Giveaway : Three Sisters Cereal & Oatmeal (2/4/11)

Three Sisters Cereal is a Minneapolis, MN based company that specializes in both cold and hot cereals that are "natural, sensible and sustainable". Their products are free of hydrogenated oils/trans fats, corn syrups, artificial preservatives, artificial colors and artificial flavorings. Their products are packaged minimally, with the cold cereals available in a self-sealed bagged form (not boxed) to minimize waste production and the use of vital resources (the cereal packages are not recyclable however). The company also uses renewable wind energy to create their products, niice!

Three Sisters Cereal recently sent me a sampling of 2 of their cold cereals and 2 of their new hot cereal/flavored oatmeal:

Honey Oaties: The Honey Oaties are an "O" shaped cereal made with whole grain oats and coated with honey. The cereal is light, crisp and flavorful with an amazing freshness to it. The density of the O's and the level of sweetness are superb. Not too dense, not too light and with just the right amount of honey flavor to satisfy both adults and children.


Sweet Wheat: The Sweet Wheat is a shredded wheat cereal made from whole grains and coated with a sweet, sugar frosting layer. The cereal is crunchy, fresh tasting and fills you up without the feeling of being overstuffed- definitely a great way to start the day! The frosting is sprinkled on in a nice amount, not a thick globby sugarly layer but a thin, snowy coating that packs in just the right amount of sweetness.

Please note that Sweet Wheat is not a vegetarian product as the frosting contains animal based gelatin.


Dark Chocolate Instant Oatmeal: Each box of oatmeal comes with 5 individual, prepackaged servings- just place the contents of one bag in a microwave safe bowl, measure out some water (the bag doubles as a measuring cup, quite nifty) and you're pretty much good to go. The Dark Chocolate flavor contains small chocolate chips, cocoa powder and flax seed which gives the oatmeal additional texture and the benefit of omega-3's. The chocolate flavor is not too sweet and not too bitter and there is also a salty element to this particular oatmeal. The chocolate flavor pairs nicely with the texture of the oatmeal and would make an excellent meal for children!

Please note that although made with dark chocolate this product does contain dairy ingredients.


Cinnamon & Apples Instant Oatmeal: The Cinnamon & Apple flavored oatmeal is made with dried apple pieces, cranberries and also some flax seed thrown in for good measure (more of those great omega-3s). The oatmeal is spiced nicely with a good balance of sweet and slightly sour (from the cranberries and apples) and also a slight nuttiness from the texture of the oatmeal and the flaxseed. Unlike the dark chocolate flavor, there is no saltiness to this oatmeal (personally I prefer less salty foods). The fruit pieces are generously sized and provide some additional texture and flavor to the oatmeal- overall quite delish!

Three Sisters Cereals are available exclusively at Whole Foods Market. Click here to find a Whole Foods location near you.

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Three Sisters have generously provided me with Four (4) Free Product Coupons which I am giving away to one lucky reader!

*please note that Three Sisters Cereal can only be found at Whole Foods Markets*

To Enter: Visit the Three Sisters Cereal website and let me know the name of a product you'd pick up if you won.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)
NEW Bonus Entry : Stop by our new blog Brixton Street and leave a relevant comment on any post there then let me know where you commented (you may earn one entry per day during each day that you leave a new comment).

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Please also leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end February 4, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

*I was provided with the products mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine.

Although Three Sisters provided the prize for this giveaway they are not sponsors, endorsers or affiliated with this giveaway. *







PLEASE NOTE : We've now moved to a new URL and this giveaway has been moved there. Please visit our new website Brixton Street to enter. If you've already entered here, no worries, your entry is still valid and will be counted. Please leave any new entries or daily tweets on the new blog. Thank you!

Vespa Rocker

Vespa Rocker @ Barneys New York by Present Time, $118.

From the Barneys website: "Vroom, vroom! Adorable wooden rocking scooter reminiscent of a retro Vespa. 25" x 9.5" x 16". Available in Pink. Suitable for children ages 3+."

AHHH, seriously, How insanely cute is that?!

Giveaway : Pocoyo Bath Fun Figurine from Bandai & Toys R Us (1/16)

January 8th is National Bubble Bath day and in celebration Bandai and Toys R Us is giving away a cute Pocoyo Bath Fun Figurine (18+ months) to one of my readers + a 14-day Premium Club Subscription to Pocoyo’s online virtual world, www.pocoyoworld.com- yay!

I'm not very familiar with Pocoyo, but apparently it is a children's TV show aimed at pre-schoolers that originated in Spain and also has an English language version that airs on Nick Jr. and PBS. All fine and dandy but most importantly, just look how cute the characters are!

Here's the deets on the bath toys:

• Available at Toys R Us stores and www.toysrus.com

• Bath Fun Figures for ages 18 mo+
  
• 2.5-inch figures of Pocoyo & Elly have a special water squirting chamber and Pato floats.
  
• Single Pack SRP: $2.99, Three Pack SRP: $7.99
  

• Also available: Bath Fun Water Taxi for ages 18 mo+
  
• Scuba Pocoyo and friends can float in the tub or be pushed along the floor in the water taxi.
  
• SRP: $9.99
  

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Bandai is generously offering one reader a Pocoyo Bath Fun Figurine ($2.99) + a 14-day Premium Club Subscription to www.pocoyoworld.com.

To Enter: Leave a comment about Pocoyo or another animated cartoon/television show that you or your children enjoy.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end January 16, 2011 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winner: 3 Giggly Monsters

**I was not compensated in any way for this post except to offer a giveaway prize to a blog reader.**

New Items from Sweetdolls on Etsy

Just dropped by Sweetdolls on Etsy (one of my absolute favorite Etsy sellers) to see whats new and was super pleased to find lots of cute new goodies! If you're still looking for a great gift for a youngster or just someone who is young at heart, Sweetdolls are a great option (they also ship super fast). Dawn, the owner of Sweetdolls, also does amazing customs!

Puppy Rattle, $15

Jada doll, $22

Grace doll, $22

Scarlet doll, $22

Kidrobot : Yummy Donut 3" Mini Plushes

Kidrobot x Heidi Kenney
Yummy Donut Mini Plush 3-Inch, $7.95 each

Audrey Jeanne Prints @ L’Affiche Moderne

En fleurs

From the L’Affiche Moderne website:

"We are very happy to present you this week four exclusive prints by French illustrator Audrey Jeanne. We invite you to have a taste of France with an alphabet poster en français and with a cute retro Paris print! Or you can just enjoy the sweetness of the flowers and the bird. Audrey Jeanne is a young designer who combines illustration with the creation of small objects. Her refreshing minimalist and retro style can be found on badges, textiles, and stationery."

Abécédaire

Paris

La montagne et l'oiseau

Giveaway : Areaware Magno Radio ($250 value) + Holiday Gift Guide

Areaware is a New York City based company that specializes in unique design products for the home that are equal parts quirk and function but also 100% awesome. From fun jewelry to adorable pillows to funky dishware, Areaware carries an impressively wide range of products with some of the most interesting and appealing designs I have ever encountered.

While I love decorating my own home with Areaware pieces, their product range provides especially unique options for all purpose gift giving. With the holiday season fast approaching, I thought I'd offer up some of my favorite gift giving ideas with you!

My top picks for gifts from Areaware:

Rabbit Large Cushion & Owl Large Cushion in organic cotton, $84 each
(also available in smaller sizes for $24-36)

Forget Me Knot Ring in Platinum ($720), 14K gold ($200) or Sterling Silver $50

Magno Radio ($150-300)



Animal Box: Rhino, $49



Loop Rattle (German Silver), $70 & Fawn Infant Body Suit (organic cotton), $30

My hands down favorite item from their lineup is the Medium Magno Radio ($250) which Areaware has very kindly provided me to tinker with!

front (beaaautiful wood body & dials)

back (fabric covered speaker + battery compartment)

I've decided that just about everything about this radio is perfect. From the gorgeous neutral color palette, oversized dials, contemporary-classic style hybridization, and beautiful wood grain to the sustainably harvested materials, Mp3 compatibility and lightweight portability.... I can't really think of a single thing I don't like about this design.

The radio can be plugged into the wall with an AC adaptor (not included) or powered via four AA batteries. An external antenna is also included as well as a connector cable that allows you to plug your ipod/mp3 player into the radio and use the radio as a speaker. The sound quality and reception is excellent and the product is very user friendly (perfect for all ages). At 7.5 x 7.5 x 4.25 inches, the radio isn't too huge/bulky but is large enough to be an attractive attention grabbing piece in a room. The Magno radio has definitely got to be one of the coolest things that I own!

goooorgeous details!

The designer of the radio, Indonesian native Singgih S. Kartono, has gone to great lengths to ensure that this product is designed and manufactured in the most ethical manner (through low environmental impact, providing jobs to villages in need of economic growth + more). The story behind the product really is wonderful and you can read much more about Kartono and the story behind the Magno radio here.

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Areaware is generously offering one reader their very own Magno Medium Radio (a $250 value)!

To Enter: Visit the Areaware website & leave a comment letting me know a product you saw there that you'd love to own.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end December 5, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winner: Steph

**I was provided with the product mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **

Amenity Home Sample Sale

Amenity Home is making their Fall Semi Annual sample sale available online... but the sale will only be around until November 14th! So many great deals on wall art (excellent for nurseries), pillows, and table linens. Check out the animal themed wall art, presh!

White Butterfly Wall Art 22"x22", Hemp & Organic Cotton, $20 (was $99)

Purple Butterfly Wall Art 22"x22", Hemp & Organic Cotton, $20 (was $99)

Frog Wall Art 22"x22", Hemp & Organic Cotton, $20 (was $99)

Duck Wall Art 22"x22", Hemp & Organic Cotton, $20 (was $99)

Shawnimals Ninja of The Month : Baby Ninja

The Ninja of the Month from Shawnimals is now here. This month's plush is a wee baby ninja (7" x 7" plush ) with cloud limited to 100 pcs ($30).

New Prints From Apak

Shroom Camp Limited Edition Print ($30)

Welcome Home Limited Edition Print ($30)


Interplanetary Picnic Limited Edition Print ($45)



Winds of the Univerese Limited Edition Print ($30)



Limited Edition Print (Passin Through) ($25)


These + more here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/apak

Giveaway : "The Family Dinner" hardcover book by Laurie David

Laurie David's new book, The Family Dinner is a guide and recipe book meant to strengthen family relationships via, well... the family dinner. The book is full of advice, interesting statistics, interviews, tips and simple recipes meant to please the whole family. Even before reading the book, its hard not to notice the beautiful, colorful layout with pleasing fonts and lovely photographs... all wrapped up in a lovely hardcover volume. The Family Dinner definitely has some of the nicest page layouts I've seen in a book lately, the style keeps the book interesting and fresh & even after having read through the whole thing, upon additional readings you're likely to find a little tidbit of information that you've missed before!

In regard to recipes, David attempts to find an equilibrium between kid friendly dishes and meals that are well balanced and healthy. Everything from breaded meats to salads to cookies are featured in the book- there is even a chapter each dedicated to meatless meals (albeit not very many vegan friendly ones), soups, and dishes that kids can easily put together. In regard to the advice and tips, its widely varied (how to make your meals more green, conversation topics, dealing with divorce + more) and extremely non-preachy.

The book is not pushy or boring, its main goal is to simply help families find a way to spend time together in a way that is both meaningful and fun. While some of the content is a little standard (do I really need another chocolate chip cookie recipe?), you are certain to find something new & useful in The Family Dinner!

From the Hachette website:

"Today's parents have lots to deal with and technology is making their job harder than ever. Research has proven that everything we worry about as parents--from drugs to alcohol, promiscuity, to obesity, academic achievement and just good old nutrition--can all be improved by the simple act of eating and talking together around the table.

Laurie has written a practical, inspirational, fun (and, of course, green) guide to the most important hour in any parent's day. Chock-full chapters include: Over seventy-five kid approved fantastic recipes; tips on teaching green values; conversation starters; games to play to help even the shyest family member become engaged; ways to express gratitude; the family dinner after divorce (hint: keep eating together) and much more. Filled with moving memories and advice from the country's experts and teachers, this book will get everyone away from electronic screens and back to the dinner table."

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Hachette Book Group is generously offering one lucky reader a copy of "The Family Dinner" by Laurie David in hardcover ($29.99 value).

To Enter: Leave a comment!

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Follow The Wide World Of on twitter and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end on November 21 , 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US and Canadian readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winner: Cathy W

**I was provided with the book mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **

Sanrio Hello Kitty Holiday Collection 2010

Hello Kitty Holiday items are here!

Posted below are just a few of the new items in stock at Sanrio.com. Hello Kitty in pink earmuffs with a ribbon holding a little snowman with a ribbon = ultimate cuteness!

Hello Kitty 6" Plush: Earmuffs ($20)


Hello Kitty Earmuffs ($14)

Hello Kitty Carry Pouch: Earmuffs ($20)

Hello Kitty Key Chain w/ Mascot: Earmuffs ($15)

Hello Kitty Cellphone Charm: Earmuffs ($20)

Giveaway : Episencial Playful Foaming Wash, Better Body Butter & Soothing Cream

Episencial is a Los Angeles based company that specializes in gentle skin care products for the whole family and are especially suitable for youngsters (ages 0 and up) or adults with sensitive skin. Episencial combines sustainable practices (using recycled materials for packaging, manufacturing with solar power, etc.) with health conscious ingredients (organics, using fruits for fragrances rather than synthetic chemicals, no parabens or petroleum based ingredients, etc.). The result is a gentle, effective product that is safe for both adults and babies with packaging that is both beautiful and earth friendly. The Eric Carle artwork adorning the bottles and boxes are sure to delight both children and adults alike!


Episencial generously provided me with 3 of their products to share with you here on the blog:

Episencial Better Body Butter silky soft hydrating lotion ($9.99): This moisturizer is lightweight, can be used on both the face and body and is very delicately scented with lavender and geranium essential oils. I love that the scent is so light & fresh rather than being heavily perfumed. Upon application the product does feel slightly sticky, but as the product is absorbed into the skin, the stickiness disappears and leaves skin feeling smooth & hydrated.

Episencial Playful Foaming Wash hydrating hair & body cleanser ($8.99): The Playful Foaming Wash has an amazing citrus scent reminiscent of orange creamsicles (om nom nom!). The product also foams & lathers nicely for some great cleansing action while the scent is quite invigorating. The wash is dual purpose and is suitable both as a shampoo and a body cleanser which is very convenient- this would be an excellent item to pack during travels due to its dual purpose and suitability for the whole family.

Episencial Soothing Cream for eczema, itches and bothered skin ($10.99): The Soothing Cream can be used on the face, body and scalp to help relieve irritated skin. The scent is very light and natural, almost slightly herbal. The formula is lightweight and spreads easily over the skin and does feel rather soothing! I haven't had any bothered skin to try this on, but even as a skin moisturizer it works quite well. Please note that this particular product is not suitable for vegans (contains beeswax and yogurt derived probiotics).

All Episencial products are gluten free (see the FAQ for more details) and select products are vegan friendly. I would especially recommend these as gifts for new parents as the packaging looks so adorable and the products are ones that will certainly be appreciated!

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Episencial is generously offering one lucky reader a bottle each of their Playful Foaming Wash, Better Body Butter & Soothing Cream + $5 gift card, a $35 value!

To Enter: Visit the Episencial website and leave a comment with the name of a product you'd like to try or something you learned about the company or their products.

Bonus Entry 1: Follow this blog via Google Friend Connect, RSS OR via email (post your email address)
Bonus Entry 2: Subscribe to the Episencial newsletter (found on the bottom of any page on the Episencial website)
Bonus Entry 3: Follow The Wide World Of & Episencial on twitter and tweet about the giveaway + leave a link to your tweet (you may tweet once per day for one extra entry each)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Also make sure to leave your contact info in one of your comments (email address, facebook link, twitter ID, etc.) or have your email address visible in your profile.

This giveaway will end on November 21 , 2010 at 11:59 PM PST. Open to US readers only. Good luck!

Giveaway winner: Linda

**I was provided with the products mentioned in this post free of charge. I did not receive any monetary compensation for this post & was not obligated to give a positive review of the product. All opinions expressed here are mine. **