reviews

i survived the 30 day shred

I recently decided to whip my butt into shape. And to ignore the warnings, war stories and rants about Jillian posted all. over. the. blogosphere.
Surely, I wouldn't find this overly difficult.
Surely, an exercise video can't be that bad.
Surely, they are all exaggerating.

I assure you. They were not.

First off, kudos to Jillian for doing a 20-minute workout video that is really, actually only 20 minutes. (I'm still bitter about that one '8 Minute Ab' thingy that was actually 34 minutes long. WHATEVER!)  I love how simple this workout is. Jumping jacks, jump rope, lunges, squats. Simple, effective exercises that WORK. I really enjoyed the circuit training: 3 minutes of strength, 2 minutes of cardio and 1 minute of abs. Kept me moving, not boring.

This video kicked my butt.
Day One: I was sweating, out-of-breath, but I did it.
Day Two: Hardest. Workout. Of. My. Life.
Day Three: Ditto.
Day Four: Slightly not so terrible.
Day Five: I can do this.
Day Eight: I did it! The whole workout, no cheating, the WHOLE thing!!

I was amazed how much my stamina and endurance drastically improved over just a week. I got super toned doing this workout. People who didn't know I was doing this 30-Day challenge were out-of-the-blue complimenting me on my arms! Seriously! I actually was seeing such crazy toning that I stepped back my workout to three days a week. I want to be toned, not ripped.

Be warned: this workout is NOT for the faint of heart. It is HARD. You will sweat. You will be sore. You will be be exhausted.

But you WILL see results. And quick.

products i am loving this week

diva skinny jeans from Old Navy: It actually happened. I found skinny jeans that look great on me. Run. RUN to the store and try them on. Even if you have been badly burned in the past by skinny jeans, give these a try!!

Vera Bradley File Folders - How adorable are these? These would be so fun to pretty up your desk or would make a fabulous gift for a teacher or a new college student! No plain, ugly ivory folders here, thankyouverymuch!

a new, easy way to save on groceries! **GIVEAWAY!**

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO Janet F! Enjoy your savings!!***

Everyone's trying to save money these days. Does anyone else  diligently clip coupons only to realize in the store that you forgot them at home? Its not just me, right?

I was recently found out that A&P and a new company called Zavers are introducing the Red Tag Online Savings Program, which allows customers to save time, money and paper through coupons that load to their existing store loyalty cards.

Here’s how it works:
1. Register: Customers go online and register their shopper card at www.apfreshonline.com, www.waldbaums.com, www.thefoodemporium.com or www.superfreshfood.com.
2. Save: Click on the coupons you want to ‘save’ to your online account
3. Shop: In the store, shoppers buy their favorite products, swipe their loyalty shopper card, and the savings are automatically deducted at the cash register. 

What I say about it:

Signing up was a piece of cake. I went to the store's website, opened an account with my savings card and was ready to go! The site is very user-friendly and easy to understand. Options are sorted by category (dairy, frozen) and by company (Breyers, Quaker). You just click on the coupons you want and they are added to your card. It took me less than 5 minutes from start to finish - including signing up!

There are lots of extra features as well - like shopping lists for the ultra organized and the option to access your coupons on your mobile phone.

There are not a ton of coupons, but as the program grows that will surely change. Most of the brands featured were the brands that I normally use. There were coupons for my favorite baby wipes, shampoo, soap, granola bars, tampons, etc. So - for me - the limited number of coupons was not an issue. And the coupons were great - not just 25 or 35 cents off. Many were $1 off coupons! Those add up really quickly!! 

At the store, I did my regular shopping, buying what I needed that week, and handed the cashier my card.  And I saved over $3! No clipping, no sorting. No trying to look through coupons at the store while my kids whine, fuss and try to destroy things I mean, wait patiently. Or realizing I forgot the coupons file at home.

My only complaints is that its hard to remember what the coupons are for. (Do I have to buy 2 boxes to get the $1 off?) But that can be solved by either noting that info on your shopping list or using the mobile feature Red Tag offers.

This is a fantastic program. I dearly hope that more grocery stores will be adding this to their websites in the future. It is so much quicker and easier than traditional coupon clipping. And much more environmentally friendly. If you're looking for a way to cut your grocery bill (who isn't?) check and see if your store offers a program like this.

One lucky readers will win a $25 gift cards to A&P, The Food Emporium, Super Fresh and Waldbaum’s stores!!  Here's the rules:

1. Contest ends Friday, August 28.
2. Entry #1: Leave a comment just saying you want to win.
3. Entry #2: Leave a SEPARATE comment telling me your best tip for saving money on groceries.
4. Entry #3:  Leave another comment telling me in what way you promoted this contest (i.e., posting about it on your blog, Tweeting about it, emailing  friends, and/or subscribe to my feed by email or in a reader).
5. Winner will be selected by Random.org, announced back here on this post, and notified via email with further instructions.

GOOD LUCK!!

products i am loving this week

I recently upgraded my mismatched, cracked set of bowls for these gorgeous, sleek bowls from Bed Bath and Beyond's Everyday White collection. These bowls are the perfect size, light but solid and great for everyday use! And for only $4/each, you won't freak out when you break one. (Not that I break dishes all the time. Ahem.)

Ann Taylor Loft fall line: The Ruffles. The Layers. The Colors. The Accessories!
I just adore this and this. And THIS!
And must save up to buy this.
(And - don't tell anyone - but I confess to buying this at full price. Me! Bought something at full price! I couldn't resist!!)

Mint Mocha Chip Light Frappuchino. 'Nuff said.

clorox 2 - worth every penny! **GIVEAWAY**

COMMENTS ARE NOW CLOSED. CONGRATULATIONS TO LAURA & KELLYN!

My clothes rarely go out out of style. Or wear out.

Because I stain them. Or rip them. Or something.

Now I have three small kids, so its usually not my fault. Okay, maybe 50% of the time it is. But being a mom brings those unspeakable joys, such as being a human tissue. And having your clothes soiled with God Only Knows What. Let us not even mention the children's clothes.

I've been a devout Clorox user for years. We have only white sheets and towels in our house and there is nothing like Clorox to get them super bright. But I just recently tried Clorox 2 after the generous people at Clorox sent me a free supply after my "Recessionista" chat with Sam Sabora.

What they say about it:

• its specially formulated to lift stains and contains brighteners to give colors a boost.
• it is better at removing tough stains vs. the leading detergent alone
• Clorox 2® Free Stain Fighter & Color Booster, which  is free of perfumes and dyes.

What I say about it:

I'm hooked.

All of the clothes I've bought recently are still looking brand new. I even split oily salad dressing on one shirt - and it came out!!! I KNOW! My denim capris that I have worn almost every day all summer haven't faded a smidge, since I've been following Sam's advice about washing inside out in cold water with Clorox 2!

Even with trying to cut back and trim my Target bill, I will not be cutting out my Clorox 2. Having to throw out clothes that are stained or faded is no way to save money. It costs only pennies to add Clorox 2 to your laundry routine. And you will see a difference... I did!

Two lucky readers will win a coupon for FREE Clorox 2!!  Just leave a comment below and I will randomly draw two winners on Friday, August 21.  US residents only.

Good luck!!

products i am loving this week

Trader Joes Organic Alphabet Pasta - We saw this while walking around Trader Joe's and my kids begged me to buy some. And now, the kids are totally in love with this. And so am I - its organic, has fiber and protein and the kids think its super fun. We had it with my favorite tomato sauce, but I'm planning on some yummy soups this winter!

Kashi Dark Chocolate Coconut Fruit & Grain bars - I bought these on a whim when I saw them on sale at Target. They. Are. DIVINE. The first ingredient is whole grains. Secone ingredient? Dates. Third? Dark chocolate. YUM. I love chocolate and coconut, so I'm biased!! They have great texture, too. Not that "tastes like cardboard" texture you get with lots of other healthy granola bars! Plus, they have 4 grams of protein, 4 grams of fiber and only 120 calories. And that means zero guilt!!

How adorable are these lunch boxes I got for the girls at Target? Only $7.99! They were so excited and Ellie is now looking forward even more to eating lunch in the cafeteria now that she's in first grade!

nippies: a summer essential for haute moms!

I was recently contacted by the nice people at Bristols 6. They read my post on girlymama about my unfortunate wardrobe malfunction at the pool involving a slippery, squirmy baby and a bikini top.
Ahem.
After giggling hysterically and blushing slightly about the fact that THIS story - my most embarrassing moment - had brought my blog to someone's attention... I agreed to give them a try. I was headed off to a beach vacation with three small kids - one of whom is terrified of waves - so I was fairly confident that some extra coverage would be a smart idea.
 
What they say:

• These high-quality 'cover-ups' shape curves and shields from overexposure and 'chilly' waters, giving stylish moms the confidence to wear a bathing suit without worry!
• Nippies Natural is the first adhesive silicone nipple cover that is thin and matte, making it undetectable under clothing and swimsuits.
• Nippies Natural adhesive and non-adhesive versions are washable/waterproof/reusable, making it a budget-friendly find that you can wear during the day at the pool or out to dinner with your hubby.
• Nippies come in different sizes to insure a comfortable and complete fit.
• Nippies are made from real lingerie fabrics in designer-inspired prints and sparkling sequins.
• Nippies are soft, stretchy and slightly supportive coverage in over 40 styles that coordinate with any bathing suit or outfit!

What I say:

I was a little disappointed when my package arrived. The Nippies Natural sounded so cool, but I received the silver sequined star and a red glittery heart version. My goal is to attract LESS attention when my kid treats me to a wardrobe malfunction. It may be MORE noticeable if my b00b was sparkly and sequined. 
But I'm still game. I'll try the fancy version, even if I felt a little silly with sparkly unmentionables.
Application was a snap. The instructions are very clear and easy to follow. (Be SURE to follow the instructions. There are pads included to prevent the sticky part from touching overly sensitive areas!)  At first they felt strange, but after less then 5 minutes I could not even tell I was wearing them. I wore them all day - about 8 hours - and hardly noticed them. Taking them off was far less painful than taking off a band-aid.
I wore them swimming and then came the best part: I was able to wear myfavorite sundress with the deep v-neck and spaghetti straps that it is virtually impossible to wear a bra with. I immediately fell in love and started dreaming about all the other uses for these. Like when wearing those tank tops with the built-in bras. And that strapless silk dress I always end up yanking on all night to keep my bra from showing. And that bathing suit that isn't quite padded enough.
And, honestly, after that beach vacatioh between the kids and the waves, both me and my three sisters all had times when extra coverage would have been a very good thing ;-)
I always thought of these things as something celebrities used - certainly not for me. But those nude colored, reusable "Nippies Natural" seem like something every woman should have in her arsenal. (Reusable is key to me -  I don't need another thing to have to remember to buy!) And at only $24, they are way less than the cost of a good bra, so I think they would be well worth it! I'm positive I would get my money's worth!

Check out their website. They also have this Hem Tape for Denim  - so you can fix your favorite jeans to wear with heels or flats! What a great idea! 

atlantic city food & wine festival

After winning tickets on Reviewsings, I went to the Atlantic City Food & Wine Festival Grand Market Event (or, more aptly named, Wine & Food Festival) held in the gorgeous ballroom at Bally’s Casino in Atlantic City. My husband and three siblings tagged along, being very fond of food and wine themselves.

When we first walked in, I was a little skeptical. I saw a barbeque sauce display, a few product displays and single wine display. Where’s the food? Is this a boring trade show or something? This cost $30?!? Where's the food?

Then we found the food. Oh. My. Word. Did we find the food.

The restaurant sampling was phenomenal! We waited in a huge line to sample four of Atlantic City’s finest restaurants’ signature dishes. So worth the wait. Not to mention the Melting Pot’s chocolate fondue. And the Philly cheesesteaks. And the tons of chocolates & desserts. And the gourmet sauces, beer tasting and even the gourmet popcorn. There was so much to see and try. At first, I admit to being offended that it was $30 a ticket. But, believe me, you WILL get your money's worth!! The vendors were very generous with samples and there was tons to eat and drink.

There were lots of huge, recognizable names there that I won't bore you with. And there was just too much to share everything, but here are some of the tiny little jewels that we discovered:
FunniBonz Barbeque Sauce: This little family business is located in New Jersey. Can good barbeque come from Jersey? Oh, yes it can. All 5 of us agreed that it was one of the best sauces we ever tasted. The original was terrific, but the spicy version got all of our attentions. It starts sweet, sneaks up on you with a bit of spice, then turns sweet again. I don't know how they did it, but it was amazing. They also have "all natural" versions made with no high fructose corn syrup. YUM!

Lancaster Brewing Company: Wewere on our way out when we passed this little booth and the boys wanted to try some beers. I was intrigued by a "Strawberry Wheat" beer. Strawberry beer? Really? Oh my, was it fantastic. My favorite kind of beer - nice and light, not too strong. My husband tried the Milk Stout, which was a dark ale with hints of chocolate and coffee. I passed on that one, not liking dark beer, but he claimed it was wonderful and reminded him of Ginesess. The next time we buy beer - which will be soon since we're almost out - we're buying this one!

After trying lots and lots (and lots) of different wines, two wine makers rose to the top:

JAQK: I tried several varieties of their wine and my favorite was the “Soldiers of Fortune” shiraz, which was just perfect. I also tried the “Her Majesty” chardonnay, “Charmed” sauvignon blanc and the “22 Black” cabernet sauvignon. All of them were fantastic, but the shiraz was by far my favorite. My siblings all loved this wine as well – not necessarily because of taste. But because they have the coolest wine bottles we’ve ever seen. They are all card themed and super cool. We were all extremely disappointed that they were not available in PA yet.

Unionville Vineyards: I was over tasting varieties of fudge doing  very important research when my siblings literally dragged me over to this display. They all claimed they were drinking the best wine in the whole world. I rolled my eyes and held out my glass to give it a try The Juggler.  This was – seriously – the best wine I’ve ever tasted. It is a mix of riesling, chardonnay, and something else, I think. (Notice the accuracy when I'm reporting on wine tasting.) Even my future brother-in-law, who doesn’t like wine at all, thought it was amazing and asked me to drive to New Jersey and buy enough to serve at their wedding. Light, refreshing and just yummy. We tried several other varieties - the chardonnay was also fantastic - but all of us agreed that The Juggler was our hands-down fav. And at around $20 a bottle, its totally affordable! Unfortunately, it is only available at stores in New Jersey right now, including Wegmans, but I dearly hope it will be in PA soon!! It would be worth the drive to Jersey to pick up a case of these wines.

Unfortunately, we didn't get to see any of the celebrity chefs because we didn't get to AC until late Sunday afternoon. But next time this event roars through my city, I'l br bringing my kids as well. My daughter's favorite channel is Food Network and she would have LOVED the live cooking demonstrations. (I don't remember what they were cooking. I was too occupied drooling over the appliances.) If your kids are really in to stuff like that, bring them along. (But it made a super fun date-night as well, so maybe you shouldn't!)

It is taking place again next summer, July 29-August 1, 2010! Save the date!

blog it forward to fight hunger

When we look around the world, we are constantly reminded of how lucky we are. No one can argue that we have incredible abundance here in America. It is shocking that, even here, people are going to bed hungry.

In fact, more than 36 million Americans go to bed hungry every night – 12 million of them are children. That is 11% of US households. When I look around my comfortable little suburb of Philadelphia, its hard to imagine. Surely, this isn’t happening not in my neighborhood. I will never forget last year when I saw the guy who bags my groceries waiting in line at a food pantry. I was floored. Floored. This man who I saw every week, who always had a smile for me and my kids, who always offered to help me to my car, needed help. You never know who is in need, who is going to bed hungry.

And, according to Feeding America, nearly 18 million children received free or reduced lunch. How are these children being fed during summer vacation? The holidays aren’t the only time to remember the hungry. Food banks need our support in the summer too! A $1 donation can purchase 10 pounds of food from a food bank.

This month, I’m joining 100 local bloggers and ShopRite Partners In Caring to raise awareness and help fight hunger in our area. ShopRite partners in Caring supports local emergency food pantries, soup kitchens, homeless shelters, child care centers, battered women’s shelters, senior programs, drug rehab centers, programs for the mentally and physically disabled, after school programs and other organizations that support those in need in ShopRite communities. Every time a customer purchases products with the ShopRite Partners In Caring shelf tag, they support the brands that support the fight against hunger. At ShopRite, customers are not just filling a grocery bag; they are helping to fill empty bowls for thousands of hungry families in your community.

General Mills and ShopRite will donate one box of cereal to a food bank in ShopRite’s trading area for the first 30 people who comment on this post! Leave a comment here and help fight hunger.