Zachary was extremely excited about our family day together and we had a pretty fabulous time. Of course he came away from the event with some cool new trains, a new Thomas blanket, a beach towel, and a bunch of other stuff.

GCR has a tram that takes you from the parking lot to the museum. As we rode in, we saw the signs and Zachary’s smile never left his face. He was so thrilled every time he saw a train or a picture of Thomas! When we arrived into the park, I tried to get him to take a picture with me and Thomas in the background, but he simply could not take his eyes off of the famous “true blue engine”!

He was in absolute joy and could not wait to check out the old trains and take a ride on Thomas!

Being on the train ride was very thrilling. We got to sit up in the double decker section and Zachary thought it was so neat to see everything from above. He couldn’t stop looking out the window. Since the double decker seats are smaller and only fit one person per seat, Adrian and I took turns photographing Zachary from each side, since we were sitting in a row.

It was fun to hang over the seat and play peek-a-boo with Mommy. ;)

And even more fun when Daddy played along! My husband Adrian had a good time pointing out the different engines to Zachary as we rode through the train museum’s grounds and saw all kinds of old trains.

He was still a happy boy by the end of the train ride – I think we could have stayed on there for ages!

Here are a few of the old trains that we passed on our ride through the Gold Coast Railroad Museum.

Overall we had a fantastic time. Zachary continues to talk about his visit to ride on Thomas and asks nearly every day (seriously!!) if we can go again soon. If he still loves Thomas next year as much as he does right now, I’m sure we will be back. The Day Out With Thomas event here in Miami is a wonderful event for anyone who loves Thomas. Best of all, when you attend the event at the Gold Coast Railroad Museum in Miami, your tickets are good to come back again and explore the museum when all of the exhibits are open (since everything is pretty much shut down for the Thomas visit). They had lots of interesting trains to look at including a No. 1 military train. I would love to come back some time with the whole family and explore this fun place!

If you attended Day Out With Thomas this year, I would love to hear about your experience! I’m already looking forward to attending the event next year!

Since we scheduled our train ride for early in the morning (the 11:15am departure), we were finished early and decided to make a whole day of it and enjoy some quality time together as a family. Stay tuned for Part 2 of our Day Out With Thomas adventure tomorrow!

Disclosure: I was provided with complimentary tickets for my family to attend Day Out With Thomas in Miami in exchange for a review of the event. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own!

Their new products, Lime Twist and Vanilla Click Sticks, are not an exception to their wonderful brand of lip care products! With extra moisturizing abilities and SPF 15, you will be further protected against the elements. Plus, the pleasing new flavors are fun and fresh. You can still smell the light scent of camphor (that’s how you know it’s Carmex!) and the click sticks (which make a subtle click every time you raise/lower the lip balm) go on soft and smooth, never oily or heavy.

When I tested the products out, I could feel them moisturizing my lips throughout the day. Carmex has freshened up their brand while maintaining the high quality standard we’re used to with their lip balms. This is a product you should absolutely try. I know I will by utilizing my samples this winter when I tend to suffer more from chapped lips.

Make sure you head over to Carmex’s Facebook Page so that you can download a coupon to save on your purchase of Carmex Click Sticks. In addition to our giveaway below, you will also have a chance to win through Carmex’s Twitter Giveaway.

What will you win? A Carmex Kit, which includes two Carmex Click Sticks (Vanilla and Lime Twist) and an awesome picnic blanket!

How to enter: Visit the Carmex Website and leave a comment letting me know something cool you learned about Carmex. This gives you one entry point.

Want a 2nd chance to win? Subscribe to Bright Autumn Sun via email (make sure you verify your email address) and then leave me a SECOND comment telling me so!

Rules: Giveaway ends on September 5th at 11:59PM Eastern. US Entries only please.

Disclosure: I received a sample product as part of the Carmex Blog Squad, but was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are completely my own!

When I received the opportunity to try out their new naturally derived, biodegradable Mickey & Minnie Mouse hand wash, I was so excited! Zachary is looking forward to getting some time in with our favorite Mouse family this fall when we take him to Disney for the first time, and at age 2 and a half, we’re teaching him that washing hands is so important . If the cute characters and excitement about his future Disney visit could help encourage a healthy habit, I was all for it. Check out the delightful packaging:

Method does not disappoint! The yummy scent (strawberry, since we received Minnie) had Zachary wanting to wash his hands again and again! The soap is foam-style, so it’s very easy for little hands to wash up with, and wash off. The specialty-inspired fragrance had me smelling good too, as I couldn’t resist using this fabulous product as well!

You can purchase the hand wash at Target, Shoppers Drug Mart, Babies R Us, Soap.com, Amazon.com, or right from Method’s website.

Method’s Mickey & Minnie hand wash is made from biodegradable formulas that contain no dirty ingredients including parabens, phthalates, triclosan, EDTA or animal-by products. Additionally, the recyclable packaging is made with 25% recycled plastic and is never tested on mice (or other animals). :)

Disclosure: I received a sample product as part of a Mom Bloggers Club campaign, but was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are completely my own!

My long-time readers will know that I’m a fan of both simple, easy-to-eat foods for my child as well as gardening. So when I was contacted by Materne to do a review of their GoGo Squeez squeezable fruit pouches in honor of their sponsorship of Epcot’s International Flower and Garden Festival, I was thrilled.

GoGo squeeZ is the sponsor of the GoGo on the Go Challenge at the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival, being held at the Walt Disney World® Resort near Orlando, Fla. through May 15. As part of the brand’s ongoing commitment to help families thrive through healthier lifestyles, GoGo squeeZ offers festival-goers the opportunity to test their jump rope and hula hoop skills while learning fun facts about active play, healthy snacks and the fascinating world of fruits and flowers. The yummy, no-mess, portable snack can be sampled at the Epcot® International Flower & Garden Festival Center. Visitors will have the opportunity to try this healthy treat as they enjoy gardening activities and demonstrations at the Festival.

GoGo squeeZ is 100 percent fruit, squeezable applesauce for kids. Gluten-free, dairy-free, nut-free and made with no artificial flavors or preservatives, GoGo squeeZ applesauce is packaged in re-sealable pouches with a built-in straw, making it a no-spoon, no-mess way to enjoy three-fourths serving of fruit on-the-go — no refrigeration required. All five delicious flavors — Apple Apple, Apple Peach, Apple Banana, Apple Strawberry and Apple Cinnamon — contain no refined sugar and are Kosher certified.

Needless to say, with the amazing flavors available, my son Zachary absolutely LOVES eating GoGo squeeZ, and best of all, each pouch contains the equivalent of three-fourths serving of fruit! As the mom of a sometimes picky eater, I love to know that he’s eating something yummy AND healthy. Plus, it’s readily available at our local Publix supermarket. If you don’t have a Publix nearby, you can also find this tasty treat at Whole Foods, Costco, Wal-Mart, and a growing list of other major US retailers.

If you like GoGo squeeZ, too, you can continue the The GoGo on the Go Challenge online with fun facts and sweepstakes. Facebook users can complete the three-question “Go Challenge Quiz” for a chance to win free GoGo squeeZ products as well as the grand prize: a year’s supply of GoGo squeeZ. To participate, connect with the brand at http://www.facebook.com/i.like.gogosqueez and “like” us to uncover the secret path. And don’t forget to visit the Epcot website to check out all the incredible pictures from the Flower & Garden Festival!

Disclosure: I received complimentary samples as compensation for this post, however all opinions are my own.

My dog, Maya, has an embarrassing confession to make. She pees a lot – when she’s excited, upset, or just plain annoyed! Sometimes, when Zachary gets a little too happy to see her and squeezes her too hard, she leaks. What this means is that we have a number of randomly placed “spots” on the carpet in our house.

We’ve tried a number of super strength cleaners that all advertise their powers of cleaning up even the worst dog messes. None of them, however, compare to the powers of Simple Green’s Oxy Dog Stain and Odor Remover! Simple Green’s cleaning products are my favorite since they are Earth-friendly and they smell nice too. The pet stain product doesn’t actually smell like very much at all, but I’d much prefer that over all of the other products under our sink, which make the house stink to high heaven every time we’ve used them to clean up a dog mess!

There are a couple of older spots in our bedroom and a few in Zachary’s room that have been particularly bothering me. I just couldn’t stand looking at them! Getting your carpets professionally cleaned is time consuming and expensive, but Simple Green’s pet cleaner and an old rag saved me lots of time and money.

It took only a few minutes between spraying and scrubbing with the towel and the stains simply disappeared. I was absolutely amazed. To be honest, I didn’t expect the stains to disappear completely, so I was shocked that the product worked so well. Simple Green’s Pet Stain and Odor Remover is by far the best Pet Stain product I’ve ever tried!

If you have a pet, I wholeheartedly recommend Simple Green’s pet products! They have an awesome dog stain remover which I’ve already discussed, as well as a cat stain and odor remover. Best off, since it’s made by Simple Green, you know it’s non-toxic, VOC-compliant, non-hazardous, biodegradable, and non-flammable – so you know it’s actually safe for your pet (or kids) to be around. Simple Green rocks!!

In fact, they rock so much they are going to give one of my readers their own Simple Green Pet Stain & Odor Remover!!!

Mandatory entry: Tell me about your furry friend(s) and let me know why you need to win this product!

Extra Entries: You must complete the Mandatory Entry before submitting the additional entries. Maximize your chances of winning by leaving a separate comment(s) for EACH additional entry point! Please do not put all entries into 1 comment or they will NOT be counted!

• 2 Points for subscribing to Bright Autumn Sun via email (you must verify your address)
• 2 Points if you add Bright Autumn Sun (http://www.siren.org) to your blog roll (or grab my button)
• 1 Point if you follow my blog publicly with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar)
• 1 Point if you “like” Bright Autumn Sun’s Facebook Page
• 1 Point if you “like” Simple Green’s Facebook Page
• 1 Point if you subscribe to the Bright Autumn Sun RSS Feed.
• 1 Point if you follow @karenlisa on twitter.
• 1 point if you follow @simplegreennews on twitter
• 1 point per day if you use the ReTweet button on this post to tweet about the giveaway!

Contest ends on April 22, 2011 at 11:59pm (Earth Day!). The winner will be chosen via a random number generator. Entries are eligible in the US only.

Disclosure: I received Simple Green’s Oxy Dog Stain and Odor Remover to try. No other compensation was received, and all opinions are completely my own.

This year, Lindt is a Host Sponsor of the Sony Ericsson Open, which takes place every year here in South Florida, and it’s happening this week! It started on March 21 and will go to April 3!

Lindt Global Brand Ambassador, Roger Federer, is one of top talent entered in the tournament this year. A Lindt Lindor Dream Center features samples of Lindt’s iconic smooth melting Lindor Truffles, tips from videos featuring Lindt’s Master Chocolatier and a life-size replica of Roger Federer. If you are attending the tournament, I encourage you to check out the Lindor Dream Center and try out these samples for yourself.

Lindt is one of the top chocolate companies in the world and once you try their chocolate, if you haven’t already, you’ll see why! The secret recipe for Lindor Truffles combines a decadent chocolate shell with an irresistibly smooth filling – Yummy!

I received some Milk Chocolate Lindor Truffles to sample and they are by far some of the best chocolates I have ever tasted! The chocolate is sweet, smooth, and melts in your mouth. It is the perfect, delicious treat to have with a cup of coffee after dinner – or any time, really. Come on, it’s chocolate!! Lindor Truffles are available in 12 different flavors, ranging from the classic milk chocolate and dark chocolate, to hazelnut, peanut butter and stracciatella, among others.

Lindt has been “sweet” enough (get it…? LOL) to provide a bag of delicious Lindt Lindor Truffles to one of my readers in honor of the Sony Ericsson Open in South Florida! Check out the different ways that you can enter below:

Mandatory Entry: Visit the Lindor Truffles page on Lindt’s website and take a few minutes to look around. Come back & tell me what your favorite Truffle flavor is! Don’t they all look yummy??

Extra Entries: You must complete the Mandatory Entry before submitting the additional entries. Maximize your chances of winning by leaving a separate comment(s) for EACH additional entry point! Please do not put all entries into 1 comment or they will NOT be counted!

• 2 Points for subscribing to Bright Autumn Sun via email (you must verify your address)
• 2 Points if you add Bright Autumn Sun (http://www.siren.org) to your blog roll (or grab my button)
• 1 Point if you follow my blog publicly with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar)
• 1 Point if you “like” Bright Autumn Sun’s Facebook Page
• 1 Point if you “like” Lindt’s Facebook Page
• 1 Point if you subscribe to the Bright Autumn Sun RSS Feed.
• 1 Point if you follow @karenlisa on twitter.
• 1 point if you follow  @Lindt_Chocolate on twitter

Contest ends on April 8, 2011 at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen via a random number generator. Entries are eligible in the US only.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.

Building on the momentum of her 2010 Parents’ Choice® Gold Award-winning album, I’m a Rock Star, independent children’s musician Joanie Leeds brings her attention to the animal kingdom with the April 12 release of her new kids’ CD, What a Zoo!

What a Zoo! presents ten rockin’ Joanie Leeds originals and four covers, each with its own distinctive personality that salutes every child’s fascination with our animal friends. The lyrics are thought provoking and packed with educational value. Other songs are just plain fun. What a Zoo! offers a perfect setting for Joanie’s vocal virtuosity. Its sophisticated humor is rooted in real life experiences and guaranteed never to wear thin with the repeated listenings this CD is bound to get.

What a Zoo is a musical menagerie of wonderful songs about the animal world, and I’m glad to have had the opportunity to review it with my two year old son. I’ve listened to a lot of children’s music since having my son (and even during pregnancy) and I have to say that Joanie Leeds makes the top of my list. She has a fantastic, strong, versatile voice that carries well with the variety of instruments in the songs.

Zachary is a tough critic when it comes to music, and he is very straightforward with me about what he likes and what he doesn’t, and I could tell that he really enjoyed Joanie’s CD with its fun lyrics and fast beats. We had a good time dancing around the living room listening to Joanie’s songs about Mosquitoes and Sea Cows, and when my personal favorite song, Hummingbird, came up, it was a great time to plop down on the couch to take a break and share a hug before bouncing around some more.

If you’re in the Miami area and want to see Joanie perform, she’ll be at the Alper JCC at 1pm on April 3rd to celebrate her new CD release. Tickets are only $5!

Unfortunately I already have plans that day but would love to hear about your experience if you go! You can read more about Joanie and her music by visiting her children’s music site!

Disclosure: I received the CD What a Zoo at no cost to me. All opinions are my own. No monetary compensation was received for this article.

I’m excited to participate in the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop this year! I don’t usually do anything at all for St. Patrick’s Day…. and since this is a book-themed giveaway and I do love books, especially with my challenge to read 25 of them this year… I thought I would participate in this fun giveaway. There are over 200 blogs involved so it is sure to be loads of fun! The giveaway is hosted by Books Complete Me and I Am A Reader, Not A Writer.

I recently went through my book collection and narrowed it down to only my favorites. I’ve already made 4 big donations to Friends of the Library. I have (well… had) a large collection, but there were a few books I really enjoyed but don’t want to read again and plan to pass along to friends. I’ve decided to include two of those books in this giveaway. There will be 2 winners!

The books are:

• Spinsters by Pagan Kennedy
• Rock N’ Roll Babes from Outer Space by Linda Jaivin

Here’s the cover art:

These are books from my own personal collection. I purchased them over a decade ago, when I was still in high school! They were loved once and I hope they will be loved again.

Mandatory entry: What was your favorite book that you read when you were in high school? Tell me the name of the book as your mandatory entry.

For additional, optional entries (please leave a separate comment to receive credit for each additional entry):

• Follow my blog publicly with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar)
• Subscribe to Bright Autumn Sun via email (you must verify your address)
• Add Bright Autumn Sun (http://www.siren.org) to your blog roll (or grab my button)

The giveaway ends on Sunday, March 20th at 11:59pm. US ENTRIES ONLY PLEASE! Make sure you check out the other participants of the Lucky Leprechaun Giveaway Hop and enter their giveaways too!

As you guys know, I’m a professional photographer, and the amount of neck pain I get is pretty crazy! Carrying two pro cameras, my camera bag, plus all the rest of my gear at weddings & portrats really wears me down. Not to mention, I have a two year old who LOVES to be carried by his mommy! To say I have neck pain is just touching the tip of the iceberg.

When I was contacted by Tiger Balm to do a review & giveaway, I was very excited! I’ve always heard great things about the product, but never tried it. Well, Tiger Balm surpassed my expectations and really made me feel a lot better. While it’s not a cure for my neck and shoulder problems, it definitely minimized my discomfort, plus it smelled nice! The non-greasy lotion absorbed right away, made my shoulders feel nice and cool, and did not get on my clothing, either, which was also important.

I received a benefit from Tiger Balm for about an hour and a half after I applied it, which is considerable since I have really been having lots of aches in my neck and shoulders. It made a difference for me, and I feel that this is a great natural and herbal solution for someone who doesn’t like taking a lot of medication.

Want to try it for yourself and get some relief from your pain? You can request a coupon for your next purchase of Neck & Shoulder Rub here. Additionally, Tiger Balm is doing a weekly drawing on their Facebook page where one winner will receive about $50 worth of Tiger Balm products!

Want to win it? Enter the contest! Tiger Balm is giving away the Neck & Shoulder Rub product to 5 winners!

Mandatory Entry: Tell me why you need to win this giveaway – what ails you? :)

Extra Entries: You must complete the Mandatory Entry before submitting the additional entries. Maximize your chances of winning by leaving a separate comment(s) for EACH additional entry point! Please do not put all entries into 1 comment or they will NOT be counted!

• 2 Points for subscribing to Bright Autumn Sun via email (you must verify your address)
• 2 Points if you add Bright Autumn Sun (http://www.siren.org) to your blog roll (or grab my button)
• 1 Point if you follow my blog publicly with Google Friend Connect (see sidebar)
• 1 Point if you “like” Bright Autumn Sun’s Facebook Page
• 1 Point if you “like” Tiger Balm’s Facebook Page
• 1 Point if you subscribe to the Bright Autumn Sun RSS Feed.
• 1 Point if you follow @karenlisa on twitter.
• 1 point if you follow @Tiger_Balm_US on twitter

Contest ends on March 18, 2011 March 25, 2011 (extending due to lack of entries) at 11:59pm. The winner will be chosen via a random number generator. Entries are eligible in the US only.

Disclosure: I received a sample product for review. I was not compensated in any other way. All opinions are my own.