About two weeks ago, I got an invitation to check out the premier of Country Dance for Wii here in Nashville. The invite was noted for “media and industry” so, naturally, I asked about bringing the hub (a singer/songwriter, performer, and record exec) and my kids. Luckily, it was cool. So …

The next week, I loaded the girls up and headed into town to pick up the hubs. We made the short drive over to the Country Music Hall of Fame to check out this new game.

Keep in mind, we do did not own a Wii (more on this in a minute). But the kiddo had played at friends’ houses (since pretty much all of them have one). I just have never been convinced why we needed to own one.

First off, it was a small and intimate presentation with demonstrations by girls who make a mom of 2 try to remember the last time she could wear jeans that tight (and look good in them). It looked like lots of fun, but then again those girls would make anything look fun – the question was, could I do it?

Then, they got the kiddo up to try it out with the PR gal and 2 other volunteers. She did great and then asked me to join in on the next one. I reluctantly agreed. But the baby had other plans – crying for Mommy. And so, I did it … while holding my 2 yo.

Um … Best. workout. in a LONG. time. No joke. (And I only partially say that because I was holding the babe.)

Not only was it a terrific workout, but it was a BLAST! We ALL had so much fun.

They gave us a free copy of the game and we left. What did I do? Dropped the hubs back off at his office, took the kids to Target, and yes … I bought a Wii. Seriously.

I play by myself after the kids have gone to bed as my “workout”. I have seriously already lost a little weight and have begun toning – just from this game!

Here’s a quick video out about the game:

It is LOADS of FUN (and I’m not just saying that because I got a free copy of the game)! It will be available March 29, 2011 in stores – and WalMart will carry a special copy with a bonus track (Alan Jackson’s “Good Time”).

QUICK NOTES:

• Songs are great – everything from “Achy Breaky Heart” to “Cowboy Casanova”
• Songs are ranked with 1-3 stars for difficulty level
• Lyrics are displayed so you can sing along
• Up to 4 players can “compete”

Learn more on the Country Dance Facebook page or by following Country Dance on Twitter.

Hurried Homemaker was not compensated for this post. We did receive a free game, but this is no way affected or swayed our opinions.

I normally do not like photo holiday cards. I don’t know why, but I have always had something against them. Maybe it is just that I often find the posed shots “fake” or maybe it is just that I can’t imagine anyone wanting pictures of my family in their house. Either way, when Tiny Prints approached me about reviewing their cards, I thought “why not?”

I scanned their site thinking I would have a hard time finding something that I loved. WRONG. I had a hard time choosing just one! Their selection of holiday photo cards is incredible, and there are so many different styles to choose from. There is certainly something for everyone!

Our cards turned out so cute, that I decided I would share with you!

After much debate, I chose the Fanned Stripes card in brown. There are other colors but I loved the brown with our sepia-toned photo. I personalized below the “Peace * Joy * Love” section as well.

Since we also just moved, I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to try out Tiny Prints for our new address cards, too. Again, I had a difficult time choosing just one of their moving announcements. Alas, I finally chose Neighborhood Nests and I loved the way they turned out!

My husband even liked the way our cards turned out so much that he just told his office staff that they should order their holiday cards from Tiny Prints.

HH BRIEF:

Just because they’re going back to school, that doesn’t mean you should skip the sun protection! It is just as important to protect your little one’s skin from outdoor playtime during and after school as it is for a day at the pool. And protecting their little bodies from harsh chemicals is always a must. Organic sun protection from Soleo Organics (sold by Nature’s Basin) is the answer.

A little of this sunscreen goes a long way! It goes on quick & easy, and doesn’t leave that sticky feeling most do.

The folks at Nature’s Basin get it – selling all the body care products us moms need, with a commitment to quality, organic products.

SAVES:

Using organic skincare products, like sunscreen, save both the environment and our bodies. (See why organic skincare is important for you and for baby.)

FROM THE COMPANY:

Nature’s Basin is also committed to building a company based on supporting mothers that want to be responsible caretakers of our earth, loving care givers for their families and honoring their own core essence of their inner and outer beauty. Based on our own personal experience, we strongly believe that mothers play an important role in building a responsible world while fulfilling their parental obligations. Nature’s Basin is committed to building a company that supports these mothers to have a career while fulfilling their environmental and parental obligations.

Nature’s Basin is run by mothers who are environmentally and health conscious individuals who wanted to offer the finest natural, organic and mineral based beauty products with an exceptional customer service and a hassle-free online shopping experience. We offer free shipping and free returns with full refunds.

GOT MORE TIME?

Read more about Nature’s Basin here

Get coupon codes & promotions here

Ask the Aesthetician

Join Nature’s Basin on Facebook and Twitter

Hurried Homemaker was not compensated for this review. We were provided with product for review, but this in no way affects our opinion of this product/company.

HH BRIEF:

I am a HUGE fan of babysoy (as you may already know)! So, when they told me about their new Oh Soy collection, I had to check it out! And I’m glad I did … BabySoy did it again! This collection is an adorable set of illustrated bodysuits, playsuits and shirt. The Oh Soy collection also has pants and knotted hats that go with just about anything. There are even matching reversible burpies and blankets. These folks know what a mom needs!

As always, the clothes are the softest I’ve ever felt. Given the choice between other pants and her new babysoy Oh Soy brown pants, the baby chooses the babysoy. She really knows how to pick the best of the best.

Not only is the reversible hoodie an award-winner (iParenting Media Award), but now their kimono bodysuit has been deemed award-worthy (PTPA Media Award) as well!

SAVES:

Buying clothing for your tot (newborn – 4t) from babysoy saves the environment and money. Not only is their clothing some of the most environmentally-friendly you’ll find, but it is so reasonably priced you’ll wonder why they aren’t sold in stores everywhere!

FROM THE COMPANY:

Babysoy is the 1st company in the world to use soybean protein fiber to create a soft and natural newborn wardrobe. The eco-friendly fiber uses leftover non-gmo soybean pulp from tofu and/or soymilk production as raw material for the fiber. Babysoy’s layette line promotes a green environment by reducing and recycling while bundling babies in the softest eco clothing and accessories. Each piece is designed by co-founder Amy Liang and tested with her daughter for comfort, style, and ease to dress.

GOT MORE TIME?

Read more about babysoy on their website.

Join babysoy on Facebook.

See how babysoy cares here.

See their awards here or here.

Hurried Homemaker was not compensated for this post. We were provided with items of clothing for a fair/honest review. This in no way affects our opinion of this product/company.

HH BRIEF:

Probiotics are a great way to keep your intestinal system operating properly. Not just that, but (believe it or not) they help keep your immune system on track too! The kids and I tried out Culturelle® [me] & Culturelle® for Kids [kiddo & baby]. Not only were we all regular, but we were less gassy and bloated, too. And we craved sweets less and felt a lot more energy. (And I certainly needed more energy!)

I have taken probiotics before, but none like this. Culturelle® works faster and more gently than any other probiotic I have tried.

SAVES:

Keeping yourself and your kids healthy saves time and money for the whole family. Less time being sick and/or at the doctor means more time for the important things, like spending time together.

FROM THE COMPANY:

Culturelle® is the only probiotic dietary supplement containing Lactobacillus GG, the “good” bacteria strain used to restore and maintain a healthy balance in the digestive system. Culturelle works to help promote overall digestive and immune health. Diet, stress, travel and even some medications encourage bad bacteria to flourish in your intestinal tract. When bad bacteria outnumber good bacteria, your digestive and overall health is open to a host of potential concerns. Culturelle, with Lactobacillus GG, safely and naturally replaces the bad bacteria in your digestive tract with good bacteria leading to healthier digestion and a stronger immune system. Not all probiotic supplements are created equal. The amount of live bacteria listed on many probiotic labels is often the number of bacteria at the time of manufacture, not use. Culturelle, however is manufactured with at least 30 billion live cells with at least 10 billion guaranteed at time of usage. This is about 10 times the amount of probiotic bacteria found in many yogurts (and without the additional sugar or calories).

GOT MORE TIME?

Read more about Culturelle on their website.

Join the Culturelle Facebook page.

Follow Culturelle on Twitter.

Check out some funny Culturelle videos on YouTube or here.

Get more coupons here or here.

*Bonus $1 off coupon!

HH was not compensate for this review. We were provided with the product to try for a fair review – this in no way affects our opinion of this company/product.

As the school year dies down in May, summer seems like it will last an eternity. As we all know, it actually rushes by and before we know it we’re hastily gathering school supplies and packing lunches. I’ve found a few things that will make it more pretty, more fun, and more healthy. I look forward to sharing these goodies with you over the next few posts and I hope you will love them as much as I do!