For those of you who have gone through potty training (or are currently in the midst of it), you know that daytime potty training is one thing….but nighttime potty training is another thing entirely. Some kids just aren’t developmentally ready to be fully nighttime potty-trained until age five or six. Thankfully there’s something you can do to safeguard your child’s mattress and protect your peace of mind!

Protect-A-Bed offers a full line of premium mattress protectors. Not only do they offer 100% waterproof protection, they also prevent dust mites, pollen, bed bugs, and more.

We have Protect-A-Bed Mattress Protectors and love them.

We love that Protect-A-Bed Mattress Protectors are thin, quiet (not loud or “crunchy” sounding), and easy to launder again and again.

No more worries about nighttime accidents, water spills, or allergies….any time of year. The life of your mattress, a gigantic investment, is extended and preserved.

AND! Protect-A-Bed is currently celebrating 30 YEARS of dedicated service to its customers. To celebrate, beginning today, Protect-A-Bed is offering a $30,000 Sweepstakes contest at their website. From now until 11:59pm CT on October 31, 2010, fill in the form on their page for your chance to win! You could win the $30,000 cash grand prize or one of ten 1st place prizes.

(Full contest rules are available for download at the bottom of the online form.)

Win it! Courtesy of Protect-A-Bed, one lucky Muse Reviews reader will win a Protect-A-Bed protector of his or her choice: Choice of size of one Protect-A-Bed Mattress Protector, a set of Protect-A-Bed Pillow Protectors, or a Protect-A-Bed Crib Mattress Protector!

Here’s how to enter:

1. MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, the Protect-A-Bed product you’d choose if you win this giveaway.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered! (Only one tweet per person per contest, please.)

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, August 17th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!


CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the lucky winner, commenter #63, Aisling!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I’m excited to tell you about ecoSTORE USA and the unique, natural products they carry! ecoSTORE USA is an American extension of a 15+ year New Zealand company (www.ecostore.co.nz).

Founded by a guy named Malcolm Rands, who lived in a NZ eco village, ecoSTORE has grown exponentially since it’s humble beginnings. (Read more about ecoSTORE’s fascinating history here.)

ecoSTORE USA carries a host of chemical-free, natural products for the earth-and-safety conscious home and family. From natural house cleaning products to hair shampoos to baby moisturizers to “wool wash,” ecoSTORE USA has it covered.

The generous folks at ecoSTORE USA sent our family two products of our choice to try out:

Coconut and Vanilla Body Wash
This stuff? Is awesome. It smells like a can of coconut milk when it’s opened. It’s silky soft without leaving any residue on our skin. We are a family of dry skin/mild eczema flare ups, and truthfully, we’ve all noticed a decrease in our itchiness and dryness while using this body wash.

Auto Dish Powder
I have to admit, I was a bit skeptical about using a powdered detergent in our dishwasher — we’ve always used gels. I’ve read so many things about the dangerous additives housed within popular dishwasher detergents, though, so I knew I wanted to try a safer, more natural alternative. Not only do our dishes come out streak and scratch-free, they exit cleaner than after being washed with our “usual” detergent brands! Totally natural ingredients (like palm and coconut-derived surfactants) make this dish powder worry-free.

You can buy these both at ecoSTORE USA’s online store, as well as the spectrum of their other products.

AND!!!!

Through July 31st, 2010, to celebrate the grand opening of ecoSTORE USA’s headquarters in Michigan, every order placed on their site will instantly be “BOGO.” This means — your order is doubled — for free!

And, as always, all orders over $25 are automatically shipped FREE.

Head on over to start shopping….

Ever heard of TerraCycle? Bet you have — they’re one of the fastest growing eco-friendly manufacturers in the world!

“Founded in 2001 by a 19 year old Princeton University freshman named Tom Szaky, TerraCycle started as an organic fertilizer company and has grown into a multi-category, eco-friendly powerhouse.  Tom’s dream was to find way a new, more responsible way of doing doing business that would be good for the planet, good for people and good for the bottom line!”

TerraCycle has an extensive, far-reaching recycle-able materials collection system running nationwide. These collected bottles, lids, wrappers, bags and more are brought together and recycled into so many cool (and once again useful) products: From purses to shower curtains to flower pots. As their “Terracycle” saying goes, “Send us your trash, and we’ll make it into cool products!”

TerraCycle sent us some nifty products to try out:

~ A Biodegradable Fiber Pot ~
This attractive and sleek 6″ planter is made from rice husks, bamboo, and coconut fibers. It can be used for years before it simply “returns to nature.”

~ All-Purpose Lawn Fertilizer ~
This easy-to-use lawn/grass fertilizer is made from none other than recycled soda bottles! Green your lawn without any dangerous chemicals. Safe for kids, pets, and the neighborhood water supply! Each pack contains enough fertilizer to cover 2,500 feet.

~ Dig Stop ~
A natural and harmless (yet effective) way to deter your canine companions from digging in your yard. Use less as time goes on. An easy and more humane way to discourage your dog from this unwanted behavior!

~ All-Purpose Fertilizer ~
Also made from soda bottles, this chemical-free concoction is suitable for all types of vegetable plants, fruit plants, and flowers. Made from liquefied worm poop, nature’s all-purpose (and nutrient rich) fertilizer.

TerraCycle’s All-Purpose Fertilizer has been my favorite of the bunch — although every one of these items was great. I added it to my watering can, mixing it with water according to the bottle’s instructions. I found it great for my tomato plants, zucchini, and blueberries, as well as encouraging more flowering of my black-eyed susans and coneflowers. For smaller vines and herbs I had in pots, I simply sprayed it directly on each!

Most of TerraCycle’s products can be found at DwellSmart.com. (Check this handy store locator for places near you that also carry TerraCycle products.)

Win it! Courtesy of the folks at TerraCycle, one of you will win a bottle of their All-Purpose Fertilizer!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: In a comment below, tell me another product by TerraCycle you’d love to try out — OR tell me the store nearest you where you can find TerraCycle products!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Thursday, July 29th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US mailing addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congrats to the winner, #54, Chrystal!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received these products for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the products themselves; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

I think upholstered headboards are dreamy. They’re so elegant and classic — pseudo-feminine and chic. Did you realize that CSN Stores carries an unbelievable selection of beautiful upholstered headboards?

Take a look at a few of my favorites:

Skyline Furniture Tufted Arch Headboard in Chocolate

Wesley Allen Pella Headboard

Nexxt Luxe Upholstered Headboard Panels in Dark Brown

All of these beautiful headboards (and more) can be found at BedroomFurniture.com, one of CSN Stores’ 200+ online shopping venues!

At CSN Stores, you’ll find things for your home, your pets, your children, your classroom.

Here’s a small sampling of things available on CSN Stores’ 200+ shopping sites:

1. Kichler Eclections 2 Decorative Charger with Stand in Hand Painted Porcelain
2. Home Styles Cabana Banana Love Seat in Cocoa
3. DaVinci Emily 4-in-1 Convertible Crib in Cherry
4. Omega Fitness Triangular Magnetic Upright Bike
5. ET2 Tuxedo Swing Arm Table Lamp in Satin Nickel
6. Step2 Grand Balcony Dollhouse

How’s that for variety?

At CSN Stores, there’s something for just about every style — as well as every budget! CSN Stores has spectacular customer service, not to mention reasonable (and fast) shipping charges.

Win it! Courtesy of CSN Stores, one of you will win a $70 gift certificate, good towards any purchase from any one of their 200+ online shops!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, what you’d order from CSN Stores if you win! If you can’t decide, you can tell me a couple of things that caught your eye!

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Wednesday, July 21st, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US addresses and Canadian addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to the lucky winner, commenter #343, Marilyn L!

FTC info — Disclaimer: My review of CSN Stores was honest and my opinions are my own. For this review, I received no products nor monetary compensation. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

From June 21st through July 20th, Rayovac is “empowering” families to have fun through the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Giveaway!

There are a host of cool prizes to be won! All you have to do is the following:

Visit the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Giveaway page and answer the daily question for a chance to win. The prizes range from cameras to bikes to camping gears to a summer’s supply of Rayovac batteries!

Then, be sure to join the Rayovac Powers Your Vacation Summer Promotion Twitter Event on Wednesday, June 30, 2010 from 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST. (Location: #rayovac….Follow: @Rayovac_Battery, @5minutesformom, @CirclePRMary) More than 20 fun giveaways will take place during this event!

Last of all, “like” Rayovac’s page on Facebook, a page dedicated to Rayovac brand and products.

Good luck!

FTC info — Disclaimer: The first 99 bloggers to promote the Rayovac Powers Your Summer Promotion won a prize package from Rayovac. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Especially when it’s Justin Roberts’ new album!

Justin Roberts, acclaimed and multi-talented musical artist in the children’s arena, releases today his brand new CD, Jungle Gym.

Justin Roberts’ music never fails to generate excitement. A recent profile in the New York Times dubs him “the Judy Blume of kiddie rock,” and TimeNPR, USA Today and Amazon.com. Time Out New York recently recognized his 2006 release Meltdown as one of the “Best Children’s CDs” of the past 30 years. Likewise, Parents’ Choice selected Not Naptime (2003) as one of the “Best 25 CDs of the last 25 Years.”

(Justin Roberts has a near-constant tour running, making him one of the children’s music industry’s hardest working artists. Check out his impressive tour schedule to see when he’s coming near you!)

Justin Roberts is a favorite artist of ours because he writes songs that celebrate and mirror everyday moments of childhood. Whether it’s a broken arm (and the relinquishing of play privileges) or playing make-believe inside a cardboard box, every child will be able to relate to what Justin sings about.

My kids love playing Duck, Duck Goose — so the first song telling of the game being played during a rainy day recess is a big, big hit. My children dig and appreciate songs about real adventures they have every day — even those that begin by “stepping into that wild backyard” and climbing trees (or tree forts).

Justin’s voice is folksy and easy-going, the right pitch to sing along with and pleasing to the ear.

Buy Justin’s new CD, Jungle Gym, today. Use it to help celebrate summer, celebrate childhood. Tote it with you in the car, at the pool, to the breakfast table. You’ll be glad you did.

You can buy Justin Roberts’ Jungle Gym for $15 at his shop or from Amazon.com.

Win it! Courtesy of Justin Roberts and Sugar Mountain PR, I can give away one copy of Justin Roberts’ Jungle Gym!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, a trivia fact about Justin Roberts — anything you learned from his website.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, June 15th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US addresses only. Good luck!

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.

Congratulations to the winner, commenter #35, Carrie!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received this product for free for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

Got grime? Grease? General oily residue and sticky messes in your kitchen?

Soft Scrub Total Kitchen can come to the rescue!

It’s uniquely formulated to handle even the toughest and greasiest kitchen messes. Like Soft Scrub Total Bath & Bowl, the unique nozzle also has a foam setting so you can spray a layer of suds that don’t run or slide off of kitchen surfaces. The bottle is comfortable to hold, and it even sprays upside down!

I demonstrate it here:

Soft Scrub Total Kitchen (vlog post) from Megret on Vimeo.

Soft Scrub Total Kitchen has a light, lemony scent. (I think it smells a little bit like Fruit Loops cereal!) On the countertop, in the sink, on the stovetop, even in the microwave — Soft Scrub Total Kitchen handled it all in my kitchen.

Look for Soft Scrub Total Kitchen at your local discount store or supermarket!

FTC info — Disclaimer: I received a coupon for a free bottle of Soft Scrub Total Kitchen for review purposes; however, my review was honest and my opinions are my own. I only received the product coupon itself; I received no other monetary compensation for this review. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

It’s the height of springtime. Your kids are playing outdoors more. Gardens are getting their starts…and the grill is getting into full-swing.

With springtime comes springtime stains on clothing. Tough grass stains, condiment spills, and good old fashioned mud can ruin a spring-hued outfit or dress in seconds.

Thankfully there’s a laundry detergent bold and strong enough to tackle such tasks!

I was recently given the opportunity to try out all laundry detergent’s new formula, all Oxi-Active.

I set it to work on our toughest spring-induced stains. It didn’t take long before I’d set aside a pile of clothing soiled by garden dirt, chocolate syrup, ketchup, grass stains, and more.

Voila! The clothes came out of the wash as good as new. The stains were nonexistent. The color was as vivid as ever, and the smell was floral and fresh. Finally a detergent that cleans super effectively without the use of extra powdered wash load additives!

Features of all Oxi-Active include:

- 2-in-1 advanced cleaning power
- Usability for both vibrant whites and bright colors
- Safe for both traditional and high-efficiency washing machines
- Cleans better than the leading Oxi liquid detergent on tough stains such as coffee with milk, grass, blood, wine, grape juice, and chocolate ice cream

To give moms even more peace of mind and kids freedom to be their messy selves, all has also introduced the all Oxi-Active “Stain Insurance Policy,” the first-ever insurance promising that if you are not completely satisfied with all Oxi-Active, you will get your money back.

all Oxi-Active is available at most major merchandise retailers, drug stores and grocery stores nationwide. You can purchase it in four convenience-sized bottles (50 oz., 100 oz., 150 oz., and 172 oz.). Read more at all Oxi-Clean’s website or on their Facebook page.

Win it! Courtesy of all laundry detergent and MomSelect, I can offer two of you a free bottle each of all Oxi-Active!

Here’s how to enter:

1) MANDATORY: Tell me, in a comment below, your biggest clothing stain challenge in the springtime.

2) For a second entry, subscribe to Muse Reviews’ feed OR subscribe via email — tell me in a separate comment if you’re a new subscriber or already a subscriber.

3) For a third entry, become friends with Muse Reviews on Facebook, then tell me you did so in a separate comment below.

4) For a fourth entry, twitter about this contest using @MuseReviews within your tweet, then tell me in a separate comment that you twittered!

I’ll close the contest next Tuesday, May 18th, 2010 at 11pm EST. Sorry; US addresses only. Good luck!>

CONTEST IS NOW CLOSED.