Saturday, December 26, 2009

Winners!

Congratulations to the following giveaway winners:

Handbag Heaven - JamericanSpice #147 and Tina12312 #374

Pyrex - Carol W. #44

Cheerios - GabbyLowe #150

Chef'n - ColleenMarie82 # 84

**All winners have been notifed through email. Please check your junk/spam folder! If no response is received within 2 days, a new winner will be chosen. Random.org is used to determine all winners.

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Happy Holidays to You & Your Family!

I hope you are having a beautiful holiday season with family and friends. I will be taking the next couple of days off to enjoy the festivities. I'll be back soon with more fabulous giveaways and reviews.

Thanks for being such an important part of The Funky Monkey! I treasure you all!

Wednesday, December 23, 2009

BedHead Pajamas: Fun & Funky PJs for the Family

I've never seen a company that offers such a variety of fun and funky pajamas! BedHead Pajamas really does have an awesome selection of pajamas for women and children. Not only are the patterns fantastic, but the style variety is great, too!

I was sent these sassy Pink Cheetah w/Lace Kids PJ's. They feel so soft and have great stretch to them. Cheetah in pink and brown....you had me at meow!

They also offer Mommy & Me sets. How cute would that be?!?

I was very impressed with their customer service, quality and design selection. You will love them as well.

Head on over to BedHead Pajamas today for 20% OFF your order through January 31, 2010 with the discount code: MONKEY20

BedHead Pajamas sent me the pajamas for this review and I provided my honest opinion.

Tuesday, December 22, 2009

Zupers: Strong Leggings for Strong Girls Giveaway

About the Designer:
My name is Wendy Feller and I am a mom. I also happen to be a clothing designer. After a stint in architectural school that lasted, oh, about 10 days, I began designing and manufacturing handloomed sweaters in 1987. My label, Wendy Feller Knitwear, was sold to major department stores (Henri Bendel, Saks Fifth Avenue, Bergdorf Goodman, Nordstrom, and Barney’s New York) and to over 500 high-end boutiques around the US. Though successful, I closed my business in 1994 and moved to Seattle to find a more balanced lifestyle. Since that move 16 years ago, not only have I created the balance I was looking for, but also found a wonderful husband, made two spirited and creative kids, and launched my other business, Smittens.



Conception of an Idea:
Züpers was conceived one day while waiting for a friend for a walk. Unlike the birth of my daughter, it came to me in a flash and quite easily. I was thinking about how my (then) five year old daughter was constantly ripping her tights and leggings, and also scraping her knees when she played outside. As a child of the 70’s and remembering “Toughskins” pants for boys, I thought, why not make tights with knee pads built into them? Well, tights proved too difficult to make but I quickly realized leggings would be even better. I could offer a more durable fabric, more interesting prints and I wouldn’t have to worry about girls slip-sliding when they took off their shoes inside. Züpers was born.

The Concept:
The idea behind Züpers is, you guessed it, GIRL POWER!! I am creating clothing that empowers girls to be strong, athletic and brave but still enable them to dress like a girl. A simple yet powerful idea.

You:
We hope your girls enjoy Züpers as much as my daughter does and look forward to hearing from you with feedback and comments. Please make sure to sign up for our newsletter and visit our blog for updates and news about Züpers.

Check out the long solid legging and long printed legging!



These prints are just plain “hip”. Pair them with a dress, skirt or tunic, or even go swimming in them! The heart shaped knee pads are removable from the inside of the legging and are made from cushy waterproof Neoprene, the same stuff wetsuits are made out of. Wear Züpers with or without knee pads, or purchase an extra set for added protection. Oh, and don’t forget to show her the secret treasure pocket!


Zupers would like to offer one lucky reader the leggings of their choice!

You may also take 20% OFF your purchase - refund will be given through PayPal after purchasing.

To enter this playful GIVEAWAY you must visit their website and tell me the one pair of leggings you love. Click "comments" below this posting and leave a message as your entry. It's that simple! Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner. You do not need to have a Google account to comment. You may do so with just your name.

After you have completed the mandatory entry above, you may do any of the additional entry options below for more ways to win. Each one counts as one separate entry.

  • Subscribe to my blog via email - be sure to leave your email address
  • Subscribe to my blog via RSS Feed/Reader
  • Follow The Funky Monkey on Twitter here and leave your username
  • Post the link to this giveaway (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, etc.) and leave the link so I can find it (one entry per site)
  • Add my button to your blog/site - be sure to leave the link so I can find it
  • Follow Zupers on Twitter here and leave your name
  • Become a fan of Zupers on Facebook here and leave your name
  • Email three or more people about this giveaway and CC me at susannahbananaATliveDOTcom

**Be sure to check out my "CURRENT GIVEAWAYS" list on the right hand side of my blog.

**This giveaway ends on December 29th and is open to U.S. residents. **Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. **The winner will be announced on December 30th.

Advertorial from Zupers

Babalu, Inc.: Fantastic Felt Storyboards for Kids

This felt storyboard from Babalu, Inc. has provided a lot fun for my daughter. She has been having a blast dressing up her pups for their runway show!

The FeltTales - Pups in the Park is a great way to let out your inner creativity. Dress the pups in different outfits for their day out on the town. I love the handy carrying handle and sealable storage pouch in the back to keep all of the individual felt pieces safe in one place. It's easy to take with us on road trips and to Grandma's house.


There are many other varieties of FeltTales. Click here to see the different storyboards.


Head on over to Babalu, Inc. to check out their many fun products for kids!

Babalu, Inc. sent me the storyboard for the review and I provided my honest opinion.

SmartLab Toys: Indoor/Outdoor Microscope Giveaway

We love SmartLab Toys! My kids can't get enough of their innovative toys. Their Indoor/Outdoor Microscope is really neat! A lot of outdoor exploring has been going on around my home.

I have two young scientists that really think this is one cool gadget! So do I! It's great for kids! They'll love it. The book that comes with the kit is a great feature as well.

Kids, and adults, alike, will be hooked after peering through this super-powered microscope! Commonly found items, such as newspapers, pencil strokes, flower petals, bugs, and even clothing fibers, look amazingly detailed when magnified 40 times their normal size. There's no limit to what can be explored: Use the stand to view prepared slides, or remove the microscope from the stand and head outdoors!

Includes:
4-inch 40X microscope
microscope stand
four prepared slides + two blank slides
tweezers and dropper
two collection vials
outdoor carrying case
lanyard with microscope clip
32-page fully illustrated book

SmartLab Toys would like to offer one lucky reader the Indoor/Outdoor Microscope!

To enter this fun GIVEAWAY you must visit their website and tell me one other item you love. Click "comments" below this posting and leave a message as your entry. It's that simple! Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner. You do not need to have a Google account to comment. You may do so with just your name.

After you have completed the mandatory entry above, you may do any of the additional entry options below for more ways to win. Each one counts as one separate entry.
  • Subscribe to my blog via email - be sure to leave your email address
  • Subscribe to my blog via RSS Feed/Reader
  • Follow The Funky Monkey on Twitter here and leave your username
  • Post the link to this giveaway (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, etc.) and leave the link so I can find it (one entry per site)
  • Add my button to your blog/site - be sure to leave the link so I can find it
  • Tell me a second item you love
  • Tell me something else about this company not mentioned
  • Email three or more people about this giveaway and CC me at susannahbananaATliveDOTcom

**Be sure to check out my "CURRENT GIVEAWAYS" list on the right hand side of my blog.

**This giveaway ends on December 29th and is open to U.S. residents. **Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. **The winner will be announced on December 30th.

SmartLab Toys sent me the microscope for the review and I provided my honest opinion.

Challenge Dairy: "A Taste of the West" Sweepstakes

There is plenty of cooking and baking going on during the holiday season. What a great time to gather with friends and family and enjoy a home cooked meal or delicious sweet treats.

Challenge Dairy sent me some wonderful products for this review. I was able to test out their premium Challenge Butter. I can definitely taste the difference in their 100% real cream butter. There is nothing artificial added and it tastes absolutely delicious! The natural sweet cream just melts in your mouth. Challenge Dairy makes wonderful butter that we'll continue purchasing.


We really enjoyed the spreadable butter made with a combination of their regular butter and the finest canola oil. It was so easy to spread this over muffins and bread. Read more about Challenge Butter and Challenge Spreadable Butter here.


Challenge Dairy is currently holding a Taste of the West Sweepstakes until December 31, 2009!


Prize Details
Challenge Butter (challengedairy.com) is the largest selling brand in the West and you can taste our difference in everything you cook.

Grand Prize
So we’d like to invite you to enter to win A Taste of the West during a 7-day/6-night trip for 4 people to the incredible Mountain Sky Guest Ranch (mtnsky.com) in Montana’s Paradise Valley, just North of Yellowstone National Park.

In addition to world-class fine dining, the guest ranch features cozy accommodations, horseback riding, hiking, fishing, rock climbing, clay shooting and much more! Revive, rejuvenate and reconnect with a variety of activities for everyone.

Airfare, food, accommodations and certain activities are all-included in this $17,000 luxury getaway.

First Prize
We’ll also be churning more good luck with an $850 kitchen package from Spice Islands and OXO.

Spice Islands (spiceislands.com) is renowned for sourcing and delivering the world’s most flavorful spices, herbs, and extracts. With over 100 distinct products you are sure to find a new favorite among their premium spices and blends at your local grocer.

OXO (oxo.com) offers over 850 household products that ease the tasks of everyday life for the widest range of users possible. Their collection of TOP Containers are perfect to store any culinary masterpiece.

Head on over now to enter and click here to find out where you can purchase Challenge Dairy products!

Challenge Dairy sent me the butter for this review and I provided my honest opinion.

Sunday, December 20, 2009

Plow & Hearth: ADORABLE Elfin Tree Door & Accessories Giveaway

Can someone say C-U-T-E?!? Plow & Hearth sent me the sweetest set to decorate my TREE. And I'm not talking about my Christmas tree, I'm talking about the tree in my front yard! I've never seen anything like it and I absolutely love it. How can you not?! Just look at how precious it is.

Here is more information about the Elfin Tree Door & Accessories from their website:

Hang our tiny Door, Windows and Light on a tree to encourage local elves and fairies to come and go through your yard. Beautifully detailed resin accessories are weatherproof. Painted, battery-powered Tree Light with on/off sensor uses two button-cell batteries, included.

Size Door 7-1/4 x 8"H

Windows approx. 3 x 4"H

Light 4-1/4 x 2-1/2 x 2-1/4"H

I've become the talk of the neighborhood with this amazing set. We have a large tree in our front yard and it looks terrific with its new decor. I'm sure you have a tree or two that these Elfin decorations could bring to life!

Plow & Hearth would like to offer one lucky reader an Elfin Tree Door & Acessories set!

To enter this great GIVEAWAY you must visit their website and tell me one other item you love. Click "comments" below this posting and leave a message as your entry. It's that simple! Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner. You do not need to have a Google account to comment. You may do so with just your name.

After you have completed the mandatory entry above, you may do any of the additional entry options below for more ways to win. Each one counts as one separate entry.
  • Subscribe to my blog via email - be sure to leave your email address
  • Subscribe to my blog via RSS Feed/Reader
  • Follow The Funky Monkey on Twitter here and leave your username
  • Post the link to this giveaway (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, etc.) and leave the link so I can find it (one entry per site)
  • Add my button to your blog/site - be sure to leave the link so I can find it
  • Sign up for their email newsletter here and leave your name
  • Tell me something else about this company not mentioned
  • Email three or more people about this giveaway and CC me at susannahbananaATliveDOTcom

**Be sure to check out my "CURRENT GIVEAWAYS" list on the right hand side of my blog.

**This giveaway ends on December 27th and is open to U.S. residents. **Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. **The winner will be announced on December 28th.

Plow & Hearth sent me the above products for the review and I provided my honest opinion.

New West KnifeWorks: Knockout Knives

I am telling you...if you're a foodie, professional chef or just someone who loves to cook, here is a line of fabulous knives you must know about. The Fusionwood Knives from New West KnifeWorks are phenomenal. Not only are they absolutely gorgeous, they're high in quality and slice and dice like a dream.

I was sent the Petty Knife for this review. It has quickly become my new favorite kitchen companion. I go to this knife constantly. Sometimes I don't need a larger chefs knife to get the job done. This petty knife does the trick. I love it's slightly smaller size and versatility. Whether I'm paring, peeling or carving, this does it all. It's extremely sharp blade cuts with ease. I've never owned such a professional, high quality knife.

Blade Length: 5 3/4 inches

Overall Length: 10 inches

Steel Type: A-8 Japanese, high carbon, stainless tool steel


All Fusionwood Knives come in a very beautiful embossed leather sheath. Great for keeping your blades covered, and not to mention, an attractive addition!

Be sure to visit New West KnifeWorks to see their other knife collections as well as receive excellent discounts. And if you sign up for their enewsletter, you will receive exclusive emails about upcoming sales.

New West KnifeWorks sent me the knife for the review and I provided my honest opinion.

Friday, December 18, 2009

Lavender Fields Home Boutique: Sheepy Fleece Loungewear

Talk about COMFY! WOW! Until you feel this for yourself, you don't know what you're missing. This is the most comfortable loungewear set I have ever owned. I don't know if I should sit and pet it or wear it. I think this set would make an excellent gift for any occasion.

The Pine Cone Hill Sheepy Fleece Raspberry Crew and Pant from Lavender Fields Home Boutique is dreamy. The set features an elastic waistband and is machine washable. There is also a matching robe!

It comes in the following sizes: Extra Small, Small, Medium, Large & Extra Large.

Head on over to Lavender Fields Home Boutique to see all of their beautiful furniture, bedding and more!

Take 10% OFF with the discount code: New

Lavender Fields Home Boutique sent me the loungewear for the review and I provided my honest opinion.

Pyrex: Pyrex® No Leak Lids™ 6-pc Value Pack Giveaway

This giveaway is now closed with 530 comments. Thank you to all who entered. Congratulations to the lucky winner ~ Carol W.!

Pyrex....oh how I love thee! Their glass bakeware and storage containers are definitely at the top of my list as far as #1 kitchen items go. It's extremely durable and handy to have in the kitchen. No more worries of lead contaminents making their way into our food. That's a must in my home.

This wonderful company sent over some fantastic products for this review.
Pyrex® 1-cup Measuring Cup

I love this measuring cup with its nice smaller size. The super sturdy clear glass is very easy-to-read with a comfortable handle.

Pyrex® 2-cup Measuring Cup w/ Cover

Just like the 1 cup size only bigger! The removable BPA free lid is great and I love that the glass will not absorb odors or stains.

Both of these measuring cups are safe to use in the microwave, freezer, refrigerator, pre-heated oven and dishwasher!

Pyrex® 8-pc Bakeware Set

This set is wonderful. The easy to remove lids are terrific features.

The 8-pc Bakeware Set includes one each:

3-qt Oblong Baking Dish
8" Square
Two each: 1-cup Round Storage

Each piece comes with a matching blue BPA free plastic cover.

Pyrex® Storage 18-pc Set

I can't get enough of their 18-pc set. We use this constantly. The different shapes and sizes can be used for baking, microwaving, serving and storing. These are perfect for taking food with you on-the-go!

The Pyrex Storage 18-Piece Set includes:

3-each: 2 cup round storage
2-each 7 cup round storage
4 cup round storage
1 cup round storage

All come with BPA free blue plastic covers. This set stacks very nicely for convenient storage.

I am very impressed with all of the Pyrex items I received. They exceeded my expectations and I will be purchasing more of their products in the future.

Pyrex would like to offer one lucky reader their Pyrex® No Leak Lids™ 6-pc Value Pack!

To enter this fabulous GIVEAWAY you must visit their website and tell me one other item you love. Click "comments" below this posting and leave a message as your entry. It's that simple! Be sure to leave your email address so I can contact you if you're the lucky winner. You do not need to have a Google account to comment. You may do so with just your name.

After you have completed the mandatory entry above, you may do any of the additional entry options below for more ways to win. Each one counts as one separate entry.
  • Subscribe to my blog via email - be sure to leave your email address
  • Subscribe to my blog via RSS Feed/Reader
  • Follow The Funky Monkey on Twitter here and leave your name
  • Blog about this giveaway (Facebook, Twitter, Blog, etc.) and leave the link so I can find it(one entry per site)
  • Add my button to your blog/site - be sure to leave the link so I can find it
  • Tell me a second item you love
  • Tell me something else about this company not mentioned
  • Email three or more people about this giveaway and CC me at susannahbananaATliveDOTcom

**Be sure to check out my "CURRENT GIVEAWAYS" list on the right hand side of my blog.

**This giveaway ends on December 25th and is open to U.S. residents. **Be sure to leave a separate comment for each entry. **The winner will be announced on December 26th.

Pyrex sent me the above products for the review and I provided my honest opinion.

Musselman's: Yummy Original & Cinnamon Applesauce

We can't get enough Musselman's applesauce around here. My kiddos eat it up like it's candy. This wonderful company sent me their original and cinnamon varieties for this review.

Mmmm...Mmmm...Good! It definitely passed our taste test! I really like the family-size plastic jars. They fit nicely in my hand and are very convenient to have around. Both flavors were delicious and very fresh. A sweet treat that's good for my kids - you can't beat that.

Made from fresh, seasonal apples, Musselman’s Apple Sauce tastes great and is healthy too, with NO fat or cholesterol and it's low in sodium. Better yet, it’s available in convenient single-serving cups as well as family-size plastic jars.

I also found a really neat recipe section in their website and decided to test out their Applesauce Oatmeal Cookies. They turned out fabulous! We'll definitely be making them again during our holiday break.

I encourage you to try out Musselman's products for yourself. Click here to find a store near you.

Musselman's sent me the applesauce for the review and I provided my honest opinion.

Giving Tree: One MEANINGFUL Gift for Everyone! For the Holidays & More....

What an amazing idea that will make your heart smile. Giving Tree is a wonderful company that truly cares. I love they stand for and I think everyone should learn about what it is they do.

What is the Give CardTM?

The Giving Tree GiveCardTM is a prepaid network branded gift card designed for people like you, who want to make a difference. What makes the GiveCard special is that 10% of the value of each card is donated to a charity of the recipient’s choice, and the other 90% is used like cash. The purchaser of the GiveCard actually gives two valuable gifts in one; a cash based gift card and a donation to a charity of choice.

How does it work?

Give Cards are purchased and activated online at our website. When the card is activated, the recipient of the card searches a database of over 1.5 million registered non-profits, such as The American Red Cross and The Humane Society, and chooses which charity gets the donation. If you purchase a card that is co-branded with one of our Affiliate Partners, then that Affiliate Partner automatically gets the 10% donation.

Card Features:

Pre-denominated Values: $25 to $250
Personalized: embossed with recipient’s name
Flexible uses:
Teach kids or grandkids how to give back
Support your alma mater
Help the environment

Cure a disease
Feed the hungry
The list goes on…and on!


It's so simple. Once you or your recipient receives the card in the mail, activate it online and choose the charity you wish to donate to.

Giving Tree sent me a card to use for this review. I had the opportunity to activate it online which I had finished in no time at all. It was a very easy and quick process. I really enjoyed seeing all of the charities I could donate to. What a variety! I chose an Alzheimer's Foundation since my grandmother was affected by the disease.

Visit Giving Tree today to see how you can give the gift that gives back. Send not only one gift, but two.

Giving Tree sent me a card for the review and I provided my honest opinion.