Periphery Designs' A Little Piece of My Heart Necklace Review by Mommie Daze

I received the A Little Piece of My Heart Necklace from Periphery Designs in silver.

It's so pretty, and delicate. The the sweet little 1/2 inch heart is hand-forged which gives it a unique look. It's just one of those things that makes you feel good when you put it on.

It arrived ready to present as a gift packaged in a box tied with a lovely ribbon.

This is certainly a great romantic gift for Valentine's Day.

But I think would also make a nice gift for your daughter, BFF, or anyone who is extra-special and you want to say, "I love you," too.

Review by Colleen of Mommie Daze

WIN IT! Play Valentine's Blog Party Game -Leading Men Match-Up for your chance to win A Piece of My Heart necklace. USA Only.  Ends February 14th. Click here to play to win.

Scandle Candle Review by Courtney

Today my house has a wonderful aroma flowing through it that can only be described as fruit in the air. It is the Scandle Body Massage Candle in Chocolate Dipped Strawberries. After burning for approximately an hour and a half, the wax was completely melted and I was ready to try using the oil as a hand treatment. I must admit that the thought of pouring hot liquid into my hand went against everything I had been taught as a child ("Don't touch - it's hot!"). But I was very surprised to find that it was not too hot to hurt in any way and yet warm enough to feel the moisturizer immediately working. I covered both hands completely and continued to rub it all in for at least 2 minutes. I used a little too much for just my hands and had to rub some of it off. It was very soothing and my hands still feel soft even after being washed later. My only disappointment was the strong smell of the candle. It was a little too overwhelming once I had it on me. It wasn't bad being just in the air because it flowed throughout the house. But once I had it on my hands and it stayed with me everywhere I went, I quickly realized just how strong it was. However, for a soothing and relaxing at home spa treatment, I truly enjoyed this candle. Even better, it's good for my skin and the environment!

Thanks for this opportunity to review the Scandle Candle! I had fun with it!

Reviewed by
Courtney of Simple Saving Secrets

WIN IT! Play Valentine's Blog Party Game - Serenade with Kisses to win a Siamese Slanket of your own. Open USA Only! Ends February 14th. Click here to play to win.

A quick note about the redesign...

Apple releases the iPad, we release BCE 2.0...but at least we're not the subject of period jokes.

I (Mr Couch) promised myself I would get this thing out, and lo and behold I did! Sort of.

It's been a long time coming, but finally the blog redesign is here. In all its new, shiny and things-aren't-quite-completely-working-so-please-be-patient-y'all troubled state.

We're working hard on making this a thing that really works, and looks good, and is functional, and we're getting there. And holding an event at the same time. And one of our two computers has packed up and disappeared (see my earlier rants here and here. And never buy an HP) but we're ploughing through.

I also want to point your attention to the sidebar to the right. It's essentially going to be used to update you to whatever is happening with the blog that doesn't require a full post. Kind of, tweet-length updates. You'll see them happen periodically as I make changes to the blog and want to let you know, especially if it affects you, our wonderful visitors.

Please as always, feel free to let us know what you think about our new design or anything else connected with BCE - we love hearing from you!

Lovopoly Game Reviewed by Mommie Daze

Lovopoly is a board game for couples that you customize just for you.

I placed the order on their site, and it was really simple to do. First, you have to enter 22 of your favorite places. These can be any places that are special to you as a couple. I chose places that we've visited together on vacation. These 22 places become the spaces on the board. Then you upload your own photos for the game pieces, as well as some other photos that go on board. That's all there is to it. Lovopoly does the rest.

According to Lovopoly's site that game helps couples share memories, and think about who they are and where they want to go. This certainly is a unique idea. I don't think I've seen a customizable game like this before.

You're sure to surprise your special someone if you give them this for Valentine's Day. I'm excited to receive our game. It should be here any day now. And there's still time for you to order. According to their site you can order as late at February 9th, and still receive your game in time for Valentine's Day.

Reviewed by our Michigan Mommy Reviewer

Colleen of Mommie Daze

WIN IT! Play Valentine's Blog Party Game - Pop The Question! for your chance to win a Lovopoly Game of your own. Open USA Only! Ends February 14th. Click here to play to win.

Siamese Slanket Review by Mommie Daze

OK, I have to admit when I was asked to review this, I laughed. The Siamese Slanket? Really? I've been poking fun at these blankets with sleeves since they first arrived a couple years ago. But I have to admit this blanket built for two is very soft, thick and warm. It's great for cuddling up on a cold winter night. And as far as quality goes? Well, my son has a blanket with sleeves from another company, and I can tell you that the material the Slanket is made out of compared to the other brand's is much nicer. My only complaint? I wish they'd change the name. I don't know, "Siamese" just seems a little un PC.

Reviewed by our Michigan Mommy Reviewer

Colleen of Mommie Daze

WIN IT! Play Valentine's Blog Party Game - Tell Him! to win a Siamese Slanket of your own. Open USA Only! Ends February 14th. Click here to play to win.

Gourmet Gift Basket reviewed by Mommie Daze

There was much excitement when my Gourmet Gift Basket arrived. My five year old wanted to tear into it, eat everything and play with the cuddly teddy bear. My husband wanted to know who my secret admirer was.

I received the Cupid's Aiming For You Valentine's Day Gift Basket. It included Sweethearts conversation hearts, a Beaumont Teddy Bear, an assortment of chocolate covered nuts, a bottle of berry flavored sparkling cider and my favorite, chocolate covered dried cherries. If you need evidence of how yummy everything was, well, the teddy bear is the only thing left. We devoured everything else.

The basket came beautifully packaged, and makes a very thoughtful and romantic Valentine's Day gift.

Reviewed by our Michigan Mommy Reviewer

Colleen of Mommie Daze

WIN IT! Play Valentine's Blog Party Game - If You Love Me Honey, Won't You, Please, Please Smile?  for your chance to win a Flirty Apron of your choice. Open USA Only! Ends February 14th. Click here to play to win.

Flirty Aprons Review by Mommie Daze

Aprons have made a comeback in the kitchen in a big way. Especially pretty aprons like the ones you'll find at Flirty Aprons. They sent me their Cherry Blossom apron to tie on and try out. I love it! It's cute, it's comfortable, it's well-made. If you've shopped around for a one of these trendy new aprons you know they can be on the pricey side. Flirty Aprons are reasonably priced. This one is just $29.95. A bargain compared to other brands that cost around $50. Flirty Aprons make a great Valentine's Day gift. Buy one for her or put one on for him. The stove won't be the only thing in the kitchen that's hot!

Reviewed by our Michigan Mommy Reviewer

Colleen of Mommie Daze

WIN IT! Play Valentine's Blog Party Game - What's Cookin', Good Lookin'? for your chance to win a Flirty Apron of your choice. Open Worldwide!!! Ends February 14th. Click here to play to win.

Valentine's Blog Party Game - What's Cookin', Good Lookin'? Ends 2/14

Win a Flirty Apron of your choice!

Open Wordwide!


The way to a man's heart is through his stomach, so the saying goes.  I'm sure you all have a tried and true recipe that is a sure fire way to win your man's affections.  Lest we forget, there are specific foods for l-o-v-e.  We invite you to try your hand at this fun quiz all about these fun foods.

To enter, write a post on your blog with the answers, linking back to this game. Leave the link to your post entry in a comment below.

If you don't have a blog, choose one of the following options:

- email us your entry, subject: "Love Food Quiz" .

- post a note on your Facebook page, title: "Love Food Quiz", and leave a link in a comment below.













Click on the "E" to learn how to earn extra entries!

L-O-V-E Food Quiz  {C'mon give it a go!  At least join in the fun and guess!  We aren't grading you!}

1. South American Indians celebrated the harvest of this food. Today, a main ingredient for moles and desserts.

2. This herb was used as a powder by Haitian wives. Today, a main Italian staple in every home.

3. This veggie will get your blood flowing. Today, it is a main ingredient in Mexican recipes.

4. French couples ate plenty of this green vegetable before their wedding. Today, in Asian cooking it is often stir fried.

5. Story goes, Attila the Hun enjoyed this on his honeymoon...so much so, that he drank himself to death. Today, bridegrooms in India receive this as a gift on their wedding day.

6. The Latin church believes this veggie to be high in protein and increase fertility. Today, it is a staple side with rice in Latin countries.

7. Medieval women scented their bath water with this intoxicating herb. Today, I use it to season my homemade pasta sauce. It's great coupled with garlic on a lamb roast, too.

8. Aztec maidens were forbidden to help harvest this green veggie. Today, guacamole cannot be made without it.

9. Bavarian cows were decorated with this fruit in hopes of an abundant milk supply. This Valentine's Day, I recommend dipping this in the answer to question #1.

10. This green veggie plays hard to get. Today is very popular deep fried.

11. This seafood is loaded in zinc and many believe it to be a very romantic food indeed. Today, it is popular in chowder.