Review of EcoStore Spray Cleaner and Lemongrass Body Soap

Choosing products that are eco-friendly has become easier for me in the last few years. Not only have I learned a lot more about those products (mainly because of the work Priceless Writers does with eco-friendly companies), but because they have become more available.

When EcoStore sent me their citrus spray cleanser and their lemongrass body soap to try, I was thrilled! With 2 kids and 2 dogs, you can bet that I have more than a few messes on my hands each day - and I absolutely love lemon-scented things...from lotions to soaps to perfumes. So, I invite you to read below and see how these products measured up!

EcoStore Citrus Spray Cleanser:

One of the places I clean most often is the master bathroom - which also happens to be the bathroom my 7 year old son uses. Anyone with a small boy knows that the toilet has to be cleaned VERY regularly! I usually use something like Lysol spray or a cleaner with bleach.

This means the smells are extremely strong...not to mention the harsh chemicals included in those cleaners. One of the first things I noticed about the EcoStore cleaner is that it smells great! It's not an overpowering smell (like bleach) - it's fresh and very clean-smelling.

I used it like I use the other cleaners - I just sprayed it on, let it sit for a few minutes, and wiped it away with a wet cloth. It worked wonderfully. Since it passed the 'toilet test,' I decided to give it a more difficult job. I sprayed down the tub and sink (which often has toothpaste stuck to the bowl - thanks kids) and guess what - it passed those tests with flying colors! I have used this cleaner in the kitchen on the countertops and stove, in the microwave, and to wipe down the dishwasher and refrigerator.

I'm extremely pleased at how it works - and the biggest benefit is that it contains no harsh chemicals. It's been independently proven to kill e.coli, staph, and salmonella, and it's naturally antibacterial. Bonus: the bottle is completely recyclable because it contains no metal parts!

Overall, I was very pleased with this product and would certainly recommend it to anyone - and already have, in fact!

Lemongrass Body Soap:

I've mentioned before my commitment to use eco-friendly and NATURAL soaps, so trying the Lemongrass soap was a treat. It feels rich and smooth when you lather it up, and makes suds galore.

The lemon smell is very subtle, and it washed away leaving the skin smooth and clean. I really love this soap and as it says right on the box, it contains no nasty chemicals - including toxic petro chemicals, no animal fats or tallow (hooray), no synthetic dyes, no sodium lauryl sulphate, and no propylene glycol.

The soap is created with vegetable glycerine and essential oils that are wonderful for your skin. I absolutely loved it, and would recommend that anyone (especially those with sensitive skin) try this soap!
Visit EcoStore today and pick up the citrus spray cleaner and the lemongrass soap - and you won't be disappointed!

Review of Conduit Press on Etsy and Upcycled Notebook Giveaway (CLOSED)

I can't tell you how much writing is a part of my life. It's how I earn a living, it's what I do in my spare time, and as if that weren't enough - I also keep journals that I write in on a regular basis. Writing and reading are as much a part of me as breathing and blinking - so finding Conduit Press on Etsy was a real treat for me. Talia, the owner, creates beautiful 'upcycled' journals, notebooks and other items that are unique and special.

I was lucky enough to be given the chance to review some special notebooks from Conduit Press, and to interview Talia. I hope you enjoy - and as you'll see at the end of this post, Talia has offered something very special for a lucky 2 Lil Muffins reader!

The Interview:

1. Tell us a little about yourself.

"Well, I'm a stay.work at home momma of a beautiful bouncing little 7 month old beauty named Griffin as well as a wacky teenager and a game-playing 8 year old. I spend my days reading Goodnight Moon and The Hungry Caterpillar and singing the ABC's in my best soprano (I'm an alto, so it's not a very good soprano). I spend my afternoons (baby nap times) tearing paper and cutting leather to make into beautiful handmade books that give me a catharsis I can't even explain.

I spend my evenings helping glue together shoebox book reports and editing freshman English term papers. I spend my nights cuddling with my Loving husband on the sofa whilst watching Lost (on a good day). I spend my life creating beautiful amazing useful too many words to describe people and things and I pretty much Love it."


2. Your shop contains quite a few 'upcycled' or recycled goods. What is your favorite creation to make?

"Really, every book is a joy to make. It really is. And every time I come up with a new design for a new book I fall in Love with that very one just a little bit more than the last. I've recently discovered that upcycling materials to make into books is so much more fulfilling than simply buying book board and paper from an art store because, well, you can really feel good about where it comes from, and where it's going. So, currently, my favorite creation to make is the leather journals I've been working on.

Leather is such a versatile material in so many ways and it's really beautiful. I'm using an upcycled leather from an upholstery shop in town so I know it's of extraordinary quality and had I not purchased this leather, it would have ended up in a dumpster. It feels really good to know that I was able to save something from adding to the pile of rubbish that we create daily without even thinking about it."



3. How long have you been creating paper goods, journals, etc?

"I've been making books in some form since I was a wee child honestly. My father bought me my first diary when I was about 7 and when I filled that up I stapled some pages together, tore a beautiful photography of a ballerina out of a magazine and called that a cover. Since then I've definitely grown with my skills though. ;)

I took an Artist's Books class my senior year of college (about 8 years ago now) and I never looked back. There is where I learned how to make archival books using archival materials and learned how to really sew a book together they way you're 'supposed to'. Ever since I've been reading Keith Smith books like crazy and teaching myself all the new ways in which to bind and create books. One can never really have enough books I think, because we never stop thinking to fill them."

4. Do you have a favorite piece in the shop now?

"I do. It's leather, of course. It's a maroon leather journal with a large round chartreuse bead sewn on the wraparound cover. I Love the colors of this journal. I Love maroon and chartreuse together for some reason. I like their opposition on the color wheel, and their brightness. I also Love the size of this journal (about 4x6) and that it's landscape and not portrait. It could be used as a photo album or a journal or even a sketchbook. The pages inside are a nice medium tooth white paper that will take almost any medium and the leather covers are nice and durable to protect whatever is inside."



5. In your opinion, what's the coolest thing about Conduit Press?

"For me, the coolest thing about CP is that it gives me the freedom to create things and share them with people I might never meet in real life. I Love creating and the art of creating things and being able to share them with the world, is really amazing. Aside from that, I think the coolest thing is that I am able to use a lot of materials in my art that would otherwise be trash, and saving our world from more trash is well, cool. :)"

She's right - it's totally cool and really admirable as well...not to mention the truly unique works of art that come out of the process!

The Review:

Talia sent me three small, upcycled notebooks to review. Made from recycled vinyl, thin typing paper and featuring a hemp closure - these notebooks are very pretty. What I love most about them is that they're so natural looking - very clean lines but rustic in a way. I immediately fell in love with them! When I'm not writing non-fiction articles for my clients, I'm writing fiction - and throughout the day, an idea will suddenly come to me for one element of a story or another. Usually, I jot them down somewhere and come back to them later. Well, I've started using these mini-notebooks to jot down my ideas.


I think it will be super-cool to have these little books full of inspirational thoughts and ideas, long after the ideas have transformed into stories and poems! What a neat little memento, right? The books are wonderful quality and I just love how they're so unique. I think these kinds of books would make a PERFECT gift for someone in your family who is a writer, or someone who enjoys writing their thoughts on a daily basis.

The Giveaway:

Talia was generous enough to offer 2 of these beautiful mini notebooks as a prize for one lucky 2 Lil Muffins reader! Here is the description:

A due of pocket-size blank journals: each measure approximately 4" x 6" and hold 40 sheets (80 sides) of a thin typing paper. Each book is hand sewn with hemp thread using the pamphlet stitch and can lie flat when open. Each also has an excess of hemp thread to use as a tie closure. Covers are upcycled vinyl remnants with various colors. Great for use as a simple list book to keep in your purse or a place to keep thoughts."

• How to Enter: Visit Conduit Press on Etsy and browse through her unique and beautiful items. Let me know which one is your favorite in a comment!

Extra Entries:

• Follow this blog publicly or let me know if you already are. (1 extra entry)

• Heart Conduit Press on Etsy. (1 extra entry)

• Purchase an item from Conduit Press and let me know which item you've purchased. (10 extra entries)

• Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Can be done daily. (2 extra entries)

• Put my button in your sidebar and leave the link, or let me know if you already have it. (3 extra entries)

• Subscribe to 2 Lil Muffins via email and confirm. (2 extra entries)

Good luck to all!! This contest will end on March 16, 2010 at 8PM EST and the winner will be chosen by Random.org. Remember to leave a comment for each entry so they all count when the winner is chosen. Also - leave your email address if it's not public in your profile.

Note: I was sent an item free of charge in order to make a review about this shop and its products. I was not monetarily compensated in any way, and the opinions expressed in this post are 100% mine and honest.

Review of KidZui Kid-Friendly Internet Browser

Since my children have been old enough to sit, they've been exposed to the computer. They both really love to play games online, watch funny videos and learn. However, the internet is very frightening for me when it comes to my kids.

I know the dangers that lurk around online, and I know there are a LOT of things my kids have to be protected from online. Since they're old enough now to type and want to utilize the search functions (which they're not allowed to do), my fears have increased.

Being unable to leave them for 2 seconds while they're on the computer - well, that's just not practical. But leaving them unsupervised while they play - absolutely not! That's why I'm so glad to have found Kidzui - the kid friendly internet browser. I decided to give Kidzui a try about a year ago. I saw it somewhere and read that every website, video, and game that children could access with Kidzui had been pre-approved as safe by Kidzui's moderators. Therefore, I created an account.

What the Kids Can Do:

When you sign your kid up for Kidzui, they create an avatar that they can dress, customize, etc. They create a login name and password that allows them to enter their own account. Once the browser is downloaded onto the computer, it's as easy as clicking a button and your child's account comes up. They can then search right in their browser, and you don't have to be afraid of what might pop up.

Your child can play games, search for information or videos and pictures, message other Kidzui members and even share videos and websites. I was VERY nervous when I heard that they could message other Kidzui members, until I looked at how it worked. They can't actually exchange typed messages - but they can suggest that members check out the pre-approved videos or web pages. They can send greetings and become friends, but there's no danger that your child could be talking to someone posing as a child, or that your child's information might reach anyone else online.

I tested Kidzui by typing certain addresses into the address bar. If the website has not been pre-approved, your child simply gets an error message and must move on to another website or video. It's fabulous the way it works!

Parental Features:

In addition to all the fun things your kid can do with Kidzui, there are a lot of parental features. You get your own account, where you can log in and check your child's activity online, and you can approve websites that you want your child to visit. You can also not allow your child to visit certain websites that may already be pre-approved by Kidzui, if you so desire. You can see who has befriended your child and everything about your child's account. If you want to remove a friend from your child's list, you can. You have complete control! You can even set it to send regular update messages to your email inbox.

How'd It Measure Up?

My kids absolutely love Kidzui. I went ahead and purchased the year's subscription (both kids get their own account, but I only paid one subscription fee.) They were able to search the internet and feel a little more independent without me standing over their shoulder or telling them they can't go here or there online. They loved creating their own avatars, and interacting - even if it was just getting a cute new video from a friend or watching a funny dancing banana!

The best thing is that they could access some of their favorite websites from their Kidzui browser - PBSkids, Poptropica, etc. I was highly impressed with Kidzui, and I feel like it was money WELL spent! I paid about $40 for a year's subscription - not a bad price at all. However, you don't have to pay for your kid to use Kidzui...they have a free option too.


Key Points:

• Kidzui is safe for kids of all ages - everything is pre-approved by moderators.
• You have the option of using the free and limited account or becoming a member for full access.
  
• Your child can create their very own avatar, which is the picture that shows up when they send videos, websites or pictures to other members.
  
• Through your parental account, you can view all stats and information about your child's online activity, friends, etc.

I would highly recommend Kidzui to anyone with children who want to play on the internet, find information, or look at videos. It's a safe alternative and although you still have to check in on your children often, you don't have to stand directly over them while they have fun. Sign up for a free account and check it out!

I was not compensated in any way for this review, and my opinions are 100% based on my usage of the service above and how well I liked it.

Old School Leather Co. Review and Leather Barrette Giveaway (CLOSED)

In addition to my love of jewelry, I also love hair accessories and other accessories like bags, shoes...the typical things that make the eyes of a woman sparkle! That's why I was so excited to come across Old School Leather Co. They're a smaller company - the perfect kind, because you know you're being dealt with by real people! The owners, Scott and Jami, were so nice and they're amazingly talented.

Their story is so touching and sweet, that I got a little teary-eyed when reading it! The husband and wife team took their individual talents and artistic abilities (and a little inspiration from Scott's mom and dad) and made an entire business. They have some of the most gorgeous leather items, too! I MUST have the purse you see below.

Scott and Jami sent me a hand-tooled leather barrette to review, and they were awesome enough to include a bit of leather with the individual tools stamped on it so I could see how the process worked. Wow - all I can say is those guys put a LOT of love and care (and work!) into their pieces.



What I love so much about the barrette is that one of my favorite ways to wear my hair is in a ponytail...which can get pretty boring after a while. This barrette instantly dresses up the pony tail and can be used to create gorgeous french twists and half-ponytails. Plus - BONUS - it goes with absolutely everything!

It's so simple to use, too and looks really elegant and cute. I am in love with this barrette and I have a feeling I'm going to be shopping at Old School Leather Co. for holidays and birthdays, because I've gotten several compliments on it...especially when I revealed that it was completely handmade! One of you lucky readers is going to win your very own hand-tooled barrette from Old School Leather Co.

How to Enter: Visit Old School Leather Co's website and look through their gorgeous creations. Then, come back here and let me know what your favorite is!

Extra Entries:

• Follow this blog publicly. (1 Extra Entry)

• Make a Purchase from Old School Leather Co's website and let me know what it was! (10 Extra Entries)

• Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway. Can be done daily, please leave the link. (1 Extra Entry)

• Subscribe to 2 Lil Muffins via email and confirm. (1 Extra Entry)

• Put my button on your blog and leave the link. (2 Extra Entries)

By the way, if you have any special occasions coming up, give your loved ones the gift of a handmade leather item from Old School Leather Co. They're absolutely sure to be thrilled, and you will be supporting handmade - a win-win situation!

This contest will end March 6, 2010 at 8PM EST and the winner will be chosen by Random.org. Please remember to leave a comment for each entry so each one counts when the winner is chosen, and to leave your email address in your comments if it's not available on your public profile.

I was sent an item at no charge to review, but was not monetarily compensated in any way for my review. My opinions are 100% honest and mine!

My Family Ties Review and Gerbera Daisy Clips Giveaway (CLOSED)

My kids wear uniforms to school, so everyone is dressed in the exact same thing. Because we can't use clothing and clothing styles to do it, we have to establish our individuality a little bit differently.

My daughter prefers cute hair clips, jewelry and accessories that really express her personality - that's why I was thrilled for her to try out some handmade hair accessories from My Family Ties on Etsy. I'd love to tell you how we enjoyed them - and to give you a chance to win some of your own! But first...



About the Designer:

My name is Brandi. I'm a 35 year old mom to a 3 year old little girl and a wife to a great guy! I come from a wildly creative family with people who can do everything from draw and paint to sew and arrange floral pieces. I have been making childrens' hair accessories for a bit over a year. While this is relatively new to me I love doing it!



I draw, cut, and stitch everything by hand. My inspiration comes from all things kid related...story books, coloring books, characters, and lots of suggestions from people who ask "can you do this in felt?". My favorite things change constantly but I am rather fond of the Birthstone Flower clips right now.



These are my sister's creations which leads me to what I think is great about our shop ~ we are 3 generations of women who each have something unique to bring to the shop. Our shop keeps us in touch on a weekly, even daily basis. I love that my middle sister and I have developed a common ground and that we keep each other motivated :)

The Review:

I LOVE that this family is doing this together - and creating some truly adorable accessories in the process. Brandi was so nice and responded so quickly when I contacted her about doing a giveaway! She sent us two of the beautiful Gerbera Daisy flower clips. The first thing I noticed about them was how soft they are! Usually, clips and hair accessories will irritate my daughter after a day of wearing them and she's ready to yank them out as soon as she gets home from school, but not these! You can see her wearing one of them below:



I also noticed that they held a lot better than some of the other clips we have - which is good because it keeps the hair in place and looks great all day. My little girl was in love with these clips - and she wanted to see the other ones available! There are tons, by the way, so we'll be doing some shopping tonight! These clips are a definite winner.

The Giveaway:

Brandi has generously offered to send one of you lucky readers a set of two of your very own Gerbera Daisy clips. You're going to L.O.V.E. them! Each one is sketched out by hand, cut and then hand-stitched. Brandi and her family are so talented!



How to Enter: (Note: You MUST be following this blog publicly in order to enter.) Browse through the My Family Ties shop and let me know what your favorite accessory is.

Extra Entries:

• Heart the Family Ties Shop. (1 Extra Entry.)

• Purchase Something from the Shop and Let Me Know What You Bought! (5 Extra Entries.)

• Subscribe to this blog via email. (1 Extra Entry.)

• Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway. (2 Extra Entries.)

• Comment on any post here that is NOT a giveaway. (1 Extra Entry.)

That's it!! This contest will end March 3, 2010 at 8PM EST and the winner will be chosen with Random.org. Note: Please make sure you leave a comment for each entry so each one counts, and include your email address if it's not available in your public profile. Thanks!

I was sent an item at no charge to review, but was not monetarily compensated in any way for my review. My opinions are 100% honest and mine!

Moonrise Eco-Friendly Jewelry Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

I do a significant amount of work for blogs and companies that are eco-friendly, so whenever I get the chance to review a product that is created with the environment in mind, it's a joy. When that product is sparkling, beautiful jewelry - I'm even more thrilled! I've recently gotten to know a bit about Moonrise, an eco-friendly jewelry company, and I'm so excited to talk to you all about it!

Having been featured on The Today Show and Lucky Magazine, among others, Moonrise is a women-owned company that places priority on fair trade materials, recycled materials, and ethically-obtained materials. What does this mean for you and me? It means we can wear this beautiful jewelry, knowing that it hasn't harmed the environment and that the individuals who provided the gemstones, metals and beads have been fairly compensated for their work. I don't know about you, but that makes me feel pretty darn good!

Every piece of jewelry is handmade in the Moonrise studio, based on the eastern shore of Virginia. I have to tell you - this company has some of the most stunning jewelry I've seen - absolutely PERFECT for gifts and for when you deserve a little treat of your own. Liz, the founder and principal designer, is so talented and friendly. She recently sent me a pair of Jupiter earrings to review and I'd like to share my thoughts with you.

The Review:

The first thing I'll tell you is that the packaging the earrings came in is gorgeous! Anyone receiving a gift of Moonrise jewelry is going to be impressed...

I love this box - and it was beautifully wrapped in an elegant ribbon. Then, on the inside...

They say presentation is everything. Well, Moonrise already gets a 10 in that department! The gift box is absolutely gorgeous and I would be proud to give anyone a gift from Moonrise Jewelry. But, the packaging is only a small aspect, because the jewelry inside is truly what makes you swoon!

Can I just say - look at the gorgeous detail on the small silver beads and dividers!!! These Jupiter earrings are made from recycled glass, with fair trade fine silver links and sterling silver ear wires. I am absolutely in love with these earrings.

At first, I was a bit worried because they looked like they would be super-heavy, but they're not at all! They're just heavy enough to create that beautiful dangling when you move, and they really catch the eye and sparkle in the light. I wore these earrings to a large family dinner and received numerous comments and a request to borrow them!! Also, it was fun to tell people that they were made from recycled glass, because everyone was pretty impressed with that.

Here is something I really L.O.V.E. about Moonrise Jewelry - you can purchase pieces that coordinate perfectly! I am determined to get my hands on this Diamond Head necklace to match my earrings, and this matching bracelet is gorgeous too! If you have a birthday or special occasion coming up, drop by the Moonrise Jewelry shop and pick up something that will be cherished for many, many years to come.

Guess what...Liz has generously offered to send one of you your very own treasure from Moonrise Jewelry - a beautiful pair of recycled glass and fair trade silver Cherrystone Earrings - one of their most popular sellers!

You will cherish these if you keep them for yourself, and if you'd rather use them as a wonderful gift, the recipient will be thrilled!!

• How to Enter (Mandatory): Visit Moonrise Jewelry and browse through their gorgeous collection of items. Let me know what your absolute favorite is!

Extra Entries:

• Follow this blog publicly. (1 extra entry.)

• Become a fan of Moonrise Jewelry on Facebook. Leave a comment on the wall telling them 2 Lil Muffins sent you. (2 extra entries.)

• Sign up for Moonrise Jewelry's newsletter. (2 extra entries.)

• Subscribe to 2 Lil Muffins via email - over to the right of this post. (1 extra entry.)

• Enter any of the giveaways over at Champagne Wisdom and let me know which one. (1 extra entry.)

• Follow me on Twitter and tweet this giveaway. Can be done daily. Example "Win a pair of Moonrise Jewelry recycled glass Cherrystone earrings - http://tinyurl.com/ychoy4q" (2 extra entries.)

• Purchase an item from Moonrise Jewelry's store and let me know which one. (10 extra entries.)

Good luck, ladies!! This contest will end March 3, 2010 and the winner will be chosen by Random.org. Just a little note: make sure you leave a comment for each entry so it will be counted when the winner is chosen. Also, if your email address isn't present in your profile, please make sure you leave it in at least your first comment!

I was sent an item at no charge to review, but was not monetarily compensated in any way for my review. My opinions are 100% honest and mine!

Review of Tickled Tutu on Etsy

Not too long ago, I was lucky enough to win a tutu from Tickled Tutu on Etsy and was so excited because my daughter loves prancing around in different costumes and outfits. In fact, for her last birthday, she got a huge armoire full of dress-up clothes. (Click on links to see pics.)

Anyway, Kristen, the owner of Tickled Tutu, was so nice. She sent the tutu out quickly after finding out the correct size, and my daughter was THRILLED. Not only did Kristen send a huge, full and beautiful tutu, but there was a gorgeous matching bow. I was also really glad to see that Kristen sent instructions for keeping the tutu wrinkle-free and cleaning it, since the tulle shouldn't be washed and dried in the regular fashion.



That's my little one above, being Miss Priss! Well, wouldn't you know...not long after she got the tutu (and because she refused to take it off), she dropped a big glob of chocolate pudding right on it. Remembering Kristen's instructions, I just spot cleaned it with a towel and the pudding came right off with no problem. She was also absolutely right about using the Downy Wrinkle Release and hanging the tutu in the bathroom during a shower - both worked.

My daughter is in love with this tutu, and wears it religiously when she wants to dance around and feel pretty. It's just precious! There are tons of other great items in the Tickled Tutu shop as well...

I love that she has matching outfits - isn't this one just gorgeous? Kristen is so talented, and she manages to create these gorgeous things even though she's a stay at home mommy of a little boy!

She even makes the little slippers - and there are bows, accessories, and tons of other great goodies available at her shop. I would highly recommend the Tickled Tutu to anyone who has a little princess at home, or who needs a gift for a special little girl in their life. Kristen even sent me a great coupon with the tutu!

Head over to her shop and heart it or pick up a great gift for the special little one in your life and let her know that 2 Lil Muffins sent you. Thanks goes out to Champagne Wisdom for the shot at winning, too!

Crystal Light Hunger Satisfaction vs Kellogg's Special K20 Protein Water

I am a big fan of sweet tea, and occasionally like Coke or Dr. Pepper, but I cannot stand water. Knowing that I need it, I try to drink as many glasses a day as possible, but when enough is enough, I use Crystal Light. It gives me a refreshing drink without all the calories and sugar that sweet tea and sodas have. Recently, I tried the Crystal Light Hunger Satisfaction Strawberry Banana and then when I saw the Kellogg's Special K20 Protein Water, I knew I had to compare the two. So, here goes...

Crystal Light Hunger Satisfaction Strawberry Banana

This drink mix works just like the others - it comes in individual packets that are designed to be mixed into a 20 ounce bottle of water - or just a little less.

The difference is that this mix has 5g of fiber and 3g of protein and it's designed to help you feel fuller for a longer period of time. This can help you avoid those urges to snack and could possibly help you succeed in a weight loss plan. There are 30 calories in one drink, and 0 fat.

The first thing I noticed is that like most Crystal Light drinks, it's ground very fine so it mixes almost instantly into the water, and dissolved completely. The drink is a slight bit thicker than the regular crystal light, so you actually feel like you're putting something into your stomach. For me, it really did make me feel fuller than just a regular crystal light drink. Plus, I really love the flavor of the strawberry banana. The drink was an instant hit with me!

You can take this anywhere and when you start to feel a craving that would ordinarily send you looking for the candy bar aisle, you can just mix up a bottle of this. It's excellent when it's chilled, and is so refreshing! I absolutely love this drink.

Kellogg's Special K20 Protein Water Pink Lemonade

This drink mix works just like the crystal light - it's to be mixed into a 16.9 ounce bottle of water, but a 20 ounce bottle works too, it just makes a bit lighter flavor. It has 5g of protein and 5g of fiber, and 30 calories. So, compared to the Crystal Light, it's about the same as far as nutrition, but has a bit more protein in it.

The first thing I noticed about this one was that it didn't completely mix into the water, so I had little 'grains' floating on top of the water, which put me off a little. I prefer the way that the Crystal Light mixed perfectly into the water and dissolved completely. That's not such a big deal, though. The flavor of the pink lemonade is good, with a bit of a strange after-taste. Maybe that's a little unfair, since I really love the strawberry banana flavor of Crystal Light and don't typically drink Pink Lemonade a lot. Kellogg's Special K20 Protein Water also comes in Strawberry Kiwi, which I'm going to try if I can get past the grainy pieces floating on top.

Aside from all that, the flavor was good and like the Crystal Light, it does feel like you're putting something into your stomach and holds off the cravings.

Other Differences and Similarities:

The Crystal Light only contains 20mg of sodium while the Kellogg's contains 40mg. They both have 6g of carbs, and they're both excellent substitutes for sodas, tea or other coffees with a lot of sugar and empty calories. All in all though, I'd choose the Crystal Light over the Kellogg's. The flavor was more appealing to me, and I keep coming back to the way they dissolved...and I prefer the Crystal Light!

Have any of you tried these? What did you think? Let me know!

Review of EZ Combs (As Seen on TV)

So I NEVER buy anything that I see on infomercials, because I can't hold it in my hands and look it over before I pay for it. I had seen the EZ Combs commercials and really thought they were cute and looked easy to use, but still didn't buy them. When I saw them at a local store, I thought hmmmm. Well, I went ahead and bought them.

I have to admit - they're really cute! That's what attracted me to them in the first place. It seemed like a quick way to pin up your hair without using a pony tail or clippie and it looked elegant and pretty. They're also really easy to put into your hair by yourself. Also, they look really great at first - creating the different styles is easy and I really like the way the beads look in the hair.

The problem? Within 10 minutes, they come out of my hair. I even referred to the handy little step-by-step styling guide that came with the combs. They hold for a little while and then one side slips out and my hair goes tumbling down. Maybe my hair is too thick for them? But the guide does say:

"Best of all, EZ Combs work on any hair type...thin, thick, curly or straight."

Well, they don't work on my hair! I'm pretty disappointed because I really do think they're cute and a good idea, but I'm really unhappy with the way they hold. I DEFINITELY need something that is going to hold my hair for more than 15 minutes at a time. What a shame! Have any of you tried these? Were you happy with the performance? As for me...

I did notice as I looked up other reviews that they have a similar product called HairZing. Has anyone had any experiences with this product? If so, let me know how you liked it.

Steampunk Trunk Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Until recently, I had no idea what 'steampunk' jewelry even was! Now, I'm completely sold - I love how each piece is so unique and whimsical. I've had a wonderful opportunity to interview the fabulous and talented seller behind The Steampunk Trunk on Etsy - and test out a gorgeous necklace she sent me. She's also generously offered to give one of you lucky readers a special surprise, which you'll find out at the end of this post.

Interview:

Let's meet the mastermind behind the gorgeous jewelry available at this shop.

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I'm a stay at home Mother of 3 wonderful young men whom I am very proud of. The oldest (22) is in School for plumbing, the middle (19) is in the US Army stationed in the states but with every phone call from him my heart sinks at the thought of him telling me has been deployed...Thankfully that hasn't happened yet. My youngest is 10, he is so much fun and loves to try to help me in the studio which is right smack dab in the middle of our home.



You have such beautiful and unique designs. What inspires you to create a piece?

I let my components inspire me, Ive never been on to sit down and pump out a bunch of pieces just because I have the parts. I will let pieces sit for months before they are complete and trust me there are many pieces get torn apart if they are not just right, esp the pocketbooks. The actually take months to complete from conception to listing.

How long have you been creating steampunk jewelry and accessories?

I have been making jewelry for about 15 years and really had no idea what steampunk was. I had made many, many pieces of what some would call steampunk but at the time I called it altered art. An Etsy customer of mine steered me straight, I thank her often:)



Do you have a favorite piece?

I sold a piece many months ago that I just adored, it was an antique pocket watch case which I filled with a pocket watch face, a small main spring, the gorgeous gold hands from the watch and filled it with Jewelers resin. It was called Pieces of Time...it pained me when it sold but I was proud too.

In your opinion, what's the coolest thing about the Steampunk Trunk items?

The coolest thing about "The Trunk" is that my pieces are so unique. I have some very cutting edge items that you will only find here...the pocketbooks and the Extreme Rotating Cufflinks are just a couple. I am working on some new designs that will hopefully be released over the next week or so...stay tuned. "You never know what you'll find in The Trunk."

The Review:

She is absolutely right - the pieces are so unique and gorgeous! I absolutely love them. I was sent a vintage typewriter key necklace that I think is so unique. It has the vintage look I love and has gotten so many comments on it's uniqueness and beauty.


Isn't this really cool? Mine had an asterisk and I think the fact that she sent the typewriter key necklace was perfect, since I'm a writer. It's a necklace that I'm really going to cherish for a long time! I have to tell you that the quality of the jewelry from The Steampunk Trunk is fabulous. You can certainly be sure that it will last for a long, long time.



The Giveaway:

One of you are going to get the same necklace I got - but with a special twist! She's going to customize it for you so you can add initials of your kids or your 'special someone!' It will come on a 22 inch 18k white gold chain, too!

• How to Enter: Visit the Steampunk Trunk and browse through the awesome treasures there and come back here and let me know what you think is the coolest! Make sure you leave a comment for every entry and your email address if it's not public in your profile!
  

Extra Entries:

• Follow this blog publicly or let me know if you already do. (1 Extra Entry)

• Follow the Steampunk Trunk's blog publicly. (1 Extra Entry)

• Heart the Steampunk Trunk on Etsy. (2 Extra Entries)

• Purchase an item from the Steampunk Trunk. (10 Extra Entries)

• Subscribe to this blog via email. (2 Extra Entries)

• Enter any of the contests over at Champagne Wisdom, then come back here and let me know. (2 Extra Entries)

• Leave a comment on any blog post here that is not a giveaway. (1 Extra Entry)

• Follow me on twitter and tweet this contest. Can be done daily. (1 Extra Entry)

The contest will end February 16, 2010 at 8PM EST and the winner will be selected by Random.org. Good luck, everyone!

I was sent an item to review free of charge by the sponsor of this giveaway. I was not compensated monetarily for my opinions and they are 100% mine and honest!

Girlz Lyfe Review and $25 Gift Certificate Giveaway (CLOSED)

Sprinkles, sparkles and jewelry - how can you possibly go wrong with that combination? You can't! Adding something colorful and eye-catching to my jewelry box is ALWAYS fun and Girlz Lyfe has a huge variety of jewelry that meets that criteria. The girlz there are as sweet as their jewelry, and sent me a Heart with Sprinkles necklace and a Love ring to review.

Guess what - those are *real* sprinkles inside that necklace - but don't worry, they're sealed up completely! Isn't it absolutely beautiful? I love how this necklace is eye-catching, fresh and so pretty - plus...it matches anything! My first thought was that this was the perfect Valentine's necklace because it symbolized love and sweet stuff!

This ring is super-duper cute, and it's adjustable, so one size fits all. It's silver-plated and so sparkly that it really does draw attention. I love how the surface is smooth and coated, but it still looks like you should be able to shake your hand and send sparkles all over the place! I love BOTH pieces and...so does my daughter! Ha!


The Girlz Lyfe store is absolutely FILLED with treasures like this. Check out the following treasures I found -


This beautiful necklace is so whimsical and unique - with soft colors and an antique look. There's more than jewelry at Girlz Lyfe, though...



This gorgeous v-neck shirt is SO me! Isn't it elegant and stylish? I just love the huge selection of great items at Girlz Lyfe and the prices are so darn good! Here comes the part you know and love...

The Giveaway

The Girlz have so generously offered to give one of you lucky readers a $25 gift certificate to their shop so you can select something perfect for you - or for a friend! Every item highlighted above is $25 or under and there are so many more that you can pick from! You're going to get addicted to this shop.

• How to Enter: Visit the GirlzLyfe store and browse through their super-awesome treasures. Leave me a comment letting me know which item you'll get if you win the giveaway. NOTE: Remember to leave me a comment for EACH entry so it will count - and leave your email address if it's not public in your profile.
  

Extra Entries

• Follow this blog publicly. (1 Extra Entry)

• Follow the GirlzLyfe blog publicly. (1 Extra Entry)

• Follow a GirlzLyfe on Twitter. (1 Extra Entry)

• Follow 2LilMuffins on Twitter. (1 Extra Entry)

• Tweet about this giveaway. Example: "Win a $25 Gift Certificate from @GirlzLyfecom and @2LilMuffins - http://tinyurl.com/ydzd3h8" (2 Extra Entries - Can be done daily.)

• Purchase something from the Girlz Lyfe Shop. Come back here and let me know which item you purchased so I can confirm. (10 Extra Entries)

• Enter any giveaway from Champagne Wisdom and let me know which one. (2 Extra Entries)

• Sign up for my partner Yona Williams' RSS feed for her blog - she has great info, reviews, discounts! Left of page - scroll down a bit to find the button. (2 Extra Entries)

This contest will end February 15, 2010 at 8pm EST and the winner will be chosen by Random.org. Good luck!

I was sent items at no cost to me to review, but the opinions in this post are 100% mine and honest!

Barking Maddison Customized Leather Cuff Bracelet Review and Giveaway (CLOSED)

Bracelets are my absolute favorite type of jewelry! I love them all - dainty and sparkly, chunky and funky, bright and earth-toned. My favorite bracelet usually changes from week to week - and I'll admit that I have a bit of an obsession. Now, I have a new love that doesn't look likely to change soon! Barkingmaddison from Etsy sent me a custom leather letter word cuff that I. ABSOLUTELY. ADORE.


Forgive my terrible picture-taking skills (obviously I only took the above one - lol) for the moment and let me tell you how much I love this bracelet. First of all, when you get one of these cuff bracelets, you can completely customize it. You choose the color, the words, and you give your wrist measurements so that it can be created specifically for you! I chose pink, and the words 'To Live is To Write.'



You can choose 1 to 3 words that will be repeated, or you can choose up to 20 words - so song lyrics, your kids' names, a poem - pretty much anything can be put on your bracelet. Niclana will totally create your bracelet just for you. It has a snap closure, and is the perfect chunky bracelet for any outfit - plus it's not likely that anyone else will have a bracelet like yours, which is something I love!

I am absolutely enamored with this bracelet and have gotten so many compliments about it! It's such a great accessory and can be paired with jeans, a cute skirt, a summer dress - whatever you want. It's a definite statement piece with a literal statement.

I can't tell you how pleased I am with the bracelet. There are a ton of other great handmade items in Niclana's shop, too. Based in New York, Niclana often creates items that are inspired by vintage items, and her travels to various flea markets and other places also help her create her fabulous pieces.



Not only does Niclana create fabulous leather goods like guitar straps, clutches, belts and bracelets, but she also makes beautiful jewelry.



The Giveaway:

Now - here comes the exciting part!! Niclana has kindly offered to give one of you lucky readers your very own, personalized cuff bracelet. There are so many colors to choose from - and which words will you show off on your gorgeous bracelet? It will be created just for you...



How to Enter: Every comment must contain your e-mail address if it's not on your profile!

• Follow this blog publicly - mandatory! Visit Barkingmaddison on Etsy and browse through her amazing creations. Then, leave me a comment letting me know what words you'd choose and which color you will choose if you win! (Initial Entry)
  

Extra Entries:

• Make a purchase from Barkingmaddison and come back here and let me know. (10 Extra Entries)

• Heart the Barkingmaddison shop. (1 Extra Entry)

• Follow me on twitter. (1 Extra Entry)

• Tweet about this giveaway. Example "Win a customized leather cuff bracelet from Barkingmaddison and @2LilMuffins - http://tinyurl.com/y9voa8m" (1 Extra Entry and you can do this daily.)

• Enter any of the giveaways over at Champagne Wisdom and let me know which one. (2 Extra Entries)

• Subscribe to this blog via email. (1 Extra Entry)

• Visit my partner Yona Williams' brand new blog and subscribe via RSS! (left side of page, scroll down) Come back here and let me know. (3 Extra Entries)

• Refer a friend! Have them tell me in their comment who referred them and the email address. Then, you leave a comment letting me know you referred someone. They must follow this blog publicly. (2 Extra Entries)

SHEW. That's a ton of extra entries, so you get a ton of chances to win. Keep this beautiful bracelet for yourself or give it to someone as a great customized gift. It's absolutely gorgeous and mine has found a comfortable place on my wrist. This giveaway will end Friday, February 12, 2010 at 8pm EST and the winner will be chosen by Random.org. Good luck!

I was sent an item to review for free by the sponsor of this giveaway. I was not compensated monetarily in any way for my opinions, and they are 100% honest and mine.