I've been in a redecorating mood lately. Since I love shopping online, I am having the best time browsing the huge product selection of CSN Stores. I am thinking of refreshing the look of my dining room, and a set of beautiful upholstered dining chairs might be just the ticket.

The Wildon Home Crawford Cushion Back Side Chair in Rich Cappuccino will match my dining table perfectly. I love the warm glow of the dark wood and the clean, elegant lines. These chairs look so comfortable, and just put me in the mood for entertaining.

Or maybe I should get rid of my old rectangular dining table and get the fabulous Wildon Home Crawford 7 Piece Oval Dining Table with Wheat Back Side Chair in Rich Cappuccino? I can just see the family having a wonderful meal gathered around this beauty.

Decisions, decisions...

Disclaimer / Disclosure: No monetary compensation was received for this post. I will receive a voucher from CSN Stores to use toward an item of my choice for review. Stay tuned for the review post in the coming weeks.

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of the The Classics: All You Need To Know, from Zeus's Throne to the Fall of Rome by Caroline Taggart giveaway! #114 Susan M. Heim tweeted and won a copy of this very informative and fun book.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to the sponsor for providing the giveaway prize.

My husband wears glasses but he is not so good at keeping them clean. I keep telling him smudges on the lenses cannot be good for his eyes, and he will see even better if he keeps them clean.

The Brilliant Lenses eye glass cleaner I received from GetCleanersOnline.com is a special spray that helps keep lenses squeaky clean - and has the added benefit of providing a scratch-resistant coating. The spray is a handy little thing that can fit in your purse, backpack, or even pocket. All you need to do is spray your glasses, phone screen, monitor, or MP3 player and wipe with the microfiber cloth that's included in the package. The cleaner is alcohol and ammonia free, and helps surfaces resist soiling.

Now I can't really speak of the cleaner's scratch resistant barrier because my husband's glasses already have a scratch-resistant coating. The cleaner did work great not just on hubby's glasses but also on my cell phone screen, laptop screen, and PC monitor. According to the company, it can be used on all glass and plastic lenses. It would make a great stocking stuffer for anyone who wears glasses, or likes to keep the screen of their electronic devices smudge-free.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

This Product Was a Free Giveaway

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of the Frecklebox Personalized Growth Chart! #15 Shiela says she loves the Cars Lunchbox. I wonder which adorable growth chart they'll pick!

* Update: the new (alternate) winner is #97 rubynreba since Shiela has won previously a Frecklebox contest. *

Many thanks to all who entered, and to the sponsor for providing the giveaway prize.

Four more winners to announce today! Congratulations to the randomly selected winners of the following giveaways:

Rum Cake from Tortuga Rum Company: #319 Jenni who would like to try the jerk chicken salad recipe and the chocolate hazelnut rum truffles. I wonder what delicious cake they'd pick. Yum!

The Postcard Killers from Hachette Book Group: #165 HomemadeBaby, #114 D.Calvert, and #11 rubynreba.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to the sponsors for providing these giveaway prizes.

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of the Flashlight Keychain with Laser Pointer giveaway! #67 Judy says she would give the keychain to her daughter.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to the sponsor for providing the giveaway prize.

Book Description
A love to die for... On the run since his daughter was born, Mitch Turner has concealed a truth so dangerous, its discovery could jeopardize both their lives. But when a series of shocking murders hits their newfound home, the trail leads straight to Mitch. With the police out for blood and his daughter ripped from his arms, he has nowhere to turn - until a beautiful stranger offers her help.

Neesy Brown has made mistakes in her life, yet she refuses to believe this mysterious man is a killer. There's a strength in his broad shoulders that draws her to him and a weariness in his eyes that she longs to ease. As the murders tear her small town apart, she vows to help Mitch find his missing child. But a cunning predator is pulling them deeper and deeper into his fatal game. And the price of losing is the child - and the future - they could both share...

The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for five (5) copies of Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon!

To enter, please comment below what's the last good romance novel you've read.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win a copy of Two Lethal Lies by Annie Solomon! #Giveaway ends 10/12 @aitmama @foreverromance #win #contests #books http://tiny.cc/wztwm" – you may do this once a day;
• follow Forever Romance on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is October 12, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group. Book information and image courtesy of the publisher. No compensation was provided for this post.

Book Description

Maddie Moore's whole life needs a makeover.

In one fell swoop, Maddie loses her boyfriend (her decision) and her job (so not her decision). But rather than drowning her sorrows in bags of potato chips, Maddie leaves L.A. to claim the inheritance left by her free-spirited mother-a ramshackle inn nestled in the little coastal town of Lucky Harbor, Washington.

Starting over won't be easy. Yet Maddie sees the potential for a new home and a new career-if only she can convince her two half-sisters to join her in the adventure. But convincing Tara and Chloe will be difficult because the inn needs a big makeover too.

The contractor Maddie hires is a tall, dark-haired hottie whose eyes-and mouth-are making it hard for her to remember that she's sworn off men. Even harder will be Maddie's struggles to overcome the past, though she's about to discover that there's no better place to call home than Lucky Harbor.

About the Author
USA Today bestselling author JILL SHALVIS lives in a small town in the Sierras also run by quirky characters. Any resemblance to the quirky characters in her books is, um, mostly coincidental. Look for Jill's bestselling, award-winning books wherever romances are sold and visit her website at http://www.jillshalvis.com/ for a complete book list and daily blog detailing her city-girl-living-in-the-mountain adventures.

The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for five (5) copies of Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis.

To enter, please comment below what's the last good romance novel you've read.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win a copy of Simply Irresistible by Jill Shalvis! #Giveaway ends 10/11 @aitmama @ForeverRomance #win #contests #books http://tiny.cc/cjdef" – you may do this once a day;
• follow Jill Shalvis on twitter;
• follow Forever Romance on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is October 11, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if they win the same title in two or more contests, they will receive only one copy of the title in the mail. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group. Book information and image courtesy of the publisher. No compensation was provided for this post.

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of 5 lbs. bag of Organic Thick Rolled Oats from Tropical Traditions giveaway! #71 Mike says he eats a bowl of oatmeal every day, and I am sure will enjoy this prize.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to Tropical Traditions for providing the bag of oats.

Welcome to Link Your Giveaways Saturday! Link your giveaways, browse, and have fun!

Reminder: do provide a direct link to the giveaway and its expiration date. Entries that do not meet these requirements will be deleted. No affiliate links allowed.

Flashlight Keychain with Laser Pointer 9/26
Cake from Tortuga Rum Co. 9/27
The Postcard Killers - 3 win 9/27
Frecklebox Growth Chart 9/28
The Classics 9/29
$20 Kroger Gift Card 9/30
Seamless Socks - 3 pairs 9/30
AH-CHOO! - 3 win 10/1
Sea Mineral Healing Tonic - 3 win 10/6
Sportline DUO 1025 Heart Rate Monitor 10/7
PakNaks 10/8
Queen Latifah's New Fragrance Queen of Hearts - 3 win 10/9

Queen of Hearts, just released in the U.S., is the second fragrance from Queen Latifah. The beautiful gold-edged bottle has a heart on the front, reinforcing her message about beauty:

"The heart has a song all its own," says Queen Latifah, "And this new fragrance sings out the message that beauty comes from the heart of a woman.  Indeed, this fragrance too conveys my belief that beauty is a state of love, an expression of a woman’s confidence and sensuality. Queen of Hearts captures the allure of a woman's body, her mind and her inner strength."

Isn't that well said?

The fragrance is a lovely, complex and sophisticated mix of aromas that can be worn during the day as well as for a night out. I love the scent - and while I cannot distinguish each of the dozen notes in Queen of Hearts, I can tell you that the overall result is enticing. Here are just a few of the "notes": bergamot, cinnamon, jasmine, warm amber, musk, white florals, patchouli, vanilla bean, smoky incense. To me, Queen of Hearts is an elegant yet assertive fragrance that conveys femininity and self-confidence.

Queen of Hearts from Queen Latifah is available in Eau de Parfum Spray 3.4 oz at department stores.

The Giveaway
Three (3) winners will receive a bottle of Queen Latifah's Queen of Hearts!

To enter, please comment below with your favorite fragrance or scent.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 1 of 3 bottles of Queen Latifah's new fragrance Queen of Hearts #Giveaway ends 10/9 @aitmama #win #contests #beauty http://tiny.cc/lrgnw" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is October 9, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Three winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. only. One prize per person. Winners will receive their prizes directly from the sponsor. Product information and image courtesy of the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

I love chocolate, and happen to think that Hershey's Kisses are some of the cutest chocolate treats I've seen. Now I can show off my love for chocolate by wearing it! Kranich's Jewelers have an adorable selection of Hershey Kiss Jewelry. My two favorite items are the Elegant Small Hersheys Kiss Diamond Bracelet, and the Elegant Medium Hershey Kiss Diamond Necklace. Hey, a girl can dream, right?

Some of the more affordable - and still very sweet! - pieces are the Hershey Kiss Medium Silver Bracelet and the Stylish Large Hershey Kiss Silver Necklace. Who wouldn't want to find these under the tree this year!

Disclaimer / Disclosure: This is a sponsored post.

My daughter did not like to play with dolls for the longest time. Since I knew she preferred her stuffed animals, I avoided buying her any dolls. I noticed she barely paid any attention to the ones she got as birthday gifts, so I kept most of them in their boxes, waiting for the right time.

The Baby GoGo doll we received for review is different from most dolls we have around the house. First, it is gender-neutral - the sweet face can be either a boy or a girl, and the cute clothes are neither pink nor blue. The adorable 13-inch doll is dressed in striped PJs and a matching hat. A soft blanket and a book are also included. We also received the Baby GoGo Diaper Bag that was a huge hit with my kids. They took Sally Rose to the grocery store, to the park, and made sure she got her meals and her naps every day. I had to discourage them from giving Sally Rose a real bath because most of our dolls have not survived very well the extended time spent in the bath tub. 

Little Sib, the company behind these wonderful toys, will soon offer a Baby GoGo Moses bed that's already on my shopping list. Whether your child will be a big sister or brother, or you want to teach them some nurturing skills, the Baby GoGo doll can help. The doll, diaper bag, and Moses bed would make great birthday or Christmas gifts, too.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

PakNak charms are adorable little decorations for your backpack, lunch box, notebook, headband, or even laptop bag. I received the cute Robert the robot and Manfred the snail.

My daughter adopted the little creatures right away. She found the perfect spot for Robert and Manfred on the front of her school backpack. They were a big hit among her friends the next day. Everyone wanted to know where she got them!

The PakNaks are interchangeable because they attach via Velcro to a round base that is securely glued to the backpack. I even threw the bag in the laundry without removing the PakNaks, and they survived splendidly, getting out squeaky clean. They are made of rubber and are weather resistant.

PakNak offer more than 40 designs, including two for Halloween - Slappy the pumpkin and Boo the little ghost. All of these cute charms come with a card that encourages kids to make up their own story about the PakNaks. It includes information about the little creature's home, favorite food, best friend, and favorite activity.

The PakNaks can be purchased for $3.99 each, and an extra set of 2 loops (sticky coins) is available for $1.

The Giveaway
One person will win 2 (two) PakNaks of their choice!

To enter, please comment below which two PakNak charms you'd pick if you won.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 2 adorable PakNak charms, great to decorate #backtoschool stuff! #Giveaway ends 10/8 @aitmama #win #contests #kids http://tiny.cc/ni0rb" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is October 8, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. only. Winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor. Product information and images courtesy of the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

Meet my new favorite fitness gadget and workout buddy: the DUO from Sportline! It's a watch that doubles up as a heart rate monitor - or a heart rate monitor that looks like a stylish sports watch. The DUO 1025 Intellitrack Heart Rate Monitor has two different models that can be worn by fitness-conscious men and women, and drew quite a few curious glances at my gym the other day.

I'll admit I hate using a chest strap for measuring my heart rate while I work out, although it does make sense in some situations. The DUO comes with a chest strap if you are so inclined - but what I love most about it is the ability to take an accurate measurement of my heart rate on demand, with just a touch of my fingers. In addition, it's surprisingly light and comfortable to wear.

The DUO features Sportline’s patented Intelli-Track Technology that provides a reading of how your actual heart rate relates to target heart rate zones. It also has a fat-burning zone locator and target heart rate zone selector. Whatever your fitness goals and routines are, the DUO 1025 provides an excellent tool for measuring your heart rate - with or without a chest strap - even during non-workout daily activities. You want to know how many calories you burned during that leisurely stroll at lunch today? The DUO has your answer!

Sportline has two other DUOs in addition to the 1025 - the DUO 1010 and the DUO 1060, both with a model for men and for women. Any of these would make a great gift for the health-conscious.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win the Sportline DUO 1025 - a $90 value!

To enter, please comment below how you stay active.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win a DUO 1025 Heart Rate Monitor / watch! #Giveaway ends 10/7 @aitmama #SportlineRocks #win #contests #health #sports http://tiny.cc/gagdw" – you may do this once a day;
• follow Sportline on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is October 7, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. only. Product information and image courtesy of the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

I've read a lot about the benefits of sea ingredients used in cosmetics, and I was excited to try several such products from Gabriel Organics. 

Since I have dry sensitive skin, I picked the Marine Anti-Aging Cream and the Sea Fennel Moisturizing Cleanser that are specifically formulated for dehydrated skin. I also tried the White Seaweed Healing Hand and Body Lotion, suitable for all skin types.

Gabriel Organics uses 100% natural ingredients - plant oils, sea extracts, and botanicals. Their products are made without artificial preservatives, fragrances or colors. No synthetic chemicals or animal by-products are used and no testing is ever done on animals. In addition, Gabriel Organics skincare are non-allergenic and fragrance-free.

I used the White Seaweed Healing Hand and Body Lotion daily on my hands. It pampered my skin, leaving it soft and moisturized. The lotion contains white algae, rosehip seed oil, and vitamin C and E. It provided instant relief from dryness, and hydrated my hands without leaving a greasy feeling.

The Marine Anti-Aging Cream is lightweight and absorbs easily. It felt wonderful on my face, and provided a great base for my makeup. The cream has shea butter, sweet almond and rosehip seed oils, and fruit and aloe extracts - all of them organic. I used it in the morning as well as at night, and am very happy with the results.

Last but not least, the Sea Fennel Moisturizing Cleanser has sea fennel, cucumber, and green tea for gentle yet effective cleaning of my face. It leaves my skin feeling fresh and hydrated.

I learned some interesting facts about the ingredients. For example, sea fennel is native to the Pacific and Atlantic coasts, and is known to replenish minerals while it rehydrates and soothes. Rosehip seed oil is a plant based botanical that encourages cell regeneration while it increases moisture and oxygen levels.

Right now, you can save $2.50 on any Gabriel Organics skincare product by mail-in-rebate here.

The Giveaway
Three (3) of my lucky readers will win the Gabriel Organics Sea Mineral Healing Tonic - a $22.50 value!

To enter, check out Gabriel Cosmetics and comment below with something you'd like to try.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 1 of 3 Gabriel Organics Sea Mineral Healing Tonics! #Giveaway ends 10/6 @aitmama #win #contests #eco #beauty http://tiny.cc/5u5pd" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is October 6, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Three winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. only. One prize per person. Winners will receive their prizes directly from the sponsor. Product information and image courtesy of the sponsor.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

Through midnight EDT today, Monday, September 20, all Tropical Traditions ground shipments within the lower 48 United States will be FREE with coupon code 10910!

This special offer does not apply to refrigerated or frozen items, eggs, or to rebounders shipped by the manufacturer. It also does not apply to 2nd day air and overnight shipments.

As always, as a first-time customer you can get a FREE Virgin Coconut Oil book with purchase. Find out all about coconut oil and its uses! Just use code 5251001 in the Referred by a Friend section and the book will be added to your order at no charge. You get a free book, I get a coupon for referring you.

Remember to enter my giveaway for Organic Thick Rolled Oats from Tropical Traditions! I love this in oatmeal, and just had a delicious steaming hot bowl for breakfast. Yum!

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary or any other compensation was provided for this post.

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of Myself Belts giveaway! #102 Blissful Bee Blogging whose son likes the Light Blue Striped Belt will be getting a kid's belt of their choice.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to the sponsor for providing the giveaway prize.

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of Brugo Travel Mug giveaway! #188 tristatecruisers will be drinking their coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or other hot beverage in Brugo style.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to the sponsor for providing the giveaway prize.

Welcome to Link Your Giveaways Saturday! Link your giveaways, browse, and have fun!

Reminder: do provide a direct link to the giveaway and its expiration date. Entries that do not meet these requirements will be deleted. No affiliate links allowed.

Brugo Travel Mug (9/18)
Myself Belts Kid's Belt (9/19)
Organic Rolled Oats (9/24)
Flashlight Keychain with Laser Pointer (9/26)
Cake from Tortuga Rum Co. (9/27)
The Postcard Killers - 3 win (9/27)
Frecklebox Growth Chart (9/28)
The Classics (9/29)
$20 Kroger Gift Card (9/30)
AH-CHOO! - 3 win (10/1)

Book Description
Some colds are like mice, timid and annoying; others like dragons, accompanied by body aches and deep misery. In AH-CHOO!, Jennifer Ackerman explains what, exactly, a cold is, how it works, and whether it's really possible to "fight one off." Scientists call this the Golden Age of the Common Cold because Americans suffer up to a billion colds each year, resulting in 40 million days of missed work and school and 100 million doctor visits. They've also learned over the past decade much more about what cold viruses are, what they do to the human body, and how symptoms can be addressed. In this ode to the odious cold, Ackerman sifts through the chatter about treatments-what works, what doesn't, and what can't hurt. She dispels myths, such as susceptibility to colds reflects a weakened immune system. And she tracks current research, including work at the University of Virginia at Charlottesville, a world-renowned center of cold research studies, where the search for a cure continues.


The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) copies of AH-CHOO! by Jennifer Ackerman.

To enter, please comment below what's the last good book you've read.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 1 of 3 copies of AH-CHOO! by Jennifer Ackerman! #Books #Giveaway ends 10/1 @aitmama #win #contests
  http://tiny.cc/yg2dl" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is October 1, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Three winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. One book per household. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group. Book information and image courtesy of the publisher. No compensation was provided for this post.

Congratulations to the randomly selected winners of She's Gone Country by Jane Porter giveaway:

#124 Connie Black, #141 jan, #16 Susan H. Heim, #190 carol, and #158 Jenna Wood.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to Hachette Book Group for providing the giveaway copies.

My husband says that I should always have a flashlight in the car. We have a designated kitchen drawer where we keep extra flashlights, too. The problem is, these flashlights are too bulky to carry around in my purse - especially when I need just a little light to find my keys or actually use them.

I received a handy little gadget that is the perfect solution to my keys problem. The Flashlight Keychain with Laser Pointer features a bright LED light that helps me find whatever I am looking for in my purse in the dark. It's big enough to find easily but not too heavy. The keychain is a nice silver color, well made and runs on four watch-type batteries. It has a key ring, and is water resistant. In addition, there is a laser pointer that would be great for students or those who need to make a presentation but have forgotten to bring their laser pointer.

Speaking of laser, remember that you should never look at it directly, so don't let your kids play with it. Other than that, this Flashlight Keychain with Laser Pointer would make a great stocking stuffer.

The Giveaway
One lucky winner will get a Flashlight Keychain with Laser Pointer!

To enter, please comment below who would use the keychain if you win it.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win a Flashlight Keychain with Laser Pointer, great for #backtoschool! #Giveaway ends 9/26 @aitmama  #win #contests http://tiny.cc/yg2dl" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is September 26, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.
 
This Product Was a Free Giveaway
Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Over the years, I have bought tons of socks for my family. I love walking, and between that and my husband's workouts at the gym, we go through a lot of socks. Until I had my first child, I thought kids' socks are all the same - cute cottony little things that keep their little feet warm, and one of each pair always seems to magically walk away, even before the child is mobile.

I quickly discovered that not all socks are created equal. Some shrink and lose shape after a couple of washes. Others never stay on those kicking little feet. My quest for the perfect sock - as mundane as it may sound to most people - led me through a long list of brand names, store brands, and materials. I thought I'd seen it all in sockland, and then I found SmartKnitKIDS.

SmartKnitKIDS make seamless sensitivity socks for kids and adults. I received samples of both, and must say I am very impressed! The socks are knit the same way a caterpillar spins its cocoon, starting at the toe and spinning up towards the ankle. As soon as I put on my pair of white SmartKnitBigKIDS socks, my feet landed smack in the middle of sock heaven. These socks are not just seamless, soft and utterly comfortable. They stay put, look great, and have no heel - so they fit perfectly. There are no elastic bands to irritate my skin - that happens a lot, especially in the summer heat. Besides, these socks wick moisture away and come with antimicrobial benefits that help prevent odors. Finally, I found the perfect socks for me.

My daughter tried the SmartKnitKIDS crew socks, and she loved them! After a long day of play, these socks never budged. She says these are her favorite socks now, and wants to wear them every day. They are great for school, too - even for schools with a dress code because the socks come in white, black and navy, plus the cute shades of pink and purple. SmartKnitKIDS socks for children are available as ankle and knee-highs, as well.

Right now, you can stock up on all these fabulous socks from SmartKnitKids and save 20% here.

The Giveaway
Thanks to this generous company, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) pairs of SmartKnitKIDS socks! The winner gets to choose sizes and colors.

To enter, please comment below which socks you'd pick if you won.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow SmartKnitKIDS on twitter;
• subscribe to their newsletter;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 3 pairs of @SmartKnitKIDS socks, great for #kids + adults! #Backtoschool giveaway ends 9/30 @aitmama #win #contests http://tiny.cc/fgief" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is September 30, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received  complimentary product(s) to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

Congratulations to the lucky winners of Testimony book giveaway! The following comments were selected at random to receive a copy of this Anita Shreve novel, courtesy of Hachette Book Group:

#6 Smash Bravo Team, #104 Katie, #166 hendy, #179 nicolesender, and #154 Connie Black.

And the prize from the Balloonatiks: The Collector's DVD giveaway goes to randomly selected comment #98 Stefany.

All winners have been notified by email and have 72 hours to claim their wins.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to the sponsors for providing these giveaway prizes.

Book Description
The Classics: All You Need To Know, from Zeus's Throne to the Fall of Rome by Caroline Taggart
It's no myth: Greek and Roman history has largely impacted Western society, yet learning about the classical world can often feel like a Herculean task. Enter The Classics. From Homer's Odyssey to the Midas touch, from a witty comedian's 'ad lib' to the "Alpha" male, in one entertaining book readers can fill in the gaps of their modern education. Sections include:

• Classical Languages: Learn the Greek alphabet, Latin expressions used in English, and English words with Latin and Greek roots
• Religion and Mythology: The Greek gods, lore about the Underworld, and the many myths
• Crete: The story of the Minoan civilization and the Minotaur
• Ancient Greek History
• Roman History
• Classical Literature: A look at major Greek writers, including Homer and his Iliad and Odyssey, and the Golden Age of Roman literature
• Architecture and Art: Doric, Ionic, and Corinthian architecture and the important Greek and Roman structures
• Math, Science, and Inventions: Get reacquainted with your favorite school bullies, including Pythagoras and Archimedes, learn the origin of the doctors' Hippocratic Oath, meet the odd Roman inventor named Hero, and learn about the Roman aqueducts and Greek baths
• Philosophy and the Liberal Arts: Examine the history of philosophers and philosophy, and take a look at logic, rhetoric, and grammar
• The Games: The Olympics, gladiators, and The Colosseum

My Review
My first encounter with author Caroline Taggart was about a year ago when I read her book I Used to Know That. It never ceases to amaze me how she and the other authors featured in the Reader's Digest Blackboard Books manage to fit so much useful information in such a small volume. This book, just as the others in the series I've read so far, is a reference book written very accessibly and with a remarkable sense of humor. The Classics: All You Need To Know, from Zeus's Throne to the Fall of Rome is informative and entertaining, a very handy way to refresh what I know about the ancient Greeks and Romans. It also managed to fill a few gaps. Whether you need a refresher, want to teach Junior a thing or two about ancient Greece and Rome, or like to shine in an educated conversation, this is a book for you. Our modern society and culture have been impacted tremendously by all aspects of the classics, and I think it's really beneficial to know it all - "from Zeus's Throne to the Fall of Rome". Caroline Taggart's book will help you do just that without having to dig through tons of textbooks and reference tomes.

The Giveaway
Thanks to FSB Associates, one lucky reader will win a copy of The Classics: All You Need To Know, from Zeus's Throne to the Fall of Rome by Caroline Taggart!

To enter, please comment below what's the last good book you've read.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win The Classics by Caroline Taggart! #Giveaway ends 9/29 @aitmama #win #contests #books #backtoschool http://tinyurl.com/2bn56kr" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is September 29, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. only. Winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor. Book information, review copy, giveaway prize and image courtesy of FSB Associates or the publisher.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

Congratulations to the randomly selected winner of Easylunchbox System: #96 Jaime! Jaime likes the purple lunch bag, and will be receiving this awesome set of 4 Bento food containers and the lunch bag cooler.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to Easylunchboxes.com for providing the giveaway prize. 

Congratulations to the randomly selected winners of Sin Undone by Larissa Ione:

#101 elaing8, #43 jeanette8042, #78 Elizabeth, #50 wanda f, and #125 booklover0226.

Many thanks to all who entered, and to Hachette Book Group for providing the giveaway copies.

I love a bowl of delicious steaming hot oatmeal in the morning. Almost as much as I love oatmeal raisin cookies - my other favorite way to use oats. Imagine my excitement to receive a 5 lbs. bag of Organic Thick Rolled Oats from Tropical Traditions!

Since I got these yummy oats, I've made several batches of cookies and tons of yummy oatmeal for breakfast. It's the perfect healthy breakfast for me any time of year but especially in fall and winter. The Organic Thick Rolled Oats from Tropical Traditions taste just as oats should, and I love them in oatmeal and cookies. Remember that oats are considered a good source of soluble fiber - and good for you, too. If you are making oatmeal with these oats, they cook in about 15 minutes. Now there are many ways to include oats in your family's diet. I've been experimenting with some of the wonderful oats recipes posted on the Tropical Traditions site, and highly recommend that you try some of them. I enjoyed making the easy no-bake granola and cookies - another delicious way to get your oats!

The Organic Thick Rolled Oats come in a 5 lbs or a 10 lbs bag of wholesome goodness.

Deal Alert
Right now, the Tropical Traditions Organic Thick Rolled Oats are on sale. If at any time you decide to buy this product or anything else from Tropical Traditions, as a first-time customer you can get a FREE Virgin Coconut Oil book with purchase. Find out all about coconut oil and its uses! Just use code 5251001 in the Referred by a Friend section and the book will be added to your order at no charge. You get a free book, I get a coupon for referring you.


The Giveaway
Tropical Traditions are generously giving away a 5 lbs. bag of Organic Thick Rolled Oats to a lucky reader of this blog!

To enter, please take a look at the Tropical Traditions product line and tell me what interests you the most.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:

• subscribe to Tropical Traditions' newsletter - you'll know all about their specials, sales and promotions - and get 2 entries;
• check out the free coconut recipes here and tell me which one you'd like to try;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 5 lbs bag delicious #organic fiber-rich oats from @troptraditions and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 9/24 #win #contests http://tiny.cc/9nixp";
• follow Tropical Traditions on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is September 24, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. or Canada. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.  This post reflects my personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. This product is not intended to treat, diagnose, prevent or cure any disease, and no health claims are being made. Product information and images courtesy of the sponsor. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.

I've been admiring Frecklebox's beautiful personalized gifts for a long time. When I got a chance to review them, it was very difficult to narrow it down to a single product. I pored over the personalized books, the personalized lunch boxes, and the other products in their personalized gift catalog for a long time.  Finally, I picked a one of the personalized growth charts for my daughter.

Frecklebox has many beautiful designs to choose from. My favorites for girls are the Beaux Butterflies, the Merry Mermaid, and my final choice - the Flower Garden. The growth chart was delivered in a few days, and I must say the quality is excellent. The chart is printed on canvas, and the colors are bright and well chosen. A pink ribbon for hanging the chart on the wall completes this beautiful keepsake.

I found a great spot for it in my daughter's room, and it looks like a piece of art against the white walls. My girl could not wait to check how tall she was! She was so excited her name was on it, too. We marked her height, the date, and took a picture of her standing against the growth chart to commemorate the occasion. I am looking forward to tracking my daughter's growth on this pretty chart for years to come.

The Giveaway
One lucky person will win a personalized growth chart from Frecklebox - winner's choice of design!

To enter, please comment below with your favorite product from Frecklebox.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow Frecklebox on twitter;
• subscribe to their mailing list;
• subscribe to the Frecklebox blog;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win personalized growth chart from @Frecklebox - great keepsake for #kids! #Giveaway ends 9/28 @aitmama #win #contests http://tiny.cc/97pm8" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is September 29, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open to residents 18+ of U.S. The winner cannot have previously won a Frecklebox contest.

Disclosure / Disclaimer: No monetary compensation was obtained for this post. I received a complimentary product to facilitate this review. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours.

This Product Was a Free Giveaway
Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Wednesday, September 15, is the last day to enter a fun contest sponsored by French Toast. In case you've missed my earlier posts, French Toast are having a $15,000 contest in which kids who wear uniforms to school can show the world what makes them unique and special. The contest is called “Show Us The Real ‘U’ In Uniform”, and you can find all the details here.

Disclosure: I am a French Toast Brand Ambassador for this project. I will receive a gift card as a thank you for spreading the word.

When I thought of rum, I used to think about rum and coke. Not any more: now the first thing that comes into my head is rum cake! And not just any rum cake but Tortuga Rum Company's chocolate rum cake. Yum!

Tortuga Rum Company is a family-owned business that has been around for over 25 years. I received three of their 4 oz rum cakes: Original Golden, Chocolate, and Coconut, plus a bag of Tortuga Rum Cream Gourmet Coffee. The 4 oz cakes are single servings but I decided to share them with my husband. While I've been a member of the Sweet Tooth Club my whole life, hubby is not a dessert person. He would be hard pressed to eat a bite of cake even at special occasions, so I figured offering to share some rum cake was a safe bet for me. Actually, the only thing that convinced him to try some was the word "rum".

Well, it turned out I should not have been so generous because my husband loved the rum cakes! He made me open all three to "try". They were gone within minutes! The rum cakes are delicious, moist and flavorful. There are walnuts in the Original Golden cake that add just the right amount of nuttiness. The Coconut Rum Cake has yummy coconut, and the Chocolate is heaven for the chocolate addict - that would be me. The rum cakes are vacuum-packed and can last up to 9 months - or longer if frozen. Hmmm, there is no way these will ever see the inside of my freezer!

These cakes would make much appreciated gifts, and you'd better put them on your Christmas shopping list right now. The cakes come in 3 sizes and 9 flavors, and while I have not tried them all, I bet they are as tasty as the ones I sampled.

The Tortuga Rum Cream Gourmet Coffee fills my house with delectable aromas first thing in the morning. I like my coffee with tons of milk but no sugar, and this coffee tastes oh so good! The coffee is ground, comes in an 8 oz bag, and you can choose among 7 flavors. But why choose? Get the Tortuga Gourmet Coffee Assorted 7 Pack, and try them all!

In addition to these amazing cakes and coffee, Tortuga Rum Company has a wonderful selection of gifts and rum treats - Tortuga Chocolate Hazelnut Rum Truffles, anyone? Rum fudge? Gourmet gift baskets? Write these down because I just gave you some awesome gift ideas. And they ship worldwide.

Keep up to date on all things Tortuga Rum Company on their Facebook page.

The Giveaway
I know you want some rum cake! One lucky reader will win a 33 oz rum cake AND get to choose the flavor! I am so jealous of whoever get this prize.

To enter, please browse the Tortuga Rum Company site and comment below with something you want to try.

For extra entries, feel free to do any or all of the following:

• subscribe to Tortuga Rum Company's monthly emails (bottom right of page) - you'll know all about their specials, news and promotions, and get a chance to win a trip to the Cayman Islands - and get 2 entries;
• check out their recipes and tell me which one you'd like to try;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway – you can do this once a day, feel free to copy and paste: "Win a delicious 33 oz rum cake from @TortugaRumCo and @aitmama and choose your flavor! #Giveaway ends 9/27 #win http://tiny.cc/jp2wf";
• follow Tortuga Rum Company on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is September 27, 2010, 11:59pm EST. A winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or an alternate will be chosen. Open to those with mailing addresses in the U.S. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received complimentary samples to facilitate this review. No monetary compensation was provided for this post. This review reflects my personal opinion and experience with the product which may differ from yours. Product information and images courtesy of the sponsor.

Book Description
Paris is stunning in the summer.

NYPD detective Jacob Kanon is on a tour of Europe's most gorgeous cities. But the sights aren't what draw him—he sees each museum, each cathedral, and each cafe through the eyes of his daughter's killer.

The killing is simply marvelous.

Kanon's daughter, Kimmy, and her boyfriend were murdered while on vacation in Rome. Since then, young couples in Paris, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, and Stockholm have been found dead. Little connects the murders, other than a postcard to the local newspaper that precedes each new victim.

Wish you were here.

Now Kanon teams up with the Swedish reporter, Dessie Larsson, who has just received a postcard in Stockholm—and they think they know where the next victims will be. With relentless logic and unstoppable action, THE POSTCARD KILLERS may be James Patterson's most vivid and compelling thriller yet.

The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for three (3) audio book copies of The Postcard Killers by James Patterson, Liza Marklund.

To enter, please comment below what's the last good book you've read.

You may do any and all of the following for extra chances to win:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Win 1 of 3 copies of The Postcard Killers by James Patterson audio #books! #Giveaway ends 9/27 @aitmama #win #contests http://tiny.cc/b2i73" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is September 27, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Three winners will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 72 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules.

Open to residents 18+ of U.S. and Canada only. No P.O. box addresses, please. One book per household. Winners will receive their prizes directly from Hachette Book Group. Book information and image courtesy of the publisher. No compensation was provided for this post.

I have to admit I am not very familiar with Mexico's music, and I was very excited to receive a new CD from Sony Music that features some excellent examples.

Mi Alma Mexicana is the result of two years of extensive research by the dynamic 29-year-old Mexican conductor Alondra de la Parra who wanted to make an album that really represents Mexico’s music. The double CD features diverse styles and eras of Mexican music.

De la Parra is considered one of the most compelling conductors of her generation. Opera star Plácido Domingo called her  “an extraordinary conductor.”  Most recently, she was featured in Crain’s New York Business as one of their “40 under 40 New York’s Rising Stars,” and singled out in The Daily Beast as one of the “Young Rock stars of the Conducting World.”

The two CDs in Mi Alma Mexicana (My Mexican Soul) have an amazing selection of orchestral music that I enjoyed listening to. The album includes pieces that are passionate and energetic, and pieces that are gentle and melancholic. Whether you are already familiar with Mexican music, or are just learning about it, check out Mi Alma Mexicana. It would make a great gift for any music lover on your list.

Check out the complete track listing:
DISC 1
1          Huapango  (1941) | José Pablo Moncayo                                  
2          Melodía, Op. 1 (1890) | Gustavo E. Campa                  
3          Intermezzo de Atzimba (1900) | Ricardo Castro                        
4          Imagenes (1927) | Candelario Huizar                                                     
5-7      Concierto del Sur for Guitar and Orchestra (1941) | Manuel M. Ponce                         
[5]       I. Allegretto                                                                             
[6]       II. Andante                                                                              
[7]       III. Allegro moderato e festivo                                                  
8          Sobre las Olas (1884) | Juventino Rosas                                                           

DISC 2
1          Danzón No. 2 (1994) | Arturo Márquez                                                
2          Sensemaya (1938) | Silvestre Revueltas                                                 
3          Suite de Caballos del Vapor (1954) | Carlos Chavez                            
4          Sinfonía No. 2 (1993) | Federico Ibarra                                                
5          Concierto para Piano (2006) | Eugenio Toussaint                                 
6          Clepsydra (1990) | Mario Lavista                                                         
7          Ínguesu (2003) | Enrico Chapela  

Disclosure / Disclaimer: I received a complimentary review copy of this CD courtesy of Sony Music. The opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was provided for this post.