Thursday, September 27, 2012

LEGO Kidsfest - Coming to the Detroit area October 12th - 14th... $2 off Per Ticket! @LEGOKidsfest







Have a child that LOVES to build with LEGOs? Let me introduce you to one of the coolest events happening in the Detroit area, (as well as other states), LEGO KidsFest


What is LEGO KidsFest?

LEGO KidsFest is a three-day show filled with hands-on, interactive and educational activities for the whole family. Get creative in the construction zones, meet LEGO Master Builders, help build Creation Nation, experience LEGO Games, and see dozens of life-sized models made entirely from LEGO bricks. Please note: Activities may vary from city to city and all content is subject to change without notice.

Want to know more, please *Like* LEGO KidsFest on Facebook and Twitter

This is where you will be able to find the latest and greatest information on this fun and  highly interactive event!

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Save $2 off/ticket (ends 9/28)

SAVE $2 off each ticket purchased to the event!   Tickets must be purchased online .... See HERE for details!     

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[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Feld Entertainment is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this promotion.
Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.] Pin It

Monday, September 24, 2012

Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control Regimen #CrestSponsored



The summer was a time for us to have fun and not follow any particular schedule, but with the hustle and bustle of the new school year, we are striving to get back into a regular routine including getting up early and brushing our teeth. Along with the kids, I've recently adopted a new (and healthy) oral care regimen that I absolutely enjoy. My dentist and dental hygienist have always told me that I build up plaque easily, but with the help of Crest and Oral B Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control products... taking care of my teeth is much easier!




I was recently asked to participate in a campaign that involved trying out Crest and Oral B Pro-Health Clinical Plaque Control products and I've been wanting to improve my oral care regimen and this was the perfect opportunity. To help with my review, I was sent a toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss and oral rinse. Please take a look at my video (above) to see my thoughts on these products.

Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a blogger review campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Crest and received product samples to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE. Pin It

Tuesday, September 18, 2012

*New* Mattel Polly Pocket Playtime Pet Shop Playset {Review}




The school year is in full swing and my kids are truly exhausted upon their arrival home. All they would prefer to do is watch television or play video games. We are continually trying to encourage imaginative play over these other activities.With the introduction of new Polly Pocket playsets... convincing the girls to use their imagination is so much easier!

About Polly Pocket

Polly Pocket allows girls to transform ordinary situations into extraordinary adventures with their new line of small dolls and play sets  that continue to offer delightful and unexpected surprises.

 
This is the ultimate pet shop, where Polly doll can care for and nurture her eight pets until they find new homes! Your animal lover will enjoy helping Polly pick out a new pet to take upstairs on the elevator for grooming and bathing. Once Polly has dried off the pet, she can sit in the swing and rock the sweet animal to sleep. (The nearby lovebirds just might swing in unison!) When she's done, Polly doll can ride down the slide to pick up her squeaky-clean pet and then purchase toys and special treats from the dispensers.
  • The ultimate pet shop, where Polly doll can nurture her pets
  • 2 floors with a working elevator for tons of pet shop fun
  • Pick out a new pet and go upstairs to give it a bath or rock it to sleep
  • Polly doll's bendable arms make it easy for her to hold her pets
  • Includes 1 Polly doll, 8 pets, 1 large swing, pet toys and tons of accessories



ace and friends thoughts

My girls were generously given the Polly Pocket Playtime Pet Shop Playset to help entertain them after school.





This set comes with a variety of different pieces, a doll, multiple pets, pet toys and more that allowed LOTS of creative play. The Playtime Pet Shop has a movable elevator, a pet carousel, a slide and a trap door (see below).



On the upper level, the Polly doll can be placed in the shoes and a handy lever move her back and forth allowing her to gives the pets a bath (see below). 


There is also a working treat dispenser. You can load and reload to give each of the included pets a treat! All you have to do is pull the lever and the food is dispensed. 


In addition to all the fun playsets, did you know that you can view Polly Pocket videos directly on their site? We recently watched a cute Polly Pocket video called Friends Finish First. This adorable movie is about making important choices.... such as between winning or helping friends. 

You too can view the movie below...




My girls truly enjoyed watching this entertaining movie about the importance of friendship. Really, who doesn't LOVE  a happy ending?!?!

Final Thoughts: These little things pets were a BIG hit!

To learn more, please visit the Polly Pocket website.


[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Mattel Polly Pocket. I received a product samples and a promotional item as a thank-you for participating.See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]
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Friday, September 14, 2012

Danze Taju Single Handle Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet {Review}




When we moved into our home just over five years ago, we were lucky to find an amazing spec home that met the majority of our needs. However, with a spec home, they often install standard type items, including faucets.

We’ve been in the process of FINALLY remodeling our kitchen by painting, adding glass tiles and new light fixtures. With that, I’ve been looking for the perfect kitchen faucet to replace our existing one.

I was recently offered the opportunity to review a new faucet from Danze, so I jumped at the chance.  After checking out their site, I was even more excited to see the extensive and beautiful line they offered and picked out the perfect one for DG to install in our kitchen.


About Danze
{source: danze.com}

Danze, Inc. is a leading manufacturer and marketer of fine furnishings for the kitchen and bath. Its product lines include a wide array of kitchen and bath faucets, bath furniture, toilets, sinks, showerheads, bath accessories and more.

Danze's product lines include a wide array of kitchen and bath faucets, specialty faucets, showerheads and bath accessories. These products are complemented by beautifully styled fixtures and furniture that feature toilets, bidets, pedestal sinks, premium vanities, vessel sinks and matching mirrors.

Danze products are backed by a limited lifetime warranty. They also provide a toll-free customer assistance line to answer technical, installation or other questions seven days a week. 


They offer so many unique and stylish faucets, but here are my a few of my favorites...




The kitchen faucet that I decided would be the perfect fit was the Taju Single Handle Pull-Out Kitchen Faucet (below). I absolutely love the contemporary/modern look of it and it certainly something that would compliment the style of our kitchen. 

Product Features
  • Ceramic disc valve.
  • 8 ¾" high spout, 9" spout length.
  • 3 function spray/aerated stream/pause.
  • Quiet running hose with spring retraction.
  • Single hole mount.
  • Compliant with low lead content requirements of California AB-1953 and Vermont Act 193.


This single hole mount faucet features a retractable hose/sprayer, and is available in 3 different finishes: Chrome, Stainless Steel, and Satin Black.  Although I really likes all three, the Stainless Steel finish would look best among our other stainless steel appliances. 

{old} faucet.

{NEW} Danze Taju Faucet.


The Taju Faucet's base is extremely heavy, well-made and durable, but when you grab the sprayer, it’s surprisingly VERY light weight. The extractable handle has a three buttons located on the underside and offer two various sprays (see above) along with water flow pause button.

This particular style faucet has some certain benefits as well as some possible disadvantages. The unit turns on very easily and the pull-out sprayer is extremely lightweight and sprays an appropriate and useful amount of water for cleaning. The extendable hose is quite long and easily retracts. On the downside, the handle is quite light and doesn’t exactly lock into the base, which if it gets bumped, can become loose. The other issue I have with this unit is although it sits higher on the sink, the flat design is sometimes more difficult to maneuver certain dishes underneath it. Overall, I really do like our new kitchen faucet and it's a HUGE improvement over the original unit. 

Interested in learning more about Danze products, please visit Danze website, *Like* Danze on Facebook and follow Danze on Twitter to to stay up to date on the latest and greatest on their entire product line. 

[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Feld Entertainment is neither a sponsor nor endorser of this promotion.
Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]







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Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Introducing American Girl's Newest Historical Doll *Caroline Abbott* {Review & Giveaway}



The girls continue to be crazy obsessed over their stunning American Girl dolls. You can imagine their excitement whey they heard there was going to be an addition to the American Girl historical doll family.  This week, American Girl introduced and welcomed Caroline Abbott into stores. 

Next week, my now kindergartner {e} will be celebrating her 5th birthday and what a perfect time to surprise her with the beautiful Caroline AbbottThanks to my WONDERFUL friends at American Girl... I can't wait to see the excitement on her face when she opens up this adorable NEW doll.




About American Girl 

If you haven't heard of American Girl, I would be SUPER surprised... but in case you don't know much about this amazing company, let me tell you a little about them.

American Girl is "Helping girls become their very best!" At American Girl, they celebrate girls and all that they can be. That's why they develop products and experiences that help girls grow up in a wholesome way, while encouraging them to enjoy girlhood through fun and enchanting play. {These are a few reasons why I LOVE American Girl.}

American Girl offers a wide variety of different products that are suitable for just about everyone. The American Girl character feature historical characters that highlight important past dates of America's past. My American Girl™ dolls are dolls that are created especially for every girl. Bitty Baby® are adorable baby dolls that promote nurturing play among girls and are perfect for ages 3 and up. In addition to dolls, American Girl also offers American Girl magazine and Books that are written to help girls every step of the way. 

ace and friends thoughts

I love the introduction of the historical dolls as we love to learn about each new time period the doll represents, in this case, we are eager to learn more about the War of 1812. 


This September—200 years after America secured its standing as a truly independent nation—American Girl’s newest historical character, Caroline Abbott, shows girls today how to stay steady and believe in themselves during difficult times. Caroline, an independent and adventurous nine-year-old girl whose story is set near Lake Ontario during the War of 1812, learns to face her most challenging moments using her heart as her compass. Going above and beyond to help those around her, Caroline gives of herself without expecting anything in return—becoming the kind of real everyday hero that any girl can be.


Living with her family in Sackets Harbor, New York, Caroline loves sailing with her shipbuilder father, and she even dreams of captaining her own ship one day. But after British sailors capture her father and cousin, Caroline does her best to keep the promise she makes to her father to stay steady and ride storms through to better weather. In the end, Caroline finds—and proves—her own steadiness and strength as she navigates the challenges of wartime.



“Our newest historical character, Caroline, is a brave, independent girl who teaches girls today that they can navigate life’s challenges by staying strong, making good decisions, and taking action,” says Jean McKenzie, executive vice president of American Girl. “We know our fans will be inspired by the stories of Caroline, who shows girls that they can set their own course to help make changes for the greater good.”


The Caroline doll is 18” tall with light aquamarine eyes and long blond hair. She arrives wearing an empire-waist dress trimmed with ruffles and a woven floral sash, lacy pantalettes, ribbed-knit stockings, pink shoes, with a Meet Caroline paperback book written by Kathleen Ernst. Her accessories include a faux-straw bonnet adorned with fabric flowers, a drawstring purse, and a little top that really spins.

As with other American Girl dolls, Caroline Abbott does not disappoint. Her body is made of a soft cloth and the head and limbs are made of smooth vinyl. These dolls are extremely well made and will give the little girl in your life many years of enjoyment. You can pose each doll, including Caroline Abbott in many different ways, whether she standing, sitting or even sailing. In addition to American Girl dolls being extra cute, I truly love that they encourage reading and inspire girls to believe in themselves... even in the most difficult of times.

Finally, I cannot wait to see {e}'s reaction at her birthday celebration. It will definitely be a dream come true! After her party, I will certainly post some birthday pictures!



Also make sure to check back to read my upcoming review of some amazing American Girl Innerstar University Books titles just perfect for Back To School!

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Buy It

American Girl's newest historical doll, Caroline Abbott
along with many other American Girl products are available NOW
and can be purchased HERE.

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Win It


Thanks to American Girl, one LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a
Caroline Boxed Set with Game (MSRP $39.95)

This keepsake boxed set features all six of Caroline’s beautifully illustrated books, filled with her inspiring stories. The box opens up to reveal a fun-filled board game where girls collect cards and earn points. The board game and playing pieces tuck into a storage pouch that folds up with an elegant ribbon closure.

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Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Balance Bar mini energy bars & Itzy Ritzy Snack Bags {Review & Giveaway}



Featured Sponsors



With three active kids, I always find myself on the go running from one activity to another... yep, I'm that mom.... Constantly in the car, I find it hard to stop and get a bite to eat. Thankfully, I have my box of new Balance Bar mini energy bars that give me that little pick me up when I'm hungry, exhausted and don't have a second to spare. 



First, About Balance Bar

Founded in 1992, Balance Bar, one of America’s original nutrition/energy bars, inspires consumers to lead active, well-rounded and balanced lives by providing great-tasting, healthy and convenient nutrition for lasting energy. Balance Bars come in seven unique product lines (Original, Gold, BARE, Café, nimble, CarbWell and mini energy bars) and are available in 23 flavors with all based on a 40/30/30 nutritional model (40% of calories come from healthy carbohydrates, 30% from quality protein and 30% from dietary fat). 



Balance Bar®, one of America’s original nutrition/energy bar leaders, is launching mini energy bars in two popular Balance Bar flavors: Cookie Dough and Double Chocolate Brownie. They’re the perfect pick-me-up for kids and adults so everyone can feel good about enjoying them at snack time or between meals!

Each 100-calorie mini energy bar contains seven grams of protein and 23 vitamins and minerals with an excellent source of antioxidants (vitamins A, C & E). Like all Balance Bars, mini energy bars adhere to the proven 40-30-30 principle (40% of calories come from healthy carbohydrates, 30% from quality protein and 30% from dietary fat) to help stabilize blood sugar levels, satisfy hunger and provide lasting energy.

mini energy bars are certified Kosher and come in a two-flavor, 10-count box which will be available where ever Balance Bars are sold and on their site, www.shopbalance.com.

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COUPON: To get a one-dollar Balance Bar coupon, go to www.Balance.com and click on {Get a Valuable Coupon}.


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For more information, visit their website, www.Balance.com. Follow Balance Bar for tips and nutritional information on Facebook and Twitter.


With the kids back to school, they require their daily snack. As easy as it is to use plastic bags, I always disliked the number of bags with would go through every week. I have always loved the idea of the reusable snack back, but never found one that I really liked A LOT, until recently when I was introduced to the Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened™ Reusable Snack Bags. This ZIPPERED (not velcro-ed) snack bag is keep crackers, fruit, sandwiches, new Balance Bar mini energy bars, and other snack securely in place.

Features include:
  • 100% cotton exterior
  • Waterproof lining interior
  • FDA-approved, BPA-free, PVC-free, phthalate-free
  • Lead-free zipper top closure keeps crumbs, drips and contents securely inside –no velcro for snag free and silent snacking
  • Machine washable
  • Award winning


To get your very own Itzy Ritzy snack bags of your own

at www.itzyritzy.com in regular or mini size.


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Buy It

Special Offer! Buy four boxes of Balance Bar mini energy bars and receive one FREE regular-size Itzy Ritzy Snack Happened bag and FREE ground shipping. Offer is limited to the first 50 responders. Go to www.shopbalance.com.

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Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win a 10 count box of Balance Bar mini energy bars and Itzy Ritzy Snack Bag Prize Pack!

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Monday, September 3, 2012

Earn Cash and Bonus Box Tops 4 Education with Jingit #jingit4edu #CBias



As I've mentioned before, my kids LOVE collecting Box Tops (well... they actually LOVE the prize that their class gets from collecting the MOST), but I love the benefits my kids will receive from the program.

If you are a parent like me, you are probably familiar with the Box Tops 4 Education program. Recently I was introduced to
Jingit, that not only allows you to earn EXTRA Box Tops for your school of choice, but extra cash too! 



You can easily earn cash from your favorite brands by watching a short video as well as locating these participating brands in-store. Getting started is super easy by signing up with 
Jingit online. Immediately you can begin watching videos and earn cash.



To compliment
Jingit online, you can also download the Jingit app to your phone (available for the iPhone and Android) and enjoy additional earning opportunities.




After I signed up online, I headed to Walmart to begin my shopping trip. Earning cash was very easy and I loved to hear the little *cha-ching*... when I earned my cash. The status bar maintains your cumulative total and it was fun to see my overall total continually increase throughout my shopping trip... now, who doesn't LOVE free money?!

There were many General Mills products participating in this program including: Yoplait Go-Gurt, Yoplait – Original Fridge Pack, Fiber One Brownies, Nature Valley Oats ‘n Honey Granola Bars, Honey Nut Cheerios, Totino’s Party Pizzas, Green Giant Valley Fresh Steamers, Betty Crocker Fruit Snacks - Fruit Roll-Ups, Fruit by the Foot and Fruit Gushers. Thankfully, my kids enjoy many of these products.


Scanning products were fun and made the shopping experience somewhat entertaining. Some products require a two-step process as you will see below.


 First, I located the participating products and begin the Jingit *Check In* process.






Step 1: Scan the barcode on package #1 (this involves scanning Oats 'n Honey NATURE VALLEY Value Pack).



Step 2 (Next): Scan the barcode on package #2 (scanning Fiber One Brownies).



Final Step:
 Once you select *Finish Now*... you instantly earn your cash and it's added to your cumulative total in the upper right corner.




Signing up is very simple, check out my entire Sign up process and shopping trip in my 
Google + Story.

Want to learn more, make sure to follow 
Jingit on Twitter and *Like* Jingit on Facebook.


Disclosure: I am a member of the Collective Bias™ Social Fabric® Community. This shop has been compensated as part of a social shopper insights study for Collective Bias™ and Jingit. Any opinions expressed are my own. #CBias #SocialFabric
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