Category Archives: Reviews

The Answer to Maternity Active Wear ~ Jakfish Eamon Hoodie Review and Giveaway

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JakfishStamp (2)It’s hard finding comfortable active wear when you’re pregnant. Sure, you could resort to wearing oversized shirts that don’t fit anywhere but over the growing bump or you could wear your regular clothes until they stretch no further and your belly pokes out from underneath your shirt every time you move. I’ll admit I’ve fallen victim to both fashion crimes in the past, but never again! Why? Because now I know that there is a company out there that makes active wear for pregnant women!

eamon_hoodie2_copyI was recently sent the Eamon Hoodie from Jakfish to review. I wasn’t sure what to expect at first and was pleasantly surprised when the package arrived. The Eamon Hoodie is made of a lightweight Polartec Power Stretch. It has a body hugging 4-way stretch that wicks away moisture, is highly breathable and is wind and abrasion resistant.

The hoodie is extremely comfortable. I have worn it both with and without other tops, and have been comfortable each and every time. I am currently 32 weeks pregnant and have a 17 month old as well, so it’s not often that I am sitting still. Despite the cold weather we have been having here in the Midwest, it’s also not often that I wear a long sleeved top. I’m always hot and it’s not uncommon to see me running around at home in a tank top. I feared that the Eamon hoodie would be too warm for me, but it wasn’t. In fact, I almost forgot that I was wearing something with long sleeves.

Some things that I love about the hoodie…
The side zips. They are so practical! I don’t need to open them all the way yet, but I have half zipped them to give me some more room to move. I love that the zippers stay in place. If I want it to be half zipped, it stays that way!
The hood. Let’s face it, it has been cold here in the Midwest and you need to have something on your head to stay warm. I’m not a big fan of wearing hats though, so the fitted hood works great for me!
It’s lightweight. You can wear it alone, with something underneath or something over it. I didn’t get sweaty or too hot, no matter how I wore it or what I did while wearing it.
It fit. Compared to some of the other options that are out, there it was nice to be able to wear a hoodie that didn’t expose parts of my belly when I lifted my arms and wasn’t so big that I felt like I was swimming in it. This top stretches and moves with me and I wasn’t constantly pulling and tugging on it like I do with some other tops that I have.

Overall, I am extremely happy with the hoodie. It’s great to wear no matter what you’re doing, whether that’s running around trying to catch up with a toddler, going for a walk outdoors or just taking it easy at home. Thank you to both MomActive and Jakfish the opportunity to do this review.

All Jakfish clothing is made in Vermont and is specifically designed to fit women throughout all the stages of pregnancy, while retaining all of the characteristics active people expect from performance clothing.  The clothing is made from Polartec® fabrics and in 2008, two Jakfish products won the Polartec APEX Award which is judged on innovation, design, style, workmanship, fit and functionality.

Enter to win a Jakfish Eamon Hoodie! Simply visit the Jakfish website and then come back here and let us know which item caught your eye!

Extra Entries: (leave a separate comment for each entry)

1. Subscribe to MomActive HERE

2. Fan MomActive on Facebook HERE

3. Tweet the following Tweet:

Pregnant? Enter to win the Eamon Hoodie from Jakfish @momactive http://bit.ly/clDTvv

or

I just entered to win a $106 Jakfish Eamon Hoodie from @momactive http://bit.ly/clDTvv


~Entries must be received by 12am EST March 12, 2010 ~

MomActive would like to thank Michaela of Mama Michie’s Musings for guest reviewing.  Michaela was compensated for this review via free product, the opinions stated above are hers based on her experience.  We wish her the best of health with her pregnancy!

Join me as I muse about my life as a wife, student and a SAHMama of a rambunctious toddler with another on the way. At Mama Michie’s Musings, you will find anything from teething to bugs, sleepless nights to stretch marks, reviews and giveaways and sometimes even more serious topics. It all depends on what’s on my mind and how much sleep I got the night before!

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Smart Moms Comparison Shop ~ UrbanStone

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Who doesn’t like to know if they are getting the best shopping deals possible? Comparison shopping is just plain smart. If you like to compare shopping prices take a look at UrbanStone.  This is a site that will be of interest to our UK readers.  Urban Stone.co.uk allows you to search for almost anything you could possibly want to compare the prices of.  Everything from clothing, accessories, electronics, appliances, computers, you name it.
In our family, we desperately need an extra freezer.  With three kids that are starting to eat us out of house and home I’ve been preparing meals in double, sometimes triple, batches and shopping in bulk at Costco.  I’d love to have a freezer chest in the garage. I searched the appliances category on UrbanStone for a freezer and pages upon pages of freezers popped up!  I was happy to see that I could narrow my search to freezer chests and from there I was able to narrow my search by size, price range, defrost types, and even by energy efficiency.  Once I honed in on what I wanted there were six stores to compare and the prices ranged from £281.00 – £440.00 That’s a huge difference in price!! This would be the perfect site for someone building house or renovating a kitchen, you could compare the costs for dishwashers, freestanding cookers, hobs , kitchen hoods, microwave ovens, gas and electric ovens, and refrigerators. Not only can you comparison shop for the best prices but most of the products have been rated and reviewed by actual customers.  So you get a great price and a proven product. My husband is one lucky guy, I may drive him batty with frugality but I sure have saved him some serious money of the years!
So, what are you in the market for?  Search UrbanStone and compare before you head out to make any purchases!

*I was compensated for this post.  All opinions are mine and based on my experience.

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WebKinz Jr. Review and Giveaway!

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webkinzREVIEW BY KAT ROBERTSON: My four year old absolutely loves getting things in the mail, so you can imagine the excitement that overcame her when she realized that she had received *gasp* a PACKAGE from WebKinz, Jr.! She pulled out the contents to find “Princess” which is what she named her soft, fluffy purple monkey that has barely left her side since. Attached to Princess’ arm was a card which unlocked a world of fun – and responsibility – online! I have to say that although I was interested in testing this out, I wasn’t sure I was going to be impressed. I don’t typically allow my 4 year old to have computer time because it ends up being stressful for me. She doesn’t know very well how to navigate everything and I end up having to *do* it all for her rather than her have fun playing on her own. This system was so easy for her to get the hang of, she was in her own little Kinzville world in no time!

webkinz2Avalyn was able to learn how to care for someone else’s needs by caring for her pet virtually. She watched Princess’ levels on the meters that represented her happiness, health, hunger, and energy. When Princess needed love/stimulation, food, sleep, or hygiene-related attention (bathroom, etc), Avalyn could provide those things for her. She fed her, played with her, brushed her teeth, bathed her, put her to sleep… She was also able to take her around Kinzville to school, the bakery, the park, the post office, the ‘caring’ center, the store, the playhouse, and of course – home! Once home, she could navigate around to Princess’ bedroom, the bathroom, the playroom, and the kitchen.

Not only could she earn KinzCoins through certain activities, but she could take Princess to the store to purchase items using what she had earned – food, toys, clothes, and even decorations for their house! There were hours of fun available for Ava and Princess – hours during which Avalyn had no idea that she was actually LEARNING life skills in the process :) That’s a double score for WebKinz, Jr.! Their system also allows parents to access their own account through which their child is able to send them greeting cards, which my daughter LOVED to do. WebKinz, Jr. also provides an option of upgrading to a Deluxe membership which unlocks even more learning capabilities – and reporting features for parents to track their child’s progress. There are so many functions provided in this software that it is impossible for me to cover them all, but I highly recommend that you try it out for yourself.

Want to try WebKinz, Jr. out for your child?

They are offering one lucky reader the chance to win one of their very own WebKinz, Jr. pets! Here’s how to enter:

(REQUIRED) Visit Webkinz Jr. website and take a look around!  Click on the catalogue and browse the different available plush animals – come back here and leave a comment and tell us what animal you think your child would choose and why.

Extra Entries – please leave a separate comment for each entry.

1. Subscribe to  MomActive.com in a reader .

2. Subscribe to our monthly newsletter HERE.

3. Follow @momactive on twitter.

4. Visit For the Love of Chaos and subscribe to Kat’s Newsletter

5. Tweet the following message (leave separate comments)

Win a Webkinz Jr. on MomActive.com ~ Adorable plush & membership in virtual world! http://bit.ly/84mWLp

***Winner will be chosen 12pm EST Fri. January 29, 2010***

CONGRATULATIONS TO LT ~ She has won the Webkinz Jr. giveaway!

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Join us!! Virtual Book Launch Event with Daddy Bookins

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front cover Our very own Daddy Bookins of PeasandBananas.com has finally released his first childrens book Outside with Lil’ Boo!  We are so proud to announce an exciting virtual book launch event that will be held January 28th 8-10pm EST. boo

Twitter Party #LilBoo ~ 8-9pm ET ~ Reading to Children – we’ll discuss early childhood development and the importance of reading aloud to our children.

MomTV MomActive Channel ~ 9-10pm ET ~ Meet the Author!  Daddy Bookins will answer questions and discuss the book Outside with Lil Boo.

Follow @banteringblonde @childhood @peasandbananas @savorthethyme @momactive


RSVP on Mcklinky below using your TWITTER ID and Enter to Win LOTS of great prizes including:

Autographed copies of Outside with Lil’ Boo

Huge gift basket from Earth’s Best

Webkinz Jr. from Ganz

$50 Amazon gift card

$25 Starbucks gift card

$50 gift card for Label Daddy from The PR Place

Keurig Platinum Brewer and K-cups

Gift card for Planetshoes.com

e.l.f French Manicure Kit

…………and stay tuned for several super surprise items!!!

images n43081595964_864 starbucks webkinzjr planet shoes

keurig vert.ashx label daddy elf



MckLinky Blog Hop

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Win a Yes! To Cookies Gift Pack

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I personally know many people who could benefit from knowing about Yes! to Cookies, as they are afflicted with health conditions that give them glucose and gluten problems. So when a box filled to the brim with these treats arrived at my house, I quickly opened them to give them a good ole’ taste test.

Since I have become a chocoholic over the years and am not a huge fan of anything strawberry-flavored, I preferred the Coco-Licious over the Strawberry-Banana Blitz cookies. But I didn’t want to rely solely on just my tastebuds, so I shared the Yes! To Cookies samples with some girlfriends. They all said they were tasty, but just like me, they would pick the chocolate ones over the strawberry. However, when one of my friends shared them with her relatives, many of whom suffer from Celiac Disease, they gave both flavors a thumbs up.
What I find most important than taste when it comes to these products is the fact that they offer people, who might otherwise not be able to eat desserts, an option to quench their sweet tooth.

Facts about Yes! To Cookies:

  • 1st cookie made from fiber instead of sugar
  • Made with premium, all natural ingredients
  • Fresh baked without high calorie starch
  • Zero sugar, fructose, or corn syrup
  • Zero Gluten (wheat gluten is replaced with calorie free, heart healthy fiber)
  • A low-carb cookie option

So if you know someone who is unable to eat cookies due to blood sugar, gluten, or weight problems, this is the answer they’ve been waiting for. Yes! To Cookies will allow them to eat cookies and not exacerbate their health conditions.

You can win a Yes! To Cookies gift pack of your own, which includes (2) containers of ready to eat cookies (one of each flavor) and (2) boxes of cookie mix (one of each flavor) by visiting my blog, The (Un)Experienced Mom for details on how to enter this giveaway.

This giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada only. It ends 12/28/09 at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be picked by using Random.org and notified by email.

*I received samples of Yes! To Cookies to review. This review is my honest opinion and I was not compensated in any other manner. Please refer to my product review/giveaway policies for further information.

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10 Unique Maternity Gift Ideas (and giveaway!)

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This holiday season is moving fast, and now just 9 shopping days remaining until Christmas! It’s easy to find something nice for most family and friends at any ‘ol store…but what do you buy the mom to be in your life?  Eek! No offense guys, but you probably haven’t a clue, right?  Well, don’t just leave the  maternity gift-buying to the baby shower and go for your usual blender or slippers this year!

Here you will find a list of 10 fabulously unique maternity gift ideas.  Many of these gifts are under $50 which will work well for your limited Christmas gift budget.  A few are over $50 if you’re lookin’ to splurge on your special gal.  Most importantly though, and I’m sure you were waiting for this…all of these products are created and sold by, none other than mompreneurs!

Seriously though, these gift ideas are as functional and practical as they are one of a kind.  Each one is provided with a link to it’s respective website, where you can learn all about the product and shop.  Please note, I am NOT being compensated in any way by these companies.  However, The Diaper Clutch has graciously offered to sponsor at giveaway at The Pursuit of Mommyness.

And now what you all have been waiting for…drum roll please.  I present to you, the list:

  1. My Pregnancy Digi Time Capsule. Capture every crazy food craving and belly kick with this totally personalized, digital pregnancy journal. She can remember and share these precious moments forever. (starts under $50)
  2. Hot Mama Gowns. Giving birth is hard enough without having to endure it with an itchy, uncomfortable hospital-issued, tissue gown.  Give the gift of comfort and style! Check out this truly unique product.
  3. The Diaper Clutch. Create your own clutch with a variety of stylish prints and colors.  These are seriously cute! (under $50) the diaper clutch
  4. Comfy Shmumfy.  She can soothe her newborn to sleep with gentle touch of this super-soft mitten that even allows mothers real to and scent to come through. comfy shmumfy
  5. No Slip Charlie. Bath time is an important bonding time between mom and baby, these adorable and inexpensive bathing gloves allow for a safe bath time without compromising mom’s touch. (under $50)noslipcharlie
  6. Simple Wishes. This stylish and simple hands free pumping bra, allows women to multitask with ease and comfort. (under $50)
  7. Fluffy Bottom Babies. Cloth diapers are making a comeback! With a strong focus on preserving the environment and saving money in these tough economic times, cloth diapers seems a like a sensible choice for lots of moms these days. These aint your mother’s cloth diapers…you have check em’ out!
  8. Mom Agenda. Every mom and even every woman can relate to NOT having enough hours in the day, right? This planner designed specifically for moms, helps every woman organize her life, home and family with ease…because she needs all the help you can get! (under $50)
  9. Paci Plushies. Avoid the madness of losing the pacifier with these adorable pacifier holders. paciplushies-baby-the-bear.product(under $50)
  10. Babywearing.  Check out this great selection of babywearing retailers at Adventures in Babywearing. (and while you’re at it…recommend this blog to the pregnant gal you’re shopping for…she is sure to love it!

Don’t miss the GIVEAWAY of one of these items at The Pursuit of Mommyness!!

CLICK HERE FOR GIVEAWAY!!

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Stay Healthy This Holiday Season with Earth Footwear Exer-Walk Giveaway!

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Mom Certified Shoe Tester 125x125I was one of six women to participate in Earth Footwear’s Earth Exer-Walk “Change Your Body in 30 Days” Challenge.  I was a little skeptical about exactly what kind of changes I might see in my body over a period of just 30 days but I committed to wearing the shoes every day and went about my normal daily life and exercise routines.  I could tell that the muscles in my legs were working differently but I was really surprised when I took my measurements and realized that I had lost 2 inches in my hips!

Studies have shown that women wearing Earth Footwear burn 4x the fat than normal shoes.  The secret is in the patented Kalso Negative Heel Technology, which positions the toes 3.7º higher than the heels. The slight angle shifts your weight back over the heels, and helps strengthen and tone the body while also burning more calories.

Join us for a discussion with tips on how to enjoy a healthy holiday season!  I will be a panelist Tuesday December 1st for the Earth Footwear sponsored #GNO Twitter Party (9-11pm EST).   Enter the giveaway at Mom-it-Forward ~ Three lucky winners will win a pair of Earth Exer-Walk from @earthfootwear!

And lookie!  I’m famous — I’m in an Earth Footwear ad!  I’ll also be included in an ad that will run in Weight Watchers, Lucky & More Magazine!!  I just wish they had airbrushed “Fred”, that pesky zit that is always hanging out on the left side of my chin….

091120_NovDec_ExerWalk_EBlast_FINAL2

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100 Calorie Steak From Chef’s Requested. Try this tasty Steak Salad Recipe!

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We often think of steak as a meat high in fat and calories.  This can be the case when you compare to chicken or fish but honestly, sometimes you just need a little red meat!
I first learned about Chef’s Requested Flat Iron Grill Boneless Steak at Type A Mom Conference.  I was intrigued by the idea of a 100 calorie steak and was happy to test them out.  We were sent a package of steaks and when they arrived my husband acted like it was Christmas.  He fired up the grill and set about cooking them.  We ate them straight up off the grill with baked potato and broccoli.  They were quite good and definitely a decent portion size.  My hubby was over the moon.  We’ve been following Weight Watchers and he was really thrilled with the serving size and kept asking me if I was sure it was only 100 calories.  The next day I sliced up the leftovers and made a salad with some feta cheese and tomatoes.  Even the next day the steak was quite moist and tasty.
Try this easy low-cal Steak Salad recipe ….
  • 2 cups mixed salad greens
  • 1/8 cup low fat Feta or Goat cheese
  • 6 cherry tomatoes sliced in half
  • 1 Tbs chopped walnuts
  • 100 calorie Chef’s Requested Flat Iron Grill Boneless Steak – sliced
  • 2 tbs your favorite dressing – I love Walden Farms Calorie Free dressings

Want to try the 100 calorie Flat Iron Grill boneless steaks?  Chef’s Requested is offering a $3 off coupon – visit HERE – to download.

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Changing My Body In 30 Days

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I fell in love with Earth Footwear a few months ago just before the Type-A Mom Conference.  I purchased a pair of the Kalso light shoes because my buddy Leah from Bookieboo swore they were comfy and that I’d burn calories just by wearing them.  I’m an exercise freak but if I can tone and burn calories just by wearing a pair of shoes?   I’m all over it!  I was skeptical though.  I’ve spent a gazillion dollars on the ugliest MBT shoes you’ve ever seen, simply because my skinny minnie gal friends wear them.  Honestly, I don’t think they did much for me except that I did feel mighty tall in them.

So, you can imagine my surprise when I felt totally SORE after working out with Tracey Mallet and Leah at Type A Mom Conference Earth Footwear booth.  Keep in mind that I’m a strong girl that hits the gym hard consistently.  A fluke, perhaps … or not?

I was totally excited when Earth Footwear contacted me and asked if I’d like to participate in the “Change your Body in 30 days” program.  Who doesn’t want to change their body?

They sent me a pair of the new Exer-Walk shoe that will be released to the public in January.  (They “sent me” means FREE, just in case you are the FTC) It is a nice enough shoe – designed with the patented negative heel technology.  It’s a little heavier than the Kalso that I like so much but it’s a comfortable enough shoe.  I didn’t truly appreciate this shoe until today…. when I weighed in at Weight Watchers…. the week after Halloween.  Halloween is a chocolate infested holiday that holds my sweet-tooth hostage for a good week every year.  This year was no different and I fully expected to weigh in with a gain today.  BUT…. I neither gained nor lost and let me tell you friends, that is a victory!

I’ve been wearing my Exer-Walks for almost two weeks now and had definitely been noticing my glutes and inner thighs feeling a bit tighter.  I wasn’t giving them any credit for calorie burning though because it all seemed a little “black magic” to me.  I’m sold now though, because this weekend we were in the mountains doing our usual activity (we are active, keep in mind) and I wore my Exer-walks most of the weekend…. while shoving Twix, Snickers, and Milkyway chocolate into my trap for three days straight (not that there was any candy in the house earlier in the week …).  Honestly, I should have gained weight this weekend and I normally would have gained.  When I weighed in today with my jeans and winter gear I still hadn’t gained a single pound.  I was exactly the same weight I was last week.  Phew….  so, do I think it is because I burned 4 times more calories, as Earth Footwear claims?  I have no other explanation.  It has to be the shoes.  So, is my body changing two weeks in to a 30 day program?  I have to say yes, despite the chocolate train that threw me off track, I do think that wearing the Exer-Walk every day has made a difference.  I do feel that my legs are toning and for sure, I feel my glutes are tighter.  I’m a runner so I’ve only actually exer-walked three times in these shoes on the treadmill, but even just wearing them in my daily life has definitely made a difference.

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Banglz ~ Fitness Fashion Accessory Review

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Banglz are essentially traditional ankle and wrist weights covered in attractive fabrics. I was sent a set of the 1lb. ankle bands to try and when I first saw them I was a little skeptical. They aren’t exactly the most attractive fashion accessory but I was ultimately quite pleased with the product. I’ve actually worn them around the house for about two weeks and have even worn them to pick up my kids from school on occasion.

Muscle tissue is a key factor in weight maintenance and metabolism. I’m a huge fan of fitting in any kind of movement or exercise wherever you can, so even although the amount of weight is quite small, the resistance created by one pound on each leg is a nice addition to your normal workout. I wouldn’t strap these babies on and expect to magically become buff or drop 10 lbs. over night, but I like the idea that I’m doing something while carrying on with my normal routine.

You can actually buy different pattern fabric covers and switch it up a bit. I love my Banglz but there is one thing that I’d love to see: the 1 lb weight is a bit sissy for us athletic types. I’m a bit of an over achiever when it comes to working out and I could probably comfortably make it through my day with 3 lb weights on my ankles. So Banglz, PLEASE make us some heavier weights! There is a 20% coupon code on the website right now for early holiday shoppers. Be sure to use the code “trickortreat” before October 31st.

*This item was sent to me for FREE. I was under no obligation to write a review. The opinions expressed here are my opinion based on my experience with this product.

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