Pete the Cat-I love My White Shoes by Eric Litwin, was such a fun book to review. All of my kids (6, 3 & 2) sat and listened to the story and has requested it many times since we received it. The story is very catchy and offers a learning aspect to it as well.

In this story, Pete gets a new pair of shoes. When they get dirty, instead of getting upset or angry, he just changes the words to his song. With each change, his shoes are a new color and the book stresses the color on that page. I found that to be great, as we are working on colors with our youngest right now. I also liked that this book provides a postive outlook to things that us adults would shake our head at. In the end, Pete tells what the moral of the story is, but if you want to know, you have to pick up a copy and find out for yourself.

I received this book from the publisher. The opinions are my own.

Christmas is here, and as we all know, that means trying to find gifts for family and friends. If you are looking for gift ideas that are different, fun, and meaningful - then I have the perfect solution for you. My friend Matthew Toone just published a book entitled: "Great Games! 175 Games & Activities for Families, Groups, & Children." This book is literally full of fun game and activity ideas for people of all ages, groups of all sizes, and there are games for any category or setting. You can check it out at: www.GreatGamesBook.com

Three lucky people, however, will get a free copy of 'Great Games.' In order to be entered into the contest to win a free copy, simply email either Kim or LaDonna a one paragraph response about a time where you played games with your family or friends and it created a fun memory, strengthened relationships, or simply brought your family closer together. The deadline to send your story in is Dec 15th. If your story is chosen, you will win a free copy of 'Great Games' www.GreatGamesBook.com

Before kids, my husband and I were regular game players. We often centered get togethers with other couples around playing games. Three kids later, we don't drag games out near as often as we like, but we are working on it. The Great Games Book has given us a new option in our game arsenal.

One of the main reasons I liked this book was because of the variety. There are a ton of games in this book. There are books fit almost any group size and age level. My husband found games in this book that he plans on using in his work meetings, there are games that we have been able to play with my 3 kids (ages 1-6), and there are games that my husband and I could play alone. I don't know of any games of game books that can fit such a wide range of groups.

The book itself has a great layout. The table of contents breaks the book down in to a vareity of catagories. This makes it very easy to find games that fit your group size or game goals. The games themselves have clear and easy directions. Each game starts out by telling you how many players are needed and what objects are needed.

My family has defintely enjoyed reviewing this book. Our only complaint is figuring out which game to play! This book was provided for review

In honor of Breast Cancer Awareness month, Proctor and Gamble has made Swiffer Dusters available in a limited edition pink. Each starter kit comes with 1 handle and 5 unscented disposable dusters. I had the opportunity to try out the Swiffer Duster in the limited edition color.

I love the pink color. Normally, cleaning products do not come in girly colors, so this was a fresh change. The handle was easy to assemble and directions were provided on the side of the box, which is nice. No digging down in the packaging to find a small slip of paper with insturctions printed on it. The duster itself seemed to pick up dust easily with one wave. The product itself is slinder enough to reach in tight spaces, which allows quicker cleaning. No need to move things around to dust, you can dust around them. I also like that the dirt stays strapped in the dusters. Sometimes with traditional duster I have found the dust to start coming off while I dust. I did not seem to have that problem with these dusters.

There were only 2 small complaints I had with the duster. One is, even though the handle is skinny, I wish it folded to make it more compact to store. I have a small area under my sink, so something shorter, but a little fatter would be easier for me to store. I also had a hard time finding where I initally needed to slide the duster on the handle. It slid on pretty easy, but took me longer then what I would have expected to find the slots.

Overall, I think the easy and effectiveness of this product would make me purchase refills for it. This is also something my kids can use around the house. Say goodbye to your mother's duster. This product was provided for review

Christi: LaDonna, have you used your Fuji EnviroMAX batteries?
LaDonna: Yep, in lots of things like flashlights, remotes, and W's camera.
Christi: Well I forgot to charge my batteries before we left for Tuscaloosa, and forgot the charger. So I took some of Scott’s batteries and put them in my camera. They lasted for 2 pictures before dying! I was upset! I thought it was my camera. So I dug out the EnviroMAX AA's for electronics. I was really impressed. They lasted for about 200 pictures. My reusable batteries that cost a TON last about 300 pictures.
LaDonna: WOW! That's great!
Christi: I know, right!
LaDonna: That's similar to what Tammy said.
Christi: Now Scott's batteries were not Duracell or Energizer, but they were working in everything else. Most of the time I opt for the regular Duracell or Energizer and they last for 150 pictures or something; I normally don't get the ones for electronics.    I haven't priced these batteries, but for my camera, I'd buy them even if they were a little more, especially because they are environmentally friendly.
LaDonna: See I have only bought rechargeable Duracell for my camera.
Christi: I bought Fuji rechargeables that week too, and like them. I wonder if they will do the rechargeable ones in the environmentally friendly ones?  We should check online for that and for a price.

Christi: So what was your experience with them?
LaDonna: We put them in J's Mag-light (it takes C's). It was shining brighter than the store brand batteries.
Christi: Oh I bet with him being a fire fighter, that could be a great advantage!
LaDonna: except he never uses that flash light while fire fighting.
Christi: oh ok
Christi: He may want to now, if it’s that much brighter.
LaDonna: Yeah
Christi: Men sometimes treat their flashlights like their dogs (man's best friend). But I never have one when I need it, or the batteries are dead.
LaDonna: Yeah.

LaDonna: I put them in the remotes and I haven't noticed a difference but it takes a long time for store brand to run out of power in remotes. W has an old 35mm camera that we've put them in. They work great in there.

Christi: With these batteries, I'm not as worried about them being left in flashlights and things long term. cause if they leak, I don't think there's anything in there that will be harmful.
LaDonna: To me, batteries are batteries. I never worried before. But I do like that they are safer. And that they last longer than store brand. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_gw?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=fuji+enviromax+batteries The prices are comparable to regular batteries. that's important too.
Christi: Yep, 'cause even though I love the environment and all, I live on a very tight budget.
LaDonna: Yeah, we are living on one income too with 5 kids. I may just change brands of batteries whether I go environmental or not. To me, they are making an effort in that direction.

LaDonna: I can't actually buy them here in Canada. But I can order them online.
Christi: Oh, well that sux. If you do bulk, it should be less expensive too.

Kim: I thought the batteries were pretty good. I don't think anything I've used them in has ran out of juice. I'm sure a lot of people would think they would run out quick due to the fact they are environmentally friendly, but they seem to hold a good charge.

Steph: Nothing I used them in has run out and DH has used them in his xbox and he normally goes thru batteries left n right. I also used them in the flashlight.

Don't forget to enter our giveaway too.

The Colors Are Bright AND FUN!!!

Don't forget to enter our giveaway.

LaDonna: I have used my Mabel’s Labels on dishes, clothes and other things.  I have one picture of W holding a bowl with a label on it.
Christi: cool, send it to me!
LaDonna: Ok.
Christi: Which color combo did you get?
LaDonna: Hmm, purple, pink and blue I think.
Christi: I think what we got was the Princess colors; nope, it’s the Cotton Candy.
LaDonna: It's the Back to School Package that we received.
Christi: I put Kayla's first and last name on them and she picked a kitty for the icon.
LaDonna: Here’s the package we received for review - $39.00 for a pack of 50 Tag-Mates, 40 Skinny-Minis, 16 Shoe Labels, 2 NEW Teeny Tags.  Dishwasher/microwave-safe and UV resistant. Clothing labels are laundry safe.

There Are Lots Of Logos, Too. Great Personalization Options!

LaDonna: I had no icon and put H***** Family on it.
Christi: That's a great idea. We have a mixed family, so I just chose one kid.
LaDonna: I love these labels!  I have put them on toys, which W promptly removed.  I have put them on K's purse.  I put the metal tags on my 2 diaper bags.  I love them.
Christi: I was kind of disappointed by getting the Tag-Mates, because none of my kids’ uniform shirts have labels, but the pants do, and they've worked great for that.
LaDonna: Oh, I didn't put them on the tags, but then I haven't put them on an article of clothing specifically, just K’s purse.  I haven't used the shoe ones either.
Christi: I would have chosen the iron-in ones.  The shoe ones are wonderful. They are staying in much better than I thought.
LaDonna: That's good.
Christi: I liked the skinny minis too. They've stayed on thru dishwashing, and look like I just put them on.
LaDonna: Yeah, that's what I was going to say, Christi.  I expected fading and peeling.  Oh, I put one on my glass 9 by 13 baking pan. Nothing.  Looks brand new.
Steph: I just went thru the school clothes and am putting some on there.
Christi: They are stretchy kinda like, so they don't stay straight when you put them on.
Steph: I’m waiting to use mine on dishes until I get my Tupperware I ordered for the girls’ and DH’s lunches.
LaDonna: These labels look great too.  Not tacky.  Now when I take my dish to church, I know it will come back.
Christi: One actually got stuck to itself on the corner, I used it anyways, and washed it, and it still looks like it’s gonna stay on there.
LaDonna: Sweet.

Very, Very Versatile

LaDonna: I need to put some on my crock pot and its base.
Christi: That's a great idea; I wish they were oven proof.
LaDonna: Going to do that now and take a picture.  They aren't?  Because I baked mine and baked it good.
Christi: lol.  Then maybe it is!
Steph: Ok will put mine on stuff too and take a picture. Be right back.
Christi: Send me the pictures please so I can compile them.

Christi: I used those on glass and plastic, and both stayed wonderfully. I'm quite impressed.
LaDonna: Same here.
Christi: Most of them are smaller than I expected, but I actually enjoyed them.  If they were larger, it would be too much.  And I put the metal tags on her school stuff - one on her backpack one on her pencil pouch.
LaDonna: And you are right about them not being too big; I worried about them being too small too.  But they are perfect.

Just the RIGHT Size!!!

Christi: Did you see that they do household labels too?  I'm thinking of ordering some of those.  I would love to find some glass spice jars to use. I don't care for the plastic ones; they absorb the oils too easily.
LaDonna: Yes.  I am going to get some labels for the girls’ birthdays.  At least that's the plan.  Stuff with their names specifically on them.
Christi: Great idea.

A Wonderful Product for Moms!

LaDonna: Definitely made by moms, at the very least by keeping moms in mind.
Christi: I would order all of these and multiples of some that I've seen on the website and they aren't too expensive.  I do wish that some of them were offered in different colors.  I have a label maker, and these are so much better and cheaper than making my own.
LaDonna: Yes.

Cheaper Than Making Your Own

Steph: Ok I love the Mabel’s Labels; they are so cute.  I kinda wish I hadn’t picked pink as the color since I put N***** Family.
Christi: But you can use them for everyone but your husband's things.
Steph: lol I put them on his big and small food thingies that hold hot stuff; I just put them on the bottom.
Christi: That works. Steph, did you choose an icon?
Steph: A flag.

Christi: Kim, what do you think about the Mabel's Labels?
Kim: LOVED them.  They came just in time for our camping trip and dd6 was with other people.
Christi: Right.  What did you put on them?
Kim: I put them in dd6's jacket, as well in some clothing items.

LaDonna: The other thing I was thinking about the labels is that they are great for each kid.  I'd like to have laundry baskets for each one, things that get mixed up easy.
Christi: I can think of a ton of things to use them on.  If you had a pack for kid, and color coded, it would be so much easier!
LaDonna: Yep.

LaDonna: Shoes are tough for me because they are growing so fast and K and CJ share so much.  Gonna try out the ones for shoes in my shoes right now though.  They are so easy to apply!
Christi: Yeah I agree there, I wonder how hand me downs will be? Can they be removed from clothing and shoes?
Steph: I put it into the girls’ school shoes that have to stay at school; that way they don’t get lost.
Christi: They have to stay at school? Wow!
Kim: A friend of mine has kids who have to keep extra stuff at school.
LaDonna: We always had to have a pair at shoes that never left the school.
Christi: I know Payton came home with one of his shoes once, and one from the same style, color and size, but much older pair.
Steph: I went thru 3 brand new sweaters for S. last year so I also put them on the sweaters and sweatshirts.

Cute Labels for Shoes!

Christi: http://www.mabel.ca/mabel.php?n=bin%20labels%20custom Those would be great for bins and baskets; you can customize them for each person in the house. Or Christmas decorations or whatever.
LaDonna: I love the bin labels too!  I need those for the too small - too big clothes!
Steph: I want the neat freak combo.

Christi: I want it ALL!
Steph: lol me too!!

Christi: I'm thinking I could put one on Scott too, maybe everyone will know he's mine then! ROFL!
LaDonna: lol
Steph: lol

Christi: Kim, how have they held up for you? Washing and stuff?
Kim: It held up great to washing.  Even though we won't be doing public school this year, we do have a couple of activities planned with other people.  I probably will attach labels to snack containers as well as sippy cups.  I also need to put one in my diaper bag.
LaDonna: Cool.
Christi: If you do swimming for the girls, most towels have tags; you could use one on them. I hate to buy a nice towel and then some other kid grabs it.
Steph: That’s a good idea!

So Far, They Don't Come Off!

Christi: Did anyone browse the Kid Safety Products at Mabel’s Labels?
LaDonna: No, I don't think I did.
Christi: They do 2 products.
Steph: Yeah, the wristbands, right?
Christi: My 411 Wristbands and Allergy Alerts. Great ideas! I know this is a Mom company!  If I had a kid with food allergies that would be a must for me.
LaDonna: Yep.
Christi: Ha! They give 10% to Autism Speaks for those! I really like that! I have a few friends with kids that are ADHD and some on the Autism Spectrum. They could really use these with the kids that wander.  Those bands are cute, looks like cute bracelets.

Mabel's Labels Donates to Autism Speaks!!!

Kim: That back to school pack had a ton of labels on it; definitely a good value!
LaDonna: I will be using them for a while to get them all used up.
Christi: Yeah same here; should last more than one school year too.

A Great Value for Your Dollars!!

Do you have a special event coming up? Will you need announcements, invites, labels or something similar in the near future?

In honor of the launch party Little Lamb Design is offering (1) $50 Gift Certificate to one lucky SSDR reader.

Rules: Open to US & Canada

Any costs, including shipping, that exceed $50 will not be covered.

Deadline August 31st

How to Enter:

Visit Little Lamb Design then come back and comment on what product caught your eye.

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How Cleaning My Room Changed My Life by Huma Gruaz and Timothy Young provides the perfect example of how one small aspect of your life can make a big difference in every part of it.

My kids rooms are normally the most clean rooms in the house. I feel as though they deserve to sleep in a place that is not full of stuff all over the place. Our main living areas is what accumulates the most stuff. As we read this book, it really made me aware of how much easier life can be if we just return things to their place when we are done. We all know this, but when its there in black and white and you see an example, it really hits home.

My girls really enjoyed this story and sat beside me quietly as I read it to them. We also were shared this book with a friend. Her and I were discussing cleaning one evening and I still had this book out. I showed it to her and she asked to borrow it. She did not plan to, but read the story herself before she read it to her kids. She agreed that it was great story for all.

This book teaches and shows you how what habits you form when you are young can make life easier today, as well as in the future. The helpful cleaning hints at the back of the book are a added bonus. Old and young will benfit from this book. This book was provided by the publisher for review

Every Mom should keep a copy of If Mama Don't Laugh It Ain't Funny by Lucy Adams on hand. I received this on a day that I was at the end of my rope. The first story in Chapter 1 had me laughing so hard, I could not wait to read on. It told about how its hard to look cool in a minivan. Although I admit I love my van and do not try to look cool in it, the rest of the story I totally could relate to and had me busting my gut (you'll have to read the story to learn what happened).

I love reading, but I find I do not get to as often as I'd like. Instead of reading books, I usually resort to magazines because it does not matter if I have to put it down. Most stories are short enough that I can read them in one sitting. The beauty of this book is that I feel like I can read out of order. I sometimes pick it up and start anywhere in the book and I did not feel like I was lost. Although I will admit not every story had me laughing so hard I was going to pee my pants, enough of them did that it would make it worth purchasing.

So, if your a mom (or anyone else) that needs a good laugh, I recommend this book. It gave me the little lift I needed in my day and gives me the ability to laugh at the crazy things that happen in the course of our day. So check out the book If Mama Don't Laugh It Ain't Funny and also check out Lucy's Blog

This book was provided by the author for review

Upbeat, catchy, and fun is what I loved about the Music Box cd by Mary Kaye. We received this in the mail as we were heading out one afternoon. My girls instantly enjoyed the upbeat music. I on the other hand, raised my eyebrow at first. Since then, my eyebrow has returned to its correct location and I have been belting out the lyrics too.

We mostly listen to CD's when the kids are along for the ride. Since we received the Music Box CD, my kids always ask for it at some point on our drive. My favorite song is "Bug" which is # 2 on the disc. I try to skip over # 1 which is called "Under the Moon", but my 2 year old has grown to have a liking for it, so I always have to go back. The rest of the CD is full of great catchy little songs as well. My 5 year old enjoys them all, often asking for me to repeat each song. Our baby (19 months) starts to sing the "Bug" song too. She just smiles and says some of the words here and there. This is the first song that she has done that with. My husband and my mother have also listened to the CD with us. The songs have put a smile on their face, especially when the girls sing along.

Head over to the Mary Kaye website and check out this CD, as well as others available. Other titles available are Spin Your Web, Mouse Jamboree, and I Sang It Just for You. Your kids will thank you!

Stay tuned for a giveaway from Mary Kaye during our Launch Party happening in August!

This CD was provided by the artist for review.