This stubbornness of mine has been particularly challenging since my husband started working out of town last year. He likes to call and check in at least once a day (sometimes more), but I often keep the conversations short because I’m distracted by the task I’ve just left on hold. (ps: I feel bad about that.)

We’ve been testing out the VTech LS6475-3 Multitasking Home Phone System for the last two weeks, and it easily solves a few of my biggest problems when it comes to finding time to chat.

Of the many features listed on the VTech LS6475-3 Multitasking Phone System product page, here are my favorites:

• Voice Announce Caller ID: the phone will actually tell you who’s calling, so you don’t have to run to the phone to check the caller ID. Of course, it can be amusing to hear how the phone pronounces some names/businesses (some words can get quite skewed), but for the most part I can understand what “she” is saying, and I love being able to stay where I’m at until I know for sure if I should get up and answer the call.
• Built-in Digital Answering System: there are no tapes or moving parts, no having to pick up the receiver and dial in to your service provider to get your voice mail. Easily retrieve messages from the machine or the handset, or listen as they are being left – this also helps me keep an ear out if I decide to not pick up a call, but the message is urgent and changes my mind.
• System is expandable up to 12 Cordless Handsets: Believe it or not, our 3600 sq foot house has only ONE phone jack installed upstairs, and it’s in my 4yo’s bedroom. Not ideal. The cordless handset does not (just as the name indicates) need a phone jack – instead, you just plug it in and it works off the signals from the main telephone base. This has been great for when I’m working on something upstairs – the cordless unit still has the Voice Announce Caller ID, so I can screen my calls, and the reception is great so I don’t have to run back downstairs to pick up a call.
• Last, but NOT LEAST, the Cordless Headset: Sure, it may make me feel a little like a Time Life operator answering a call, but using the cordless headset while talking to my husband has meant that I can keep the conversation going while still attending to the things I need to get done at home. Just yesterday he called right as we were walking in the door with groceries. I was able to put everything away and talk to him at the same time – it might seem like a small thing, but it made a big difference in being able to connect with him more while he’s away. (note: I have not had great success with using just the “ear hooks” with the headset – it’s not a very secure fit for me and interferes with wearing my glasses. I have, however, liked using the provided headband with the headset – it has the perfect tension to keep the earpiece securely in place.)

Aside from all these super-practical features, I like that so many options can be customized, and the phone just looks so sleek on my kitchen counter. I should also say that my husband reports the sound quality is great from his end of the line, even when I use the headset (that was important to me – I didn’t want to sound too “tinny” while we talked), and my kids love jumping on the two handsets while I’m using the headset – it’s like a big conference call with Dad!

The VTech LS6475-3 Multitasking Home Phone System has definitely changed how I respond to phone calls now; instead of simply ignoring the ring, I listen to the caller ID being announced or the message being left, and hurry to get my headset ready if I decide it’s time for a good chat.

To learn more about the VTech LS6475-3 Multitasking Home Phone System - including how this might just be the perfect gift for the busy mom in your life – visit:

• the VTech LS6475-3 Multitasking Home Phone System product page
• VTech on Facebook
• VTech on Twitter

*Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of VTech and received a product sample to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

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Mother’s Day Gift Idea: The VTech LS6475-3 Multitasking Home Phone System is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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Lately my 4yo son has fallen in love with two outdoor activities in particular: jumping on the trampoline, and playing with chalk. We recently had the chance to review some unique products from Chalk City, and they’ve taken the kids’ fun on the driveway and sidewalk to a whole new level.

The Chalk City family of toys includes the Road Maker, Road Signs Stencils, and Obstacle Course Stencils.

My kids thought the Road Maker was amazing. It holds two pieces of chalk and makes it a snap to create even lanes or even great big swirls and circles. The Road Signs Stencils make it fun to ride bikes, scooters, or small toddler cars through lanes made with the Road Maker. And the Obstacle Course Stencils can be used to create fun games where players have to do swirls, jumping jacks, or hop on one or both feet.

*From the Chalk City webpage.

In our case, we didn’t have enough room for now to create large roads or a city with Chalk City, but my kids had a great time creating a kind of “Simon Says” game with both the Road Signs and Obstacle Course Stencils. They put together the course then gave my 4yo simple commands based on the stencils used. The stencils were quite large and made it easy to see the drawings, and the chalk provided with the set was nice and bright. My older kids said that in some cases it would have been easier to have smaller pieces of chalk than come with the set, just to get into the finer details of the stencils (they said in particular that the toes in the feet were hard to color in with the chunky chalk provided). But aside from minor artistic challenges, they had a lot of fun!

My 4yo playing with Chalk City with his siblings.

I can see how if you had more road space – maybe even an empty parking lot or the end of a cul-de-sac, creating roads and a city with Chalk City would be a really fun way to spend an afternoon playing with family and friends. I love that it gets kids outside and being active. It could easily be used at school or church carnivals for different activities, or maybe even for birthday party games. The Chalk City website gives some great ideas for possible activities, include Maze Tag and Hot Shot Basketball.

Chalk City is currently available at specialty stores around the country and online. Prices are currently: Road Maker $19.99,  Road Sign Stencils $14.99,  Obstacle Course Stencils $14.99.

To learn more about the Chalk City family of products, please visit:

• Chalk City website: http://chalkcity.com/
• Chalk City Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/ChalkCity
• Chalk City on Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/chalkcitytoys
• Chalk City on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/chalkcityfamily
• Check out this quick video of Chalk City in action:

*Disclosure: We were sent the family of Chalk City products in order to facilitate this review and I was compensated for my time in posting. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

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Outdoor Fun with Chalk City Toys is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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First of all, I want to be clear: I received these products from a third party. I have no feedback or anecdotal experiences to share about the cost or customer service aspects of the Meaningful Beauty program. This review answers only one question: how did these products work for me?

Because my experience was mixed, I feel it’s best to go product by product.

The Skin Softening Cleanser. I really enjoy this light, creamy face wash. It can be applied to wet or dry skin, and to save time, I always apply to dry. It doesn’t lather or foam, which at first made me wonder if it was even working, but it does indeed leave my skin feeling very clean and refreshed. It takes very little for each wash, so one bottle lasts for much longer than 30 days.

Glycolic Treatment Pads. Meant to be used once or twice a week, these pads area a bit intense (might be the witch hazel in the ingredients), but these pads leave my face feeling cool and fresh.

Antioxidant Day Crème (with SPF 20). I stopped using this product after only a week or so. It was heavy and not only felt like sunblock, but smelled like it, too. I understand the importance of using an SPF moisturizer every day for protection, but I couldn’t get past how uncomfortable it felt on my skin.

Glowing Serum. I use this in the daytime, right after washing with the cleanser. Since I am now skipping the Antioxidant Day Crème, this acts as my moisturizer (though that’s not how it’s intended, it does enough to smooth and condition the skin, so I keep at it). It feels alright, though does have somewhat of a “tacky” feel. [I don't know how to explain this any better. It's not heavy, per se, but there is a bit of "stick" to the skin for a while after applying.] I do feel like it preps the skin well for some light powder or foundation if you wear make-up. And although it only takes one or two pumps, it will run out much faster than the large bottle of Skin Softening Cleanser.

Lifting Eye Crème. I wrote in my first post that my interest in using these products was not necessarily to reduce signs of aging, but to simply improve the look and feel of my skin. Because my focus isn’t on tracking my fine lines, I admit that I’m not sure the Lifting Eye Crème has done much to resolve those. However, I do know that the Lifting Eye Crème has visibly helped lighten the skin under my eyes and made them brighter and less puffy. I continue to use this morning and night, and the one little tube will last much longer than 30 days.

Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment. I didn’t mind the feel of this lotion, and it does come in a generously-sized tube, but I did not notice any change in my neck or chest and have stopped using it altogether.

Crème de Serum. This is by far my favorite product in the Meaningful Beauty system. I use it as my nighttime moisturizer, and it goes on very smooth. Not only does my skin feel great immediately after use, but it is still soft in the morning. This comes in a small-ish bottle, and although I have not run out yet, I probably will soon (and definitely before I run out of cleanser).

BOTTOM LINE: The system – as I use it – has left my face feeling smoother and looking brighter and more uniform. When I slacked off for a couple of days, I could definitely see the change in my skin – it became rougher and more ruddy in appearance. The instructions say the routine should only take you 5 minutes morning and night, and although it is a quick process, it’s probably closer to 10 minutes (which is still pretty good!).

I don’t love all the products in the Meaningful Beauty system, but have had success with most. People have asked me if I will buy these on my own once my supply is out, and honestly, I’m not sure. Since I would like to pick-and-choose what I receive, this may be problematic in terms of how the program works. It will take some research on my part into the finer points of the purchasing these products before I can make an ultimate decision. Until then, I will happily continue to use the products I have and enjoy the visible benefits to my skin.

*Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Meaningful Beauty and received a 5-step treatment kit to facilitate my review, a second 5-step treatment kit to giveaway, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

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My Mixed Review of Cindy Crawford’s Meaningful Beauty Products is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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I have fallen in love with this pillow.

And trust me, this is a bit of a surprise to me. I’ve always been skeptical about how much a pillow could really affect a night’s sleep. But the improvement in my quality of sleep since getting the AirFit Adjustable Pillow with CoolFit Foam is profound. I am a total believer.

About the Sleep Number® AirFit Adjustable Pillow with CoolFit Foam:

• This pillow adjusts to your head and neck for a personalized sleep experience.
• Control your own comfort with this adjustable pillow.
• Changes with you as your sleep needs change.
• Gel-infused memory foam for a cooler, more comfortable sleeping temperature.

Straight out of the box, I was struck by two things: this pillow is heavy, and it smells pretty horrible. There is actually an insert included in the packaging which explains that the smell is not toxic, but is typical in the manufacturing of this pillow, and will go away. There are suggestions for washing the cover and airing out the pillow. Although the odor was strong, I confess that the second I put my head down on it (which was right away), I didn’t want to sleep without it while waiting for the smell to go away. So, I just dealt with it (and honestly, after a night or two I didn’t notice it at all).

I have had no problems with adjusting it to my head and neck. The recommendations are to leave the valve open for the first night so it can naturally adjust to your needs. After that first night, I closed the valve and it’s been perfect ever since. For me, there has been just enough firmness and just enough give, and it’s been completely comfortable.

The pillow comes with a soft cover, and I’ve actually enjoyed the feel of it so much I haven’t put a pillow case over it. I like that the cover can be easily removed and washed.

The CoolFit Foam does indeed keep the pillow feeling cool, which has been wonderful, considering we live in the Houston area. Even with our A/C running, our room can get very muggy, and a warm pillow is not conducive to a great night’s sleep (which I know all too well from experience).

I find that the firm structure of the pillow elevates my whole sleeping posture and puts me more in-line, and I have discovered that my neck and shoulders are far less stressed in the morning than they used to be. I’ve also discovered that I am sleeping more solidly through the night, which – to be perfectly honest – I did not expect. Remember, I said I was skeptical!

I’ve been surprised by my own protectiveness over this pillow, too. When my son watches movies in my room, I make him use another pillow, and even when I’m sitting in bed reading, I use other pillows to prop myself up. This momma’s Sleep Number® AirFit Adjustable Pillow with CoolFit Foam is reserved just for me, and just for my very cherished sleep.

If you’re looking for a way to improve your sleep, I recommend checking out the Sleep Number® website for all of their current deals and promotions, as well as the Sleep Number® Facebook page for special Facebook-only offers.

Because everyone deserves a good night’s sleep!

*Disclosure: I received a free Sleep Number® AirFit Adjustable Pillow to review from Select Comfort / Sleep Number for this post. No other compensation was received. All opinions expressed are honest and my own. Now if you’ll excuse me, I have some napping to do.

NOTE: ALL COMMENTS POSTED ON OR AFTER 3/30/12 WILL BE MODERATED OR DELETED PER THIS SITE’S COMMENT POLICY.

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Review: Sleep Number® AirFit Adjustable Pillow with CoolFit Foam is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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BUT…

I’m not sure I will always feel that way.

And since it wasn’t raining when Noah built the ark, I’ve been thinking that it would make sense for me to adopt some health and beauty routines that will help me transition into later years with a bit more grace. It’s not that I want to look younger, per se. Just that I would like to be the loveliest version of myself as I age.

Right now, my skin regimen includes washing my face in the shower with a store-brand product, then applying some moisturizer after. Nothing too fancy. And probably nothing too effective in terms of ushering my skin through the aging process.

But for the next four weeks I’m going to be trying the Meaningful Beauty products from Cindy Crawford.

As part of my package, I received:

• the Skin Softening Cleanser,
• Antioxidant Day Crème (with SPF 20),
• Crème de Serum, Lifting Eye Crème, and
• Skin Brightening Décolleté and Neck Treatment,
• as well as the bonus Glowing Serum and Glycolic Treatment Pads.

The directions for morning and evening use appear clear and say it will take me less that 5 minutes to complete each.

I will be using the Meaningful Beauty products for 30 days, after which time I’ll come back and share my findings. I’m going into this with a total open mind, mostly curious to know how/if my skin might look and feel different after 4 weeks of continuous night-and-day use. I would love to have it feeling smoother and softer. I’m also interested to know if the 5-minute time suggestion is realistic, since my time is often limited.

I was also given a second 30-day supply of Meaningful Beauty, which I was allowed to share with someone meaningful in my life. I chose to send the products to my mother, who has always been a great example of beauty to me.

The women of my family: me and my three sisters with my mother (2nd from left).

She’s the type of woman who always has her “face” on, her hair done, her nails done – she really values how a put-together appearance makes her feel and how it affects the way she presents herself and how people receive her. I’m not sure how *I* (a wash-my-face-in-the-shower, non make-up and jewelry wearing woman) missed out on her ability to always look so polished, but now it will be fun to share this beauty experience together and share notes. I’ll be back next month to tell you more!

*Disclosure: I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf Meaningful Beauty and received a 5-step treatment kit to facilitate my review, a second 5-step treatment kit to giveaway, and a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate. All opinions expressed are honest and my own.

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Giving Cindy Crawford’s Meaningful Beauty Products a Try is original, copywritten content (unless otherwise indicated) by Stacey Nerdin for her blog Tree, Root, and Twig. Unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.

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