Welch's Aqua Juice - Giveaway

I'll be honest. I've always completely passed up those Juice and Water drinks. I thought, why buy those when I can just mix juice and water like always? And I've said this even as my kids fuss everytime I do just that. Once they've had a taste of the really thing, it tastes really different with water added.

That's why I was really excited to try Welch's Aqua Juice, through Mom Select. I was pleasantly surprised that it tasted way different than regular juice mixed with water!

An 8oz. glass of Welch's AquaJuice contains:

· No high fructose corn syrup

· No added sugar

· No artificial sweeteners

· Only 80 calories

· One full serving of fruit

· Excellent source of Vitamin C

I think it would be a great addition to my Apple Mom-tini as well! Here is a video with the kids' reaction:



Do you want top try Welch's Aquajuice? Well, just leave a comment, and I'll choose one to receive a free bottle!

Comments are open through Wednesday, February 4

Need a Vacation? Consider Park City Mountain Resort

I live in the mountains of NC. Well, we call them mountains, but I imagine the people in Park City Utah would call them "hills!" Despite living in a ski resort community, I dream of going out west to the looming peaks and vast views of Utah! When the kids get a little older, we have visions of renting an RV and taking them cross country ala "National Lampoon's Vacation."

No matter what type of skiers or snowboarders you have in your family, Park City Mountain Resort , in Park City Utah, has something for all levels. From the tween who wants to spend all day in the terrain park, to the adults who want to ski Jupiter bowl, to the youngest getting on the lift for the very first time, Park City offers family fun and adventure. Prior to taking a trip, families can even print one of the Family Mountain Tours that make it easy for a group with varying ability levels to navigate the mountain together, taking the guess work out of where to go next.

In addition to its industry-leading Kids Signature 5 Program that guarantees no more than five kids in each class, Park City also offers great off-mountain activities. The Alpine coaster, one of only three in the U.S., is a gravity propelled ride, twisting and turning through the mountains on a mile-long track. At Gorgoza Park enjoy lift-served tubing on seven different lanes or mini snowmobile rides around a designated track for kids ages 5 to 12 years old. Best of all, the historic town of Park City has over 100 restaurants and bars located just 35 miles from the Salt Lake City International airport, making getting to Park City easy. The town also once served as the home of the winter Olympics and still has a fantastic bus system to make it easy to get from place to place.

Park City Mountain Resort also has an Adventure Blog, with helpful articles and tips from moms and dads like us!

Have you ever been skiing out West? What tips do you have?

Kozy Baby Carrier

I am hearing more and more about the benefits of Babywearing all around the media, lately. I did wear my babies just a little, but I could never find one that fit well, and was easy to use.

It figures that now that my girls are way too big for wearing, I would find the Kozy Carrier! Or maybe they're NOT too big!

Why use a baby carrier? Because 'instinct' tells us to hold our babies. They are safe and secure when they are close to us, listening to our heart beating, feeling the warmth of our skin. Not to mention having both hands free while holding your baby.

Why choose the Kozy Carrier? Designed and owned by a work at home mom, the Kozy Carrier is a modern version of the Asian Mei Tai, otherwise known as an Asian Baby Carrier (ABC). With wide padded shoulder straps, a padded curved head support, and sturdy durable fabrics, the Kozy was designed for the comfort of not only you but your child as well.The Kozy is an extremely versatile and comfortable Asian-inspired soft-sided baby carrier (Mei Tai) that can be used from birth to toddlerhood (or beyond) and can easily be worn on your front, side, or back. The Kozy has no buckles or rings. It simply ties on. The Kozy keeps baby's legs up and supports his spine. Made with durable 100% cotton canvas paired with stylish front cotton fabrics, it comes standard, XL, or with a pocket. You can even get a custom Kozy made to order with your own favorite fabric!

The Kozy can be used by many different male and female body types and sizes, even pregnant women. The straps can be worn numerous ways. A child of any size can be placed in several carries with their arms in or out, including infants. The Kozy body can be folded up for a smaller baby or wrapped around a smaller person to make it fit. In short, the Kozy is the best carrying solution for moms and dads who desire to hold their babies close to their hearts!

You can learn more about the Kozy and it's creator here. Click here to see the fabric choices and order!

Holiday CD Giveaway: Steve Sensenig

It's so neat how God orchestrates life. He forges relationships in our lives and He brings acquaintances back into our lives at the appointed time. So it was with some friends I used to attend church with, Steve Sensenig and his lovely wife Christy. After several years, we ran into each other at a local coffee shop where Steve happened to be playing music, then connected online through Blogs and Twitter... or was it the other way around? Well, I can't remember.

Steve is an AMAZING pianist! He sent me all three of his CDs to review, and I was thrilled. I'll tell you a little about each one.

'Tis So Sweet and Ivory Worship

Steve's interperetation of traditional hymns in "Tis So Sweet," and contemporary worship songs in "Ivory Worship" creates the perfect atmosphere for reflection, Bible study, and prayer. The pieces are true to the traditional songs, but as always, Steve adds depth and emotion that make them feel new. Between the worship songs on Ivory Worship, Steve adds improvisational "worship moments" which are perfect for prayer or reflection.

You can sample the songs on each CD here. Each song or the entire CD is available for download as well.

Christmas Solitude

These traditional Christmas pieces bring back all the memories of holidays past, with Steve's unique interpretations of harmony and style. As I listened to this CD in my kitchen, I expected to have some nice background music to listen to. But from the first song, my ear begged me to stop and take in the rich chords, lofty lines and intriguing counter-melodies. I found myself just standing still and feeling the inspiration.

My absolute favorites are the hauntingly hopeful "O Come, O Come, Emmanuel" and the jazzy version of "What Child Is This."


You can find out all about Steve and his music at his website, www.worshipkeys.com.

Parents Magazine Toys!

Parents Magazine® has given moms trusted advice and information for many years. Their toy line is no different! I received the Look At Me Camera from Team Mom to try out, and I loved it!

My three year old is always trying to grab my camera, and I'm really not into her handling a $300 piece of equipment. But this toy camera from Parents looks like it could be real! The sounds are great, clicks, voice, and runway music! Ha! My three-year old loved it, and actually danced to the music while I was taking her "picture"!

I think the age range would be most appropriate for 12 months - 3 years. The price is right on this toy, too: $9.99 at Target

Best of all, the entire line of Parents toys are 100% phthalate free, so you know they're safe.

You can get this toy, and other Parents toys at Target!

Baby Einstein Review and Giveaway

I remember when Baby Einstein Videos fist came out 10 years ago. The simple, colorful visual images along with soothing music was (and still is) a refreshing contrast to the "boom boom boom" flashiness of many children's videos.

I received the Baby Mozart DVD, which was perfect for me, since I'm a music teacher! I think it's so important to expose the young mind to the order and structure of music, and the research supports that theory! I loved this video, and so did the kids. Even my three year old was attentive as the unique perspectives of the camera shots on intricate images were accompanied by soothing music.
We also explored the Lullaby Classics CD, with selections by Baroque and Classical Masters, and the Touch and Feel Farm Animals book.The book gives another dimension to the reading experience. And lest you think these books are only for babies, I caught my almost eight year old sneaking a touch of the textures, while trying to look cool!
Of course, you can't just plop your baby down in front of a DVD and have them become an "Einstein," but Baby Einstein videos and products provide a jumping off point to quality interaction and cognitive development of your child. I encourage you to watch the videos and listen to the CDs with your child and learn together. Here are some activities you can do to get the most out of your time together.

From the Video Theme to the Real World Scene Whenever there is an opportunity to link what you have seen on the DVD to other experiences in baby’s life, make that connection. For example, if you watched a DVD about animals, you might say, “Oh, look. There’s a BIG fish on the screen. Do we have another fish in our house?” And off you go to look at your gold fish. This kind of activity shows baby that something we see in one place can be seen in other places too.

Bring it to Life If children or puppets on the DVD are jumping or dancing, you can hold your little one and dance along to show baby how it feels. You can also play infant sized musical instruments to accompany the DVD Orchestra. Or, try using puppets or baby’s favorite stuffed animals to mimic the action in the DVD. You may get giggles from your little one. Babies usually want to do what they see and you can make that happen.

Make it a Family Affair Consider using DVD time as a way to interact with the whole family. If baby has an older sibling(s) around you can invite them watch the DVD with you. Encourage your older child to point out the names of the animals, say the colors, or even make animal sounds. They will probably love playing with baby and will be excited about showing off how much they know!

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And now for the GIVEAWAY! Comments will be open through Thursday, December 18!

I'm giving one reader of Real Life Review a chance to win your choice of the DVD, CD, or book! (pick one)

• Hop over to BabyEinstein.com and choose your favorite developmental product. Leave a comment on this post.
• If you follow me on Twitter, you get an extra chance.
• If you tweet or blog this giveaway, you can get a third chance. be sure to begin your tweet with @sarahsingforhim so Ill know.
  

Fill In The Blankie

I have a close friend who is pregnant, due in February, and I've been searching for the perfect gift! I was excited when Fill In the Blankie, ultra personalized baby blankets, contacted me with a blankie for review!

Here's what they say:

We personalize ‘em out the wha-zoo”
You provide the copy, we’ll embroider your warmest wishes along all 4 satin edges. Much more than a monogram, or a name & a date, you’ll have up to 200 characters to work with. Each blanket truly tells a story.

“Each one is truly one-of-a-kind”
Your own copy combined with your choices of: (32) blanket styles/colors, (27) fonts & (12) thread colors ensure your baby blanket is as original as the little one who is lucky enough to carry one.

“Nothing but the best -- pure luxury”
No fleece, acrylic or flannel here! Every one of our baby blankets is made of 100% woven cotton, trimmed with 2 inches of the silkiest smooth satin you ever did see (or lay your hands on).

“Simple, fast and easy on the wallet”
Fully embroidered blankets start at just $39 and ship within 3-7 business days!

Here's what I say:

The process was so easy. I went on the website, clicked "Pick a Blankie," and they guided me through the process of choosing the type of blanket, colors, text font and color, and message! Then, I got my blankie in the mail!

It was beautiful! It came wrapped up in a satin bow, just perfect for gift giving!

The blanket is well-constructed and soft, and the embroidery was done just as I specified. I put several verses from my favorite "baby" psalm, #139

I laid the blankie on my daughter's toddler bed, to give a reference of how big it is. It would actually be perfect for her now! I see no reason why this blanket has to go to a baby! A toddler, or a kids' carseat blanket woujld be a wonderful idea.

Of course, Little Pea had to try it out, she is a blanket enthusiast! She always has at least three on her bed at all times! Needless to say, she loved it!

I am going to be SO thrilled to give this to my dear friend when her baby is born! I am always honest with my reviews, and I think this would be the greatest gift for a friend, or your own child!!

Visit Fill In The Blankie for all the information and to order one!