Wishing You All A Happy New Year!


Wishing all of our readers a very special Happy New Year! We hope you all have a safe and wonderful time this New Years Eve and that 2012 is filled with many positive opportunities for you all. 

~ LaQuita, Bobbi, Maggie and Sarah

Tru Kid Review & Giveaway


Tru Kid provides all natural skin and hair products for kids. I had the opportunity to review their Silly Shampoo and Dancing Hair detangler a couple weeks ago.



I really like this product.  My youngest daughter is four and she has curly hair that tangles very easily.  The shampoo made her hair silky and shiny.  I liked the citrus scent of the shampoo.  I especially like the fact that it’s all natural.  The Detangler also works very well.  Unfortunately, my daughter didn’t like the scent of the detangler, other than that, great all natural products.  I will definitely be buying the shampoo in the future. Be sure to check out their website, facebook and twitter for more information on the latest products, sales and more.


~Bobbi~


DisclosureAll opinions are my own. I received a bottle of shampoo and detangler at no cost for the purpose of this review from Tru Kid. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to Tru Kid for providing the giveaway prize!



All-Ett Wallet Review and Giveaway


All-Ett is a family owned business that thrive at having the most unique and advantageous wallet. They have been in business since 1995. Their wallets are all made in the U.S.A. using high quality materials. 
The ALL-ETT World’s Thinnest Wallet was created specifically to prevent sciatic nerve damage and the back pain that comes with it.



I got a chance to review the Women's Original Wallet. My 14-year-old daughter has been using this wallet.  She tosses it in her backpack every morning.  It is very resilient as well as waterproof.  The clasp is very secure.  My daughter and I like the zippered change pouch on the back of the wallet.  The zipper is also very secure and easy to access.  She noticed she doesn’t lose change like she does when she just tosses it in her pocket.  This is a high quality product.  However, I do feel the price is a bit higher than I, personally, would be willing to pay for this wallet in the Nylon style. You can find more on All Ett by vising their website, twitter and facebook.

All Ett is offering the Just Us Girls readers 10% off of their purchase price by using the promo code is “blog11."

~ Bobbi


DisclosureAll opinions are my own. I received a women's original wallet at no cost for the purpose of this review from All Ett. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to All Ett for providing the giveaway prize!



Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta


I love finding new recipes to try and make for the family. I spend countless hours on Foodgawker looking at all the delicious foods other bloggers make, so when I came across this recipe over at The Hungry Housewife I knew I had to try it. It was definitely something different and turned out really good. The kids enjoyed it and so did the hubby, so thought I'd share it with you as well.



Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta
Source: Adapted from The Hungry Housewife
Ingredients
1 1/2 pounds boneless/skinless chicken breast, cubed
2 tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
1 pint Portobello mushrooms, sliced thin
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 16oz. Honey Mustard Salad Dressing
1 14.5 oz can of chicken gravy
3/4 cup Half and half or whole milk
Salt and pepper
1/4 cup chives, minced
1 16 oz box of your favourite pasta, cooked (I used Bow Tie Pasta)

Instructions
1. Season cubed chicken breast liberally with salt and pepper.
2. Over medium high heat, preheat a large skillet.
3. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil.
4. Add the chicken and cook until no longer pink in the middle, about 6-8 minutes.
5. Remove the chicken and place it in a bowl and cover to keep warm.
6. Add the other tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet, heated to medium high.
7. Add the mushrooms and sauté for about 5 minutes.
8. Add the garlic and sauté for another one minute.
9. Mix in the honey mustard dressing, chicken gravy and half and half.
10. Stir to incorporate and cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens.
11. Stir in the chives, chicken and pasta.
12. Season with salt and pepper to your liking.
13. Serve


~LaQuita

A Visit To Best Buy Thanks to @shesconnected #ToshibaTablet


Toshiba Brand Ambassador

I was super excited to be one of the 44 women chosen from She Connected to be apart of the Toshiba Brand Ambassador Program. When I got the email I screamed and jumped out of my chair like I just won tickets to see Justin Timberlake or something (Yes, that is my celebrity crush, go on, laugh if you want.). 

Over this past weekend the hubby and I headed to our local Walmart here in Amherstburg, Ontario to see about the Toshiba Tablet. Let me just say that going to Walmart or any store the weekend before Christmas is insane. Unfortunately Walmart didn't carry the tablets like I thought they would, which was very disappointing not to mention the employees in the Electronic section were no help, whatsoever. 

We decided to go to the city to the Best Buy in Windsor, Ontario. Still very crowded when attempting to go to a store the weekend before Christmas, but way better customer service. We walked in, was greeted and asked if we needed help right off that bat. Not only was the staff super helpful and directed us straight to the tablet, where we met with Billy (Best Buy employee).  He was very helpful in answering questions I had about the similarity and differences in the Toshiba Tablet compared to other tablets. 





A few things I loved about the tablet:

  • Your option of a 8, 16 or 32GB internal memory and if that's not enough memory you can easily add an additional memory card to get even more, sweet!
  • An easily replaceable battery lets you keep going longer.
  • Six different back plates to give your tablet a more customized look. ( I loved the Lavender Bliss plate)


 I have to admit going into this mission I wasn't familiar at all with the Toshiba Tablet, before this I was interested in getting an Ipad, but after my visit and learning how easy it is to work with and how affordable the Toshiba Tablet is I think I'll be rethinking which one I'll be purchasing on Boxing Day!


~ LaQuita


Disclosure: I am participating in the Toshiba Brand Ambassador program by ShesConnected. I received a Toshiba Camileo in exchange for my participation in this campaign. All opinions are honest and always my own






Giggle Junction Review

Giggle Junction is a company that is most famous for their I Spy Bags. Their I spy bags are made with soft flannel and are secured inside then turned and top stitched with a heavy duty utility stitch for added durability.  Each bag contains 30 miniature objects hidden among the non-toxic plastic pellets in the 7 x 7 square.  Children hold the bags and use their hands to shift around the pellets to reveal the hidden objects in the spy window.  It's perfect for children who prefer tactile games and encourages development of fine motor skills.




I had the opportunity to review one of their Spotted Dogs I Spy Bags. When I first got the bag I was a little worried about pellets falling out of it while my son played with it because he knows how to wear out a toy. To my surprise never once did that happen. When my four year old son played with the I Spy bag a couple of times and he loved it. (My daughter even loved playing) He loved looking through the pellets to find the items that were listed on the tag for him to find. 


One of the neat parts about the I Spy Bags were the items that you're looking for were actually items, not words. I thought that was pretty neat and easier for my son to find. His favorite thing to look for was the truck and dinosaur. My favorite thing is that he can sit there and play for hours. 


You can find more I Spy bags on Giggle Junction's website and on their Etsy shop as well..


~ LaQuita


DisclosureAll opinions are my own. I received an I Spy Bag at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to Giggle Junction.

Send A Ball Review

Send A Ball is a family business headquartered in Chicago. It is owned by a couple of BALLSY sisters who live across the street from each other in the same northwest side Chicago neighborhood they grew up in. They have been sending balls since the 90s, but one day in 2003, it seemed this CRAZY idea was meant to be a BUSINESS. 

They have balls for birthdays, holidays, get well balls, etc. Send A Ball is pretty unique and very simple to order.You order a ball, you add a customized message on it and you have it shipped to a family and/or friend. These are so much better then sending any old normal greeting cards. 

I had the opportunity to have a ball sent to me from the ladies of Send A Ball. I love the thought that I can order my kiddos or nieces and nephews a customized ball that not only has their name on it, but a unique message from me. I think it's the cutest idea ever. When you have kids that are close to age and they like their own toys, this is a great idea to let them know which ball is theirs, have their names customized on it so they know which ball is theirs. 

You can find the ladies from Send A Ball on Twitter and Facebook. You can also sign up to their Newsletter to receive info on their sales, new designs and more. 

~LaQuita

DisclosureAll opinions are my own. I received a Send A Ball at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to the ladies over at Send A Ball.

La Vie En Rose Review & Giveaway



La Vie en Rose is the leading Canadian specialty lingerie retailer. With headquarters in Montreal (Canada), the chain now counts 150 boutiques nationwide, including its sister, swimwear boutique, La Vie en Rose AQUA.


The brand caters to all women aged 25-45 delivering exceptional lingerie, sleepwear and swimwear collections while staying true to the company motto: it's all about natural beauty, confident sophistication and sensual passion. La vie en Rose fulfils her desires by offering an array of well-fitted bras and specialty lingerie selections designed for every silhouette, every look and every woman. Collections include: gorgeous silk lingerie, comfortable bras and panties, cocooning cotton pyjamas, fashionable swimwear and casual-cool leisure and loungewear. Accessible fashions of a great fit, comfort and value.




What a delight it was to have the opportunity to review a product from the winter season collection at la Vie en Rose!  I went in-person to visit their boutique in Devonshire Mall, Windsor, ON., and it truly was a flawless experience.  The displays were dazzling and the staff was outstanding!  I tried on a sheer baby doll nightgown, but I ended up selecting a corset and thong set from the Holiday collection, (it was tough to choose because ALL of the pieces are gorgeous!)  I'm very satisfied with the quality of the product, and the prices are fair.  

There are plenty of sale offers throughout the store and through www.lavieenrose.com website (where you can also view some of the holiday collection pieces), though I highly recommend visiting a boutique.  A big "thank you" to the friendly and courteous staff, who made my intimate shopping a fun and comfortable experience.  For more with La vie en Rose please be sure to follow them on facebook and twitter to get all the latest on new products, sales and more!


~ Margret


DisclosureAll opinions are my own. I received a $75 gift card at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to la Vie en Rose for providing the giveaway prize!




Progressive International Motorcycle Shows & Giveaway


If you are looking for an event that provides excitement, entertainment and value for the whole family, look no further - the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows provide the perfect daycation.

 The Shows feature numerous engaging and interactive exhibitions including opportunities to become an artist for a day by using a digital paint can to design your own bike and to see a thrilling stunt show featuring the Smage Brothers, made famous by an impressive top 10 finish in a nationwide television talent competition. 

Additionally, every Sunday, the Progressive International Motorcycle Shows features “Family Day”, in which kids under 12 get in free with a paid family member.

Here is a listing of all the shows coming up:
Seattle, WA - Dec. 16 - 18
Novi, MI Jan. 6 - 8
Washington, DC Jan. 13 - 15
New York, NY Jan. 20 - 22
Cleveland, OH Jan. 27 - 29
Minneapolis, MN Feb 3 - 5
Chicago, IL Feb 10 - 12
Charlotte, NC Feb 24 - 26
Daytona Beach, FL Mar 14 - 17

Can't wait for the giveaway? Want to buy your ticket now? Feel free to use this promo code and get $2 off your tickets: MOTOINFO


DisclosureI received a pair of tickets at no cost for the purpose of this post. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to The International Motorcycle Show for providing the giveaway prize!


~LaQuita



Sleepers Run



Title: Sleepers Run
By: Henry Mosquera
Publisher: Oddity Media
Publication Date: July 2011
IBSN:  978-0615505442
Pages: 345



War on Terror veteran, Eric Caine, is found wandering the streets of Miami with no memory of the car accident that left him there. Alone and suffering from PTSD, Eric is on a one-way road to self-destruction. Then a chance meeting at a bar begins a series of events that helps Eric start anew. When his new job relocates him to Venezuela–the land of his childhood–things, however, take an ominous turn as a catastrophic event threatens the stability of the country. Now Eric must escape an elite team of CIA assassins as he tries to uncover an international conspiracy in which nothing is what it seems.
 
Sleeper’s Run was fast paced and exciting.  I think it would make a great movie.  It reminded me a little of “conspiracy theory” with a little “Terms of Endearment” thrown in the mix.  The military research was clearly extensive.  The action was described so well that it made it easy for anyone to visualize what was happening and that’s saying something coming from a person who has no real fighting experiences outside of reading material.  It was a good read.
~Bobbi~