Rave and Review

Zapi Toothbrush Sanitizer {Review & Giveaway}

I'm a bit of a germaphobe and, unfortunately for my husband, I have read all the stats about household cleanliness too many times to count.  As a result of this research, I've used UV light to sanitize around my house for years now, first in my water, then in my vacuum, and most recently in a hard surfaces sanitizing wand.  But, even though that might sound like I’d be covered, there was one place that I still really wanted to use UV light to sanitize daily, and that was my electric toothbrush head.  So, when Violight emailed and asked if I wanted to review their Zapi Toothbrush Sanitizer, of course I said yes.

The Zapi is a simple, egg-shaped pod that is roughly the size of a small orange and has an opening at the top for your toothbrush {manual or electric heads}.  Inside the Zapi is a small UV light and a small holder that the head of your toothbrush snaps into to position it in front of the UV light.  There is one single button on the outside of the Zapi, which makes it easy to operate even one handed, in the middle of the night, and sleep deprived.  You simply insert your toothbrush, head first, in the Zapi after brushing and press the button.  The Zapi goes to work, turning off automatically and then is stored there safely until you need it again - it really couldn't be easier!

If you haven’t used UV light before, here’s what you need to know: the Zapi uses germicidal ultraviolet light to kill 99.9% of germs on your toothbrush in just minutes.  No sprays, no chemicals, and no harm to your toothbrush head, just a clean toothbrush every time you brush!  In addition to being safe and effective, the Zapi is also cute, customizable, and fun.  It comes in numerous colors so you can distinguish your brush and because it has a rounded base, it means the Zapi rocks back and forth on your countertop, something kids just love.

As if that’s not cool enough, all of the Zapi sanitizers come with a bonus free toothbrush!  You can use the one that comes with it, or simply insert your favorite toothbrush or electric toothbrush head and let it clean and store your toothbrush every day. 

Find out more about the PTPA Winning Zapi Toothbrush Sanitizer from Violight here: http://violight.com/

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a PTPA Winning Zapi Toothbrush Sanitizer of their very own! 

To Enter:  Tell me a fact you learned at Violight.com

And, as always, there are extra entries available:

1) Like PTPA on Facebook and Violight on Facebook - it's a great way to keep up to date on all the products needing testing and all the great things going on at Violight!

2) Enter again on the PTPA Blog for even more chances to win! {comment below letting me know you entered on their site as well}

3) Tweet about this Giveaway using the following after following us all {daily Tweet, just post link here}

Keep your toothbrush clean and sanitized with #ptpawinner @violight via @raveandreview @PTPA #ravereview #giveaway http://t.co/q0s6UfQ

4) Let me know you subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar {2 extra entries, must be verified to count - leave two comments}

5) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the Rave and Review homepage and to PTPAmedia.com (2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

6) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (must have an active link)

7) Comment love.  Leave a new comment on any non-giveaway post and/or any of my current giveaways!

8) NEW!  "Like" Rave and Review on Facebook! {3 extra entries}

Giveaway will close on September 5th at 11:59 pm.  Winner will be drawn via Random.org and announced on this post.  Giveaway is open to US and Canadian addresses.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to: #198

Rhonda said... I learned to flush the toilet with the seat down so germs don't fly all over my toothbrush!!!

A big thank you to Violight and PTPA for this review opportunity.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Take Spring Cleaning to the MAX with Dirt Devil

Here in the Northwest we got a bit of a late start on spring, but the upside of this is its meant we have been given more time to spring clean and get ready for the approaching warm weather.  Unlike most people, I look forward to Spring-cleaning each year.  It’s a sense of relief and excitement to purge the old {and thus, bring in the new!}.  This spring I was even more excited to clean now that I have the Dirt Devil Total Vision vacuum to help me!
 
There’s a good reason we’ve been raving about Dirt Devil twice this year – first with the review of the PressureFlex Pressure Washer, and now with the Total Vision Vacuum – because the Dirt Devil name is synonymous with clean.  From small stick and hand vacs all the way to their more powerful uprights and then to their line of outdoor cleaning tools, Dirt Devil has you covered for Spring-cleaning and all year round.  We got to try out the Dirt Devil Total Vision vacuum these past few weeks and couldn’t be happier with the quality of the product and its performance. 

With surprising suction power for such a sleek lightweight model, even my dogs’ hair was no match!  This must be the result of the Cyclonic-Filtration and 10 amps of power.  It beat out my previous vacuums power 2 times over and with half the weight and absolutely no maintenance parts to purchase in the future. 

The 5 position height settings allowed me to transition from my carpets, to area rugs and even to my hardwoods to catch anything the broom might have left behind.  Any non-flat surface is covered, too; there is a 120" long hose with 4 additional on-board attachments (wand, dusting brush, crevice tool and turbo tool). 

A deep clean at different heights and for different materials is essential in a vacuum for my household- and that is just what I got with the Dirt Devil Total Vision.  With little ones rolling around on my carpets playing, sleeping, and unfortunately, eating, having the peace of mind Dirt Devil offers is absolutely essential for me and my family.
 
My favorite features of the Total Vision were the rinse able HEPA filter and the bag less design.  I love not having to plan trips to replace any parts on my vacuum or buy special bags.  Instead I can simply empty the canister and rinse out the filter as needed!  And, a really cool feature I love is the built in performance monitor that tells me when this is needed, so I don’t even have to think about it!

The Dirt Devil Total Vision vacuum should really be everyone’s first buy for this spring.  Whether you are a single person living alone, a house filled with roommates or a family from 3 to 10, this vacuum will give you a deep clean at an extremely reasonable price… And best of all, once you have the machine you’ll need no other parts!
 
With the release of Dirt Devil’s Spring-cleaning tips, they’ve got some really great ideas to help you speed up your cleaning, inspire you to go green, and keep your family healthy year-round:

•    Out With The Old, In With The New – Spring is a great time to toss out old toiletries. Toothbrushes need replacing every three months and bath sponges and loofahs should be replaced every 30 days. Check your cabinets for expired medicines and restock as needed.
•    Bring The Spring Indoors – To help cut cleanup time as spring arrives, use placemats that can be wiped down instead of a cloth table covering that requires laundering. Also, if your kitchen table is clean, it will be less likely to be a landing pad for mail and other clutter. As a finishing touch, place a bowl of seasonal fruit or a vase of fresh flowers on the table.
•    Clean Top to Bottom – When cleaning, start from the highest point in a room and move down, so any dust stirred up can be vacuumed at the end. Vertical surfaces like walls can collect dust, too, especially if they’re textured.
•    De-Funk Your Fabrics – Use spring time as a reminder to wash mattress pads, pillow coverings and pillows from your bed and remember to flip and rotate your mattress. Take this time to vacuum the box spring with a new Total Vision™ by Dirt Devil® that has onboard tools and a hose for a quick convenient fix to household tasks.
•    Revamp Your Vac – Spring-cleaning is the perfect time to check belts and filters on your vacuum. This is the best way to insure efficient performance and machine life. It’s a good idea to always have a spare belt and filter on hand. Spring is also a good time to stock up on bags (if you have a bagged model)!
•    Take it Outside – Indoor surfaces aren’t the only ones that need to be refreshed. Before setting up your patio or deck for warmer weather, get it clean with the new PressureFlex™ 2-in-1 from Dirt Devil. It offers dual functionality so while one person is washing the car, mats, and wheelbase the other can be sucking up all the wet mess from the mats with the on-board wet/dry vac.
•    Wardrobe Update – Clean all winter outfits and place in airtight plastic containers to avoid mothballs. Do not hang sweaters or clothes on hangers for an extended period of time or they could lose shape. Store clothes in a clean, cool, dark and dry space.
•    Family Fun – Have everyone in your family clean out their closet and rooms, then host a family garage sale. Allow your kids to keep the money from their stuff to encourage them to get rid of clothes and toys they don’t use anymore.
•    Speedy Spring Cleaning – To avoid spending too much time cleaning on the weekends, make sure you are picking up messes on the fly. Check out the new Dirt Devil Power Air™ Cyclonic Stick Vac that is a sleek, lightweight, yet powerful cleaner perfect for quick pickups on hard floors.

Be sure to visit dirtdevil.com for more information and where to buy and connect with Dirt Devil on Facebook!  And, right now you can enter Red10FS at DirtDevil.com to get 10% off + Free Shipping!  Happy Spring Cleaning!

A big thank you to Dirt Devil for this review opportunity and for sending their Spring Cleaning Tips to share.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Folding Flexi Bath from Prince Lionheart: a Tub That Goes Anywhere! {Review & Giveaway}

Get Out and PLAY Event - Day 2

I used to think that bathing a baby was no big thing.  That was before I had a baby and realized how difficult it is to find a clean place to bathe them each day.  Really, nothing is worse than having a sticky or icky baby and feeling like you need to scrub the bath, the sink, shower or washbasin before you can even start the bathing process. 

Prince Lionheart knows that parents don’t need these extra steps and have made it possible to skip the scrubbing when bathing your babes.  By introducing the Flexi Beth, Prince Lionheart has given us the ultimate space saving solution to the baby bath and one of our new baby must-haves. 

The Flexi Bath arrives folded flat for shipping and for storage, but with just one simple motion it opens to become a large freestanding bath tub with semi-rigid sides and silicone water-tight joints.  Once opened, you simply ensure the drain plug is secure and you can fill with water, soap, and toys for your kiddo.  Then, when bathing is through and the tub is dry, you simply fold it up and snap it shut so it stays clean and ready for next time.   

Besides being great for those who don’t want to scrub and clean before they can clean their babies, the Flexi Bath is also ideal for those who don’t have a bathtub in their home or those that have a huge tub that takes your entire water tank capacity to fill.  You could easily put the Flexi Bath in a huge tub and only have to use the amount of water you actually need to bathe, or into a stand-alone shower or even on a bathroom floor and fill with water, making a bathtub virtually anywhere. 

We’ve talked about how useful the Flexi Bath is for at home, but one of my favorite uses is for a travel tub.  We often stay at hotels and relatives houses that don’t have bathtubs or at places where I would never, ever bathe my little one.  I’m particularly excited about taking the Flexi Bath to our annual lake vacation this summer with the whole family.  Not only will it be great for bathing, it will be perfect for taking outdoors for a wading pool for babes!

As if versatility at home and away wasn’t reason enough to purchase the Flexi Bath, I’m truly excited about all the ways I can use it long after the “baby stage”.  From sensory play, outside water fun, a party-sized ice bucket, a foldaway toy bin, a place to corral large beach toys, numerous different gardening uses, and even for a large tub for handwashing clothing or bleaching… and that’s just to name the uses I can think of off the top of my head! 

Flexi Bath by Prince Lionheart Features:
• Multi-Purpose
• Multi-Award Winner
•Easy to clean
•Lightweight
•Rigorously tested for durability
•Easily folds when not in use or for travel
•Features drain plug to easily dispose of dirty water
•BPA FREE and contains NO heavy metals, phthalates or other harmful materials
•Recommended for ages 0-4 years

Comes in 4 different colors: blue, green, pink and white

Buy It: You can purchase the Flexi Bath on the Prince Lionheart site.

Find out more at http://www.princelionheart.com/
 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win this awesome Flexi Bath!

To Enter: Sign Up for the Prince Lionheart Newsletter which is sent monthly (Bonus: Just by signing up for their newsletter you are also entered into the Prince Lionheart Monthly Giveaway!)

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Like Prince Lionheart on Facebook

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

Get Out and PLAY and then clean off with the Prince Lionheart Flexi Bath giveaway from @raveandreview http://bit.ly/gZR2tq!

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On May 9th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses.

This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to #223

Paula Hafner said...email subscriber #2

A big thank you to Prince Lionheart for providing us with a sample to facilitate this review and a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

Pine-Sol Supports Reading is Fundamental {Giveaway}

You may be asking yourself what on Earth Pine-Sol has to do with education, and the answer may surprise you.  A recent study found that children who perform better at school tend to identify their home as having a positive smell.  That may sound a bit strange at first, but I guess it does makes sense.

What do you think of when you picture a good smelling home?  Clean?  Homey?  Well cared for?  All of the above?  As someone who feels like scents can really change the way you view a room, I spend a lot of time making sure that my house is clean, and thus smells clean.  While there may be a trail of dolls, monkeys and fake foods that runs the entire length of my home on every single flat surface, those surfaces that they rest on are usually really clean.  

Of course, with two children under 3, keeping things clean is a labor of love, but it’s something that I firmly believe is best for the entire family.  Showing your kids that you care about the environment they are rolling, twirling and dancing in goes beyond the immediate clean gratification and, as the study shows, helps them even once they leave the house.  Knowing that home is where it all begins and that the environment that they grow up in will set them up for their future makes me all the more convinced that a deep clean is good for more than the house. 

The added bonus of having your house clean is that there is more time that can be spent as a family, reading, talking, and playing together instead of spending that time hunting for what you are looking for.  It’s a pretty simple concept, really, but one that is easy to forget when you’ve got a family of mess-makers.  But, teaching kids that it’s good to clean up as you go and to put things back where they belong is a skill that they will definitely thank you for later in life.    

Reading Is Fundamental, the largest family and children’s literacy nonprofit in the United States, understands that this family time spent reading with our kids is paramount.  This is why they have given away 16 million {yes, million} new books per year to children in need. 

Pine-Sol is a proud supporter of Reading Is Fundamental and has donated $40,000 this year alone.  So, in addition to helping keep our homes clean {and clean smelling} by introducing 2 new scents and improving upon 2 classic scents, Pine-Sol is now joining in the fight against illiteracy by giving back to this great organization.   

How you can get involved:  By simply “Liking” Pine-Sol on Facebook during National Reading Month (March 2011) – for every two “Likes” Pine-Sol will donate one book on your behalf, up to 5,000 books. Visit www.facebook.com/PineSol.

The Study:   A new Taste & Smell Research Foundation conducted study, commissioned by the maker Pine-Sol® cleaners, found that children who perform better at school almost always identify their homes with scents associated with clean. The study also showed a correlation between memory of positive scents and performance, demonstrating that it begins at an early age and is something that parents can impact.

• Children who perform better at school almost always identify their homes with scents associated with clean - 84% of students reporting GPAs of A or B had positive childhood home smells – using descriptors like “lemony, minty or clean”; with only 16% noting negative smells at home.
• Those who recalled their childhood home as being an environment with negative smells or aromas were two-times more likely to have a lower grade point average (GPA) than those that did not.
• The study demonstrated a positive connection between a well-cared home and the sort of stable family environment that promotes academic success, self-esteem, learning and harmony – and enhances achievement later in life.
• 34% of students with a GPA grade of C or less, remembered negative childhood home aromas including urine, fecal and mold – double the percentage of those with higher GPAs.

 
In honor of National Reading Month {March 2011}, one lucky Rave and Review reader will win 3 gorgeous hardbound books to add to {or start} their family's collection:

My People - illustrated by Charles R. Smith, Jr, The Dot - by Peter H. Reynolds, and The Lion & the Mouse - By Jerry Pinkney 

 
To Enter: Simply tell me what your favorite Pine-Sol product is

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Like Pine-Sol on Facebook to donate {how easy was that?}

3) Tweet about this Giveaway after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

"Like" Pine-Sol on Facebook to donate books to Reading is Fundamental @raveandreview click here to find out more http://bit.ly/ef95oG! 

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On April 29th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn via Random.org, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian Addresses.

Winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to the lucky winner: #104 Andrea said... I love Charlotte Sometimes

A big thank you to Pine-Sol who provided the information on Reading Is Fundamental.  This post was sponsored by Pine-Sol through a compensated Mom Bloggers Club member program. 

Safety Shield Mattress and Pillow Protectors {Review & Giveway}

Mattresses are a big investment, so it makes sense to spend a little money protecting them in order to extend their life.  If you know even a little bit about what your mattress goes through in its lifetime or how an unprotected mattress can harbor allergens, dust mites, and fluids, you will be racing to find a mattress protector that can ensure you get the maximum number of years out of your bed set. 

Having a really nice mattress protector really does make a huge difference in the life of a mattress.  The humidity and dampness caused by perspiration breaks down the foam and components of a traditional mattress, which causes it to sag and become uncomfortable before it should.  These fluids may also cause stains that void your mattress warranty, or worse, provide a breeding ground for bacteria and allergens.  Since an unprotected mattress will hold literally billions of dead skin cells and allergens as well as the bacteria from all these fluids, you could potentially be sleeping in all sorts of filth that can cause skin problems and more.

I recently was introduced to Safety Shield Mattress Protectors through Diamond Mattress, and really appreciated the quality of their protectors as well as the peace of mind that I have while using the Safety Shield brand.  Considering the cost of replacing your mattress more often than you need to, a Safety Shield Mattress Protector is really a wise investment.  Instead of replacing your mattress in order to ensure you are sleeping in a dry and allergy free-environment, you can simply toss your Safety Shield Mattress Protector into the washer and dryer with your sheets at each bed change!  

Mattress Protectors from Safety Shield offer an almost imperceptible barrier over your mattress but still provide heavy duty protection against just about anything you can spill, sweat or stain.  Once covered in sheets, the protectors don’t affect the feel of your mattress and it’s easy to forget they are in place.  Since they are so hard to detect, it seems almost impossible that the Safety Shield protectors are waterproof and breathable, but amazingly they are.

What most people don’t realize is that mattress protectors have come a long way since we were young and now they are able to offer total protection that doesn’t compromise a good night’s sleep.  Even with this high level of protection, these are not the old crinkly and crunchy mattress covers from our youth; these are the highest in quality bedding and are actually quite soft to the touch.  This makes it ideal for both the very young and the very old, as well as everyone in between that wants to prolong their mattress life. 

What makes them really cool is the new SafetyShield™ Membrane that allows the waterproof and absorbent protector to be breathable and prevent allergens at the same time.  The company believes in their product so much that they even offer a 10 Year Warranty that is guaranteed to provide you with the best quality mattress protection available.

Total protection for your entire bed and a 10 year warranty to back it up is only part of why I love Diamond Mattress and their line of mattress protectors.  Find out more at http://www.diamondmattress.com/ or at http://www.safetyshieldmattressprotector.com/

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a full bedding protection kit from Safety Shield that includes a mattress protector and two pillow protectors in your choice of size!

To Enter: Simply visit the Diamond Mattress site and tell me something you learned about their line of mattresses or the Safety Shield product line

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

Total bed protection with Saftey Shield - enter to win your choice of size from @raveandreview... enter to win at http://bit.ly/gOjirO!

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On April 19th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian Addresses.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to: 52 CherylS22 said... Entered the Green Giant giveaway

A big thank you to Diamond Mattress for providing us with a sample to facilitate this review as well as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

Dirt Devils are Red, Violets are Blue…

...if you're still looking for something for hubby, I think this will do!

What comes in a shiny red package that is all ready for the day of love?  Why Dirt Devil, naturally.  Since most of us are thinking practical this year, it makes sense to get your honey something that can be used all year long.  That something is the full line of cleaning tools from Dirt Devil that all have their signature red color, sleek design, and affordable price points. 

One thing that is top of my honey’s wishlist is the Dirt Devil Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer.  Since winter left Seattle damp and cold, there has been a huge amount of sludge that has accumulated since we rented a pressure washer last spring.  Determined to save money this year and keep up our home, we decided that instead of paying to rent, we would invest in the tools that allow us to better maintain our yard, patios and outdoor areas. 

Investing in a good power washer would allow us to keep up on cleaning on a regular basis and give us more freedom to get projects done on our schedule.  Now instead of having to pay a bunch of money to rent a pressure washer and spend a whole weekend cleaning hoping we don’t forget something, we can now quickly and easily pressure wash whenever we feel like it without it becoming a day-long project that can easily be ruined by rain.   This was something I was really excited about because our house and outdoor areas only need a deep clean once or twice a year, but it’s always nice to do maintenance cleans throughout the year to keep things looking tidy. 

But, like most homeowners, we don’t need a huge gas pressure washer taking up half of our garage, so we set our sights on a smaller and more economical electric pressure washer that was powerful but not industrial.  When I found out that Dirt Devil made a whole line of PressureFlex power washers that are perfect for residential use and backed by the Dirt Devil name, I knew it was the perfect solution for us. 

Featuring varying sprays, easy-to-use attachments, and an on-board detergent applicator, the 1600 PSI Pressure Washer from Dirt Devil lets you conquer even the toughest cleaning projects while still remaining completely portable.  Even though the Dirt Devil PressureFlex 1600 Pressure Washer is only slightly bigger than a hiking pack, it was more than powerful enough to clean the green buildup off our driveway and front porch.  And, since it is electric, it was much quieter than other units we have rented, but had all sorts of features that made it perfect for our applications.

With an adjustable nozzle to vary the flow and size of the spray, you can go from dried on gunk removal to light furniture cleaning easily.  From the siding and decorative rockery on our house to outdoor furniture and play things, the adjustable flow allowed us to tackle each job easily and left it looking brand new without peeling off paint or damaging softer woods and structures. 

Not only is a Dirt Devil Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer ideal for patios, porches and decks, it is also perfect for portable jobs where weight and size are issues.  Another thing I love is that the Dirt Devil Pressure Flex 1600 comes with a detergent tank that you can fill with your favorite cleanser and actually clean outdoor spaces and rugs thoroughly each season.  Why pay money for rentals or call the professionals when you can get a deep clean on your own and keep your house looking great year-round?  

Dirt Devil 1600 PSI Heavy-Duty Pressure Washer Product Features:
• 12-AMP motor
• 19' high pressure hose
• Adjustable stream-to-fan spray nozzle
• Aluminum pump with auto stop system
• Turbo spray nozzle
• Gun with safety catch
• Quick connect spray wand with trigger lock
• On-board accessory storage
• 30' power chord with GFCI protection

Even if power washers aren’t on your honey’s list, Dirt Devil has a full line of signature red appliances to make cleaning more enjoyable that are perfect for gifting this Valentine’s Day.  From uprights, hand vacs and stick vacuums to canister vacs and carpet shampooers, Dirt Devil offers professional level cleaning with great price points for any household.

You can now keep up with Dirt Devil on Facebook, follow them and interact with them today!

 

A huge thank you to Dirt Devil for sending a sample to review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review.

Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar (Review & Giveaway}

Cozy At Home Event: Day 33

When I first moved into my house I went absolutely crazy researching the best ways to clean my beloved granite, my beautiful wood floors, and everything in between.  An awful lot of searching led me to one thing, vinegar, which is something I had always regarded as an ingredient in cooking, not as a cleanser.  As much as I resisted thinking that I would need to completely air out my house afterwards to get rid of the smell, I finally got the nerve to try it out.

What I found was that vinegar not only cleans effectively and safely, it also doesn’t leave a rancid smell like I was expecting.  In fact, when I was finished, my kitchen actually looked and smelled… clean.  Even though I didn’t have kids or pets at the time, I still really appreciated the fact that cleaning with vinegar is also safe and non-toxic.  Though I initially had my reservations, up until last week, I continued to clean my home with a vinegar solution I mixed up from scratch each time I cleaned.

When I heard that Windex, a brand that I have loved for years and relied on to clean my abundance of mirrors and windows, had created a Multi-Surface Vinegar cleanser, I was overjoyed.  Even better was when a bottle arrived on my doorstep and I got to get busy deep cleaning my kitchen.

Windex® Multi-Surface Vinegar was also put to the test in my bathroom, since I had really been putting off deep cleaning because I hadn’t found a good time when both kids were asleep.  Just one wipe and I was incredibly impressed with the way that it cleaned without harsh chemicals. 

Equally impressive is that it is streak-free for windows and mirrors, which made short work of the huge mirror that covers almost an entire wall in our bathroom.  Even better was that the ammonia-free formula had no harsh vinegar smell, in fact it had a kind of pleasant smell that I now equate with the utmost in clean. 

Because it’s made by SC Johnson, you know you are getting the best in clean, but what really sold me is that it is not only effective, it’s also completely affordable.  From now on, instead of mixing my own vinegar solution, I will simply buy myself a spray bottle {or 8} of Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar and clean my house from top to bottom! 

Find out more at the Windex site: http://www.windex.com/products/multi-surface-vinegar/

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a prize pack from SC Johnson that includes a bottle of Windex Multi-Surface Vinegar, a 7" Aluratek digital photo frame, and a reusable shopping tote!

To Enter: Tell me what you would clean with your bottle of Windex Multi-Surface with Vinegar.

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this giveaway using @raveandreview and #giveaway and the link to this post (http://bit.ly/fWdBKh) after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

4) Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website  (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On December 19th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses only. 

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to: Jessie C. said... #30 blogged.http://tcarolinep.blogspot.com/2010/12/giveaway-rave-and-review.html

This post was written for Family Review Network & SC Johnson who provided the items for review and giveaway.  All opinions are 100% ous and I was not compensated in any way except for the complimentary product.

Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop {Review & Giveaway}

Cozy At Home Event: Day 25

After adopting my new pug dog, I instantly fell in love with his pigeon-toed strut and his snorting.  I even think it’s kind of cute how he eats his food like he’s bobbing for apples.  He is a lovable and energetic pup and I don’t know what I did without him.  I could, however, live without the constant clean up that comes along with owning a dog. 

I found myself dragging out the old, dirty mop and bucket more often than I liked what with all the spilled food, water dribbled along the linoleum, and especially when he smeared mud everywhere after those rainy walks.  There’s really nothing I hate more than dealing with filthy mop water and sponge mops, especially when you have to clean numerous times a day.  Once you factor in the cleanup of the mop after the floor is done, when your arms are tired from scrubbing and carrying water bins around, I felt like I was perpetually cleaning. 

I had heard of spray mops before, but from what I had seen in most stores and commercials, those were not the heavy-duty tools for my hefty messes.  I imagined them skimming over the surface of my floors giving them a quick wipe for those less picky housekeepers.  I don’t know about you, but if I’m going to tackle those muddy pug prints and slobbery puddles, I really expect the reward of a sparkling clean floor I can be proud of afterwards. 

But after trying out the Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop these past few weeks, I realized that it was, in fact, my sponge mop that was probably leaving more to be desired.  When I first opened the Spray Mop, I will admit that I was expecting something a little bit fancier, but after using it once I now admire the simplicity and precision of the light-weight design that can go anywhere. 

Setup was incredibly easy and it was so simple to attach the reusable mop pads to the Reveal Spray Mop head securely.  The pads have fibers that cling to the Reveal Spray Mop head at the slightest touch, much in the way extra durable Velcro clings to itself so the mop pad stays in place even when you’re scrubbing. 

I then filled the removable reservoir bottle with water to the labeled level line built into the bottle and added a bit of cleanser solution for the perfect mix.  No directions or calculations required, and no extra bowls or mixing containers.  I love that you can even buy extra reservoir bottles so you could have different solutions for each type of hard surface in your house.  Once full, the bottle snapped into the side of the light-weight handle and next thing I knew I was mopping. 

Since the reusable pads are made of a soft but clearly durable and highly absorbent material, the fibers can really clean into the cracks and dimples of the floor leaving it visibly clean with minimal effort.  This is due to the super fine filaments (1/100th the size of hair) that allows it to pick up more dirt, dust, and gunk per swipe than traditional mops.  In no time at all, I was done with the kitchen and even felt motivated to tackle the bathroom, too. 

When both were done, I tore off the Velcro pad and tossed it in the hamper to deal with on another day when I face my mountain of laundry.  I love that the pads are reusable and that there is no waste to throw away when I am done cleaning and that I don’t have to spend a fortune on disposable pads!

Considering my high standards for quality cleaning, I was surprised by how quickly I was able to finish my work and put the mop away.  I really can say that I don’t dread, or even put off, mopping anymore.  After using it a couple times I know I can expect the best on the first try.  No directions, no batteries, and best of all, no “post-mop” cleanup.  I love that my dog is a happy-go-lucky little creature, and now, if he doesn’t care if his feet are muddy, neither do I.

http://www.rubbermaid.com/

Now in Stores! Look for Rubbermaid Reveal products at your local Target, Home Depot, and select Walmart stores. Also available at: Sam’s Club, Harris Teeter, Shoprite, Mills and Blain, Haggen’s, Meijer, Price Chopper, Wegmans, Hannaford.

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Rubbermaid Reveal Spray Mop of their very own!

To Enter:  Visit Rubbermaid and then come back here and tell me what product of theirs you would love to have this holiday season.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Like Rubbermaid on Facebook and interact with them in some way (leave FB name in comment)

3) Follow or subscribe to the Rubbermaid Blog!

4) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and @rubbermaid with the link to this post (http://bit.ly/ceY6Dv) after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

5) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

6) Place my button or the Ultimate Gift Guide button in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries for each, must have an active link to R&R)

7) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

8) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

9) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On December 6th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US addresses only. 

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to: #232 Gina said... http://twitter.com/#!/TheCraveToSave/status/10654580035551232

A big thank you to Rubbermaid for providing us with the Reveal Spray Mop to review and one to giveaway to one lucky reader. All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

LG Kompressor LuV300B Vacuum Cleaner {Review & Giveaway}

Cozy At Home Event: Day 22

LG has completely changed my mind about what I should put up with while vacuuming by creating what is quite possibly the most technologically advanced vacuum ever, the LG Kompressor LuV300B.  This was evident at first glance with its high-tech good looks and its Riviera Blue finish and became ever more apparent as I discovered what all this amazing machine could do.  With lists of features that make you think that vacuuming honestly might be rocket science and all sorts of clever design elements that make the LG Kompressor beautiful as well as beautifully engineered, it’s really no wonder that we’ve all fallen hard for the LuV300B.  

So, what makes the LG Kompressor different than every other vacuum on the market?  I’m so glad you asked.  You might want to get pen and paper handy – you’re going to need it. 

Unique compression system allows you to pick up more, vacuum less:
LG’s patented Kompressor technology utilizes the world’s first motorized compression system, which works to compact the debris that has collected in the canister while you vacuum.  This allows you to vacuum up substantially more than a traditional vacuum cleaner as well as keep the debris better contained inside the canister for disposal.  

Since my living room rug is an incredibly thick wool that sheds like crazy, I find that I am constantly vacuuming it, and worse yet, having to empty the vacuum canister halfway through the job to keep it from overflowing.  Unfortunately, I love this rug and am willing to put up with a whole lot to keep it the place where my family gathers at the end of the day.  But, up until last month I didn’t think there was any way around this mid-vacuum break and considered it a labor of love for my beloved wool rug. 

But now that I’ve found the Kompressor, stopping mid vacuum to dump the collection canister is a thing of the past.  Even though the Kompressor vacuum picks up a surprisingly large amount of debris and wool fiber with each pass, the canister on the vacuum compresses it magically to the point that I can actually vacuum my whole house without having to dump the container – a feat that I never thought would be possible.   

DualForce Technology is an amazing thing:
Although I must admit that the motorized compression system is what originally sold me on the LG LuV300B, I came to love another feature just as much, if not more so as I used this vacuum around my house.  That feature is affectionately referred to as DualForce suction technology, which actually adds two additional air pathways to pick up dirt and debris from both sides of the vacuum head. 

The DualForce suction means that instead of merely picking up dirt from the center of the vacuum head as most units do, the LG Kompressor vacuums pick up dust and debris over a much greater surface area and from the sides of the powerhead simultaneously.  This allows you to cover your entire floor with less passes and to clean around the edges of the room effectively.

Certified awesomeness:
The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) recently certified the LG Kompressor LuV300B asthma and allergy friendly, which is only the second brand of vacuums ever to be awarded this distinction.  This is partly due to a permanent HEPA filter that captures 99.97 percent of allergens such as dust mites and pet dander.  This filter can be removed for you to rinse as needed and therefore doesn’t require replacement. 

The other part of this clean air commitment is the compression system that keeps all the dust, debris, and dirt you pick up contained and incredibly easy to dispose of without having to dig through the vacuum and canister to empty.  When you are ready to empty the canister, you do so simply with a press of a button and the debris drops from the bottom of the canister into the trash.

LG has other products that have been awarded the AAFA asthma and allergy friendly certification including 4 {beautiful} washing machines that are the only units to ever be awarded this coveted certification.  Since I’m absolutely crazy about cleanliness and am in dire need of a washing machine upgrade, I am incredibly excited to check these out and see what a difference certified clean can make!  

Ease of use:
All other upright vacuum companies could learn a thing or twelve from LG about the usefulness of onboard vacuuming tools. Their unique Click ‘N Go wand gives you all sorts of options for expanding your vacuuming potential on the fly.  With the simple push of a button, the magnetic hose, expandable wand and mini turbine unit comes out of the back of the Kompressor vacuum and gives you a small and portable powerhead to manuever into the tiniest of spaces as well as use as a wand, crevice tool and more.

Power controls on the handle make turning the unit on as well as switching between settings easy and simple while you go from room to room and even while using the wand attachments.  These RF (radio-frequency) controls allow you to turn the brush roll on and off and change the suction power all while vacuuming, making for smoother transitions from bare floors to carpet and from my beautiful wool rug to our durable wall to wall carpeting.  Since this handle is also the wand, it gives you the ability to change all of these settings as you clean, even if you are 15 feet away from the base of the vavcuum.   

While the Kompressor certainly isn’t a lightweight and actually is kind of bulky for a vacuum, its larger back wheels and its manueverability more than make up for its heft.  An incredible 40ft cord allows you to vacuum more without stopping and the Click ‘N Go wand and attachments add an additional 10 - 15 ft to your reach.  This allows me to easily do my whole main floor without having to stop and move electrical outlets as well as allowing me to reach the top of my stairs with the attachments. 

What does all this mean for you? 
Less time running the vacuum over the same areas to make sure you’ve gotten everything, dumping canisters, switching outlets, and messing with wands and attachments means less time is spent cleaning.  Even those of us who drool over the newest advances in vacuum technology don’t want to spend any more time than we absolutely must cleaning our homes, which is why the Kompressor gets a huge seal of approval from all of us here at Rave Central.  

Price: $399.00

http://www.lg.com/

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a LG Kompressor LuV300B Vacuum Cleaner of their very own!

To Enter: Simply visit LG and tell me another product of theirs you would love to own or a favorite product you already own.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview with the link to this post (http://bit.ly/d0YjnZ) after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (2 extra entries - just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

4) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website and/or the Cozy At Home Event Button (2 extra entries for each button, must have an active link to R&R)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo is in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On December 7th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered (1,683 entries) and congrats to: #17 andrea d said... i follow and i tweeted
http://twitter.com/drea8685/status/28689836474 drea8685 at yahoo dot com

A big thank you to LG for providing the sample for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Bounce Dryer Bar {Review & Giveaway}

Cozy At Home Event - Day 17

The day we got home from the hospital with our newborn baby boy we also got another sweet smelling package I had been waiting for, the Bounce Dryer Bar.  The Bounce Dryer Bar is a soap-looking bar that installs directly in your dryer using a super strong adhesive and allows you to go for months without the hassle of dryer sheets or liquid laundry softeners. 

We have a rather ancient washer and dryer that desperately needs replacing and I absolutely hate spending any extra time in my laundry room, so I was really excited to try a “set it and forget it” laundry product.  You simply peel, stick and go about laundry like normal – what could be easier? 

While it certainly is easy, there are some things to note about the Bounce Dryer Bar that might not appeal to everyone.  The first issue I have with the Bounce Dryer Bar is that you cannot remove it easily once it is in place, which means you can’t opt not to use it for some loads.  Households with members that have sensitive skin or those that do lots of towels, flame retardant articles, specialized sports clothing, or cloth diapers that cannot be laundered with fabric softeners would have to figure out a way to remove the bar or line dry those items.  

Since I really don’t dress up at all (hey, I’m a mom to a newborn and a toddler) and my husband’s uniform consists of a polo shirt and a pair of jeans, we don’t see much static cling in our laundry.  That being said, I can’t really speak to its static taming capabilities, but I did like how soft the laundry comes out with the Bounce Dryer Bar.  Since I have scent sensitivities, especially to clothing items, I really love that the scent of the clean laundry isn’t overwhelming.  In fact, in my opinion it could have used a bit more scent, but others may disagree.               

Once the Bounce Dryer Bar wears down and needs to be replaced (approximately 2 to 4 months, depending on usage), you simply buy a new insert and place it in the Bounce Dryer Bar holder.  I’ve only had the Bounce Dryer Bar for a few days now so I haven’t had to replace the bar or even seen any noticeable signs of use, which is actually quite surprising due to the fact that we’ve had quite a bit of laundry to catch up on as well as all the newborn laundry that just never ends.   

While I haven’t used the product for long, I am really happy with the results so far.  I need to figure out a good way to remove the insert for loads that cannot be dried with fabric softener products, but that’s really a minor inconvenience and one that hasn’t cropped up yet in our household use of the Dryer Bar.                 
 
The Bounce Dryer Bar retails for approximately $7.99 and comes in two scents "Outdoor Fresh" and "Fresh Linen"

http://www.bounceeverywhere.com/

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Bounce Dryer Bar of their very own!

To Enter: Simply comment below with how the Bounce Dryer Bar would help you streamline your laundry.

And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Like Bounce on Facebook to keep up with all their current promotions

3) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview with the link to this post (http://bit.ly/cq1qoC) after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website and/or the Cozy At Home Event Button (2 extra entries for each button, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On November 20th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses!

Winner, Winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to...

#24 Rebecca N. said...I voted for you on Top Baby Blogs - Rebecca Niehaus

A big thank you to Bounce and the Mom Bloggers Club for providing the sample for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.