2010-09-05 ~ The Review Stew
The Review Stew Home Contact Me About Me Blogroll/awards PR Guidelines Advertise Disclosures

Friday, September 10, 2010

Happy Friday!

Well, this friday brings some exciting news here at The Review Stew!

I finally broke down and got a Facebook Page!!!!

You can check it out here and come follow along to be the first to hear about new reviews and giveaways here at The Review Stew! I appreciate your support!

Stay Tuned for a Twitter Page... I have been considering it for a long time.

Any Thoughts from anyone about why to get a Twitter account or not would be greatly appreciated!!!



 
Also, we have some new winners!

Travel Tabbi Giveaway Winner # 13 - pmernick

SurfShelf Giveaway Winner # 99 - twifanheather

Congratulations Everyone and Have A Great Weekend!!!

Weight Loss Event: Bondi Band Review and Giveaway


Hate having the sweat dripping in your eyes while exercising? How about when you have short hair and those little wispy hairs get in your mouth while exercising? It is enough to drive anyone nuts! :) That is why I am so happy to introduce you all to Bondi Bands!

The simple premise of Bondi Bands is to offer comfy, colorful, and creative headbands to fit every lifestyle and personality.

By using stretchy and breathable material, they allow Bondi Bands to fit virtually every head size comfortably and fashionably.

Their buyers constantly search for the newest and trendiest fabric designs and complement them with traditional craftsmanship to bring their customers the best product available on the market.

Bondi Bands are a comfy, colorful and creative way to hold your hair back whether you're riding in a convertible, rushing out the door to get your kids, or getting some exercise. Bondi Bands are an easy fix for your hair. Check out the wicking fabric bands; they will absorb and evaporate buckets of sweat.


My Opinion
I love the idea of Bondi Bands! I always have hair getting in my face and mouth while running and it drives me CRAZY!!! I was so excited to try mine out!

Unfortunately, my head must be REALLY small because the Bondi Band just slipped off and didn't stay on while I was running. However, I have a really small head so it should fit most regular heads! :) They do have kid's sizes so maybe I would recommend those if you know you have a really small head!

I recommend Bondi Bands if you know you sweat a lot while exercising or you have hair you want to keep out of your face!

Buy It: You can purchase a Bondi Bands for $8.00 on the Bondi Band website.

Win It: Bondi Band is generously offering (2) Bondi Bands of your choice to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:
(2) Bondi Bands of your choice from Bondi Band


Ok, here are the rules:
1) This giveaway will end September 24, 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) or tell me it is in your profile

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 fan of The Review Stew on Facebook!

3) Become a fan of Bondi Band on Facebook - tell me in a comment and write on their wall: "I just entered for a chance to win TWO Bondi Bands! 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!!!)

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

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

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Blue Platypus Clothing Review and Giveaway


Looking for some great cute clothes for this fall? Well, I have just the place for you - Blue Platypus! Funny name, but great clothes! :)

Blue Platypus was conceived in November 2003. They are mid-century modernists at heart, although they find inspiration in various places. Prints, patterns, and colors from different eras play a huge role in their designs. Clean geometric as well as fluid organic shapes, e.g. silhouettes of heads, are featured in their designs. They believe that the juxtaposition of diverse elements in surprising ways is essential to the evolution of design. They create surface interest and create a cornucopia of flavors. They also like to have prints that are interesting from afar, and surprising when scrutinized closely.

In their line, they want images to speak for themselves, so they try to limit the words. Occasionally they have a word-oriented design, but they strive to create images that are strong on their own. They try to avoid generic sayings and words, and use letters as visual elements as well as meaning. They do name each of their lines, and many designs feature on the back or sleeve as well as the front, to create 360-degree interest.

I received the Houndstooth Sweatshirt in Brown.This scoop-necked houndstooth sweatshirt is a 50-50 cotton/poly blend with cotton rib trim. Very flattering on, it's the same silhouette as their regular scoop-necked sweatshirt, but in a special snazzy houndstooth fabric. The fit is contemporary.


My Opinion
There were so many cute shirts to choose from it was so hard to choose! However, I know I need some cute shirts (that fit!) for this fall/winter so I chose the cute Houndstooth Sweatshirt!

It is so comfortable and fit me perfectly! I was so excited to wear it out for a night out and it was so cute with jeans! I got many compliments on it!

I recommend Blue Platypus clothing for anyone who likes cute and different clothing. Blue Platypus has great designs and you will definitely stand out in a crowd!

Buy It: You can purchase the Blue Platypus Houndstooth sweatshirt for $28.00 on the Blue Platypus website

Win It: Blue Platypus is generously offering (1) item from their site (up to $30) to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:
(1) item (up to $30) from Blue Platypus

Ok, here are the rules:
1) This giveaway will end September 23, 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) or tell me it is in your profile

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 Blue Platypus on Facebook - tell me in a comment and write on their wall: "I just entered for a chance to win a free item from Blue Platypus! 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!!!)

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

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

Neuma Hair Products Review

Looking for a great shampoo and conditioner that has organic ingredients and pure essential oils? Well, then I have the perfect ones for you...and they are brand new!

NEUMA  is a luxury brand totally focused on health and sustainability launched in Summer 2010. NEUMA contains no synthetic fragrance – only 100% pure essential oils and naturally derived plant extracts.

Healthy hair is beautiful hair. NEUMA gives you beautiful hair without sacrifice. Founded with beauty, health and sustainability as its heart - their philosophy is simple. They believe professional performance hair care, health and sustainability need not be mutually exclusive. NEUMA lets your beauty shine... in all the right ways.

NEUMA offers a full range of systems that deliver sensational results - leaving you and your hair looking and feeling more beautiful:

moisture – Infuses life back into dry, damaged hair, improving condition.
volume – Enhances volume, fullness with long-lasting body.
renew – Ideal for normal hair, as well as clarifying.
repair - Restores and strengthens overworked, over-processed hair.
styling – A variety of stylers to complete your look.

NEUMA heals and protects hair, sustaining vibrant color with UV Guard™ - leaving it soft, silky smooth and full of shine. Free of synthetic fragrance, often used to conceal harmful chemicals, NEUMA uses essential oils that soothe the senses to infuse hair with life, bounce and a healthy radiance. Simply the best for your hair… for you… and our environment.

In nature, nothing exists in isolation. There is only inclusion. There is connection. The same is true for beauty... everything is connected. NEUMA brings beauty, health and well-being to hair… and our lives.


My Opinion
I love to see a new shampoo and conditioner launched that has our health and safety in mind - and works great too!!!

NEUMA shampoo and conditioner worked great, smelled great, and made me feel great because it is safe and organic! I don't have to every worry using NEUMA products!

I recommend NEUMA products to you if you are looking for a brand new, safe and organic shampoo and conditioner! It works great and is safe too!

Buy It: You can purchase NEUMA products at spas and salons coming soon this fall. Keep checking back at their website to see their newest locations!

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

ONE Bath Fizzer Review


There is nothing like a nice relaxing bath after a stressful day! To make it even better, I love to add some kind of bubble bath or scented fizzer to my water. One of my new favorites is ONE Bath Fizzers!

ONE is committed to promoting natural beauty without compromising the beauty of the earth, providing eco-friendly products in recyclable, plastic-free packaging to rejuvenate the spirit and save the planet. While some green brands stop at natural formulations, ONE takes eco-conscious to the next level, uniting superior natural ingredients and recyclable packaging to offer genuinely earth-friendly products. ONE exclusively packages its unprecedented collection in recyclable cardboard cartons and metal tins, housing nourishing, natural products in equally planet-friendly containers.

Cool off this summer with the refreshing relaxation of ONE Bath Fizzers, dissolved in a cooling bath. With ONE, green living goes beyond the ingredient list and extends to the packaging. ONE’s Bath Fizzer is an eco-friendly bath enhancer in a recyclable package. Infused with essential oils instead of harmful artificial chemicals, the Bath Fizzer offers a calming and fragrant spa experience in your own bath. Place Bath Fizzers in warm running water and allow to cool for a refreshing, natural summer soak that melts away the day’s stress. Spa luxury doesn’t sacrifice conscientious living with ONE Bath Fizzers.

Available Scents: I Need This! (an irresistible experience), Honey Please (for a sweet soak), Love is in the Bath (a gentle escape), Blue Earth (cool and fresh )


My Opinion
These bath fizzers smelled so good and it was so relaxing the minute I smelled it and got into the water!

It easily dissolved in the water and left my skin feeling soft and smelling delightful!

I love that this company is earth friendly and their products are made from natural ingredients. It adds just that much more relaxation to my bath knowing that the ingredients are safe on my skin too!

I recommend ONE Bath Fizzers for all you bath lovers! It will add that much-needed relaxing smell that will take you to your happy place! :o)

Buy It: You can purchase ONE Bath Fizzers for $5.99 at Target stores nationwide, Target.com, and Walgreens.com

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

Wednesday, September 8, 2010

Cafe Press Personalized Tote Bag Review and Giveaway


CafePress offers the best selection of personalized gifts and unique gifts such as t-shirts, clothing, mugs, art & posters.

They have millions of designs from shopkeepers around the world that range from funny to cool to promotional.

All of their products are made from the highest quality and are 100% customizable to fit your individual tastes. Design your own t-shirts and other products online for yourself, your friends, or your organization using their state of the art tools. Express yourself!


My Opinion
I got to design a tote bag on Cafe Press and it was so fun! I put on four of my own pictures and some words and it made it completely unique!

This bag is perfect for groceries, beach trips, or any occasion when I need to carry a lot of stuff around! :)

I recommend Cafe Press for all your personalized needs. Their products are great for personal or business use and they have something for everyone! You can find millions of personalized water bottles, cool aprons and tote bags at CafePress – for any topic, interest or brand!

Buy It: You can purchase a personalized tote bag for $17.00 on the Cafe Press website

Win It: Cafe Press is generously offering (1) personalized tote bag to a lucky winner!

Enter here for a chance to win:
(1) personalized tote bag from Cafe Press

Ok, here are the rules:
1) This giveaway will end September 22, 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) or tell me it is in your profile

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 Cafe Press on Facebook - tell me in a comment and write on their wall: "I just entered for a chance to win a free personalized tote bag from Cafe Press. 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!!!)

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

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

Faithful by Kim Cash Tate Book Review

Ever looked back on your life and realized nothing has gone according to "your plan"? Well, I know I have! If you have too, then you will love this great book, Faithful by Kim Cash Tate.

Three life-long friends experience life-altering struggles. Will they find the strength to be faithful to the covenants they've made with God...and each other?

Cydney Sanders thought she knew God’s plan for her life. She’d marry, have kids, and then snap her body back into shape with Tae Bo. But she’s celebrating her fortieth birthday as the maid of honor at her little sister's wedding . . . and still single. Why would God give her this desire to marry, but no husband? And why is her life suddenly complicated by the best man—who’s the opposite of what she wants in a husband?

Cydney's best friend Dana has the perfect marriage. But when Dana discovers her husband’s affair, her world goes into a tailspin. And Phyllis is out of hope after six years of unanswered prayers for her husband to find faith. When she runs into an old friend who is the Christian man she longs for, she's faced with an overwhelming choice.

With life falling apart around them, can they trust God like never before?

My Opinion
This book was such a great reminder that no matter how we think our life will go or what we have planned for our life, God may have a different one in mind. And it may be better than we ever could imagine!

This book was a great reminder of God's promises that he will always take care of us and although he may not always answer our prayers with a yes, he has our best interests in mind and will work it all out for our good!

I recommend the book, Faithful, for all Christians that need a little reminder that God has a great plan for our lives and he will never leave us or forsake us!

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

Tuesday, September 7, 2010

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.*