February 2011 Archives - With Our Best

ClosedGiveaway! SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket {Ends 3/14}

February 28, 2011 by Rachel 240 Comments

Favorite. Baby. Blanket. Ever.

I seriously couldn’t be more excited about my new SwaddleDesigns stroller blanket and the entire line in general. I’ve seen their products in a few department stores and fell in love with their simple, “dot” designs, pretty colors, and their ultra luxious soft feel. I also found out that they are a local Seattle company and I love to support local business!

Blankets are the BEST gift for new babies. My 5 month old spent the first 2 months of his life swaddled tight, pretty much all the time and now continues to sleep swaddled at night. My husband literally asked our post-partum nurse to show him how to do it a dozen times. Swaddling isn’t as easy as it sounds and going on very little sleep doesn’t make your memory any sharper. Swaddle Designs swaddling blankets have labels with simple 3 step directions…love that! It’s a perfect little reminder on how to do it. You can also learn more about how to achieve the correct swaddle on their website.

Swaddle Designs Exclusive 123 Swaddle Tip Tag

Something else I love about this company is their care and concern for sleep safety. The SwaddleDesigns Goldilocks Guide™ ensures that baby should not be too hot, or too cold, but just right ~ comfortably warm. Our job as parents is to be educated about sleep and this guide is a great source of knowledge. Putting baby to sleep on his or her back, on a firm surface without any soft toys or blankets are also important reminders. Before I had my son, I didn’t know that babies should not be put in bed with a blanket. SwaddleDesigns created their zzZZip me Sacks which are wearable blankets to keep babies warm at night, without posing a suffocation risk. They are cute and serve and important purpose.

You can buy hats, towels, burp cloths, crib sheets, and more from SwaddleDesigns and I was lucky enough to review their *BRAND NEW* true blue puff circles stroller blanket!! The Jewel Collection is their newest line and I am in love with the beautiful, bold, rich colors!! This stroller blanket also comes in delicate pastel colors with dots or circles and they are all adorable. The blanket is nice and big, super soft, and lined with satin.

I’m not sure who loves this blanket more…my son, or me! (which is great because you can also buy an adult sized blanket) Rowan is 5 months old (today!!) and we’ve been using his new blanket everyday. It’s been cold and snowy here and we’ve had quite a few snuggle sessions by the fire. Before naps I’ve been covering him up with the blanket and using the satin to stroke his cheek while we cuddle. I’m sure this blanket will be his favorite and will follow him to bed when he’s a toddler. It’s also been great to cover him up on walks in the stroller. Perfect size, and you can see that he likes the way the satin feels in his mouth…where everything seems to go these days.

A couple of weeks ago I attended a baby shower and my girlfriend received a SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket and Lovie. A lot of the moms there were impressed with the looks and quality of the items and agreed that their products were some of their own personal favorites. Check out SwaddleDesigns to order your own blanket or enter to win one below!

{Giveaway}

The Prize: A SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket

To Enter: Leave 1 comment for each of the following entries you choose. Mandatory entry must be done for all extra entries to count.

Mandatory entry:

+1 Visit SwaddleDesigns and tell me your favorite item.

Extra entries:

+1 Fan/Like SwaddleDesigns on Facebook and state your favorite SwaddleDesigns print or product on their wall. (Facebook fans get the inside scoop, previews of new collections and Fan discounts! )

+1 Follow SwaddleDesigns on Twitter AND Tweet about your favorite product.

+1 Subscribe to WithOurBest by email
+1 Subscribe via Feed Reader RSS
+1 Follow WithOurBest on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
+1 Fan/Like WithOurBest on Facebook
+1 Follow us on Networked Blogs
+1 Follow WithOurBest on Twitter (leave twitter ID)
+1 Tweet the following (By using the Retweet button or copy and paste into Twitter)

@WithOurBest #Win #Giveaway SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket http://bit.ly/e1dBWR {Ends 3/14}

Rules: Open to US residents 18 years or older. Winner chosen at random via random.org. Winners will be emailed and have 48hours to respond. BEST OF LUCK!
Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: Baby Blanket, Swaddle, SwaddleDesigns

Closed Blush Accessories Undershirt {Ends 3/13}

February 28, 2011 by Karissa 155 Comments

The company name is Blush Accessories… the product is called “The Tee Shirt Extender” (formerly “The Topless Undershirt”) Funny story, they changed the name to the much more fitting “Tee shirt Extender”, because stores they sold to didn’t really like the word “Topless” in a brand they were selling! Heehee…

Anyway, whether you know it by “The Tee Shirt Extender” or “The Topless Undershirt” - they are one in the same – the same great product!

WHAT IT IS: An undershirt that establishes the look of layering without the bulk and straps. The Tee Shirt Extender is shaped like a tube top that is worn around the waist so you can adjust it to whatever length you desire!

These are also PERFECT for maternity and nursing to help adapt your wardrobe to your changing body. These undershirts make it easy to add length to any shirt and create a style that is comfortable to you.

These shirts come in the sizes: Small (0 to 4) Medium is (6 to 10) Large is (12 to 22+) and color selection: black, white and mocha!

AND MY THOUGHTS: With the tapered shaped and spandex blend, this shirt stays put and it comfy against my skin! It is long enough that is gives me full tummy coverage – showing tummy is soooo not cute at 26… or at 21… or at any age but 2 (lets be honest)!

Since it is tapered, it fits at the waist and I can wear it a little higher for some shirts and a little lower for other shirts. It goes right on top of my jeans and looks like I’m wearing a “real shirt”! It is so cool. Overall, these are comfortable, fashionable and a great way to not show off the unwanted skin.. whether you are pregnant or just need to add some extension to a few shirts this under garment does magic!

Get Your Own!! The undershirts are available on their website for $15.99 and are also sold at stores like Target!

{Giveaway}

The Prize: One reader will win a Blush Accessories undershirt in color and size of choice!

To Enter: Leave 1 comment for each of the following entries you choose. Mandatory entry must be done for all extra entries to count.

Mandatory entry: Visit Blush Accessories and tell us what color you would choose!

Extra entries:

+1 Follow @blushaccessoir_ on Twitter
+1 Fan/Like Blush on Facebook

@WithOurBest #Giveaway http://bit.ly/eNebk9 @blushaccessoir_ tee shirt extender! {Ends 3/13}

Filed Under: Giveaways

Review: Vera Bradley Spring Collection 2011

February 28, 2011 by Karissa Leave a Comment

If I was to describe Vera Bradley in one word it would be: STUNNING. I love the vibrant colors, the exquisite designs, and the unique quilted look.

I have collected a few Vera Bradley items over the years and to this day each one is dear to my heart. Having owned these bags, I have a million great things to say about the products and the company, so I went out on a limb and asked if I could review them on my blog. To my surprise, they responded… and their answer was… yes!!

I was completely thrilled when I heard back from the lovely people at Vera Bradley. I was even more thrilled when I saw what they sent me (I didn’t know what they were sending – it was a total surprise, fun right?!) I swear I was 5 years old again on Christmas! (jumping up and down and all!)

So here is what I got in the mail: Everything Nice Tote, Penny Wise Wallet and the Umbrella all in the Folkloric design.

My first thoughts were, “such beautiful colors”, my second, “but wait it isn’t quilted”! I guess I must be naïve because in my mind, Vera Bradley was amazingly cute quilted luggage, purses and bags! But Vera Bradley is so much more! No longer is everything quilted! And they now have laptop sleeves, e-reader sleeves and even sunglasses! Let’s talk about the package:

Everything Nice Tote – practical and roomy!

Vertical tote big enough to accommodate most 15″ laptops
Front features a full zip pocket with Frill logo
Inside, several pockets including three pen slots and a key clip

Penny Wise Wallet

Five card pockets, a large bill pocket and an ID window inside
Zippered flap pocket inside
Magnetic snap closure

Umbrella – compact and cute.

One-touch open and close feature
Umbrella stores in wrap-around snap closure and coordinating sleeve
Shiny metal hardware and bungee wrist strap

so I could use the umbrella!!)

After using the purse and wallet (still no rain) for about 2 weeks, I can tell you they are sturdy and hold up well. I have shoved them under the airplane seats, in the overhead bin and in the backseat of my car. I am kind of rough with my items!

These pieces are pure stunning Vera Bradley style! They make me want to go dancing in the rain. The vibrant colors are so cheery and perfect for spring! The girly and outstanding colors are just what I love! The purse is so versatile and roomy – enough to put a change of clothes in for a day trip or for the gym! The inside pockets are handy for my phone, lip gloss, etc. Also, the wallet is big enough it could also be used as a clutch. I am completely and utterly smitten with my Vera Bradley items.

☆ ☆ ☆ ☆ ☆

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Product Reviews Tagged With: fashion

A few awesome freebies for YOU!

February 28, 2011 by Karissa Leave a Comment

Yoplait has an AWESOME COUPON – sign up & receive a coupon valid for a free Yoplait Yogurt. Just fill in the form & submit to get yours.

Just go on over here to get a FREE Organize in Style coupon booklet. The new coupon booklet is filled with over $35 in high value P&G coupons! You’ll get some coupons for Cascade, Dawn, Febreze and more

Get a FREE Sample of Creme of Nature Shampoo

If you receive a sold out message try again for a different scent. Choose from 6 FREE Lacoste fragrance samples which include: Lacoste Challenge, Essential Sport, Essential, Eau De Lacoste, Touch of Pink, or Joy of Pink. Click on the ‘Male Fragrance’ box (small gray box) on lower left of the page or click ‘Female Fragrances’ box (small pink box) on the lower left of the page. Then chose your FREE sample and complete your details and submit.

Head over here to snag a FREE sample of Kirkland Diapers from Costco. You do not need to be a Costco member to request a sample; allow 2-4 weeks for delivery.

NeilMed is giving all new fans a free NeilMed Sinus Rinse with 2 packets of mix. Complete & submit the form – under the sidebar, clikc “more” then you’ll see the free bottle. Be sure to ‘Like’ them on Facebook using this link. http://www.facebook.com/sinusrinse?v=app_7146470109#!/sinusrinse?sk=wall

Head on over here to send a FREE sample of Quaker Oatmeal Squares to up to 10 of your friends. Just enter your friends’ email addresses and Quaker will email them a form to complete for a FREE sample box.

Member’s Mark is offering a FREE sample of infant formulas. Fill out the simple form to receive a free sample of either complete or Gentle Member’s Mark Infant Formula

Filed Under: Freebie/Deals Tagged With: free

Easy and Delicious Chicken and Rice Soup

February 28, 2011 by Karissa Leave a Comment

It’s cold, it’s warm, it’s cold, it’s warm. I am not sure if the weather is trying to be winter or spring. But since I don’t want to miss my few last opportunities for some steamy delicious soups on the cold winter nights, I thought I better start making some warm soups for dinner, since they are just not the same in the summer!

I always like to add my own spin to recipes, so this is a combination of two that I have been wanting to make. Enjoy! This Chicken, Rice, Corn Soup recipe is easy and delicious!

Easy Chicken and Rice Soup

2 garlic cloves, peeled and minced
1 yellow onion, peeled and chopped
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, uncooked
5 cups chicken broth
2 fresh carrots, peeled and chopped
15 oz can diced tomatoes, undrained
1/2 cup long grain white rice, uncooked
3 1/2 oz can diced green chiles
12 oz can kernel corn, drained
2 cups tortilla chips
2 tablespoons of butter

1. Heat olive oil in a large stockpot or dutch oven. Cook the carrot, onion and chilies for about 10 minutes over medium heat, or until softened.

2. When the vegetables have softened, add the garlic and stir for about a minute. Then add the chicken broth and turn the heat down to medium-low.

3. Meanwhile, cook the rice.

4. Salt and pepper the chicken breasts. Heat 1 tablespoon each olive oil and butter over medium-high heat in a large frying pan. Add the chicken and cook approximately 4 minutes on each side, until the chicken is just cooked through.

5. Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and drop into the simmering stock. Add cooked rice.

6. In the large frying pan, heat 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. As the butter begins to foam, add the corn and salt and pepper to taste, and sauté for 6-7 minutes. Add the corn and tomatoes to the soup, and let it simmer for 5-10 minutes.

6. Sprinkle tortilla chips on top and serve.

* I ate this soup for 2 days straight while I was sick, and it hit the spot! It was filling and satisfying, yet still the homemade feel-good soup you crave when you are feeling icky!! *

Filed Under: Recipes Tagged With: chicken soup

National Pancake Day at IHOP–Free Short Stack March 1st

February 27, 2011 by Karissa Leave a Comment

March 1, 2011, is National Pancake Day at IHOP. From 7 a.m. – 10 p.m., you can stop by any IHOP location and receive one complimentary short stack!

All they ask is that you consider making a small donation to designated local charities.

Filed Under: Freebie/Deals Tagged With: free

Closed 1 oz. Detox Face Scrub by Solay {Ends 3/10}

February 25, 2011 by Karissa 140 Comments

Inspired by the simple beauty of nature, Solay creates natural products that are beautifully simple. Products made with passion and purpose. Solay Salt crystal lamps, organic beauty, healthful gourmet and green home aids are holistic lifestyle essentials that work synergistically to promote vibrant health. Solay products also promote vibrant communities and a healthier environment.

Solay Wellness products range from their popular salt lamps, bath and body line, health and lifestyle to even pets and gourmet!! They are offering a giveaway to our readers to try their award winning Daily Detox Gentle Face Scrub!

Description: Solay Daily Detox Gentle Face Scrub

Our unique scrub and natural exfoliation is wonderful for all skin types and utilizes small organic jojoba beads, Calcium Bentonite clay from the Death Valley and a moisture enriched organic base to exfoliate the skin– gently and naturally— removing dead skin cells, with the So-lay (Himalayan salt water) base re-mineralizing the skin for a soft, healthy glow. Instant results seen. 100% vegan. Organic. Read more. Directions: Use morning or night time massaging in circular motion for 30 seconds. Rinse with warm water or wash cloth. Apply toner and moisturizer. * Natural Solutions Beauty with a conscience Award Best Face Scrub 2008

Get Your Own!! Check out Solay’s wide selection of products. You might find something you love! And although not everyone can be a winner, but you can purchase cheap samples of products from $1.25-$3!!

{Giveaway}

The Prize: One reader will win a 1 oz. Detox Face Scrub by Solay

To Enter: Leave 1 comment for each of the following entries you choose. Mandatory entry must be done for all extra entries to count.

Mandatory entry: Follow WithOurBest on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)

Extra entries:

+1 Follow Solay on Twitter
+1 Fan/Like Solay on Facebook

+1 Subscribe to WithOurBest by email
+1 Subscribe via Feed Reader RSS
+1 Fan/Like WithOurBest on Facebook
+1 Follow us on Networked Blogs
+1 Follow WithOurBest on Twitter (leave twitter ID)
+1 Tweet the following (By using the Retweet button or copy and paste into Twitter)

@WithOurBest #Win #Giveaway Detox Face Scrub http://bit.ly/fnhK1T {Ends 3/10}

Filed Under: Giveaways Tagged With: beauty

Buy one get one FREE Chipotle Coupon!!

February 24, 2011 by Karissa 1 Comment

I love Chipotle…

AND I get to have my favorite chicken burrito tonight with my B1G1 COUPON!!

Here’s how to get yours…

Get your Chipotle Mexican Grill coupon for a Buy 1 Burrito, Bowl, Tacos or Salad, Get 1 FREE when you go here, watch the 90-second video, and print your coupon.

ALSO NO need to complete step 1 and “like” their page. Just skip to the video!!

*The page might be running slow – may need to refresh – people love their Chipotle!!*

Expires 3/3/11

Filed Under: Freebie/Deals Tagged With: coupon

Review: Capturing Couture Camera Strap!

February 24, 2011 by Rachel Leave a Comment

Last summer my husband and I purchased our first DSLR camera and I haven’t put it down since. We use it to capture memories and events of all sorts; family gatherings, friend’s weddings, sunrises, snow days, or casual evenings at home with our sweet baby boy.Our camera has practically become a staple in our wardrobe and I figure if it’s going to hang around my neck, it might as well do so in style! Capturing Couture helped me do exactly that. They sell camera accessories such as straps, wristlets and bags that go beyond function (although they do that too!). Capturing Couture offers several collections to fit your style and personality. I loved looking through all of them and would love to have a few styles on hand depending on my mood. Once I came across the Organza collection, I knew I had to have the black organza strap with black rose trim. It is elegant and edgy all in one…absolutely perfect and it even arrived in style; a great little box with fun tissue and a bow on top. Great to treat yourself, or a gift for the camera lover in your life(who doesn’t like photography these days??!). I have to say I was honestly impressed with both the quality and the comfort. The underside of the strap is made of plush velvet which feels great against my neck. It is easy to use and super durable.

You can buy straps in the organza collection with different color rosettes. I also love the hot pink! I really like their animal collection, especially the cheetah print. It’s sassy, fun, and wild! My husband really likes taking photos as well and uses our camera quite often. Although he says he doesn’t mind the new organza rosette strap now adorning our camera (probably because it’s black), I know he really likes the funky argyle and houndstooth patterns found in Capturing Couture’s collection for men.

Check out Capturing Couture for one of a kind, beautifully detailed straps for your camera!!

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Product Reviews

Tropical Traditions All-Purpose Cleaner

February 24, 2011 by Karissa 151 Comments

Tropical Traditions! ( I ABSOLUTELY love this company and their products!) I have bragged about them numerous times on my blog… Tropical Traditions is a great resource for anything-coconut and more! They have been my one stop shop for coconut chips, virgin coconut oil, organic palm shortening and the list goes on and on. Not only do they have the best coconut products, they have organic food AND cleaning products! That is right! I recently received the All Purpose Household Cleaner to review! Let’s see if it impresses me as much as their coconut does!

About the Cleaner: Safe & non-toxic, this solution is for all your household/commercial cleaning needs! Replace all of your harmful, toxic cleaners with Household Traditions All Purpose Cleaner! This environmentally safe botanical mixture contains no harmful detergents or solvents, no perfumes or dyes, and is easy to use! Household Traditions All Purpose Cleaner is an enzyme-based botanical formula that can cut through the toughest grease or dirt, and is completely non-toxic.

My Review: For the reasonable price of $6.99, this cleaner really does the trick. I spray, spray, sprayed down my kitchen counter tops and wiped them down – and the result was shiny and clean surfaces. I continued to use this spray on my stove top, oven door, microwave door and even the dishwasher! For the super grimy spots, I let the solution sit for a few minutes. This helped break up some of the grease and oil. The really greasy spots did take some muscle “umpf”, but the grim eventually came off.

One thing that surprised me about this spray is that you can use it on fruits and vegetables. Kind of shocking right? But since it is non-toxic and has no harmful ingredients, you an spray your fruit and then rinse it clean! Other uses could be bathrooms, cars, laundry, carpets, walls and floors!! It really takes on the name as an “all purpose” cleaner!

Free Virgin Coconut Oil Book with purchase!
Tropical Traditions has a terrific referral program. If you make a first-time purchase and say you were referred by a friend (me) User ID: 6417979 on your online order you will receive a FREE copy of Virgin Coconut Oil Book-it has over 85 recipes! By using my ID, I will receive a coupon for a product. If you do use my ID – Here is my HUGE THANK YOU in advance!

Disclosure: No compensation was given for this review/giveaway. I did receive a sample product from the sponsor for the purpose of this honest review. This did not affect the outcome of this review. All opinions are 100% my own. For full disclosure click here.

Filed Under: Giveaways

ClosedGiveaway! SwaddleDesigns Ultimate Receiving Blanket {Ends 3/14}

Closed Blush Accessories Undershirt {Ends 3/13}

{Giveaway}

Review: Vera Bradley Spring Collection 2011

A few awesome freebies for YOU!

Easy and Delicious Chicken and Rice Soup

National Pancake Day at IHOP–Free Short Stack March 1st

Closed 1 oz. Detox Face Scrub by Solay {Ends 3/10}

{Giveaway}

Buy one get one FREE Chipotle Coupon!!

Review: Capturing Couture Camera Strap!

Tropical Traditions All-Purpose Cleaner

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