Real Moms Real Views

Party Green-Style {GreenPartyGoods Review}

GreenPartyGoodsLogo I love parties…I love going to them and hosting them, with lots or a few people we love. But I’ve always felt bad about all those paper plates I used and plastic party favors I gave out. GreenPartyGoods can help you host your next party while taking less toll on the environment. Their website says it best:

GreenPartyGoods knows that parents and other celebrators, given the convenience of shopping for eco friendly products that are stylish and sensible, will embrace this option.

All of GreenPartyGoods’ products meet at least one of these criteria: recycled, re-useable, biodegradable, sustainable, or organic.

GreenPartyGoods also has quite a selection of eco-friendly gifts to give! I was sent an AluminumWaterBottle aluminum water bottle for review. I have been wanting one of these for a while to bring with me to refill my girls’ straw cups when we go out. I was tired of all the half-filled plastic bottles in my car and not knowing what really happens to them when I put them in the recycling bin. Now I just fill it up with filtered water from our fridge…this also will save us a lot of money! The bottle fits right in my bag and has a handy clip for hanging on the outside of my bag as well. And it’s soooo pretty! Many of their water bottles are adorned with prints from the Victoria and Albert Museum Archive in London. I would definitely love to receive this as a gift and will keep this in mind for upcoming birthdays and the holidays.

GreenPartyGoods completes your eco-friendly party with plates made from corn, utensils made of potatoes, non-toxic toys and games to entertain your little guests, the most adorable wooden party favors, biodegradable crepe paper streamers, cardboard but reusable (and very cute) cupcake towers and more.

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I’m glad to have found a convenient resource that will provide me with environmentally responsible but tasteful products for my next celebration. Visit GreenpartyGoods for more information, Like them on Facebook and subscribe to their email list for eco-friendly party ideas and to keep up with what’s new.

{Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks GreenPartyGoods for providing the Aluminum Water Bottle for this review. }

Stephanie

No More Soppy Mops! {Spin and Go Touchless Mop and Wringer System Giveaway} CLOSED

spin & go kit Housework can be so messy, which is why I dread it. I am always looking for tools to make cleaning our home easier and I’m so glad to have tried the Spin & Go Touchless Mop and Wringer System!

So how does the Spin & Go Mop and Wringer work? Well, you clean your floor with the mop, then rinse it off in the bucket. But what’s special about the bucket is it comes with a little basket that you spin around with a foot petal, and when you put Model w Spin & Go the mop into the basket, you  spin the mop dry! No wringing it out with your hands (eew!) and no drippy mess. Now it’s ready to mop up something else. And I’m happy to say the microfiber mop is super absorbent…I don’t know how many juice and milk spills it’s mopped up! I’ve also reached for dust bunnies behind the toilet with ease thanks to the mop’s adjustable handle…so glad I don’t have to practically stick my head in there to clean up that area!

The Spin & Go Mop includes the Wringer bucket and is $49.95. Visit the Spin & Go Mop website for video how-to’s and testimonials.

Today, One Real Moms Real Views Reader Will Win…

Brochure One Shot

A Spin & Go Touchless Mop and Wringer System!

Want to Enter to Win? Here’s How:

1st Entry {Mandatory}: Visit the Spin & Go website and tell us your favorite feature of the Spin & Go Touchless Mop and Ringer System!

Additional Entries {Please leave one comment per entry}:

1 Entry: Follow AGE on Twitter

1 Entry: Like AGE on Facebook

1 Entry per day: Tweet the following and leave us the link: Win a Spin & Go Touchless Mop and Wringer System! @agiveawaydaily http://tinyurl.com/384ewvq

1 Entry: Follow Real Moms Real Views on Google Friends Connect, subscribe in a reader or join the email list

2 Entries: Add the Real Moms Real Views button to your blog and leave us the link

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link

You have until September 8 @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. I received a sample Spin & Go Touchless Mop and Wringer System for this review.

Stephanie

{ATG Stores $100 Gift Certificate Giveaway} CLOSED

Shop Smart-Save Money with ATG Stores!

ATG Stores has over 500+ websites for your shopping convenience!

Getting ready for baby is in full swing at our house and getting the nursery decorated is at the top of my list. I finally picked out a theme: Zebra and Pink! Yes this is my first girl so the room has to be everything girl. I had the opportunity to order the Zebra Skin Safari Area Rug for the new nursery from ATG Stores floorandsurfaces.com. It arrived within 2 weeks and quickly it was laid in the nursery. It is plush and soft and I love the look it creates. There is something about a rug on the floor that adds so much to a room. It is a generous size of 5′ x 7′ so it covers the area quite well since the room is only around 11′ wide. Now onto finishing the rest of the room…I will definitely post a picture when it is all complete. Thanks ATG Stores for the gorgeous zebra rug for the new babies nursery!

With so many stores and so many items to chose from where should you start? How about these, that’s where I will be scouting out other items for the baby and her room: Baby Stroller Showroom, Lighting Universe, New Baby Supply, and Decor Universe.

Today, ATG Stores is giving one of you…

a $100 ATG Stores Gift Certificate!

Here’s how to enter to win:

{1st Entry–MANDATORY}–Visit ATG Stores and come back and tell us what you would spend the $100 Gift Certificate on.

Extra Entries:

1 Entry per day–Follow ATG Stores on Twitter and tweet the following:

Win a$100 Gift Certificate to @ATGStores @agiveawaydaily http://goo.gl/fb/pGQfY

1 Entry: ‘Like’ ATG Stores on Facebook & post the following on their wall:

http://realmomsrealviews.com is giving away a ATG STORES $100 Gift Certificate and I entered to win!

1 Entry for each: Follow us by Google friends connect, reader, or email.

2 Entries–Sign up to receive the ATG Stores newsletter.

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

5 Entries: Make a purchase from ATG Stores.

You have until September 7th @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thank you ATG Stores for providing the rug for this review and the gc for this giveaway.}

One Store You Must Shop! {DownEast Home Review}

If you are one of our loyal Utah or Idaho readers…you MUST check out your local DownEast Home! I had the opportunity to visit my local store and meet with Mel the manager and Emily the assistant manager. First off I was greeting by them in such a nice way. I was impressed at how sweet and informative they were. These are two super sweet gals that are sure to help you in any way they can.

Now the down low on DownEast Home. See I can’t name names of brands they carry…but I tell you they are top of the line. Plus all their items are at a fraction of the retail cost if you buy elsewhere. You can get that gorgeous custom style in your home all while on a budget! Love that!

Here is one collection I am dying to purchase for my family room. Isn’t it a beauty? I can just see my family relaxing on it now while watching a movie and eating popcorn.

Their Furniture selection was amazing. From leather couches to coffee tables there were so many choices. They even carry one of a kind baby cribs and children beds. You could definitely redecorate a single room or furnish a whole house with pieces from DownEast Home. They have a wonderful section of bed linens, kitchen gadgets, dining tables, and lighting too!

I was amazed at just how many accessories they had displayed. Do you have a spot in your home that needs something extra? DownEast Home is a great place to find it. From vases to decorative balls there were so many cute accessories and items to choose from at incredible prices.Some DownEast stores even have their clothing line right there located within them. I was able to browse their selection and it was incredible. Where you can find clothing for your baby and yourself that are brand name for such low prices? DownEast that is! Make sure you check them out when back to school shopping!

Here’s what’s going on right now with DownEast Home, their Blog, & their Facebook page:

Post a comment on their launch blog post for a chance to win a $1,000 in store shopping spree! Plus if you become a FB fan it gets you an additional entry!

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So are you ready to head out shopping at DownEast?

Here is a list of DownEast Home stores near you:

IDAHO

Idaho Falls
2385 East 17th Street
Idaho Falls, ID 83404

208-528-0738

UTAH

Draper
152 East 12300 South
Draper, Ut 84020

801-501-7377

Layton
411 West 1425 North
Layton, Ut 84341

801-544-1692

Logan
1050 North Main, Suite B1
Logan, UT 84321

435-787-4109

Orem
79 North State Street
Orem, UT 84057

801-434-4866

Ogden
2770 Washington Blvd
Ogden, UT 84041

801-392-5067

Sandy
7880 South 1300
East Sandy, UT 84106

801-233-9480

Sugarhouse
1170 East 2100 South
Salt Lake City, UT 84106

801-484-5430

St George
620 West Telegraph
Washington, UT 84780

435-627-8552

{Thanks DownEast Home for inviting me into your store to experience your wonderful shopping. I was compensated for this post in the form of a gift card. All opinions in this post are 100% mine!}

Scentsational!! {Sleep Scentsations Giveaway} CLOSED

I {heart} sleep!  Unfortunately the last time I got EXCELLENT sleep was about 2 years ago.  I was go go going and finally had a day to sleep in.  I slept like a rock until about 1 pm the next day.  I can still remember slipping into cold, freshly laundered jersey knit sheets, turning the ceiling fan on, light music playing in the background, tons of pillows, drapes pulled shut to keep out the morning sun, and sleeping right in the middle of the bed.  It was PERFECT!  What I wouldn’t give to go back to that day…er…night.

Sleep Scentsations is a company striving to give people the kind of sleep I am dying to have.  Their aromatherapy pillow liners help create a relaxing and heavenly atmosphere for the best sleep experience.  Now you don’t have to use messy linen sprays.  The pillow liners thin and soft and infused with essential oils and fragrance oils that will not stain your bed linens.  Peel off the adhesive backing and place on your pillow, underneath the pillowcase, and you will be enjoying a relaxing scent that will lull you to sleep.

The essential oils will not leave any residue on linens.  In fact they are safe to use around children and pets.  Get creative and place them around your house.  Under sofa cushions, in decorative pillows, or even on the backside of drapes.  Keep your house smelling great at the same time as promote relaxation and wellness.  You can even take them on trips with you!!

Chose from one of the eight pillow scents and you will be on your way to a better night’s rest.

RELAXING – Aromatherapy Lavender is a classic blend of lavender, bergamot and cedarwood essential oils soothes and calms so you can sleep better.   Sleep Well, Live Well.

WHITE TEA & LILY Do you prefer that fresh, clean and natural scent?  White Tea & Lily is the perfect blend; floral notes of lilies with a subtle hint of white tea that offers you that fresh, clean and soothing feeling.

DAY AT THE BEACH -   Who Doesn’t love going to the beach and smelling the ocean breeze?  Day at the Beach pillow scents will have you feel like you are falling asleep on your beach towel with the scents of the ocean air, warm sand and suntan lotion (without the sand in your bathing suit!)

FRESH CUT GRASS - Are you one of those people who avoids the outdoors because of a horrible allergy to grass and pollen? Now you can fall asleep to the pleasant memories of a spring day and the scent of freshly cut grass in the air…  without the allergies or pollen!

MY BOYFRIEND’S SHIRT - Stimulate your… senses!  This sexy blend of musk, jasmine and sandalwood will remind you of his favorite shirt.  These scents are also known as aphrodisiacs and my just help you get in the mood.  Get your sleep on!

GINGER & AMBER – Pamper yourself with this warm, alluring blend of white ginger and amber.   This sensual fragrance will create a sense of calm and relaxation as you drift off to sleep.

SHANGHAI NIGHTS -Ever wanted to experience the exotic Orient?   Our Shanghai Nights fragrance was created to help you focus on peace, tranquility and relaxation.  Enjoy this delicate floral blossom scent, laced with a hint of musk, to mentally transport you into the serenity of an oriental garden.

SNORE RxCan’t Stop Snoring? -If you snore or sleep with someone who does, then you know that it’s no laughing matter and can keep you up ALL NIGHT.  If you are facing a situation where you can’t sleep because you or someone you are sleeping with snores loudly, don’t panic and run to purchase an over-the-counter spray or pill. Fortunately there is a drug-free remedy that can help stop snoring.  SNORE RX is one of Sleep Scentsations patented sleep aids that contains a therapeutic blend of essential oils formulated to suppress snoring and provide a more restful nights sleep.

I received the Pleasant Dreams Collection.  It included 2 of the Relaxing  Lavender and White Tea & Lily,  1 of Day at the Beach, Fresh Cut Grass, Ginger & Amber, Shanghai Nights, My Boyfriends Shirt and SnoreRx.  All 8 scents in one collection.  It is the perfect way to try out all of the scents.  Then you can pick which ones you need more of.

I love the scents.  They do help me feel more relaxed.  I felt like they were a bit strong…maybe because I am not use to a scent next to my face.  I found though, once I flipped over my pillow and had the scent there but just not right up against my face, they were amazing.  After letting my hubby get used to the fact that his pillow smells, I am going to try the Snore RX tonight….shhh!  don’t tell me.  WHAT?  I am dying for that awesome nights sleep again…remember!?

Today Sleep Scentsations is giving one lucky winner a


Pleasant Dreams Collection (Value $24.99)

Want to win? Here is how to enter.  Leave one comment for each eligible entry.

1st Entry–MANDATORY–Go to Sleep Scentsations and tell us what scent you would most like to try

1 Entry–“Like” Sleep Scentsations on Facebook 1 more entry if you leave them a comment on their wall

1 Entry per day--Follow AGE and Sleep Scentsations on Twitter and tweet the following:

Win a Pleasant Dreams Collection @agiveawaydaily @sleepscents http://tinyurl.com/scentsational

2 Entries for each–Subscribe to Sleep Scentsations blog emails or feed

2 Entries–Subscribe to Real Moms Real Views emails

5 Entries–Make a purchase from Sleep Scentsations

You have until August 27th @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. OpinionsCrissa expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks Sleep Scentsations for providing the pillow liners for this review and giveaway.

The Perfect Dresser For My New Nursery! {Hayneedle $200 Giveaway} CLOSED

Over 200 specialty stores for your home, work and play.

Whether you need a bed, diaper bag, or dining table…Hayneedle is your one-stop shop. I was amazed when I was introduced to Hayneedle’s online shops…all 200 of them. I was able to find just about everything I could possibly need for the new nursery. From a crib to a changing table, and a dresser and cute rug. There were endless possibilities to choose from for my design. Hayneedle let me choose one item to get me started on the baby nursery and I chose the Sonoma Condo 6-Drawer Dresser. I chose it because it was the perfect size for the smaller sized bedroom, yet didn’t compromise the look I was going for. I wanted black furniture and this piece looked perfect.

This dresser comes ready-to-assemble, is made of durable composite woods, and is sure to provide you with years of satisfaction.

When it arrived on my doorstep I set out to put it together all by myself. Since the hubby was busy working in the yard. I laid out all of the pieces and began reading the instructions. I found them very easy to navigate and went to work with my power screwdriver and hammer. My little guy even jumped in every now and then to help out as he loved being the “tool man”. It took me 4 hours to put together, but that was because I had to take breaks due to the pregnancy wearing me out and my little one needing my attention for food, and a DVD. When it was finished both the hubby and I were amazed at the quality. It was very sturdy and looked very classy. A wonderful piece for the nursery that is sure to last for years and years to come. Thanks Hayneedle!

Specifically meant for smaller bedroom spaces, this stylish dresser has been designed to replicate the traditional six-drawer dresser in a more compact version. The dresser has six roomy drawers, each running on smooth, all-metal roller guides, and with built-in safety stops, there’s almost no chance of accidental drawer spills. With sleek solid brushed-nickel knobs, a profiled top, and smoothly arched decorative kick plate, this dresser will complete your classic bedroom look.

Keep up with Hayneedle on their BLOG!

Hayneedle wants to hook up one RMRV reader with a…

$200 Gift Certificate!

Want to enter to win this gift certificate? Here’s how:

{1st Entry–MANDATORY}–Visit Hayneedle and come back and tell us what you would spend the $200 on!

Extra Entries:

1 Entry per day–Follow Hayneedle on Twitter and tweet the following:

Win a $200 Gift Certificate to @hayneedle over @agiveawaydaily http://goo.gl/fb/izOxC

1 Entry: ‘Like’ Hayneedle on Facebook & tell them RMRV sent you :)

2 Entries–Subscribe to Real Moms Real Views emails or by a Reader.

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link.

5 Entries: Make a purchase from Hayneedle.

You have until August 24th @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thank you Hayneedle for providing the goodies for this review and giveaway.}

Ekkkk…The Toilet! {NeverWet Plunger Review}

When you think Bathroom…what grosses you out the most?

THE TOILET!!!

Ekkkk! I absolutely hate cleaning the dirty toliet, and when there is a problem (like my little guy flushing a whole roll of toilet paper down it, or dropping a toy in and flushing) I run to the aid of my plunger. But my new plunger isn’t just an ordinary plunger. No sir! It’s a NeverWet Plunger!

  • NeverWet™ technology makes this the cleanest plunger you’ll ever own
  • Both the handle and rubber head of the Clear-n-Clean plunger are coated with our unique NeverWet™ coating
  • Stays dry, even when immersed in water
  • Coated areas are Bacteria Resistant, even after use
  • Handle is made of non-porous plastic
  • Dual lip plunger seal on plunger head
  • Designed to properly fit virtually all toilets, and is especially useful on low water flow toilets
  • Flexible rubber head for optimum plunging performance

What are the advantages of the Clear-N-Clean plunger?

  • Stays Dry –  It’s the latest in nanotechnology – NeverWet™ coating keeps the plunger dry when submerged in water, even after hundreds of uses! There’s nothing like it. Water rolls right off.
  • Bacteria Resistant– Thousands of germs live on ordinary plungers, and plunger caddies and canisters are even worse, but the Clear-n-Clean plunger with NeverWet™ technology is bacteria resistant.

If you watch this video you will see exactly what this amazing plunger really does:

Buy your own NeverWet Plunger right now online for only $19.95!

You can keep up with the NeverWet plunger on Facebook, Twitter, and by their Newsletter.

{Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks NeverWet for providing the sample plunger for this review. }

Purely Simple {Purely Products Giveaway} CLOSED

Germs come in all shapes and sizes…little boys, stinky shoes, dogs, sponges, and shopping carts.  Without germs our immune systems wouldn’t be strong and able to fight off diseases and sickness.  However, there are tons of germs that we should protect ourselves from.  E-coli, salmonella, mold, fungus and MRSA staph (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus Aureus) can cause colds and flu.  Why would you not avoid getting sick if you could?  Well…TADA!  You can!

The Pocket Purifer is a lightweight, convenient, and handheld UV germ killer.  This little beauty will sanitize surfaces and objects with the same UV-C light that sterilizes surgical instruments.  Ultraviolet light and nanotechnology eliminate 99.9% of nasty germs.  Now you can kill germs without chemicals, isn’t that very green chic!?

Quick Facts on UV-C light:
–UV-C light is chemical free and odorless.
–UV-C light is invisible. The additional blue light is provided as a reference for the user but it is not the UV-C light itself.
–Indirectly viewing the blue light produced but the UV-C lamp does not cause exposure to UV-C light
–UV-C light sterilizes biological pollutants by penetrating the cell membranes of viruses, bacteria, mold spores and dust mite eggs and stopping their reproductive capabilities – eliminating the disease-causing microbes. (the DNA of cannot reproduce)
–UV disinfectant has been used in hospitals, food processing facilities, water treatment and HVAC systems for over 30 years.

With 4 AA batteries it can sanitize so many things!  It is suitable for purifying masks, kitchen counters, sinks and utensils, bathroom surfaces, computer keyboards, remote controls, cell phones, nail clippers, shoes, clothing, bags, scissors, baby toys, pacifiers, diaper pails, cribs, strollers – most everyday items.  UV light will not harm function of surfaces or items disinfected.  Use this light for 10-15 seconds on most everyday items and wah la!  Sanitized!

Purely Products sent me a cute pink ultraviolet light germ eliminator to test out.  Did I ever test it out!  I used it on my keyboard, my toothbrush, the sponge, my puppy’s toys, my cell…everything I could think of.  As a suggestion from Purely Products, I even used it on the cutting board after cutting raw meat on it.  I was a germ killing machine!  Then I stuck it in my purse to take to work the next day.  Later that night, I pulled it out to use the built in flashlight.  This dual purpose little gadget has a permanent place in my purse.

Even LPGA Tour Pro Natalie Gulbis, their spokesperson, keeps it in her golf bag and uses it all the time because she travels so much.

Another wonderful gadget Purely Products makes is the SunmateThis is a must have summer gadget for the outdoor loving family.  Now, you can quickly find out the intensity of ultraviolet rays so you can make decisions on skincare protection.

It is easy and simple to use.  Just press the little white button and LED indicators light up between 1 and 5 depending upon the intensity of the UV light.

SunMate Indicator Level National Weather Service Ultraviolet Index Scale
1 – Low Less than 2 – Low Danger
2 – Moderate 3 to 5 – Moderate Risk
3 – High 6 to 7 – High Risk
4 – Very High 8 to 10 – Very High Risk
5 – Extreme 11 or Higher – Extreme Risk

Easy Peezie!  It slips right into a diaper bag, beach bag, purse, golf bag, backpack, anything. Use it for golfing, fishing, snow skiing, boating, softball – any sports; yard work, bicycling, walking, running, hiking, at the park with your kids or at baseball games – any outdoor activity, any day of the year.  Knowledge is power!

I used the SunMate when I recently went to an amusement park with my nieces and nephews.  Knowing what the suns rays were like helped us know to keep sunscreen on even though it was a little cloudy.  Wish I would have had one of these when I was six…long story short you CAN get VERY sunburned when you are at the beach when it is a little cool and overcast.

Purely Products gave each Giveaway Gal the chance to try both of these products.  Here are what the others had to say:

I received the Pocket Purifier and Sun Mate for review. I’ve read that the telephone, doorknobs and the computer keyboard are among the germiest places in your home. So I used the Pocket Purifier in these spots along with regular cleaning and I feel a bit better about our home being cleaner. This weekend, we used the Sun Mate when we went to the park with our girls. While we like to go earlier in the morning when it’s cooler, we used the Sun Mate to help us decide if it was time to head for shadier ground. Both of these products are a great companion to the things we do to keep our home and ourselves healthy.

With two children running around, I am constantly washing hands, toys, clothes, everything and anything that gets dirty and germy! I couldn’t wait to get my hands on the Pocket Purifier from Purely Products! This awesome little wand sanitizes surfaces and objects with the same UV-C light that sterilizes surgical instruments. Ultraviolet light and nanotechnology eliminate 99.9% of germs that cause colds and flu, plus e-coli, salmonella, mold, fungus and MRSA (staph). It’s small enough to keep in your purse or diaper bag to have with you to help de-germ that paci that always seems to fall on the ground at the worst possible moment or any other daily item that needs sanitizing! All you have to do is expose the item to the UV-C light for 10-12 seconds and the item or space will be disinfected! So cool and handy to have on-the-go! I have even used mine on my computer keyboard at the house…can’t even imagine all the germs hanging out there! Ewww! So glad to have the Pocket Purifier to help keep my family healthy!
We also received the SunMate from Purely Products! Love this, especially with the intense summer sun we get here in Texas! This little device alerts you of possible over-exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun. Of course, my children are always lathered up in sunscreen from the top of their heads to the tips of their toes, but it is still good to know when the ultraviolet rays are at their strongest! Perfect for days at the pool, playing outside, or even if we are just out running errands!

In the summer time we spend a lot of time outdoors. I am always concerned about the UV rays and how much sun exposure my family is getting. My little guy is very fair skinned like myself so we tend to get a sunburn very easily. I want to prevent that from happening as much as possible. So when I had the opportunity to test out the SunMate by Purely Products I was very excited. When it arrived I took it outdoors and tested it out. It is very simple to use: all you do is press the white button on the top of the unit and it will measure the UV index of the sun. Then you know just how much UV exposure you and your family are getting when outdoors. I love how small it is, so I can easily keep it in my purse or diaper bag when we travel.

Wait!  Purely Products continues to out due themselves.  They equipped a medical missions team going to Haiti after the earthquake with Pocket Purifiers to make their job in extreme conditions a bit easier. They had EMT teams using them.

It gets better still!  The founder of Purely Products, Myron, and his wife, Megan, parents of toddlers, also founded diaperLove, a non profit that provides diapers to children in need.  The founder’s wife was on Craigslist one evening after their second child was born and stumbled upon plea after plea for diapers. As she began an email relationship with one mother new to their area, she was shocked to find out that neither Food Stamps nor WIC helps parents buy diapers. None of the churches or street ministries she tried had diapers.  Megan and Myron took diapers, wipes and some food to the young family. The mother told them she could only afford to change her baby after a bowel movement. Other than that, her toddler spent the day in a soiled, wet diaper.  It moved Myron and Megan beyond words. After helping more families on their own for several months, after prayerful consideration, they created the non-profit, diaperLove, to provide diapers to children in need.  diaperLove accepts donations, of course, but also a percentage of every Purely Products purchase goes to support www.diaperLove.org

Today Purely Products wants to keep doing good by giving one lucky winner…

a Pocket Purifier (a $29.95 value)!!

Want to win?  Here is how to enter.

Leave one comment for each eligible entry.

1st entry–MANDATORY–Go to Purely Products and tell us another item (besides the two mentioned above) that you would like to try

1 Entry–What would you use the Pocket Purifier on?

1 Entry–”Like” Purely Products on Facebook

1 Entry per day–Follow AGE and Purely Products on Twitter and tweet the following:

Win a Pocket Purifier @purelyproducts @agiveawaydaily http://tinyurl.com/pocketpurifier

2 Entries–Subscribe to Purely Products feed

2 Entries–Go to the Purely Product blog, leave a comment, and tell us where we can find it

2 Entries–Follow diaperLove on Twitter

2 Entries–”Like” diaperLove on Facebook

5 Entries–Make a purchase from Purely Products

5 Entries–Make a donation to diaperLove

28 possible entries!!

You have until July 29th @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post.  Thank you Purely Products from providing the SunMates and Pocket Purifiers for this review and giveaway.  Also thank you for all you do to help struggling parents provide diapers for their little ones!!

Creativity from Around the World {Novica Giveaway} CLOSED

Novica_logo1

I’m so glad to know about Novica, an organization associated with National Geographic which unites artisans from around the world to your home! Novica has changed the lives of these talented people from over 2,000 countries by providing them a way to make their living by creating beautiful pieces of art. They use materials and techniques from their region and their culture, some of which were passed on for many generations.

Each piece has a person and a story behind it. Novica not only connects you with the product, but the person whose hands made it!

I chose the ‘Blue Cloud’ Celadon Ceramic Vase to review. This vase was made by Novica_vase Duangkamol Srisukri in Thailand. I loved reading about her family…her parents, with friends, founded a ceramic shop and from there, she developed a passion for celadon and stoneware ceramics. She loves making both Thai and Chinese-style ceramics, ranging from vases to animal figurines.

I love my vase! The color is this lovely light blue with a contrasting brown texture at the bottom. Last week I enjoyed the vase with fresh flowers but forgot to take a picture, so here it is with some handmade heart flowers! I also love the soft, flowing shape of the vase. And knowing it was made by hand makes it all the more beautiful.

And I must comment on the packaging. It was rapped beautifully in lovely textured paper, but that’s not what impressed me the most. There was no plastic except for a few pieces of tape. Other than that, my vase was completely cushioned in newsprint. No styrofoam or anything that can’t be recycled…and my vase arrived in perfect condition. So it IS possible!

It did take me a while to choose between all the beautiful products on Novica. I almost chose some celadon animal ornaments from Duangkamol, and I was also eyeing some pretty storage baskets for my craft area. And that’s just things for the home…Novica also has clothing and other accessories like jewelry and handbags, all lovingly handmade by a talented artist from the other side of the world.

Today, Novica is Giving Away a $50 Gift Certificate!

Want to enter to win? Here’s how:

1st Entry {Mandatory}: Visit Novica and tell us what lovely handmade creation you’d like for yourself or your home.

Additional Entries {Please leave one comment per entry}:

1 Entry: Like Novica on Facebook

1 Entry: Follow AGE on Twitter

1 Entry: Like AGE on Facebook

1 Entry per day: Tweet the following and leave us the link: Win a $50 GC from Novica @agiveawaydaily http://tinyurl.com/2ejl6gk

1 Entry: Follow Real Moms Real Views on Google Friends Connect, subscribe in a reader or join the email list

2 Entries: Add the Real Moms Real Views button to your blog and leave us the link

5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and leave us the link

You have until July 20 @ 11:59 AM EDT to enter the giveaway. All giveaways are open to USA only. Winners will be chosen by random.org and will be contacted by email after the giveaways close. The winner will then have 48 hours to claim their giveaway by email. If the winner does not claim their prize within their 48 hour period, a new winner will be chosen. *All entries received after the cutoff time will be deleted prior to choosing a winner. Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks Novica for providing the ‘Blue Cloud’ Celadon Ceramic Vase for this review.

Finally Suction! {Dyson DC23 Handheld Canister Review}

Dyson DC23 Turbinehead is a canister vacuum with Level 3 Root Cyclone™ technology and a turbine head for all-around performance.

Let’s just say my old vacuum “sucks” literally. It is one of those you pick up at the super center for around $60-$80 and it gives you a whole two weeks suction and then ends up broken in the back of the cleaning closet 6 months later!

I was recently given the opportunity to try out the Dyson DC23 Turbine handheld Canister Vacuum. This couldn’t have come at a better time since my gutless vacuum was at it’s breaking point. At first glance, I noticed the modern design of the DC23. It is very sleek and looks esthetically very pleasing to the eye. We turned this baby on and the suction was AMAZING! I started with the couch first. Since we have a little dog I wanted to test out how well it would clean up the dog hair. PERFECTLY!

Time to empty the canister. It detaches easily with the press of a single button, and then putting it back on was just as simple. Since it is bag less the canister features a washable filter. That I can clean as needed. I was really surprised at how much it picked up. I did a swipe with my old vacuum (now retired) right before I used this one. The canister was half full of hair and debris. My carpet now looks plush and full of life again. A BIG thanks tot he Dyson DC23!

I love that I can easily use this vacuum without extra effort on my back since it is a hand held wand that (docks in the canister) I move around. The base simply wheels behind me. I can move easily from the carpet to the kitchen floor or bathroom tile and there is never any loss of suction. I am even able to have it rest on the stairs while I vacuum them with ease. It weighs around 14 lbs. so it is a bit heavy for me to lift, but I really only had to lift it when vacuuming the stairs.

This thing is a suction power horse. I have never owned a vacuum with this high level of suction all the time. The wand also features a single button to stop suction when accidents happen like me vacuuming to close to my drapes that touch the carpet (which did happen on more than one occasion). :)

Certified asthma and allergy friendly

Unlike ordinary vacuums, Dyson is certified asthma & allergy friendly™ according to the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.

No loss of suction

Root Cyclone™ technology means Dyson vacuums don’t lose suction power as you clean.

5 year warranty from Dyson

You can purchase your own DC23 online for $399.99 at Dyson or at a retailer near you.


{Opinions expressed in this post are strictly our own. We were not paid for this post. Thanks Dyson for providing the DC23 for this review. }

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