Tag Archives: Mommy Ramblings

Sprint Sound Session With The HTC One & Jermaine Paul!!! #SprintMusic, #SprintMom

“I participated in an Influencer Activation Program on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Sprint Sound Session. I received a sample of the HTC One to facilitate this review and a promotional item to thank me for participating.”

Mommy Ramblings was so pleased to be invited to a Sprint Sound Session Event in NYC a few weeks ago.  The Event was held in Manhattan at the elegant Lambs Club which is right in Times Square.

Times-Square

 

Lambs-Club-NYC

 

Lambs-Club-NYC Inside

Once inside we were greeted greeted by representatives of Mom Central who directed us to the event room and outdoor patio where we were introduced to reps from Sprint and HTC  while enjoying delicious appetizers and drinks.

 

Sprint Mom Central mC rep

Sprint Mom Central. - 32

The conversation was bright, welcoming, and informative focusing on the HTC One M8 Harman Kardon Edition phone. The HTC representative demonstrated the fabulous features of the limited edition phone.  He explained that the phone has dual frontal stereo speakers with built-in amplifiers and exclusive Harman Kardon AE-S headphones with extended bass response.  The phone features Clari-Fi which is a  revolutionary Harman technology that restores all types of compressed digital music and “rebuilds” what was lost in compression. Clari-Fi gives new life to compressed media files. Music simply sounds better!

sprint htc one

The HTC One M8 gives you the ability to take truly stunning portrait photography and pictures with unique, fun and creative special effects. In a smartphone first, HTC’s Duo Camera features a dual lens that captures depth of field information and provides an entirely new set of editing tools. After taking a photo, the UFocus capability uses the depth information collected by the dual lens camera to give you professional-looking portraits. Great for bloggers who are always taking pictures!

We then had a wonderful lunch followed by the Sprint and HTC representatives introducing their partnerships and exciting products available through Sprint, including Spotify, and the Harman Kardon sound package.  The event ended with a performance by Jermaine Paul, season 2 winner of The Voice.  Jermaine performed 3 songs which were awesome and ended with a photo and signing session.  It was a very well put together event.

Sprint Reps

Sprint Mom Central-JP

Sprint Sound Sessions is a  premium package of music and privileges for Sprint customers and includes:

  • Spotify – Sprint is giving customers access to Spotify’s catalogue of more than 20 million songs. Spotify allows users to play music on demand, create playlists, discover new music, share tracks with their friends, listen to songs offline, and listen to music without ads across multiple devices.
  • Sprint Music Plus – Sprint’s official music store and player for music tracks, albums, ringtones and ringback tones.
  • Music Live – an immersive and interactive experience that is continuously updated with the latest music news, current hits, new music and featured services. The “always-on” live experience enables customers to discover and engage with services that include Spotify, Music News Feed, Top Songs, NextRadio (FM Radio) – Music Downloads, Ringback Tones, Ringtones and ID-a-Song services.
  • NextRadio – an application for listening to local FM broadcasts on customers’ smartphones.

Sprint Mom Central Gift Bag Full

 

Sprint Jermaine Paul Gift Bag

Sprint Sound Sessions is the ultimate choice for customers who want a more complete and active music experience.  If music is something you take seriously then you will want Sprint for you  wireless provider.  There are even discounted Spotify plans for Sprint Framily Plan members beginning with a 6 month free premium membership and then paying only $5-$8 a month depending on family size.

We take our music very seriously so we are really impressed with this phone.  The phone also included  a set of Harman/Kardon ear buds at a value of $149 complete with volume, play/pause buttons, we just love these!  The styling of the phone is super sharp with its black finish accented with champagne gold.  Just by looking at the phone you know it’s special!  We love all the features but the sound quality is one of the best!  Truly a dream come true for music lovers!

HTC 2

htc phone

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Win a MoonPie/ First Things First Prize Pack!!! #FirstThingsFirst

Summer is all about spending time and making great memories with the people you love.  With all that together time it’s so important to make sure that we’re spending some time to strengthen those relationships.  First Things First (FTF) is an award-winning not-for-profit organization in Chattanooga, Tennessee dedicated to strengthening families.

We were sent 5 FTF videos to view and pick our favorite from.  I viewed the videos and my favorite was; Save Your Marriage.  The reason I liked it best was because it can seem that in today’s world, divorce is the first solution to many experiencing a difficult time in their marriage.

I think many so-called experts even jump there.  Don’t believe me?  Try googling almost anything situation that could occur in a marriage during a difficult time or argument and you will see the results.  Most will be to leave your spouse, kick them to the curb etc. Then people who do that instead of at least trying to work things out find that usually the same issues play out again, just in a different relationship.

FTF is a resource that collaborates with and is supported by a broad cross-section of community organizations, groups and individuals. FTF accomplishes it mission through meaningful media messaging and skill building classes.

Did you know:

• 24 million children are growing up in homes without their biological fathers.

• Only 30% of divorces are due to infidelity, addiction or abuse, 70% of divorces are due to couples feeling disconnected.

• Couples who manage to devote time specifically to one another at least once a week are markedly more likely to enjoy high-quality relationships and lower divorce rates, compared to couples who do not devote as much couple time to one another.

• Fathers provide unique benefits to their daughters through their active and positive presence from the time of birth all the way through adulthood.

If you would like to view the other videos, you can click on the links below:

Lost In Translation

Daddy/Daughter Relationships

Dad’s Way

Date Your Spouse

Would you like to win a MoonPie/ First Things First Prize Pack?  If so enter to win using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

MoonPie-First-Things-First-Prize-Pack

MoonPie/ First Things First Prize Pack Includes:

MoonPie / First Things First Family Prize Pack includes:
– His and Hers MoonPie T-shirts (2 Large T-shirts)
– 2 Boxes of MoonPies

 

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Tommee Tippee’s Fiesta Fun Time, Color Collection Bottles Make Baby’s World Brighter!!!

 

Tommee Tippee Twitter Fiesta Fun Time

As a Tommee Tippee Mommee and ambassador for the brand, I am excited to let you know about a great new collection of brightly colored, Closer to Nature bottles.  The Fiesta Fun Time Collection of Closer to Nature bottles combine the features you want with colors to make baby’s world a little brighter.

Tommee Tippee Fiesta Fun Time

The limited edition set of six bottles is available now on Amazon.com.  I just love the bright colors, the set is like a rainbow!  The Closer To Nature bottles have a revolutionary nipple to mimic the breast’s natural flex, the compact shape of the bottle allow for more natural feeding and for baby to be closer to mom or dad, the slow flow nipple and easi- vent valve eliminate excess air flow, bottles are BPA free and easy to clean.  Now you can turn feeding time into a party and color baby’s world with fun!

 

Closer To Nature Bottles Feature:


Revolutionary nipple

Revolutionary nipple developed with breastfeeding experts and moms to mimic the breast’s natural flex, stretch and movement, closer to nature bottles makes feeding time easier for mom and baby. The soft silicone nipple feels like skin, and gently elongates and flexes during feeding to mimic natural breastfeeding action.

3 way Compact Shape

The compact shape of Closer to Nature bottles allows baby to feed in a natural position and to be closer to mom or dad. The easy hold bottle can be held in 3 ways–cradled comfortably in the hand, gripped in the same way as a traditional wide neck bottle, or held from the base.

Super Sensitive Easi-Vent valve

The slow flow nipple with a super sensitive valve eliminates excessive air flow, so little ones ingest more milk and less air.

Easy to Clean & Use

Closer to Nature bottles and nipples are easy to clean and fill. They are microwave and dishwasher safe, yet light and easy to hold. The easy hold bottle is marked in millimetres and ounces and has a hygiene seal cap to keep germs out and drips in.

Breast like Shape

The soft silicone nipple feels like skin, and gently flexes during feeding to mimic natural breastfeeding action. The breast like shaped nipple allows baby to latch on easily and further supports the transition between bottle and

breast.

Tommee Tippee Instagram Fiesta Fun Time


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Success Creations Handmade Masquerade Masks Review & $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway!!!

Success Creations

Success Creations is a mask company that has been in business for over 25 years in Lakewood, NJ. They are unique and one of the only companies in the entire USA that specializes only in designing some of the most gorgeous handmade masquerade masks ever created. Masquerade masks are all they do, and it truly shows in the quality of their designs.

Success Creations works closely with talented mask designers to bring their original, unique, and high-quality masquerade masks to life. Each mask is carefully decorated by hand using only the finest materials available, and checked for quality to ensure that our customers receive a mask that they will love and be excited to show off at their party or ball!

 

I recently had the opportunity to choose a couple of masks for review.  The first style I  picked was the gorgeous Ruby Dreams on a stick . This mask is a shimmering red Fashion mask with two premium quality red ostrich plumes accented by a large red handmade sequin applique with flowing stands of red sequins and red ribbons. The opposite side has a smaller red sequin applique with flowing red sequins and red ribbons. The mask is mounted on a 10 inch stick but the same style can be purchased with ribbon ties if desired.

Success-Creations-Ruby-Dreams

The second mask I chose was the Impressions fashion mask.  This elegant mask has a sweep of ostrich and coque feathers on the side. A swirl of rhinestone trim accents the msk beautifully. It is accented with a silvery filigree flower, black filigree disc and a crystal jewel added to each side. It secures with ribbons.   This mask is available on a stick as well and comes in 4 different colors.

Success-Creations-Black-Mask

These masks are so gorgeous and extremely well made.  The craftmanship is evident and you will not find masks liek this at your local costume shop.  They are works of art decorated by hand by artists right in the USA!

Success-Creations-Ruby-Mask

Success-Creations-Ruby-Dreams-Stick

 

Success-Creations-Black-Mask-1

 

Do you just love these masks?  If so, you can enter to win a $50 Gift Certificate to Success Creations!  Thank you to Success Creations for the review masks and for sponsoring this absolutely decadent giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

Success Creations $50 Gift Certificate Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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Finn + Emma® Made For Organically Grown Babies!!! Exclusive 20% Off Discount Code In Post!!!

Finn and Emma Logo

Do you have a little one?  Maybe you have a new grandchild or just searching for a great baby gift.  Whatever the reason, if you are looking for quality, organic, safe clothing and accessories for baby, you will want to check out Finn + Emma®.  Have you heard that 1/3 pound of chemicals including pesticides, chlorine bleach, formaldehyde, ammonia, lead and phthalates go into the production of  a single conventional tee-shirt.  These toxins have a negative impact on the environment, the workers in the fields and factories and of course the little one wearing the shirt.  Considering the skin is the largest organ of the body, these chemicals that are worn directly on the skin are easily absorbed and  that’s really scary!

Finn + Emma® believe in the balance of stylish and sustainable, whimsical and sophisticated, classic and contemporary. With fresh prints, modern colors,and heirloom quality construction, they are creating a new world for the organically grown baby. One where boring designs and toxic chemicals are a thing of the past, and adorable, wearable, remarkable organic cotton is abundant!

Finn-Emma-Gym

All Finn + Emma® products are designed and tested according to applicable rules and regulations. In the U.S., this includes acts enforced by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, and those defined by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM).  As per CPSIA, Finn + Emma® tests post-production samples of all regulated products, using certified third-party laboratories. These products are labeled with tracking information to identify the manufacturing date and location of each product.  This is something that gives parents, grandparents and let’s face it anyone that is concerned about chemicals and toxins peace of mind.

 

I recently reviewed the Long Bodysuit in the Word design.  The long sleeves of this 100% G.O.T.S. certified organic cotton bodysuit keep little ones warm and protected.  The bodysuit features lead and nickel free snaps with coconut inserts that make it easy to dress squirmy babies and toddlers.  The super soft, organic cotton is so comfy and this versatile bodysuit can be worn alone or pairs so well with pants.  This bodysuit is an essential piece to have in any little one’s wardrobe.   This bodysuit is made using low-impact inks and dyes.

Finn and Emma

 

Finn and Emma 1

 

Finn-Emma-Bodysuit-Snaps

Another Finn + Emma® product I had the chance to review was the adorable Piper the Elephant organic Teething Ring.  Lots of textures for little ones cutting teeth on this teething toy.  The hand knit teething ring features and uncoated hardwood that is finished with a bit of beeswax, no harsh chemicals here!  The ring is soft, smooth and safe to bite to help ease the pain of growing those pearly whites.  Toy is made with 100% G.O.T.S. certified organic cotton and  is eco-friendly using non-toxic dyes and sheep’s wool stuffing.  The toy is fair trade and is hand knit by artisans in Peru.

Finn-Emma-Teething-Ring-Piper-Elephant

Finn-Emma-Teething-Ring-Piper-Elephant-Pic

Exclusive 20% Savings For Mommy Ramblings’ Readers:

I have great news, Finn + Emma® have provided Mommy Ramblings’ Blog readers with an exclusive 20% Off Promo Code.  This code is valid starting today thru August 13th.  When checking out on FinnandEmma.com use the code VFOFW to redeem the discount.  Stay in the know with Finn + Emma® by following them on Facebook and Twitter.

 

 

 


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Johnson’s Baby Introduces Their Reformulated Baby Products!!! #PromiseToBaby

Johnson’s Baby was flooded with concerns from parents and grandparents over the safety of  ingredients used in their baby products.  In 2011, the company said  they were going to start phasing out ingredients like formaldehyde  and reducing traces of dioxane 1,4.  Now in 2014, Johnson’s Baby said they have met that goal. The reformulated products are making their way to store shelves around the world and will replace existing products over the next several months.  Even before their removal, customers would not have found formaldehyde or 1,4-dioxane listed on bottles because they aren’t technically ingredients.  

Formaldehyde, which has been identified by government scientists as a carcinogen, is released over time by preservatives, like quaternium-15 and 1,4-dioxane is created during a process to make other ingredients mild but is also linked to cancer in animal studies.   Johnson’s Baby says that the products were always safe and that they reformulated the products for the peace of mind of parents. The company also states that parabens were removed from most of the new and improved baby care line, ahead of their 2015 commitment to do so.  For more information on this and Johnson & Johnson’s policies and timeline, visit safetyandcarecommitment.com.

A new video was just released by the company to mark the debut of the reformulated products.  You can view the video below.

In the video Johnson’s Baby states that they were inspired by a Japanese legend when making the commitment to children to reformulate the products.  The legend says that when you make 1000 origami cranes that it signifies a hope granted and a promise fulfilled.  The company brought their employees and even the employee’s children together to make the cranes or storks to deliver their promise.

I think the origami storks are a beautiful way to show the fulfillment of a promise and I have never before heard that Japanese legend, but will now share it with my children.  As a parent this reminds me of the promises we make to our kids to keep them safe, provide for their needs and to love and nurture them.  I would never want to use a product with ingredients that are unsafe or questionable on my children and as the mother of a cancer survivor this is paramount to me!  It’s a step in the right direction that Johnson’s Baby  is removing these ingredients.  What do you think?

 

 


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Early Bird Pricing On Lovable Labels’ Back To School Packs & Enter Our Giveaway To Win One!!!

Lovable Labels Logo

I love summer so much that I don’t even want to think of Back to School, but I know it will come whether I do or I don’t. If you are getting things ready for back to school, there are still a few more days to get early bird pricing on Lovable Labels’ Back To School Packs and save $5 off the regular price.  These huge 150 plus label packs are only $39.95 and ship free to the US and Canada now through July 31st, so hurry!  Labels are super durable and safe for dishwasher, microwave, washer and dryer.

Back To School Label Packs Contain:

Over 150 labels!

– 30 sticker

– 80 slimline labels

– 12 Shoe Labels

– 48 Press N’ Stick Clothing DOTS

– 12 Square Labels

– 2 Mini Metal Tags

BTS Sports Pack

Back To School Diva Pack

Back to School Owl Pack

Enter to win a Back To School Pack:

Just use the Rafflecopter widget below.  Open to US and Canadian residents.  Good Luck!!!

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Schoola Helps Schools In Need When You Buy or Donate Kid’s Clothes!!! #clothes4schools

schoola logo

Are you back to school shopping for your children?  Maybe going through clothing they have outgrown, wondering what to do with it all?  If you are, you may be interested to know how Schoola can help you and your child’s school.  Schoola is an online shop dedicated to recycling brand-name children’s clothing, with 40% of the proceeds going to schools in need.  The innovative new program – which saves parents money and gives back at the same time – has been heralded by Fox News, the LA Times, Forbes and Parenting Magazine.

Mommy Ramblings was selected to participate in a special campaign called “20 Days of Schoola” Adopt-a-School.  Mommy Ramblings was given of choice of 3 deserving schools and it was hard to choose, but we selected a small school in the Bronx called KIPP Academy.  KIPP Academy has a goal to raise $25,000 to fund a music program. KIPP Academy works hard to support kids who need all the help they can get. Ninety-five percent of its students qualify for free or reduced-cost lunch. More than one in seven receives special education services. Music helps KIPP Academy reach and engage every child who enters its doors. The slogan on the Music Room wall sets the stage—All of Us Will Learn Music.  No matter what backgrounds they come from or what challenges they face, they learn lessons together that will serve them the rest of their lives.For more about Kipp Academy and how Schoola helps schools in need watch the video below.

I was blessed growing up to be able to go to a school that had the funding to offer all kinds of great in school and after school programs for students.  Sadly many schools today cannot offer as much to students and so students are denied the opportunity to participate in art, music and sports programs that can stimulate and nurture natural or learned talent.

My older children were also able to participate in programs like I was and their school years were enriched with music lessons, great art programs, sports programs, extra curricular programs and more.  My younger children who are just entering school are also able to do the same, but many schools have been impacted by lack of funding and have had to cut programs like music, art and sports.

You Can Help

You can shop on Schoola for back-to-school clothing, even clothing new with tags and for every transaction that is processed by going through this link, Schoola will donate $1 to KIPP Academy.  That’s not all, everyone that requests a donation bag through the same link will help too because Schoola will donate $1 for every requested bag to Kipp Academy. Perhaps the best part is, if you send in a donation bag of clothing, you can fill out the name of a school you support and for every $5 in sales, Schoola will donate $2 to the school you selected!!! That’s a real win-win for Kipp Academy and the school of your choice!!!   You can follow Schoola on Twitter and Facebook to keep up to date on all the latest happenings.

This post is brought to you by Schoola, the best place to buy discounted kids clothes all while give back to schools in need.Click here to learn more about Schoola.Click here to see what people are saying.

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Master Bath Reno Update Featuring Concealed Cabinets!!! #CurbAppeal

concealed cabinet logo

Have you wondered what part of the master bath ren0 we are up to?   Did you think we were finished and going to do the big reveal?  I wish we were finished.  We have so many home improvement projects occurring simultaneously in our home right now, it feels like we are living in an episode of Hoarders.  What I mean by that is, since we had to empty rooms and closets, we are now storing so much in towers of boxes and bins it feels like our stuff is taking over.

Concealed Cabinet image

I cannot wait until the master bath is finished and it almost is but there have been such delays with the tile contractor and things have been done backwards.  He needs to finish the tiling of the stairs around the whirlpool and grout certain areas and then he still has to finish prepping the walls for paint which is going to get dust over everything again and should have been finished but let’s not even go there!

Anyway, you probably remember posts about the medicine cabinets and how we decided to go with Concealed Cabinets. If you missed that, you can read about it HERE and HERE.  We installed 2 of the extra-large concealed cabinets on either side of the vanity.  It was an easy install and they look great.  Concealed Cabinets  look like a picture frame and you can add whatever art work you like to the door front and change it whenever you want too!

For this review and update, I just put some scrapbook paper in the back of some prints I had.  I am changing them to something that fits the entire space and will be using photographs I took of our lake and gardens.  I tried two different papers with the prints but decided to use the print and changed the one that had the solid green-blue metallic paper. Until, the other prints come in, these will do and it’s just as well since we still have a lot of dust and construction to come.

this was a very stiff metallic paper and it looks very weird in the photo because of the way it reflected the light and it looks like two different colors.  That is not how it looks in real life but I did like the look of the print paper better so changed them.

This was a very stiff metallic paper and it looks very weird in the photo because of the way it reflected the light and it looks like two different colors. That is not how it looks in real life but I did like the look of the print paper better so changed them.

 

Concealed Cabinet 2

I have not put anything inside yet, since as you can see the walls still have to be finished.

 

This is the print background that I decided to put in the other as well until the enlarged photo prints come in.

This is the print background that I decided to put in the other as well until the enlarged photo prints come in.

 

Concealed-Cabinet 5

Concealed Cabinets are made of REAL WOOD, no plastic and come in different sizes and finishes.  We choose the white in the extra-large size. If you are looking for a change from the traditional look of ordinary medicine cabinets, a concealed cabinet could be just what you are looking for.  Right now they are having a SIZZLING SUMMER SALE and you can save 20% at www.concealedcabinet.com.  You can follow Concealed Cabinet on Facebook  and Twitter to see the latest news and updates on their product line.

 

Stay tuned for more updates and hopefully very soon the big reveal of the Master Bath!!!  I am keeping my fingers and toes crossed that it will not be much longer.

Innovators sponsored our project by providing us with the 2 Concealed Cabinets, as always, my views and words are 100% my own.

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Hatley, Kids’ Raincoat and Rain Boots Review!!!

Hatley Logo

My two little guys like anything with wheels!  Tractors, monster trucks, race cars, hot rods and vehicles of all kinds are always a hit with them.  We recently had a chance to review some items from Hatley.  When I saw the Farmer Jack Kids’ Rain Boots and the Hot Rods Kids’ Raincoat, I knew they would love them.  I really bought them in the sizes to fit the oldest one but when the little guy saw them he had to try them out!  The boots are super high quality and have nice handles to make pulling them on a cinch for kids, they are super stylish puddle jumping boots that will definitely be put through the paces.  The raincoat is very well made with nice pockets, cozy terry lining and ample hood to keep little ones dry on rainy days.

hatley

 

Hatley Boots

 

Hatley Raincoat

 

Hatley Raincoat 1

 

Hatley Boots 1

Hatley’s mission is to create fun, well designed, nature inspired apparel and gifts for the whole family in an ecologically responsible way.  Sleepwear, Footwear, Beachwear, Outerwear, Daywear, Accessories, Gifts and More are what you will find when you browse Hatley’s site.  They even have free shipping when you spend $50 or more and an outlet shop for great savings!
Farmer-Jack-Rain-Boots

Features:

  • Handles to make boots easy to put on
  • Soft jersey lining
  • Please keep in mind that our rain boots run a size large to allow room for thick socks and the inevitable growth of those little feet
  • Grippy bottom for maximum traction
  • Match back to rainjackets and umbrellas to complete the look

Available sizes: 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13. Boots: Rubber. Lining: 100% Cotton.

 

Hatley-Hot-Rods-Raincoat

Features:

  • Front pockets
  • Comfy terry lining
  • Machine washable, hang to dry
  • Pick up the matching boots and umbrella to complete the look
  • PVC Free

Available sizes: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8. Shell: Polyurethane. Lining: 78% Cotton, 22% Polyester. 100% PVC-free.

To see the great selection of products visit Hatley.com!


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