Rendi Review and Giveaway

Rendi is a U.S based company that was started by Annie Danielson. Rendi creates beautiful picture frames and signs that can be customized. All Rendi products are planet friendly. They sell individual frames and signs, and they also sell large packages to help customers create a beautiful story wall.

For my review I ordered a beautiful Pattern Play Small Horizontal Offset Frame. There were several design options. I could choose from several colors, I chose Chocolate. I could add a photo for free or wait until I received the frame and add one. I chose the latter. Then I could add writing. I could search through their Quote Library for something to add to my frame or I could add something myself. Since I intended to use this frame for my parents I chose something from my children. 

Shipping was very fast, and my frame was packaged really well. It came secured in a very pretty folded envelope, which could easily work for gift giving. The quality is amazing. I wasn't expecting it to be as heavy as it was. It is very solid, and the wood was smooth. The design is so pretty! I love the blue with the chocolate. It can be hung on a wall or stood up like it is in my picture.

You can learn more about Rendi or purchase their amazing products on their Website, Facebook, and Twitter. Rendi is giving one of my readers a $50 Online Gift Code for Rendi Style. Enter on the Rafflecopter below for your chance to win.

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Check out Rendi reviews from other members of the Karma Media Team!

I received this product through Karma Media in exchange for my honest review.

Moody Bands Giveaway

Enter on the entry form below to win a set of Moody Bands 10 Winners

Moody Bands is a fun way for children to express their feelings and for parents to encourage emotional development. The full set includes - happy, excited, nervous, tired, angry and sad.

Giveaway is open from August 13th until August 27th Open to US Residents only Winner will be notified by email, winner must respond within 48 hours to claim their prize or a new winner will be chosen.

GOOD LUCK!

*This giveaway was brought to you through a campaign with Karma Media

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Rock 'N Learn Sight Words 2 Giveaway

Enter below for you chance to win a Rock 'N Learn Sight Words Level 2 DVD! There will be 12 winners!

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Rock 'N Learn Sight Words Level 2 Review

Rock 'N Learn is an amazing learning tool. They have taken learning and set it to music to help children grasp it easier and enjoy it more. There are a huge variety of fun learning tools available ranging from reading and phonics to foreign language.

This time my children and I reviewed Sight Words Level 2. Once again they were very excited for their DVD. My five year old and three year old will both be going to school this year. Sight words play a big part of what they are taught in their Montessori class. The Sight Words Lever 2 (and Level 1) is a great way for them to work on words they'll be using in school. So far the two DVDs have done a great job of keeping up with the words that my girls will be learning.

The Level 2 DVD teaches children 68 new sight words and it also reviews words they learned on the Level 1 DVD. It is for Kindergarten to First Grade children. Of course we were singing and dancing and learning new words. Their favorite parts were the bears and dogs. Also, the part where they got to be detectives and learn the tenses of words was really great.

You can purchase your own Rock 'N Learn products and learn more about them on their website, Facebook, and Twitter.

When you're shopping be sure to use this coupon code to get 25% off your purchase - JQ7711

I received Rock 'N Learn Sight Words Level 2 as part of a Karma Media campaign. All opinions are 100% mine.

Check out these reviews of Sight Words Level 2 by other Karma Media team members!

Moody Bands Review

Moody Bands are a really great product that helps children to express their moods in a fun and easy way. There are six of these wrist bands made of 100% cotton. They are very soft and well made. Each band is a different color and they all have a smiley representing the mood that is text on the bands as well. There is a band for Happy, Sad, Tired, Nervous, Angry, and Excited.

My children were excited to see this package come. Anything that they can wear is exciting and fun for them. We received the Moody Band Full Set. Ashlynn, Riley, and I have discussed what each emotion means and which band represents it, so they can wear it.

Let the modeling begin!!

Obviously we had a fun time with this product. The girls did a great job of showing me the emotions and I think these will be an interesting way to help them learn to express their feelings and emotions. 

If you want to purchase Moody Bands or learn more about them you can do so on their website and Facebook.

I received Moody Bands as part of a Karma Media campaign. All opinions are 100% mine.

Check out these reviews of Moody Bands from other Karma Media team memebers!

Gutzy Gear - Review and Giveaway

Gutzy Gear is an awesome way for children to express themselves. I have two daughters in school this year and when my Gutzy Gear package came in the mail they were so excited. We received two sets of the backpack strap covers and four packs of Gutxies (removable patches).

The Gutzy Gear was so simple to put together. The girls each picked out which patches they wanted and they Velcro-ed easily to the backpack straps. The patches and straps are really great quality. There are so many great Gutzies to pick from, and of course my girls need more. Look at all those empty spaces! I have a feeling I will be doing some Gutzy shopping before school starts.

If you want to learn more about Gutzy Gear or purchase some for your kids visit their website and their Facebook page. They also have a great page with free fun downloads for kids!

One of my readers will have a chance to win their own Gutzy Gear Starter Kit. The kit will include two straps and six packs of patches, with two patches each. This giveaway will be U.S. only. Enter for your chance to win on the rafflecopter below!


a Rafflecopter giveaway Be sure to check out these reviews by other members of Karma Media. I received Gutzy Gear as part of a Karma Media campaign. All opinions are 100% mine.

blankZ - Giveaway

Karma Media has teamed up with BlankZ at Always Been Creative to give away 1 amazing BlankZ animals to 15 lucky winners. Giveaway ends August 6, 2012 to US residents. Enter today to win and good luck! a Rafflecopter giveaway

BlankZ Review

I have very creative kids. I seem to constantly be handed some little project one or more of my children have been working on. Sadly that creativity sometimes finds it's way to some not so great areas. My walls have often been the location of a beautiful mural. Picture books have been turned into coloring books. Dolls have had their faces covered in "make-up".


BlankZ gives my children the opportunity to unleash their creativity over and over again, and in a great place. We received an adorable blankZ White Hound with five markers for my children to enjoy. Of course my five year old immediately got busy with her designs. She had that little dog covered in color in a short time and had to show everyone. Then we tossed him into the washing machine and dryer so that she could start all over.

One of many colorful designs.

After being washed and dried.

There are several different blankZ characters for people to choose from. A really great plus is that the markers are (obviously) washable. So if it gets on clothes or little hands I can get it off easily. We have really enjoyed having the blankZ White Hound in our house. I'm thinking I will have to get another one. My three year old is always fighting for her turn to color him.


You can learn more about and connect with blankZ at their Website, Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, and Pinterest.


Read more Karma Media Team reviews in the linky below.


I received this product through Karma Media in exchange for my honest review.

Boogie Wipes Review

There always seems to be a runny nose in my house. When the twins are teething their noses run. My three oldest all suffer from allergies which means a lot of sneezing and runny noses. Of course that means a lot of wiping. We have used tissues but they tend to be rough on little noses, and they don't work well on stuck on boogies. We have also used diaper wipes. They do a good job for any stuck on mess but sometimes they aren't gentle enough for little noses either. Also, that means even more diaper wipes being used in this house.


Boogie Wipes come in a variety of scents, as well as unscented. Boogie Wipes are soft wipes that are made with natural saline to help cleanse little noses. I have seen Boogie Wipes in stores before. I've always wondered how they work and if I should get some for my children. My mom usually keeps a pack at her house for the kids to use over there. When the opportunity to review Boogie Wipes came up I decided it was time to see what they could do. 


I received a 30 count pack of Fresh Scent Boogie Wipes, as well as several individually wrapped Boogie Wipes. First of, I love the smell of the Fresh Scent Boogie Wipes. It isn't an over whelming smell but it does smell really good. They came in a very easy to use pack. The latching opening helps to keep the Boogie Wipes moist. The wipes are easy to remove from the pack, too. I also love the individually wrapped wipes. I can toss them in my purse to have wherever we are. It is very convenient.


I have to say that Boogie Wipes have been very helpful around my house. I'll be very excited when the new 90 count canisters come out! To learn more about Boogie Wipes you can visit their Website, Facebook, and Twitter. You can hop through the linky below to see more Boogie Wipes reviews by Karma Media Team Members.





I received Boogie Wipes as part of a Karma Media campaign. All opinions are 100% mine.

Baby Fresh Cleanser Giveaway

I am completely in love with the Baby Fresh Cleanser! Enter on the rafflecopter below for your chance to win your own bottle. There will be two winners and the giveaway ends 7/1. Also be sure to check out my review and the review of Baby Fresh Cleanser in the linky below.

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Baby Fresh Cleanser Review

Baby Fresh Cleanser was created by a mother of three, so obviously she had a little experience in the diaper changing area. The Baby Fresh Cleanser is made of 88% organic materials. That is a big plus for people who like to use natural products. It is so easy to use. You just spray it on your baby's bottom at the beginning of a diaper change. Let it sit for 10 seconds (if your baby is in a handsy mood, have a toy or something to occupy them! Just a suggestion) then you just wipe the baby's bottom clean. Like I said, so easy. It smells like Chamomile and lavender, and it also leaves a protective barrier on your baby's bottom to reduce the risk of diaper rashes. 


I have three children in diapers. As you can imagine the dirty diapers add up quickly, along with the crazy amount of diaper wipes we go through. I was really happy to get to review a bottle of Baby Fresh Cleanser! 

First off, this stuff smells great! I was super excited about that, because with an average of 5 dirty diapers a day, the smell can be overwhelming. I bet you're happy to learn about my children's diaper changes. Although that is what Baby Fresh Cleanser is for, diaper changing made easier. It definitely makes it easier. I have started using fewer diaper wipes with each changing. The Baby Fresh Cleanser helps to loosen all the potty residue on my little ones' bottoms, so usually it is a few quick swipes with one or two wipes, and I am done. I love it! 

My son, the oldest in diapers, loves the spray, too. I'm not sure why (he can't talk enough to say) but he gets so excited when I get it out for diaper changes. I imagine it probably is soothing in some way. I was a little unsure about using it with him. He has very severe eczema and so much seems to set him off. He has had absolutely no adverse reactions to the Baby Fresh Cleanser. 

Another thing I love, it seems to last so long! I have been using the spray for all dirty diaper changes for all three kids for about two weeks now. I still have quite a bit left. I do know that I will be looking into buying some more when this bottle starts to run out. It is saving me wipes and, truthfully, the better smell would be enough to sell me on it. 

To learn more about Baby Fresh Cleanser stop by their Website and Facebook! You can also hop through the linky below to read other Karma Media reviewers' thoughts on Baby Fresh Cleanser.




I received Baby Fresh Cleanser as part of a Karma Media campaign. All opinions are 100% mine.

BioKleen Review

As a mother of five children, with the oldest being five years old, I have a lot of little people into everything. That means lots and lots of cleaning. I also have one child with severe asthma and another with severe eczema, so I have to be very careful of the things I use to clean in my home. Over powering chemical smells cause my three year old to have breathing problems. I want things to get clean, though. As a result I have been looking into more natural cleaning supplies.


BioKleen meets my cleaning needs without causing my children more health problems. Their products are natural, and they do not have overpowering smells. Their products are environmentally safer and they are biodegradable. Another great plus, they are manufactured in the USA! BioKleen offers a wide range of products, such as laundry powders and liquids, dishwash liquid, multi-surface cleaners, glass cleaners, soy blend cleaners, and a BioKleen Professionals line.


I was very excited to get to try one of BioKleen's products. I was sent a full size bottle of the Lavender-Lime Bac-Out Bathroom Cleaner. 

One of the first things I noticed in the product description was that it is great for homes with children. As soon as it got here I couldn't wait to try it out. It smells so amazing. I can go into the bathroom and scrub everything clean without my eyes watering, and without my three year old having problems. One worry that I have always had with natural cleaners is that they will not get things clean enough. That is not an issue with BioKleen's Bac-Out Bathroom Cleaner. It keeps my bathroom sparkling clean, and, again, it smells so good! I cannot wait to try some of their other products in my house. 


If you would like to learn more about BioKleen you can stop by their website, Facebook, and Twitter. Also you can hop through the link below to read other Karma Media reviewers' thoughts. 



As a member of Karma Media I received this product from (insert company name) in hopes of obtaining a review. All opinions are my own.

Father's Day Gift Ideas Giveaway - Ends 6/18

 It is a perfect time to find what gifts you would like to give to your father. Makobi Scribe is proud to present Father’s Day Gift Ideas Giveaway Event.

Here on Five Kids and Crazy Me we will be giving away an amazing knife provided by Kershaw! 

The Volt II RV$39.95

For your chance to win this amazing pocket knife please enter on the rafflecopter below!

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Changing Directions

When I started my blog it was supposed to just be about my family. That was my main goal. I didn't expect a huge readership or to make any money. I just wanted a place to share my thoughts and experiences. After starting my second blog, Reading It All, I quickly got swept into the, sometimes overwhelming, blogging world. I started reviewing so many products and I quit writing about my family.


I have noticed that my reviews, in my opinion, have been lacking. I always feel like I am struggling to come up with what to say. I love the products but I just can't seem to get things into a post like I want. My thoughts would stray, my kids would need me, I would procrastinate.


I recently (like yesterday) wrote a post for Hazelaid, and I actually didn't struggle for the content. I just wrote it all down, and when I was done I was truly happy with the results. I felt like I represented our experience with their products without coming off as a total sales pitch. Because that's the goal, right? Readers want the truth, they want to know about a real experience with the products. They aren't looking for an infomercial.


I do not like feeling like I am being restricted or have to follow guidelines. I don't mind a little information, or pictures, but in general I just want to be able to write what I want. That should be the point. If a company just wants things strictly written and linked then they should just have sponsored posts written. I enjoy the freedom of saying things how I want. I don't mind suggestions, but when the suggestions become stipulations I start to become disinterested. 


I also have a horrible writing style. Can't you tell? I use slang, bad punctuation, bad grammar, and if spell-check doesn't catch something that is spelled wrong, sorry it won't be fixed. I try to correct all of these issues as I am editing posts, but I miss things. That happens. I just like being a relaxed writer. When I try to follow all the rules of writing I struggle to actually write anything. 


I guess in all, what I am saying is that I'm going to be changing things a little. Instead of all the structured posts, I plan to write more freely. I also plan to quit reviewing just any thing for the giveaways and potential readership. I love my readers, but I am doing them and myself a disservice. I have more passion for the products that benefit my children than anything else. Those kinds of items will probably start being at the forefront of my reviews from now on. 


Truthfully, though, the reviews and the giveaways will probably slow down a little bit. Our lives are very busy in this crazy house. We just moved, we have family in town, and it's Summer! Also, I really want to get back to what this blog was started for. I want to blog about my kids and our lives. I hope that I won't lose readers this way but I have to do what I think I should. 

Sponsor Spotlight: Hazelaid - Review

Hazelaid was founded in April 2008 after the owners were introduced to the healing powers of hazelwood. Originally based in Portland, Oregon, Hazelaid moved operations to Montreal, Quebec in February 2010. Hazelaid now carries 300+ unique Hazelwood, Baltic Amber, Magnetic, Ointment, and Soap Nut Products!

    

I was first introduced to Hazelaid by a fellow mom. Most of my children suffer from eczema, and my oldest daughter and husband both suffer from horrible acid reflux. So I went to Hazelaid to read about their products. I was really impressed with all the information they have in their About section. They discuss the benefits of Hazelwood, Baltic Amber, Soap Nuts, and Magnets. Like, I learned that Soap Nuts are actually a fruit so they will not cause problems for Riley who has a severe nut allergy. I found out how to tell when my Hazelwood necklaces need to be replaced. I also learned that if the necklaces do not improve a condition than it is likely that the condition isn't acid-based. They also have a page called "I Suffer From ..." that is very helpful. If you are trying to decide which necklace would be best to benefit your health, this page is a very good starting place. I learned quickly that for Eczema and Acid Reflux I should get Hazelwood necklaces. 

After going through and reading all the amazing information I started looking for necklaces for my three oldest children. Ashlynn suffers from horrible Acid Reflux so I knew we would be looking for Hazelwood for her. Riley and Robert both suffer from Eczema. They have bad allergies, but I wanted to see if Hazelwood would help the condition, so we could use less medicine. Now the fun part, shopping!

 Ashlynn, whose favorite color is purple, got the Amethyst necklace.

 For Robbie, we went for manly (because he's two and that's important, haha), and got the Black Obsidian.

Riley, always one for something extra, needed this Red Heart.

So, necklaces ordered, we waited for them to arrive. Shipping was incredibly fast. I had my necklaces in a few days and they were each in a separate bag in a package. They were beautiful, and the kids couldn't wait to put them on. 

Ashlynn modeling her Hazelaid necklace

I wanted to be sure I got the most accurate results so besides the daily Zyrtec, we stopped all the Eczema medicine for Riley and Robbie. The children wore their necklaces constantly for a month, as it can take up to three weeks to see results. Sadly, after that time, Riley and Robbie were still suffering from Eczema. I knew this was a possibility and I wasn't upset about it. The people at Hazelaid were very helpful. They gave me information about things other than excessive acidity, such as different foods and chemicals, that could be causing their eczema. They also gave me a website to look into for all natural products for my kids. I really love how much they care for their customers to follow up and give me more information. 

Ashlynn is a whole different story! She was constantly having issues with her Acid Reflux. The poor girl was just like her daddy, she needed Tums constantly to fight it off. Shortly after donning her beautiful Amethyst Hazelwood necklace we noticed that she quit asking for Tums! I was so excited about this. I mean, sure it was extra Calcium, but I hated that she was always hurting. She has been wearing her Hazelaid necklace for more than two months now and it is like she never had a problem with Acid Reflux. 

All of the necklaces are just gorgeous, and they are amazing quality. If an item can survive my rambunctious little monsters, it can survive anything. The clasps were perfect. I had no problems with them causing problems for my children. I followed the directions and made sure the children showered with their necklaces on so the Hazelwood could absorb water. All of the necklaces are still perfect. Ashlynn especially loves hers because she always feels she needs some jewelry. 

I have really fallen in love with Hazelaid and all their products. After seeing how much the necklace has helped Ashlynn, my husband has asked me to get one for him. I also want to try the Hazelwood with Magnets for my carpal Tunnel, and the Soap Nuts for my children's sensitive skin. I am so glad my friend told me about them.

You can find out more about Hazelaid and their products on their Website, Facebook, and Twitter. 

Hazelaid is offering my readers a 10% discount on their orders. Just use Crazy10 when you are checking out to receive the discount. Also they are sponsoring a $25 gift certificate in the Bringing in Summer Giveaway! Be sure to enter!!

I received the above mentioned products at a discounted price in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own.

Creative Steps Giveaway - Ends 6/9

We're taking part in the Bringing in Summer Giveaway Hop hosted by Karma Media.

Once you have entered our fantastic giveaway,  please take a look at all the other giveaways listed at the bottom of the post (after entering mind !!) 

WIN AN ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION OF 

A fantastic magazine packed with easy, fun projects and activities … an excellent source of inspiration for primary school teachers, classroom assistants, childminders & nannies, nursery teachers, playgroup and pre-school organisers, home educators, Rainbow, Brownie, Guide and Scouting leaders and, of course, parents and grandparents!
Visit their website

0 - 5 years 

Concentrating on texture and sensory stimulation, projects in this group include:

USE YOUR LOAF! - Take some slices of white bread and transform them into a colourful mobile.

 JEWELLED TREASURE - Make your own treasure trove using paper plates, sweet wrappers and tin foil!

5 - 7 years
Fun crafting projects to make with children in Key Stage 1, include:

HATS OFF FOR ROLE-PLAY! - Six great hat ideas to give your role-play sessions       a headstart!

VANILLA CUPCAKES - The prettiest cupcakes you’ve ever seen - perfect for a Mother’s Day tea. 

7 - 11 years
Great ideas for older kids to make and do:

FIREBIRD BALLERINA - A beautiful, step-by-step art project using a number of different techniques including drawing, painting and collage.

MIRROR IMAGE - Decorate a little mirror and turn it into a colourful gift for Mother’s Day.

This amazing giveaway is open Internationally!!

Winners Choice of Online or Printed Annual Subscription!!
Ending on Saturday 2nd June at 12.01am Est

Enter Below and Good Luck !!

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YOU CAN NOW ENTER THE FOLLOWING GIVEAWAYS - GOOD LUCK !! Disclaimer - Please note that Karma Media are not responsible for any giveaway sponsors who do not fulfill their prizes on all of the participating blogs in the Bringing In Summer Giveaway Hop.