Toydozer Review and Giveaway

As parents, we are constantly looking for products to make our lives easier, more productive and more fun. Sometimes we run across a product that is so simple in its concept, yet so brilliantly useful, that you kick yourself for not thinking of it yourself. You know, like sliced bread. Or Facebook.

Here's another one: the Toydozer. How many times have I yelled at my kids to clean up their toys, then ended up doing it myself because they took too long, or weren't doing it properly? How many times have a missed a piece or two, only to step on it an hour or two later? The Toydozer bulldozes away all those problems . Read the product description and see if you don't wholeheartedly agree:


What if toy clean up could be a fun activity instead of a dreaded chore? Enter the Toydozer. This innovative new product makes clean up time fun, fast, and efficient for both parents and kids. With a few simple scoops, you can clean up huge amounts of toys at one time and easily dump them back into their storage bins. No more crawling all over the floor in search of every stray small piece. With a few swipes of the Toydozer, clean up time is over in no time.

The Toydozer is available exclusively on the Toydozer.com website and comes in three vibrant colors: purple, yellow and blue. The product retails for $18.99 and ships for free anywhere in Canada or the U.S.


The Toydozer acts like a brush and dustpan, but instead of a brush that catches dirt and hair and dust bunnies, you use a sturdy plastic scoop. You don't have to pick anything up, just swipe the scoop and guide all those little toys into the pan. It's such a simple idea, but it's brilliant.


The website says it can be used on "Lego®, Duplo®, Polly Pocket®, Squinkies®, Matchbox® Cars, blocks, trains, safari animals, puzzle pieces-whatever’s all over the floor" -- and it's true. So far, we've used it to clean Lego, Knex and markers. Why not just pick the markers up? Because using the Toydozer is more fun! In fact, 3Po and Jammy have actually turned cleaning up with the Toydozer into part of their play. They like to pretend all their Lego pieces are part of a junkyard, and they use the scoop like a bulldozer and shovel everything into the pan:

They even thought of providing velcro tabs, so you can attach the scoop to the pan and keep them together! One thing that would make the Toydozer even better would be a hanging hole or hook, so you can hang it on a wall for storage (there is a hole on the back "wall" of the pan so kids can grip it properly, but you can't really use it to hang the Toydozer).

Get 20% off a Toydozer
Use the code BLOGGER20 to get 20% off your purchase at Toydozer.com!


Win a ToyDozer
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive a Toydozer playroom cleanup tool!

Required entry
Leave a comment on this post telling me why you'd like to win a Toydozer.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered the Toydozer giveaway! http://bit.ly/HRCfQ8

2) Write on the Toydozer Facebook page (1 entry):
I entered to win a Toydozer on Bonggamom Finds! http://bit.ly/HRCfQ8

3) Share this giveaway on your Facebook page, with a link to the giveaway -- http://bit.ly/HRCfQ8 (1 entry).

4) Give Bonggamom Finds a +K on Klout (1 entry per +K given -- you can give +K up to once per week, per topic. Still confused? Here's how to give K+ on Klout!)

5) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter (1 entry).

6) Follow @toydozer on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):
RT @bonggafinds: Cleaning up toys is easy and fun with the @toydozer! Enter to win one at http://bit.ly/HRCfQ8 #toydozer #giveaways



The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on April 16, 2012; I will draw a winner at random on April 17 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: This post is part of a Toydozer blogger outreach campaign. Participating bloggers have been provided with a complimentary Toydozer to review and have been compensated for their time. Product information is provided by Toydozer and is indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Roses are Red, Violets are Blue; This Valentine's Day, Use ScotchBlue

We've lived in our home for over a decade, but I don't we're ever going to stop doing little things to improve it and make it the way we want it to be. It's always a work in progress; one year we'll put a new fence, another year we'll repaint the walls, another year we'll put up some shelves.

One indispensable tool we rely on when we do any project that involves painting is a roll of ScotchBlue Painter's tape. They keep paint off the areas you don't want them, and peel off easily to give a clean, professional look!



ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape is the number one choice for DIY painting projects because it achieves clean, sharp paint lines, and removes cleanly without leaving behind any residue. Painting continues to be the number on DIY project because it refreshes a room for as little as $100. There’s no better way to show the one you care about that you know his or her favorite color, and, more importantly, that you’ve been listening to their desire for a revamped space.

ScotchBlue Painter's Tape is great to have around, even if you're not currently working on a DIY painting project! My kids use it to tape posters and drawings up on the walls; it's the only kind of tape we'll let them use because it doesn't mark our walls. And they are great for craft projects, too. Last December I painted a ceramic stocking-shaped ornament. Guess what I used to make sure the green and red stripes were straight?

Here are a few ideas for painting projects from ScotchBlue. If you're thinking about a unique Valentine's Day present, keep reading!

Cards
* ScotchBlue is the guaranteed way to ensure clean lines on a homemade Valentine’s Day card whether you’re using oil paint, spray paint, watercolor or acrylics. After all, homemade gifts are the gifts given with the most love.

Painting
* Choose his or her favorite color to quickly liven up his man cave or her work space. Use ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape to ensure clean, sharp paint lines and easy tape removal.

* Choose your favorite color and your partner’s favorite color to create a room you both will be happy with for years to come. ScotchBlue can help achieve a clean color blocking technique to seamlessly combine the two colors!

* Use ScotchBlue Painter’s Tape to put his or her favorite team’s logo in the sports den, or adorn your loved one’s office with their initials to personalize a space.

Disclosure: I received product samples from Scotch Blue, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information and tips are provided by Scotch Blue and are clearly indicated in italics. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Bright Bin New Generation Lunchbox Review

When it comes to packing school lunches, I try to make sure that what goes inside my kids' lunchbox is as good for the earth as it is for my kids' bodies. That means no disposable plastic bags for sandwiches, fruit, popcorn and the like. Even if I wanted to use plastic bags (and sometimes, when I'm running late, I really, really want to), my kids keep me honest; they constantly remind me, "No plastic bags, mama!". Their school has an ongoing waste reduction program where they count each and every plastic bag that gets thrown away, so the kids are very aware of the impact that a daily plastic sandwich bag can make.

Over the years I've amassed a collection of reusable containers for the kids' lunches -- cloth sandwich bags, plastic sandwich boxes, plastic containers of various sizes, etc.. -- and I'm always on the lookout for other products. I've found that containers with multiple compartments seem to work best, so I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review a bento-style lunchbox from Bright Bin.

The Basics
The New Generation Lunchbox from Bright Bin is an environmentally responsible lunch container that's easy and convenient for the people preparing the lunch. Here is a list of features of the Bright Bin.....

* 100% waste-free. * No plastic bags and no lids or small storage containers to get lost. * Can be used on its own as a lunch box or can be inserted inside any insulated lunch bag to replace plastic bags, reusable bags, and small food storage containers. * Non-toxic: made of food safe polypropylene free of BPA, phthalates, lead, and PVC. * Save time! Making lunch has never been easier or faster since food goes directly into the built-in food compartments. * Save money! Save over $60 each year by not buying plastic bags, disposable pre-packaged snack bags, or food storage containers. * Dishwasher and microwave oven safe. * Option to come with a VELCRO® brand Fastener to fasten the lunch box into the lunch bag. * Conforms to or exceeds U.S. and European safety standards

The Bongga
This has got to be the perfect lunch container! Check it out:

The top section is the perfect size and shape for a sandwich (or in this case, a spinach and turkey wrap). You can also put pasta or hummus in it because this section has rubber around the rim to help prevent leaks.


The middle section has 3 compartments, bento-box style, so you can pack a multi-course meal without fiddling with lots of tiny (read: easy to lose) containers or wasteful plastic bags. I love being able to pack chips and not worry about them becoming soggy. It's perfect for picky kids who don't like different foods touching each other.


The whole thing snaps shut without any separate lids (so they don't get lost or accidentally thrown out with the lunch table trash). The instructions recommend practicing with your child a couple of times to get the hang of opening and closing the latch, but neither I nor my kids had any problem working it. It's really easy, and it keeps everything shut nice and tight!

The cutest thing of all is the little handle that flips up, so it can be a stand-alone lunchbox -- I don't think I've ever seen that in a bento box! You can also keep the handle down and pack the whole thing into a bigger lunch container.

The Bright Bin is microwave and dishwasher safe, so it's convenient and time-saving. It's free from all those nasty chemicals, and it's reusable, so you're saving money and saving the earth. I love it!

The Blah
There's really only one enhancement I'd love to see for the Bright Bin: I wish there was some way I could dismantle it so I can put it in my dishwasher! The Bright Bin is dishwasher-safe, but it takes up way too much space in the dishwasher because you have to open it all up to make sure all compartments get cleaned.

The Bottom Line
With multi-level compartments, leak-resistant rubber gaskets, and stand-alone handle, the New Generation Lunchbox from Bright Bin is unique from the other bento-style lunch containers I've tried. It's an easy way to reduce waste, save money and save the earth!


Save 20% off The New Generation Lunch Box
Get 20% off The New Generation Lunch Boxes through December 31 when you purchase from BrightBin.com and use the code bonggamom11

Disclosure:I received a product sample, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by Bright Bin, and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Libman Freedom Spray Mop Review and Giveaway

I have exciting news: Jennifer James' Mom Bloggers Club has started recruiting members to do reviews! I recently participated in my first Mom Bloggers Club review, and it was a great one: we were sent a Libman Freedom Mop to try out and give away.


The Basics
The Libman Freedom Spray Mop eliminates the need for buckets because it has a spray bottle that you can fill with whatever cleaning solution you choose. Instead of a mop head, it has a reusable microfiber pad. The mop is available at retailers like Target, Kmart and Walmart, with a suggested retail price of $19.99 to $24.99. It is manufactured in the USA by the Libman Company, a 4th generation family owned company.

Here's more information about the Libman Freedom Spray Mop:
Detachable, 18 oz. cleaning solution bottle allows you to use and refill any solution you choose. Machine washable, scratch-free, deep cleaning pad provides a greener clean while saving you money. Self-powered solution sprayer with comfort fit trigger eliminates the need for batteries while letting you control how much solution you spray onto your floor.


The Bongga
I LOVE this mop!! It's so easy to use that I don't ever have to find excuses to mop the floors again. In fact, I probably won't ever have to mop the floors again, because I've now got lots of eager volunteers to do the mopping for me:



Seriously, the Libman Freedom Mop is the future of mopping. You know the Evolution of Man drawing? You know, this one:

I feel like the ape on the left should be holding a traditional mop and bucket, then the next 2 humanoids should be holding versions of the disposable cleaning pad mop . The third-to-the-last Neanderthal should be holding one of those disposable cleaning mops with a battery operated spray, and the second-to-the-last dude should be holding a mop with reusable microfiber pad. The rightmost spot, Modern Day Man, should be holding a Libman Freedom Spray Mop. And "Freedom" is the perfect name for this mop because it frees you from so many of the things that used to make mopping the floor a tiresome chore:

* No more buckets of dirty water!
I love the idea of attaching a spray bottle to the mop! That way you don't have to lug around a bucket of dirty water. The spray bottle is detachable, so it's easy to refill, and the same hand that holds the mop controls the spray trigger, which makes it easy to use.

* No more icky-sticky chemicals!
I love that I'm not tied to a particular cleaner -- I can pour whatever I want into the spray bottle. I can choose to use plain warm water, which works best for our hardwood floors, and for trickier cleanups I add a bit of soap or eco-friendly cleaner. Then I can empty out the bottle, refill it with water and mop up the area to rinse it out.

* No more disgusting mop head!
I've always thought using a mop left the floor dirtier than ever, because mop heads are so difficult to clean. You try wringing out all the dirty water from a mop, it's next to impossible! But the Freedom Mop has a removable microfiber pad that's easy to clean.

* No more wasteful disposable pads!
I've always felt somewhat guilty when mopping the floor with disposable cleaning wipes -- they put all sorts of chemicals on our hardwood floors, clog landfills and cost lots of money to boot. But I can throw the Freedom Mop's reusable pad in the wash, or wash it in the kitchen sink, and voila, it's clean again and ready to (re)use.


The Blah
The line of green plastic fibers on the microfiber pad are hard and scratchy and unravel mercilessly. I'm not sure what purpose they serve, the white microfiber material seems great all by itself.


The Bottom Line
I highly recommend the Libman Freedom Spray Mop for anyone who wants a quick, easy, cost-effective, eco-friendly way to mop up their floors.


Win a Libman Freedom Spray Mop
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will win a Libman Freedom Spray Mop!

Required Entry
Leave a comment on this post and tell me what part of the house you would clean with the Libman Freedom Spray Mop if you won it. This entry must be completed before extra entries qualify.


Extra Entries
For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following. Please leave a separate comment for each extra entry with a way to verify the entry (i.e. tweet link, blog post link, Facebook id, Twitter id, etc.).

1) Grab my blog button and post it up on your blog (1 entry).

2) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates (1 entry).

3) Write this on the Bonggamom Finds Facebook page (1 entry):

I entered the Libman Freedom Spray Mop giveaway! http://tinyurl.com/2e4sdpr

4) Leave a comment on the Libman Company Facebook Page, telling them that Bonggamom sent you and which of their products you would most like to try (1 entry).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Networked Blogs (1 entry).

5) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(1 entry).

6) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Twitter and tweet this, up to once per day (1 entry per day, leave a comment with the tweet link for each tweet):

Win a Libman Freedom Spray Mop from @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/2e4sdpr #giveaways


The Rules
This giveaway ends at 11:59PM PST on October 21, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on October 22 and post the winner's name after the winner confirms acceptance. US addresses only. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: As a reviewer for the Mom Bloggers Club, I was sent a complimentary Libman Freedom Spray Mop. I was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Product information is provided by the featured company/product and is clearly indicated as such. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Thank You ActiveIon!

I've been a big Activeion fan ever since I first tried the Activeion Pro a year ago. I love their lean, green cleaning machines because they use cutting-edge technology to give homeowners a chemical-free, kid-safe, eco-friendly way to clean that actually works better than any chemical sprays I've tried. My love affair deepened when they sent me an Ionator HOM, which is smaller, lighter and even better at cleaning germs. When our ActiveIon PRO developed a green film inside the water tank, ActiveIon promptly responded with some great tips for keeping our unit fresh and clean. I've always known that Activeion has a great product and great service.

And now I know exactly how great. Several weeks ago, 3Po was clowning around in the kitchen and accidentally knocked our Activeion Pro from our kitchen counter onto the floor. As soon as I heard the THUD I knew it was doomed. Sure enough, when I picked it up and tried to spray it, nothing happened. The impact was so great that it had knocked out one of the screws holding the unit together and dislodged something inside so badly that it rattled when we shook it.

When 3Po saw what he had done, he actually burst into tears. All the kids love our Activeion, love spraying it into their faces (yes, it's safe!) and using it to clean up their sticky spills. And 3Po knows how much I love using it too. To tell you the truth, I felt like crying too (and 3Po must have seen my face, hence his reaction). I've come to rely on the ActiveIon to clean everything, and the thought that we wouldn't be able to use it to clean anymore was awful.


After I did my best to comfort 3Po (and myself), I took a deep breath and started thinking about how I could get the unit fixed. I turned to Activeion's Facebook Page and asked if they could recommend a place where we could get it fixed. I was hoping they would tell me that I could mail it to them and pay a service fee to have it repaired. I certainly wasn't expecting the unit to withstand that kind of impact and was fully prepared to pay whatever it took to get my Activeion back, or buy a new one if it cost too much to fix.


To my utter surprise and delight, Activeion went a step further. They actually offered to replace the whole unit! They contacted me via Facebook to let me know what Todd Schaeffer, their General Manager and Vice President said:

We replace. No Questions Asked.

I felt like crying all over again. No company could stand behind their brand and their customers any more than Activeion has done in this case. I was given Todd's direct number and was contacted directly by Todd via email and phone. Within a week, a new Ionator HOM was on its way.


When we received it, 3Po was once again his smiling, sunny self. The Ionator HOM is actually an improvement on the one we broke, since it's the next-generation product with enhanced cleaning and sanitizing capabilities, so we couldn't be happier. We'll be mailing the broken unit back to them so they can diagnose what broke (maybe figure out how to make it sturdier?), and recycle or reuse the components.

3Po wrote a thank-you card to Activeion to express his gratitude:


(In case you can't see the words or figure out 3Po's original spelling , the card reads "Thank you Activeion for the new Activeion -- From 3Po". On the left side is 3Po crying with the broken, taped-up unit, and on the right side is the new Ionator HOM, complete with superhero cape, killing Jurms germs and spraying a happy 3Po in the mouth).

My own thank-you card is not as cute, so I didn't bother scanning it. But the gratitude I'm feeling is just as sincere as 3Po's happy face drawings. THANK YOU, Activeion, for your prompt and generous response. Thank you Todd and the whole customer service department of Activeion for making a little boy happy again and giving his mother and family another lifetime of safe cleaning!!!!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post -- ActiveIon did a nice thing for me, unprompted, so I wrote this post to thank them, unprompted. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Interview with Peter Walsh

This morning I had the pleasure of interviewing organizational expert Peter Walsh, who appears on TLC's Clean Sweep and on the Oprah Winfrey show. Last year I did an OfficeMax blogcast with Peter about getting organized for school, so when I received the invitation, I didn't hesitate. After all, summer is coming up and the thought of the kids dumping all of this past schoolyear's garbage on our kitchen table is filling me with dread! Not to mention all the summer camp and travel scheduling. I thought it would be a great opportunity to pick Peter's brain for more organization tips.

You can check out my interview with Peter below. You can only see Peter because I was on the phone (although if there had been a video camera on me, you would have seen me waving to Peter's image on my computer screen like an idiot, because I totally forgot that I was calling in and that he couldn't see me!).




As usual, I got some great tips. For example, Peter suggested a wall-based, modular message center -- with some of the modules at kids' height, so they can get involved as well! I think that's a great approach and one I never considered. As always, Peter advocates maintaining flat surfaces free of clutter. Peter also talked about his own organizational challenges (yes, he does have some!) and about his new line of products with Office Max, called you.organized.

Thanks to Peter and Office Max for all the great tips!

Disclosure: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Tide Plus Febreze Freshness™ Sport -- Win a $10 Target GiftCard

Over the past 6 months or so, I've been increasingly surprised/amazed/disgusted by the state of my sons' jeans, cargo pants and sweatpants when they come home from kindergarten. The number of tears, holes, grass stains and mud stains they bring home are out of this world! It's all that running on the soccer field, and now that the weather is warmer, they'll be up to their armpits in sports and stains. I love it that they're living it up and playing hard, but those stains need to come off.

This spring, Procter & Gamble is introducing Tide Plus Febreze Freshness™ Sport for tough sports stains. Here's a description of the product:

New Tide Plus Febreze Freshness™ Sport was designed to help remove tough stains and odors from clothes that take the hardest hits – leaving your entire load clean and fresh And, what’s more, the freshness technology in the detergent releases freshness as you move -- giving you added confidence on the court, in the field or at the gym.

The detergent works great on workout gear like C9 by Champion®, a high-quality line of performance wear available at Target and Target.com. A friend of mine gave me a C9 tank top and running shorts for my birthday, and I wear them all the time when I work out!



Win A $10 Target card and savings on Tide, Febreeze and C9!
To celebrate the release of new Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport, Procter & Gamble is kindly providing me with TWO gift packs to give away! Each gift pack contains:

* a set of coupons worth up to $5 in savings on C9 by Champion, Febreze® Sport Fabric Refresher and Tide Plus Febreze Freshness Sport laundry detergent, redeemable at Target stores nationwide
* a $10 Target gift card.


GIVEAWAY 1: Blogger Followers
I'm giving one of these gift packs to one of my Bonggamom Finds followers. To enter, follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger, then leave a comment on this post telling me you're a follower.

* If you link up this giveaway on any giveaway roundup around the blogosphere (like MomDot's Contest Monday linky or Jolly Mom's Thursday Giveaways Galore linky), you'll gain an extra entry. Leave a comment here with a link to the giveaway roundup, and the number of your link.

* If you tweet this:
Win a $10 Target gift card from @bonggafinds http://ow.ly/1snx7 #giveaway pls RT!

You'll gain another extra entry. Leave a comment here with a link to your tweet.

Maximum of 3 entries per person on this post. US residents only. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on April 13, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on April 14 from all valid comments on this post. I will post the winner's name here as soon as the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here.



GIVEAWAY 2: Facebook Fans
I'm giving the second gift pack to one of my Bonggamom Finds Facebook Fans. To enter, just go to my Facebook fan page, and leave a comment on the giveaway link, telling me you want to enter the Tide giveaway.

* If you share this giveaway with your own Facebook friends, you get an extra entry -- just leave a second comment on my FB giveaway link telling me you've shared the Target giftcard giveaway with your FB friends.

* If you tweet this:
Win a $10 Target giftcard on the @bonggafinds FB fan page http://ow.ly/1snEw #giveaway ends April 13 pls RT!

you get another extra entry. Just leave a third comment on my FB giveaway link telling me you tweeted, and include the link to your tweet.


To enter, go to the Bonggamom Finds FB Fan Page


Maximum of 3 entries per person on Facebook. US residents only. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on April 13, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on April 14 from all valid comments on my Facebook Fan Page wall. I will post the winner's name here and on my Facebook Fan Page as soon as the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here.


Join both giveaways to maximize your chances of winning! Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a set of coupons and Target gift card identical to the sets being given away, but was not paid to review the product or give my opinions. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Cleaning the Green Way with ActiveIon's Ionator HOM: Review and Giveaway

Update! This review is now a review AND a giveaway! To find out how you could win your own Ionator HOM, keep reading..

When I first tried out Activeion's amazing hi-tech spray-clean system last year, I knew without a doubt that I was seeing the future. It's a wonderful example of how science can be applied to practical use; imagine, a sprayer that uses tap water to remove stains and dirt and smudges just as effectively as all those harsh chemical sprays, and kills 99.9% of bacteria! The only drawback I could see was the high $299 price tag -- but now they have come up with a $169 home version (the original version was developed for commercial/professional use), so mass adoption can finally begin! I was so excited to be invited to test-drive the new Ionator HOM, and after using it for several weeks I can say honestly that it's an amazing cleaner that I recommend without hesitation.

The Basics
The Ionator HOM turns ordinary tap water into a powerful cleaning agent by introducing a tiny electric charge into the water. This "ionizes" the water so that dirt and germs attach themselves to the water in the same way that they would attach themselves to soap or detergent. If you want a better explanation, watch a video of Bill Nye the Science Guy explaining it. To use it, just charge the sprayer, fill up the reservoir with tap water, and spray away.


The Bongga
I'm already a big fan of the Activeion Pro (the original version for professional/commercial application, which I tested last year and still use as my one and only cleaning agent today) , so I was curious to see how this HOM version compares. Here are the differences:

1) Price: the Activeion Pro costs $299 and the Ionator HOM version costs $169, a significant drop in price!

2) Physical appearance: the HOM is smaller and sleeker, with a wider base that keeps it from tipping over.


3) Maintenance: the HOM has a smaller water reservoir and a shorter charge life. This is one of the tradeoffs you make for the difference in price, and I think it's one that home users will be more than happy to live with. After all, professionals spend all day cleaning and spraying, so they don't want to be charging and filling their units all the time.

4) Sanitizing capabilities: Believe it or not, the Ionator HOM actually has improved upon the sanitizing powers of the older Activeion Pro! Activeion's marketing folks tell me that the Activeion Pro is "tested and certified to REMOVE greater than 99.9% of harmful bacteria through a spray-and-wipe process", while the newer Ionator cleaners (the Ionator HOM and the Ionator EXP, a commercial/professional version) are "tested and certified to KILL more than 99.9% of harmful bacteria, even the H1N1 virus, through a 6-second continuous spray".

As far as stain removal is concerned, I honestly don't see any difference; the HOM does the job as well as the Pro does! Even tough stains like red Kool-Aid are no problem:


Finally, I can't say enough about how happy I am that it's so safe for kids. It uses no chemicals whatsoever, just tap water, so I know they aren't breathing in or ingesting anything harmful. Now I don't ever have to feel guilty about telling my kids to clean up their spills and messes with the Ionator HOM :)



The Blah
I'm not a big fan of the HOM's water reservoir, which must be detached from the main unit before it can be refilled. Reattaching the reservoir can be tricky, especially when it's full of water! I much prefer the EXP's water reservoir, which is a part of the main unit -- just unscrew the cap, hold it under a faucet, and fill -- no additional parts to break!


The Bottom Line
The Ionator HOM is a safe, non-toxic, eco-friendly way to clean your home that really WORKS. This new HOM version is more affordable than ever and the best cleaning investment you'll ever make.



Win It!
One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will receive an Ionator HOM, courtesy of Activeion. To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and tell me the feature of the Ionator HOM that you find most useful when it comes to cleaning your home.

For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following, (you can only do each extra entry once; please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

1) Subscribe to Bonggamom Finds updates by email (leave a comment with your email address).

2) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(leave a comment with your Blogger profile name).

3) Become a fan of Bonggamom Finds on Facebook AND write on my Fan Wall, telling me you've joined the ionator HOM giveaway (leave a comment here with your FB id).

4) Become a fan of ActiveIon on Facebook AND write on their Fan Wall, telling them that Bonggamom sent you (leave a comment here with your FB id).

5) Follow @bonggafinds on Twitter AND tweet the following (leave a comment with a link to your tweet):

Win the eco-friendly, non-toxic, kid-safe Ionator HOM spray cleaner from @bonggafinds and @active_ion http://tinyurl.com/ybrn5n9

6) Follow @active_ion on Twitter AND tweet the following (leave a comment with a link to your tweet):

@active_ion I just joined the Ionator HOM giveaway on @bonggafinds! http://tinyurl.com/ybrn5n9



Maximum of 7 entries per person. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on March 22, 2010; I will draw a winner at random on March 23 and post the winner's name as soon as the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

Disclosure: I received a sample in order to review this product. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Bummas baby cloths

Even though my kids have moved past the diaper stage (and thank heaven for that), we still have sticky hands and faces that need to be wiped, so I was happy to receive a sample package of Bummas cloth wipes to review. Every household with babies or kids needs wipes, and these can be washed and used again and again. They are so soft, I wish these things had been around back then to wipe my little ones' bummas!


The Basics
Bummas are small multipurpose cloths (5"x7") that come in packs of ten; each cloth is edge-stitched in a different colored thread and there are 4 different color schemes available. They are 100% machine-washable, cotton-woven velour terrycloth.

Here's how the makers of Bummas describe their product:
Bummas are small, soft, luxurious, eco-friendly baby-sized cloths made especially for drying baby bottoms, as well as for blocking those surprise squirts. You can virtually eliminate irritating diaper rash without the use of powders, talcs and ointments by simply drying your baby's bum with a Bumma.


The Bongga
I love how soft these cloths are. The terrycloth material feels so nice and fuzzy, not rough at all. My kids used to hate being wiped with those disposable wet wipes, they always made them wince because it made their skin sore! A damp Bummas cloth is much, much gentler to the skin. And even though there are no more babies in this household, I've still found quite a lot of uses for Bummas! Right now I use them to wash the fingers on Jammy's right hand, since his arm is in a cast and he can't put his right hand under the sink. They're the just the perfect size!

Here are some other ways you can use them ....
* You can keep a couple in the car for wiping dirty hands on car trips.
* They make a great washcloth for giving sponge baths to sick children.
* They're the perfect eco-friendly nose wipes since they don't irritate the skin.

And of course, since they can be washed and used again and again, they are a great eco-friendly alternative to disposable wipes.

The Blah
If you're serious about going green and replacing disposable wet wipes with Bummas, you're going to need a whole lot more than ten cloths, so it would be nice if they came in larger packs that cost a bit less per cloth -- ValuPaks, if you will.


The Bottom Line
Bummas baby cloths are a great eco-friendly alternative (or complement) to disposable baby wipes. Their luxurious, plush material and cute colors put them a step above ordinary terrycloth squares, and they're packaged nicely enough to make a great baby shower gift.

Disclosure: I received a sample in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Wisk Pimp My Laundry Room Video Contest

I just heard through the bloggy grapevine that Wisk detergent is sponsoring a laundry-room makeover contest -- and coincidentally, I've just posted about How Much I Hate Laundry over at the Silicon Valley Moms Blog ! Since it's all about laundry for me this week, I thought I'd post about the Wisk Contest. Below are all the details I received. Good luck!

Contest information from sponsor:
If your laundry room is plain and boring or a downright dungeon, you just might be in desperate need of a laundry room makeover. Wisk® Laundry Detergent is teaming up with TV's Designing Spaces to pimp-out one laundry room in dire need of a face-lift as part of the Wisk® Pimp My Laundry Room video contest.

Just enter a short video from March 1 to March 29, 2010 at www.LaundryHE.com explaining why you deserve a laundry room makeover and Wisk® could be on your doorstep with their partners-in-design, Whirlpool's DreamLaundry® Solutions team led by Bill Thomas and Emily Johnston, owner of the interior design firm EJ Interiors and founder of Materials Girls Blog. Together, they'll take your laundry room from drab to fab in no time thanks to a laundry room makeover complete with a new Whirlpool® High Efficiency (HE) washer/dryer set and a year's worth of Wisk® HE Laundry Detergent. Even better, she'll get to star in her very own episode of Designing Spaces!

The top Finalists will be featured on LaundryHE.com from April 12 - 19 and the Grand Prize Winner will be chosen by popular ballot so be sure to get your friends and family online and voting! Even better, a vote is an automatic entry to a sweepstakes for a year's supply of Wisk HE Laundry Detergent.

Disclaimer: I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. Unless clearly stated, the views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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The Care and Feeding of your ActiveIon Pro

A couple of weeks ago we noticed a greenish tinge at the bottom of our ActiveIon Pro. I suppose leaving water in the unit's reservoir for 3 weeks while on vacation was not such a great idea. Obviously the tank had to be cleaned (The ActiveIon Pro is supposed to clean things, not spray them with algae) but I didn't know how. Since we use the ActiveIon Pro to clean and disinfect everything from countertops to cherries, the thought of cleaning it incorrectly and damaging it beyond repair, well, unthinkable. If you don't know what the ActiveIon Pro is, read my ActiveIon review here and see why we haven't bought any cleaning products in the seven months that we've been using it.

I could see that Alfie was itching to take the thing apart so we could get a scrubber in there, but I convinced him to wait until I could contact someone from ActiveIon. I tweeted @Active_ion and received the following suggestion:

Put about 1 tablespoon of rubbing alcohol in the reservoir. Fill 3/4 full with warm water. Slosh the warm water and this small amount of rubbing alcohol in the unit for a bit. Spray the unit on/off for about 15 min. Empty the reservoir and replace with fresh tap water. Spray again to remove the alcohol.

Unfortunately, it didn't work. Maybe the alcohol did kill those little green buggers but the greenish color refused to go away. So I dumped in about a tablespoon full of baking soda and some water, then shook it vigorously. Et voila, the baking soda "scrubbed" the green film away! I ought to write a review of baking soda because it really is a great natural cleaning product. The Active Ion people assured me that the baking soda would not harm the unit, so our ActiveIon Pro is back on its regular kitchen/bathroom/all-purpose cleaning duty.




In conclusion, remember to feed your ActiveIon Pro fresh water daily, don't let water stagnate in the reservoir for longer than a couple of days. Use the ActiveIon! Spray it! Give it some exercise! And give it a cleaning with a little alcohol/water or baking soda/water solution every now and then, and your loyal ActiveIon Pro will continue to serve you for a long time.

I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Qlubb.com's Busy Moms 2010 Resolution Contest (and a Giveaway!)

Is one of your 2010 Resolutions as a parent: "Be more efficient with my time"? Or "Volunteer at the Kids' School More"? Or "Be more like our Super-Type-A-Mom PTA President"? My advice to you is, Don't do it alone -- get help. Even Super-Type-A-Mom PTA Presidents need help: they' get things done because they know the right tools to help them get organizeed.

Fortunately the internet has opened up a whole new array of possibilities when it comes to communication, collaboration, organizing and delegating, and that extends to managing groups like PTA's, playgroups, scouting groups, quilting clubs and other small groups that need help managing members and resources to tasks and events. One such online tool is Qlubb.com, and they're starting the new year with a bang -- a contest to help parents get organized!

The Basics
Qlubb is an online site that helps parent-led groups organize activities, events, volunteer tasks and membership. Here's how Qlubb describes themselves:

Whether it is a playgroup, classroom parent group, sports team, family, club or hobby group, Qlubb helps parents communicate and organize activities, events and volunteers. Over 36,000 members use Qlubb each day to organize and coordinate their children’s groups ranging from PTAs to scout troops to classroom parent groups to playgroups. With integrated coordination and communication tools, Qlubb gives parent-led groups a single place to coordinate and communicate events, activities and responsibilities.

I got a chance to log onto a demo Qlubb group to check out how an organization might use Qlubb day-to-day. Here's what I thought:

The Bongga
I like how Qlubb is so simple to get up and running: it only takes 2 clicks to create a Qlubb and 1 click to join an existing Qlubb. And once you log onto your Qlubb, everything of importance is right there on your group's homepage: a list of upcoming events, list of tasks that need volunteers (just click on the links to sign up, no more paper signup sheets or multiple emails!), sorted by the tasks that need to be done first. The social networking tools (posting photos, writing on a group wall) is limited, which to me is actually a good thing. If I want to socialize, I go to Facebook, and I like the fact that Qlubb gets straight to the business of getting things done.

The Blah
Simplicity is great, of course, but as I went through the Qlubb website I was disappointed not to find the following functionality:

* search function for the Members section (imagine trying to find Martha Crouch or whoever if your list is 660 members long!)
* search function for the Files section (ditto on my example above)
* ability to import photos from Flickr or Picassa or some other photo sharing service (because the last thing you need is yet another site to upload your photos to)


The Bottom Line
Qlubb acts just like a Super-Type-A-Mom PTA President, handling all the individual reminders, all the group emails, all the signup sheets, acting as the point of contact for all members, files and signup sheets. It makes group organization and communication so much easier!



Join the Busy Moms' 2010 Resolution Contest
To help busy parents get organized this new year, Qlubb is hosting the Busy Moms' 2010 Resolution Contest. Each time an individual uses Qlubb to organize their groups or shares Qlubb via social media, that person earns an entry in the drawing for the grand prize of a $200 Oriental Trading Gift Card plus a premium Qlubb service. Both new and current users are eligible to win. Ten qlubbs with next highest entries will win their choice of a premium Qlubb service. Hurry and join, the contest ends on February 28, 2010!



Win It
Qlubb.com has generously donated a $10 Oriental Trading gift card, and one lucky Bonggamom Finds reader is going to win it!

Required entry
Tweet one New Year's Resolution to @qlubb and @bonggafinds (i.e. "@qlubb @bonggafinds My New Years Resolution this year is to exercise more!") -- Make sure you include @qlubb and @bonggafinds in your tweet. Then leave a comment on this post with a link to your tweet.

Extra entries
To gain extra entries, you can do any or all of the following, (you can only do each entra entry once; please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):


1) Become a fan of Bonggamom Finds on Facebook (leave a comment with your FB id).

2) Follow Qlubb on twitter (leave a comment with your twitter id).

3) Tweet this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your tweet). Here is a sample tweet you can copy and paste:

Win a $10 Oriental Trading giftcard from @bonggafinds and @qlubb http://tinyurl.com/y9mlll2/

Maximum of 4 entries per person. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on February 3, 2009; I will draw a winner at random on February 4 and post the winner's name as soon as the winner confirms acceptance. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!


I did not receive a sample, free services or monetary compensation for this post. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Label Out Loud! with Mabel's Labels

It's 2010, and Mabel's Labels has started the year in a burst of color! They sent me samples of their newest product -- their LOL Sticky Labels -- and it was like Christmas had come all over again.

The Basics
Mabel's Labels' new LOL, or Label Out Loud, sticky labels are just like their popular Classic Sticky Labels: same size, same durability (they're microwave-safe, dishwasher-safe, and UV resistant), same quality: Only this time, they come in full color. You can personalize these labels with up to 20 characters, and choose from several kid-pleasing designs.


The Bongga
LOL? How about WOW! These labels are cute! The multicolored design motifs really take it one step further, transforming plain old labels into decorative stickers. My kids received labels with butterfly, soccer ball and skull designs, and they are so happy with them. Customizing your labels is really easy, and the colors you see are pretty darn close to what you'll get on your printed label. Last but definitely not least, I'm so happy that Mabel's Labels is not gouging the customer by charging ridiculous price premiums for full-color: LOL Sticky Labels cost only a fraction more than the regular Classic Sticky Labels ($21 for a pack of 45 LOL labels versus $18.50 for 45 Classic Labels).


The Blah
If you like pastel colors or Martha Stewart neutrals, these ultrabright labels aren't for you.

The Bottom Line
Mabel's Labels new Label Out Loud Sticky Labels' fun, eye-catching designs will leave no doubt in anyone's mind who your kid's stuff belongs to!

I received a sample in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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If "It's All Too Much", Peter Walsh is here to help

There's a lot to look forward to during the holidays: parties, cooking, baking, cards, presents, shopping, wrapping, travel, relatives...... and I'm getting stressed just listing it all down. "It's All Too Much" is a familiar theme that's running around this holiday season (kind of like the flu!), and it also happens to be the title of organization expert Peter Walsh's new DVD. Like with all his books, Peter is going to help you simplify your life and control clutter -- only this time, you'll get to watch Peter walking the walk, not just talking the talk.

Here's a short preview of what you'll get from the DVD:


I can't wait to receive my review copy; hopefully his tips and tricks are going to help me make getting organized one New Year's resolution I can keep!

I will be receiving a review copy of this DVD as a reference for a future review post, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Bosch MIXXO Cordless Immersion Blender

I'm a big fan of soup: tomato, cream of broccoli, cream of mushroom, cream of chicken, pumpkin, butternut squash, split pea and ham, cauliflower and white beans, lentil, black bean... the list goes on and on.

We have soup about once or twice a week. Soup is nutritious and filling and cheap, and it's so easy to throw everything in a pot and simmer it on the stove, but I'll admit that sometimes I get lazy and open up a ready-to-serve can or box. Those are usually the soups that require blending to smooth out the lumps, like tomato soup or cream-of-anything. I just hate having to transfer everything to the blender and back again, so we usually have lumpy soup :)

Bosch appliances recently invited me to review their cordless handheld immersion blender, the Bosch MIXXO. I've never owned an immersion blender and have never owned a Bosch-branded appliance, so I was definitely interested to see how it would perform. Here's what I thought:

The Basics
The Bosch MIXXO Handheld Blender has all the convenience of a cordless device -- you can take it anywhere, and in particular, you can use it to blend food straight in whatever dish the food is in. Then just place it in its holder to charge it up. The MIXXO doesn't just make soups; you can also use it to make smoothies and cocktails and baby food. It even comes with a chopper accessory so you can chop onions and herbs and other small quantities of food.

Here's what Bosch has to say about their product:
The Bosch MIXXO Cordless Handheld Blender is a revolutionary cordless handheld blender used to prepare tasty food and refreshing drinks without the hassle of cords or plugs. The unit utilizes cutting-edge lithium battery technology – the first among kitchen appliances – to provide twenty minutes of continuous powerful blending; nearly twice as long as other handheld blenders.

The cordless feature of the MIXXO allows for ultimate multi tasking. Imagine being able to answer a phone call on the opposite side of the kitchen and continue blending a smoothie for an on-the-go breakfast, baby food for the newest addition, soup for tonight's dinner, and a cocktail for after a long days work. Even better, imagine cutting down on mess and cleaning time by being able to blend your food in whatever bowl or cup you serve your dish in.

The Bongga
You know how once you've set up a wireless router at home you wonder how you ever survived with archaic wired-up printers and computers? Using the Bosch MIXXO is kind of like that. Once you try it, you won't know how you got along without it. When I think of all the times I've had to put soup in a blender -- with all the spills and cleanup that implies -- or had to make do with lumpy soup...... The blade may be small, but it gets the job done. I've gone through 3 soup-blending sessions and it's still holding its charge! And cleanup is a snap, because the blade attachment twists right off. Oh, how I do NOT miss having to wash up that huge glass blender jar.



The Blah
I wish the blender tool had a snap-on cap or something that I could cover up the blades with; I feel like I can't put it down whenever my kids are in the kitchen! Also, I wish this blender had an attachment for mixing dough and batter. I haven't dared to try it on mashed potatoes or cake batter or anything like that because I don't want it to break, but I really wish I could! I know, I know, I'm being greedy but the ease and convenience of cordless has me hooked, and now I want it all!


The Bottom Line
The Bosch MIXXO cordless immersion blender frees you up from the messiness and inconvenience of a corded blender. If you're big on creamy soups, it's a must-have!

Win It!
Sorry, I'm just teasing. No giveaway today. But I will be giving away one of these babies in a couple of weeks. So stay tuned -- keep logging on to Bonggamom Finds or subscribe to receive updates so you don't miss this giveway!

I received a sample in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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CyberMonday Deals at Mabel's Labels

Here are some great Cyber Monday deals from Mabel's Labels:

30% off Holiday Gift Tags and Return Address Labels
Regular Price: $18.50, sale price $12.95

40% off Selected Write-On! Stationery, in choice of Bzzz or Cowpoke designs
Regular Price $34, sale price $20.40

Backyardigans Write-On! Stationery Kits 40% off

I did not receive a sample or monetary compensation for this post.

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Name Bubbles name labels

A label is a label is a label. Once you're tried one label company, you've tried them all. Right? Wrong. When label company Name Bubbles invited me to try out their labels, I accepted with thanks; I'm always ready to review products created by "mompreneurs", especially products that make my life as a parent easier. But I've reviewed some really wonderful personalized label companies and been very impressed with their labels. So in all honesty, I didn't really expect to see anything different than what I've already seen and tried out.

Boy, did they pop my bubble. Name Bubbles sent me a sampler of their waterproof labels (6 Mini Bubbles dishwasher-safe labels, 6 Bitty Bubbles laundry labels and 6 Bubble Toe shoe labels), and I have to say, I was really impressed. The other name label companies have some catching up to do! Here's why:


The Basics
Name Bubbles creates personalized name labels for anything and everything. Their all-purpose labels are dishwasher safe, and their stick-on laundry labels require no ironing. They have many other label styles such as shoe labels and allergy labels, as well as label combo packs. Here is what Name Bubbles has to say about their labels:

Name Bubbles creates durable vinyl labels for everyday life. Our labels are personalized, fun, and easy. Name Bubbles are made with a non-toxic, eco-friendly ink and are tough enough to stick in the extreme conditions of -60 to 220 degrees Fahrenheit.



The Bongga
I have to say, these labels are gooooood. Much as I love the other label companies I've reviewed, I have to say that Name Bubbles can hold their own with the competition, and more. There is not much difference in quality (i.e. fading and durability) and price -- I think Name Bubble's edge is in the design. They use at least two colors in all their label designs, and there's a much bigger variety in styles and options. Their shoe labels are something else -- they have them in cute flip-flop design!

The best thing about Name Bubbles? Their Holiday Pack and Birthday Favor Labels pack. I've reviewed other companies' name labels before, but Name Bubbles is the only label company I've seen that lets you split up an order between multiple names. It's the one thing I've always complained about to the other companies -- I have 3 kids and I want labels for all of them, but with a limited budget I'd rather spend a bit less and receive less labels per name. I've always wanted the ability to split up an order between my 3 kids' names. Now, with the Holiday Pack and Birthday Favor Labels pack, I can!

The Blah
Hmmmm, can't think of any, other than the fact that they didn't send me enough sample labels :)

The Bottom Line
Name Bubbles takes personalized name labels to a new standard of selection and design. The style, quality and price of their labels are second to none. Best of all, their Holiday Pack and Birthday Favor Labels packs are a great budget-conscious option for moms with multiple kids!

I received a sample in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Boston Market for the Holidays

Those of you who read my blog know that I didn't grow up in the US; I'm from the Philippines, so I never celebrated Thanksgiving until I was in my mid-twenties. Now we celebrate it every year, but I'm not a stickler for slaving over a hot stove in order to come up with a home-cooked meal. I love prepared holiday feasts like those you can get from Boston Market because you can focus on family and friends, not food.

When I was pregnant with the twins, we bought a Boston Market Heat & Serve Holiday Banquet, and for a couple of years after that we actually took the kids to our local Boston Market restaurant and ate our Thanksgiving dinner there. We've always found the food hot and delicious. I haven't been to Boston Market in a while, but recently I was treated to a free meal at Boston Market by Boston Market and BzzAgent, and the food is just as yummy as I remember it!

The Basics
Boston Market's Heat and Serve Holiday Banquet has everything you need for a delicious Thanksgiving meal -- turkey, sides and dessert. All you have to do is heat and enjoy. Their Catered Banquets come already warmed, and you can order banquets for as little as $10 per person.

The Bongga
I've always liked Boston Market's food -- great comfort food like turkey and chicken with all the sides and trimmings -- and I love the fact that it's hot and ready and very affordable.

The Blah
Well, it's comfort food and fast food, so I wasn't holding my breath in the hopes that this would be too healthy. I almost don't want them to print out the calorie counts on the menu because I want to tuck into all that yummy food without thinking about all that stuff!

The Bottom Line
Boston Market's Heat and Serve meals and Catered Buffets let you spend less time in the kitchen and more with family and friends.

Enter and Save!
Enter the code BZZAGENT when checking out at bostonmarket.com/catering to receive 10% off your ready-to-serve Catered Holiday Buffet order of $100 or more (10% discount applicable to catering orders placed through 12/31/09 only; not valid on Heat & Serve Holiday Banquets).

Win It!
The first three people who leave a comment on this post with their email address will receive a Boston Market coupon for $3 off any restaurant purchase of $6 or more!

I received a coupon for a free meal from Boston Market and BzzAgent in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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Near East Pearled Couscous

I first tried Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food about fifteen years ago, when I first came to the US.  I have no idea how I survived so long without it!   Now I adore hummus, tabouleh salad, gyros wraps, lamb with couscous and more.  We usually buy this kind of food at restaurants, but I always have boxes of Near East's couscous and tabouleh, for when I want to add a bit of ethnic flavor to our dinners.  I recently received some boxes of Near East's new Pearled Couscous variety; here's what I thought of it:

The Basics
Near East makes boxed grain dishes like couscous, pilaf, tabouleh, and other grain dishes that incorporate flavors and cuisines from around the world.   Their new Pearled Couscous is made with pasta pearls that are larger than traditional couscous.

Here's what Near East has to say about their product:  New Near East Pearled Couscous brings the elegance of Mediterranean cuisine straight to the kitchen. Near East Pearled Couscous, made with all-natural ingredients and Certified Kosher, is ideal for consumers looking for a flavorful and versatile side dish.  It adds elegance to any meal in just 20 minutes.



The Bongga
I'm a gal who likes to decide what we're going to have for dinner an hour in advance, then throw everything together -- so there's nothing like the convenience of Near East couscous.   It's so easy -- just boil and add spices. Even better, the Gourmet Meal Kit allows me to have a fancy-tasting Middle Eastern meal on a whim.  I don't usually have these kinds of spices readily available. I'd have to decide I wanted to prepare a Middle Eastern dish days in advance, get a recipe, shop for ingredients, hope everything turns out well, etc....  so the Gourmet Meal Kit really works for me.

I was a bit surprised by the gummy texture of the pearls, but I have no complaints about the taste whatsoever.  We've tried it plain, as a side dish, and I'm dying to try the Sicilian Caponata and Couscous salad by Near East chef Michael Psilaskis (go to NearEast.com for the recipe).  Stay tuned for the results!

The Blah
Pearled couscous can take some getting used to if you don't have an adventurous palate.  Half of my family liked it, the other half didn't (interestingly, the 3 girls -- me, The Pea, and Alfie's mum -- liked it, and the 4 guys -- 3Po, Jammy, Alfie, and Alfie's dad -- didn't).  Everyone liked the taste, but the boys weren't too fond of the pearls.  I guess the pearled texture isn't for everyone. 

The Bottom Line
New East Pearled Couscous and Pearled Couscous Gourmet Meal Kits are a great way to add some sophistication and global flavor to your meals, without much work!


I received a sample in order to review this product, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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"It's All Too Much, so Get It Together" Review and Giveaway

There's something about Peter Walsh that inspires me to get organized. Maybe it's his friendly demeanor. Maybe it's his practical advice. Maybe I just really dig his philosophy: that clutter is first and foremost a state of mind, and you first need to visualize what you want your life to be, what you want to use your space for, before you can really get around to getting some order in your life.

Whatever the case, I find that whenever I listen to him, I get shit DONE. After his workspace organization blogcast, I organized the kids' artwork projects. After I joined him as a panelist on his back-to-school organization blogcast, I organized the kids' toy bins, lunchboxes, and school paperwork. Slowly but surely, I'm clearing up my physical clutter, and in the process, streamlining my life. So I have no hesitation whatsoever about reading (and afterwards, recommending) his latest book.

The Basics
Peter Walsh's latest organization-advice book, "It's All Too Much, So Get It Together", is directed towards older kids and teenagers. He offers practical advice on identifying clutter, clearing up clutter and preventing clutter from coming back.

The Bongga
The book is as well-organized as Peter Walsh! He starts the book by giving readers a summary of what they're about to read, so they know what they're gettting into. Afterwards, he finishes with a summary, so readers remember his key points. And since this book is for older kids and teenagers, he writes in a friendly, informal style, with lots of fun quizzes, funny illustrations and easy-to-follow advice.

The best part about this book, in my mind, is that you don't have to memorize the whole book in order to get some use out of it. Whether you read a little or a lot, you'll find some great advice that can work for you. After reading just a couple of chapters, I was inspired to clear up my own clutter. I tackled my little laundry room and made 3 piles, just like he said -- Keep, Throw Away, and Out the Door. In less than an hour I had a huge Throw Away and Out the Door pile! Of course, the laundry room is still messy, but that's because I haven't folded up the clean clothes. I did get rid of a LOT of junk, and at least now everything in the laundry room is stuff that I actually USE.

So, come to think of it, the best part about this book is that the advice Peter Walsh gives actually WORKS.


The Blah
The title is quite a mouthful, which makes it way too difficult for people to remember.

Girlfriend: My kid's room is a pigsty.
Me: I just read this book, "It's All Too Much, So Get it Together". You should buy it for her.
Girlfriend: What's the book's name again?
Me: It's All Too Much, So Get It Together.
Girlfriend: What? Say that again? That title is all too much!


The Bottom Line
This book can be a great tool to help your disorganized, stressed-out teenager regain some control over his stuff. It won't turn their lives around -- they have to do that themselves. But it's filled with practical, doable advice that can certainly inspire them to make a change. And it wouldn't hurt the adults in the house to read it as well!


Win it! One lucky Bonggamom Finds reader will be selected to receive a copy of Peter Walsh's new book, "It's All Too Much, So Get It Together". To enter, simply leave a comment on this post and share one tip you have for preventing clutter from taking over your life. If you have no advice to share (which is why you want to win this book, right?!), tell us which part of your home you'd most like to organize!

For extra entries, you can do any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each extra entry):

1) Fave Bonggamom Finds on Technorati (leave a comment with your Technorati id).

2) Fave Finding Bonggamom on Technorati (leave a comment with your Technorati id).

3) Follow Finding Bonggamom on Blogger (leave a comment with your Blogger profile name).

4) Follow Bonggamom Finds on Blogger(leave a comment with your Blogger profile name).

5) Leave a comment on any of my blog posts on Finding Bonggamom (leave a comment here with the link to the post that you commented on).

6) Blog about this giveaway and include a link to the giveaway on your blog post (leave a comment here with a link to your post).

7) Tweet this giveaway (leave a comment with a link to your tweet). Here is a sample tweet you can copy and paste:

Win a copy of @Peter_Walsh latest book at @bonggafinds http://tinyurl.com/ndrfbm

Maximum of 8 entries per person. This giveaway ends at midnight PST on October 6, 2009.; I will draw a winner at random on October 7 and post the winner's name on the comments section soon after. For additional giveaway rules, click here. Good luck!

I received a product sample for this post, but no monetary compensation. The views and opinions expressed here are my own.

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