Archive for Reviews
SoSmart DVD Review & Coupon Code
Posted by: | CommentsLife of a toddler is extremely busy. The fun starts the second they wake up each day, even if that happens to be 4:00 or 5:00 am. and it doesn’t stop until they are fast asleep at night. As busy as they are I bet you can multiply that by about hundred and apply it to their parents. And when you are that busy, life can move pretty fast. That is why we like to end our busy day with a little snuggle time on the couch. It’s a great way to bond with a little one over a book or a even a dvd. Some how I usually get talked in to doing both. I’m such a happy push over when it comes to snuggle time.
Thanks to the nice people at SoSmart.com we have discovered that this time together can also be educational. So far we have viewed two of their Award Winning DVDs, “Outside, Baby’s first-word stories” and “Phoose’s, Tale of Patience”. They are filled with sweet, colorful characters that teach lessons of language by introducing little ones to simple words and then building sentences and a story around them. The stories move nice and slow so babies have more time to interact by laughing or clapping. We found both dvd’s to not only be educational but very entertaining as well. We also enjoy the fun additional activities that are included in each DVD, for parents and children to do together. In fact both DVD’s have already become repeated favorites during our snuggle time.

What Makes So Smart! Different?
Since So Smart! pioneered the baby-toddler video category in 1997, a number of other brands have been introduced into the marketplace. But as countless parents, educators and professional organizations will attest, So Smart! remains their top choice.
Don’t just take our word for it! Shop at www.sosmart.com and discover the endearing world of SoSmart, The Winner 30 National Parenting Awards!
Place an order any time through February 22, 2010 and use the coupon code “$5shake” at checkout to receive 25% off their already great prices.

Thank you SoSmart for this fabulous offer!
The Ultimate Cloth, try it for FREE
Posted by: | CommentsIf you are looking for an easy way to take the next step in becoming more eco-friendly and also save some money, The Ultimate Cloth is a product for you! The Ultimate Cloth is a brand new technology – in fact, it is the only cloth to receive a new patent in the last 25 years. The Ultimate Cloth cleans any hard surface with just water! With out chemicals. No more buying dozens of house hold cleaners. The Ultimate Cloth has been lab tested to remove 96% of bacteria, without the use of chemicals. The Ultimate Cloth is truly the ultimate in green cleaning.

I have been using The Ultimate Cloth daily for the past few weeks while cleaning nearly every room in our house. I’ve been using it on mirrors, counter tops, even appliances. I have to say I have been pleasantly surprised! It tackles hard to clean areas, picks up dust and passes my big test by leaving no streaks on my glass.
The Ultimate Cloth is made from MiraFiber and really does clean with just water. The cloth has 5 years guaranteed performance for general use. It is intended to clean every room in your house, and best of all it’s reusable because you can wash it in your washing machine! I love that!
With all of us trying to do our part in living more “green” I honestly can not think of an easier or more effective way to ditch some of those harmful chemicals and feel good about your daily routine.
The nice people at The Ultimate Cloth are so excited for you to try this product they are willing to send it you for FREE? Just visit The Ultimate Cloth website and order a Standard Ultimate Cloth and you’ll pay only for shipping.
Visit www.ultimateclothamerica.com for more information and to shop!
Connect with more users by becoming an Ultimate Cloth Facebook Fan!
Fudgeluscious, Review & Coupon Code
Posted by: | CommentsThinking of buying the same old boring chocolates for Valentine’s Day again this year? Think again! Why not buy something more rich, creamy and much more decadent, like home made fudge? Not just any fudge Fudgeluscious Fudge! This gourmet treat will honestly melt in your mouth and sweeten your Valentine’s heart.
Let me introduce you to Luscious Lina and her amazing Fudgeluscious!!
Girl next door meet Suzy Homemaker with a splash of Bettie Page thrown in for good measure. If Daddy-O is the “brawn” behind the operation, Fudgeluscious’ own creative director Luscious Lina is the “beauty” that adds the finishing touch. Whether creating new and unique flavors and products or scoping out the hippest events to attend, this is one gutsy gal that puts it all together and gets it all done.
Lina was so very generous to send me a sample box to review with my friends and family. From the minute I saw the adorable box, polka dotted wax paper covering huge chunks of home made fudge, I knew I was in for an experience. Even right down to the note inside the box address “Hi Doll”, it was just all too adorable! BUT adorable does not equal delicious, not by any means. We have high standards when it comes to sweets around here.
That evening, I sliced a few slices off each flavor, Peanut Butter Chocolate, Rocky Road, Coconut, and Neapolitan and shared them with my family while playing a game of cards. My first taste was out of this world. Rock Road! Amazing chocolate flavor and embedded with chunks of nuts and marshmallows. Better then any fudge I have ever had before. The conversation fast turned away from our card game and was focused on the fudge from that point on. The texture of the Peanut Butter is so creamy and decadent, the Coconut is amazing and the Neapolitan, well, it brings together the perfect amount of creamy and sweet to your mouth, you will think you are in heaven!
Lina has an incredible talent! Don’t just take my word for it, visit her shop and see for yourself. The flavors and variety of treats at Fudgeluscious.com are nothing short of incredible. So many fun and delicious options you honestly have to see it for yourself. Wither shopping for a gift or to treat yourself, there is something special and for everyone.
Here is a bonus to make it just a little sweeter for you, while shopping at Luscious Lina’s amazing Fudgeluscious Shop use the coupon code “FIVE” to receive a 20% discount at check out. Just another treat complements of Five Dollar Shake and Luscious Lina. Enjoy!
For more Fudgeluscious fun become a Fudgeluscious Facebook Fan!
Rain or Shine Kids, Blanket Review & Coupon Code
Posted by: | CommentsHi, this is Toni from Neptunebaby Dot Com. I have been invited by Jenn to do a guest blog post/review here on Five Dollar Shake. Thank you, Jenn, for this opportunity!
I’ve recently had the awesome pleasure to use this extraordinary 5-in-1 design blanket by Rain or Shine Kids. Being a mom with an attachment parenting style, I think this is the best invention ever! This is a water resistant blanket made of polar fleece and rip stop nylon backing. It is perfect for everything a mom could want to use it for. I have worn it as a nursing cover when out with my daughter and let me tell you – it’s far superior to any nursing cover I have purchased before. I have also attached it to our Babyhawk baby carrier recently because it’s so cold and wet here in Michigan right now. It kept my little girl nice and cozy the whole time we were out. We frequently use it as a car seat cover (as you can see in the pictures below). This weekend when I take my girls to the mall I will definitely use it with our double stroller as well as a changing pad. Another great thing about this blanket is that it is 100% machine washable. I don’t know about you, but I simply do not have the time to run a specialty blanket to the cleaners with as often as kids make messes. As you can see in the pictures, the blanket is large enough for all of the uses I have mentioned. The actual size is 29″ x 40″. There are also ribbon ties, which my daughter is happily showing you, so you can attach it to whatever you like. Could you possibly ask for anything more? This blanket is truly an all-in-one item that takes the place of buying five separate baby products. Quality product and saving money – that’s what I’m talking about!
I love this blanket… and you will too! Now is the time to pick one of these fabulous blankets for use in your own household. Rain or Shine Kids is offering a 20% discount off all their products with coupon code: SHAKE20. This code is good through February 14th. A wonderful Valentine’s day present for your little sweetheart! I’m sure you and your baby and/or toddler will love it just as much as we do.
Pawparazzi Pets, Review & Giveaway
Posted by: | Comments![]()
Pawparazzi are little pets living big lives of glamor, fashion and travel! These tiny superstars live their lives in the spotlight, but beneath the glamor Pawparazzi are just cute little pets that want to be loved and cared for by their owners.
Pawparazzi Pets are filled with personality and style. They even come in colorful and cute packaging. Pawparazzi box sets tell kids about the personality of each celebrity pet. Each include a sparkling mini-note pad (great for autographs!) and a collectible, pop-out trading card on the back that is filled with fun pet facts. The inside of the box is even designed to look like a stage so celebrity performances are right at kids’ fingertips.
Kids can visit www.pawparazzi.com to meet the pets, play games, and join the Pawparazzi Fan Club for exclusive access to promotions, newsletters and everything Pawparazzi – all for FREE!
Recommended for children age 4 and up. Pawparazzi Pets have been widely recognized.
PTPA Media 2009 Best Product
Creative Child Magazine 2009 Seal of Excellence Award
Mom’s Best 2008 Award Winner (www.momsbestaward.com)
TD Monthly Magazine 2008 Top Toy Award (www.tdmonthly.com)
It was really nice of Pawparazzi to send me these samples to review.
As you can see they came beautifully packaged. Would make a very nice gift!
As cute as Pawparazzi Pets are I decided to get a little help with this review. My daughter and her girlfriend were more then happy to step in!



It was love at first site! The girls played with their Pawparazzi Pets for hours. I decided to interrupt and ask a few questions. Here is what they had to say:
Do you like these toys?
Yes, they are sooo cute.
Are they something you would want more of?
Oh, yeah! I would love to have them all.
Would you be happy receiving them as a gift?
That would be awesome!
What is your favorite accessory?
One girl quickly answered the purse.
The other said the bed.
Looks like Pawparazzi Pets are a big hit in our house!

Pawparazzi would like to offer one of my readers their choice of Toby or Daisy Pawparazzi set AND their choice of Day at the Spa or Winter Holiday Dress Up Set! All you have to do is leave me a comment saying which of the two Pawparazzi Pets you would like to receive if chosen.
One winner will be chosen on February 10, 2010 and contacted by email.
For extra entries:
Become a Pawparazzi Pets Facebook Fan.
Follow Pawparazzi on Twitter.
Subscribe to my blog in a reader or by email.
Tweet about this contest & follow me on Twitter.
Digg or Stumble my blog and you’ll get some extra love from me!
Please leave a separate comment for each.
Thank you and good luck!
Oh So Precious, The Precious Club
Posted by: | CommentsWhen having a baby there is one thing you can count on having a lot of, cloths. Dozens of T shirts and onsies are a real must have. The good news is that they don’t all have to be the same old boring pink, blue and yellow. The Precious Club is a great place to add some character to any toddler or babies wardrobe. They offer an irresistible line for baby fashionistas and pop culture lovers alike. Making their website a great place to find that special gift. The one that stands out at baby showers or birthday parties.
You can read more about The Precious Club here.
I was given the opportunity to review an item from The Precious Club’s adorable web shop.
It didn’t take me long to find a T shirt to fit our granddaughter personality. I knew it the second I saw it.
See for yourself;

Like most little girlie girls, our granddaughter, Becca loves cloths and shoes. She loves to play dress up. Often slinging a purse over her shoulder and waving goodbye while walking all the way in to our kitchen. Some times I think she was born already loving fashion. Shoes are always a big deal to her and if you leave yours out any where in house, they are fare game.
This is the perfect T shirt for our Becca! Her mother and myself being huge Sex & The City fans we all just love it.
When I opened the package I was impressed at the high quality and softness of the shirt. Not like others I have purchased online in the past. Also, the color and print looks just as perfect and adorable as it does online.
If you have a little one at home or are in need of just the right gift, The Precious Club is definitely a place you want to shop. Don’t miss out on their buy 3 items, get FREE shipping special. I know I wont.

Me4kidz, Medibag Review
Posted by: | CommentsAbout Me4kidz™, LLC
Me4kidz™, LLC is a family-owned & operated business. Its core focus is designing functional and modern first-aid kits that prompt and inspire parents and caregivers world-wide to be prepared when it comes to every day childhood injuries. All of their products are exclusively Made in the USA; which in turn gives back to our Country by keeping jobs in the United States. They donate product each year to various educational fundraisers and children’s organizations to better the lives of others that can’t afford first aid products. me4kidz is very conscious of the environment. They do their part in keeping our earth safe by guaranteeing that all of the plastic used in their products is 100% recycled; US & EU Certified Lead free. me4kidz™ is also proudly partnered with non-profit organizations to humbly provide consistent work for those of various disabilities; allowing them the opportunity to feel a sense of need in the community & increased self esteem. In doing so, all of their products are proudly put together by loving, caring and capable disabled individuals. These are all the little ways that this family makes a difference one little owie at a time. They truly love what they do and they strive for you to love it too! They are not just “any” first aid company…they are the “first aid company that cares.”
The generous people at Me4kidz sent me their Medibag 4 kids to review.

Thankfully since receiving the Medibag there has been no accidents around our house but having a 10 year daughter and a 2 1/2 year old granddaughter I can’t imagine us getting through the summer months without being thankful to have such a well stocked Medibag on hand.
Inside this cute bag is, gauze pads, wipes, bandages, ointments, eye wash, cold pack, gloves, tweezers, swabs, tape, stickers and a first aid guide. Also a free mail in offer for a 45 item refill kit! I LOVE that!
Thank you Me4kidz for helping this grandma get prepared for all the scraped knees and boo boos that are ahead. Having this Medibag on hand is sure to help.
Tastybaby Review & Coupon Giveaway
Posted by: | Comments I received a box of Tastybaby Fruit Snacks to review with my granddaughter. At times she can be a little picky when it comes to eating healthy snacks. I’m happy to say that Becca absolutely loved these fruit snacks! And I love that they are Certified USDA Organic with no high-fructose corn syrup, artificial colors or flavors so I can feel good about her enjoying them. And that she did. In fact she was back asking for another pack, more then once.
Visit Tastybaby.com for information on these fruit snacks and other healthy, delicious, gluten-free, organic food for babies & toddlers. You can also use their Zip Locator to find retailers like Target and Whole Foods that are near you!
The generous people at Tastybaby also supplied me with a stack of $1.00 off coupons to share with my readers. I plan to pass these out at random. All you have to do is leave me a comment telling me the ages of your children and if you have tried other organic or gluten-free food? If so, how did it go? I would love to hear about it.
Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Review & Giveaway
Posted by: | CommentsThis giveaway is now closed. Thank you to all who played!
I have a confession to make. I have become completely addicted to a 30 minute, relaxing warm soak in the tub each night before bed. Now that I have discovered Sweet Leaf Bath Co. it feels like total indulging. It’s just all too good. It’s an addiction I do not plan on giving up any time soon. After spending most of my days doing for other people, like most of us moms do, these 30 minutes are just for me! Honestly, don’t we all deserve to spend 30 minutes at the end of each day relaxing and pampering our self? I say we do!

I want to thank Sweet leaf Bath Co. for adding to my self pampering routine with their all natural products that I enjoy and also feel good about using.
Let me tell you a little about Sweet Leaf Bath Co.
Mother and daughter Rose Creamer & Stacey Guymer created Sweet Leaf Bath Co. in the fall of 2007. Their goal, to create a line of natural, organic and fair trade soaps. They started up a test kitchen where they would create for family and friends to test body scrubs, butters and bath soaks and much to their excitement, everyone raved. Today the mother, daughter team still handcraft everything in small batches, continuing to design new products using pure essential oils, botanicals and fair trade ingredients. They are committed to creating a delicious and globally conscious line that will truly make you feel good not only on the outside, but on the inside too.
Well, I can tell you that these ladies have succeeded! A couple of their product have fast become favorites of mine. The feel and scent of their Cosmo Soap is just heavenly, it has that little touch of sweet & tang just like the cocktail. Also a favorite of mine is their Peppermint Beeswax Lip Balm. Not only does it smell delicious but after only a couple of days my lips no longer had that winter, dry feel. Amazing!
Sweet Leaf Bath Co. would like to give one of my readers a chance to experience a few of their all natural products!
To win all you have to do is leave me a comment saying what you would like to do with an extra 30 minutes at the end of your day. (after the house work is done, kids and husband are both asleep) This is about you!
The prize: A bare necessities package which includes a bar of soap, an 8oz bath soak and a lip balm.
Choose from Chocolate Peppermint, Rosemary Mint, Citrus Splash or Honey Oatmeal & Goat’s Milk for the scent.

One lucky winner will be chosen on Friday February,5th and contacted via email.
For extra entries:
Subscribe to my blog in a reader or by email.
Tweet about this contest & follow me on Twitter.
Become a Five Dollar Shake Facebook Fan.
Become a Sweet Leaf Bath Co. Facebook Fan.
Follow Sweet Leaf on Twitter.
Thank you and good luck!
It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3! 7Ate9 Card Game Giveaway
Posted by: | Comments
Yep, it really is as easy as 1, 2, 3! And a whole lot of fun!
Players add, or subtract, 1, 2, or 3 to the number on the top card on the pile to determine if they have a card that can be played next. Sounds simple, but with everyone playing simultaneously, the options are constantly changing. The first player out of cards wins. And just about every round that has been my daughter!
We are a big card and game family. We feel it’s important as a family to have time together doing nothing else but relaxing and having fun. This past week we have been playing and enjoying 7Ate9. We like it so much that we’ve played it nearly every night since receiving it from Out Of The Box. There is nothing better then interacting with our girls over something this fun and educational.

Win it -
The generous people at Out Of The Box would like to give one lucky reader a chance to have the same family fun experience by sending them their own 7Ate9. All you need to do is leave me a comment telling me how your family enjoys spending quality time together.
A winner will be contacted via email on January 31. 2010.
For extra entries -
Subscribe to my blog in a reader or by email.
Tweet about this contest & follow me on Twitter.
Become a Five Dollar Shake Facebook Fan.
Please leave a separate comment letting me know which extras you have done.
Thank you and good luck!
On The Job Hand Lotion for Men
Posted by: | CommentsMy husband works with his hands. He is a commercial printer by trade and handling that much paper all day, every day leaves his hands dry and cut. To be even harder on his hands, he likes to spend his spare time doing construction.
His idea of a day off is teaching our daughter how to drywall a basement. I’m not kidding, he is always building, fixing or replacing some thing for someone. Always!
All of which is really hard on his hands. Over the last fourteen years I have bought him every hand lotion, soap and cream I could find. Most of which turned out to be a waste of time and money. They either left his hands too oily or cause more irritation in his paper cuts.
A couple of weeks ago the nice people at On The Job sent me a bottle of their ON THE JOB Hand Lotion for men to review. When I saw it is not just a moisturizer but also an antiseptic I had my husband start using it right away. The lotion absorbed fast and soothed his hands instantly of that dry and itchy feeling. Over the next few days it also relieved the redness and discomfort that he has been battling for years.
Within a week he saw and felt a huge over all improvement on his hands. Much more then anything I have purchased in the past. I highly recommend any man that works with his hands to give On The Job Hand Lotion for Men a try.

For the best care of hard working hands, you can can shop On The Job cleaner, armor and lotion at www.onthejob.com. Be sure to visit their media page for a video reaction from some hardworking guys after trying out On The Job products.
Our Stay @ The Great Wolf Lodge
Posted by: | CommentsThe nice people at Great Wolf Lodge invited me and my family for an overnight stay to experience the kick off weekend of Snowland – their yearly Christmas, Winter Wonderland celebration. The celebration includes a long list of family activities such as reindeer cookie decorating, t- shirt painting, nightly story time under the clock tower that sits in the hotel’s front lobby which is decked out as a winter wonderland. After each story time the kids enjoy music as real snow falls from the ceiling. All of these things and more, let’s not forget about the amazing water park, makes for a fun family weekend, sure to create some magical memories that will last a life time.

















