January StarBox Review

We are LOVING this month's Starbox from Starlooks!

We love the Starbox from Starlooks. Look at what came this month.

AND this beautiful bracelet (which I forgot to add in the video).


LOVE everything! See our unboxing below




All of this for only $15 a month! We cancelled everything else, because Starbox gives FULL SIZED and high quality beauty items EVERY MONTH!!! LOVE it!

CLICK HERE TO CHECK OUT THE SUBSCRIPTION!


Dapper Snapper Review

Dapper Snappers are the perfect solution for your kids' baggy pants. I was introduced to Dapper Snappers on Baby Steals about 4-5 years ago, and just love them! They come in a variety of colors and are super easy to use! We have had some of our Dapper Snappers for 2 years and they work as good as the first day we purchased them!

Watch below for our demonstration of how easy they are to use!


You can purchase them at: http://dappersnappers.com/


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

LBB Review

As many of you know, I decided a couple of weeks back to subscribe to LBB, Little Black Bag. At first I was REALLY excited, but if you have been skeptical about this site . . . perhaps you should be. The customer service I received was HORRIBLE, and I mean really bad. I feel like the make "deals" for their veterans, but for new subscribers you are left in the lurch. For example, I thought I had subscribed in time to get a bonus offer of an extra item in my bag. I did not (which I found out AFTER I signed up and opened my first bag). Then, within DAYS they had a new offer to open a bag and get an extra item . . . which of course I could not do because I already had an open bag. When I reached out to customer service, I was pretty much told "too bad." This did not start my experience off on the right foot.

So, I opened my first bag and chose my first item, a purse. I ended up exchanging everything in my bag for something new (even my bag). What you will find is the veterans of the site are like vultures to the new people. They will choose their first item based on a trading value, and then trade up. This is ONE of the ways that people get TONS of items in their bag. Another way is through referral links. So, when you see people with 5-10 items in their bag, they most likely are a veteran and receiving extra items through referrals or through trading "up." This was really overwhelming as a new person and very confusing.

So, at the end of my trading period, I went back and forth about wanting my bag. I decided to NOT purchase it, because after all, it SAYS IN THEIR PRESS KIT that you can skip right before it ships. THIS IS NOT TRUE. There is no where to skip, and when I contacted customer service they claimed it was "old information" even though it is a part of their CURRENT PRESS KIT.

Oh, so I can return it and get 100% full refund, right? Because it says that in their PRESS KIT as well!!! Nope. That was old as well. I would still have to cover the shipping costs. So, another area where they are less than honest.

In the end, I ended up paying $54.90 (the $49.95 does NOT include shipping!!!!!) for a box that retails for about $116, which is not bad. However, because of the concerns stated above, I AM canceling my subscription! I wish that customer service would have been more first time user friendly, because I think they could have resolved a lot of my questions or concerns . . . simply by adhering to their own policies set out in the press kit.

Ok, UPDATE: So, some of you may have noticed. I did not, indeed, cancel. I did skip my next month. Then, I got a $25 credit for completing a survey . . . and OF COURSE something came up that I HAD TO HAVE. So I ordered in March. I also ordered in April, and you can find the unboxing of April's box at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f-uFOGylU24

I received:

  • Pixi Nail Polish, Full sized, Value $8
  • Spring Street Wishbone Bracelet, Value $18
  • Lydell Neckalce, Value $24
  • Big Buddha Bag, Value $66
Watch our video below for a full unboxing. 


You can try out Little Black Bag for yourself BY CLICKING HERE.

Talk Back Thursday


This week's Talk Back Thursday is with Lisa Becker, the amazing author of the book, "Click" (which we review HERE). See what she has to say about writing, life . . . and upcoming news!

What inspired you to write, "Click"?
My husband and I met online on a popular dating website.  After we married, I was recalling some of the hilarious experiences that I had with both traditional and online dating.  I decided to capture some of them in writing and from there, a novel emerged.   The ultimate goal was to create a fun read for anyone who has ever had a bad date, been in love, been dumped, or is searching for "the one." But, the happy ending is real.  Steve and I have been happily married for nine years and have two amazing daughters - ages 8 and 5.  You can check out the book trailer here

How do you balance work and personal/ family time?
I’m fortunate to have had a series of wonderful careers outside of writing including being a wife, mom, PR professional, college professor, volunteer and Girl Scout troop leader.  There’s rarely a dull moment around here.  But I had always told myself – even as a little girl – that I would write a book one day.  I started writing Click after my husband and I married but before we had kids.  Then I had to take a break from writing due to the rigors of motherhood.  Once my daughters were in preschool, I made the commitment to finish the book.  I wrote in the mornings while they were at school or at night after they went to sleep.  I made it a goal to write – even if only for a half hour – every day. 

What advice would you give to other women wanting to write their own book?
Like all writers, I’ve encountered my share of writer’s block.  My solution:  Chocolate!  No joke, I eat chocolate.  If I’m stuck on a certain section or not feeling motivated to write, I give myself little chocolate incentives to get past the blockage.  Judging by my thighs, I had some serious problems writing this book.  ;)
Click is a self-published novel and I wouldn’t “write off” that option.  I explored the traditional publishing route and got feedback from multiple literary agents. One in particular explained the current economic state of the publishing industry to me. Due to the large investment to edit, produce, distribute and market a work by an unknown author, many large publishers won’t take the risk. Self-publishing is a way to get your work out there and was very easy.  The hardest part is marketing the book and spreading the word about it.  So, I’m especially appreciative to blogs like yours for helping me with that process.  

I'm also reminded of some advice I was once given. I had interviewed Charles Rosen, one of the producers of the original Beverly Hills 90210, for an alumni magazine article while I was in graduate school. And I'll never forget what he told me, "Don't fall in love with your words, because somebody above will probably change them." One of the great benefits of self-publishing is that you can really take control of the process.

Who has inspired you most in writing "Click"?
First off, there’s my husband who inspired one of the major Click characters.  There are some emails from our early dating that are hidden within the book.  There are also, of course, several men who I dated prior to meeting my husband who inspired stories in the book.  In some cases, things are written as they actually occurred.  Other scenarios are exaggerated for entertainment value or comedic affect.  And some scenarios are completely fictionalized. I really did go out on a date with someone I met online who started every story (no joke!) with “My buddies and I were out drinking last night.”  And finally, there is a writer named Matthew Beaumont who wrote the book e, which tells the story of a fictitious ad agency vying for a big account, with the story all told in emails.  I thought that narrative style would work really well for the story I wanted to tell about the online dating world.  It was a modern way of storytelling that fit the topic and the times. 


Is there any exciting news about your writing that you want to share (this could be a new book or anything else)?
I recently finished writing a sequel, Double Click, which picks up with Renee, Shelley, Ashley, Mark and Ethan six months later.   SPOILER ALERTS!!!!  Do Renee and Ethan end up together? Does Mark ever go on a date? Has Shelley run out of conquests in Los Angeles? Will Ashley's judgmental nature sabotage her budding relationship? Double Click answers these questions and more as readers continue to follow the email exploits of Renee and her friends.
I encourage people to join the Facebook fan page here to get updates on when Double Click will be available. 

Wordless Wednesday

You Rock Valentine's Card
Find unique birthday and Valentine's cards at Shutterfly.
View the entire collection of cards.

JJ Cole Swag Bag Review

Mamas, as you probably know, I am VERY picky when it comes to looking my best. One of the things I HATED with my first child was carrying around a dumpy looking diaper bag. With my youngest, I am so glad to carry a bag that is trendy and fashion forward. And if you want a trendy bag, you NEED to look at JJ Cole Collections!


How beautiful is this bag? It is the JJ Cole Collections Swag Bag. It just says WOW every time I even look at it. It is chic and looks more like a handbag than a diaper bag. In fact, I have been using it as a computer bag this entire week, and it looks GREAT (and has all the pockets I need for all of my "stuff!). It is a black and white pattern with a gray/silver/ almost pewter.
As you can see the front features two open pockets (fantastic for stuff you need to grab fast-- like SNACKS and toys!). Then, it has 2 zippered pockets, which I use for my mommy stuff I need fast (my cell phone and my lipgloss).
The back is just as chic looking with a full zippered pocket along the back. 


In this pocket, you will find the super chic changing pad. 

One side is lined (for fast cleaning), and has the same green and white pattern you will find on the inside of the bag. 



On the sides of the bag are insulated pockets. They easily fit a bottle, sippy cup, or even one of your drinks (I can fit a can of soda or a bottle of juice in them easily).



The inside has 4 elastic pockets total, which is great for carrying everything you need. You can use them for diapers, wipes, toys, snacks-- everything you need. And you will LOVE that none of the pockets or closures have velcro-- so no sticking to cloth diapers!!!



There is a key hook so that you always have your keys on hand.



And even a change/ coin purse!

The stap is adjustable. Wear it long for wearing it as a cross body bag, or short to carry it on your shoulder.

On the go with the stroller? They even include stroller attachments that you attach to the stroller and clip to the bag!

This bag will fit your every need! What I love the MOST is the one essential item that I carry everywhere, my MacBook Pro fits inside with plenty of room to spare! This makes the bag easy to travel with on long or short trips!

Visit JJ Cole to see all of their amazing bags: http://jjcolecollections.com/
You can also find them on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/jjcolecollections

Sibu Chocolate Giveaway

You read our review here: http://www.mamabreak.com/2013/01/sibu-chocolate-seven-review.html

NOW, it is your chance to get some delicious chocolate just in time for Valentine's Day!

Enter Below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Treat.com Review and Giveaway

I love Valentine's Day! One of my favorite memories is the very first Valentine that my daughter made me on her own. She made it her first year of preschool, and since she is my oldest child, it held a lot of meaning. It is a cup of tea and I still have it hanging on my office wall. She asks me about it every time she comes into my office . . . but it is so special to me . . . because it reminds me of when she was little. She wrote her name herself, and it was one of the first times I had seen that she could do so.

Do you have a special card that brings back special Valentine's memories for you? I love that Treat.com makes sending cards easy. You can personalize you card with a photo and can write the inscription inside, or "borrow" from something they have written. With many layouts and messages, you can make a card that is truly your own! And the BEST part, when you are done, you can choose for them to mail the card directly to the recipient or to you!

You can find a wide array of Valentine's cards at:
http://www.treat.com/shop/valentines-greeting-cards.htm

Or make your cards on the go with their iphone app:
http://www.treat.com/app.htm 

MamaBreak received a Treat.com credit to share with you our favorite valentine's memories. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always our opinions and experiences are our own. 

Want to win your own cards to send out this Valentine's Day? Enter below to win 5 cards from Treat.com!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

Mmmm Monday!

Hubby found a great peanut butter cookie recipe that we both altered a bit.  Check it out!

350* oven
Greased cookie sheets
Bake 8-10 minutes

These were so good--there are only crumbs left!
Combine all and stir:
2 cups peanut butter
2 cups sugar  (hubby did 1 cup sugar, one cup brown sugar, made them more crumbly)
2 eggs
2 teaspoons baking soda
1 teaspoon vanilla
pinch of salt

(I added 1 cup of chocolate chips & 2 tablespoons hazelnut spread)

30 Days to Virtual Productivity Success

I had a chance to read the 30 Days to Virtual Productivity Success (check it out on Amazon)

I was amazed at how much time I was wasting online and how to search, view and navigate better.  My favorite included a large section of websites and apps to utilize my time with the best of the best.  Check it out--it could help make your career or even your home run better! 

Emmy Rossum Sentimental Journey Review

Emmy Rossum is known already in Hollywood for her amazing acting. In fact, we are looking forward to seeing her in Beautiful Creatures!!!!

Her new CD, Sentimental Journey, shows that her talent is not only in music, but acting as well. With 12 tracks, each song is supposed to represent each month of the year as your journey through the year. Her voice is very soothing and reminded me of early singers like Patsy Cline.

Each track is quite unique and while some are more blues- based, such as "Sentimental Journey" (the first track on the album) others have a more country and bluegrass field, such as "I'm Looking For a Four Leaf Clover." My favorite song from the album was "Summer Wind," a slow, relaxing song.

"Sentimental Journey" will be released on January 29th and will be available both on:
Amazon:
http://www.amazon.com/Sentimental-Journey-Emmy-Rossum/dp/B00AA0U05A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1357592272&sr=8-1&keywords=emmy+rossum

and Itunes:
https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/sentimental-journey/id581024734

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the CD to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

Build a Bear Review AND GIVEAWAY!!!

We are so excited to share the new bears at Build-A-Bear Workshop with you! We LOVE Build-A- Bear Workshop. Not only do they have quality stuffed animals, but you can personalize each bear to fit your child's personality. We think they are the perfect way to say "I Love You" for your little ones this Valentine's Day!

The three new bears are:
The adorable pink Disney Princess Bear (click here to see a review-- and another giveaway)! Complete with a crown. They have a TON of accessories including princess dresses, shoes, and even princess HAIR!!!

The, oh so cute, Harajuku Hugs Panda. Look at those adorable eyes! This bear was just introduced to the Build-A-Bear Workshop website on January 18th!

Last, but not least, the Girl Scouts Thin Mint Bear! This bear will not be available until February 2nd, and you will want to be SURE to get one.

Remember how I said you could personalize each bear to YOUR child's interests? Well, we are thrilled to share with you OUR Girl Scouts Thin Mint Jedi Bear!
SO adorable. He comes with a Luke Skywalker outfit complete with black boots, dark brown pants, the khaki colored shit with this detailed belt:


and a Padawan cloak-- which of course my son had to put on right away when he saw his new bear.

The face of the bear is just precious with bright green eyes

And of course, the Girl Scouts Thin Mint feet!

The best part about this bear is that it is very gender neutral. If you have a young lady in your life who is a Girl Scout, I could not think of a more perfect gift! If you have a Jedi in your house, it is the perfect gift as well. Each bear can be dressed up and designed to match YOUR child, and we think that is incredibly special!

Want to make your own bear at Build-A-Bear Workshop? Enter below for a $25 Bear Buck Gift Card!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Build-A-Bear Workshop provided MamaBreak with a bear to review here on the website. MamaBreak did not receive any other type of compensation. As always our opinions and experiences are our own.

What Daddy Bear Loves Review

Are you looking for the perfect gift for a new dad? Maybe a dad to give to his son for Valentine's Day? Or, a gift to give to dad and your child? Daddy Scrubs has the most adorable gift sets for both dads and kids to share.



This adorable What Daddy Loves explores the different things Daddy Bear loves, including (of course) Baby Bear. The set comes with a board book and an adorable teddy bear.

The teddy bear is on the smaller size and is the PERFECT size for a new dad to bring to work to place on their desk, or a gift for your toddler from their dad! So cute and cuddly! He is incredibly soft!
The book features things that Daddy Bear likes to do, and includes pictures of Daddy and Baby Bear enjoying these activities together! 

To purchase this gift set or to see other gift sets perfect for new dads and kids, visit:
www.daddyscrubs.com 

Check back next week for a GIVEAWAY of this exact gift set for your little one and his/ her dad!

Want to learn more about Daddy Scrubs? Check out their fun YouTube video below! 

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Talk Back Thursday 1/24

We are always excited to feature mom-preneuers! This week, we asked the same 5 questions of Wonderland Bake Shoppe! She makes AMAZING cakes and cupcakes!
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderland-Bake-Shoppe/354426997973279?fref=ts


1. What inspired you to create a cake business? 
Decorating cakes started as something I did as a hobby. It was my time to myself to do something I enjoy. I soon realized that I had a talent in decorating and a love and passion it as well. So I decided to go into business.

2. How do you balance work and family? 
The honest answer here is...HELP! I have a verry supportive husband which is very important. Also, we have very involved grandparents. Dont get me wrong I still feel pulled in a million different directions sometimes, and it's tough, but it so much easier with support.

3. What advice would you give to other women starting their own company?  
Go for it! Once an amazing woman told me find something you would do for free for the rest of your life and find a way to make money at it. So I would definately pass this advice on. If you have a talent or idea you want to share with the world and aren't afraid of some hard work just go for it!

4. Who has inspired you most in creating yummy cakes? 
My mother in law is who got me into cake decorating. She decorated cakes as a hobby for years. 

5. Is there any exciting news about your business that you want to share? 
 I am always looking to push the bar and do the unexpected. Right now I'm am expirimenting with making cakes have moving parts. Also I have started offering decorated sugar cookies that can be decorated in any way with any logo.

Visit Wonderland Bake Shoppe on their Facebook page at: 
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Wonderland-Bake-Shoppe/354426997973279?fref=ts

Wordless Wednesday 1/23

Ever wonder what the Mamas look like? 
Here we are!
Mama Jo is on the left, Mama Steph is on the right!


Aroma Pressure Cooker Review





Mamas-- are you looking for ways to make meal time easier? With three kids AND working full-time it is hard to make a nutritious and fast meal every night. We love the Aroma Pressure Cooker! You can find all of the details on this must have kitchen appliance HERE:
http://www.aroma-housewares.com/kitchen/appliances/APC-990.html



We recently made Honey Glazed and Currant Chicken and it AMAZING. The recipe came straight from the recipe book included with the pressure cooker . . . and Mamas, it only took 12 minutes to cook. Yes, you read that right, 12 minutes. You want to make sure you have some prep time because the items have to sit in the fridge for 4 hours. I did the prep work in the morning before work, and through it all in at dinner time. The recipe, from the Aroma website:
http://www.aroma-housewares.com/kitchen/appliances/recipe/4556/Glazed%20Honey%20%26%20Red%20Currant%20Chicken.html

Glazed Honey & Red Currant Chicken

Flavorful chicken with a hint of sweetness.
Prep: 6 hr..
1/2 cup sweet red wine
1/2 cup white vinegar
1 cup red currant preserves
2 tablespoons soy sauce
2 tablespoons honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 - 3 lbs. fryer chicken, skinless, cut into pieces
In a self-sealing plastic bag, combine the wine, vinegar, preserves, soy sauce, honey and mustard. Add the chicken pieces and mix well. Marinate in the refrigerator for 4 to 6 hours. Place the chicken and marinade in the inner cooking pot. Close the lid securely and set the steam vent to "Closed." Set to High pressure and cook for 10 to 12 minutes. Release the pressure and remove the lid. Serve while warm, spooning the sauce over the chicken. Serves 4.
Watch our YouTube video of this amazing small appliance that really will change the way you cook!

You can find Aroma on Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AromaHousewares
You will LOVE their Facebook page, where they provide recipes and ideas for new ways to cook food . . . like cake . . . made in a RICE COOKER! Very creative!!

MamaBreak received the above pressure cooker to review here on the website. We did not receive any other type of compensation. As always, our opinions and experiences are our own. 

Tuesday Tune day!

My guy LOVES watching these Thomas the Tank videos.  We started by watching a video with music, but now we have found a cool Lego track with Thomas on it! Train lovers, TUNE in and watch!

Sibu Chocolate Seven Review

Looking for the perfect gift this Valentine's Day? How about some chocolate that is HEALTHY? I am completely in LOVE with Sibu Seven Chocolates!

The chocolates come packaged in a very nice box/ cardboard bag that opens conveniently on the top and folds back down when you are done.


The chocolates are each individually packaged. You get 8 mint, and 8 orange.
Each piece is very generously sized, and mouthwatering  delicious!
Not only are they delicious, but they also contain 250 mg of Omega-7 Sea buckthorn oil in each chocolate. If you take the Sea Buckthorn supplements, that is about 1/2 of the Omega-7s you receive in each capsule. This is a DELICIOUS way to get Omega 7!!! Yum!

Each box contains 16 chocolates and is $17.95.
Right now, if you visit http://www.sibubeauty.com/sibu_omega-7_chocolates.php
and order THREE, use code OMEGA7CHOC for free shipping!


Tummy Drops Review . . . Making your tummy feel better!



I had a terrible stomach bug over the holidays, and I was so thankful for Tummy Drops! Tummy Drops are all natural ginger drops that will help with stomach upset.


I have used them for a mild stomach bug to motion sickness when traveling, and they worked amazingly well. They taste strongly of ginger, so if you do not like ginger, you should note that. I happen to LOVE ginger, and thought they were delicious!


I have used them myself, but have also given them to my oldest child (who is 9). She LOVED them and said they really helped with her stomach ache as well!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Want to WIN your own full-sized bag of Tummy Drops? Enter Below-- starting WEDNESDAY!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Didn't win? If you post a video to the Tummy Drops Facebook page explaining why Tummydrops might be a help for you or a family member while linking Enteral Health in your post (http://www.facebook.com/enteralhealth), they will send you a free sample!!!!

Bulu Box Review . . . Vitamins in a box!

We love subscription boxes, and especially love subscriptions that make us healthier and happier!

Bulu Box is a monthly subscription service that focuses on vitamins and supplements, and we were thrilled to try it out! One of my New Year's Resolutions is to be healthier in the choices I make, so this arrived just in time! Here is what I received in my box:



  • The first, and AWESOME item is CSpray from Marz Sprays. 2 oz. Amazon price, $25.99
  • Vibrant Health Vibrant Cleanse, 1 packet. Amazon price, $2.04
  • Warrior Blend Raw Protein, 1 packet. Amazon price (based on per ounces), $1.11
  • 3 SafSlim Packets, Amazon price, $3.64
  • Herbal Papaya 4 Gel caps Organic Papaya Leaf Extract. Amazon price, $4.33
  • 2 Herbal Papaya Mint Teas. Amazon price, $1.08
That makes the total value of this box, $38.19. An AMAZING deal for $10!!! 
It does appear from other review around the web, that it is common to get full sized items with your Bulu Box!!


Bulu Box is just $10 a month, which is a great deal. The thing about vitamins is you often do not know which will truly be effective until you try them, and Bulu Box allows you to do just that! Here are some special offers to use at: http://www.bulubox.com/


Get your 1st Bulu Box FREE! 
Purchase a 3 month gift for you or a friend, and get the first month FREE with promo code: JUMPONIT3
Note: this deal gets 3 months of Bulu Box for just $20 (compared to regular price of $30)

OR

Get your first 3 Bulu Boxes FREE!
Purchase a 6 month gift for you or a friend and get the first 3 months FREE with promo code: JUMPONIT6
Note: this deal gets 6 months of Bulu Box for just $30 (compared to regular price of $60)

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tru Kid Review


We are always looking for natural body washes for kids. One of the main problems we have is often the packaging itself is not kid friendly, which is why we LOVED this Tru Kid Hair and Body Wash.

The bottle, as you can see is a really bright blue! It is very fun, and the kids immediately knew it was for them! Apparently, mom does not use blue body wash. At first I was a little, as it is all-natural and BLUE. 

But, SURPRISE the soap is actually CLEAR and not blue at all! It has a really mild, fruity smell and my 9, 5 AND 2 year olds ALL love it! It is a lot of fun! The loved the pump a little TOO much, hence why it is not pictured. The top, however, has a standard body wash top, so the bottle can be used as is as well (which is great if you also have a 2 year old you do not want pumping the soap themselves!).

Follow their Facebook page to receive discounts at: http://www.facebook.com/TruKidProducts
Order now on their website:  http://trukid.3dcartstores.com
Use coupon code: bubblymom to get a FREE Bubbly Body Wash with your $30 purchase.


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.