Weight Loss Event: Theragear Pro Rocker Board Review

As an athletic trainer, I love to do rehab and strengthen my athletes and patients! At home, I love to strengthen and improve my balance as part of my weight loss program! One of my favorite products for both of these jobs is a balance board! It is so great for improving balance and strength - two very important parts of both rehab and a weight loss program!

Core stability and balance are important for good performance in almost all sports and activities. All athletes, weather they play basketball, soccer, football or ice hockey must have tremendous footwork and good balance.

People of all ages and abilities need to keep their balance system healthy, and you are never too young or too old to benefit. A healthy balance system helps you to look and feel good - you can move freely and confidently, and will have more energy and strength. A good balance is also an important part of overall joint health and injury prevention. Theragear offers the tools you need to create more balance in your life.
 
The Pro Rocker Board from Theragear is 20" and works in a single plane. It has a fixed angle of 14 degrees and a slip resistant surface. This larger board allows for wider, more stable stance and improves ankle strength, range of motion, and helps prevent injuries.

My Opinion

This rocker board was such a great addition to my home gym! It really adds an element of difficulty to regular squats! Plus, it is great for improving your balance after an injury or just in general! Balance is so important to prevent injuries at any age level or activity level!

I recommend Theragear products for all exercise enthusiasts! They have a great range of products and I definitely recommend them as a health professional and an exerciser myself!


Buy It: You can purchase Theragear Pro Rocker Board for $29.71 on the Theragear website.

* Thank you to Theragear for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Funkoos Tee Review

There is nothing better than the super softness and safeness of organic clothing! Except....if it is super cute too! Well, with Funkoos Organic Baby Clothes you get both!

Funkoos Organic Baby Clothes is America’s newest provider of organic, environmentally safe clothing for children. Since opening their first online store in September 2009, the company strived to be a new kind of clothing company – smart, economical, and fun.

In the summer of 2008, they went shopping for clothing for their newborn children and went looking specifically for clothes that were both chemical and pesticide free. The organic clothing they did find was really expensive and average quality. They thought there had to be quality, affordable organic clothing, but there wasn’t. So like many entrepreneurs, they set out to give astute parents a choice.

From the beginning, they vowed to manufacture their Funkoos Organic Baby Clothes from the finest organic, chemical free-fibers. Their styles are always fun, simple, and super-friendly to young children’s sensitive skin. Their mission is singular – to manufacture their clothes in 100% fair-trade work environments, keep their clothing purely organic, and give a portion of their profits back to the planet through their many charitable causes.

I received the very cute Born to Be Wild Organic Baby T-Shirt. Whether on-the-go or having some quiet time, kids feel like a star in this soft, durable cotton t-shirt. Made with 100% certified organic fibers, these shirts will keep up with the most active kids in the neighborhood. Easy to put on and take off, Funkoos organic t-shirts are perfect for warm weather play time, sleep time or providing a little extra warmth underneath in colder months.

My Opinion

This shirt was so cute! I love that it fit my son's personality and was 100% organic and safe for his skin at the same time!

I love a company that cares about what my child puts against his skin as much as I do! I love Funkoos' mission and goals!

They have a great selection of all different types of clothes for all ages! You are sure to find one that fits the personality of your little one!

I recommend Funkoos clothing for all children! There is nothing better than knowing you have 100% organic cotton against your child's skin! And their clothes are super cute too!

To learn more about Funkoos, you can check out and follow their Facebook page and Twitter.

Buy It: You can purchase the Funkoos "Born to be Wild" tee for $19.99 on the Funkoos website.

* Thank you to Funkoos for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Giveaway Winners of the Week!

Ella's Kitchen New Flavors Giveaway Winner # 63 - khaymax

Stretchaflex Giveaway Winner # 59 - Erin

Have a great holiday weekend everyone!
Be safe and have fun!!!

 

The Caramel Jar Review and Giveaway

I definitely have a sweet tooth! One of my favorite sweets of choice is caramels! I was so excited when I found The Caramel Jar Etsy Shop! The caramels looked amazing - my mouth watered just looking at them! Now imagine how excited I was when Nicole from The Caramel Jar agreed to send me some samples! It absolutely made my day!

Just a warning before you read this review: Your mouth will water and you will want to get these by the end of the review! But good thing for you...they are VERY affordable and there is also a giveaway...so keep on reading!!

The caramels from The Caramel Jar are slow cooked in small batches to produce a rich creamy color, flavor & texture. The Caramel Jar is a "green" company, thus Nicole individually wraps caramels in natural parchment paper & packages them in Eco-friendly, recyclable mason jars or unbleached wax paper bags.

She even offers organic version of the caramels! 100% ORGANIC versions of the caramels are an additional fee depending on quantity of order. Each batch of caramels is created after your order is placed to guarantee freshness upon arrival. She strives to incorporate all natural/organic ingredients and eco friendly packaging to be as gentle on our environment as possible!

I received some delicious Fleur de Sels to try! They are wrapped in natural parchment and packaged in a landfill safe, unbleached wax paper bag!

Don't stare too long...you might start drooling...

My Opinion

Umm....I don't even know where to begin....These were the most magnificent tasting caramels I have ever had! They were so soft and just melted in my mouth! I had them gone in a matter of hours! :o) I just couldn't hold back!

The best part about Nicole and The Caramel Jar is not only her delicious caramels but her passion for using natural and organic ingredients and caring for the environment at the same time! It is rare you find a company that cares about using quality ingredients and is careful about their shipping materials!

Most of all, I love that she offers an organic version of her caramels! Everyone can enjoy these!

I recommend The Caramel Jar to all sweet tooths! They are perfect for weddings, parties, and any other special occasion or just anytime you feel like a great treat!

Buy It: Best of all, these caramels are very affordable!!! You can buy a sampler of their vanilla Fleur de Sel caramels for only $2.95 from The Caramel Jar Etsy shop!!!!

Win It: The Caramel Jar is generously offering (1) 1/2 lb of the Fleur de Sel caramels packaged in a wax paper bag to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) 1/2 lb of the Fleur de Sel caramels from The Caramel Jar

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end September 17, 2010 at 12:00 P.M. (noon) central time.

2) Must include email address in comment/entry to qualify to win (so I can let you know you won)

How to Enter:

***Mandatory Entry***

(must do this one before all others to qualify to win)

- Be a follower of The Review Stew on Google Friend Connect (publicly) and tell me you are currently one or became one in a comment below

Extra Entries (Make a Separate Comment For Each!!):

1) Subscribe to my feed by clicking on the book or subscribe by email (must confirm address) on left hand side of blog - let me know you did in a comment

2) Tell me how you found my blog!

3) Become a fan of The Caramel Jar on Facebook - tell me in a comment and write on their wall:  "I just entered for a chance to win a 1/2 lb of the Fleur de Sel caramels. Come check it out and enter for yourself at http://thereviewstew.blogspot.com"

4) Vote for my blog on Top Mommy Blogs, Top Baby Blogs, or We're On the Fence - make a separate comment for each

5) Enter any of my other giveaways - see the list on right hand side of blog. Let me know each giveaway entered in a comment (up to 5 entries only for giveaways entered)

6) Grab my Weight Loss Event button or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment. (If you grab both, that is two separate entries!!!)

7) Follow The Caramel Jar on Twitter - tell me in a comment

Winners will be chosen randomly by Random.org, contacted by email and The Caramel Jar will send your prize by mail.

* Thank you to The Caramel Jar for their generous samples for review!

Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

bumGenius Elemental One-Size Diaper Review and Giveaway

Come check out one of my new favorite cloth diaper companies - The Diaper Wagon! They sell my favorite diaper of all time - the bumGenius Elemental One-Size Diaper!

The Diaper Wagon offers products that are manufactured by small, independently-owned and operated businesses, several of these being Work-At-Home-Mom (WAHM) products. You will not only find that the majority of their products are made by "the little guy", nearly each and every one of these products is manufactured in the U.S.A.

In an effort to ensure an even greater customer experience, and what they hope will encourage life-time customer value, their family has personally selected each and every product offered at The Diaper Wagon, most of which they have personally enjoyed through their own cloth diapering and natural care journey. They believe their personal experience with the products they offer will allow them to serve you better, which is their top priority!

Looking for organic, natural fibers next to your baby’s bottom? The bumGenius Elemental One-Size Diaper is just the one for you!

The bumGenius Elemental One-Size Cloth Diapers offer an industry first - tabs that stretch for a perfect fit. Stretchy tabs combined with their brand-new snap fasteners make cloth diapering easy. Their new "no-stuff" system available only in the bumGenius Elemental One-Size Cloth Diaper is an ideal solution for families with a child in day-care or family members resistant to cloth diapers! It really is as easy to use as a disposable diaper. Using the snaps on the front of the diaper, adjust the size if needed, put the diaper on your baby, wash, dry and re-use. No extra steps. No stuffing. No cover required. Their one-size diapers are designed to fit most babies weighing between 7 and 35 pounds.

Highlights

•Absorbent layer integrated into the waterproof outer layer.

•One step cloth diaper - no stuffing!

•Now also available in snap closures! Two rows of snaps ensure a trim, bumGenius fit everytime!

•Ultra-absorbent, certified organic cotton inner.

•Gentle leg elastic contains the mess!

My Opinion

I absolutely love the bumGenius Elemental One-Size Diaper from The Diaper Wagon. I pretty much love everything about it! It is my number one favorite diaper ever!

I love that it is an all-in-one and I don't have to mess with dirty inserts, trying to find the matching insert, and washing and rinsing it is so easy! It is so easy to use. Just put on and snap! Even my husband can do this one!

I also love the that it is one size. I can use this amazing diaper for all my children from birth to potty training! That makes me so happy!

Most of all, I love that it is organic! That is so important to me as I diaper my son! He has such sensitive skin and I want only safe fabric against his skin!

The only downfall is it takes a little longer to dry. However, I will sacrifice that for all the other great features it has! I just set it outside after washing it and by the end of the day it white and dry! I love the sun!

I recommend the bumGenius Elemental One-Size Diaper for everyone that cloth diapers! It is perfect for expert or beginner and I don't think you will find a better cloth diaper out there!

Buy It: You can purchase a bumGenius Elemental One-Size Diaper for $24.95 on The Diaper Wagon website.

Win It: The Diaper Wagon is generously offering (1) $15 Gift Card to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) $15 GiftCard for The Diaper Wagon

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end September 15, 2010 at 12:00 P.M. (noon) central time.

2) Must include email address in comment/entry to qualify to win (so I can let you know you won)

3) The giveaway will be open to both U.S. & Canada to individuals 18 years and older.

How to Enter:

***Mandatory Entry***

(must do this one before all others to qualify to win)

- Be a follower of The Review Stew on Google Friend Connect (publicly) and tell me you are currently one or became one in a comment below

Extra Entries (Make a Separate Comment For Each!!):

1) Subscribe to my feed by clicking on the book or subscribe by email (must confirm address) on left hand side of blog - let me know you did in a comment

2) Become a follower of The Diaper Wagon on Twitter - tell me in a comment

3) Become a fan of The Diaper Wagon on Facebook - tell me in a comment and tell them The Review Stew sent you!

4) Vote for my blog on Top Mommy Blogs, Top Baby Blogs, or We're On the Fence - make a separate comment for each

5) Enter any of my other giveaways - see the list on right hand side of blog. Let me know each giveaway entered in a comment (up to 5 entries only for giveaways entered)

6) Grab my Weight Loss Event button or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment. (If you grab both, that is two separate entries!!!)

7) Sign up for The Diaper Wagon Newsletter and tell me you did in a comment

8) Become a follower or subscribe to The Diaper Wagon's blog - tell me in a comment

By participating in Giveaways hosted by The Diaper Wagon, LLC, you are accepting all terms & conditions of The Diaper Wagon, LLC, including all numbered "Policies" items listed on The Diaper Wagon, LLC website.

Winners will be chosen randomly by Random.org, contacted by email and The Diaper Wagon will send your prize by mail.

* Thank you to The Diaper Wagon for their generous samples for review!

Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Designs by Cace AIO Diaper Review

I am so excited to feature another WAHM who makes great cloth diapers!! Sara from Designs by Cace was great to work with and makes such cute and effective diapers!

Designs by Cace was created after making cloth diapers for her son Cace. She fell in love with cloth before her son was even born. Besides the great enviornmental impact it makes, she knew it would save her a ton of money. Both her husband and Sara had been laid off while she was pregnant so she got to sew her butt off!

Her diapers come in cotten knit prints, flannel, fleece, and some PUL prints. The PUL diapers do not need a cover, but they are still trim diapers and not recommended for overnight use with out a booster or doubler. A cover is required to make the other diapers waterproof.
 
I received the cute Snoopy AIO. This diaper has a PUL Snoopy print for the outer shell, and an OBV liner for the inner. A multilayer Zorb soaker is sewn in between the layers. This diaper has elastic legs and back elastic to prevent leaks when lying down. It also has Velcro (or touch tape) closure with laundry tabs. This diaper does not require a cover.

My Opinion

The first thing I noticed about this Snoopy AIO was how it was gender neutral! I can use this for my son and any future daughters! And it was soooo cute!

Secondly, I noticed that the soaker was sown right in! I don't have to mess with inserts, it doesn't require extra drying time because of extra layers of soaker, and it is so easy to spray off and clean!

This is a great diaper to use all day long! It held in all the solids and never leaked! It was so easy to clean because nothing got in the way of spraying it off and it dried fast for an AIO!

Best of all, it was super easy to use - just like a disposable! Just close and "velcro" shut - even my husband can do it!

I recommend Designs by Cace AIO diaper for anyone looking for a really easy to use but effective diaper! This would make a great first cloth diaper for a beginner to get the hang of it!

Buy It: You can purchase a Designs by Cace AIO diaper for a really great price!! They are only $9-$14 (depending on the size) on the Designs by Cace Hyena Cart shop.

And best of all, Sara from Designs by Cace is offering all of you great readers a discount on her products!!!

Just go to her shop and enter "reviewstew" to receive 15% off your purchase from her shop!

But HURRY! It is only valid for two weeks from today!

* Thank you to Designs by Cace for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

Annabel Karmel Review

It is very important to me to make my son's baby food! That way I know what he is eating and I can make sure it is fresh and organic!

I had some help along the way though! One of my biggest helpers are some products from Annabel Karmel. The Food Cube Tray and the Make It Easy Stackable Weaning Pots really helped me make and store some great tasting baby food!

The small Food Cube Tray is perfect for freezing small portions of your baby’s food. By preparing food in batches and freezing it in the food cube tray, you need only cook once or twice a week.

Some of the great features include:
-clip on lid for secure & easy storage

-designed to stack

-freezer safe

-flexible tray for easy portion dispensing

-each cube is a meal portion size

The Make It Easy Stackable Weaning Pots are attractive stackable food pots that are perfect for storing fresh baby food. The pots clip together for easy storage and they are see-through so you can tell what food is inside.

They are:
-suitable for the freezer and microwave

-dishwasher safe

-can be easily stacked in any order for the best storage solution

-individual portion sizes - 2 x 50ml, 2 x 75ml, 2 x 100ml

-for home or away

My Opinion

These products from Annabel Karmel were so helpful on my baby food making journey! The stacking pots were great for storing extra baby food that I had made that my son was going to eat that day or soon after making it. It was so great that they stacked - it made storing them so easy!

The trays were perfect for freezing the baby food for longer periods of time! I loved that there was a lid for keeping all the vitamins in and preventing spills!

I recommend Annabel Karmel's products for all moms who are looking to or do make their own baby food! They have the perfect products to get started!

Buy It: You can purchase Annabel Karmel's Make It Easy Collection (which includes the above products) at Babies 'R' Us

* Thank you to Annabel Karmel for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*