumption with lower childhood body mass indices (BMIs). Unlike junk food, which is high in calories and low in nutrients, fruit and veggies are low in calories but high in fiber, water and nutrients. Filling kids up with DOLE Jarred Fruit while meeting nutrient needs will make them feel more satisfied with fewer calories.
* Be creative with presentation. Give young children cut DOLE Jarred fruits and let them create funny faces or animals.
* If your child eats only a little dinner and then complains of hunger at bedtime, offer a piece of DOLE Jarred fruit as a tasty and healthy solution.
* Studies show that adequate vitamin C intake may help maintain a strong immune system. A food that is a “rich” in vitamin C contains at least 12 milligrams of vitamin C per serving.

Also when you purchase Dole Jarred fruit it comes with a few yummy recipes to try.  I made some Tropical Coconut Bites.  They are super easy to make (as is all their recipes) and very yummy.  My entire family loved them and were seriously bummed when they were gone.  I just made them this weekend and already my kids are itching for me to make some more.  I am thinking they will get their wish!!


At  www.DoleMagic.com you can find tips, hints and recipes on how families can incorporate more fruit every day as a part of healthy, fun diet. There you can also enter for a chance to win a trip for four to Maui, Hawaii for six nights with a 4-star hotel, rental car and $1,000 of spending money! Sixty daily prizes, 8 weekly prizes and 1 grand prize winner. Every time you log on you will have the chance to win a daily prize!


Remember – there's a NEW prize every day for 60 days so be sure to come back to www.DoleMagic.com every day now through October 21, 2009 for more chances to win.

Sure, you may not have known that your kitchen could get you in great shape, but maybe you know this one: How many seniors does it take to change a light bulb? It only takes one! But, it can be a lot more rewarding if it takes two - a senior and a youth, an oldie and a newbie, an acorn and an oak...


Intergenerational activities increase cooperation, interaction and exchange between people of different generations, according to Generations United- an organization that began in 1986 and is the country’s only membership organization promoting intergenerational public policies, strategies and programs, www.gu.org
According to the EPA, these activities can prevent unnatural age segregation and apply the strengths of one generation to meet the needs of another. For youth and children, these activities can enhance social skills, improve academic performance, decrease drug use and increase stability. For older adults, these activities can enhance socialization, stimulate learning, increase emotional support and improve health.
www.epa.gov/aging/ia/benefits.htm  And when the two generations team up to help the environment, it’s a win for everyone!

Now there is only one thing left to do....  ENTER the Strong as Steel Sweepstakes EVERY SINGLE DAY till November 15th for a chance to win a new G.E. stainless steel appliance. Click here to find out the appliances being offered.  Seriously, there isn't a good reason out there not to enter.  So right now, go to my right sidebar and enter at the widget!!!

Planning on winning a new GE appliance from the Strong as Steel sweepstakes, but not sure what to do with your old appliance if your win comes true? Consider helping those in need by donating your used appliance to these national charities…

• The Salvation Army: With thrift stores located throughout North America, The Salvation Army can schedule a pickup from the thrift store nearest you. Check with your local Salvation Army office to see if they accept appliance donations in your area. Learn more at http://www.salvationarmyusa.org/
  
  
• St. Vincent de Paul: St Vincent de Paul is a national organization with thrift stores throughout the country. Contact your local chapter to arrange for a pick-up or drop-off. The number will be listed in the Social Service Organizations section of your local yellow pages. Learn more at http://www.svdpusa.org/
  
  
• American Council of the Blind: American Council of the Blind has thrift stores in a number of major metropolitan areas. You can call them at 1-800-866-3242 or visit http://www.svdpusa.org/
  
  
• Habitat for Humanity: Habitat ReStores are retail outlets where quality used and surplus building materials are sold at a fraction of normal prices. For more information, call 1-800-HABITAT or visit http://www.habitat.org/

Don't forget you can enter DAILY for a chance to win and there is plenty of time left so enter NOW!!  See the top of my right sidebar and enter at the widget.  You can also go HERE to enter and for rules/regulations and what choice of appliances are being offered to the winner.  GOOD LUCK!!

A bunch of blogs are participating in this awesome giveaway.  At the end of the giveaway (Nov 15th) one entry will be picked from all the entries from all the blogs. Increase your chances and enter DAILY. Tell your family, tell your friends, tell everyone to enter right here on my blog.


I Wish all my readers good luck!

 If you win, then I win too. You have the choice of one of the following prizes.
PRIZE AND APPROXIMATE RETAIL VALUES (“ARV”):
1.  a GE® Tall Tub Built-In Dishwasher. Model # GLD6760NSS, ARV $649
2.  a GE® 25.0 Cu. Ft. ENERGY STAR® Side-By-Side Refrigerator with Dispenser, Model #         GSH25ISX, ARV $1,499
3.  a GE® Spacemaker® Over-the-Range Microwave Oven, Model # JVM1850SMSS, ARV $489
4.  a GE® 30” Free-Standing Electric Range. Model #JB700SN, ARV $1,099
5.  a GE® 30” Free-Standing Gas Range with Warming Drawer. Model # JGBP88SEMSS ARV $1,449

OPEN ONLY TO LEGAL RESIDENTS OF THE 48 CONTIGUOUS UNITED STATES OR DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, 18 YEARS OLD AS OF TIME OF ENTRY

Are you ready for your kids to go back to school? Mine start very soon and I will be the first to admit I am lost when it comes to what would be the best back to school basics and how to put those products to the best use for my kids. Living in an RV we have to be extra organaized especially when it comes to my children's school work. Well Peter Walsh has done it again with some great Back-to-School tips. All the things to make you kids look cool and still keep them organized.


I was able to try out the back-to-school supplies from Scoolio-Von-hoolio, a kid centric product line available at Office Max. These products are very nice and too cute and made me wish I was the one going back to school. They have a nice variety of notebooks, folders, pencils sets, pencil boxes, composition notebooks, binders and more (as I have just a few pictured)


Peter Walsh has a lot of tips for your kids and you to keep them organized at school and at home. In fact I recommend you let peter Walsh tell you himself in this great video you can watch HERE. Here is a summary of what you will lean about in the video.




Enjoy the video, and I would love hear about what you learned and thought of it.

General Electric appliances has an ingenious idea just for you. Still putting off getting in shape for summer?? Well wait no more!!

Try the GE Strong As Steel workout. If you have a kitchen you can do this workout. To celebrate their now very affordable line of durable Stainless Steel Appliances, they’ve created a humorous take on workout routines entitled “Strong As Steel.” This exercise routine uses nothing but GE kitchen appliances as workout equipment! The video features The Biggest Loser’s very own Alison Sweeney.

I would like to start out by saying that I am not a lotion person. Sure, I have dry skin and lots of it. I do buy plenty of lotions however, in my search for the perfect one. But seriously I hate the feeling of it on my hands and always have. Just the thought of putting on lotion and then touching my laptop or mouse and getting it all slimy just kinda freaks me out. If I put lotion on my feet, then my feet just slip and slide in my sandals and it is no fun walking like that.

Since I am always up for new things I haven't tried before I wanted to try Skin MD. I personally had never even heard of it before. I was about to be stunned!!

First, Skin MD Natural +SPF 15 isn't just a lotion, it is a "shielding lotion". Here is what Skin MD's website says about shielding lotions.

Skin Care Breakthrough

"Shielding Lotions are a new type of skin care product based on years of research into how skin heals. They form a protective shield with the outer layer of skin and help keep out irritants. They allow the natural oils and moisture to remain in the skin so it can heal better and they're light in texture so they go on without a greasy mess. Your skin needs help to keep out these moisture-robbing irritants.

A fundamental difference between Shielding Lotions and traditional skin care lotions is that Shielding Lotions enhance the skin's own natural protective abilities by turning the outer layer of skin into what could be described as a hydrating invisible shield making them many times more effective than mere protective lotions and moisturizing creams."

Dr. Brian Zogg
board certified dermatologist
Albert Lea, Minnesota

When I first put Skin MD on my hands, it felt like a lotion but it was very obvious that it was so much more then that. Not only did my skin feel soft, it did not have that slippery, slimy lotion feel to them. Even when I washed my hands they still felt good and moisturized. Also my cuticles started to look better and started to heal. I also have extremely dry feet. I have only had Skin MD a few days but I can already see the difference since I starting using it. I also love that they have it with SPF 15 (or without) because I am very fair skinned and burn so easily. It is great to wear on my face (or anywhere) and know my skin will be protected from the sun or any number of elements that dry out my skin.

I am sold on Skin MD. I am so glad I was able to discover something that really works for me and that I like so well!!

There is a new online game for kids created by 2 moms. It is called All Star Buddies and takes place in Varsity Heights.

As sports lovers, they chose the sports theme because it offered the opportunity to speak to kids using real game concepts and ideas in an imaginative and virtual way. The sports theme also allowed them to incorporate important lessons such as problem solving, teamwork, good sportsmanship, fitness and good nutrition throughout the games and adventures so that kids would be exposed to these messages while playing. Other concepts like taking care of the environment and the importance of staying active and playing real sports are important to the All Star Buddies team and can also be found throughout Varsity Heights.

AllStarBuddies.com is a safe, virtual “playground” for kids (ages 6+) where a healthy, positive lifestyle is reinforced through fun games, quests and social interaction.


When you go into All Star Buddies you can see that other people are also playing. Their characters are moving around from place to place just as yours is. If you and another player go into the same place you can play against them, for instance Tic Tac Toe or another game. Kids can also compete for and collect coins that they can cash in for different things, like their favorite treats, like ice cream and gumballs in the Sweet Spot and all sorts of cool stuff for your Buddy’s backpack in Ball Mart and the Fluff & Stuff Salon.

Kids can even have fun with their favorite All Star Buddy off the computer. They have PDF coloring pages that you can print out and color.

They also sell All Star Buddies plush toys. Each one comes with it's own code to unlock something fun for you child in the game.



There is plenty of fun activities in this game and my son really likes the buddies and the places he can go and do with them in Varsity heights.

Go check it out!

Yes, it is that time again. Time to go shopping at Macy's!! Mother's day is coming up and this is the perfect chance to find that great gift. Macy's is having a big 6 day sale, April 29th - May 4th. In addition to the wonderful deals you will already be getting you can also take advantage of their "Friends and Family" 25% discount. So whether it's a gift for mom or maybe even a new bathing suit for you (summer is fast approaching) you are sure to find something great at Macy's.

If you prefer to shop online you can still use the coupon by using the promo code MACYSFRIEND at checkout.




Access coupon HERE or click on the coupon above.

I belong to several mommy message boards and visit mom blogs all day and it is a fact that there are some really cute kids out there. Us proud moms are always posting pics of our little darlings. Now we have a chance to get them on the cover of Parents Magazine.

This looks pretty fun for someone like me. Maybe some online tips, tricks, ideas and recipes will get me into cooking more. It isn't that I am a bad cook because I am not. I just have no imagination when it comes to cooking.

Well Betty Crocker has just introduced "The Mixer", and this is what it is all about.

When you join The Mixer online (IT’S FREE!) you will learn the ins and
outs of cooking and baking, while interacting with Betty Crocker
Kitchen experts LIVE during a class and connecting with an entire
community of people just like you. What’s great is that you can do it in
the comfort of your own kitchen whenever it best fits your schedule.

I could get into this. Something interactive and fun could just be what I need to get my creative juices flowing. I am always looking for new recipes to spice up the normal everyday foods we usually prepare.

They have The Mixer cooking video shown various times throughout the week so you are sure to catch one on your schedule. They also have great links like...
* recipes
* cooking
* baking
* entertaining
* how-to
* Community
* products
* Shop

Check out this short video to see what you'll be seeing and getting with The Mixer from Betty Crocker.



It looks fun and I am going to check out my first cooking video with them tomorrow (4/11)

Contest Closed



Their website is set up very easily for your designing pleasure. You can add a picture/s, text or a graphic from their extensive library of over 400 graphics. They also have many templates to choose from to help you find just the right style and look for your Fruit Roll Ups. Since I was doing a review, I wanted to get a bit of everything on my Fruit Roll Ups so I picked a template that gave me that option.

I first added a pic of my younger sons A.J. and Matthew. Next I added some text, and lastly I added a cool graphic from the many they have to choose from.

When I got the Fruit Roll Ups in the mail the kids were so excited. I never told them they were coming or that I had even ordered them. So imagine their surprise when they unrolled one to find their faces on it! I got a generous box of 30 Fruit Roll Ups so luckily my kids weren't able to eat them all in one day lol. (believe me, they wanted to though)

These are so great for birthdays, school gathering, graduations, holidays or any occasion.....whatever your heart desires. Everyone loves Fruit Roll Ups, not just kids. Just make sure you give yourself enough order time to get them before the event you order them for. Right on the site it has an expected day of delivery so you can plan accordingly.

So for all of you, I have one code to giveaway to one lucky winner that will get you one box of 30 personalized Fruit Roll Ups!! YAY!!!!

Mandatory first entry
Go check out the My Fruit Roll Ups site and let me know why you would like to win a free box of personalized Fruit Roll Ups.

Additional entries = greater chance of winning. (let me know in separate comments if you complete any of the tasks below, as each comment is an entry)
Subscribe to my feed
Follow me on Twitter and tweet about the giveaway
Fav me on Technorati
Grab my button


* Contest will run from April 3rd to April 13th 6pm PT (9pm ET) Contest is open to bloggers and non-bloggers alike. If you are a non blogger please make sure you provide me with an email address to contact you if you should win. Bloggers, I can notify you through email (if you provide one) or through a comment on your blog via your profile. The winner will be randomly picked via Random.org. You will have 48hrs to respond to winning notification. If you do not respond within that time a new winner will be randomly picked.*

Nestled in the Mississippi River Bluff town of Winona, MN., Watkins has been America’s pioneer in natural living since 1868. As America’s original natural apothecary manufacturer, Watkins uses only the finest natural ingredients in its diverse lines of personal care, home care, remedies and organic flavorings. As globally-minded as its customers, Watkins now aims to make household chores a little easier with its newest line of J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care cleaning products. Made with refreshing lemon and lavender oils and highly effective plant derived surfactants, Watkins diverse line of cleaners are safe and effective for your home and your family.

I got the opportunity to try the Aloe and Green Tea all purpose cleaner from the J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care line of products. I was very impressed with this product.



I live with 3 boys and my husband so to say the counters anywhere in my house are usually dirty is an understatement. J.R Watkins all purpose cleaner was simply wonderful. It has a nice smell and got my counter tops very clean. I swear it got off grease, grime and stuck on food and stuff better then my usual cleaner ever did. And because it is a all natural product I know it is safe for me and my family.

Ammonia Free Animal Ingredient Free Benzene Free Biodegradable Bleach Free Boron Free Butyl/Ethyl Cellosolve Free

Diethylene Ether Free Dye Free Formaldehyde Free Isopropanol Free Kerosene Free Mineral Spirit Free Non Toxic

Paraben Free Petrochemical Free Phosphate Free Phosphoric Acid Free Phthalate Free Propylene Glycol Free Sodium Lauryl Sulfate Free Sulfuric Acid Free

The J.R. Watkins Natural Home Care line has everything you need for your entire house too.

All Purpose Cleaners

Dish Soap

Automatic Dish Washing Detergent

Bathroom Cleaners

Window Cleaners

Furniture Polish

Liquid Hand Soaps

Sink Set - NEW!

Laundry Detergent

Room Sprays

If your looking to go "natural" or just want to try a cleaning product that is a step above the rest I highly recommend trying J.R. Watkins products. They also have Natural Personal Care products and Natural Gourmet products.

When I was offered to do a review for coffee I jumped at the chance. I love coffee!! And I just have to say that Industrial Joe Coffee is excellent coffee.






I am a very picky coffee drinker, as I am sure if you're a coffee drinker you all have your favorite brands. I was amazed however at how really good this coffee is. It tastes so rich and smooth with no bitterness what-so-ever. I seriously savored every drop I drank of it. Ok, I know your thinking that as a reviewer I need to say these things, but that is so untrue. This is some of the best coffee I have ever tasted. With out a doubt I will be buying my French Roast from Industrial Joe from now on. Honestly, now that I have tried it, it will be impossible for me to go back to my old brand.

So, if you haven't guessed already I give Industrial Joe coffee 2 big thumbs up.

And here is some cool info I found on their website, check it out. "15 Things You Didn't Know About Coffee"

Shidonni is a virtual world for children, ages 4 and up, based on the idea of drawing animals and caring for them, but with a 21st century twist.

Visitors to the site receive a blank canvas where they can draw an animal and create a background for that animal to play. After drawing their virtual pets, children play with them as they magically 'come alive'. Children then care for, feed and play games that incorporate their animals as main characters.

Shidonni, unlike other virtual worlds, stays away from motivations that are based on money and goods. It encourages their imagination and motivates children to create animals and backgrounds. Shidonni then rewards them for their efforts by providing special effects, such as music, design effects, and more.

The site empowers kids to create their own worlds and play with them in a safe, fun environment. By providing kids with drawing tools rather than "ready made" elements, Shidonni promotes imagination, creativity and computer skills in kids ages 4 and up.

What I have to say.

I first decided to go to Shidonni myself to see what it was all about before I had my 5yr old A.J. try it. Although they do have paid accounts they also have a free version (which is what I used). I set up a login under my son's name and got to creating. I went to the drawing area to draw an animal. I drew my elephant (ok, it was suppose to be a dog but when I drew the ears ways too big it became an elephant, lol). I pressed OK and the next thing I know my elephant is moving, walking, almost dancing across my screen. I thought it was really cool to see my animal come to life. I could also "draw" food for my animal and feed him. The neat part about that is the animal will stop to eat and as it does the food (you drew) actually dissappears a little at a time till all the food is gone.


I also discovered that when I went back to the main area of the game (pictured above) it seemed that there was always something new waiting for me. The more you play with Shidonni the more other sections open up that allow you to do more. It was obvious I was having way too much fun so it was time to see what A.J. thought of it.

What is nice about Shidonni is there is almost no reading required so it is great for preschoolers. I hardly had to give A.J. any instructions for him to get started. And honestly all the animals he drew looked way better then mine lol. So he drew animals, backgrounds for the animals (like trees and grass) and food for them. He also was able to unlock new areas just from playing. He played games similar to BeJeweled where you click on alike blocks that are next to each other to get rid of as many blocks as possible. The little blocks also have the pics of the animals you drew on them. There is a puzzle area where it takes the pic of everything you drew and makes it into puzzle pieces and you put them together. There are many things to do and too many to list here.

A.J. really enjoys Shidonni. He started playing this and pretty much took over my computer. My son Matthew who is almost 4 was watching over A.J.'s shoulder demanding to play too.

I am very pleased with Shidonni and I highly recommend it to any parent looking for a fun creative, interactive way for their kids to play on the computer. Your kids will really love this!!


Now for a fun giveaway that both you and your child will love! Access for a free 3 month Shidonni Pro Account. A $16.95 value.

The Pro Account gives you magical brushes, fun stamps, more colors, an unlimited wardrobes, huge galaxy with new worlds, more tunes for your music box and lets you send your animals around the world.

Mandatory 1st entry -

• Go to the Shidonni website. You can click the "Give it a try" button without having to set up a login (if you choose). Come back here and tell me what you liked or did not like about Shidonni.

Additional entries - (Come back here and leave me a message as each entry is completed.)

• Blog about this giveaway and link to this post and to Shidonni
• Follow me
• Subscribe to my feed
• Follow me on Twitter
• Grab my button
• Fave me on technorati

***PLEASE READ***

This contest will end on Monday April 6th at 6pm PT (9pm ET). The winner will be randomly selected and posted here after contest ends. It is open to anyone (blogger and non bloggers alike). I will need a way to contact you if you should win so please leave me an email address or if you have a blog profile I can contact you that way. You will have 48 hrs from time of notification of winning to reply or a new winner will be chosen.