In an effort to make my home as chemical free as possible, I’ve continued to be a little frustrated as I look for just the right products to help me do this.  Often, even if I find a product that’s less harmful for my family and the environment I still worry about the chemicals that it contains.

Then there’s the deep down yuck that accumulates, especially places like the kitchen and bathroom and finding a product that works quickly and effectively poses yet another problem if I don’t want chemicals involved.

So, when I attended the EuroPro event in Sept. and was introduced to the Shark Steam Pocket Mop I was thrilled. Not only is it small and portable, but it uses steam from water only to completely clean and sanitize your home.  Comes with a variety of tools, extensions and cleaning pads (that are reusable, just pop them in the washer) to cover any cleaning project.

It’s such a simple concept but offers us so many more options without the potential for harming any of your family.  What a great product!  Check out www.SharkClean.com for all the details about this product.  It makes a perfect gift for almost any occasion (birthday, Christmas, wedding) or if you’re tired of wasting money on all those products and just want to purchase something that will last, this is the product for that.

If you need a full size vacuum with all the features of the super expensive ones but at a more reasonable price, make sure you check out the Shark Navigator.  Yes, yet another vacuum from Shark’s amazing line of vacuums, we couldn’t be happier with ours.  Sure that cordless and ultra-lite are nice too but sometimes large rooms and big messes require more out of a vacuum.

Here’s some of the great features….

• Provides high level of agility without sacrificing power. Less than 15 pound weight allows for easy lifting and swift maneuverability.
• Infinity Technology with 21 cyclones traps dust and dirt so the Navigator never loses suction.
• Two power settings offer deep carpet and superior bare floor cleaning.
• Lifetime filter traps dirt in the large bagless no-touch dust cup.
• Accessories include: Pet Hair Power Brush, crevice tool, extra 24” crevice tool, dusting brush and cleaning wand.
• Pet Hair Power Brush easily picks up pet hair from upholstery.
• Navigator features ergonomic grip for comfortable hand position.
• Features 30-foot-long power cord and the Super Stretch Hose with 12-foot cleaning reach.
• Purchase includes 5-year warranty.

This vacuum really does the job and it’s easy to maneuver which is a user friendly feature I love!  Suggested retail price is only $199.  Available at Bed Bath & Beyond and online at www.sharkclean.com. Find us on Twitter at @SharkCleaning or check out our Shark Cleaning Facebook page.

Disclosure: I received a Shark Navigator in order to present my honest opinion of the product, you can find my full disclosure policy here.

You’ve seen the Pillow Pets commercials and possibly wondered, “is this really something that a child would like?” Well I am happy to tell you that I think they are.

They are cute and fluffy (which kids love), functional and affordable (which parents love).  Kids love stuffed animals, but if you’re anything like me it does get a little annoying that there are so many of them sitting around and while they are great for cuddling they are pointless for anything else.  So the fact that this converts from a fluffy stuffy to a functional pillow for children makes it uniquely appealing to me.

Here’s the 5 reasons the Pillow Pets suggests you check them out.

1. Affordable, adorable fun and functionality
2. May postpone live animal ownership with 20 stuffed varieties to choose from
3. Cuddly like a puppy with ultra softness for hugging and sleeping
4. No clean up required and no shedding; durable and machine washable
5. Always up for anything – naptime, playtime, travel time – anytime!
Pillow Pets were created by a San Diego mom of two who sought a more functional use for the multitude of stuffed animals strewn across her home. Pillow Pets are affordable for just $19.95 at www.GetPillowPets.com with any additional Pillow Pet priced at $15.95 (up to five).

I’m excited to be able to offer one lucky commenter a pillow pet of their choice. Just visit the website and take a look around, come back here and leave a comment telling me which PillowPet you want and who you want it for.

There are some great extra entry opportunities as well of course, feel free to take advantage of all of the entries for as many chances to win as possible.…Just be sure to leave a NEW comment with each entry…:

• Become a Facebook Fan of A Frog In My Soup!!!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by December 20, 2009.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure: I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like.  I received a pillow pet to review for myself in order to present my honest opinion of it.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

Finding fun family activities this time of year that don’t depend on a certain type of weather can be a challenge.  So, when we found out about and were invited to attend Great Wolf Lodge’s Snowland event this weekend we were thrilled to participate.

There’s all the usual fun with the waterpark and activities, but add to that snowflakes, Santa, Snow and a massive Christmas tree and you have a winter wonderland that reminds you of magical childhood Christmas memories.

My kids were so excited to go back and when they saw all the Christmas decorations they were amazed.  We arrived before our room was ready so we got bracelets to enter the park and play for a while.

Once we got into our room (we ended up with the same one), I fixed us a quick dinner then we headed down to the lobby where I’d heard Santa would be waiting.  Sure enough, there he was so we got in line to go visit Santa.

Since the twins had never seen Santa before I wasn’t sure how they’d react.  At their age, most of the other boys would have been terrified..not them though, they were so excited and marched right up there to meet him and get pictures taken.

They even spent time telling him what they wanted and got a yummy candy cane from Mrs. Claus.  As you can see by the pic, our 14 year old, CJ was less than thrilled with the idea of standing by the “big man” for a picture of any sort. Santa knew this and took him aside afterward.  It was really cute.

The next morning the children woke up to actual snow outside.  It was almost like it had been planned that way LOL since it was our first snow of the year and the kids were so excited.  A trip down to Starbucks for mom and dad and a yummy breakfast later, we headed back into the waterpark for a few hours.

As we were getting ready to leave, it was afternoon story time in the lobby so we stopped to listen and they even sang a few Christmas carols…at the end it snowed in the lobby.  Much to the thrill and delight of the boys!

Loading up to leave is always a disappointment for the boys but the trip definitely proved that Great Wolf Lodge is a great family adventure year round.  So visit their website to find one near you and about any specials they are running.

Another one of the products I got to see, test and receive from my trip to New York is the Shark Multi-Vac, it’s ultralite and never loses suction.  Sound familiar?  Well it’s a great feature and it not only lives up to it’s name but also is totally affordable!

Definitely competitive with the other “doesn’t lose suction” vacuums out there, in function, reliability and more.  But this vacuum typically retails for $119.99 or less.

This vacuum works on both carpet and hardwood floors, which I’m very happy about since most of my house is hardwood and sometimes i just need something to do the job without a broom and dustpan.  I love how it swivels and maneuvers, makes getting around objects (couch or kitchen chair anyone?) so much easier.

My very favorite part of this vacuum though, is that the Quick Latch releases it into a portable vacuum that is just as powerful as an upright for some of the more difficult areas in your home or car.

For me, vacuuming out the car requires a heavy duty vacuum and most portable vacuums just don’t get the job done.  Sure, I might need to grab another smaller portable for some of the tight areas, but the car, or any area I use this on looks great when I’m done!

If you are in need of a great vacuum that is multipurpose, inexpensive and not quite a full upright vacuum, then this is the right one for you.  Over the next week, I’ll introduce you to it’s little brother and big brother (as they are known around here LOL), each of which brings something completely unique to the table.

Another item to add to mom’s wish list for Christmas?  Sure, why not!  You can even follow them on twitter at @SharkCleaning or look on Facebook for Shark Cleaning Products too!

Disclosure: I received one of these vacuums to try for myself and we love it and use it often.  I do not present reviews for products that I have not tried out for myself, nor will I tell you I love something that I do not love!  You can read my full disclosure policy here!

If you have a girlie girl princessy type in your life, this is such a wonderful gift!  As Christmas is upon us, gift buying and choosing is definitely in full swing for us.  I was so excited when I learned about this wonderful company, Fairy-Gram.

A Fairy-Gram is a Fairy outfit in a Box that is delivered gift wrapped and ready to go.  Offered in 8 different colors you can choose your recipient’s favorite!  Each box includes: a Fairy tutu, wings, ribbon wand, halo and butterfly clips.  Saying that these sets are super cute does NOT do them justice.

Shona is the owner and mom behind this very fun company and I asked her to tell me a bit about her inspiration for the product line:

My 5 year old daughter has been my inspiration. She’s been dressing in costumes since age 2 and just loves it. She puts a smile on my face everyday I see her in one. Fairies are her favorite. While looking for gifts for her friends birthdays, I realized that it’s hard to find a costume in the form of a gift. That’s how Fairy-Gram was born. I saw a need for fairy outfits to be easily purchased as gifts and delivered to little girls. I see the joy on my daughters face when she opens something “pretty”. I want that for other little girls too. When a little girl receives a Fairy-Gram, it’s beautifully packaged with tissue paper, a note and beautiful clips. There’s no plastic commercial wrapping that can be a hassle for little girls.

These adorable sets will definitely provide any little girl with hours upon hours of endless fun and imagination.  These are great for little girls from age 2 to age 10!

Now through December 31, 2009 you can get 15% off by using the code: MOMSREVIEW.  Be sure to take advantage of this offer when doing your Christmas shopping.

One very lucky reader can enter to win a Fairy-Gram! Just visit the website and check out what they have to offer. Once you are done, come back here and leave a comment telling me which color you will choose if you win and what little girl in your life will enjoy it!

There are some great extra entry opportunities as well of course, feel free to take advantage of all of the entries for as many chances to win as possible.…Just be sure to leave a NEW comment with each entry…:

• Become a Facebook Fan of A Frog In My Soup!!!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by December 3rd, 2009.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure: I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like.  I received a Fairy-Gram to review and present this information to you.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.

The holidays are quickly approaching and I’ll be featuring a lot of great products for the whole family over the next few weeks that make great gifts.  Today, I’m very excited to share with you one of the most incredible products and moms, this one’s for YOU!

As you all know I went to New York the end of September to learn about and try out some amazing products by EuroPro.  Let me tell you, they have moms figured out!

I have had a ton of fun preparing a variety of meals, dips and more using my Ninja Master Prep.  But I have to say that one of the things I love most about it is that it’s a gift that moms don’t have to feel guilty asking for.  Why? Because it costs less than $50!!

This machine is truly all it’s cracked up to be and has been an invaluable tool for me since it arrived.  From smoothies and guacamole to perfect scrambled eggs and chopped veggies. I have recommended the Ninja Master Prep to every mom I know and now I’m recommending it to you!

Here’s some details:

• The Ninja Master Prep uses Ninja™ technology to mince, dice, chop, blend, and puree evenly without turning food into mush.
• Ninja technology cuts precisely and evenly
• Both the large 48 oz. pitcher and 2-cup bowl make it easy to switch from food prep to drink making in seconds
• High-torque motor offers uniform cutting and ice crushing action while splash guards keep the prep area clean
• Both the pitcher and bowl are designed to use the same powerful motor which is interchangeable to save space
• Ergonomic operation with one touch pulsing creates an easy-to-use and safe product
• Features dishwasher safe parts
• Contains custom-fit storage lids for both the pitcher and bowl
• Available nationwide at select retailers and on www.NinjaKitchen.com.
• Suggested retail price: $49.99
• Find us on Twitter at @NinjaKitchen and be sure to fan our Ninja Kitchen Facebook page.

I love that they’ve been really careful to create a product that is not only family friendly for surviving tons of use, but they have also been careful about what was used to create the Ninja Master Prep.  Although I have used this tool for much much more than just blended drinks, I have to admit that the blending ice ability of it is definitely what initially intrigued me.

I have always struggled with the fact that my blenders would never make a smooth drink and got tired of always having to babysit the machine to have it crank out anything even resembling a smoothie…and even then there were still chunks.  So I’m very thrilled that this machine lives up to it’s claims.  Just be sure not to overfill it and it’ll always do it’s job!

So ladies, you now have my top pick for your Christmas wish list!  Trust me, if this product can live up to it’s claims even for a family of 8, you’re sure to love it!

Disclosure: I received a Ninja Master Prep to try for myself and provide this review.  All of my reviews are honest and forthright and I will absolutely not claim to love a product that I do not. You can read my full disclosure policy here.

When I was contacted about Angela Moore’s line of brilliant jewelry, I was giddy with excitement.  As the mom of boys, anything pretty and fun is great by me!  One of the things I love about this jewery is that it isn’t “stuck up” for lack of a better term.  It’s unique, bright, bold, creative and beautiful…all at the same time.

But even better, the line offers a couple of pieces that support causes that I am 100% behind!  You all know how I feel about Ovarian Cancer research and supporting it (my Aunt died of Ovarian cancer 4 years ago) but I’m also a supporter of Breast cancer awareness!  When I received both a Breast Cancer bracelet and an Ovarian Cancer bracelet, I was stunned, they are so beautiful and I just couldn’t decide which one to wear first.

Angela Moore products are hand painted and one of a kind and the quality is second to none! Here’s a little more information for you:

Angela Moore has partnered with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) to create a collection specifically dedicated to welcome new beginnings.

As featured on the OCRF.org website, the Angela Moore Ovarian Cancer Awareness Collection features the signature teal ribbon set on a crisp white background. To recognize the importance of the work that the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund does, Angela Moore donates 15% of the proceeds from this entire collection back to them all year long. The collection includes a bracelet, necklace, pendant, petite bracelet, earrings and hair tie and range in price from $12-$95.

The Pink Ribbon Collection…pretty, pink and positive…October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

Show your support by purchasing this meaningful and stylish collection. By popular request, Angela Moore has expanded her Breast Cancer Awareness collection to include the new Pink Ribbon Collection. This collection features the signature pink ribbon symbol that signifies the ongoing research to find a cure for breast cancer and the celebration of remembrance, recovery and results.

Set on a crisp white background, the pink ribbon theme is accented with pale pink crystals.
15% of the net proceeds from this collection are donated to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure and their designated affiliates.
The collection includes a bracelet, necklace, triple beaded pendant, pendant, watch, petite bracelet, earrings and a hair tie and range in price from $12-$105.

I love that!  A full 15% of all proceeds from each of these lines goes right to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund and Susan G. Komen for a Cure!   So, this month if you are looking for a great gift for a friend, mother, sister, etc.  This is definitely a great place to start!  These bracelets would make an amazing birthday or Christmas gift for any woman!  Hop on over to AngelaMoore.com for all the goodies!

About a month or so ago I began hearing a song on the radio that not only stood out to me but brought me to tears.  In case you were wondering, that doesn’t happen often.  The song is More Beautiful You by Jonny Diaz.

Even though the song talks about younger girls, through my conversations with many moms I have come to realize that so many of us are quite possibly more uncomfortable with how we look and/or fit in now than when we were teens.

The changes in our lives physically and every other way are so profound as a mom.  I think that many of you will easily relate to this song…and maybe, just maybe you will be brought to tears as well.  I encourage you to watch the video…

There could never be a more beautiful you
Don’t buy the lies disguises and hoops they make you jump through
You were made to fill a purpose that only you could do
So there could never be a more beautiful you

The last verse is so profound for those who feel that they have simply have reached the end of their rope trying to fit into our society’s version of beautiful and “complete”!  I encourage you to let that part wash over you!

So turn around, you’re not too far
To back away, be who you are
To change your path, go another way
It’s not too late you can be saved
If you feel depressed with past regrets
The shameful nights, hope to forgets
Can disappear, they can all be washed away
By the one who’s strong, can right your wrongs
Can rid your fears, dry all your tears
And change the way you look at this big world
He will take your dark distorted view
And with His light He will show you truth
And again you’ll see through the eyes of a little girl

A couple of weeks ago, I penned this post for all of you as I sat in the car waiting for my 13 year old to finish football practice.  When I returned home, I noticed that I had an email with the same title as this song…I kid you not, my mouth fell open and I said “NO way!!!”.

It was a PR representative asking if I would like to offer copies of this CD for my readers to enter to win.  It was absolutely one of those moments!  Timing truly is everything, and His timing is perfect isn’t it?  Well, He knows it is even when we don’t. (more…)

In our digital society, most families have multiple cell phones.  One for dad, another for mom and even one for a few of the kids.  It is not only a way to communicate, but highly recommended for safety reasons.  But we all know that we aren’t supposed to be talking on the phone when we drive unless we are using something to keep us hands free.

As a parent, this is especially important when you see the accident statistics involving distracted drivers, especially those who are trying to talk on the phone, make a call, etc. without using a hands free device.  In fact, many cities and states have made it illegal to do so and we are definitely among them.  When I was asked to try out the Blackberry Visor Mount Speakerphone, my initial concern was that I have an iPhone…are they compatible?  The answer is definitely YES!

This Blackberry speakerphone is compatible with all Bluetooth enabled phones, so you don’t have to have a Blackberry to use it for yourself.  I have to say that I truly am impressed with this little device!

Here’s a few more details:

The BlackBerry Visor Mount Speakerphone is the latest in innovative BlackBerry technology. It wirelessly streams calls from any Bluetooth enabled phone through your car’s stereo system. This slim, ultra light product attaches to your car visor and is very easy to set up – just turn it on and press a button to pair it with your cell phone. You’ll then be able to answer calls with one touch and receive verbal caller IDs. The Visor Mount Speakerphone also keeps you and the kids entertained by streaming music from your BlackBerry over the car stereo.

Here’s what I loved…

• Setup is a snap – make sure you read the instructions on connecting, charging, answering, using it to voice dial (for voice dialing enabled phones), etc.  The instruction “book” is super short and quick.
• Very easy to use – the instructions are simple and once you are setup, you just tap the speakerphone to answer calls…then tap again to hang up, no need to take your eyes off the road.
• Conveniently mounted on the visor above my head and easy to reach.
• Battery life is GREAT!

I cannot emphasize enough the importance of reading through the little instruction booklet before you use this device.  Once you have, you’re good to go.  For instance, the battery doesn’t really show you a full looking battery when it is charged.  It simply goes from red to green.  I didn’t know this and drove around for three days with the cord attached (which isn’t super convenient) LOL.

I’m really enjoying our Blackberry Visor Mount Speakerphone and I’m very excited to be able to offer one of these (retail value $99.99) to a lucky commenter. Entering is simple, just visit the website and when you’re done looking around, come back here and leave a comment telling me why you’d like to win this speakerphone.!

There are some great extra entry opportunities as well of course, feel free to take advantage of all of the entries for as many chances to win as possible. …Just be sure to leave a NEW comment with each entry…(hint, when you are looking at this as an individual post, below you will see some little icons, to easily submit this post to a variety of sites):

• Become a Facebook Fan of A Frog In My Soup!!!
• Tweet It: Just tweet this giveaway with a link to this post and make sure your comment has your twitter handle in it.
• Blog It: Write a post about this giveaway (with a link to this post of course) on your own blog, make sure your comment has a link to your post.
• Stumble It, Kirtsy It, Digg It, Submit to Mommy Blips: Submit this giveaway to any of these sites and earn an extra entry for each one…and make sure your comment has your Username.
• Fave at Technorati!  Just fave this post or A Frog In My Soup at Technorati.

It is void where prohibited, be sure to read my giveaway policies here.  Be sure to enter by October 20th, 2009.  This giveaway is open to US addresses only.

Disclosure:  I always give honest and forthright reviews and will not present something that poses a conflict of interest &/or that I do not like.  I received the Blackberry Visor Mount Speakerphone in order to use it myself to present the review.  You can read my full disclosure policy here.