MyPerfectGift.com Father's Day Giveaway

What's on Dad's Wishlist?

Enter to win a Canon PowerShot A400IS

Do you know what dad wants ?

 MyPerfectGift.com lets you buy the 

gift your loved ones really want.

                                                 

Have Dad create a FREE MyPerfectGift.com registry and you

will know exactly what to get him!

How to be Eligible to Win:

 Create a registry with at least 3 gifts or add to an existing registry.

  (Sign-up with one click using Facebook)

When you sign up please use “MESSYMAMA” in the “Referred By” box.

One lucky winner will receive a Canon PowerShot 16.0 MP Digital Camera!!!

Hosted by:  Confessions of a Messy Mama

Sponsored by:  MyPerfectGift.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Aveeno® For Baby Review

Aveeno® sent me a few products to review with FB.   First product up is the Aveeno® Baby Wash & Shampoo.  You can never have enough wash and shampoo for a baby, right?  At least you can’t in my house.  FB has a lot of hair and she’s in the Messy House, so she gets messy…really really messy.  I like the fact that it is made with natural oat extracts and can clean FB without drying because it’s soap free.  It’s smells amazing and the scent not overpowering, which is a big plus.  The Baby Wash and Shampoo is tear free, soap free and paraben free.  FB seemed to enjoy her bath so I’ll vouch for her approval.

Of course you have to follow each back with the Aveeno® Baby Daily Moisture Lotion.  I love this lotion because it moisturizes for a full 24 hours.  It isn’t greasy when I use it and it doesn’t contain any alcohols, so it doesn’t dry out instead of moisturize.  It didn’t take me forever to rub it into FB’s skin, instead it quickly absorbed in and It leaves FB’s skin soft and smooth.

Luckily we also received the Aveeno® Baby Eczema Therapy Soothing Bath Treatment to review.  Shortly after receiving these products I was diagnosed with Shingles.   Believe me, it is one thing you don’t ever want to get.  Shingles is the Chicken Pox virus that has been sitting dormant in your system ever since you had the Chicken Pox, it never fully goes away.  Well, when I got Shingles I became contagious for Chicken Pox, and you guessed, FB came down with Chicken Pox!  She and her two big sisters have all been vaccinated but it doesn’t fully protect them.  She so darn cute I couldn’t help but kiss all over her.  No, honestly I do kiss her a lot and I didn’t find out I had Shingles until I had already had them for 3 days.  When I called the pediatrician I was advised to use this product to soothe her pox.  We enjoyed several soothing baths thanks to Aveeno®.   It did help to relieve the itchiness of the pox and seemed to calm her irritated skin.

Lastly I was asked to review the Aveeno® Baby Continuous Protection® Lotion Sunscreen with Broad Spectrum SPF 55.  You know I was super excited to get this with the warm weather finally getting here.  I love how it doesn't feel greasy or even like other sunscreen when I'm putting it on FB.  It feels like a regular lotion.  It stays water resistant for 80 minutes which is AWESOME!  I love the fact that FB and I will be able to enjoy the pool this summer and not have to continuously reapply sunscreen every 30 minutes.  Being fragrance free is a huge plus in my book.  It does have a slight sunscreen smell but I really have my nose on FB's skin to smell it, so I give it two thumbs up.  

I am excited to know that FB's skin will be protected and nourished this summer by Aveeno®.  Having that piece of mind is amazing.  I recommend Aveeno® to all you mamas and dads out there.   As you can see, FB recommends Aveeno® too!

“Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

  

Getting Started with Nutrisystem

I received all of my shipments from Nutrisystem and I'm eager to get this journey underway.  I can't believe how good some of this food looks.  There were two shipments, one for frozen foods and one for pantry foods.

I mean, look at all this food!  I had to clean out a cabinet and some space in my freezer!  I feel overwhelmed as with any new weight loss plan.  I have to actually pay attention instead of just grabbing whatever I want.  If it were easy though, everyone would be fit, right?  I can do this!

So here we go:
Starting weight is 147 lbs.

Starting size is 8.

I am super excited!  Wish me luck please.

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com

“Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Spring Cleaning with P&G

Now, you all must know that my house needs a good cleaning every now and then, just like all of yours.  However, I usually get in the mood to clean right around spring time, just like most of you do too.  P&G was gracious and sent me a box to get me started.

First things first, I received the Dawn Ultimate Hand Renewal with Olay Beauty.  Most of us know the best dish-washing liquid is Dawn, it cuts through the grease, if you do a lot of cooking you need this.  What I like most is that it's gentle on my hands too.  I don't come up with dishwater hands afterwards.  You ladies know what I'm talking about, after washing your hands the skin around your nails starts to dry and the backs of your hands usually start to hurt from being so dry.  Not anymore.

Next I moved on to the Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Select-a-Size.  I love the Magic Eraser and now it comes in a Select-a-Size version!  How awesome!  This helped me clean my baseboards.  Basically, it helps to get rid of dirt by friction.  DO NOT USE THIS ON YOUR CHILDREN TO GET OFF MARKERS.  I know this is a little magic in your hands but it attacks the grime and stuck on dirt with friction and removes it without the harsh chemicals.  Now you can use the Magic Eraser for the big, medium, and small jobs.

 

Let's not forget about how many dishes my family goes through in a day.  With three meals, snacks and endless cups of juice, water, and milk you know my dishwasher gets filled most days.  I have a family of five, so I don't have the luxury of running my dishwasher once or twice a week.  So, when I run my dishwasher I want my dishes to come out clean, not iffy.  The Cascade Platinum Pacs work beautifully. According to Cascade.com it's so powerful, it even helps your dishwasher stay sparkling.   

• Delivers Cascade’s best clean with a premium, advanced triple action formula that helps prevent residue on your dishes, and even filming on your machine.
• Scrubs away tough 24 hour stuck-on food.
• Eliminates the need to pre-wash dishes.
• Has the Grease Fighting Power of Dawn.

I also received the Swiffer Sweeper Starter Kit and the Swiffer Sweeper Dry Cloths with Gain Scent.  The Swiffer Sweeper was a cinch to put together.  Practically a "one, two, three" job.  I really like how it can be broken down just as easy for storage.  I don't have a pantry or broom closet.  I either have my broom laying around my house for everyone to see or it's in my basement.  I really hate storing it in my basement.  More than the storage of this awesome Sweeper I love the way it works.  It actually attracts the dust (and I promise there is lots of dust in my house).   The Swiffer Sweeper worked so well that I started doing my ceiling fans with it!  The Swiffer Sweeper Dry Cloths with Gain Scent just put a bonus on cleaning!

Finally, cleaning isn't all about what you see.  Sometimes you can have a spotless but smelly home.  I would much rather have my mess of a house than a smelly one, and believe me, it's smelly sometimes, especially the cabinet that holds our garbage can.  We put it in a cabinet to keep the smell at bay.  Luckily, I also received the new Febreeze Stick & Refresh in Fresh Meadow.  This took no time to place in the cabinet and it's not in the way since it's stuck to the door.   I had actually placed it in a bad place of the cabinet door, so I had to take it off and put it back up.  There was no problem doing this at all.  The best part is that almost a month later it still smells pretty amazing every single time I open that cabinet.  

Thank you P&G for making cleaning up the Messy House a little easier!

“Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Mother’s Day gift box from Balance Bar Review and Flash Giveaway

Recently I received a Mother’s Day gift box from Balance Bar and a an adorable notebook by Maybook for me to keep track of my busy life.  I was a little hesitant as my experience with grab and go "energy" bars has not always been pleasant.  These are Balance Bars though.  

I received Dark Chocolate Crunch, Chocolate Raspberry, Dark Chocolate Peanut and Dark Chocolate Coconut.  Big shock that my favorite was the Dark Chocolate Crunch.  It was not only dessert worthy but it kept my hunger at bay for hours.  It has 4 grams of Fiber and 13 grams of Protein.  Let's see all the nutritional points: 

• Gluten Free
• Rainforest Alliance Certified™ Cocoa
• 4g Fiber
• 13g Protein
• 180 Calories
• Balanced 40-30-30 Nutrition
• Excellent Source of Antioxidants & Vitamin D

This is a winner in my book.  Speaking of books, the notebook from Maybook is adorable.  You can customize your own to be as unique as you.  Check it out at http://www.maydesigns.com/shop/books.  

Win your own Mother's Day gift box from Balance Bar by entering the RC form below.  Must be a resident of the U.S.A. and 18+

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Blue Steel Ring Giveaway

Hosted by:  MamaBreak

Sponsored by:  Blue Steel

"The metal is from surgical grade stainless steel. The stainless steel allows it to hold up to many conditions, and it is comfortable to wear. Of course, it is a stunning ring in person, and I get compliments all the time!"  Read the rest of the review HERE.

Thanks MamaBreak for letting me share with my readers.

Win it by entering the RC form below.  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure:  Confessions of a Messy Mama has received no compensation for this giveaway and is not responsible for prize shipment.

Choosing Nutrisystem

I have over 35 more pounds to loose to reach my ultimate goal.  This would put me two pounds under my lowest weight as an adult.  This might be pushing myself a little too far but I wanted to set a BIG goal.  Plus it was an even number.  My goal weight is 110 pounds.  Now, listen, I am only 5 foot tall so it's not unreachable.  I also have a small frame.  I know a lot of people who are a few inches taller than me and weigh less than that.  However, if I reach 120 pounds I will do a jig and video it for all of you to see. 

I was closer to my goal about 3 weeks ago but then I was put on steroids because I got Shingles.  Ugh, I don't wish this kind of pain on anyone.  The steroids did their job by relieving a lot of the pain but in exchange I had to gain 12 pounds.  We all have our own reasons for gaining weight and mine include steroids and the love of cake and ice cream.  Chocolate doesn't help my cause either.  There are just as many choices for losing weight as there are for gaining.  

I am choosing Nutrisystem to help me in my journey to lose all this weight that I have put on over the last 12 years.  I am excited and I will be bringing you weekly updates on my progress.  Not only am I excited about losing this excess weight because it does bring down your energy and confidence, at least it does with me.  I am also excited to bring you all this information so that you can have more information to help you choose if Nutrisystem is the right program for you.  

I am currently waiting for all shipments but as soon as I receive them I will post pictures of everything you get with Nutrisystem.  I will also post a picture of myself on the day I start the program.  I hope if you have any questions along the way that you feel comfortable enough to ask, I'll be more than happy to answer any questions that I can for you.  Wish me luck!

Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com

“Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Win Dinner for 2 at the Final Cut Steakhouse in Lawrenceburg, Indiana

Hosted by:  Confessions of a Messy Mama

Sponsored by:  Hollywood Casino

"Let me make this clear to you.  This is by far the best meal my husband and I have ever had.  We have eaten at many high end restaurants before but this is, by far, the BEST.  This is no exaggeration.  These steaks melted in our mouths.  There was no ounce of fat anywhere to be found.  The restaurant makes in house a dry rub for the steaks and the flavors are spectacular. "  Read the rest of Messy Mama's review HERE.

Win Dinner for 2 at The Final Cut Steakhouse (in Lawrenceburg, IN) 

by entering the RC form below.  

Must be a resident of the U.S.A. and 18+

Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

“Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Date Night at The Hollywood Casino Hotel in Indiana

Mr. Messy and I don't get much time away from our three little monsters angels.  When we do finally squeeze in a date we like to make the most of it.  Recently Hollywood Casino's Hotel invited us to stay and enjoy a Romantic Date Night there.  Hollywood Casino and Hotel is located in Lawrenceburg, Indiana. It's only about a 30 minute drive for us so it was perfect.  Even if it was three hours away I would go now that I've been there and experienced it.  

I must say this prior to diving into my review.  Every single staff member that we came across while there spoke to us and made us feel like VIP's.  I really need to emphasize that, because that in itself is a big reason why I plan to return without an invite.  

Check in was a breeze and only took about five minutes, if that.  We stayed in a double bed room and the room was very comfortable.  There was no safe, but if you have valuables the front desk does have lock boxes available.  

The room has a shower with a tub and I love the curved shower curtain rod that gives you extra room.  There is a large vanity in the bathroom and complimentary Bath & Body Works Toiletries (loved that). There was a standard size desk in the room, which would have been perfect for me to get a few reviews typed up for you if I wasn't on a romantic date with the hottest man there (back off ladies).  

My husband checked the baseball scores on the 42" LCD TV while I finished getting ready for our dinner reservation at The Final Cut Steakhouse.  I didn't have much to do since it was business casual, but I wanted to look my best.    I like the room decor and the way they tie in the classic Hollywood theme with the pictures in our room of Humphrey Bogart and Katherine Hepburn.    

Other amenities of the room were an iron and ironing board, free high speed Internet, coffee makers, automatic wake up call/messaging center, on Demand movies, music and games, video express checkout and of course a hair dryer.  

After putting on my pretty dress and high heels we strolled through the walkway connecting the hotel to the casino and restaurants.  We were about 45 minutes early for our reservation to The Final Cut Steakhouse so we decided to pop into the casino and walk around.  We only played a few slots and some roulette but had a fun time.  We decided to head over to the Final Cut Steakhouse and got there about 15 minutes before our reservation time.  

Even though we were early the staff treated us as if it was perfect timing and took us back to our booth.  The colossal booth was  very private, which was perfect for romance.  Once we were seated the hostess gave us a tablet to look through the wine and drink list.  I loved the fact that you could select your dinner and it would give you wine suggestions.  

Our wait staff team was amazing.  They were friendly and timely but not overbearing.  They offered wonderful suggestions which we listened to and were grateful we did.  Everything on the menu is a la carte, which is perfect so you get exactly what you want, not what the chef thinks goes best together.  

Jumbo Lump Crab Cake
We didn't wait to get a picture before digging in...sorry.

Our first course was The Final Cut Signature Crab Cake.  The menu describes it as "jumbo lump, no breading, citrus aioli, roasted pineapple relish".  This was what our server suggested and I wouldn't have chosen it on my own.  Mr. Messy and I were so glad that we did though.  The roasted pineapple relish put this already delectable dish over the top.  

Half of The Wedge

Next we split The Wedge Salad which included crisp bacon, maytag blue cheese, red onion, tomato and house made ranch.  I'm not sure which was the best part.  The bacon may have been the best bacon I've ever tasted, but I could say the same for the dressing, which is made in-house, and the blue cheese was so creamy.  All together it did a waltz in my mouth.  

8oz Center Cut Filet Mignon and Jumbo Gulf Shrimp

For the main course we each ordered a steak, since we were at a steak house.  Mr. Messy ordered the 14 oz Prime New York Strip and I ordered the 8 oz Center Cut Filet Mignon.  We each ordered the Jumbo Gulf Shrimp and Truffled Fries to share.   

14 oz New York Strip and Jumbo Gulf Shrimp

Let me make this clear to you.  This is by far the best meal my husband and I have ever had.  We have eaten at many high end restaurants before but this is, by far, the BEST.  This is no exaggeration.  These steaks melted in our mouths.  There was no ounce of fat anywhere to be found.  The restaurant makes in house a dry rub for the steaks and the flavors are spectacular.  

Truffled Fries

The shrimp was by far the biggest I've ever seen and we each got three.  I couldn't finish mine so Mr. Messy was more than happy to take my last one.  All of the food was more than enough, as I said before we split the salad and I still couldn't finish my half.  One of the staff members was gracious enough to suggest I try a steak sauce on my Truffled Fries, then she ran into the back to get me some without me asking.  She wasn't assigned to my table either, you couldn't ask for better service than that.  

Chocolate Cake

We were so incredibly full but I couldn't leave without trying some dessert.  I'm a chocolate girl so I was set on trying the Chocolate Cake which was described as 10 layers of dark chocolate buttercream, chocolate macaroon and amarini cherries.  Our server suggested the Creme Brulee Trio:  Tahitian Vanilla, dark chocolate and coconut cream brulee with whipped cream.   Wow, it was all so good that I could not stop eating it.  I have a new favorite dessert now too:  The Final Cut Creme Brulee Trio.  

Creme Brulee Trio

Afterwards we had to go back to our room and rest.  While we were there we watched a few shows before going back to visit the casino.  Overall I can't recommend Hollywood Casino's Hotel and The Final Cut Steakhouse highly enough!  I suggest you plan to spend a little time with your significant other and bring some romance back into your relationship.  

“Disclosure of Material Connection:  I received one or more of the products or Services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention it on my blog.  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 Commision’s 16 CFR, Part 255:  “Guides concerning the use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Lugz Giveaway

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Disclosure:  Confessions of a Messy Mama has received no compensation for this post and is not responsible for prize shipment.