Book Description
Willow Tarata is a Guardian who trusts no one. She hunts those who prey on the vulnerable. And she's driven by a vengeful goal-find the man who murdered her mother. Yet suddenly Willow's quarry now has her on the run... straight into the sights of San Francisco's most dangerous detective.

Three bizarre murders have Inspector Rick Ramirez baffled-and determined to uncover the truth. But to catch the real killer, he needs the help of his prime suspect, Willow Tarata, even though this fierce and sexy blonde is challenging his professional cool. And now, unless they believe in each other and trust their deepest instincts, a relentless evil will end both Willow's and Rick's life-and claim this Guardian's extraordinary powers forever...

The Giveaway
Thanks to publisher Hachette Book Group, I am hosting a giveaway for five (5) copies of Tempted by Fate by Kate Perry.

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 5 copies of Tempted by Fate by @KatePerry! #Books #Giveaway ends 12/13 @ForeverRomance @aitmama #win #contests http://tiny.cc/je0gw" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @KatePerry on Twitter;
• follow @ForeverRomance on Twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 13, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Five 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. 

My kids love being independent. I've been hearing some version of "Me Do It!" for almost as long as they've been able to talk. One of first things they liked to do on their own was getting dressed - and choosing what to wear, of course.

Socks are somewhat hard for little hands to master because not only do they have to put one on, then another, but also pull them up and make sure the heel is where it should be. EZ SOX may make this task less frustrating for little people. They are just what they sound like: socks that are easy to put on. They look just like regular socks, except there are little loops on top for little fingers to pull up easier, and an adorable animal face on the front, so kids know which way the socks go.

We received a pair of white Bunny socks, and they were an instant hit with my daughter. She can put her own socks on but they usually face the wrong way, with the heel on top. EZ SOX make that a non-issue because she always wants to see the cute bunny faces on the socks.

Imagine if your kids found some of these socks in their stockings this year! I know mine would be very happy to see the entire EZ SOX collection in there.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win two pairs of EZ SOX! The winner will choose the size and design.

To enter, please comment below which socks you would choose if you won.

You may do any and all of the following for extra entries:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win 2 pairs of #kids socks from @EZSOX and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 12/8 #contests #holidays #gifts #stocking stuffers http://tiny.cc/wmgk7" – you may do this once a day; 
• follow @EZSOX on Twitter;
• share who would wear the socks if you won;
• get an extra entry if you like EZ SOX on Facebook;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 8, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 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.

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. 

Today, I am bringing some bling for the HGG 2010! I am giving away a stunning Diamond Journey white gold pendant from Kranich's Jewelers, a $299 value. A journey pendant symbolizes the journey a couple takes through life but I like to think about it as more of a woman's personal journey, with all the joys she encounters and the hardships she overcomes along the way.

This beautiful piece features 0.25 carat diamond total weight. The pendant is mounted in 14kt white gold and comes with a matching chain. It comes in a stylish gift box. Keep it for yourself or make it a treasured gift.

To enter, please leave a comment below what you wish for the holidays this year.

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 stunning #Diamond Journey Pendant in 14K White Gold from @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 12/13 #contests #jewelry #gift http://tiny.cc/dixt5" – you may do this once a day;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 13, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canadian residents 18+. 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.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: No compensation was provided for this post. The opinions expressed here are mine and may differ from yours. Product information and image courtesy of Kranich's Jewelers.

On day four of The 12 Days of Chocolate, Broken Teepee and Just Another New Blog are bringing to you some delicious chocolate products from Katz Gluten Free. Until I tried them, I had no idea gluten free could taste so good. When they say "Gluten Free, Full of Flavor", they really mean it.

Katz Gluten Free sent me five products to try - Chocolate Rugelech, Chocolate Strip, Chocolate Chip Cookies, Chocolate Dipped Cookies, and Chocolate Cup Cakes. All of these are manufactured in a gluten-free, diary-free, and nut-free facility - something important to those with allergies or food sensitivity. Except for the cookies, all other products are to be frozen upon receipt and kept that way until you are ready to eat them.

I opened the Chocolate Dipped Cookies first. They were so good that I, erm, forgot to share. The 6 oz box was empty before I knew it. A little crunchy, half covered in chocolate, very flavorful, and delicious! I enjoyed the Chocolate Chip Cookies just as much, except this time did share - I served them to the kids for dessert with a side of plain yogurt. These little cookies are quite addictive, and go quite well with a glass of milk, too.

The Rugelech came next. I learned that the name of this delectable dessert is derived from the word meaning creeping vine. Traditionally rugelech is filled with nuts, raisin, chocolate and cinnamon. This is the first time I've tried Chocolate Rugelech, and it tastes incredible. Little rolls of delectable yumminess! I would have never guessed it was gluten free. I found the taste very similar to that of the Chocolate Strip. The dough and the chocolate rolled together in perfect harmony, the aroma... mmmm! I could not get enough of them both.

The Chocolate Cup Cakes were soft and fudgy. Although they were quite good, I did not find them exceptional. My family did not enjoy them nearly as much as the other products from Katz Gluten Free. As with many other foods, it is a matter of personal preference, and ours lies with the cookies, chocolate strip and rugelech.

Whether you have to eat gluten free or not, I highly recommend that you try the Katz Gluten Free chocolate products. Right now, they are offering a free sample kit! The Katz Gluten Free Sample Pack includes: 1 Slice each of  Whole Grain Bread, Sliced Challah Bread,  White Bread and Wholesome Bread. Also included are 1 Dinner Roll, a sample Cookie and Rugelech, and 1 Sample Slice of Marble Cake. In addition, you can use coupon code sam100 to get $4 off shipping.

Last but not least - for a limited time, get free shipping on orders over $30 now through December.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a $25 gift certificate to Katz Gluten Free!

To enter, please check out the Katz Gluten Free store and comment below with the name of another product 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 $25 #giftcard to @KatzGlutenFree! #Giveaway ends 12/6 #contests #food #holidays #gifts #shop #glutenfree @aitmama http://tiny.cc/cxyq1" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @KatzGlutenFree on Twitter; 
• get an extra entry if you like Katz Gluten Free Bakery on Facebook; 
• sign up for the Katz Gluten Free newsletter on their site;
• check out the store locator and share where you can buy Katz Gluten Free products near you;
• tweet this: "Celebrate all things chocolate with The 12 Days of Chocolate! #Reviews & #giveaways going on now @aitmama @BrokenTeepee http://tiny.cc/yg2dl"; 
• grab our button for The 12 Days of Chocolate and tell me where to find it;
• get 2 extra entries for every time you spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate and left a comment here;
• enter the Scents in Soy giveaway at Broken Teepee;
• follow Broken Teepee on Google, Twitter @BrokenTeepee, or subscribe to their feed - one entry for each; 
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 6, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 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.

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

I love eating things chocolate - you might have guessed it by now. Besides the taste of it, I also love how it smells! So, on the fourth day of chocolate, Broken Teepee and Just Another New Blog are bringing to you a yummy Chocolate Chip Cookie Candle from Scents in Soy!

I received an 8 oz candle tin, and just could not wait to light it up. My house smelled heavenly in no time at all. The scent lingered even afterwards, and I am so glad that the delicious candle will burn for 40-50 hours. Just as the other candles at this Etsy shop, my candle is all natural, made from the highest quality soy wax, with a cotton wick for a clean burn. Scents in Soy use premium soy based fragrance oil and essential oils.

In addition to chocolate chip cookie, Scents in Soy has tons of other fragrances that sound wonderful to me. If you cannot find the fragrance you want, they will probably get it for you - and at no extra cost.

All candles are handmade and hand poured at the time you order to ensure freshness. Besides the 8 oz candle tin I received, Scents in Soy have soy candles in 4 oz tins and 16 oz jars, soy tarts, lotions, room and body mists, bath salts, and more. Imagine all of those pampering goodies scented in chocolate... delicious!

The Giveaway
Scents in Soy are giving away a 8 oz soy candle tin to one reader of this blog! The winner will choose the fragrance.

To enter, please visit the Scents in Soy shop on Etsy and comment below with something you like.

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 an 8 oz soy candle tin from Scents in Soy! #Giveaway ends 12/6 #contests #Etsy #holidays #gifts #handmade @aitmama http://tiny.cc/k17ps" – you may do this once a day; 
• add Scents in Soy to your Etsy favorites;
• tweet this: "Celebrate all things chocolate with The 12 Days of Chocolate! #Reviews & #giveaways going on now @aitmama @BrokenTeepee http://tiny.cc/yg2dl"; 
• grab our button for The 12 Days of Chocolate from the right sidebar and tell me where to find it;
• get 2 extra entries for every time you spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate and left a comment here;
• enter the Scents in Soy giveaway at Broken Teepee;
• follow Broken Teepee on Google, Twitter @BrokenTeepee, or subscribe to their feed - one entry for each; 
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 6, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+, no PO boxes, please. 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.

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.

On the third day of chocolate, I baked some brownies for you! Well, I actually baked them on Thanksgiving, and I even saved you a piece picture. Isn't it scrumptious?

I made the brownies using the Chocolate Brownie Mix from Pamela's Products. There are several recipes on the package, and I picked the one with apple sauce and no oil. The batter was very easy to make, it was thick and the brownies came out moist and flavorful. My kids enjoyed the brownies with some vanilla ice cream on the side - delicious!

The brownie mix is wheat and gluten-free, just as all Pamela's Products. Its main ingredients are molasses and honey, brown rice flour, and cocoa powder. There are also organic chocolate chunks - pure bliss for the chocolate lover.

The other product we received from Pamela's Products was their Simplebites Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies. These cookies are small, just as the name suggests, and were gone in a flash. My family found them tasty, just the right balance between crunchy and chewy, and quite addictive. The cookies come in a 7 oz re-sealable bag - that is, if you have any left over to need to close the bag. They are non-dairy, besides wheat and gluten-free.

Whether you have allergies and dietary restrictions or not, Pamela's Products are something you should try for yourself. You can find them online as well as at natural food and grocery stores.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win Simplebites Extreme Chocolate Mini Cookies and Chocolate Brownie Mix from Pamela's Products!

To enter, please comment below what else from Pamela's Products 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 yummy #chocolate goodies from @PamelasProducts and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 12/5 #contests #food #holidays #gifts http://tiny.cc/tjwc6" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @PamelasProducts on Twitter; 
• get an extra entry if you like Pamela's Products on Facebook; 
• sign up for the Pamela's Products newsletter;
• tweet this: "Celebrate all things chocolate with The 12 Days of Chocolate! #Reviews & #giveaways going on now @aitmama @BrokenTeepee http://tiny.cc/yg2dl"; 
• grab our button for The 12 Days of Chocolate and tell me where to find it;
• get 2 extra entries for every time you spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate and left a comment here;
• enter the Pamela's Products giveaway at Broken Teepee;
• follow Broken Teepee on Google, Twitter @BrokenTeepee, or subscribe to their feed - one entry for each; 
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 5, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+, no PO boxes, please. 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.

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

I had never heard about babka cake until I discovered Aunt Ida's. Boy, had I missed out!

Aunt Ida's makes all-natural gourmet foods that are kosher and delicious. I tried their Chocolate Babka, a true dessert revelation. Once I got a taste, I simply could not get enough. My whole family loved it - and not just because it combines chocolate with pastry dough that melts in your mouth. The Chocolate Babka cake is a roll of flavor and decadence that has the perfect degree of sweetness - and don't get me started on the chocolate. I have one word for you: amazing!

Aunt Ida's Chocolate Babka is a combination of chocolate chip Danish and traditional-style Russian coffee cake. It is so addictive that although one cake serves six, once you try it you will not want to share. It freezes well but there is no chance this Chocolate Babka ever sees the inside of my freezer. It's way too delicious for that!

Buy a few - they only cost $12 - and give a loaf of Aunt Ida's Chocolate Babka to your nearest and dearest. Then be prepared to do it over and over again because once people try it, they'll have it on their wish list every year.

The Giveaway
One very lucky person will win an Aunt Ida's Chocolate Babka!

To enter, please comment below what other Aunt Ida's product you want 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: "Enter to #win yummy #Chocolate Babka from @AuntIdas and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 12/4 #contests #food #holidays #gifts http://tiny.cc/a0xgb" – you may do this once a day;
• follow @AuntIdas on Twitter;
• tweet this: "Celebrate all things chocolate with The 12 Days of Chocolate! #Reviews & #giveaways going on now @aitmama @BrokenTeepee http://tiny.cc/yg2dl"; 
• grab our button for The 12 Days of Chocolate and tell me where to find it;
• get 2 extra entries for every time you spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate and left a comment here;
• enter the Chocolate Babka giveaway at Broken Teepee;
• follow Broken Teepee on Google, Twitter @BrokenTeepee, or subscribe to their feed - one entry for each; 
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 4, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 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.

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 hope everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and a fun Black Friday (if you are in the U.S., that is). Now let's go back to some exciting giveaways! The 12 Days of Chocolate have started around here, and the Holiday Gift Guide 2010 is in full swing. Link some giveaways, and have fun entering!

November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and also the time many of us shop for holiday gifts. This year, you can help raise funds to support Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF). Sleepwear manufacturer Komar has created a fun way to do so through its non-profit foundation, PJs For The Cure.

Through this program, Komar will donate 100% of all sales from PJs For The Cure to the JDRF to help fund diabetes research. We can help raise awareness about a disease that each year affects more than 15,000 children in the U.S. alone.

Komar has the cutest PJs for women and children, and by purchasing one you can combine philanthropy with holiday gift giving! Komar aims to donate $1 million to the JDRF and they need our help to reach this ambitious goal.

My personal favorites are the matching mother-daughter PJs - how cute are the Scotty Dog prints? I also love the blue circle print for women, and all kids' PJs are just adorable.

The Giveaway
One of my readers will win a pair of pajamas from the PJs for the Cure collection!

To enter, please comment below how you plan to give back during the holiday season.

You may do any and all of the following for extra entries:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win Komar pajamas from the PJs for the Cure collection! #holidays #gifts #kids #Giveaway ends 12/10 #contests @aitmama http://tiny.cc/yg2dl" – you may do this once a day; 
• share which PJs from the PJs for the Cure collection are your favorite;
• get an extra entry if you like PJs for the Cure on Facebook;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 10, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 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.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I wrote this post while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Komar and PJs For The Cure and received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Gift baskets make a great gift for anyone but especially for those people on my list whom I really don't know that well. Every year, I get a nice gift basket for each of my kids' teachers. They also make excellent gift ideas for bosses, coworkers and relatives, for friends who have everything, and more.

Gourmet Gift Baskets carry a huge selection of gift baskets - from holiday baskets to gourmet foods, care packages, flowers and plants to specialty themes. I received the Nutcracker Drum Christmas Gift Basket, just in time for the holiday season. The basket arrived securely packaged and in perfect condition for giving, including a red, white and green ribbon. All I need to add is one of our holiday cards - and voila, a nice gift, no need to struggle with wrapping paper! I can also have it shipped directly and even choose a delivery date. How easy is that!

The basket includes a delicious selection of goodies:

• Red Nutcracker Cookie by Nikki's Cookies - .75 oz. - An all natural sugar cookie covered in dark chocolate, shaped like a nutcracker.
• Green Nutcracker Cookie by Nikki's Cookies - .75 oz. - Another chocolate nutcracker cookie of Nikki's boasts ingredients like Wisconsin farmer's butter.
• Chocolate Peppermint Cookie Brittle by Holly Baking Co. - 6 oz.
• Peanut Brittle by Old Dominion Peanut Company - 10 oz.
• Butter Wafers by Lady Walton - 2 oz.
• White Chocolate Amaretto Filled Wafers by Lady Walton - 2 oz.
• English Toffee Caramels by Marich - 2.1 oz. - Milk chocolate surrounds toffee flavored caramel. Do we need to say more?
• Peanut Roll by Dillon's Gourmet - 3 oz.
• Praline Pecans by Dillon's Gourmet - 2.5 oz. 

Since we are celebrating all things chocolate, I will confess that the chocolate and caramel combo is one of my favorite ways to enjoy milk chocolate. The English Toffee Caramels by Marich are so good, I did not want to share! The white chocolate amaretto wafers are a delight, and the other goodies did not disappoint, either.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader of this blog will win a Nutcracker Drum Christmas Gift Basket - a $49.99 value!

To enter, please "like" Gourmet Gift Baskets on Facebook and leave a comment below.

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

• browse their gift baskets and let them know on their Facebook wall what's your favorite, then comment below what you picked;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Enter to #win a #gift basket from @gmtgiftbaskets and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 12/3 #contests #food #xmas #holidays http://tiny.cc/izd5h" – you may do this once a day;
• tweet this: "Celebrate all things chocolate with The 12 Days of Chocolate! #Reviews & #giveaways going on now @aitmama @BrokenTeepee http://tiny.cc/yg2dl"; 
• grab our button for The 12 Days of Chocolate and tell me where to find it;
• get 2 extra entries for every time you spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate and left a comment here;
• enter the Gourmet Gift Baskets giveaway at Broken Teepee;
• follow Broken Teepee on Google, Twitter @BrokenTeepee, Facebook, or subscribe to their feed - one entry for each; 
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 3, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. and Canada residents 18+. 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.

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.

Are you ready for The 12 Days of Chocolate? You'd better be because they start tomorrow! And here is our schedule for the sweet event:

11/26: Gourmet Gift Baskets
11/27: Aunt Ida's
11/28: Pamela's Products
11/29: Katz Gluten Free and ScentsinSoy
11/30: Food Should Taste Good
12/01: Bubble Chocolate
12/02: Rosa's Fudge and Hachette Book Group
12/03: Hershey's
12/04: Eco Lips and Happy Goat Soap
12/05: cacao sweets and treats
12/06: Chocolate Pizza Company
12/07: King Arthur Flour

If you have not helped us spread the word yet, you still have time to do so today! Grab our button, tweet, blog, tell your friends and leave a comment here to qualify for extra entries in the delicious 12 Days of Chocolate giveaways.

Hooray for all things chocolate!

I love my coffee and tea. That first sip of delicious aromatic brew first thing in the morning? Pure bliss! There's nothing that spoils it more than burning my tongue on the hot liquid. My day is just not off to a good start after that.

I own about a dozen travel mugs and use one every day. My BRUGO mug is not just the best looking one in the bunch - although who can resist this beauty and its warm color, aptly called Passion? My BRUGO also makes sure I bypass the dangers of burning my mouth. And, to top it off, BRUGO never spills a drop. I can leave it lying flat on the seat next to me when driving, I can toss it in my purse or backpack - no spills, no mess. I have one word for you: leakproof!

What makes BRUGO so great? On the outside, my BRUGO looks like a very stylish travel coffee mug. On the inside, it packs a temperature control chamber - the top of the mug has a little compartment where my coffee, tea, or hot chocolate is cooled down from scalding hot to drinkable. It's an innovative travel mug that cools down my drink sip by sip while keeping the rest of it warm. All it takes is a little tip, a little swish, and voila - coffee perfection. It's no wonder that BRUGO is my best friend in the morning and throughout the day.

BRUGO comes in a variety of beautiful colors. It holds 2 cups of coffee - exactly my morning dose of caffeine. In semi-tech speak, it has an ergonomic grip and double-wall insulation. Oh, and I can use it the old-fashioned way if I want to - sip without the tip-swish movement because the lid has three positions: lock (closed), tip & cool, and sip (with or without cooling).

BRUGO is hands down the best travel mug I've ever owned. My only problem with it is that everyone who sees it wants it! My family. My friends. My kids' teachers. Strangers in the coffee shop. Everyone wants a BRUGO! I tell them - don't ask Santa for one, just buy it for yourself and for that dozen of people who are on top of your holiday gift list. It's the perfect seasonal gift - the best $20 present you can get for anyone who drinks coffee, tea, or cocoa on the go. When ordering, remember to specify LEAKPROOF, because they have an older version that is not - although it does have all the other great BRUGO features.

Besides, BRUGO is always running promotions, and right now, I can get 25% off a purchase of two or more mugs, plus free shipping on orders over $50. And they ship worldwide!

The Giveaway
I know you want your own BRUGO! One lucky person will win a BRUGO travel mug.

To enter,  please comment below with your favorite Brugo color.

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

• follow @BrugoMug on twitter;
• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "Enter to #win an innovative @BrugoMug, great #holidays #gifts! #Giveaway open #worldwide ends 12/13 @aitmama #contests http://tiny.cc/yg2dl" – you may do this once a day;
• get 2 extra entries if you like BRUGO on Facebook - leave 2 separate comments;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 13, 2010, 11:59pm EST. The winner will be randomly selected and notified by e-mail. They will have 48 hours to get back to me, or alternates will be chosen. Subject to this site's Official Rules. Open worldwide.

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.

• Bic Hybrid Advance
• Venus
• Gillette Venus Tropical
• Bic Soleil Twilight
• Schick Quattro for Women
• Gillette Fusion Proglide
• Schick Hydro 3
• Schick Hydro 5
• Bic Comfort 3 Advance
• Gillette Mach 3
• Gillette Mach 3 Turbo
• Gillette Atra
• Gillette Sensor
• Gillette Fusion
• Schick Quattro 

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Oliver's Labels makes high quality waterproof labels and tags that are dishwasher and laundry safe, and are made to never fade, scuff or peel.

We received a sample set of labels personalized with my daughter's name and the butterflies design. The background colors are pastel and look beautiful. The quality of the labels and printing is excellent, and they stick securely on clothing, shoes and school supplies. The set included Original labels that are dishwasher-safe, their smaller version the Mini labels, Stick-eez clothing labels and a set of shoe labels. The shoe labels are shaped like little feet which my daughter found very cute. Something I love about Stick-eez labels is that they do not need to be ironed on clothes and do not fall off even after many trips to the laundry. They simply attach to the care tag and are small enough to fit even the small tags of baby clothes.

Besides the outstanding quality and design, my favorite feature of Oliver's Labels is that each label comes with a unique code. This Found-it tracking system can be used to trace the item back to the owner, without having to list a last name, phone number, or address information on the labels. If someone happens to find a lost item, they can contact Oliver's Labels online and the company will get in touch with the owner via email.

My kids do not have allergies but if yours do, you may be interested in the Allergy designs that allow parents to communicate potentially life-saving information about their children's allergies. In addition to the labels I mentioned, Oliver's Labels make personalized large and small bag tags, custom photo labels, safety wristbands and more. Last but not least, Oliver's Labels offers free shipping on orders over $30.

If you are looking for a great gift for a family with kids, consider purchasing an Oliver's Labels gift card. As a parent, I can very much appreciate a gift that will help keep my children's belongings away from the lost-and-(never)found pile - and do so with quality and style.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

Only three days to go until the beginning of The 12 Days of Chocolate! Broken Teepee and Just Another New Blog are bringing to you reviews and giveaways of decadent things chocolate. We will be featuring different products daily. Each giveaway will only last 7 days, and there will be plenty of those - so make sure to come back often and find out what surprises we have in store.

We've had a blast finding and trying out some wonderful products, and we invite you to join the fun on Friday, November 26 for 12 days in a row. Hooray for chocolate!

Remember to grab our magnificent chocolate button and help spread the word - find out how and why here.

My kids were never fussy eaters when they were babies. Through the toddler years, they kept eating pretty much everything - just not consistently every time I offered it. One day they loved carrots, the next day they hated them. One day we are all about chicken, the next day we are not. Sometimes it seemed the more new foods they tried, the pickier they got.

So Easy Toddler Food by Joan Ahlers and Cheryl Tallman provides practical advice to help parents through the picky eating stage. The three dozen recipes in the book are easy to make and kid-friendly. There are recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, salads, sides, soups and desserts. I found variations of some dishes my kids love - banana strawberry smoothie, breakfast burrito, quesadilla, homemade pizza, and more. In other recipes we've already tried, I discovered cool ideas about presenting the food - how smart is Sand Castle Couscous? As a mom, I know that if kids like what the food looks like, they are more likely to eat it.

The cookbook also includes some interesting recipes that I plan to make soon - Tropical Summer Soup, Frosted Zucchini, Avocado and Orange Salad. All recipes provide nutritional information and the number of toddler or adult servings, and most come with great menu ideas. I love the beautiful photos of each dish. My kids looked at the pictures and wanted to try everything!

So Easy Toddler Food Cookbook is available in English or Spanish at Fresh Baby for $8.95.

The Giveaway
One lucky U.S. reader will win a copy of So Easy Toddler Food Cookbook!

To enter, please comment below what's your kids - or yours - favorite food.

You may do any and all of the following for extra entries:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win So Easy Toddler Food Cookbook from @FreshBabyBiz and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 12/2 #contests #books #kids #food http://tiny.cc/kx44s" – you may do this once a day; 
• follow @FreshBabyBiz on Twitter;
• comment below which recipe you'd like to try;
• grab The 12 Days of Chocolate button from the right sidebar and tell me where to find it;
• help spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 2, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 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.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure.

In my family, finding something to talk about at the dinner table, in the car, or anyplace at all has never been a problem. Although we are all good talkers - and some of us are even good listeners - sometimes our conversations revolve around the same topics, day in and day out.

Family Talk, an award-winning game from Around the Table, offers much needed inspiration to families looking for conversation topics. The game includes 100 cards with open-ended questions that can make great conversation starters. The cards are portable, held together by a metal ring, and include many interesting topics. Depending on the age of your kids and your family dynamics, you may use them all or take out the ones you'd rather discuss at a later date. Although we are all great talkers in my family, I found plenty of interesting questions that I never thought to ask my kids.

The game is recommended for anyone over the age of 3, and sells for $9.99. It's one of six similar card games (plus two in a bilingual English - Spanish version) created by Around the Table Games. The company was founded in 2006 by Beth Daniels, mom and occupational therapist. The other games include Grandparent Talk, Camp Talk, Teen Talk and more. These games would make a fun activity for a rainy day, on a long trip or just about anywhere and anytime you need to jumpstart family conversations.

Connect with Around the Table on Facebook and Twitter.

Deal Alert
Use coupon code THANKYOU to get 20% off purchases on Aroundthetablegames.com.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader will win a game from Around the Table! The winner may choose any one of the individual games.

To enter, please share what you like to talk about at the dinner table.

You may do any and all of the following for extra entries:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win a conversation game from @AroundtheTable and @aitmama - gr8 #family #holiday #gift! #Giveaway ends 12/2 #contests http://tiny.cc/jz0t2" – you may do this once a day; 
• follow @AroundtheTable on Twitter;
• comment below which game you'd pick if you won;
• grab The 12 Days of Chocolate button from the right sidebar and tell me where to find it;
• help spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 2, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 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.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure. Sponsored by Tomoson.com

Book Description
New York Times bestselling author Karen Hawkins delivers the first book in a sparkling spin-off Regency series featuring the Hurst siblings - two of whom were the heroines in Sleepless in Scotland and The Laird Who Loved Me .

Michael Hurst is obsessed with an ancient Hurst family amulet and is determined to find it after all these years. During his search he disappears, and his younger brothers set out to find him, leaving their sister Mary at home. When a message arrives that he is being held prisoner and will be released only if his family returns a black onyx box covered in runes, Mary sets out to retrieve the item from their friend and fellow antiquarian, Angus Erskine.

But when she arrives in Scotland, nothing is as she expects. The keeper of the box, the sexy-as-sin Earl of Mar, believes her to be an impostor sent to seduce him. Mary refuses to leave until confirmation of her story arrives from a mutual friend. As the artifact continues to be threatened by thieves, the two must work together to keep it safe long enough to get her brother back—all the while trying to guard their hearts from an unexpected love.

My Review
This is my first encounter with Karen Hawkins, and now she is on my romance-to-read list. I am in luck because One Night in Scotland is the first of hopefully many books centered around the same family.

This book has all the ingredients of a fun historical romance - a smart, feisty heroine who defies the conventions of her time with her intellect and wit, a dark, handsome and brooding aristocrat with a painful past, adventure, secrets and a dangerous mission, and plenty of sparks flying around. I enjoyed the secondary characters as well - Mary's maid and Angus's butler contribute a lot to the natural flow of the story. It's an easy and entertaining read, and I can't wait for more books from this series.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: Book description and cover art courtesy of the publisher. I received a complimentary copy of the book with no obligation for a positive review. No compensation - monetary or in kind - has been obtained for this post.

I love the taste and texture of whole wheat bread. We stopped buying white bread years ago. Right now, my family is getting used to eating whole wheat pasta. I like whole wheat pizza, too but my husband drew the line there, and the kids followed. 


I've been experimenting with various whole wheat flours when baking at home. Tropical Traditions offer Organic Whole Wheat Bread Flour that I wanted to try out. This flour is stoneground, made from hard red spring wheat that is USDA certified organic. Great River Organic Milling, the manufacturer, uses natural granite stones for milling their flours.  The flour retains all the germ and lightly sifts off the bran. 


I used the flour to bake some bread in my bread machine, and it came out thick and hearty, very flavorful and simply delicious. Next on my list is making some pizza dough out of it to try and get my family to like whole wheat pizza. Then maybe get even bolder with whole wheat cookies, brownies or muffins... 


Deal Alert 
Right now, Tropical Traditions Organic Stone-Ground Whole Wheat Bread Flour is on sale at $8.84 for a 5 lbs bag.  If 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.

The Giveaway
Tropical Traditions are generously giving away a 5 lbs bag of Organic Stone-Ground Whole Wheat Bread Flour 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 of #Organic Whole Wheat Bread Flour from @troptraditions and @aitmama! #Giveaway ends 12/1 #contests #food http://tiny.cc/t7rxo";
• follow Tropical Traditions on twitter;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 1, 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. The winner will receive their prize directly from the sponsor.

Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of the flour, 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 host a product giveaway in return for the free product. 

I've taken yoga classes and try to keep up with what I've learned at home. Whether I am at the studio or in front of the TV with my yoga DVD on, it's important to have the right equipment.

I received a yoga mat and rosin bag from Aurorae Yoga. The Northern Lights Yoga Mat has a stunning design and its quality is superior to other yoga mats I've used. The mat is thick and long, and just looking at the beautiful colors relaxes me. It features a golden sun focal icon and it's biodegradable and phthalates free.

The Slip Free Rosin Bag is the perfect accessory to complement any yoga routine. It is intended to help prevent slipping on the mat, increase gripping power and absorb perspiration. The rosin should be applied to hands and feet before you start and can be added as needed during exercises. It can also be put directly on the mat. The rosin materials used in the bag are derived from natural sources.

Whether you are a beginner or advanced yoga enthusiast, check out Aurorae products. They are available on Amazon, and orders over $25 ship for free. Aurorae yoga mats include illuminating colors, focal point icon, extra long and extra thick yoga mats as well as yoga bags, and yoga accessories. Browse their best reviewed yoga mats, yoga bags and yoga accessories for all your yoga needs.

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

JUMBiES are cute little stuffed animals that got jumbled up when the storks that carried the babies crashed. Each is a mix of two different animals. Duckey, my favorite, is a mix between a duck and a monkey. The moosecow named Yuri is a moose / cow. Each toy comes with a storybook and has its own DOJ - Date of Jumble.

The JUMBiES are between 5 and 7 and a half inches tall, and you can get an adorable Duckey tee shirt in white or a Horsefly tee in pink for your little JUMBiES fan. So far, there are 12 JUMBiES, with more on the way. These cute plush animals make nice stocking stuffers, party favors, or just-because gifts for kids - and for those grown up collectors who own tons of stuffed animals.

My kids enjoyed the coloring pages with JUMBiES pictures that can be downloaded from the site. There are also cartoons, animations and fun games to play online.

The Giveaway
One lucky reader of this blog will win two JUMBiES!

To enter, please comment below which JUMBiES is your favorite.

You may do any and all of the following for extra entries:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win 2 cute @JUMBiES #toys #holidays #gifts for the #kids or for yourself! #Giveaway ends 12/1 #contests @aitmama http://tiny.cc/yg2dl" – you may do this once a day; 
• follow @JUMBiES on Twitter;
• grab The 12 Days of Chocolate button from the right sidebar and tell me where to find it;
• help spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 1, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 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.

Disclaimer / Disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Tomoson Product review & giveaway Disclosure. Sponsored by Tomoson.com

M&M's require no introduction. I've had them in cookies, as M&M's peanuts, M&M's pretzels, with popcorn, and by the handful. We get them for Halloween, Valentine's Day, in gift baskets and candy dishes. This year, you can sweeten the holiday season with some personalized or holiday themed M&M's.

Personalized M&M's can be a sweet stocking stuffer for anyone in the family, for your friends and coworkers. They are inexpensive, come in fun packaging, and can be customized with holiday-themed clip art, messages and even photos. I received some holiday themed M&Ms in festive white, green and red. On one side, they had the familiar "m" and on the other - a snowflake, Merry Xmas, or Happy Holidays.

My kids love M&M's. I would get some pink and purple ones - my daughter's favorite colors - with fun pictures, such as a snowman, snowflakes, or even photos. These would be a great little surprise to find in their stockings, and will look so good in our candy dish. You can choose up to 3 colors, and add a personalized message in one of three fonts. And if you are wondering how many words you can fit on a tiny chocolate candy - it's up to 2 lines of 9 characters each, including spaces. Enough for Hugs and Kisses, Happy Holidays, and more.

Then there's the packaging. From a clear box to silver tins, holiday stocking, red or green plushie,  M&M's mug, glass bowl, holiday bear, and more - you can pick the packaging that best fits the person getting these yummy M&M's goodies.

Deal Alert
Right now, if you buy 3 bags of custom-printed M&M's, you get the fourth free.

The Giveaway
Two lucky readers will each win two 7 oz bags of holiday themed M&M's!

To enter, please comment below what's the best stocking stuffer you ever gave or received.

You may do any and all of the following for extra entries:

• follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, feel free to copy and paste: "#Win #holiday-themed M&M's - 2 winners get 2 bags each! #Giveaway ends 12/1 #contests #gifts #food #chocolate @aitmama http://tiny.cc/pe6ta" – you may do this once a day; 
• grab The 12 Days of Chocolate button from the right sidebar and tell me where to find it;
• help spread the word about The 12 Days of Chocolate;
• go here for additional ways to get extra entries.

The deadline to enter is December 1, 2010, 11:59pm EST. Open to U.S. residents 18+. 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.

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