Rave & Review

Memory making season is here – get ready with Best Buy

Five years and two kids ago, I took about half the photos I do now.  Granted, as someone with a photography degree under her belt I still took a ton of pictures, but there are really only so many photos you need of yourself and your husband or the sunset from your deck.  But, once I had kids it was if I was seeing the world all over again and there were a million reasons to bring out the camera each day.

Like this gem from Easter a million years 3 years ago.  I know everyone says it, but they just grow up so fast.

But, in addition to million reasons to pull out the camera, there were also a million reasons to get a new camera altogether.  Although I had awesome film SLR cameras and a so-so point and shoot, my kids also came along during the digital revolution when film processing labs were harder to find than swimsuits in December {Trust me, I know.  I’ve been the poor schlep looking for both…at the same time}.  Add in the fact that my cameras were awful in low light and flash and fast movement seemed to ruin all my pictures, and it won’t come as any surprise that the first thing I asked for was a new digital SLR to celebrate becoming a mom.

I know I’m not alone in this, because one of the first thing friends and family ask as soon as they become parents is for advice on getting a new camera.  So, what do I tell them?  I tell them not to risk all those precious firsts of a new baby, graduation memories, or that family vacation to a smartphone.  While incredibly convenient at times, they certainly aren’t the quality you can get from a dedicated camera and with memories that valuable you don’t want to compromise.

So, with Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, graduations and weddings on the horizon, now is the time to upgrade your camera and get one that is worthy of all those memories.  Thank goodness Best Buy is here to help.  With a low price guarantee and a huge selection of cameras you can try right in the store {that last one is important if you’re picky like I am}, you can make sure you’re getting your perfect camera at the perfect price and even get free shipping to your home.  From DSLR camera to point and shoots, camcorders, and cameras with zoom lenses, low light capabilities, and even wi-fi, there’s a camera for everyone.   

AND, to make their low price guarantee even better, they also have an amazing trade-in program that buys back old cameras and pays in gift cards just like their cell phone buy-back program I was raving about a few months ago.  So, collect all the cameras that you aren’t using or have outgrown and bring them in for instant store credit on the camera you really want.  Isn’t that awesome? 

Then, once you have your amazing camera and files and files of gorgeous pictures of the cutest kids/pets/husband/etc, you can spring for a digital photo frame from Best Buy that can display them all in one place for a whole lot cheaper than printing them all and framing them.  And, now you can get that frame at 25% off, which makes it even more economical in the long run, and something that would make a great present for mom {hint, hint}, dad, or the newest grad.

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free

Blue Nile Leaf Chandelier Earrings {Giveaway & Discount Code}

Oh, Mother’s Day, how I love you.  Not because I get presents {although I do love the things the kiddos pick out for me each year}, but because the stores I love have discounts for stuff I adore. 

For instance, Seattle's own Blue Nile jewelry.  Or rather, Blue Nile jewelry for 10% off using the coupon code MOMGIFT13.  You’re welcome for that.

It’s no secret that I have an immense love of jewelry.  I’ve been saving jewelry for my daughter since before she was even born and I was absolutely thrilled when I realized that I had passed this love of jewelry down to my daughter via genetics.  I was prepared to do subtle brain washing if need be and was happy to find it simply wasn’t necessary – my baby loves jewels. 

So, now that she’s older and can be trusted with nicer things, I’m dreaming of mother/daughter necklaces, rings and bracelets and I can’t help but get excited for all the fun with jewels in our future.  Maybe this is why I lost a few hours last week to BlueNile.com, searching out matching sets, ring guards {my anniversary is just around the corner}, and by shopping for my daughter’s newest obsession: earrings.

I should note that the kid doesn’t even have her ears pierced, she simply likes to pick out earrings for me to wear so she can admire them {cue the collective “awwww”}.  I knew right when I saw the Blue Nile Chandelier Leaf Earrings that they were going to be a big hit, and I was absolutely correct.

Her eyes lit up and she didn’t hesitate a moment before announcing that I needed them.  And, if you could have seen her face when the earrings arrived in their luxe blue box and I put them on the first time, you would have thought that it was her birthday, not just a random Saturday in May. 

Her excitement aside, the earrings are pretty amazing.  The earrings feature 7 leaf-like shapes out of sterling silver and are dainty and feminine but still fun and funky at the same time.  I personally love how lightweight they are, and the fact that they are designed to be flexible and move with you, which makes them catch light well and really sparkle, but without being blinding or too over-the-top. 

In fact, I wore them to two parties this weekend and both times got numerous compliments on them. The general consensus was that they were amazing and perfect for casual or fancy occasions, and everyone was shocked at the fact that they were not only gorgeous, but they were also reasonably priced, making it a Mother's Day present you could even pick up for yourself.  I mean, hey, you're worth it!

To buy: You can purchase the Blue Nile Sterling Silver Leaf Chandelier Earrings for $30 right now on sale, as well as using the 10% off code MOMGIFT13 for even more savings.

How would you like to win a pair of Blue Nile Leaf Chandelier Earrings for yourself?

To Enter: comment on this post with your favorite Mother's Day memory

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Post on your Facebook wall about this awesome Blue Nile 10% off coupon and giveaway {http://bit.ly/11dZEtH} with extra credit if you tag Rave & Review

1 Extra Entry {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, follow on Pinterest, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet

1 Extra Entry - Like @RaveAndReview and @BlueNileDiamond on Twitter

1 Extra Entry - Comment love on any post, just leave a comment here as well.

On May 20th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Open to all, 18+ 

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to : #67 Anne said... Taking my Mom out to lunch and taking her shopping - just the two of us!

Mother's Day Gift Idea - LG Optimus G Pro from AT&T {Giveaway}

Just like so one will forget when they first heard the term “smartphone”, no one will ever be able to forget the first time they heard the term “phablet” {you know, a phone and tablet in one}.  My first time was in reference to my NOKIA 920 Windows Phone from AT&T, which I was assured was a “phablet” based on size alone. 

Well, it turns out that my phone is not a phablet, but it is actually a real thing, and I think that’s really awesome.  I really love having a phone on the bigger side as I do a lot of picture viewing and video watching on my phone, so to me, bigger is better and I’d love to get a phablet some day.  I don’t want to carry around a full-size tablet with me each day in addition to my phone, so a phablet is a compromise that offers a bigger screen and all the bells a whistles of a tablet and only one gadget to pay for on your cell phone plan.  


Just in time for Mother’s Day, AT&T is set to release the new LG Optimus G Pro that would be the perfect phablet for mom.  Whether she’s the sentimental type who will swoon over the grandkids picture on the big screen, the adventurous type who will make good use of the dual recording feature, or the snap-happy traveler that needs a phone that takes stellar pictures, the LG Optimus G Pro is the perfect solution.

Seriously, just look at all these features:

- Powerful Qualcomm Snapdragon 1.7 GHz Quad-Core Processor with 2 GB RAM
- Expansive 5.5" 1080p Full HD IPS Screen (400 ppi resolution)
- Long-Lasting 3,140 mAh Battery
- Android 4.1.2 (Jelly Bean)
- Advanced 13 MP Full HD Camera with Dual Recording
- 2.1 MP Full HD Front-Facing Camera for Dual Recording and Video Conferencing
- Visually and Audibly Collaborate in Real Time with VuTalk
- QSlide 2.0 for Advanced and Convenient Multitasking
- Audio Zoom for amplifying sound while using Live Zooming
- QuickRemote for Universal Remote Control
- Pocketable Ergonomic Design with Narrow Bezel
- Internal Storage: 32 GB total, support for up to 64 GB of expandable memory
- Bluetooth® Version 4.0

About the AT&T network: The LG Optimus G Pro runs on AT&T 4G LTE, currently covers nearly 200 million people; with plans to expand to cover 300 million people by the end of 2014.  In a report by independent testing organization RootMetrics, AT&T's 4G LTE network was called “blazing fast."  The report found AT&T’s 4G LTE network delivered the fastest pure LTE speeds in markets where AT&T provided 4G LTE.


Although the Optimus G Pro from AT&T doesn’t come out until the 10th, you can pre-order the device beginning May 3 at www.att.com/optimusgpro for $199 {or, even cheaper if you have a new-ish phone you can trade in}.  And, to sweeten the deal even more, anyone who pre-orders will receive a free Quick Cover black folio case while supplies last.  How awesome is that? 

Be sure and make your mom a personalized e-card by clicking on the image below.  My daughter adores all the "it's not complicated" commericals with the kids, so I'm going to have her make me a card tonight {with a little help from daddy-o}.

And, want to make Mom extra super-duper happy this Mother’s Day?  Sign the pledge to not text and drive at #itcanwait.  Have you signed it?

How would you like to win a LG Optimus G Pro smartphone from AT&T? 

To Enter: comment on this post with why you {or your mom} would love this phone

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Post on your Facebook wall about this awesome #ATTseattle smartphone giveaway {bit.ly/ZDjB6N } with extra credit if you tag Rave & Review

1 Extra Entry {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, follow on Pinterest, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet using the #ATTseattle hashtag letting me know why you love the LG Optimus G Pro for yourself - or your mom

1 Extra Entry - Like @RaveAndReview and @ATT on Twitter

1 Extra Entry - Comment love on any post, just leave a comment here as well.

On May 12th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Open to US  only, 18+ 

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

80 JD Northwest said...Facebook posted and tagged. https://www.facebook.com/john.carroz/posts/10201142672679569

A big thank you to AT&T for providing a giveaway for readers.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours.

Our Week of Adventure {KIA Sportage Review}

by Tyler, editor and reviewer

After having so much fun trying out the KIA Optima last fall, we jumped at the chance to try out the KIA Sportage CUV {compact utility vehicle} earlier this month through STI - The Drive Experience Company.  Since we don’t have an SUV or CUV in our family, we were all very excited to try out something new and exciting and see what we’ve been missing out on.  And, as it turns out, what we’ve been missing is adventure. 

There’s something about a fancy new car that makes you look for reasons to drive, and we found plenty of places to drive our loaner Sportage.  From short road trips to all-day adventures, the KIA Sportage was the perfect solution for hauling all of us – and our gear – while still having enough pep to make driving fun. 

Since the Sportage is the smaller of the two SUVs that KIA offers {hence the CUV title}, we were originally concerned that space would be an issue with all our gear, carseats, and strollers we need to haul around.  But, we were very surprised of the roomy-ness of the interior, especially the back seat.  While the back storage wasn’t huge, it still fit everything that we normally have in our trunk and more, while still having the option of packing the back seat, if necessary. 

While I’m not anti-SUV by any means, I have been driving compact cars almost exclusively for 8 years now and I was initially worried that driving an SUV – even if it was on the smaller side – would be a tradeoff in terms of power and handling.  But, what I found was that although the Sportage has a raised drive height, it still has a very car-like handling that I love.

Something that really surprised me about the driving experience was how much you can fine tune the feel and performance of the Sportage.  By turning the Eco-Mode on or off and either using the automatic or manual settings on the transmission the Sportage really felt like different cars at different times, making it perfect for whatever terrain we were on.

Here’s what we learned from our week of adventure:

Daddy-O Likes

• Leg room – Being a tall guy, I dread having to sit in back seats, but the Sportage passes my personal “can I sit behind myself?” test with flying colors.  Which means not only am I comfortable in any seat, I don’t have to feel bad for anyone behind me, either.
• Room for both car seats – Not only do our two car seats fit in the back seat, but we could also drop down the center armrest between them which gave the kids access to the two cup holders within {a treat they both agree has become a necessity.}  
• The quick turbo engine – Our Sportage came with the 2.0 liter turbocharged engine which has 260HP and 269 ft. lbs. of torque.  Put the transmission into manual mode and this thing felt like a little race car, able to carve corners and merge onto the freeway with ease.  
• Eco-Mode – Switching to Eco-Mode garnered an indicated 4-5mpg gain during some of our longer freeway jaunts while at the same time making the Sportage feel like a comfy Sunday cruiser as it seemed to take the edge off of the throttle inputs.  This was the perfect attitude for cruising the back roads, enjoying the scenery while sipping fuel.
• Cooling seats – I have a tendency to hop in the car with my jacket still on while everyone else has only a T-shirt.  The option to pump cool air through my seat with the heat on for everyone else may be the single most meaningful advance in family harmony ever.  I can only imagine how great it feels once it really gets hot out.
• Steering wheel controls – The ability to control your phone, radio volume and station, and cruise control is very helpful when you jump into a new car.  And apparently something you get used to quickly, as I found myself searching for those same non-existent buttons in my own car a week later. 
• Super-bright lights – That pretty much sums it up, but for those of you looking for more description, we are talking about curb to curb daylight leading the way ahead of you all night long.  These things are awesome. 
• Back up camera – This is another feature that I could really get used to.  Since I prefer to back into parking spots whenever possible, it was nice knowing I wasn’t going to crash someone else’s car into someone else’s car {AKA the pinnacle of automotive embarrassment}.  This was especially handy when we stuffed the back luggage area to the roof, blocking out the rear window completely, and I still felt confident with just my side mirrors and the backup cam. 
• Smart lane change blinker – No driving like grandpa because your blinker automatically turns off after 3 blinks when changing lanes.  That’s right, simply tap the blinker lever gently, in either direction, and you get three blinks from your lights instead of one. 
• Bluetooth integration – An amazingly simple pairing process gets you phone calls and audio streaming directly from your phone, whether it is in your pocket or on the center console.  On top off that, the audio quality on the other end is so good that when my wife called me from the car I honestly had no idea I was on the car’s speakerphone until the kiddos chimed in from the back seat {which of course they loved as well.}

Mama Likes

• Heated and cooled seats – Heated seats are great for colder weather because they warm you up quick without the stuffy heat you sometimes get from blasting the car’s heater, but they are also good for lower back pain I sometimes get while driving, and for cruising around at night with the sunroof open.  But, since the warmer weather is approaching, I also love that they added cooling seats as well, which would be amazing through the summer months. 
• Dual climate control – He’s hot, I’m cold.  But, we both can ride together without bundling or burning up with dual climate control.
• Keyless entry and ignition – Hands down, the coolest new car feature, ever.  As long as you have the Sportage key on you {in your pocket, purse, jacket, etc} the car interior lights turn on as soon as you get close to the car, and then you can unlock the doors just by pushing the small buttons on the exterior door handles.  Once inside the car, simply put your foot on the brake, push the start button and you’re off, never having to dig for your keywhile wrangling your kids and all the various stuff that comes along with them.  I literally never took it out of my purse while I was test driving, which is pretty awesome. 
• Dashboard control screen – As much as I love having buttons and knobs for certain things, I also really like a good sized touch screen that can add even more functionality to your journey, especially when you’re out exploring and you *may* need a little assistance with directions, finding coffee, or good tunes along the way.   
• Drives small – Coming from a compact sedan, the worry was that it would take an initial adjustment period, for me especially, but what I found was that it didn’t feel like we were driving a huge vehicle at all, just a taller version of what we are used to.  
• Trunk under tray storage – While the main area of the trunk is pretty good sized, it does taper in at the top to allow for the sporty proportions of the Sportage, which means you are a bit limited on space.  A smart way they added storage is a nice divided compartment underneath the floor of the trunk above the spare tire.  For us, this was a great place to store our first aid and roadside emergency supplies, change of clothes or other small items we carry but don’t get at frequently.  Plus, it’s a great place to hide valuables when you’re parking the car for any amount of time.

Kiddos Like

• Panoramic sun roof – Can’t beat a sunroof for the parents AND one for the kiddos.  Whether it was sunny or sprinkling, having almost your entire roof letting in light makes it feel so open and roomy that they don’t even mind that their sunroof doesn’t open.
• Good visibility – What fun is driving around if you can’t see anything?  Both kiddos loved that being up higher afforded them a much better advantage point for sight-seeing along our journeys.
• Cup holders for them  – Whether they were holding sippy cups, toys or treats, the cup holders are always the first thing the kiddos take ownership of when test driving, and the thing they miss the most when we return to the reality of our compact sedan.   
• Folding mirrors – While very practical and useful feature when parking in cramped spots, this also is apparently the coolest feature ever to a 4 year old.

As you can imagine, the whole family was a little upset to hand back the keys to the KIA Sportage and say goodbye to the red CUV we had all grown to love.  It’s now become the standard by which SUVs are evaluated, and has made our car a far less appealing road trip mobile.  While we save up money for our own Sportage someday, we have our week of adventure to remember forever.

Interested in driving experiences?  Check out the STI Facebook page to keep up on all their events near you.

A big thank you to STI The Drive Experience Company for letting us borrow the KIA Sportage for the week to facilitate this review.  As always, all opinions remain 100% ours.

Family & Friends Sale at Sears this Sunday

This is a sponsored post for all of you still shopping for Mother's Day.  Which, judging by the emails and messages I've been getting, includes most of you.

Well, this is one time it pays to wait until the last minute because just in time for Mother’s Day, Sears has the PERFECT deal for all the Moms in your life.  For ONE DAY only, on May 5, Sears is having its Family & Friends sale where you have a choice between receiving 15% off your purchase, or 25% in SHOP YOUR WAY REWARDS Points added to your account.  Awesome, right?

And, with Mother’s Day just a few days away, it’s a perfect opportunity to make sure you get that perfect gift.  Or, if you're a real planner, you can already think ahead to Father's Day.  Here are just a few great options:
 
•         Cannon® Egyptian cotton towels are $7.99 (reg. $15.99)
•         Canon ELPH camera is $129.99 (reg. $169.99)
•         Nordic Track T5.7 treadmill is $599.99 (reg. $899.99)
•         Up to 20% off All Original Pink Box tools and storage
•         1-cttw stud diamond earrings are $329.99 (reg. $989.99)
•         TIMEX, Armitron, Relic, BULOVA and other branded watches are 25% off
•         Sterling silver “family tree” pave pendant is 70% off
•         Diamond mom ring (SS 1/20 cttw) - $99.99 (reg. $349.99)
•         Carter’s® for newborns, infants and toddlers clothing is 50%
 
Can’t make it to shop Sears on Sunday?  Shop these deals online at Sears.com May 4, from 8 p.m. CT – May 7, at 7 a.m. CT!
 
And, I know I've already mentioned the SHOP YOUR WAY rewards program, but if you haven't signed up yet, you should!  I've saved up a huge amount of points since I signed up and it's helped me score some great gifts for the past year+ that I've been a member.  Shop Your Way is a free, members-only program and shopping community that offers rewards, personalized deals, product reviews and services like e-coupons and e-receipts {I love this since I hate all the receipts that collect in my purse, and it makes it easier to return or exchange}.  You can join at ShopYourWay.com.

I am writing this post as a part of a sponsored campaign as a member of the Mom Bloggers Club.  As always, all opinions remain 100% ours.

Upgrading my wardrobe with a Simon Malls shopping trip at Northgate Mall Seattle

A few months ago I realized that almost every single pair of jeans I wear was either badly worn or had a gaping hole on the right knee.  The exception to this rule was my two pairs of “good” jeans, which I only wear a few times a month.  But, my pile of holey jeans isn’t because I am really, really hard on my clothes, it’s because I have only gotten two new pairs of jeans in the past five years {AKA my “good” ones}.

Pretty awful, right?  Hence, this post that took place on Facebook {edited for length and with names removed, but with the jeaneology comment left in for humor's sake} :


This wouldn’t be a problem if I was a slacks and jackets kind of gal who only wore jeans on the weekend, but the problem lies in the fact that I wear jeans every day.  Whether I’m working, playing, lounging, digging in the garden, running after kiddos, or biking, I’m definitely wearing jeans.

Obviously, Nichole is correct, some serious shopping is definitely in order, and I knew just the place.  Remember a few months ago when the Northgate Mall saved my #SeattleBaby event I threw for expecting and new mom bloggers?  Well, now was the time to shop the stores for something other than kid stuff and hopefully get mama some new jeans. 

I will admit that I was giddy when I picked up the gift card from guest services at Northgate Mall, as I rarely do shopping for me these days.  I had been mentally planning my route all day long and knew just how I wanted to make my way to my favorite stores, so I was dying to get to the mall and make it happen.  If only I had known about the new Simon Malls shopping app, I would have simply planned my trip right on my phone for an even more detailed itinerary and shopping list.

Since jeans were the top priority and I have really good luck at Nordstrom, I decided I would start there and see what I could find.  One tour through their t.b.d. and Savvy departments and I found some really cute styles, but not exactly what I was looking for.  I ended up heading to Nordstrom Rack to check out their selection {yes, Northgate mall has both Nordstrom and The Rack… awesome, right?}   


At Nordstrom Rack I found not only an awesome pair of jeans, I also found these adorable BRIGHT YELLOW flats.  It’s almost as if they heard me complaining that all I own are boring black flats and they created these babies just for me.  Comfy, easy to run in, and hard-to-ignore, it was apparent as soon as I saw them that these yellow shoes were it. 


Now that I had my jeans and shoes, I was technically done with my jeans mission and then some.  But, after daydreaming about this shopping trip all day, I had my heart set on a few other stores, so I continued on with my shopping plan and headed to Macy’s for accessories. 


While Macy’s didn’t have the turquoise purse I have been dreaming of, they had a huge selection of name brand bags in the sale department and I found 6 that I loved.  After getting help from some ladies in the accessories department, I finally decided on this little number. 


Yes, I know, it’s black and I’m trying to get away from all the lack of color, but I couldn’t pass up the great deal and the fact that it has both a cross-body strap and shoulder straps.  I’ve been using it for a few weeks now and I adore it because it can go from handbag to cross-body bag quickly, it fits on the stroller handle nicely, and for the fact that the lining is a light blue so I can see what is inside. 

After my card was spent and I was positively giddy with excitement over my new jeans, shoes, and purse, I could have easily called it a day.  But, I still had extra time and there was a big huge mall in front of me, so how could I refuse browsing for a bit?  Besides, I still was looking for more color, and I knew the perfect place to find it: The Gap, Fuego, and Rue 21.

Once my shopping trip was complete, I almost had an entire new outfit to show for it.  Of course, each of the pieces can be worn alone on a daily basis, but there's just something fun about getting so many new things that look good alone and together. 

After I was all shopped out {which was mostly due to my large number of bags I was sick of carrying}, I decided to call it a night and meet the family to get some food and refuel for the ride home.  Luckily, Northgate Mall has a Red Robin, which just so happens to be the kiddos favorite restaurant, as well as a big Starbucks for hubby and I, because I think we all needed a break after our trip. 
I was so excited with all my purchases that I transferred purses on the way home, just so I could carry my new bag for the weekend when I debuted my new outfit.  And, once my old purse was empty, I happily ditched it once and for all in the donation pile. 

As happy of a feeling as it was to ditch a purse that no longer worked with my lifestyle, wearing my new outfit out to the island the next day was even more fun.  I love looking down and seeing a bright pop of yellow, I love the dark wash of the Kut from Kloth jeans, and I love that my new purse is perfect for my days out - with or without kids.  

So, what do you think of my new look?  Much better than the holey jeans, right?  I'd say it was a good upgrade for sure!

With Mother's Day just over a week away, I know many of you are desperately trying to think of something for the special moms in your life, and I would suggest a Simon Malls gift card.  I know gift cards aren't the most personal gifts you can give to the woman who gave you life, but when paired with a card that says simply, "For all you do for others, here's something just for you.  Spend it on a new purse, a new necklace, a salon day, or spend it on clothing - it's up to you, just spend it on yourself" it certainly doesn't feel like an impersonal gift.  In fact, I know quite a few moms who would love to get that present this year to give them a good excuse to splurge on something that will make them happy.  Because, you know, that's what it's all about, isn't it?

A big thank you to Simon Malls Northgate Mall for offering a gift card for me to get one new item.  I had so much fun and found so many bargains that I was able to get a few other things as well as quite a few that I bought that night.  As always, all opinions remain 100% ours. 

Awesome and unique gifts for Mom from RedEnvelope {with coupon code}

I’ve had a bit of a love affair with RedEnvelope since my teens and I now have numerous pieces I’ve gotten as gifts or bought for myself from them throughout my home.  Many pieces of jewelry are from them, and they are nicely stored in a wooden RedEnvelope box.  My wedding photos are in shadow box frames from RedEnvelope, and both of my children have special personalized baby gifts bought from RedEnvelope.

If you’ve never shopped at RedEnvelope before, you are in for a big treat.  Everything from their easy-to-search gifts for all occasions to their easy ordering process and their beautiful red packaging, it’s easy to see why RedEnvelope is one of my absolute favorite stores.  Their goal is to make gift giving easy and fun so that it’s just as fun to give as it is to receive, and I think they have definitely succeeded. 

So, when I got a chance to shop with a gift card from the RedEnvelope catalog last month for all the spring birthdays and holidays, I was in heaven.  I found a wide range of products from the obscure to the sentimental to the fun and quirky and have compiled a list of my absolute favorite products. 

For the tree hugger - Envirosax Market Bags

I love these Envirosax bags and I take them with me everywhere these days because they pack small and can fit right inside my purse.  I was a bit worried when Seattle issued their "bag ban", but was completely relieved when I found Envirosax are actually more convenient than plastic for me, and I don't end up with a million bags to recycle. 

I also love that Red Envelope sells them in packs of 5, because 1 or 2 is never enough when you have shopping "helpers" who insist on carrying a bag of their own.  They have numerous different color pallettes to choose from, and some even have options for boys and girls {and even a Sesame Street set for the little ones.

For the wine lover - Vinturi Wine Aerator

I have had one of these for almost a year now and I absolutely love it.  While I love white wine, I have always hated the taste of red... until I found this aerator.  It's quick, easy, can be thrown in the dishwasher for cleaning, and it makes red wine taste amazing.  We've done blind taste tests with this aerator and every single person has chosen the Vinturi aerated wine as the winner.

It's wine, only better.  Win, win.

For the sentimental mom - Mother's Birthstone Necklace

I'll admit I'm totally a sucker for mom necklaces.  I currently have three mother's necklaces I've made with various charms that I wear daily, and I have my sights set on even more in the near future.  While I love necklaces with birthdates and names, I also like something simple with birthstones and this is my favorite non-traditional necklace from Red Envelope. 

For the fun and funky gal - Dino Planters

Not sure she'd love a dino planter?  Wonder if she'd look at you like you've lost your marbles when she opens a box with a big ceramic dinosaur that she can put plants in? 

Check out how we took an offshoot from a basic plant we got from our wedding {which we have happily kept alive for 9 years - wooohooo!} and took it from boring to amazing, all with a little prehistoric help from Red Envelope.

For the jewelry lover - Personalized Stacking Love Rings

I seriously love this ring.  While I normally do not like heart shaped jewelry, I make an exception when the heart shaped item is this cool.  And, if you're really anti-heart, you can always wear the circle ring separate - or over any other simple birthstone ring you already own.  I had dreams of fitting the circle ring over my wedding ring, but it didn't quite fit over the diamond.  In the end, though, I realized I liked the circle ring simply on its own. 

The stacking ring is something you don't see everyday and I think it's really cool that it is personalized so I can literally wear my heart on my hand.  And, I love how comfortable it is even to wear all day long.  I've bought many rings without trying them on only to find that they aren't smooth on the inside and end up digging into my finger, so I was really happy with how smooth both rings are so I can wear them every day.

For the gardener - a Year of Seeds

If you are shopping for mom for birthday or Mother's Day, I would definitely check out Red Envelope first.  It's amazing how many items I found there that I've never seen anywhere else, and I feel like I could easily bookmark half of their catalog if I let myself shop on there too long.  Whether your mom is the sentimental type, the fun and funky type, or simply loves cool things, you are bound to find something amazing that she will remember forever. 

And, just in time for Mom's Day, you can save up to $20 off, get free shipping, or take up to 20% off all sorts of awesome presents using this Red Envelope coupon link.  You can personalize many of their items right on their site and you can have them shipped to you so you can hand deliver it, or have your present shipped directly to your recipient in a lush red package with a heartfelt note.  Either way, it will be sure to make her day.

A big thank you to Red Envelope for providing a gift code so I could do some holiday shopping.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours. 

Freshen Up with Olay Fresh Effects {$25 Walmart Gift Card Giveaway}

Checklist for spring: spiff up the house, add some color to wardrobe, and enjoy the great outdoors.  There’s something about the change in temperature that makes me want to throw open all the windows, let a little sunshine in, and freshen up for spring. 

But there’s one more thing I found out I should put on my list for spring: start new skincare routine.  The change in temperatures with each season effects your skin in many ways and often what may be perfect in the cold of winter is too heavy for warmer months and ends up leaving your skin feeling greasy.  Not only that, but many beauty items expire just like food does, so fall and springtime are a great time to re-evaluate your beauty routine and purge.

I recently got a chance to review some products in the new Olay Fresh Effects skincare line that’s available at Walmart and was excited to see if it made a difference in the way my skin felt.  The entire Fresh Effects line is designed to mix and match to give you tons of different options for a customized skincare routine, and I was more than willing to check them out and find my favorites.   

I received the {Long Live Moisture!} Satin Finish Lotion, {BB Cream!} Skin Perfecting Tinted Moisturizer with SPF 15, {Bead Me Up!} Exfoliating Cleanser, {Shine, Shine Go Away!} Shine Minimizing Cleanser, {S'wipe Out!} Refreshing Make-up Removal Cloths, and the {Va-Va-Vivid!} Powered Contour Cleansing System all of which came with an adorable cardboard vanity that my daughter immediately claimed for herself.

After a few weeks of trying the new line, I can honestly say I was shocked at how much I liked it.  You see, I thought I already loved my skincare regimen, which is why I rarely ever changed it.  But, now I see that different temperature require different kinds of care, and the Fresh Effects line has some of my new favorite items – for any season. 

I especially love the BB Cream tinted moisturizer with SPF15 and it turns out it was just what I was looking for during the warmer weather.  Now that the chill of winter has passed, I like having a lighter moisturizer for daytime, and it’s a big bonus that it also has sun protection as well for my easy-to-burn skin. 

But, what I didn’t know I needed in a BB Cream was the tinted part that makes it so I can go without foundation during the hot weather.  With my ultra fair skin, I usually shy away from tinted anything because otherwise I end up looking kind of orange, so I was thrilled to get a chance to try this out first. And, after using it a few weeks, I am happy to report that the “light to medium” BB Cream blended in very nicely with my skintone and didn’t leave me orange at all, so I’d say this was a huge win. 

The other big surprise was how much I ended up loving the {Va-Va-Vivid!} Powered Contour Cleansing System.  Opening it up, I was originally dismayed at how small the system was {the handle of the Va-Va-Vivid is about the size of a tube of lipstick}, so I mistakenly thought it would be somewhat of a novelty item that was cute but not all that useful.  But, I was shocked at how much I loved having a bristle-less cleaning and exfoliating option that’s tiny enough to keep in the shower or take on vacation but really works magic on deep down cleansing.   

By using the Va-Va-Vivid with the {Shine, Shine Go Away!} Shine Minimizing Cleanser, I can do a deep clean morning or night without ending up with shiny skin I have to layer on makeup to hide.  My skin feels clean and light, and I’ve actually cleared up a little breakout that was starting before I began using the system, which is great. 

For the days that I don’t feel like using the Va-Va-Vivid powered system, I can simply us the {Bead Me Up!} Exfoliating Cleanser in the shower or at the sink and get almost as good results.  The Bead Me Up is very similar to another exfoliating scrub I have used for years, yet I found I ended up liking it better than what I’ve currently been buying.  Next time I’m at Walmart I will definitely be restocking the Bead Me Up instead so I can continue to use the Fresh Effects system together. 

In addition to selling all of the Fresh Effects line by itself, Walmart is also selling Fresh Effects bundles that you can customize on your own to mix and match while saving money.  If you’re just getting started in the Fresh Effects line, this is a great way to see which items they recommend together while getting your custom Fresh Effects skincare bundle.     

Want to win a $25 Walmart gift card so you can load up on the Olay Fresh Effects line?  You’ve come to the right place!

How would you like to win a $25 gift card to Walmart so you can do some Olay Fresh Effects shopping?

To Enter: tell me what Olay Fresh Effects product you are most excited to try

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Post on your Facebook wall about this awesome $25 Walmart GC giveaway {bit.ly/108G6Go} with extra credit if you tag Rave & Review

1 Extra Entry {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, follow on Pinterest, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet

1 Extra Entry - Like @RaveAndReview on Twitter

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus. Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love on any post, just leave a comment here as well.

On May 17th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Open to all, 18+ 

A big thank you to Olay for sending the Fresh Effects line for review, information on the Fresh Effects line, and for offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours. 

Cast Iron Roadster Mechanical Bank from Wind & Weather {Review & Giveaway}

I’m a saver, not a spender.  Sure, I have things I like to splurge on, but I also love the feeling of saving and building a financial safety net.  While my kids know that we always buy with coupons and shop sales, they don’t get the concept of saving up for something and I wanted to change that.

So, how do you make saving up for something – whether it’s big or small, in the immediate or in the far off future – fun for a 2 year old and a 4 year old?  Well, for one, you start with a good piggy bank.  Really, the cooler the bank, the more it will get used, so I say get one that is brag-worthy.

And, I don’t believe there is any bank more brag-worthy than this:

At first glance, I was immediately in love with the Cast Iron Roadster Mechanical Bank from Wind and Weather and knew it would be perfect for my son’s room décor.  With a “vintage traveler” room for him to grow into, he has many antiques and interesting pieces of art from all over the world displayed.  I’m very picky about what makes the cut to get displayed but even after a quick glance I knew this 20's style car and driver would be perfect for the room and for collecting his hard earned pennies.  

But, once I found out the Roadster on the bank moved to push the money into the bank below, I was sold.  It's a car! That races! That holds money!  

When I first opened the package, I was even more in love.  The bank is beautifully painted and detailed with a vintage flair, so that it looks like something that could have been passed down from generation to generation.  It's made entirely of cast iron, so it's really {really} heavy even without money in it, which means it could easily be used as a bookend so it can be multipurpose as well.

To use the bank, you simply pull the cast iron car back to the start position, place the coin on the front bumper, and press the lever to release and the car races to the finish line, pushing the coin into the bank below.  In addition to being super cool for kids {or adults *ahem*} of all ages, I really like the satisfying thud the roadster makes when it reaches the finish and the coin disappears below.   

While my son hasn’t fully mastered pulling the car back to set it up after each coin, it’s so fun watching his eyes light up each time the car pushes the money to the bank below that I don’t mind doing it over and over and over again for him.  It’s just so fun to see him digging for spare change or asking for our coins when we’re out so he can take them home and stash them away in his bank, that I feel we’re already on the way to teaching him about savings. 

Of course, he’s too young now to teach the Save, Spend, and Give that I’m working on with my four year old, but I’m doing what I can to reinforce savings even though he’s young.  I plan on helping him take a little bit out of his bank to pay for the toy car he’s been circling in his toy catalog so he gets the idea that we save for special things but we always leave money in the bank – for rainy days and for long-term goals.    

The Cast Iron Roadster Mechanical Bank measures 8-1/2"L x 3"W x 4-1/2"H and is available direct from Wind & Weather {and is currently on sale for $63.99}.  While you're there, you should definitely do some shopping around - they carry all sorts of home decor, outdoor solutions, and fun accessories for indoors and out that you just won't find anywhere else!

How would you like to win one of these awesome mechanical banks from Wind & Weather?

To Enter: visit Wind & Weather and comment below with another product you love {mandatory}

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Post on your Facebook wall about this awesome Wind & Weather giveaway {bit.ly/1555aze} with extra credit if you tag Wind & Weather and Rave & Review

1 Extra Entry {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, follow on Pinterest, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {per method} - Like Wind & Weather on Facebook or follow Wind & Weather on Pinterest

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet

1 Extra Entry - Like @RaveAndReview and @WindAndWeather on Twitter

2 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus. Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love on any post, just leave a comment here as well.

On May 7th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 24 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Winner must be 18 years or older, limited to the United States only.

A big thank you to Wind & Weather for sending the Roadster Mechanical Bank for review and for offering one to our fabulous readers.  As always, all opinions are 100% ours.  

Natural & Kid-Friendly Nail Polish from Piggy Paint {Review, Giveaway & Discount Code}

For Mother’s Day last year my husband surprised my daughter and I with a day at the salon to go get pedicures and manicures together.  Since she was only 3 years old at the time, I called ahead and asked if there was a fume- and chemical-free place to bring her and then asked about their nail polishes they kept in stock. 

After finding out my favorite salon only carried adult nail polish brands, I did a quick internet search to find kid-friendly nail polishes to bring for my daughter.  During that search I found one our favorite new brands: Piggy Paint.

Piggy Paint is a water–based nail polish specially formulated for kids and it is the perfect treat for any girly girl.  It may be vibrant and colorful just like the adult stuff, but Piggy Paint contains no toxic chemicals or yucky stuff.  It’s free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, Bisphenol A, ethyl acetate and acetone that is in other polishes, which makes it my favorite pick for both my daughter and me.  No wonder they say “Piggy Paint…it’s as Natural as Mud”.

Piggy paint is:
•    Non-toxic
•    Low Odor
•    Water-based formula
•    Hypoallergenic
•    Cruelty-free
•    Safe for use during pregnancy!

The only problem with Piggy Paint is that one color is never enough, and my daughter has been on a mission to convince me to expand her Piggy Paint nail polish collection ever since that first manicure and pedicure.  So, you can bet she was crazy excited when we got the adorably packaged Color Me Happy Piggy Paint set to review as part of a Mom Central Consulting campaign. 

Complete with 8 different colors and shades, my daughter took one look at the set and immediately decided that she needed rainbow fingers and toes.  Obviously, it was time for another mama/daughter spa day, but this time it would take place in the comfort of our home.

We set up a little salon station for us to use and got to work painting ourselves pretty.  She sat so still while I painted her nails and held them straight in the air afterwards, scared to touch a thing to ruin her mani/pedi. 

She was so nervous about touching things that I showed her a trick I learned on the Piggy Paint site to speed drying.  You simply use a hair dryer on low heat for one minute {or, if you’re 4 years old, two rounds of ABCs} to help set the paint and the bonus is that it also helps with chip resistance! 

After her nails were all dry and she allowed herself to touch anything at all, she insisted on helping me with my nails as well.  Of course, she wanted matching nails, and how could I say no to this face? 

I know that it’s only a matter of time until she doesn’t want anything that matches me, so I’m going to enjoy every matching I can.  In fact, we even got matching sandals to show off our new pedicures just in time for Easter weekend.   

With how much fun we have had with the Color Me Happy set, I know we're going to be painting together a lot in the coming month.  And, I know it's only a matter of time until I need more paint, so I'm super excited to share the coupon code PiggyFun that you can use to get 15% off any order.  You've only got until April 30th to use it, so act fast and get your little one a rainbow of nail colors!

How would you like to win a Piggy Paint Toe-Tally Fancy Gift Set? 

To Enter: visit PiggyPaint.com and comment below with what color you love best {mandatory}

And, as always, there are extra entries available! {Please leave a separate comment for each completed}

2 Extra Entries - Post on your Facebook wall about this awesome Piggy Paint giveaway {http://bit.ly/14UecyP} with extra credit if you tag Piggy Paint and Rave & Review

2 Extra Entries {per method} - Follow Rave & Review! Subscribe by RSS feed, Subscribe by email, follow on Pinterest, become a fan of R&R on Facebook or add R&R to your blogroll or sidebar.

1 Extra Entry {daily} - Twitter.  Retweet this tweet

1 Extra Entry - Like @RaveAndReview and @PiggyPaint on Twitter

4 Extra Entries - Blogger Bonus. Blog about this giveaway linking back to this post and leave an address where I can find your writeup

1 Extra Entry - Comment love on any post, just leave a comment here as well.

On April 7th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email. Winner will have 5 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen. Winner must be 18 years or older, limited to the continental United States, and is only eligible to win one giveaway prize per campaign.

Winner, winner!  Thank you to all who entered and congrats to #88 jessica cashen said... Subscribed with email

I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Piggy Paint. I received a product sample to facilitate my review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”