homeSPA Shower Spray Review and Giveaway


I have to admit - spa items are usually my favourite products to review, and this product certainly didn't disappoint. Many thanks to homeSPA for the chance to review their 100% all natural shower spray.

I received four different scents to test out: Lavender, Pink Grapefruit, Eucalyptus and Tangerine. Each scent comes in a (kind of blandly labeled) spray bottle, which I loved because I can reuse the bottles after I'm done with the shower spray for just about anything for around the house.



To use the spray to it's fullest potential, you pump three or more sprays into your shower stream or bath water quickly. This will allow your bathroom to mimic an aromatherapy treatment at a spa and get you to relax while in either your shower or bath. It's literally like being at a spa, but in your own bathroom.

My favourite scent was the tangerine (I’m prone to favour sweet and fruity smells). The label boasts 100% natural ingredients, which is great and made me love this spray even more.  The bottles I received are 8 oz. each, and after a quick search I found out they’re priced about $13 per bottle, which isn't bad at all considering you get a lot of use out of them.

For the moms out there, I'd recommend using this spray and enjoying your bath/shower time once the kiddos are either asleep or when you're home alone. This will definitely give you that aromatherapy spa feeling!

To keep up to date on homeSPA you can check them out on their website or Facebook page!

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned products at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to homeSPA for providing the giveaway prize!

Testimonials From Our Playtex Diaper Genie Elite Winners


Back in November of last year, we had Kristen share with you all her thoughts and reviews on the Playtex Diaper Genie Elite. Since she had never tried one before with her first child, she was the perfect blogger to review for us. Here is a bit of what she said about the diaper genie:



"It was so impressive the way it contained the odor from all of those diapers. Changing the bag was quick and simple to do." -Kristen


  Once we were done with our review we held a giveaway where ten of you awesome readers would enter to win your very own Diaper Genie Elite. Giveaway ended and Diaper Genies were sent out.

What we asked for in return was that you send us your thoughts on your experience with the Diaper Genie. If you did you were automatically eligible to win a $50 gift card to Babies R Us.

Well, it's been almost two months and we were sent in a few reviews. Here are a couple of our readers thoughts on the diaper genie.

"We have been given the opportunity to sample the Playtex Diaper Genie elite, thanks to Playtex and JustUsGirls. We have heard about Diaper Genie for a long time but we have never tried this product until just now. It is very easy to install and to put in the refills. Our favourite feature is the foot pedal. I love that when hands are dirty, I can simply step on the foot pedal and then throw in the dirty diaper and then go and wash my hands. I also love that when my little one is crying like hell and I need to hold him with one arm and while using the other hand to hold the dirty diaper, I can easily throw away the dirty diaper by simply stepping the foot pedal. Also, the bag holds quite a number of diaper too. We really love this product." - Lena

"I was given the opportunity to review the diaper genie elite. I've been using it this last month and couldn't be more happy. I love that i no longer have to put my child's diaper in a grocery bag, go outside and throw it in the trash. It has saved me a lot of time since all I have to do is throw it in the diaper genie. Plus who wants to go outside to throw away a diaper in the snow every time their child goes number two? lol....No smells, no mess and I loved that it came with a foot pedal." - Carlie

"I have been using the Diaper Genie Elite for a few weeks now and can honestly say that it works great.. I love how sleek and modern it looks in my daughters room.
The foot pedal is a great feature when my hands are full and it does a fantastic job eliminating dirty diaper odours , instead of my bag them and throw them in the garbage method." - Angela


I'd like to thank each and everyone of you ladies that took the time in to$50 gift card to Babies R Us is....LENA! Congratulations Lena!


DIY: Vanilla Sugar Scrub


Oh goodness, I haven't posted anything regarding a DIY post in forever, my apologies! I know most of you come for the giveaways, but there are a handful of you that come for some of my other posts that have nothing to do with reviews or giveaways and I feel horrible that I haven't posted anything sooner.

With the holidays finally out of the way and us being caught up on most of our reviews I can finally get back to my normal schedule. Which in this case Tuesdays were always meant to be review and giveaway free. A chance for me to post and share with you all some things that I've been doing in my spare time. Don't get me wrong, I've been doing them, but posting them was put on the back burner.

The holidays may be over, but we're far from done with the Winter our here in good old Canada. In my part of town we've just begun to have snow. It's been snowing off and on for about a week and now we have slushy rain. So with that Winter being in mind and how hard it can be on your skin, I thought I'd share with you one of my favorite sugar scrubs to make. I've been making this for years now and first found it on Petit  Elefant way back in 2010. It feels wonderful on your skin and smells absolutely delicious.

What I love most about this is that it's all ingredients you have in your kitchen, so it's not expensive at all to make. It's very easy to make and within minutes you'll have yourself a great new scrub that makes your skin feel smooth. This is also great to give out as gifts. By sprucing up your jar with ribbon or even labels  this could be a wonderful frugal gift to give. I made these for my kiddos teachers and for a couple of family members over the years. They loved them. I hope you do too!



Vanilla Sugar Scrub
Source Adapted from: Petit Elefant
1/2 cup White Sugar
1/2 cup Brown Sugar
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil
1/2 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract

Directions:
First step is to make sure that you have equal amounts of sugar. The amount varies depending on what size jar you are going to use for this scrub or how much scrub you want to make. All of these ingredients are completely up to you and so are the amounts. This is just what I've been using. For the vanilla it depends as well, depending on how much you like the smell because too much can over power your scrub.

1. Mix in both your sugars. You can mix it with a mixer, but to me that just seemed like too much. So I whisked it until both sugars were completely blended together.

2. Pour sugars in the jar that you will be using. Pat it down and then add in your olive oil. Now for me, the first time I made this I waited to let the oil seep through the sugar. Now that I make it every couple of months for the last couple of years I just pour the oil over the sugar and mix it together with a fork. But do whatever you feel comfortable doing.

3. Once oil is mixed then add in the vanilla and mix it as well with a fork. Now if you don't like vanilla you can use any other flavored extract or essential oil. But for the essential oils make sure you only add a couple of drops.

4. Cover with top and store away or add a bow of some sort and give as a gift. This would be a perfect gift to give to your kiddos teachers for Valentines since that's right around the corner. And best of all this is kid friendly, have your kids help with this, they'll have a ball!



Taken 2 Blu-ray & DVD Combo Review


 He hunted them, he found them, he killed them; now they have come back to settle the score. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment presents the return of former CIA operative Bryan Mills and his “particular set of skills” when TAKEN 2 arrives on Blu-ray Combo Pack and DVD January 15. The sequel to the 2008 box office smash Taken, this action-packed follow-up has brought in $135 million theatrically in the U.S. alone.

Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated actor, Liam Neeson (Clash of the Titans, Taken, Batman Begins) returns as Mills, the retired CIA agent who stopped at nothing to save his daughter Kim from kidnappers. When the father of one of the villains Bryan killed swears revenge, and takes him and his wife hostage in Istanbul, Bryan must enlist the help of Kim to escape. Bryan then employs his unique tactics to get his family to safety and systematically take out the kidnappers, one by one.

MY REVIEW
I absolutely loved Taken part one. It was filled with action, a great story line and  amazing acting. The things one man went through to save his daughter was touching.

 I have to admit when I first saw the trailer for Taken 2, I shook my head. This was going to be the exact same story line, but with his wife instead of his daughter. Even being a big Liam Neeson fan I was a bit hesitant to watch part two because I didn't feel there should have been a sequel to the first movie. But when I told my husband I had the opportunity to review it, he talked me into it and told me to at least watch it.

 I have to say I'm glad he talked me into it.  Liam has done it again and in this sequel there's even more action then there was in the first movie. From beginning to end there was just tons going on. It kept me interested and actually guessing to see what was going to happen next. If you're big on action movies, a fan of Liam Neeson or you watched Taken part one, you definitely have watch part two, you won't be disappointed.

Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Taken 2 on blu-ray DVD combo at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. 

@KobaEntertain Presents: Strawberry Shortcake Live!




Koba Entertainment takes you to the whimsical land of Berry Bitty City for an all-new musical production:
Strawberry Shortcake: Follow Your Berry Own Beat!  Join Strawberry Shortcake and her berry best friends as they prove that little girls can do big things.

Hold on to your hats because that is not all! Before the girls hit the stage, warm up your singing voice and stretch out your dancing muscles with the Doodlebops!

I don't know about you, but I'm pretty excited. Not only is my little girl a huge fan of Miss Strawberry Shortcake, but both my kids have been huge fans of The Doodlebops since before they could even walk. I remember turning on the television and having them watch the Doodlebops, the bright colours and music had  their attention for hours. 

Now with Strawberry Shortcake heading to our city next month, I'm really excited to see the look on my little girls face when she sees them live. Check out this awesome message Strawberry has for us locals that live in Windsor. Will you and your little one be headed to the show, check out the dates to see if Berry Bitty City will be coming to your town!



Reader's Digest: Treasury of Joy and Inspiration Book Review





Title: Reader's Digest: Treasury of Joy and Inspiration 
By: Reader's Digest
Publisher: Reader's Digest
Publication Date: October 3, 2012
ISBN: 9781621450498
Pages: 318

To celebrate 90 years of publishing "reads of lasting interest," Reader's Digest offers this editors' selection of our best stories since our founding in 1922. Chock-full of essays and true tales by some of America's most famous authors and thought leaders, these great reads inspire and uplift, open the door to new possibilities and connect us emotionally. In this volume, readers will be inspired by stories like these:
    • Find out how a mysterious gift forever changed author James Michener's life in The Christmas Present.
    • Experience a truly powerful life-changing moment in Christopher Reeve's Decision.
    • Let actor George Burns make you feel like you're dancing on air inShall We Dance?
    • Find encouragement and hope in Dwight Eisenhower's essay: An Open Letter to America's Students.
    • Go looking for true peace and happiness as Barbara Walters takes you In Search of Heaven.
    • Get ready to see the whole world anew as Helen Keller imagines what it'd be like to only have Three Days to See.
    • Marvel at the healing power of laughter in Billy Crystal's amazing true story: My Father and Me. 


    MY REVIEW
    I love a book that has many different stories I can read within that book. It means for one, I can read a short story while I'm waiting at the doctors, waiting on the kids school bus or just about anywhere. I also love stories that move me. And if you can do both within a short amount of time and pages it's even better. Reader's Digest Treasury of Joy and Inspiration brought just that to me, lots of Joy and got me inspired while reading the many different stories the book has to offer. 

    It took me all of two days to read these wonderful stories. There were some stories that made me laugh and some that brought tears to my eyes. One of my favorite ones had to be, "A Love Like No Other," by Skip Hollandsworth. So many emotions were felt while reading that story. This is definitely a book that should be read by all. The stories in this book will touch and move you in some way. Definitely a great read!

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Reader's Digest: Treasury of Joy and Inspiration at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

    Won't Back Down Blu-ray Review




    Oscar Nominees Maggie Gyllenhaal and Viola Davis lead a stellar cast in this empowering drama inspired by actual events. Hard-working single mom Jamie Fitzpatrick (Gyllenhaal) is concerned that John Adams Elementary is letting her daughter down. Teaming with a caring teacher (Davis) who wants the best future for her own son, she sets out to improve attitudes and elevate the school’s academic standards. Despite the odds, with courage, hope and persistence, the women just might prevail in this uplifting film that also stars Rosie Perez and Academy Award Winner Holly Hunter.

    MY REVIEW
    This movie just had me in awe. When I first learned about this filmed I looked everything up about it and the real story behind it. I was bummed to not be able to see this film in theaters,  but when I had the opportunity to review this and share my thoughts with you guys I was more than thrilled. 

    Won't Back Down is not only inspiring, but it gives you hope. I laughed, I cried, there were so many emotions going on as I watched this film. This just made me thankful for some of the teachers I have come to love and respect when I was younger and today as a parent. 

    Viola Davis has done it again with this amazing performance, she just keeps getting better and better and I've never seen Maggie Gyllenhaal play such an amazing and strong character. I highly recommend this movie if you're looking for some motivation. This just shows you that if you put your heart and soul into a cause you truly believe in, positive results will be waiting for you, just keep fighting!


    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Won't Back Down on blu-ray at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. 

    30 Nights of Paranormal Activity with the Devil Inside the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo DVD Review



    Scare yourself silly and scream with laughter at this hilarious spoof of Hollywood’s hottest horror movies. When a young family, who can’t seem to stop filming themselves, moves into a house that turns out to be haunted, they meet up with a host of creepy characters -- including a horny vampire-hunting president who wants to emancipate their dragon-tattooed daughter. With help from the hysterically high-energy “Ghost Brothers” the family sets out to solve the mystery of the haunted house.



    MY REVIEW
    When I got this movie to review, I honestly didn't have too many high hopes for it. I mean, it's been over ten years since the first Scary Movie parody came out and from then on after the first one I haven't been too impressed with any of them. I mean, there were a couple of funny parts that made me laugh, but for the most part I thought the story line and acting was a bit corny and that they were trying to hard to make fun of the movies that we love.  I guess I'm a bit too old for some of these parodies that they come out with now as I don't really have too much of an interest in them, but I'm sure those of a younger generation would probably find this movie entertaining. But judge for yourself, check out the trailer that I've included below and if that interests you the movie was released in stores, January 15, 2013 for purchase. 

      

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received 30 Nights of Paranormal Activity with the Devil Inside The Girl with The Dragon Tattoo on DVD at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. 

    Jerky, Gourmet Style with @KraveJerky (Review & Giveaway)




     Beef Jerky is one of the few snacks my husband loves. He loves to munch on it during a football game, while playing poker and while hanging out watching movies. If it's around, it won't be for long. He also wants to one day learn how to smoke his own jerky. This has been a plan of his for many, many years now. And I think after trying the jerky from Krave, it just made him want to make his own even sooner.

    So while I was excited about trying out the gourmet jerky from Krave Jerky, it's nothing compared to how excited my husband was when I told him that we were getting a few samples to try out. So this review comes from both of us, but mostly him.

    When we received the box of jerky we were thrilled and surprised to see how Krave has so many different unique and different flavors. We were sent five bags which included flavors like, Sweet Chipotle, Garlic Chili Pepper, Basil Citrus, Lemon Garlic and Chili Lime. The other flavors they have are Smoked Grilled Teriyaki and Curry.



    My husband's all time favorite of the jerky was the Chili Lime, which was a shock because I was so sure it would have been the Sweet Chipotle, but that was my favorite.

    We loved that the jerky was very moist, I don't think I've ever tasted jerky that was this moist and delicious. We devoured the jerky within a couple days. I loved how each bag had big pieces of jerky, enough to share with a group, which was awesome even if it was just the hubby and I eating it (LOL).  It wasn't tough at all and I absolutely love that Krave doesn't just use beef for their jerky  They have pork, turkey and beef which makes a huge difference and is one thing that stood out to me. That and the unique different flavors put them on my must have again list that I've been compiling. This is definitely jerky that I will have again and I know my husband will be talking about for a while.
    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received sample bags of jerky at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. Big thanks to Krave Jerky for the giveaway prize!

    Oakhouse Winter Lager by @RickardsBeer (Review & Giveaway



    My husband is the beer drinker out of the two of us. He prefers it more than hard liquor and absolutely loves it in the Summer. So when we had the opportunity to try Rickard's Oakhouse Winter Lager (available for a limited time) he was more excited than I was. In fact when we first received it I couldn't have one because my taste buds were off from the cold I had. I had the pleasure of watching him drink a couple and rub it in my face at how good it was.



    Fun fact about Rickard's is that they have the number one red, white and dark beer in Canada, how awesome is that?!

    When I finally got a chance to try one there were only two left, lol. So I happily sipped on it and really liked it. It's perfect on a snowy day cozied up by the fire. I loved how you could lightly taste the oak and vanilla in the lager and how it went down well, it wasn't over powerful in taste at all, that's one thing I dislike about certain beer/lager that I've tried in the past.  When there's too much going on in a drink you can't focus or appreciate what you're drinking. This was a perfect combination.

    My husband absolutely loved it. He actually went out after we were out and bought a couple and brought it to Christmas dinner at my in laws. We got nothing but compliments about the lager from the men at dinner. Definitely a cold drink worth having and trying this Winter.

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received a 6 pack of OakHouse Winter Lager at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to the PR company for providing the giveaway prize!

    Louder Than Words Book Review



    Title: Louder Than Words
    By: Laurie Plissner
    Publisher: Merit Press
    Publication Date: December 18, 2012
    ISBN: 9781440556654
    Pages: 272

    Since the snowy night when her family's car slammed into a tree, killing her parents and little sister, Sasha has been unable to speak except through a computer with a robotic voice. Nothing is wrong with her body; that's healed. But, after four years, Sasha's memory, and her spirit, are still broken. Then one day, she's silently cussing out the heavy book she dropped at the library when a gorgeous, dark-haired boy, the kind of boy who considers Sasha a freak or at least invisible, "answers" Sasha's hidden thoughts -- out loud. Yes, Ben can read minds; it's no big deal. He's part of a family with a host of unusual, almost-but-not-quite-supernatural talents. Through Ben's love, Sasha makes greater progress than she has with a host of therapists and a prominent psychiatrist. With him to defend her, bullies keep the world from ever understanding Sasha, he pulls away. Determined to win him and prove her courage by facing her past, Sasha confronts her past -- only to learn that her family's death was no accident and that a similar fate may wait for her, in the unlikeliest of disguises.


    MY REVIEW
    I have to say this book had me in tears. Sasha goes through a horrible experience similar to someone I know in real life went through about eight years ago and while reading this book I couldn't help think of the person I once knew. The beginning starts off with Sasha dreaming about the accident that took her family away from her. She's left with no voice and her only communication is through a voice box, which in my opinion she doesn't really accept, which I don't blame her.I have no idea what I would do or react if I lost my entire family. Thinking about it gives me the chills.

    The one person she connects with is Ben, a boy she meets  who can read her mind. I would be a little bit freaked out about this, but if I was in her shoes I guess I could see how knowing someone who can read your mind and you can't speak can attract you to him. I loved how even though he could read her mind he really wanted her to get help in actually grieving and accepting that her family's gone and I loved that she focused on herself and tries to accept her past. You don't get a lot of YA books that has the main character focused on themselves, but then again there aren't a lot of YA books out there like this.

    My only complaint is how they met or the circumstances on how they met. That should have went about a different way, other then that it was a really great book, I'm hoping a part two comes out some time soon!

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Louder Than Words at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. 

    #NoTradesies with Snack Pack Giveaway!


    When my daughter first started school I  was super excited. She would meet new friends, get out of the house and learn new things and one of my favorite things was preparing and making her lunch for school. I have to admit that now, four years into school, making lunches have been a drag. I not only have one lunch to make, but two. I know, some have more than two lunches to make and I shouldn't be complaining, but it's hard when you have picky eaters. Not so much my son then it is my daughter. Sometimes she comes home with her lunch either untouched or only one thing eaten from it.

    I've been trying to switch it up and have had help via Pinterest and other foodie blogs with wonderful lunch ideas and since going back to school from Christmas break most if not all of her lunch is gone. I have no complaints about my son, he eats everything (seriously, everything!).

    One thing I never have to worry about not being eaten or traded with friends with my kids are their Snack Pack puddings and jello. I love that this is a wonderful treat my kids can eat while being at school and that it's peanut free so it won't cause some other kid with an allergy to have an attack. These little desserts are perfect and just the right size too. Not too much, so the kids never waste them.



    There are so many things you can do with Snack Pack puddings, you can eat them just as they are, dip them in fruit, freeze them and make pudding pops and so much more. So I was more than thrilled to be a part of the Snack Pack No Tradesies Blog Tour. Along with sharing with you all the awesome tips Snack Pack has to offer I was sent a few things of Snack Pack pudding along with a lunch bag, a few sandwich shape cutters, a mini speaker (which my husband loves and says it goes pretty loud for being so small) and a few food containers that are leak proof, which I love.


    Tips for Creating a “No Tradesies” Lunch: 
    • Can’t get your kids to eat their fruit? Adding Snack Pack to the mix turns fruit into a tasty, dip-able adventure. Try the Caramel Apple, all it takes is some apple slices and a Toffee Caramel pudding
    • Sandwich Shape-up: Even a favourite sandwich can seem boring and routine when it shows up in the lunchbox day after day. Keep things interesting and kids engaged by breaking out the cookie cutters and cutting the sandwiches into fun shapes.
    • Kebab it up: skewering some bite-sized veggies on a kebab with a side of veggie dip is a different and fun way to make sure veggies are not coming home at the end of the day.
    • Utensils are key: let your kids pick out their utensils, napkins and lunchboxes. They definitely won’t be reaching for the aluminum, and giving them a say means they will take pride in their lunch pack. Have bright, colourful spoons on hand so kids can choose whether it’s a yellow, blue or orange kind of day!
    Be sure to check out Snack Pack on Facebook to get some new tips and the latest news on your favorite pudding! 

    Disclosure – I am participating in the Snack Pack “No Tradesies” blog tour by enCompass Media on behalf of Con Agra Foods. I received compensation as a thank you for participating and for sharing my honest opinion.



    Tempestuous Book Review & Giveaway



    Title: Tempestuous
    By: Kim Askew & Amy Helmes
    Publisher: Merit Press
    Publication Date: December 18, 2012
    ISBN: 9781440552649
    Pages:224

     Recently banished, unfairly, by the school’s popular crowd, former “it girl,” Miranda Prospero, finds herself in a brave new world: holding dominion amongst a rag-tag crew of geeks and misfits where she works at the Hot-Dog Kabob in the food court of her local mall. When the worst winter storm of the season causes mall workers and last-minute shoppers to be snowed-in for the night, Miranda seizes the opportunity to get revenge against the catty clique behind her social exile. With help from her delightfully dweeby coworker, Ariel, and a sullen loner named Caleb who works at the mall’s nearby gaming and magic shop, Miranda uses charm and trickery to set things to right during this spirited take on Shakespeare’s The Tempest.

    MY REVIEW
    If you couldn't tell by now I'm a huge YA fan when it comes to books. There's just something about the stories that just make me think about my teenage years. I got to read, Temmpestuous over the Holidays and I have to say I really enjoyed it. When I first started reading I have to admit it took me a bit to get into it. I guess that happens with most books. After the first chapter I couldn't put the book down. I thought it was a great start to the first book of the Twisted series. Huge Shakespeare fan over here. 

    I absolutely loved the chemistry between Miranda and Caleb. It's not every day you are literally handcuffed to someone and the relationship between them is a mix of being hilarious, uncomfortable and romantic all at the same time. I kept finding myself laughing out loud with some of Miranda's witty comments and that's when you know you're reading a great story. 

    Another thing I loved about this book was the setting, at the local mall. This definitely brought back memories of working at the mall when I was a teenager and the similarities of being stuck in an awkward position with ex friends and ex boyfriends. I could picture all the drama as it was unfolding. This is definitely a book that's worth reading. It's full of drama, romance and humor, which are all three things I love about YA stories. Both Kim and Amy did a fantastic job on this, I'm looking forward to reading the second installment, Exposure!

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Tempestuous at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. Big thanks to the PR company for the giveaway prize!

    @FreshStepLitter Extreme Odour Control Cat Litter Review




    I’m willing to give anything a try when it comes to my cat and his undesirable litter box odours. So, needless to say, I was pumped when I got Fresh Step Extreme Odour Control cat litter to review!

    When it comes to cat litter, unfortunately, I know through experience that they are not all the same! Fresh Step has stepped up above a few others that I will not go back to. There are a couple ingredients that help in making this cat litter different from a few others that I have tried. First is the activated carbon, which is a natural filter that can remove impurities like odour.

    The second is paw-activated fragrance, which is a mild fragrance that is only released with paw movement. Unfortunately, the fragrance is that which you would expect from any cat litter. But these two extras seem to be worth it when most only have the absorbent clay (which clumps with use) and anti-microbial ingredients that help stop the growth of bacteria. Both totally useful ingredients, and among those in Fresh Step as well, but make a difference when all combined to combat against odour. I found this to be a pretty decent product!

    Did you know, Cats who love their litter boxes are less likely to seek out inappropriate elimination spots in the house.  Here are a couple of tips courtesy of Fresh Step that can help your cat learn to love its litter:

    Cats prefer bigger bathrooms, so purchase the
    largest litter box you can find or consider using a
    large plastic storage container instead. Find a
    box that’s at least twice the length of your cat.

    If you started with a small litter box for your
    small kitten, make sure you upgrade to a larger
    litter box as your cat grows.

    Boxes should be easily accessible but not in heavily trafficked zones

    Special considerations should be taken into account for young, geriatric and
    infirm cats—these cats may need boxes in very accessible locations.

    Avoid placing litter boxes next to noisy appliances and/or turn off the buzzer
    functions on those appliances (e.g. washing machines, dryers).

    If there are multiple cats in the home, there should be multiple litter boxes in
    different locations throughout the house.

    Use litter with a good odour-controlling ingredient such as carbon. Fresh
    Step  litter products contain a patented carbon odour controlling
    technology that helps keep the litter box smelling fresh and clean.


    You can find Fresh Step located now in Canada at your local Walmart.

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned product at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. 

    The Deliciousness That Is @Onioncrunch Review & Giveaway



    I first had Onion Crunch last year when my husband brought home a huge container from one of his work trips. He kept on telling me I just had to try it and that he would  bet anything that I'd be a fan. He was right. As soon as I had some I became an instant fan trying these toppings on just about any type of food.

    When I got the opportunity to share with you lovely readers and help spread the word about Onion Crunch, I quickly hopped on it. I was sent two containers of onion crunch along with a few travel packets, which didn't last long in this house. The hubby took them to work the following day and put them in his break room to share with his co-workers.



    If you're not sure what Onion Crunch is, let me do the honor in telling you about these bad boys. They are crispy onion toppings that are made from fresh peeled, washed, cut and battered onions. If you thought grilled onions were good on food, these are going to make your day. They can be topped on just about all sorts of foods. I've had them on hamburgers, hot dogs, baked potatoes, salads and have even used them to make a green bean casserole, they're that good! I love the crunchiness and flavor it adds to your meal and that they're okay for us folks that are trying to loose weight. For just two tablespoons, if you're on weight watchers, onion crunch is just one point, that's fantastic, you can eat great while loosing weight, love it!  

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned products at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to the Company for providing the giveaway prize!

    #Disney's Frankenweenie Blu-ray DVD Review & Giveaway



     From Disney and creative genius Tim Burton (“Alice in Wonderland,” “The Nightmare Before Christmas”) comes the hilarious and offbeat “Frankenweenie,” a heartwarming tale about a boy and his dog. After unexpectedly losing his beloved dog Sparky, young Victor harnesses the power of science to bring his best friend back to life—with just a few minor adjustments. He tries to hide his home-sewn creation, but when Sparky gets out, Victor’s fellow students, teachers and the entire town learn that getting a new ‘leash on life’ can be monstrous.

    MY REVIEW
    We were pretty excited when we got the opportunity to watch, Frankenweenie. My daughter had already pretty much knew the entire movie because a couple of friends at school have been talking about it, but she was still excited to actually get to watch it. When we first sat down to watch it my son was the one who really paid attention to how the screen turned black and white. He got curious and it took him a bit to get the hang of the movie not being in color, but that quickly faded.

     During the entire movie I found my kids enjoying every scene, they only screamed out a couple of times once Sparky got in an accident and a second time towards the end of the movie when the town tried to revive him once again. I really enjoyed this film. You can definitely tell it's a film from Tim Burton, I think by know everyone can tell his work. I loved how the movie had similarities to the real story of Frankenstein and how the dog, Sparky, got his Bride of Frankenstein, that was pretty cute.  

    My kids really enjoyed this movie and after it was over, rushed over to our dog, Izzie, telling her they hope nothing like that ever happens to her. This movie definitely shows you how much pets mean to us and if we had the chance to get our pets back after they passed a way, it would be hard not to want to do it.

    Download Frankenweenie Movie Night Fun Pack Download Frankenweenie Science Activity Pack

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received Disney's Frankenweenie for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. Thanks to the PR company for the giveaway prize!

    Start Your New Year Healthy with @CheeChaPuff !





    So as the second week of the New Year comes to an end I have to ask you, how are you all doing on your New Year Resolutions? As for myself I'm doing pretty good. My goal, to loose 50 pounds. Yes, it's a high number, but I think I can do it. Plus it doesn't hurt that I have such positive people I'm surrounded around every day who believe that I can do this.

    I think one of my weaknesses is snacks at night. I've always been the type to sit down and watch television shows with my husband and munch on junk food. Why does junk food taste so good at night? It's been a bad habit of eating while watching shows since I can remember and so I know that it will take a while to break this habit.

    Over the holidays I was sent a box filled with different flavors of CheeCha Puffs. CheeCha Puffs are best described to me as healthy chip replacements. These treats are both delicious and healthy and has definitely been helping me these last couple of weeks instead of eating potato chips. If you've never heard or tried these before be sure to go to your local store to see if they carry them, they are delicious. The flavors I got to try were triple cheese, sweet cinnamon, sea salt and spiced pepper, sea salt and vinegar and delicious lime.

    What I loved most about the CheeCha Puffs were not only the unique and delicious flavors they came in, but also that anyone could eat these treats.  I've been sending them with my kids in their lunch for school because they are both peanut and gluten free, which is very impressive.

    I do have to say my favorite flavor out of all of them had to be the Sweet Cinnamon, these sweet puffs reminds me of the cinnamon twists that are at Taco Bell. I could eat them all day and let me tell you, that bag didn't last long in my home and I was okay and felt guilt free with eating the entire bag within a couple of days because these treats are only 92 calories for two cups and although the nutrition for each flavor is different most are only 2 points plus points if you're on weight watchers. Two points for two cups, that's awesome.

    What's even more awesome is that CheeCha Puffs will be giving away three cases, 12 bags in each case to three of you Just Us Girls readers!

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received a case of CheeCha Puffs at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to CheeCha Puffs for providing the giveaway prize!

    Littlest Pet Shop: Little Pets, Big Adventures DVD Review


    Join Blythe Baxter as she embarks on a brand-new adventure! When she and her dad move into an apartment above The Littlest Pet Shop, she learns she can actually communicate with the pets who hang out in the shop’s day camp! Can Blythe and her new friends keep the pet shop open for its eccentric owner, Mrs. Twombly? Find out with these exciting episodes of the popular new series The Littlest Pet Shop!

    MY REVIEW
    A couple of months back in November, we had the opportunity to review and have a Littlest Pet Shop viewing party of Blythe's Big Adventure. My daughter was already a fan of Littlest Pet Shop, but watching the show and seeing all the characters made her love it more. So when we had the opportunity to review Little Pets, Big Adventures I jumped at the opportunity. Not only was she going to be able to watch Blythe's Big Adventure again, but the DVD also came with three other episodes from the show along with bonus features that included coloring sheets. I can't tell you how much she enjoys coloring and how much I run out of ink, lol.  I think one of the things she loved most about this show is the main character, Blythe and all the singing and dancing going on. The songs are all so catchy. I've found myself singing the main theme song around the house, that's how much she's watched it over Christmas break, lol!  





    Have a little one who's a fan? You don't want to miss out on adding this to their movie collection. Littlest Pet Shop: Little Pets, Big Adventures is available, January 15th, 2013, one week from today. Don't want to wait? You can pre-order your copy of this funfilled adventure now on Amazon! 

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the Littlest Pet Shop: Little Pets, Big Adventures DVD at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.

    My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic Adventures in the Crystal Empire DVD Review & Giveaway



    In Adventures in the Crystal Empire, a magical empire has suddenly appeared in the arctic north of Equestria, and PRINCESS CELESTIA needs TWILIGHT SPARKLE and her friends to find a way to protect it. While her friends try to keep the Crystal Ponies occupied at the Crystal Faire, TWILIGHT SPARKLE searches for the hidden Crystal Heart that is the key to keeping their empire safe from harm!

    My Little Pony: Friendship Is Magic – Adventures in the Crystal Empire is priced at $14.97 and is now available for purchase!


     MY REVIEW
    By now you all know that I have a huge fan in our household when it comes to My Little Pony. This has been going on for years and now that we get lots of opportunities to review the Friendship Is Magic series on DVD, my daughter has become an even bigger fan. Adventure in the Crystal Empire had to be one of her favorites so far. 
    Not only is this DVD filled with an hour episode, but it's also filled with adventure  lessons to be learned and best of all, friendship. All things I absolutely love about the My Little Pony television series. Not only was she able to watch the Adventure in the Crystal Empire episode, but there were also two other extra episodes she enjoyed along with the bonus of coloring sheets and sing-a-long on the DVD, which she loves. I'd definitely recommend this DVD to any parent who has a little girl, if they've never watched My Little Pony before they will certainly end up a fan by the end of it. 

    Thanks to The Shout Factory you can download and print this free coloring sheet for your little girl to enjoy!



    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the My Little Pony Adventure in the Crystal Empire DVD at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received. A big thank you to the PR company for providing the giveaway prize!

    @LAQAandCO Nail Polish Review



     Just in time for the holidays, I received two LAQA & CO. nail polishes to review! Perfect, since this is the time that I actually try to put an effort into the appearance of my nails (it’s all about the details, after all!).

    I was given two colors to try out, Greedy Guts (a festive red) and Chubs (which is a sparkly, light, very light gold). And how can you possibly go wrong with red and gold during the holidays, right? You can’t! Well, if you have my polish application skills, maybe you can go wrong, but the effort was there and so were the overall feelings of the holidays through the colors.



    The shape of the nail polish bottles was perfect for me! I usually do my nails sitting on my couch, with the bottle resting between my knees (I know, I’m begging for a beautiful mess!). The long, rectangular shape to the bottle made this a breeze for me! The longer stick to the application brush caused less control than I like, but I got the hang of it after a couple nails. The nail polish lasted about as long as any other decent name brand (with use of a top coat). The packaging makes you want to return the nail polish back to its original box that it came in. Each nail polish box is embellished with original art from various artists. Definitely trendy, cute and enables my urge to keep things that might (just might) be unnecessary, and a contribution to my “pack-rat” status.



    In addition to the lovely LAQA & Co. nail polishes, I also received their brand of nail polish remover pads. This was great! The ingredients used weren’t the usual stinky, dry out your nails and the skin around them, alcohol base. They seemed to be more of a nourishing oil type of remover. I picked out one pad to remove my polish, and as I was working on my first nail, the pad split into two…I just went with it, put back the second pad, and continued with the one very thin pad. I removed the polish from all of my fingers with this one, tiny pad! Awesome! I will definitely want these again when I run out, which, I have a feeling won’t be for a very long time! The only down side is that I had to wipe off my fingers with a dry tissue after I was done to remove the oily film that was left behind. I loved my experience with this product!

    Disclosure: All opinions are my own. I received the above mentioned products at no cost for the purpose of this review. No other compensation was received.