Ohio Art Introduces Sandzini & new Nanoblocks! #giveaway

November 22, 2012 by · 101 Comments

Ohio Art is a unique company that makes the tiniest bulding block called Nanoblocks. Although Big B is only 4.5 and Nanoblocks are usually recommended for 7+, we enjoy constructing the mini figurines together. I was first introduced to Nanoblocks last year and you can read my full review HERE. Since then, Big B has become quite adept at placing the small pieces together and can anticipate the placement of the “next” nanoblock to turn the pile of bricks into a keepsake figurine.

The latest figures from Nanoblocks include a guitar, violin,  Statue of Liberty, White House, Piano, and many more! The Nanoblocks are more challenging than other building blocks because of their minute size. Nanoblocks don’t skimp on details though, once constructed your miniature figurine is a mini replica of the real thing, including the finest details.

Nanoblocks are a perfect stocking stuffer for kids young and old, little kids like to build them, big kids like to collect them! Visit Nanoblocks on Facebook and twitter to see the awesome mini blocks in action! CLICK HERE to purchase Nanoblocks, they are also sold at  Toys R’ Us as well as many online retailers.

Ohio Art is introducing Sandzini just in time for the holidays. Sandzini is a sculpting molding project kit where your child create a model all on their own but with the help of a “skeletal” mold. Sandzini helps take a little bit of the mess out of making a model. We got to make the T-Rex and although Big B needed assistance, he still enjoyed the process of helping to make the Sandzini TRex. I like that he could paint it anyway he liked and that the finished product was durable and stood up to the test of the sandbox! Sandzini sculpting molding kits comes in various sets, such as Dino, Kitty and a crowd pleaser Ice Cream set. To see more of the sculpting Sandzini in action, visit their facebook page! To purchase Sandzini, visit your nearest Michaels Store.

One lucky winner will win a Nanoblock building set “pig” and a Sandzini sculpting molding set (either Dino or Kitty) Enter Via Rafflecopter form below! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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I was not compensated for this post.

I did receive samples for the purpose of this review.

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Zarbee’s Cough Products Wants You to Share Your MOM-ents with them! #giveaway

October 13, 2012 by · 26 Comments

Ever have one of those days as a parent? Whether you’re a parent just starting out, way into the toddlers years or have sent your kids off to college, we all know what it’s like to have a “MOM” ent.

Every mom, and dad, can attest to experiencing funny, jaw-dropping and “I can’t believe my child just did that” moments throughout their parenting journey. To celebrate these moments, Zarbee’s is giving away a $10,000 dream vacation on Facebook for the best mom moments, or “MOM”ents.

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Zarbee’s MOMents contest!

What is a MOMent?

Mom-ent: a laugh out loud, unbelievable and head-shaking story that moms collect as their kids grow up.

Here’s How It Works:

  1. Watch the video to see examples of Hilarious MOMents, and then sign in using your Facebook profile.
  2. Earn points and badges for sharing your MOMents and spreading the word to friends.
  3. Return daily! Collecting at least 1,000 points qualifies you for one of three amazing prizes: a dream family vacation, a staycation, or a day off from house cleaning.
  4. Keep in mind that your MOMent must be posted to the “Enter To Win” form to qualify, not our Facebook Timeline.
  5. Visit your dashboard to view points and badges.

Have a blast!

CLICK HERE to learn more about the Zarbee’s MOMents contest! HERE is my  review of Zarbee’s Cough Products.

To read more about Zarbee’s, get practical medical tips and valuable coupons, “like” Zarbee’s on Facebook. Click here for FREE samples and coupons! To purchase Zarbee’s at your nearest retailer, click here for a complete listing of Where To Buy (it’s everywhere!)

Zarbee’s is giving away TWO prize packs to my LUCKY readers.  To Enter to Win, complete the Rafflecopter form below! Good Luck, I’m looking forward to seeing all of your MOM-ents!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not compensated for this post. I will receive a sample of Zarbee’s products. All opinions are my own, and as always as honest as can beeee…..

Don’t forget to “like” Everything’s Abuzz on Facebook to keep up with the latest BUZZ.

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Green Kid Crafts Review/Giveaway

September 29, 2012 by · 35 Comments

 

Green Kid Crafts is a subscription company that sends out a monthly box of children’s arts & crafts. Subscription craft boxes have become quite popular and I think that they make any excellent gift especially for those of us that are a bit “craft challenged”.  My children were immediately drawn to the Green Kid Crafts’ box we received as they spotted a Pirate themed craft as one of the 3 crafts.

I was drawn to it because as the name suggests, Green Kid Crafts uses recycled materials as the base of each and every craft. From scraps of paper, yarn, foil and string, all of the materials are repurposed. At first I was surprised that within the box made from post consumer materials (recyclable), each craft was packaged in “plastic’. But when I inquired about this, Penny Bauder, owner, explained that it was cellulose, not plastic after all. Green Kid Crafts works hard in every way to make sure that they are providing interesting, fun and engaging crafts while keeping a close eye on sustainability.

Examples From Big's scrap book, Love his self portrait! He did add his stickers in, but all other materials were included in the GKC box.

Our subscription box included all the materials we needed to make: a pirate hat, eye patch, map, and buried treasure as well as a scrap book, and a wind chime, complete with instructions and even the non toxic glue!

How it works: You can choose either a one month ($19.50) recurring subscription, or yearly. Each month you’ll receive a box with all the supplies you’ll need to complete at least three crafts! To sign up for a subscription box, CLICK HERE  or to give Green Kid Crafts’ as a gift, CLICK HERE. Have a special situation? Have questions? Want to set up a different subscription option than you see on the site? CALL, 907-980-0256, or CLICK HERE for personalized, friendly service. Green Kid Crafts also has party crafts and special themed boxes to order.

Big B making his wind chime,wind chime proudly displayed on our porch

 

A little background about Green Kid Crafts right from the horse’s mouth:

Founded in 2010, Green Kid Crafts is the original arts, crafts, and science activity subscription service. We are a mom-owned, green company that offers natural, sustainable and healthy choices for kids’ activities. With Green Kid Crafts, both parents and kids can enjoy earth-friendly, monthly projects that spark creativity and cultivate respect and love for the environment.
Green Kid Crafts is a mother’s invention, created by a working mom who wanted to make the most out of the limited time she had to spend with her children.
Like many other parents, she wanted to spend that time connecting with her kids, not scrambling for ideas and shopping for safe and earth friendly supplies. That’s where Green Kid Crafts comes in. Kid tested and parent approved, every project you receive bears the stamp of approval from our panel of experts, who ensure that our crafts are engaging, creative, and fun and also align with our Happy & Healthy Child principles.  Green Kid Crafts is certified carbon neutral, Green America Approved and a member of 1% for the Planet. Read more about our socialresponsibility here. 

Eco Ingredients

For additional tips and ideas, like Green Kid Crafts on facebook, or sign up for their newsletter here.

Want to #win a GREEN KID CRAFTS subscription box all of your own? Fill out the rafflecopter form below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

 

I was not compensated for this post. We did receive a Green Kid Crafts box to review. Subsequently we have purchased (on our own dime) GKC boxes as gifts. As always, all opinions expressed are my own, and as honest as can BEEE!

 

Filed Under: Life As a Bee, Queen Bee Goes Green, The Buzz · Tagged With: , , , ,

Staples Back to School: $25 Gift Card Giveaway!

August 1, 2012 by · 28 Comments

Staples is already stocked and ready to go with all of your back to school needs. While my B’s will be attending school, preschool does not require too many supplies. So I perused Staples for Home organization items for me. Martha Stewart’s line has a ton of of organization items. I loved the menu planner, just large enough to see what I need but not overwhelming. It features an easy stick strip, perfect for stainless steel fridges or inside large cabinets. I also found reusable chalk labels to organize the children’s craft supplies. I am sure they’ll love drawing little pictures on their containers.

While there I did note that Staples has mix and match folders, notebooks, binders all with exclusive designs and must have prints. I loved that Staples offered a binder recycling program. Bring in your old binder and receive $2 off a new one. (BTW who remembers a binder costing so much?)

I also love Staples for Students National School Supply Drive. This year’s celebrity is teen, Bella Thorne from the hit show, “Shake it Up”. Bella has taken Staples by storm. While at Staples you can give back by making a monetary donation, OR by purchasing supplies and dropping them in-store in clearly marked box displays. This national school supply drive is currently in progress and runs until September 15.

I found Staples own brand offered journals, notepads and notebooks made from recycled paper and am always happy to bring recycle my old ink cartridges for discounts and Staples rewards.

Customers can save 15% (unlimited) by purchasing a Back to School savings pass. The cost is $10 and you can use it over and over on all of your BTS needs.Valid until September 15.

Follow Staples on Twitter @staples and don’t forget “like” them on facebook.

One lucky winner will #win a $25 Staples Gift Card of their own. Visit Staples.com and tell me one hot item you’d like to purchase if you won the gift card. I’m going to use my $25 gift card to purchase BTS supplies to donate to the National School Supply Drive, so help ME SHOP! Leave your comment below. Winner will be chosen by random.org and have 24 hrs. to claim their prize. Contest ends 8/15, 11:59 PM. 

closed: Winner Barbara Stenby

I was not compensated for this post. I did receive a Staples gift card for attending the Back to School event.

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Get Your Kids Reading! Scholastic Books #Giveaway

June 1, 2012 by · 78 Comments

Scholastic has kicked off their summer reading program and we are well on our way to beating our summer reading goal.

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Reusable #produce bags, #Giveaway

March 12, 2012 by · 4 Comments

I’m always looking for a way to make green living more mainstream and to offer more options to make it easier and more accessible to my readers. I was recently sent a set of these reusable produce bags and I love them! But these reusable produce bags are a little different than any other bag you may purchase. They are made by hand, and all the proceeds from the sales go to helping creator, Erica, reach her goal of raising enough money to be able to afford to adopt a child. I know! How heart-warming and incredibly inspiring is that?!

Not only are these Reusable Produce Bags sturdy but the set has a bag big enough to hold a large head of lettuce or almost a dozen apples.

The sizes range from 8″x12″ to 13″x 17″ and each has a drawstring closure that allows for a secure, easy close!  I love that I can wash them in two seconds and they dry almost immediately. Entirely hand-knit, this quality bag is not only affordable, it enables you to take a big step to help you avoid wasteful plastic bags.

I love bags but the back story is even better, isn’t it?  Talented owner and creator, Erica hopes to make and sell enough reusable produce bags to support  her and her husband’s adoption fund. Click here for her contact info. You can view their adoption profile here. If that doesn’t make you want to buy your set of reusable produce bags from her, then I don’t know what would! Each set sells for a mere $12 plus shipping. Click Here for the ordering details.

But not one but two lucky readers will have the chance to #win a set of these Handmade Reusable Produce Bags.
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Filed Under: Queen Bee Goes Green, The Buzz · Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Traveling with Baby? Maclaren Diaper Bag, #rafflecopter/giveaway

February 10, 2012 by · 87 Comments

I recently posted about my new favorite diaper bag from Maclaren, the Indigo Park bag.  It is perfect for a long day out and about with my two small children. But a girl needs to have options, right? The Smart Set by Maclaren is a complete stroller bag ensemble! The Smart Set includes a diaper bag, coordinating stroller blanket and reversible seat liner.

Maclaren knows how to design a diaper bag that this mama can appreciate! I love the Field Bag as much as I love the Park Bag! The field bag is a different kind of bag and has many features that I find useful and convenient.

First off, it’s self-closing-The magnets that hold this bag together are strong! I love that I can push the bag together and it’s sealed! This helps when I am in a rush and need my attention to be elsewhere.

I love the dual outside pockets, perfect for drink cups, a rolled up magazine (I did this!) or bottles. Having the pockets on the outside not only gives easy access but keeps any spills from ruining the inside of the bag.

The one large outside pocket is spacious enough to hold all the extras. I keep two envirosax reusable bags in there, a pack of tissues, a change purse, a book for the children and a small toy for each of them.

Inside features two large pockets on one side and zippered pocket on the other. The main compartment of the bag is deep and holds all of your daily essentials.

I packed: three cloth diapers, six cloth wipes, a hooded sweatshirt (2T), and sweat pants, two cloth bibs, two wash cloths, a CD, a set of doll clothes (hee hee), a long sleeve thermal (size 3T), two pair of socks and a pair of 2T  jammies and I still had enough room to fit my bulky wallet on top!

The two features that I love most are on the outside of the bag. The field bag can either be carried by the two short handles, (which fit over my shoulder as long as my coat is not too bulky, they are better suited for picking up the bag or “elbow” carrying) and the adjustable long strap which enables me to wear the bag messenger style. I love the options! The second feature I love is the detachable, wipe-clean changing pad. It zips down for easy use and is removable (velcro) making changes quick, convenient and easy! I like that I don’t have to put the changing mat back into my bag, (changing room tables are not the cleanest!) I simply reattach it and wipe it down when I return home.

The stroller blanket is reversible, soft fleece on one side and a playful coordinating print on the other. The blanket measures, 44×32 inches (approxiamately) so it fits over both of the children when they are out and about in their  Twin Triumph.

The reversible seat liner adds a little extra cushion and not only adds an accent piece but is good for messy eaters. It washes easily but if something does spill, you can reverse it and keep on going! Solid on one side, coordinating print on the other, perfect for the fashionista in all of us.

Note: the bag does not come with stroller hooks as a reminder that adding weight to the back of a stroller may cause it to tip or will prevent it from working as it should. Maclaren does sell several accessory bag attachments.

You can find the Smart Set online, at Maclaren or click here to find a retailer near you. The Smart set retails for $75.00.

Follow @MaclarenNA on twitter and “like” them on facebook to learn about new products, as well special deals and promotions! Don’t forget to “like” Everything’s Abuzz on Facebook to keep up on the BUZZZZZZZZZ!

LAST,  BUT NOT LEAST….!!!

One lucky reader will #WIN their very own Smart Set from Maclaren.
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Bumboosa, Personal care items, review and prize pack!-closed

October 13, 2011 by · 8 Comments

As a greenie mama, I am always on the look out for eco-friendly products for both of our children as well as the rest of the family. When I received a package from Bum Boosa, I was not only intrigued, but impressed.

Bum Boosa is company started by two moms on a journey to lessen the environmental impact they had on Mother Earth. They knew that common disposables and skin care items were not only wasteful, but put many harmful chemicals into our environment.

Bum Boosa uses bamboo in its paper products. Bamboo is a naturally sustainable wood, fast growing and doesn’t need to be irrigated, or sprayed with insecticides or pesticides. It cuts back dramatically on deforestation as it does not need to be replanted, as it has a vast root system and can be harvested in a few short years. Bamboo saves trees, land and water!

BumBoosa is a natural and bio friendly company that manufactures most of its items right here in the USA, (some even on Long Island in fact!). Bum Boosa manufactures their products plants that are environmentally responsible. The plant on Long Island (New York) relies on wind power to dramatically cut down on its carbon emissions. Not only are Bum Boosa’s products eco-friendly, but the company is committed to off-setting any impact they have on our environment. They plant a tree for EVERY product they sell and have planted more than 26, 000 trees in the last three years!

Bum Boosa focuses on three main products.

Bum Boosa toilet paper: This TREE free toilet tissue is not treated with chlorine, is dye and chemical free and is biodegradable. In speaking with co-founder, Sonja Sheasley ,I learned that conventional “eco-friendly” bath tissue contains BPA! Yes, it is made from recycled paper, but that includes newspaper, register receipts and other “thermal” paper which contains BPA. I shutter at the thought of our family’s exposure to the harms of BPA, and all the while we thought we were being “green” by purchasing recycled bath tissue.

Bum Boosa Bambo Baby Wipes: While I cloth diaper and use cloth wipes, I occasionally purchase disposable wipes. Again, I always purchases chlorine free wipes and ones that are as “green” as can be for a disposable product. BUT every one that I have tried is still made from a type of plastic! Bum Boosa wipes are made from bamboo, are completely biodegradable, made in the USA using wind power and contain NO harmful chemicals, zero alcohol and are chlorine free. I sent them with my son to preschool and his teacher claimed they worked better than any wipe she’s ever tried and they smelled delicious! No overly fragrant “baby” smell (which BTW is chemically produced!).

Bumboosa also sells a Bamboo Diaper Rash Ointment. As a cloth diapering mama, diaper rashes are very few and far between. When we do need a cream, it is imperative that we use one that is safe for Lil Bee but also for the environment, as well as the cloth diapers. The Bum Boosa Diaper Rash Ointment is a mixture of Zinc, essential oils and herbs. It smells refreshing and works wonders. We actually have used it on insect bites, minor cuts and scrapes and it instantly stops the “itch” and soothes the affected area. In small amounts, it is safe to use with cloth diapers. Bum Boosa Diaper Rash Ointment is also Made in the USA using wind power! No animal testing, fragrance free and full of natural ingredients.

Find out more about this environmentally conscious company as well as how to purchase Bum Boosa at www.bumboosa.com. (They sell the above mentioned personal care items, but also sell clothing and upcycled bags) CLOSED

ONE LUCKY WINNER will win a gift package from Bum Boosa with a diaper rash ointment, toilet tissue and baby wipes.

Here’s how to enter:

  1. Subscribe to “everythingsabuzz” via email and leave me a comment below telling me why you would like to win the prize pack from Bum Boosa.
  2. Follow both @queentob and @bumboosa on twitter and tweet about this giveaway, “I just entered to win a prize pack from @bumboosa and @queentob http://everythingsabuzz.com/2011/10/13/bumboosa/ (2 tweets daily for the duration of the contest) as long as you leave the twitter time stamp, each tweet counts as an entry.
  3. comment on a non giveaway post (2 entries!)
Contest ends November 15, 2011 at 11:59 pm. Winner will be selected by random.org BUT winner’s entry must contain valid contact information and adhere to entry rules.

Good luck and BE GREEN!!
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NEW Battle Machines Combat Crash GIVEAWAY

September 29, 2011 by · 116 Comments

Combat Crash

If you love radio controlled toys, your kids (and YOU!) will love the newest Battle Machines toys. While a little hesitant to let our three-year old play with a toy entitled, “Combat Crash”, I was pleased to discover that this radio controlled car and racetrack set is nothing violent, just good ol’ crash and smash fun. Big B loved manipulating the radio controlled cars around the racetrack and quickly became adept at doing so. It’s a race for the cars to “battle” each other by crashing thus causing the hood and doors to fly off.

Tom from Jada Toys and the children playing Combat Crash @treehouse

Big B loved that when the cars crashed, and the parts go flying, the car still “zooms”. (The parts quickly and easily click back in place for the next battle.) He loved the Turbo Boost switch for extra racing power. The track has 14 pieces that allows you to construct a course of your own design. Combat Crash works on a remote control that uses 3 channels of radio frequency, so up to SIX cars can be used at once without interfering with one another. The Battle Machines Combat Crash is exciting and the quick-moving cars kept Big B engaged for quite a long time. His peals of laughter and squeals of victory were contagious.

The Combat Crash set includes the 14 piece track and 2 (Red and Blue) Radio Controlled cars complete with CRASH parts and Turbo Boost power.

Battle Machines Combat Crash is recommended for ages 5+ due to some small parts but Big B is three and he LOVED this action packed toy.

Battle Machine Combat Crash retails for $39.99 and can be found at major retailers such as Walmart, Target and Toys “R” US.

one lucky WINNER will win a Battle Machines Combat Crash set by Jada toys. closed!!

Mandatory Entry: You must become an email subscriber and leave me a comment telling me you did. All entries must include contact information.

 

Additional Entries (leave a comment for each, including contact information)

  • Follow @queentob AND @jadaclub on twitter and tweet about the giveaway
  • comment on a NON giveaway post and leave a comment below

 

Winners will be chosen by Random.org and will have 24 hours to claim their prize before a new winner will be chosen. Contest ends 10/30/11
I was not compensated for this post, but did receive a Battle Machines Combat Crash for the purpose of this review. All opinions expressed are my own. Thank you to @jadaclub Toys for providing one lucky winner with a Battle Machines Combat Crash.
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Drive, the Movie with Ryan Gosling WIN tickets (NY)

September 8, 2011 by · 5 Comments

Breakout Danish director Nicolas Winding Refn (THE PUSHER Trilogy, BRONSON, VALHALLA RISING) throttles into the Hollywood fast lane with precision-crafted action caper DRIVE.

Ryan Gosling stars as a Los Angeles wheelman for hire, stunt driving for movie productions by day and steering getaway vehicles for armed heists by night. Though a loner by nature, Driver can’t help falling in love with his beautiful neighbor Irene (Carey Mulligan), a vulnerable young mother dragged into a dangerous underworld by the return of her ex-convict husband Standard (Oscar Isaac).

After a heist intended to pay off Standard’s protection money spins unpredictably out of control, Driver finds himself driving defense for the girl he loves, tailgated by a syndicate of deadly serious criminals (Albert Brooks and Ron Perlman). But when he realizes that the gangsters are after more than a bag of cash in his trunk – that they’re coming straight for Irene and her son – Driver is forced to shift gears and go on offense. With an all-star supporting cast that includes Christina Hendricks and Bryan Cranston, DRIVE is based on the James Sallis novel of the same name.

Check Out the Official Website: http://www.drive-movie.com

Enter to win a pair of RESERVED advance screening passes to see DRIVE.

Thursday, 9/15/11 at 7:00pm at REGAL DEER PARK STADIUM 16 & IMAX

455 Commack Road,  Deer Park, NY 11729

TWO pairs of passes will be given away right here!  To enter, like “everythings abuzz” on facebook and COME back here and leave a comment telling  me you “liked” Everything’s Abuzz and WHY you want to see DRIVE! (one entry). Good luck readers! 

For an additional 2 entries, Subscribe to “Everything’s Abuzz” to receive email updates. 

Be sure to enter by 9/12 at 11:59pm.  Winners will be randomly chosen and contacted on 9/13.  Winners’ names will be added to the official guest list for your entry on the night of the screening.  

closed! congrats to winners 1 and 4, danielle and heath!

Additional pairs of passes will be given away on Mommy’s Links. Click here.

Dislaimer:  I was provided with 2 sets of passes from Mommy’s Links for the giveaway as well as a pair for my own review.

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