Medieval Times: Appropriate for Little Kids?

Our fam has done a trip to Medieval Times more than once in the past year, and the kids always have a blast!  I still remember the first time we went -- hunting around the web beforehand for other blog posts and stories of people's experiences at Medieval Times with small kids.  There wasn't much out there, as I recall, other than the obvious:  "Avoid the dungeon tour with little kids," or "Boy, it can be expensive!"  But, you know me, I wanted more.  And, since "more" isn't out there, when our local Medieval Times castle contacted me to see if I'd review their show on the blog, I jumped at the chance to attend another Medieval Times tournament with the kids and to revisit a topic that's been on my mind several times in the past -- how can families, on a budget, with small kids attend a show at Medieval Times and not break the bank?  And, what can parents with young children expect from a show at Medieval Times?

First off, some general notes.  There are lots of knights.  Stone statues, full iron armor displays, and the real thing.  (Side note:  This guy is amazing.  He's been the "host" of the tournament every time we've gone and he's captivating.  I asked Andrew last night if he thinks he walks around at home speaking like a medieval knight because he is SO convincing that he must practice a lot.)

The costumes are impressive.  Everything is so well executed at Medieval Times.  My kids always leave with their little imaginations filled with days worth of playing "knight school" or "kings and princesses."  They buy into it hook, line and sinker.  I love that.

The gist of the Medieval Times is simple, although carried out extravagantly in a way that really draws in audience members of all ages.  You're ushered into the castle of the king, who is hosting a jousting tournament.  You're seated in a colored section -- that's the color of the knight you cheer for.  There's a pretty princess.  You're served dinner.  The knights fight.  There's a villain thrown in for good measure.  Everyone rallies for the good of the kingdom.  Evil is defeated.  Everyone leaves happy, even if their knight didn't win the tournament.  It's a really well-thought-out plan, in my opinion.  

But, what should you know in advance if you're heading into your local castle with your little ones?  Here are a few things this mom has learned over a few trips into Medieval Times with my own kiddos.

Prepare for the hard sell.  Medieval Times is pricey.  I used to look at ticket prices and cringe, but having  been to an actual tournament or two, I'll say this -- you're paying for a fantastic theatrical performance, beautiful costumes, strikingly beautiful animals (and I hate horses normally,) paying the actors and who knows what else, as well as getting a four-course meal.  The part that's unexpected is the barrage of trinkets and photos that are peddled from the time you walk in the door.  There are multiple photo ops that cost money, there are people walking through the performance constantly with light-up roses or swords or tiaras, there are two separate gift shop areas -- my kids have the wantsies from the time they go in the door.  I've learned to prepare them in advance that we aren't buying anything. Something that's really helped us?  We buy glow swords at the dollar store before we go, then crack them and get them glowing when we get inside.  My kids don't seem to care what they're waving in the air -- as long as it lights up like everyone else's stuff!

You don't need to get there 90-minutes in advance.  It says to on the tickets, but just my opinion -- of all the times we've gone to Medieval Times, we've gotten there early and then sat around with very bored, antsy kids while people walked by trying to sell them stuff that lights up.  I'd say get there 45 minutes in advance, because if you're like me, you'll worry if you are running late.  Get there a little bit early, and even then, plan to have something for your kids to do.  This past time, mine played on my iPhone while we waited.  

Give your picky eaters a snack in advance.  The meal served at Medieval Times is kind of "grown up."  My kids are always hit-or-miss on what they will actually eat.  It comes with the ticket, so it's worth packaging up and taking home, but plan for your picky eaters to be freaked out by the castle fare and by digging into things like half a chicken or a BBQ rib with their bare hands.  We often package their chicken up, take it home, and use it in soup or chili the next day.  Score.

Get into it!  Cheering for your knight with your kids can be so much fun!  Mine love getting into cheering for their knight and boo-ing all the others!  Although I'm not sure of the science behind which knight wins each tournament, our server this past time told us that it's based on which section cheers the loudest!  So, just in case that's true, yell and have fun with your kids!  It's definitely easy to get caught up in the moment and cheer and have a great time with your family, so get ready!

If you've been meaning to check out Medieval Times with your little ones, they're having a fantastic event on New Year's Eve that may be worth planning for!

Admission includes all sorts of fun activities for kids -- from knight training to face painting to story time with the princess!  It's even an early showtime so you can still get your littles to bed on time and ring in 2014 on your own!

Overall, our family has always really enjoyed Medieval Times quite a bit!  AND, it bears mentioning that, on our most recent visit, we had a poor experience with one of the waitstaff and it was handled amazingly well by the manager who addressed our complaint.  There can easily be misunderstandings and confusion in loud, arena-based events...and seeing a member of the Medieval Times management quickly and fairly address our issue was huge for our family.  We truly felt valued as customers based on the way the issue was dealt with -- and situations like that always make me quick to tell people that a business is worth patronizing!  So, in addition to our previous good experiences at the Arundel Mills castle, I'll add that the management there really seems to care about making experiences memorable and enjoyable for families.  Go see them!

Hope these tips helped, and if you do check out the New Year's Eve event at your local Medieval Times, I'd love to hear about your experience!  

From our family to yours -- Merry Christmas and Happy 2014!

Disclosure: I received tickets for a Medieval Times show in exchange for posting a review of the show on this blog. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products and places reviewed on this blog.

Dollop Frosting Spread–Review & Giveaway!

This giveaway is now closed!

When my kids asked me what we were having for dinner last night, I told them “things dipped in icing.”  I’m sure they thought I was crazy, but I wasn’t – I was just working on a review of Dollop’s brand new product, their Gourmet Frosting Spread!

If Dollop sounds familiar to you, it’s because they’re a pretty big deal in the world of cupcake-baking.  These ladies have won Cupcake Wars and all sorts of other competitions, and they’re currently working to encourage sweet-lovers to Break Away From The Cake and try their new frosting packets on everything from potato chips to apples to bagels!

I served our packets of Peanut Butter Cookie Dough frosting to the kids last night with apple slices and pretzel bites for dipping.  They loved it.  Loved it like they were scraping their fingers on the plate, licking the icing off. 
I’d like to go on record saying that, while I didn’t taste the frosting (not even a tiny taste) due to my HCG diet, from the rave reviews it got from the kids and my husband, it’ll definitely be on my list of things to try in a few months when I’m finished losing weight!  Everything  in moderation, right?

I really liked the way these new frostings are packaged.  Small portions, easy to take on the go, easy to store for the occasional special treat – such a great idea!

This is Beanie’s “if you touch my peanut butter frosting, I’ll cut you” face.

Looks yummy, doesn’t it? 
You can check out Dollop and all of their amazing frostings for yourself by visiting their website, following them on Facebook and Twitter, or by checking out owner Heather’s blog and Twitter feed. 
If you’d like to try samples for yourself – you’re in luck!  Two Monkeybean readers will win two pocket-pack samples of Dollop’s Frosting Spread just for leaving a comment below! 
To enter, simply leave a comment below telling me your favorite icing flavor.  I’ll pick a winner on September 27 using Random.org and announce it here!
Good luck!

Review & Giveaway: KIWI Cookbook

I’m a big fan of KIWI Magazine, from their healthy family recipes to their suggestions for greener living – so naturally when they asked me to review their new KIWI Cookbook, I was super excited!
The book, titled, “Allergy-Friendly Food for Families” was right up my alley, as since the winter we’ve been testing out different elimination diets due to both my and the kids’ food sensitivities.

As soon as my copy came in the mail, I knew it was a keeper!  Each recipe has color-coded tabs along the side, marking what allergens the recipe is “free” of.  There’s a convenient section on saving money by making your own gluten-free baking mix and other allergy-friendly pantry staples.  There’s an index in the back that breaks down recipes by what allergies they are safe for.  Amazing!

The book also features beautiful photos, easy-to-follow recipes and sections about how to get your kids active in the kitchen – love it!
The recipes we’ve made so far have all been yummy.  My favorites have been the Greener Sloppy Joes (made with lentils instead of meat) and the Blueberry Corncakes.

The KIWI Cookbook is a great guide for someone who is just starting to feel their way around the world of food allergies and intolerances.  I wish I had known about it back when we first started our journey through food sensitivities!
The folks at KIWI Magazine have provided me with one copy Allergy-Friendly Food for Families to give away!  To enter, simply leave a comment on the post below telling me what your favorite meal to cook is.
Entries must be received by Wednesday, July 25th.  Winner will be announced on Thursday, July 26th.  Please be sure your e-mail address is visible either on your profile or in your comment so I can contact you if you win!
Disclosure: I received a product sample for review from KIWI. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products reviewed on this blog.

Purex Complete Crystals Softener–Review and Giveaway!

As a Purex Insider, I recently received a sample of Purex Complete Crystals Softener to try. At first glance, this new fabric softener looked very different from the liquid brands I normally use. My sample was of the Fresh Spring Waters scent, and it smelled amazing! My laundry smelled fantastic, and the smell was powerful enough that it left my laundry room smelling great, too. Purex also sent me a coupon for a free bottle of Crystals, and I recently picked up the Lavender Blossom fragrance at the store. It smells amazing, too. I really love this stuff!

Through this trial program, I learned that most liquid fabric softeners are oil based and prevent your clothing from getting clean over time. The oils in liquid softeners can decrease your towels’ ability to absorb water, and can even cause your sportswear to lose its ability to absorb sweat. Pretty crazy! I’m glad I found a great-smelling, inexpensive alternative to liquid fabric softeners, and I’m excited to have three coupons to give away to Monkeybean readers so you can try out Purex Complete Crystals Softener for yourself!

To enter to win, simply fill out the form below. All entries must be received by Tuesday, March 29th. Winner will be chosen via random.org and announced on Wednesday, March 30th.

Complete the form below to be entered to win!

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review from Purex. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products reviewed on this blog.

Nacho Mama Tees Review & Giveaway!

Like its sister site, Crazy Dog T-Shirts, Nacho Mama Tees has an incredible variety of t-shirts – from funny, to crazy, to vintage. When I signed up to run a review and giveaway with Nacho Mama Tees, I picked out a Merlotte’s Bar shirt, in a girly fit. We’re huge True Blood fans in our house, and I can’t wait until the summer when True Blood returns and I can watch it in my new t-shirt!

Like the shirt I received from Crazy Dog T-Shirts, my shirt from Nacho Mamas fits perfectly. I am a huge fan of the longer, fitted, “girly” t-shirts, and this one fits that description to a tee! (No pun intended!) Nacho Mamas T-Shirts are high quality – with bright, sharp printing and a fit that it accurate to the website description. I love my Merlotte’s shirt – and it has already become a shirt that appears frequently in my wardrobe!

Nacho Mamas has provided me with a t-shirt from their site to give away to one Monkeybean reader!

Want a chance to win a Nacho Mamas t-shirt?

There are four methods of entry for this giveaway. Remember – for every method of entry you complete, you’ll get an extra chance to win! Please leave a separate comment for EACH entry! Please also make sure that your e-mail address is visible – either in your blogger profile or in your comment. I have to be able to contact you if you win!

#1 – “Like” Nacho Mamas sister site, Crazy Dog T-Shirts on Facebook. (+1)

#2 - Visit the Nacho Mamas website, and “Like” or “Share” your favorite of their products on Facebook. Be sure to leave the link to your share in your comment! (+1)

#3 – “Like” Monkeybean on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter. (+1 for each.)

#4 – Follow Monkeybean with Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs. (+1 for each.)

All entries must be received by Wednesday, March 9th. Winner will be selected via random.org and announced on Thursday, March 10th!

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review from Nacho Mama Tees. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products reviewed on this blog.

About Nachomamatees.com

Nacho Mama Tees (www.nachomamatees.com) has some of the best t shirts around. Founded in 2004 the t-shirt giant offers funny shirts which includechuck norris shirts, hangover t shirts and zombie tshirts. They provide a variety of funny t shirts and crazy shirts. With new mens vintage tees and great movie t shirts you are sure to find one you will fall in love with!

Fever Bugz Review and Giveaway!

Beanie recently had some icky bug that was going around – fever, snotty nose, cough – the whole shooting match. Poor, sweet girl. I felt so terrible for her! I knew, from dealing with all of Monkey’s sicknesses over the years, that unless she started running a high fever, there wasn’t much of a reason to take her in to the pediatrician. I figured her bug would run its course, but I wanted to monitor her fever in case I needed to make her an appointment. I had been saving my review sample of Fever Bugz for a situation like this – and I couldn’t wait to try them out!

Fever Bugz are stick-on fever monitors that keep tabs on your child’s fever for 48 hours. Simply stick Fever Bugz onto your child’s skin – forehead, chest, etc. – and keep an eye on the black dots. The center dot displays an “N” if the temperature is normal, and the small outer dots change to indicate the child’s temperature if there is a fever detected. Such a genius idea!

I really loved the ease of temperature-monitoring that Fever Bugs provided me with! I always feel terrible poking and prodding my sick baby just to make sure they aren’t running too high of a fever. I even tested the temperature on the “bug” by occasionally checking her temperature with a thermometer and it was always right on! I’m sure both of my babies are relieved to know that, the next time they’re sick, they’ll get to rest and get well with the help of Fever Bugs, rather than getting harassed by Mommy and the thermometer!

Fever Bugs has provided me with an additional package of Fever Bugs to give away to one reader! There are four methods of entry for this giveaway! Please be sure to leave a comment for each separate entry method that you complete. Also, if your e-mail address is not visible in your Blogger account, please be sure to leave your e-mail address in your comments so I can contact you if you win!

Methods of entry:

#1 – Visit the Fever Bugz website and leave a comment on this post telling me something you like about Fever Bugs.

#2 – “Like” Fever Bugz on Facebook, or follow Fever Bugz on Twitter. (+1 for each)

#3 – Like Monkeybean on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter. (+1 for each)

#4 – Share this giveaway on your Facebook, or tweet about this giveaway. (+1 for each)

All entries must be received by Sunday, March 6th. Winner will be selected via random.org and announced on Monday, March 7th!

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review from Fever Bugz. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products reviewed on this blog.

Upcoming CSN Stores Review!

CSN stores has contacted me to review one of their 200+ stores, and I am thrilled to have the opportunity!  CSN is an hub for tons of sub-stores, where you can find everything from a cute area rug for your kids’ room, to a swing set for the back yard, to an elliptical machine for your home gym!

Just look at this awesome swing set!  I dream of having something like this for the kids eventually in our back yard – maybe someday!

I can’t wait to check out CSN, and I’ll be sure to report back to you on whatever fabulous item I choose!

Luster Tooth Whitening–Review.

Since losing weight, I’ve noticed that my face has gotten thinner, and my smile has gotten more noticeable.  I had started to notice that my teeth were slightly yellow and discolored, most likely another side effect of two pregnancies.  I had looked into tooth whitening treatments at the dentist, and, since they weren’t in our budget, I turned my research efforts to in-home tooth whitening products.  When I came across Luster 1 Hour White, I was hopeful.  Luster 1 Hour White claims to be similar to professional whitening light technology, and to be created by dentists.  Luster also promises to whiten teeth up to six shades lighter in just an hour!  

Luster sent me their 1 Hour White tooth whitening kit to try out for myself.  The kit includes mouth rinse, whitening gel, and a light to activate the whitener.  The instructions seemed basic enough – swish the mouth rinse around in your mouth, paint your teeth with the whitening gel, then shine the light on your teeth for two minutes.  I couldn’t wait to get started!

I did my Luster tooth whitening as I was getting ready for church on a Sunday morning.  It was super-easy, and I held the whitening light with one hand while I got dressed, put on make-up, and did some cleaning in our room!  Luster recommends that you do at least 10 repetitions with the whitener and light, but suggests 20 repetitions for maximum whitening.  I got to 18 times before it was time to leave for church and I had to get moving!

I was very impressed with the Luster 1 Hour White system!  Not only did my teeth get much whiter, but they also looked shinier and brighter than they did before.  It’s been about three weeks since I used Luster, and my teeth still look great!  Luster also sent me their White 7 Toothpaste to try, and I’ve enjoyed maintaining my results by brushing with it daily!

Luster recommends a touch-up application every few months, and I’ll definitely be using it again to keep my teeth looking white and bright!  I was pleased to learn you can purchase Luster products at lots of drug and grocery stores, as well as online.  There are even printable coupons for Luster products on their website! 

I’m so glad Luster gave me the opportunity to try out 1 Hour White.  I’ve seen at-home whitening treatments before and have been nervous to put the expense into trying them, but Luster products do what they claim and seem like they’d be money well spent!

jean grabbers review and giveaway!

I recently had the opportunity to check out Jean Grabbers. Jean Grabbers claim to be “a darling answer to the keep-your-jeans-snugly-tucked-into-your-boots fashion dilemma.” Since I just started to attempt the whole jeans-tucked-into-boots look this winter, I’ve been looking for options to make achieving this style easier, and was really excited to put on my Jean Grabbers and give them a try!

The first thing that caught my eye about Jean Grabbers is how cute they are! Jean Grabbers have stylish metal clips and three different choices of printed elastic – pink camo, tiger stripe and floral. They sent me the tiger stripe print, and I loved the idea of having something so cute and fun hidden in my boots!

Jean Grabbers were very simple to attach to my jeans – as easy as cuffing my jeans, clipping them on and pulling on my boots! And my Jean Grabbers did exactly what they promised – they held my jeans in place inside my boots and were so comfortable that I forgot they were even on!

I’ve tried other jean stirrups, and can honestly say that Jean Grabbers are my favorite style – hands down! They’re comfortable and easy to attach. They keep your jeans in place. They come in cute, fun, flirty prints. I love my Jean Grabbers! As a busy mom, I can’t pull off the latest fashion styles without tools and tricks that make it easy! Jean Grabbers definitely are a must-have for me!

Want a chance to win a pair of Jean Grabbers to try for yourself? Jean Grabbers has provided me with three pairs – one of each great style – to give away to three readers!

There are four methods of entry for this giveaway. Remember – for every method of entry you complete, you’ll get an extra chance to win! Please leave a separate comment for EACH entry!

#1 – Visit the Jean Grabbers website, and leave me a comment telling me one thing you learned about this great product! (+1)

#2 – Share this giveaway on Facebook or Twitter, and leave me a link to your page. (+1 for each)

#3 – “Like” Monkeybean on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter. (+1 for each.)

#4 – Follow Monkeybean with Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs. (+1 for each.)

All entries must be received by Friday, February 25th. Winner will be selected via random.org and announced on Saturday, February 26th!

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review from Jean Grabbers. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products reviewed on this blog.

coobie bra review.

The Coobie Bra promises to be a one-size fits all bra for women sizes 32A to 36D.  Coobie boasts unbelievable comfort and claims to be an alternative to a cami when layered under shirts.  All of this sounded great to me, so I was psyched for the opportunity to try Coobie Bras out for myself!  The folks at Coobie sent me two of their bras – the V-neck and the Bandeau.  The Coobie Bra claims to be the most comfortable bra ever – and I’d have to agree!

I love my Coobie Bras.  The Bandeau is the most comfortable strapless bra I have ever worn.  It stays in place, and I love that it also looks like a cami under shirts and dresses that have a deeper neckline.  The V-Neck has beautiful lace around the top which also makes it look like a cami under my shirts.  It’s just as comfy as the Bandeau and it comes with clear straps, which really come in handy!

Coobie Bras are supportive, comfortable and beautiful – what more could a girl want?  The comfort my Coobies provide make them the first bras I pull out of my underwear drawer when I’m getting dressed.  They come in a variety of colors, too – from black, to bright orange! 

Coobie is currently running a great promotion – get $20 off of the purchase of 3 bras!  That’s like getting one free!  Simply enter code “203” to your shopping cart before checking out!

Coobie also just launched a plus size line – so there’s a comfortable Coobie Bra for every lady!  Check Coobie out today – you’ll thank me for it!

book review – god loves me more than that

We’ve been reading God Loves Me More Than That quite a bit in our house. The book is a story of a little boy who questions how big God’s love for him really is. Throughout the book, the little boy learns that God loves him - more than the bumbles in a bumble bee, higher than a spaceship flying by, and wider than the prairies where the cowboys ride – and that’s just the beginning! God Loves Me More Than That lists page after page explaining the width and depth and height of God’s love in a way that kids can really understand.

I’ve really enjoyed reading this book with Bennet, as he is starting to reach an age where he has an understanding of church and bible stories and of our need for God. I have found God Loves Me More Than That to be a wonderful resource for helping a small child grasp a concept as complex as God’s love for us.

I never know what to get the little ones in our lives for christenings or baby dedications – and I think God Loves Me More Than That may become one of our go-to gifts! I’m happy to have found a book that will help my kids understand the depth of God’s love for them!

crazy dog t-shirts–review & giveaway! - CLOSED

This giveaway is now closed!

T-shirts have become a staple in my daily wardrobe. Versatile, comfortable, and stylish (if you buy the right fit) – I’ve found myself leaning on vintage, fitted t-shirts when I need something cute to wear to the gym, or a play date, or to run errands! Crazy Dog T-Shirts is a great place to find the kinds of t-shirts I’m looking for. Crazy Dog sells vintage t-shirts, t-shirts with funny sayings, 80’s t-shirts, and lots of other cool t-shirts – all for great prices! With so many t-shirt companies out there, it’s hard to know which ones sell quality t-shirts that fit the way the website describes. After receiving my t-shirt from Crazy Dog, I can say that everything they promised about my Gizmo t-shirt – from the fit, to the material, to what size I should order – was right on!

I really love my cute, little Gizmo t-shirt – It definitely takes me back to my 80’s childhood! It’s got a form-fitting style to it, and I love the length – as I tend to prefer longer t-shirts to ones that show my belly every time I move around!

Crazy Dog T-Shirts will absolutely stay on my list for future t-shirt shopping!

Crazy Dog has provided me with a t-shirt from their site to give away to one Monkeybean reader!

Want a chance to win a Crazy Dog t-shirt?

There are four methods of entry for this giveaway. Remember – for every method of entry you complete, you’ll get an extra chance to win! Please leave a separate comment for EACH entry!

#1 – “Like” Crazy Dog T-Shirts on Facebook. (+1)

#2 - Visit the Crazy Dog T-Shirts website, and “Like” or “Share” your favorite of their products on Facebook. Be sure to leave the link to your share in your comment! (+1)

#3 – “Like” Monkeybean on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter. (+1 for each.)

#4 – Follow Monkeybean with Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs. (+1 for each.)

All entries must be received by Friday, February 11th. Winner will be selected via random.org and announced on Saturday, February 12th!

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review from Crazy Dog T-Shirts. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products reviewed on this blog.

About Crazy Dog T-shirts

Crazy Dog T-shirts (www.crazydogtshirts.com) is the number one source online for funny t shirts and vintage shirts that help you stand out and get noticed. Founded in 2004 the t-shirt empire offers custom shirts in Rochester, NY. They provide customers with a variety of cool t-shirts and crazy shirts. Featuring both creative original concepts and popular licensed designs. Looking for a funny t shirt? They have hundreds of funny shirts which you won't want to miss!

fayreform review & giveaway! - CLOSED

This giveaway is now closed!

A few months ago, I realized that I had been wearing the same underwear that I had seen me through a weight gain, 9 months of pregnancy, and my post-pregnancy weight loss. They were, to put it nicely, really worn out. I was sure, however, that the days of me wearing sexy, little undies on a normal day were long gone. It seemed that, even if I bought smaller sized panties, becoming a mom had doomed me to wearing stretchy, comfy, cotton ones most of the time. Then, I came across an article about Fayreform – a lingerie company that supposedly made comfortable – but sexy – underwear! I couldn’t imagine that the two could be combined, so I promptly contacted Fayreform for the chance to try them out for myself!

They’re gorgeous, aren’t they? When they came in the mail, I said to Andrew, “These are the most beautiful underwear I’ve ever owned.” It’s true. They are. And if there was a way I could take a picture that would let you feel the soft satin and the luxurious lace they’re made out of – I would. It took me a while to even wear them because I couldn’t imagine that something so beautiful and sexy would be comfortable. When I finally did try my Fayreform panties on – I was hooked. Gorgeous and comfortable enough to wear on a normal day when I’m chasing toddlers around? Amazing, Fayreform, just amazing.

This is my favorite pair. I love the soft, satin band across the top. The comfort of Fayreform panties combined with the beautiful fabrics make them, in my opinion, the perfect panty for mommies – sexy & comfy – because, after all, don’t mommies deserve to feel sexy, despite the spit-up in our hair and the loads of housework we need to get done?

Fayreform also makes bras – but only for D-J cup sizes. Those are far from my tiny cup size, which makes me sad since I can only imagine their bras are equally fabulous!

In addition to allowing me to try out their luxurious, beautiful panties – Fayreform has provided me with one pair of Fayreform undies to give away to a Monkeybean reader!

There are four methods of entry for this giveaway. Remember – for every method of entry you complete, you’ll get an extra chance to win! Please leave a separate comment for EACH entry!

#1 – Visit the Fayreform website and leave a comment telling me your favorite of their beautiful bra and panty styles. (+1)

#2 – “Like” Monkeybean on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter. (+1 for each.)

#3 – Share this giveaway on your own Facebook page, or tweet about this giveaway. Be sure to leave a link to your page in your comment. (+1 for each “share.”)

#4 – Follow Monkeybean with Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs. (+1 for each.)

All entries must be received by Monday, February 7th. Winner will be selected via random.org and announced on Tuesday, February 8th!

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review from Fayreform. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products reviewed on this blog.

l.a. colors makeup–review and giveaway! - CLOSED

This giveaway is now closed!

Before my beautiful babies came into the world – back when I was a working girl – I spent a ridiculous amount of money on cosmetics. Department store makeup counters and places like Sephora were my best friends. $25 for a tube of lip gloss? No problem! $40 foundation? Why not! I try not to think too much about how much money I wasted back in those days. Life (and my budget) have drastically changed, and it really has been a challenge to find quality cosmetic products in the drug store makeup aisle. I recently wanted a set of the bright, bold, metallic eye shadow colors that are so in right now – and happened upon L.A. Colors products at the dollar store of all places!

I had my doubts that $1 eye shadow would be very good, but I bought it anyway and headed home to try it out. I was shocked at the quality of L.A. Colors – the bright, metallic hues stayed put on my eyes all day! I loved my eye shadow so much, that I went back to the dollar store and picked up pressed powder, more eye shadow and foundation – all of which have turned out to be amazing! I knew right away that the quality and affordability of L.A. Colors should not be kept a secret – so I contacted them and requested some L.A. Colors products to give away along with my review.

L.A. Colors was generous enough to send me a little goodie bag of my own – AND one to share with a lucky reader! The package contains one mineral blush and one mineral eye shadow! I’ve had a lot of fun playing around with mine – and, like all L.A. Colors products I have tried – these do not disappoint!

L.A. Colors has provided me with one mineral blush/mineral eye shadow set to send out to a lucky reader!

There are four methods of entry for this giveaway. Remember – for every method of entry you complete, you’ll get an extra chance to win! Please leave a separate comment for EACH entry!

#1 – Visit the L.A. Colors website and leave a comment telling me another of their products you’d like to try. (+1)

#2 – “Like” L.A. Colors on Facebook. (+1)

#3 – “Like” Monkeybean on Facebook, or follow me on Twitter. (+1 for each.)

#4 – Follow Monkeybean with Google Friend Connect or Networked Blogs. (+1 for each.)

All entries must be received by Saturday, February 5th. Winner will be selected via random.org and announced on Sunday, February 6th!

Disclosure: I received a product sample for review from L.A. Colors. I was not compensated for my review or opinion. I always give my honest opinions, feelings and beliefs about the products reviewed on this blog.