Down Syndrome Awareness month

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Smart Knit Socks review and giveaway

Remember my Smart Knit KIDS socks review and giveaway? Well... Smart Knit saw that I was so impressed with Ladybug's socks that I tried them on myself, and offered to send me a couple of adult pairs! Obviously I took them up on their offer [quite happily], so here's my review:

I love the material these socks are made of: they're soft, smooth, stretchy, and just altogether wonderful!

I must say that I was hoping for socks just like Ladybug's... just bigger. These are different in that they have heels, and don't fit quite as snugly. Personally, I'd prefer them to be simply larger kids' socks, but Fireman quite liked them how they are!

If I hadn't been spoiled by gawking over Ladybug's, I think I would have been blown away by these socks. When you have a certain idea in mind though, it's hard to change it :)

I found that these socks fit looser than I was expecting: perhaps because there's such a difference in adult sizes, and each sock is meant to fit a range, they're built to fit the middle sizes... though they work with smaller and larger too.

I have a relatively large foot for a woman- size 9.5 approximately. Because Fireman's got a 10.5/11 mens, we chose to review the Smart Knit size Medium in Active everyday wear. These were a bit loose on me [though certainly wearable], and fit Fireman like a glove. He's since stolen them, and claims innocently that they were obviously intended for him!

Smart Knit has once again been very generous, and is offering TWO winners THREE pairs of their own!!

To enter:

Go to Smart Knit and tell me which socks [a different pair than what we tried] you'd like to test!

For bonus entries:

-follow Household Treasures on Google friend

-be an email subscriber

-grab my button [two bonus!]

Contest open to both US and Canadian residents until 6pm PST on Oct 6th, 2009.

Preggie Pops- review

Three Lollies sent me a package of goodies to try: a box of Preggie Pops, and a container of Preggie Pop Drops.

Naturally flavored with essential oils, Preggie Pops are meant to reduce nausea in pregnant women. Three Lollies also produces Queasy Pops/Drops for use with motion sickness and chemotherapy that work in the same way!

I found the Preggie Pop/Drops to be quite effective with slight nausea. I'm unfortunately a woman that gets hit hard by hormones, and I'm sicker than a dog early on, but these did manage to help quite a bit more than expected, even during the worst bits.

I got the most use out of them during car rides [a horrible experience while dealing with morning sickness!]- they were phenomenal, and I plan to get some Queasy Pops for the future, when Fireman's and my genetics pass down to Ladybug and the poor girl is sick in the backseat.

The Preggie Pop Drops were my favorite, as they were a selection of sours. Green Apple was my favorite by far, though the others were just as mouth watering [I'd have Fireman looking over my shoulder hopefully!].

The Preggie Pops themselves weren't as well liked: there were a few flavors that made my nausea worse [ginger and peppermint for example], and the boxes I had [a friend gave me another] both had the candies melting off the stick... this made for a sticky mess when trying to open, and basically pointless to have on a stick after a few minutes.

All in all, I'd definitely recommend the Preggie Pop Drops. They also come in Organic [yay!], and all are naturally colored, so no worries about dyes.

Music Box kids' DVD - review and giveaway!

Ladybug was sent a copy of Music Box to review.

Music Box is a children's DVD that's purposely different than any other children's movie out there- Benedicte Schoyen, the brains behind the idea, didn't want to 'dumb down' a movie for kids... she knows that children can learn to love Classical music [Ladybug does!], and purposely 'broke the rules' of kids entertainment by including it and slowing the tempo down. You won't have bright flashing colours or shapes in this movie- it's real people acting and dancing, and it's even more intriguing [to Ladybug anyways] than any cartoon or "children's" DVD we've seen!

Ladybug absolutely loves this DVD. We don't let her watch a lot of TV, though to be honest, when we have she's not interested, especially in shows meant for toddlers! I sat her down in front of the TV and pressed play, expecting to wrangle her back into position momentarily. Instead, she sat in place, and eagerly started wriggling when the music started! She pointed to the TV, quite excited, then relaxed back to watch. Several times I expected her to get up to walk away, but instead she was getting up to dance along!

It was really sweet to see her 'interaction' with Music Box- she would dance, wiggle to the music, and even waved goodbye at the end of the show. She loved all of the dances, though the 'port de bras' and the hip hop really got her 'grooving' along.

I am so impressed with Benedicte's vision for this. I am saddened by the lack of acceptance by the kids industry... they've told her that she needs to speed it up, edit to make it more visually entertaining [add bright lights, flashing colors, etc], and make the music 'lighter' [think pop instead of classical]. Benedicte has chosen to remain pure to her vision, and is wanting to show them that though they've been successful with their qualifications to date, they're not always right!

Benedicte's husband Ned Clark wrote all of the music you hear in Music Box; Benedicte got her education in dance from the Norwegian Opera, and now teaches UCLA Musical Theatre. You know with background like this that the movie has substance!

I highly, highly recommend you look into this DVD if your children watch TV. You'll be amazed at how receptive they are to it, and how much better you'll feel about letting them watch something 'real'. Boys as well as girls will like this, and as there's an high number of male dancers [and no, they're not 'girly'], you can be reassured that even the most uptight about gender roles will approve.

Benedicte has very generously offered THREE of my readers a copy of their own!

To enter:

Go to the Born to Play website and tell me something you've learned: it can be something else you're interested in, something new you didn't know/realize, etc.

To get bonus entries you may:

-follow Music Box on Twitter!

-purchase the DVD! [get 10 bonus entries- leave separate comments for each]

-blog about this giveaway or send an email to three friends> Make sure to include the link, and with the emails CC: laura@householdtreasuresblog.com [3 bonus each]

-follow Household Treasures on Google friends

-be an email subscriber

-grab my button [2 bonus]

Contest open to both US and Canadian residents until 6pm PST on Oct 5th, 2009.

mortal friends - book review!

mortal friends is written by Jane Stanton Hitchcock.

I was sent a copy to review, and immediately sat down to take care of the task.

Jane did a wonderful job pulling me into the story, and overall I quite enjoyed it. The ending had a terrific twist [that for once I didn't see coming!], so I was pleasantly surprised.

I'm not sure that I loved the book enough to go find more stories by the same author, but I may read this one again.

Worth checking out of the library? I'd say so.

ISBN: 978-0-06-117370-7

Bravado Nursing Bra review and giveaway!

Let me start with saying that this bra isn't just for nursing moms. I'm pregnant, and loving it! It's so comfy and supportive, but let me just get on with the review!

Bravado sent me a Body Silk Seamless Bra to review: targeted towards both expectant and nursing mothers [because of it's incredible comfort and give.. and support!], I thought it'd be a good one to try.

First of all, I loved the color. 'Lip Gloss' is a fun, fresh pink that's not so bold it pops through your clothing. It's fun, and I love it.

Beyond that... I was drawn to the Body Silk because of the description: "designed to melt onto your body, and give you comfort unlike any you've experienced from a bra before- nursing or not!" How can you not try it?!

It is so soft and fluid. It's made of microfibre, and is very stretchy. It felt reminiscent of an old sports bra of mine, which actually concerned me, as the sports bra didn't give any support [hence the 'old']. I was greatly relieved upon trying the Body Silk on! My tatas are significantly larger and heavier than usual [thank you hormones], and starting with a rather substantial set to begin with, it's difficult for me to find ultimate comfort and support all in one bra.

While I wouldn't wear the Body Silk on a jog, it's terrific for day to day, and a dream to sleep in. You know those bras you wear to bed, and everything just kinda slides together? Somehow this expertly designed bra holds things where they're supposed to be- no more sweaty uniboob! [even lieing on your side!!]

The bra is double thick, as there's a pocket inside to hold the molded foam cups. The cups are optional, and in my experience, weren't favorable. Perhaps it's because I'm constantly up and down, giving them more opportunity to shift, but I found I could see the outlines of them occasionally. As the double thick layer [still quite thin I'd like to say] disguised the worst of my nipple shows, I was quite happy to remove the pads [they're designed to take out], and Ladybug's been enjoying wearing them as hats since. :)

I was really enjoying my bra when I found out... Bravado is a Canadian company! Woo hoo! As a proud Canuck I had to share this information. These really are top quality.

The sizing is easy too: I have a hard enough time trying to find a bra that fits instore... so online shopping scares me! Luckily their bras adapt to fit many sizes/shapes, and they've got really helpful guidelines on their website. They've also got a number to call, to reach their certified fitters if you're still unsure! How's that for service?

Here's the most exciting bit... one reader gets to win their own!!!

To enter:

Go to Bravado and tell me what your favorite product is and why. If your favorite is the Body Silk, please also tell me another product that catches your eye!

For bonus entries:

-sign up for Bravado's newsletter: you'll receive contest and sale alerts!

-be an email subscriber to Household Treasures

-be a Household Treasures blog follower

-grab my button [two bonus!]

Contest is open to both US and Canadian residents until 6pm PST on October 5th, 2009.

Body Systems' Avocado Butter- review

I was sent a container of Body Systems' Avocado Butter to review.

I love, love, love the list of ingredients. Here, I'll show you:

-Avocado Nut Butter

-Avocado Oil

-Vitamin E

Yep, that's it. YAY!

I've found this Butter best used after a good soak- whether a long shower or a intense dishwashing session. It's also a great night-time treatment!

As the Butter is exceptionally moisturizing, I've found using it for minor dryness not ideal- it can be a little greasy, but if you've got time for it to soak in and work its magic, it's terrific [wearing it under socks to bed results in silky smooth feet!].

Body Systems has a whole line of Bath, Body, Baby, etc... you can check it out here.

Hydro-Go review and giveaway!

We were sent a Hydro-Go [by Veterinary Ventures] to review this summer.

A Hydro-Go is a water unit for dogs- basically it's a heavy duty water bottle with an attached bowl for drinking out of.

I was surprised to feel how heavy the Hydro-Go was; it's quite a thick plastic. It did need airing out upon arrival, as within the heat of the summer, packaged plastic never smells very good, but after a day or so it passed my super sensitive pregnant sniffer test!

I was concerned at first that the Hydro-Go wouldn't hold enough water to make it worth carrying. To my eyes at least, it doesn't seem very big, but I was surprised after using it a few times that we always had water left over [usually half full!]. It holds 36oz of fluid.

Because the plastic is so thick, I found that it kept water cool for longer than my own water bottle, leaving me a bit envious of Bella on our walks.

To use, you fill up the Hydro-Go, and plug the top with the stopper. The water dish folds in and snaps into the side. When you're ready to hydrate your dog, unsnap the water dish from the side, fold it out [it stays attached], and holding the Hydro-Go in an upside down V shape, open the stopper. Tilt the bottle to fill the bowl, then carefully re-plug and set down.

I found that the pouring of water was an acquired skill, and also that storage of the bottle isn't as easy as assumed: our plug came undone if knocked, but if you're carrying it by the provided strap [it fits really well over stroller handlebars!], you won't have a problem. If your dog doesn't finish the water in the bowl, it's all but impossible to pour it back into the container, so you have to be in an area you can discreetly dump it if necessary.

All in all the Hydro-Go has come into handy a quite few times- on road trips especially, when Bella was looking a bit warm, I was able to pour her water behind my seat. I'm quite enjoying not having to experience dog slobber hands on the days we'd normally forget her collapsible bowl, though the forgetfulness is one reason why we haven't used the Hydro-Go as much as I'd assumed.

One lucky US reader [sorry Canada!] will win a Hydro-Go of their own!

To enter:

Tell me [in a comment] where/when you and your active dog could use the Hydro-Go.

For bonus entries:

-be an email subscriber to Household Treasures

-be a Household Treasures blog follower

-grab my button [two bonus!]

Contest open to US residents only until 6pm PST on October 4th, 2009.

Two of the Deadliest- book review

I was sent a copy of Two of the Deadliest to review; edited by Elizabeth George, Two of the Deadliest is a compilation of short stories with common themes- lust, greed or murder.

With stories by 24 different authors, there's a wide selection of writing styles and story plots to choose from. It's an easy book to pick up and read, and for me, it appealed because I could read it before bed [about murder- great choice, I know!] without getting drawn into a long story [that would keep me up for hours!]

I'm still not sure whether I liked this book or not. Here is my list of positives and negatives:

First of all, many of the stories are so well written that you're drawn in instantly. A great thing, though it's disappointing because they end so quickly! Yes, this is my own problem, as I knew they were short stories to start with.

Secondly, many of the stories end with an undeclared ending. I'm sure there's a proper literary term for these [Sorry Mrs.M-R!], but to me they're frustrating- the stories end without directly telling what happens, allowing your imagination [or common sense?] to conclude. Welllll... I've got a terrific imagination, so I lay there wondering which of 18 different endings each story could have! I know some people enjoy this sort of ending though, so it'd be a great book for them. [as a note, not all of the stories end like this, just the majority]

Thirdly, as you're given a few pages to get into each story, you're given a great introduction into each writer's style. The book also includes a section of previously unpublished authors' works, so you're getting to see brand new art! As an avid reader, I've really enjoyed the chance to have a 'sample' bite of each author... it's given me a list of names to go to the library with [to get out their full length novels ;) ].

So, I'm still undecided. A compilation of well written stories that gives a great chance to 'meet' new authors... there just happened to be a few parts that I personally don't care for.

Worth looking into? Definitely.

Two of the Deadliest is published by HarperCollins, ISBN: 978-0-06-135033-7

Skin Free review and giveaway!

I was sent Skin Free's Basic Four Gift Set to review.

In short form: I love it.

The Basic Four Gift Set includes one each of their Super Moisture Body Balm, After Shower Moisture Spritz, Naouli Butter Stick, and Extra Moisturizing Soap.

The skin care set arrived at the perfect time- we'd just made the decision to switch over to natural products, but I was worried about finding a good moisturizer [important with my delicate/dry skin!]. A couple of weeks later I got the positive pregnancy test, so I was even happier that we were living a chemical free lifestyle.

I don't know where to begin! Let's start product by product:

-the Super Moisture Body Balm smells good. It's reminiscent of baked goods somehow- perhaps by using the Sweet Almond Oil? I assumed it'd be greasy, but it's surprisingly not! After a session of dishwashing [by hand] or a floor scrubbing, it's divine to rub into my hands. It seems to melt into them at first, but within moments it's fully absorbed and my hands feel soft and wonderful. No moisture loss here, and in the past few months of using it, my nails have grown longer and stronger than ever- and no, it's not just due to the extra pregnancy hormones.

((ingredients: Olea Europea (Olive) Seed Oil, Prunes Amgdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, Macadamia ternifolia Seed Oil, Butyrospermum parki (Shea Butter) Fruit, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Glycine soya (Soy) Oil, Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ))

-The After Shower Moisture Spritz concerned me at first, to be perfectly honest. The idea of spraying oil on my still wet body and then patting dry sounded absurd- I didn't want my towel saturated with oil! What a mess it would be to clean up!

Oh, how I was wrong, and how I'm enjoying my humble pie!

This spray is my favorite product to date. First of all, it doesn't feel like you're spritzing yourself with Canola Oil, like I'd assumed. Secondly, it smells very faintly of the Body Balm... which is a good thing :) Thirdly, it rubs in past the water drops [how? I have no idea], and Fourthly, it doesn't gunk up my towels. It's like the oil sucks right into my skin, leaving a softly glistening layer that's left behind by the towel... and my skin has never been smoother. Ever.

I no longer shave with shaving cream. There's no need! We banned shaving cream from our home with the rest of our chemical laden products, and I was really concerned. I hadn't yet found an alternative, and even with shaving cream and an intensive moisturizer my legs are dry, itchy, and scaly... until I started using this. If I didn't have such ugly knees I'd feel like a Venus model! [you know, those ladies with gorgeous gams modelling the razor's abilities?] My legs are smooth, soft, and simply lovely!!

Anyways- back to the After Shower Spritz. One downside I found was the difficulty spraying it. I've now developed a knack for it, but in the beginning a slightly damp [read: hard to hold] bottle with a difficult to depress button was frustrating, but obviously worth it to try over and over again. I have however noticed that the bottles of After Shower Moisture Spritz sold individually have a different sprayer top- it looks much easier on the hands! [the improved version is the one in the picture]

((ingredients:Olea Europea (Olive) Seed Oil, Prunes Amgdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil, and Tocopherol (Vitamin E) ))

-Naouli Butter Stick: this little container packs a powerful punch! I've got eczema that plagues my face, especially while pregnant. I have searched since I was a child to find something to stop the skin from flaking, and to keep the tenderness at bay. I still can't believe how effective this is! My face is at an all time worst with the pregnancy hormones [it was horrid with Ladybug too], but this little stick has managed to keep me looking normal... and without blocking pores!

Again, I don't know how it does it [all natural oils], but skin is kept moist, protected, and hasn't flaked once. Wow. Double thumbs up!

One downside: again, the packaging. The Butter Stick is packaged in a brittle plastic tube. Within a week of use, part of the top broke off- it was made to 'screw on', and part of the 'threads' broke off. Within a couple of weeks the cap was rendered useless, so the Naouli Butter Stick has dried out a bit. Still, I've been using this for a few months now, and when I go to use it, I simply rub the top with my finger to soften it a bit [so I don't have to rub hard on sensitive skin] and it's terrific- good as new!

((ingredients: Butyrospermum parki (Shea Butter) Fruit, Theobroma cacao (Cocoa) Seed Butter, Prunes Amgdalus Dulcis (Sweet Almond) Oil,Olea Europea (Olive) Seed Oil, Soy, Melaleuca quinquenervia viridiflora (Niaouli) oil, Vanilla Fragrance, Tocopherol (Vitamin E)))

-The Extra Moisturizing Soap and Shampoo Bar was also a surprise for me. This little bar is used everyday, and it's STILL half there! Fireman uses it as a shaving lather [as do I], and he loves using it as shampoo. I've tried it as shampoo as well, though I found it difficult to suds properly and get into the roots as I've got longer tresses. It'll be a great camping bar though! All in one!

No downsides here. My skin that normally dries out and itches from 'gentle' soaps is wonderful [even on days without the After Shower Spritz ;) ]

((ingredients:Saponified oils of Coconut, Palm, and Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Shea Butter, Vitamin E))

See? Besides two minor packaging issues I am SO pleased with my Skin Free products. I haven't found them in Canada yet, but I'm just a hop and skip away from the border, and am planning a trip to stock up once they start reaching their end [when? No idea. I keep thinking they've got to run out 'cause they get so much use, but these products have the best value I've ever seen!]

Of course, one can also order from their website- you get free shipping with an order of $25 or more!

Ahh, but you know what I hate? It's really frustrating to read a glowing review, and not have the product to try myself. Soooo.... one reader will get to win a $30 giftcode very generously offered by Skin Free! Weee!

To enter:

Besides the four products I tried, what else does Skin Free offer that you'd like to try?

For bonus entries:

-follow Skin Free's blog

-be an email subscriber to Household Treasures

-be a Household Treasures blog follower

-grab my button [two bonus!]

Contest open to both US and Canada until October 4th at 6pm PST.