Blog Tour: Scars and Stilettos

If you are in the mood for an inspirational story and/or a book you won't want to put down, check out Harmony Dust's new book Scars and Stilettos! It was so good, I literally read it in one day!

Scars and Stilettos: The Transformation of an Exotic Dancer by Harmony Dust is a stark, honest, and hopeful story of how God found Harmony in a dark, noisy place and led her out.

Fear of being abandoned keeps nineteen-year-old Harmony Dust trapped in an abusive and cruel relationship. She thinks she has hit bottom - she is tens of thousands of dollars in debt, struggling to get by, and so controlled by her boyfriend that she doesn't protest when he begins openly sleeping around. Things can't get worse . . . until someone tells her how much money she can make as an exotic dancer. For the next three years, Harmony lives a double life as Monique, a dancer in a fully-nude strip club.

"Harmony wrote her story so that you and your friends may get help out of whatever dark tunnel you find yourself in. . . . once you start this book, you will not be able to put it down and you will want to get a copy for every person you know." -Holly Wagner, from the preface

She has since married, completed an MA in social welfare, and Harmony Dust is founder of Treasures, a nonprofit organization based in Los Angeles that reaches out to women in the sex industry to show them they are loved, valued, and purposed. Find out more about Treasures, Harmony, and her book at http://www.iamatreasure.com/ or http://www.scarsandstilettos.com/. Check out Harmony's Press Page for magazine articles and videos about her work with women in the sex-trade industry.

My Opinion

This book showed me a prime example of how God works in mysterious ways - and ways that we don't always understand! Those are only a few of the lessons that can be learned from Scars and Stilettos! Harmony may have had to suffer a lot in the early years of her life, but God always had a plan for her - even when she did not know it!

Her book was inspiring and it captivated me! I did not want to put it down and I am definitely going to pass on this book/recommend this book to others who need inspiration in their life and/or need a reminder that God promises to never give us more than we can handle in our lives and that he is always watching over us and has a very special plan for our lives!

I definitely recommend this book for all adults! It is inspiring and real and will remind you of many of God's promises to all of us - especially in times of trial!

For more information about the Scars and Stilettos blog tour, check out the Litfuse website for blog tour dates and contest details!

Buy It: You can purchase an autographed copy of Scars and Stilettos for $12.99 on the Scars and Stilettos book website.

* Thank you to Litfuse for this book for review! Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

We Have Some Winners!

Flirty Diva Tees Winner #39 - Amanda

Amy Peters' Jewelry Winner #52 - fluttermama

You have been emailed and need to respond within 48 hours!

Congratulations!

StaphAseptic Review and Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

As a health professional, I know how important it is to prevent infections, especially MRSA, a very serious bacterial infection that spreads very quickly. Sadly, it is becoming more and more well known and more and more serious! One of the main fighters against spreading infection are antiseptics. One I am very familiar with and used a lot with my athletes is StaphAseptic.

Applied to minor cuts, scrapes and abrasions, StaphAseptic can help prevent skin infections caused by bacteria such as MRSA, staph, and other germs. The greaseless, non-staining gel provides soothing wound care without stinging or irritation, and contains Lidocaine for effective pain relief.

Use StaphAseptic as part of a complete staph prevention program to help protect you and your family from skin infections.

Staph Prevention Program:
•Treat and cover wounds

•Don't share personal items (like towels)

•Shower after physical activity

•Properly clean gear and equipment

•Keep hands clean

•Consult your physician for all active wounds

If you think you may have a skin infection, contact your physician immediately. Staph bacteria, including MRSA, can cause skin infections that may look like a pimple, boil, or ingrown hair and can be red, swollen, painful, or have pus and other drainage. Serious infections may cause pneumonia, bloodstream infections, or even death.

StaphAseptic is available in a 2 oz. tube or single use packets. Note: StaphAseptic is not a ‘cure’ for MRSA but rather a preventative product.

My Opinion

Like I said earlier, this is one of the most well-known, effective antiseptics I know of as a health professional/athletic trainer. I have seen it work wonders for infections and it was usually the first one I went to use when I saw an infection starting.

It is nicer than some other antiseptics because it has a little Lidocaine to ease the patient/person's discomfort or pain. It is also found to be more effective than topical antibiotics and eliminates the concern of antibiotic resistance caused by antibiotics. I am excited to now have my very own tube to use on my family's bumps and scrapes!

And just on a personal note...I loved how they had a section on their website just for athletic trainers! Never seen that before on any site and I loved the shout out! :o)

I recommend StaphAseptic antiseptic ointment for all minor cuts, scrapes and abrasions to prevent infection and the spread of MRSA.

Buy It: You can purchase StaphAseptic at many retailers. Click here to see a list and find a store near you!

Win It: StaphAseptic is generously offering (1) 2 oz. StaphAseptic First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Gel to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) 2 oz. StaphAseptic First Aid Antiseptic/Pain Relieving Gel

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end June 25, 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) Write about this giveaway in your blog with a link to this site/giveaway. Let me know you did this in a comment.

3) Visit StaphAseptic's website and tell me something you learned about MRSA 

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

6) Grab my Cloth Diaper Event or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment.

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

* Thank you to StaphAseptic for their generous samples for review!

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

Badger Chemical Free Sunscreen Review and Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

Well, summer (well, the official start of summer!) is right around the corner! It is so important to use sunscreen and I think people are starting to get that through their heads! :o) I found a great chemical free sunscreen to use for the summer from EarthTurns.com - Badger Chemical Free Sunscreen.

Badger has made an wonderful broad-spectrum, physical barrier sunscreen that uses Zinc, a naturally occruing mineral to create a protective barrier against the harmful rays of the sun. This powerful chemical free sunscreen is an SPF 30 natural sunblock formula is water resistant for up to 40 minutes, and is safe for children and will moisturize the skin, while it protects it.

The Environmental Working Group's Safe Cosmetics Database reveals that Badger Sunscreen is one of the world's most effective and safest sunscreens. Recently, Badger was rated #1 out of 910 easily available products.

My Opinion

I am so excited to finally have a sunscreen that is safe to use on children! I have been on a search for so long to find one that is safe according to my standards.

I love that this sunscreen is waterproof, SPF 30 and moisturizes all at the same time! Its main ingredient is zinc oxide compared to titanium oxide which I was happy with because zinc oxide is the safest from my opinion.

The fact that impressed me the most was that Badger was rated #1 out of 910 products! That really makes me trust them!

Pros: stays on skin, will not run, won't drip in eyes, allows skin to breathe, strong and effective but without harmful ingredients/chemicals, mild enough as to not irritate skin, zinc oxide is main active ingredient, blocks UVA and UVB rays, water resistant up to 40 minutes, moisturizes while protecting, American Made!

Cons: don't have any cons for this product!

Buy It: You can purchase Badger Chemical Free Sunscreen for $13.60 on EarthTurns.com

Win It: EarthTurns.com is generously offering (1) $15 gift certificate to EarthTurns.com!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) $15 gift certificate to EarthTurns.com

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end June 25, 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) Write about this giveaway in your blog with a link to this site/giveaway. Let me know you did this in a comment.

3) Go to EarthTurns.com and tell me something else you would love to get from their site

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

6) Grab my Cloth Diaper Event or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment.

Winners will be chosen randomly by Random.org, contacted by email and EarthTurns.com will send your prize by mail.

* Thank you to EarthTurns.com for their generous samples for review!

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

Hello World Clothing Review and Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

One of the things I hate most about my son wearing a sleeper is the fact that to change him, you have to unzip the whole thing and take it all off just to get to the diaper! If you are using a snap sleeper, I think I like those even less because I can never snap them correctly..I always seem to miss a snap somewhere along the way and have to start the whole process over again! Ughh!!

When I saw Hello World Clothing SmartZip sleepers, I knew they would be a perfect fit in our family! I wish I would have had this sleeper since my son was born!

Hello World strives to make each of your lives easier starting with a zip, and doesn’t stop there. Something as simple as a diaper change has changed their world. Now they want to change yours. What started with easing late night trips to their baby’s nursery, has become the evolution of an old favorite, the baby sleeper. Their first product, the patent pending SmartZip® Sleeper, successfully helps your child differentiate between quality time and a quick change in the middle of the night, leading to another morning of discovery.

When it comes to changing a baby in the middle of the night, we all know the story. Start by tip-toeing into the nursery, careful to avoid lights or noise. Then, quickly open the snaps one by one, while inevitably more than just a few come undone. Changing the diaper is the easy part. Try realigning all those snaps! Your baby’s tiny hands would have better luck. If your choice is the standard zippered sleeper, the challenge isn’t much different. It unzips from the top, revolutionary in its time, but now more of a mystery; considering you change your baby from the bottom. Before now, the process has left a countless number of children confusing a midnight diaper changing for playtime.

Night time changes are here to stay, but who says it has to end that way? Hello World® Clothing Company has rewritten the story by introducing innovation to common sense. The result literally changes the way you change your baby; from the bottom, where it makes more sense. The patent pending SmartZip® sleeper has a two-way zipper. Still opening from the top for traditional purposes, but also unzipping from the bottom for quicker, easier access to your baby. No more snaps or one way zippers to fumble with in the dark, and a lot less disrupted baby afterwards. Quicker? Yes. Smarter? Absolutely. Happier Ending? Definitely!

My Opinion

My first thought when receiving and using this sleeper is "Why didn't someone think of this earlier??!!" This sleeper is amazing and I wish I had a hundred of these sleepers to use every night. I am now going to be doing laundry twice as much just so I can always have this sleeper clean and ready for bedtime!

It is so nice to have the zipper from the bottom! I no longer have to take his whole body out of the sleeper when I want to quickly change him or try to button all those buttons back together in the dark! (I have always hated those snaps...they just never line up when I want them to! :o)

These sleepers make changing diapers so easy (especially in the dark when you are so tired!) and would make a great present for new parents! I might not have gotten the easy way out when my son was younger, but I can definintely give another new mother that chance with these awesome sleepers!

I recommend Hello World SmartZip Sleepers for all babies that still wear a sleeper! They will save you time, headache, and that extra minute of sleep each night!

Pros: unzips from the bottom and the top!, body-hugging fit, non-skid footed bottoms (great for crawlers and walkers), comes in blue or pink!

Cons: only available in sizes up to 12 months so sorry parents with older babies! You will just have to have another one to experience this great sleeper! :o)

Buy It: You can purchase the SmartZip sleeper for $28.00 on the Hello World Clothing Company website.

Win It: Hello World Clothing Company is generously offering (1) SmartZip sleeper in the color of your choice to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) SmartZip sleeper (worth $28.00!!!) 

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end July 1, 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) Write about this giveaway in your blog with a link to this site/giveaway. Let me know you did this in a comment.

3) Visit the Hello World Clothing website and tell me what color you would choose!

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

6) Grab my Cloth Diaper Event or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment.

Winners will be chosen randomly by Random.org, contacted by email and Hello World Clothing will send your prize by mail.

* Thank you to Hello World Clothing for their generous samples for review!

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

Farm Rich Snacks and Appetizers Review

Are you hosting a party and need some great appetizers? It is always great to have some quick snacks that you can just throw in when that random party shows up or forms at your house for the night!

Well, if you get caught in that situation, don't get caught without Farm Rich snacks and appetizers! Farm Rich® products have been setting the standard for delicious, easy-to-prepare food the whole family loves.

Farm Rich® foods taste like nothing else because they're made like nothing else – with 100% real ingredients like real cheese, high-quality meats and fresh vegetables. Their snacks, appetizers, and breakfast foods are quick-frozen and carefully packaged so busy families can prepare great tasting food within minutes.

I decided to try the Farm Rich Cheese Sticks. They're made from 100% real mozzarella cheese and are breaded and seasoned to perfection.

My Opinion

These Cheese Sticks were really easy to make. I could just throw them in the oven and literally a couple minutes later they were hot and ready to eat!

They didn't have much spices on them so eating them plain was kind of boring and a little tasteless. However, there were a lot of cheese sticks in each bag so there were plenty to pass around at a party or plenty to have at another time if you are just sharing with your spouse during a movie night!

I recommend Farm Rich snacks and appetizers to people who host parties frequently or who like to snack frequently!

Buy It: You can purchase Farm Rich snacks at various retailers. Click here to find a retailer near you!

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

Sarah McLachlan's Laws of Illusion CD Review

The Grammy® award winning singer, multi-platinum singer/songwriter, Sarah McLachlan, has released her long awaited new album, LAWS OF ILLUSION on June 15th! This marks Sarah's first studio album of brand new material in 7 years.

In a career spanning more than two decades, Sarah has over 20 million career sales to date and, every one of Sarah McLachlan’s studio and live albums has been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum by the RIAA.

True to her Canadian roots, the album was recorded in Montreal and Vancouver with Sarah’s longtime collaborator/producer Pierre Marchand. Sarah’s new album LAWS OF ILLUSION was released June 15th just weeks in advance of the kick off to Lilith Fair 2010, the historic all women touring festival, founded by McLachlan.

My Opinion

This album was so mellow and relaxing. It was a great mix of songs and it was a great CD to listen to while relaxing. There wasn't a single song on the album that I didn't like! Sarah has definitely come back with a bang!

I recommend Laws of Illusion to all Sarah McLachlan lovers and people who like slow, melodic, soothing music!

For more information, check out Sarah's website and Facebook page, and watch Sarah perform on Jay Leno and Dancing with the Stars.

Buy It: The album’s first single “Loving You is Easy,” is a Top Ten hit at Adult Alternative radio and is available for sale at all digital providers.

Buy the new single on iTunes or Amazon for $1.29. You can purchase Laws of Illusion on Amazon for $9.99.

* Thank you to One2One Network for their product for review! Disclosure - This product was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.* 

Best Bottom Diaper System Review and Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

Let me just start off by saying that this diaper is one of the best diapers I have reviewed so far in my whole event! You will want to read about the Best Bottom Diaper System and enter the giveaway below to win one of your own!

After years of experience, Nicki the owner of Nicki's Diapers created a new diaper taking the pros of all the different diapering systems and eliminating the cons. This resulted in the Best Bottom diaper system - a diaper with the trimmest fitting and also highly absorbent! To help reduce early confusion and that overwhelmed feeling when researching cloth diapers, the Best Bottom diapers has simplified cloth diapering while making it one of the most economical systems. The Best Bottom one size diapering system is not a pocket diaper, not an all in one, not a fitted diaper and not a prefold system...it is the best of all types.

How does the Best Bottom System work? Many parents may start researching cloth diapers, get overwhelmed and quit. Best Bottoms are YOUR solution! So easy to use yet comes with lots of options so you can get a customized system for your baby.

1. Adjust front snaps to achieve the size needed.

2. Snap insert into diaper.

3. Put diaper on baby and go!

4. When baby needs a diaper change snap out soiled insert and snap clean one in.

5. Put diaper on baby and go AGAIN. The Best Bottom shell is wipe-able and can be used multiple times before washing but you may want to air dry between uses but it is not necessary.

Available in both snap and hook & loop as well as yummy colors inspired by ice cream! (That is one of my favorite parts about this diaper! :o) Some of the colors include Mint Chocolate Chip, Vanilla, Strawberry Shortcake, Blue Moon, Chunky Monkey, Key Lime Pie and Orange Sherbet. They have taken great care to use color coordinating snaps for a great looking diaper.

The highest quality of materials available have been selected with as much of the raw materials made in the USA as they could find. The entire Shell is made with USA-made materials! ALL of their products are proudly handcrafted in the USA at local factories helping to support the local economy and reduce their environmental impact. They use durable snaps and hook & loop, double layer of waterproof PUL creating a perfect no-leak sturdy shell with a wipe-able inside lasting for many washes.

My Opinion

First of all, let me say a big thank you to Nicki for this diaper and also for being great to work with!

Second of all, the Best Bottom Diaper may be the easiest and most absorbent diaper I now own or have used to this date. It has now leapt to my favorite for nightime cloth diapering! I have finally found a great diaper that is easy to use during the day AND can keep my son's clothes from getting soaked during the night!

I loved that there were additional soakers that I could snap together and use for night time or naps. Therefore, I had two thick, absorbent soakers that easily snapped together and snapped into the diaper for extra protection against leaks. I didn't know anything so simple was out there - and yet very effective!

Night Time Use: I highly recommend this diaper for night time and nap time use. It was so easy to snap in the inserts (one on top of the other for night time) and then just put it on like a standard diaper! It did not soak through his clothes all night! What a relief - finally a great overnight diaper!

Day Time Use: This diaper was so great to use during the day too! It was so easy to use and the shell could be used over and over again throughout the day. Just swap out the standard insert and button in the clean one! What a great idea!

I recommend these Best Bottom Diapers to all you cloth diapering mommas! They are great for beginners and experts! They work great for heavy wetters and as a nighttime diaper but are also great for during the day for easy diapering! Plus, who can resist the ice cream flavored-named diaper colors! I love that! :o)

Buy It: You can purchase the Best Bottom Diapering Shell for $16.95 and the Stay Dry inserts for $3.75 each on Nicki's Diapers website

Win It: Nicki's Diapers is generously offering (1) Best Bottom diapering system of 1 shell and 3 Stay Dry inserts to one lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Best Bottom diapering system of 1 shell and 3 Stay Dry inserts

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end July 1, 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 and tell me you are currently one or became one in a comment below

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

1) Become a follower of the Nicki's Diapers Blog and let me know in a comment

2) Write about this giveaway in your blog with a link to this site/giveaway. Let me know you did this in a comment.

3) Go to the Nicki's Diapers website and tell me something you would love to try from there

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

6) Grab my Cloth Diaper Event or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment.

7) Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the book on the left side or subscribe by email and let me know you you did in comment

Winners will be chosen randomly by Random.org, contacted by email and Nicki's Diapers will send your prize through mail.

* Thank you to Nicki's Diapers for their generous samples for review!

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

Planet Wise Wet Bag Review

I don't know what I was thinking??!! I started this cloth diapering event without a wet bag!!! Iwas just using random bags to put the dirty diapers in and it smelled and was a mess! Finally, I came to my senses and realized there were great products called wet bags and the best ones I found were from Planet Wise! My life is so much simpler (and less smelly!!) now that I have a Planet Wise wet bag!

Planet Wise Inc. is a privately owned family corporation founded by Nicki Maynard and later joined by husband Jesse. As a husband and wife team, they are working together to ensure the highest quality products while following responsible environmental and social business practices.

To reduce their environmental impact, all products have been thoroughly researched and are all PVC-free and lead-free (a surprising fact is that many zippers have been painted using paint that contains lead). All the products they have developed are reusable and have been designed to replace disposable items; helping to reduce waste that ends up in the landfills. Planet Wise Wet Bags have been designed to be useful for every age from young children, in diapers, to the mature adult transporting shoes, cosmetics, swimwear, or gym wear. Also, their packaging is printed on recycled/recyclable paper using soy-based ink.

Planet Wise products have been designed with you in mind! Innovative, unique, and earth friendly, their products will make your life easier. They are not only helping you to reuse but are also available in today's trendiest colors and prints. Their new collection of reusable wet bags is now available as well as a full line of diaper pail liners. Coming soon are our washable wipes, training pants, and more!

My Opinion

I received the Planet Wise Hanging Wet/Dry Bag to review! I was sooo sooo excited to finally have somewhere to put all the dirty diapers. It was so nice to hang it on the door in my son's room and leave it there until wash time! It easily zipped closed to keep in the smells and I just threw it in the wash when it needed to be cleaned!

I also loved that it had a separate compartment for the dry diapers too! This was great when we were traveling and we could carry the clean and dirty diapers at the same time! The waterproof liner on the inside kept any dirty leaks/smells out of the dry compartment and it was so great for storage! It was a very large bag and could hold all of my diapers!

I don't know how I survived before I got this wet bag from Planet Wise!

I highly recommend Planet Wise wet bags for all you cloth diapering parents out there! I don't know how to do without now! Plus, it is also great for so many other uses: swimsuits, potty training, going to the gym, shoes, cosmetics and so much more!

Pros: easily hangs up on doorknob, great big size to hold all my diapers at once, two separate compartments for dry and wet diapers, cute designs to choose from, all products are PVC-free and lead-free, reduces environmental impact by reusing the bag over and over, easily washes and dries with diapers or other dirty laundry!

Cons: Absolutely Nothing! Love these bags!

Buy It: You can purchase Planet Wise wet bags at many retailers. Click here to find one near you!

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

Book Tour: The Confessions of Catherine de Medici

I love historical fiction books! If you do too, you will love the new book, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici! I know I did!

From the fairy-tale châteaux of the Loire Valley to the battlefields of the wars of religion to the mob-filled streets of Paris, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner is the extraordinary untold journey of one of the most maligned and misunderstood women ever to be queen.

C. W. Gortner, half-Spanish by birth, holds an M.F.A. in writing, with an emphasis on historical studies, from the New College of California and has taught university courses on women of power in the Renaissance. He was raised in Málaga, Spain, and now lives in California.

Acclaimed for his insight into his characters, he travels extensively to research his books. He has slept in a medieval Spanish castle, danced in a Tudor great hall, and explored library archives all over Europe. His debut historical novel The Last Queen gained international praise and has been translated into eight languages to date. His new novel, The Confessions of Catherine de Medici, was published on May 25, 2010. He is currently at work on The Princess Isabella, his third historical novel, and The Secret Lion, the first book in his Tudor thriller series,The Spymaster Chronicles.

My Opinion

The Confessions of Catherine de Medici is an extensive novel (397 pages), but well worth every page turned! I never wanted it to end!

This book details the life of Catherine de Medici, a ruthless queen who led France into an era of savage violence. The book outlines her life, her family, and the trials she went through throughout her life.

It was all very interesting to me since I love history - especially historical women's history! It was interesting to look closer into her life to see the reason she may have created such a violent name for herself and what the other sides to her personality may have been!

I recommend The Confessions of Catherine de Medici to all historical fiction book lovers and people who generally like to read since this book is quite long.

Buy It: You can purchase The Confessions of Catherine de Medici here for $16.50

* Thank you to Pump Up Your Book for this book for review! Disclosure - This book was given for review for my honest opinion. No other compensation was given.*

DaysAgo Digital Day Counter Review and Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

Isn't it amazing to find that once you start using something, you don't know how you lived without it! The DaysAgo Digital Day Counter was like that for me! I never have to wonder anymore how long that food or product has been opened!

The award-winning DaysAgo Digital Day Counter helps time-crunched, on-the-go families monitor and organize their daily lives. As the winner of a Good Housekeeping “Good Buy Award,” the DaysAgo is the first digital day counter to answer the age-old question, “How many days ago did I open this?” The gadget has a digital screen that starts counting with just the touch of a button. By counting up days, the DaysAgo can help determine when food has been opened and needs to be used, or can track days between household chores -- from taking care of plants to giving family members their medications.

Kathleen Whitehurst, CEO and founder of double u products, originally designed the DaysAgo to help busy moms keep the food in refrigerators safe for their families. Now the DaysAgo has become a lifestyle product for which consumers themselves are always finding new uses.

The DaysAgo is available with a magnet to adhere to metal objects; a suction cup for those items that are not metal or are oddly shaped; or with two different sizes of bands. The large band can wrap around bigger items such as a bag of coffee beans or a carton or bottle of milk, which often needs to be consumed in seven to 10 days of being opened. The small band fits perfectly around such items as baby bottles, juice boxes, bottles of olive oil or wine, and medication.

Beyond its functionality as a cool kitchen gadget and tool, the DaysAgo is unique in that it can be used in every room in your house! In the family room, track how long it’s been since you watered the plants or changed the filter in the fish tank. In the bathroom, track how long it’s been since you’ve taken your medication. Outside, track how many days it’s been since you fertilized the vegetable garden.

My Opinion

These were one of the coolest little gadgets I have ever owned. And they couldn't come at a better time. With only having to cook for two, it always seems like food is spoiling in my refrigerator and I just plain forget about it being open! These DaysAgo Counters have saved quite a few food items from spoiling lately! And I am so thankful for that because I HATE wasting food!

I love that they are also really useful for other things too. They can help me remember to water my plants, help me count how many days my formula or other food has been opened/lasts or reminds me to change toothbrushes, change diapers or whatever else I need help remembering! These counters are so useful for forgetful and busy mothers like me!

I recommend DaysAgo Digital Day Counters for all people! They can be useful for almost anything you can think of and can save you spoiling food or forgetting important items! They are so simple to use that even most children could use it!

Pros: easy to use, so many different uses, suction, magnet or banded counters available, small so they don't take up room or look too obvious!

Cons: Nothing - I loved these little guys!

Buy It: You can purchase a DaysAgo Digital Day Counters for $8.00 for a 2-pack on the DaysAgo website.

Win It: DaysAgo is generously offering (1) 2pk Suction DaysAgo to TWO of my readers!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) 2pk Suction DaysAgo Counter

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end June 29, 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) Write about this giveaway in your blog with a link to this site/giveaway. Let me know you did this in a comment.

3) Go the the DaysAgo website and tell me something you learned!

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

6) Grab my Cloth Diaper Event or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment.

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

* Thank you to DaysAgo for their generous samples for review!

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

Winners, Winners Chicken Dinners!

Lots of Winners Again Today!

Baby Dipper Winner - #71 Kimberly 

Affordable Scarves Winner - #104 twifanheather

Wee Little Changes Winner - #192 Angie

Cuddlebee Bib Winner -#19 Cari

 Congrats!

You have 48 hours to respond!

Ringley Teether Review

My son seems to have been teething for about 4 months now! He drools excessively, chews on everything, and can be quite crabby! I am constantly looking for safe and effective teething toys. I think I may have just found my favorite one!

RiNGLEY is the original Canadian natural teether that combines two efficient teething tools: untreated Maple wood and 100% organic cotton terrycloth. Made free from dye and without harmful chemicals, it provides babies and toddlers with two safe and efficient textures that enable children to satisfy their teething needs.

RiNGLEY's design also allows your child to easily grip the ring and cloth. It can be used wet or dry and easily reaches around a child's gums and teeth. These teethers were designed with a child's development in mind. Since infants learn through tactile stimulus, touching and putting things in their mouths, the need for a product made without harmful chemicals and dyes is important. RiNGLEY is an organic and natural toy for babies to chew and teethe on.

RiNGLEY comes in four styles: knotted, straight, junior and ball. They are all handmade in Toronto, Canada!

 My Opinion

Let me just say I have never seen such a safe and effective teether! This may be one of the best products I have for my son! I never again have to worry about what he is absorbing in his mouth or wonder if it is safe or not - at least not while he is using the RiNGLEY teether!

I absolutely love that it is made free from any dyes or harmful chemicals and made from untreated Maple wood and 100% organic cotton terrycloth. And it is effective because my son can easily hold it and easily put it in his mouth! He loves the textures and loves to gnaw chew on it! I love, love, love products that are organic and safe but also effective at the same time!

I highly recommend RiNGLEY teethers! These may be one of the best teethers I have ever seen or given my son to use and they would make a great baby, birthday or even Christmas (yes, it is coming soon!) gift!

Pros: easy to hold, great textures to satisfy their teething needs, made from 100% organic cotton and untreated Maple wood, four great styles, free from dyes or harsh/harmful chemicals,  all handmade!

Cons: The only thing I can say is I wish I had more of these!

Buy It: You can purchase RiNGLEY teethers at many stores worldwide. To find a store near you, click here. 

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

SeaPak Products Review

Shrimp and seafood are part of a healthy diet if eaten twice per week. SeaPak wants to help you reach that goal with their great products and great variety of easy to prepare seafood and shrimp products!

I got the pleasure of trying the New SeaPak Tilapia Tenders, the ultimate fish tender. It is made with mild and flaky tilapia fillets and delicious gourmet breading. SeaPak Tilapia Tenders are the newest addition to their product lineup. Better yet, SeaPak Tilapia Tenders are a natural source of protein and heart-healthy Omega-3's.

My Opinion

These Tilapia Tenders were really easy to make and prepare. You just stick them in the oven and 20 minutes later they are piping hot and ready to eat!

These tenders were very good and even my husband who doesn't really like seafood or fish ate it and LIKED it! :o) Now that is saying something!

I recommend SeaPak products to all seafood and shrimp lovers, for people who want a quick, easy and nutritous meal, or for people who really need to focus on increasing the amounts of protein and Omega-3's in their diets.

Buy It: To find the Tilipia Tenders or any other SeaPak product near you, please click on this link to head to the SeaPak website.

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

CSN Stores Review

Have you heard about CSN Stores lately? It seems to be getting more and more popular these days...and I definitely know why! They have everything you can think of and so many of my favorite brands! I start to get really greedy when I look through their 200+ stores!

They have so many different types of lights, a great selection of food processors and so many Melissa & Doug toys. Those are only a few of my favorite things! :o)

Go ahead...go check it out for yourself...but make sure you get something else done today too! :o)

And stay tuned...you just might see a very special review coming up of an item from CSN stores...if I can ever make up my mind!

Osocozy Fitted Cloth Diaper Review and Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

I recently received my first fitted cloth diaper to try out from Diaper Envy. The Osocozy Fitted Cloth Diaper is a wonderfully basic and functional fitted diaper and it works well with a variety of diaper covers. This fitted diaper features a contoured-form fitting shape, the feel of 100% soft natural birdseye cotton and durable Aplix brand hook and loop closures. It is similar in design to the OsoCozy All-In-One Diaper but it is made to be used with baby pants or diaper covers. It can be made in bleached, unbleached and organic versions styles and in an unbleached organic and is available in sizes Small to Toddler. The cotton for the organic diapers is grown and harvested according to SKAL International Standards for Sustainable Textile Production. I love that both the non-organic and organic fitted diapers are sewn in the USA by stay at home moms and grandmas!

My Opinion

I was excited to try my very first fitted cloth diaper - the Osocozy Fitted Cloth Diaper along with a Bummis cover. I found it to be very easy to use but I knew right away that it wouldn't be the diaper for night time use because even after washing and drying it several times it still didn't sufficiently hold his pee in for more than a couple hours without leaking through the diaper and cover.

That's ok though! I found a great day time diaper in the Osocozy! It was easy to use - no added inserts were needed or tons of snaps to button. I could just quickly put it on like a disposable and put the cover over the top. It worked great during the day!

Night/Nap Time Use: I do not recommend this diaper for overnight/naptime use. It seemed to soak up the fluids very quickly and also leaked right through the cover if on for extended time.

Day Time Use: This diaper was pretty easy to use during the day. It went on just like a disposable and then the cover went easily right over the top. I liked that I could use any cover over it!

I recommend the Osocozy Fitted Diaper for day time use. It is easy to use and can be used with any cover!

Pros: Easy to put on, any cover will work over it, they are sewn in the USA by stay at home moms and grandmas, they are more affordable than other cloth diapers, no snaps to button, available in organic and unbleached cotton!

Cons: requires a cover so makes it a little more work, leaked a little more than others I have used

Buy It: You can purchase the Osocozy Fitted for $10.00 on Diaper Envy.com.

Win It: Diaper Envy is generously offering (1) $20 coupon to use on the Diaper Envy website to one lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) $20 coupon to Diaper Envy

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end June 29, 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 and tell me you are currently one or became one in a comment below

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

1) Become a fan ("like") of the Diaper Envy's Facebook page and tell them I sent you! Let me know you did in a comment

2) Write about this giveaway in your blog with a link to this site/giveaway. Let me know you did this in a comment.

3) Go to the Diaper Envy website and tell me something you would love to try from there

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

6) Grab my Cloth Diaper Event or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment.

7) Subscribe to my blog by clicking on the book on the left side or subscribe by email and let me know you you did in comment

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

* Thank you to Diaper Envy for their generous samples for review!

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

Nurture My Body Review And Giveaway

THIS GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED

I recently received the most luxurious, relaxing, greatest smelling body washes I have used to date from Nurture My Body. To top it all off, they are made from organic ingredients and are safe for my body and skin! You can't find a greater combination than that! Plus, Rich and Patty (the owners) were so great to work with and I want to support and spread the news about their hardworking small business that they have put their heart and souls into to make YOU great, healthy and safe products for your body! I know you will love them too!

After seven years of research and development, Nurture My Body was launched in June of 2006. Their passion is to provide the safest and most natural personal care products that reflect the unique beauty in all of us while maintaining their stewardship with the Earth.

What led Patty Kerr to conceive and give birth to this dream? Twenty-six years in the beauty industry as a licensed Esthetician and Hairstylist, a Certificate in Nutrition, Body Care and Herbalism, coupled with past experience of overexposure to chemicals. 

How safe are their products? Their products are 100% biodegradable, cruelty-free, and do not contain harmful synthetic fragrance oils, preservatives, petroleum products, FD&C colorants and dyes, parabens, phthalates, or other toxic chemicals! How great is that? I love to see a long list...of non-included bad products!

The researchers behind Skin Deep, the Environmental Working Group, have compiled a database of more than 25,000 cosmetic products and compared it against 50 definitive toxicity and regulatory databases, making it the largest integrated data resource of its kind. Why did a small nonprofit take on such a big project? Because the FDA doesn't require companies to test their own products for safety! Each product has been given a hazard rating from 0 to 10, with 10 being the most dangerous level of toxicity.

47 of their 51 products have a rating of 0 and 4 have a 1. That is so amazing and it makes me so proud to use Nurture My Body products!

My Opinion

I was so excited to receive the Organic Body Wash Sample Set from Nurture My Body. I am the type of person that has to sample everyone's food at the table because I like variety and I like to change things up! Therefore, this was the perfect choice for me! The Body Wash Sample Set includes 2 oz. each of Citrus Body Wash, Floral Body Wash, Ginger Body Wash and Herbal Body Wash, all packaged in a handmade natural carrier. It is a great way to experience all of their body wash blends and it is an ideal size for traveling too!

The body washes smelled so heavenly and immediately sent me to a different, more relaxing place every time I used them! I especially loved the Citrus and Herbal body washes! I loved that I could easily bring them with when traveling and I loved most of all that they were completely non-toxic and organic!

I recommend Nurture My Body products to everyone - they have something for young and old, for body or hair! It is so important to use safe and non-toxic body products so why not start by checking out Nurture My Body and supporting a great and passionate company! You won't regret it!

Pros: Disclosure of All Ingredients, Certified Organic Ingredients, Made in Small Batches, Packaged in Cobalt Blue Bottles to Block UV Rays Animal-free Testing, 100% Biodegradable, Eco-friendly Packaging, Great Scents, Easy to Travel with, Infused with Love! Such a passionate and friendly company!

Cons: I have absolutely nothing to say as a con about this company! I loved their passion, drive, friendliness, and of course their outstanding products!

Buy It: You can purchase the Body Wash Sample Set for $29.97 on the Nurture My Body website.

Win It: Nurture My Body is generously offering (1) Body Wash Sample Set to one lucky winner! - worth $29.97!!

Enter here for a chance to win:

(1) Body Wash Sample Set (Worth $29.97!!!)

Ok, here are the rules:

1) This giveaway will end June 28, 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) Visit NurtureMyBody.com and sign up for a free $50 Gift Box (found on the home page - in the middle of the page on the right side). Let me know you did this in a comment!

2) Follow Nurture My Body on Twitter and be a Fan on Facebook and let them know I sent you!

3) 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

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

6) Grab my Cloth Diaper Event or my blog button and post it on your blog - let me know you did and the link to your blog in a comment.

7) Write about this giveaway in your blog with a link to this site/giveaway. Let me know you did this in a comment.

Winners will be chosen randomly by Random.org, contacted by email and Nurture My Body will send your prize by mail.

* Thank you to Nurture My Body for their generous samples for review!

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