Look Good…Feel Better

Did you know that one in three American women are expected to be diagnosed with cancer at some point in her life? So even if you aren’t diagnosed with cancer, you are likely to know someone who is and see first hand the devastating effects it can have on them…emotionally and physically.

With cancer treatment, often comes hair loss and other changes in appearance related to the necessary cancer treatments! Look Good…Feel Better is a non profit program serving cancer patients…

It is a free, national public service program that helps women cope with the appearance-related changes of cancer treatment through workshops across the country, self-help materials, and other free information. Look Good…Feel Better is a collaboration of the Personal Care Products Council Foundation, the American Cancer Society, Inc. and the National Cosmetology Association.

Look Good…Feel Better is celebrating it’s 20th Anniversary.  In honor of this great event, they are looking for women cancer survivors to submit their stories of how the program helped them cope with cancer.  What a great way to encourage other women who are currently undergoing treatment themselves!!!

Entries will be featured on the Women of Hope is Beautiful blog to help educate others. Anyone can visit the site to view entries, make comments and show their support. In August, Look Good…Feel Better will choose five women with the most-compelling stories to receive a trip to New York City for a makeover and a trip to the DreamBall, a black-tie gala and the program’s largest annual fundraiser, held each year in New York City.

I encorage you to find out more about Look Good…Feel Better!  Recommend it to your friends, spread the word about this event and get involved if you have cancer yourself.  It is a great organization that truly helps women during one of the most difficult times that we can possibly experience.

Centerd.com

In just a few weeks things are going to get even busier in my family of five. My oldest son will be starting his baseball season. This is nothing new, Caleb is ten, and this will be his fifth season playing. Where the “even busier” comes in is our middle son, Brayden, will be starting tee ball.

My husband has thought about taking on a head coach position. As a wife to the head coach, my job would be to make sure that there are parent volunteers to bring a drink and a snack after each game. That is where I think Froggy Reviews featured site, Center’d would come in very handy.

Center’d is the one stop site for staying organized while you plan and assemble volunteers for your next event. The site provides you with the ability to create sign-up sheets with time-slots and tasks, you can either assign task or have the volunteers sign up for what works best for them. Centre’d then keeps everyone updated with reminders and notifications though e-mail.

There are a few really cool features on Centre’d that stood out to me, including maps (via Google Maps) to help your volunteers get where they need to be and you can also put important issues up to a vote. Like where the location for your next PTO meeting is going to be.

Center’d is a great site with lots of helpful features to keep your next event, from book fairs, class parties, PTO fundraisers, or other events, running smoothly.

Ciao! Review and Giveaway

This contest is closed and the winner is Bertie Ranger! I used random.org to select a winner and thank all of you for participating! There are some more great contests coming at www.AFrogInMySoup.com.

Ciao.com is a multi-million-strong online community that critically reviews and rates millions of products and services for the benefit of its members and users. Ciao even pays members to accurately review products in the consumer electronics, office equipment, home appliances, gaming and beauty categories and more.

Ciao’s members and users can also browse from more than 2,000 of online retailers to find the most up-to-date and accurate pricing information on everything from laptops to video games to cell phones, movies, beauty products and more. Some of their online retailers are: Amazon, HP, Buy.com, Chef’s Corner, COMP USA, Dell, Overstock.com, Preferredphoto.com, Sears, among hundreds of others…

As you participate in Ciao you can become a reputable reviewer and gain a valuable circle of trust with consumers. All you need to do is visit Ciao.com and in a few quick and easy steps you’ll be signed up. Remember, you get paid for reviews that others find helpful!

If you’re wondering what the hot products on Ciao.com are (I was too!), here’s just a few of the most popular ones:

*Apple iTouch, iPhone and iPods and Microsoft ZuneVideo games and consoles from Nintendo, Xbox, Playstation and more.
*Digital cameras from Sony, Nikon, Olympus and moreBluRay and HD DVD playersCell phones from Nokia, Samsung, Motorola, LG and more
*Home appliances such as espresso machines from DeLonghi, Cuisinart food processors and George Forman grillsGarmin and Magellan GPS navigation systems
*Home theater equipment from Bose, Panasonic, Samsung and more (flat screens, projectors, surround sound equipment)
*Thousands of movies and DVDs from the latest comedies to classic children’s favorites to television series and beyond
*Beauty products like fragrances from Chanel and Juicy Couture, hair care products from Bumble & Bumble and L’Occitane, and more

Ciao.com has offered my readers the opportunity to win a Sony Cybershot Digital Camera!! In fact, you can get up to THREE entries for this prize!  Choose one entry option, or choose them all … it’s up to you! (Each step will be verified before a winner is contacted ).

• First entry – Visit Ciao.com and find a product you are interested in purchasing. After you’ve read the reviews that are already posted on that product, come back here and leave a comment telling us what you thought of the reviews and if it helped you in your decision about the product.
• Second entry – Visit Ciao.com and join! Leave a comment with your member name if you choose this entry.
• Third entry – After you join, write a review! Come back here and leave another comment giving us the direct link to your review so we can all check it out.

This contest will end on November 10th and is open only to addresses in the USA.

Simple Salutations – Review & Giveaway

This contest has ended, be sure to check out all the latest contests by looking at the contest box at www.afroginmysoup.com.

Simple Salutations is a trendy and affordable invitation and announcement source with completely original designs you won’t find anywhere else. Simple Salutations is a small company owned by two sisters who are SAHMs that love working together as well as having sons two months apart. One of the owners, who also designs all the products, is a former Disney animation graphic designer!

They offer a variety of products from save the date magnet and card options to bridal shower and bridesmaid luncheon invitations as well as rehearsal dinner invitations, thank you cards, our new holiday card line and more!

Their most popular product so far is their custom note cards – with original designs and the ability to customize it to fit your individual needs at no additional cost – everyone wants some. As we head into the holidays I’m sure that their Holiday line will be amazingly popular! Just look at some of their designs …

I asked them to tell me what makes their company so unique from other card companies:

Our site is unique because we have worked really hard to make our designs different and modern as well as affordable. Also we pride ourselves on the fact that we will help customize a product to fit your specific needs without any additional fees. From changing a color of a bridesmaids dress to adding more pictures to a holiday card.

Be sure to visit Simple Salutations to see for yourself though! Oh, and while you’re there, go ahead and order your holiday cards using the code froggyreviews to receive 10% off your order (offer expires December 15th)!!

In addition to that great offer they have also offered a $20 gift certificate for one lucky commenter!!! In order to enter, visit www.SimpleSalutations.com and take a look around! Come back here and leave a comment telling me what your favorite product is!!! Be sure to enter by November 3rd!

Contest is open to US shipping addresses only.

Ashlee’s Gifts and More

Offering a unique selection of products for your family and home, Ashlee’s Gifts and More also offers a great variety shop.  In their shop you can find backpacks, diaperbags, handbags, candles, clothing, and the list goes on and on.

Their best seller is the wonderful selection of Tote Bags they offer!  But their Gifts in a Box are truly unique and can be ordered for any holiday, birthday, or baby shower.  You tell them the products you want, or tell them who it’s for and the occasion and they’ll put something great together for you.

Be sure to visit their site to enter their monthly drawing for a free tote bag.

Kids Personalized Music

This contest has ended, thank you for your participation! The winner is Jennifer M!

Kids Personalized Music creates personalized music cds where the child’s name is in the music and lyrics of every song.

Their personalized cds are great for all occasions from holidays to birthdays, baby showers to sporting events. They actually have over 2,000 names to choose from, covering 24 different cds (including a Spanish Series) each one saying the child’s name throughout the entire cd, adding to the thrill and excitement of this special gift. You also have the option of further personalization by adding a message for the child on the label of every cd. It’s “Music that sings your child’s name!”

Their nursery rhyme cd is fun filled and exciting album that includes 22 classic nursery rhymes you will remember from your own childhood, enhanced with upbeat music and special effects. These happy, comical renditions will have your child laughing, singing and dancing along….a good time and hours of fun. Your child’s name will be mentioned 37 times.

They also want you to know:

Whether a gift, special keepsake or a unique collectible our music cds are a wonderful treasure for infants, children and adults of all ages and for any occasion.
So if you are looking for a “Special Gift” for that “Special Someone” on their “Special Occasion” we’ve “Got It”!

Kids Personalized Music has offered a Birthday cd for one lucky commenter! So, in order to enter simply visit www.KidsPersonalizedMusic.net and take a look around.  Then, come back here and leave a comment telling us about your favorite product. 

This contest is open to US shipping addresses only and is open for comments through Sept 16th.

Work At Home Family Talk Radio

You’re probably wondering what in the world I’m reviewing a Talk Radio site for LOL. Well, as the title says, this isn’t just any talk radio show, it features Work At Home Families in particular (I’ll be featured there next month by the way, so more to come on that). As many of you know one of my favorite things to do here is feature mom based businesses and products, and what better than to feature another site, run by another mom, that does the same thing!!!

Work At Home Family Talk Radio is designed to let individuals who work at home talk about their business, what they offer and how they got there. They feature people who offer services as well as products on the show. They feature only one guest each week and the great part is that once you’ve been featured, even when your week is up, the interview is archived with it’s permanent link making it available for others to hear, even later on.

I asked Sandra Weber, mom of way too many behind the site why she offers this site and interviews and this is what she had to say:

I worked for a radio station back in Texas and I always wanted my own show. so I found a way to do what I do best, which is to talk to people and make it all work. We also do commercials for people at an affordable rates, since advertising helps people sell their products. Also as a small business owner, I realize that if we all work together as a community we get much farther.

I also asked Sandra to share some of the interviews they have featured as well as some they have coming up:

We have been so fortunate: We have Pat Weber coming up who is a coach for those who have issues with sales. We also have an accountant coming up who specializes in small business Letreeka Williams and of course we have you coming up soon. We did a two week program on Autism and its effects on the family. We have looked at Avon, Home Made Gourmet, Two Sisters Gourmet, Tupperware, and a few scrapbooking companies. We try to cover the whole spectrum of life from home.

If you would like to be featured or place an advertisement at Work At Home Family Talk Radio, be sure to visit the Advertising page. There you will find Sandra’s contact information as well as advertising rates.

Sandra has offered one lucky reader some great advertising … a free 30 second commercial and 60 second commercial for one reader. This commercial comes with one month of play at Work At Home Family Talk Radio. Plus the winner will get an MP3 Copy to do with as they please.

If you are interested in this great prize be sure to visit Work At Home Family Talk Radio and listen to one or two of their features. Then come back here and leave a comment letting us know what feature you like most as a business owner. 

Enter by September 4th.

SNS Blog Design

Announcing the launch of SNS Blog Design, a new division of Sweet ‘n Simple Design that offers affordable premade designs for moms. The passion and firm motto that I create all my designs with is the same … each and every blog design should be as unique as the mommy blog that will wear it.

With the launch of the new site though, you’ll notice that it offers an entirely different way of featuring the designs.  They are a lot less expensive than custom designs and since they are still OOAK (One Of A Kind) designs they are available on a first come first served basis. 

I have a lot of designs that I’m working on getting added to the site, so if you’re on the lookout for a new design you may want to sign up for the blog’s feed so that you can get updates whenever I add a design.  It takes a little time to get each design setup on a site of it’s own, but I’m adding one or two a day at the moment!

Want a sneak peek for the designs currently being offered or being added this week???? Here you go:

Over the next two weeks I’m asking all my readers to please visit SNS Blog Design and take a look around.  When you get a chance to do that I would appreciate any feedback you have, especially for a favorite design you see or designs you’d like to see added.   Everyone who leaves a comment on this post by August 7th giving me feedback and saying that they’d like to win a design will be entered to win one! 

If you want to wait a week, (I guarantee that there will be another 5 to 10 designs on the site) I totally understand   Designs are available for Wordpress and Blogger, but can also be modified for Typepad users!  So bring on the feedback!  

Oh, and anyone who requests a design through the end of this contest will get an extra 15% off of the premade designs, just be sure to mention that you heard about it at Froggy Reviews and the discount will be reflected in the invoice I send!

Balloon Time

I find it incredibly amazing what a difference Balloons can make when decorating for a party.  What is it about them that makes it so incredibly festive????  Recently Balloon Time contacted me to see if I would be interested in trying out their product (and offering one for you as well … but we’ll get to that in a little bit).  I have never had a chance to try one of these great kits out for myself before, so I was very excited.

It comes perfectly packaged in this great box that is super easy to open.  Complete with a variety of both latex and mylar balloons, this kit can be used for one or several occasions.  I can think of a ton of uses for these balloons, but I’ll let you tell me what you think instead.

You can find Balloon Time kits on their website at www.balloontime.com.  You are highly encouraged to sign up for their Balloon Time Party Club. Party Club members have access to advice and ideas from their party planning expert, Penny Warner, as well as receiving the Celebrations e-newsletter.  Their website can help you locate Balloon Time kits in a store near you.

They also have a very fun contest going on nationwide right now, it’s their second “Put a Face on Fun” contest, which is a child’s chance to be featured on millions of Balloon Time Helium Balloon Kits across the country. The winner will also receive a $1,500 toward his or her education. Balloon Time also has a mobile tour that will stop at various places throughout the country to register kids.

Balloon Time has offered you the opportunity to win one of their Combo Kits (includes 20 latex balloons and 5 foil balloons).   All you have to do to enter is visit www.balloontime.com (and maybe even the contest site at www.putafaceonfun.com) and see what they have to offer.   When you’re done come back here and leave a comment telling all of us some great ways that balloons can help brighten a day or make a party more festive.

Be sure to enter this contest by July 28th. 

Wiggle, Giggle, Learn

This contest has ended. Remember to take advantage of the great discount they are offering! For more great contests be sure to subscribe for Froggy Reviews updates and check back often!

I’m thrilled to introduce you to a very fun, brand new company that offers a unique and diverse learning system for toddlers and preschoolers.  Wiggle, Giggle, Learn is owned by Tracey Stuckey and when shey contacted me and asked if I would try out some of the products with my little ones, I was very excited! 

Tracey (she’ll introduce herself and her company a little later) compiled product specifically to meet the needs of my children.  She breaks down activity plans for specific ages … and I mean SPECIFIC!  If your child is 2 years and 2 months old, there is a specific activity plan for that month.  There’s also some great finger plays, nursery rhymes, coloring pages and much more! 

How about setting up a weekly family field trip?  She offers great ideas of how to make those fun and very educational for your preschooler.  I found that it was encouraging and even empowering as a parent to have such detailed information that I knew was age appropriate for my children.  Keeping twin toddlers entertained and getting them to participate can be nearly impossible, and I had never found a program that helped me acheive those goals.

A little bit about Tracey:

I am a National Board Certified teacher (the highest certification a teacher can earn – much like board certified physicians, lawyers and accountants) who has taught kindergarten for 15 years. I continue to work with teachers through facilitating workshops on accelerated learning, developing instruction for the 21st century and developmentally appropriate practice for pre-k through high school teachers. My twin sister Stacey, the entrepreneur and business mind of the family, encouraged me to share my talents and knowledge with more parents by starting Wiggle Giggle Learn.

Wiggle Giggle Learn’s mission is to advance the intellectual and social abilities of all children by empowering parents with the knowledge and tools necessary for teaching their children to learn to flourish from birth… and to work in our communities to promote learning as we seek to improve education. The passage of the No Child Left Behind Law left states’ scrambling to increase the rigor of their academic standards. This affects pre-k and kindergarten by pushing curriculum down that once belonged exclusively in first grade. Children are reading and writing paragraphs at the end of kindergarten in many states today. Parents are shocked at what their children must learn in only 180 days in kindergarten.

As a master teacher, I know that the right preparation and home learning environment from birth will make the transition into this academic kindergarten less traumatic and schools will be able to teach at a higher level when students come prepared. It is for this reason that I wrote the Wiggle Giggle Learn program that consists of weekly activity plans from birth to age four. When a child turns four, our project plans help the little one engage in deeper critical thinking, problem solving and vocabulary-based studies. 

Wiggle Giggle Learn was named as a top ten finalist in the Seeds for Success: Empowering women entrepreneurs grant, given by Yahoo! Small business and Carolyn Kepcher’s (formerly Donald Trump’s assistant) new firm, Finding What Matters. Their products are being used in homes, daycares and by nannies across the US and Australia.

Click here to get great sample plans and resources. You can also visit their blog where they answer parent’s questions about child development as well as offering advice and activities from Wiggle Giggle Learn!  Tracey also has a personal blog where she shares even more information about early childhood education and how schools must reform for the 21st century.

Whew, I know that’s a lot of information, but I have honestly NEVER seen anything as dynamic and all encompassing as this program! 

Tracey is offering a 25% discount for my readers!!  So hop over to their site and enter the code baby by August 30, 2008!

She has also offered a giveaway!!!!  TWO OF YOU WILL win a Starter CD package {created for the appropriate ages of your child(ren)} worth $139.95 (see the details here)!!!  I am so very excited to offer this!  Here’s how to enter ….

• Visit Wiggle Giggle Learn, read their tips and advice, look at the samples and resources they offer and the great packages they have available for families (hey it’s a huge prize … totally worth a few extra minutes right?).
• Come back here and leave a comment telling us what you would love about having a program like this in your home!

Just be sure to enter by July 21st for your chance to win!

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