The Thrifty Things

VitaCakes: Indulge Your Chocolate Craving

2012-01-28T00:47:00.065-05:00

My name is Pam and I am a chocoholic. I could eat chocolate everyday. After all, isn't it supposed to be full of health benefits? Do I get to eat chocolate often? No. When I was offered a chance to try new mini Fudgy Chocolate VitaCakes I planned on sharing giving most of them to my dad. He has a constant craving for sweets but since he is diabetic, he's not supposed to have them. I thought this would be a great compromise. Each bar has 2g of protein, 6g of fiber, 14g of carbs, only 1g of fat plus 15 vitamins and minerals. Sounds good. Top that with the fact that each bar has only 50 calories and it's all natural.

When they arrived my daughter was having a "sweets" craving. That's pretty rare for her. She'd much rather have veggies and carbs than sweets. I try not to keep many sweets lying around so she grabbed one of these. Her comment, "I hope they're not disgusting," didn't sound promising. After one bite I asked her if she liked them. "Yeah," she said, "I think I do." I've noticed she has eaten two more over the last few days. That's a sure sign she really did like them. My son, on the other hand, said he preferred the higher calorie kind of chocolate.

These little cakes are rich and dense. Plus, it only takes seven minutes to walk them off. (Maybe I could have two?) They have 24% of the daily recommended allowance of fiber so they filled us up as well. I ate one as a snack when the afternoon "slump" hit and stayed full until dinner.

Vitalicious has a fun promotion going on now. To thank everyone for their support of the new VitaCakes, they are giving away a treadmill. I think using the treadmill in the privacy of one's home is the way to go. This could be due to an accident I had at the gym when the belt on my treadmill messed up, sending me flying through the air, through the jogger's legs on the treadmill behind me and into a wall. Yep, home gyms are a must. You can enter here.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

The Accidental Bride by Denise Hunter

2012-01-28T00:46:00.026-05:00

The second novel in the Big Sky Series, The Accidental Bride is a story of (surprise!) an accidental bride. Shay Brandenberger was dumped on the courthouse steps fourteen years ago by her childhood sweetheart, Travis. When she agrees to play Prudence in the Founder's Day wedding reenactment, she doesn't realize her groom will be Travis. Through an incredible mishap, their marriage license from fourteen years ago ends up being signed by the pastor and sent in.
Travis, who has always regretted his actions, sees this as the perfect opportunity to make amends and asks Shay to give him six months to prove to her he has changed and can be the husband she wants.

This is a light, fun read. I did have to suspend disbelief to follow along with the plot line. First, they said their vows as Prudence and , the town founders, not as Shay and Travis. Second, why would the pastor sign and send in their fourteen year old marriage license and not realize he had done that? I did spend some time becoming annoyed with Shay during the six month marriage. Instead of asking Travis about the text messages he received, she sulked and refused to talk about what was bothering her. I'm not going to give away any plot spoilers but she did a few other things that annoyed me throughout the book. Still, I enjoyed the happy ending and the feel good plot. This is a Christian romance, published through Thomas Nelson, and has a faith element which worked in well with the story message.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Collection Six Part 2 DVD Set

2012-01-27T00:20:00.048-05:00

I have been a fan of Anthony Bourdain for several years. My son began watching the show on The Travel Channel and I discovered that he was learning about other cultures, countries and geography. I had no problems with him learning from a TV show he enjoyed.

On January 24th Gaiam will be releasing the two disc set Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations, Collection Six- Part Two, featuring several "helpings" of Anthony as he travels the world.

In this collection of the Emmy-winning series, Anthony Bourdain continues to traverse the globe and discover other people and cultures through their cuisines. From chowing down on ox tails in Madrid during the World Cup to sampling Pakistani dishes and skiing indoors in Dubai, Tony always finds the new and exciting in every destination he travels to.

This DVD set began a little slowly for me with Where It All Began , a walk down memory lane. In this section Anthony's friends, mom, and coworkers share their thoughts on Anthony. He adds his own memories of these times and how surprised he is he became famous. After a while of waiting for the "action" to begin I wanted to say, "Quit talking, Anthony, and start traveling!"

Once the action began the entire family was interested. He began his journey in Liberia, explaining the history of the country and moving to current events. He shares dishes with the locals and brings their plight to life. From there he moves on Dubai, then Rome and Madrid. I enjoy how he weaves the everyday stories of people's lives and their culture while preserving their dignity and respect. Some of the dishes he tastes do not look appealing to me but it's interesting to see the heritage behind the meals.

Disc two contains his travels to Kerala, India, Paris, and Beirut. Two bonus features are included on this disc as well, What Were We Thinking (100th Episode) and the Making of India. The discs are rated PG but are so educational and informative I believe they could easily be used with preteens for a learning experience.

Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations Collection Six Part 2 is available on Amazon.

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Bring on the Business (Cards, that is)

2012-01-27T00:07:00.061-05:00

I began my first blog five years ago hoping to meet a few online friends. I didn't realize how vast the online world could be. I didn't know Blog Conferences existed. I had no idea what SEO or Alexa meant. Twitter and Facebook? No clue.

Three years later I was in the process of learning about blogging. I had met some of my online buds "in real life." I emailed my blogger friends with questions about blogging. I wanted to attend a blog conference but none were close to me. New York and LA are a long way from Georgia.

This year there’s finally a conference I can attend. Blissdom 2012 will be in Nashville, a two hour trek from my home. I’ve already planned to meet a couple of friends. I’m also planning on attending an Asperger’s and Autism conference in April—also in Nashville. I’m hoping to meet lots of bloggers “in real life.” Another blogging buddy, who does travel reviews, invited me along for a vacation. Yes! I don’t want to miss this either.

Other more savvy bloggers –who have attended these events before- suggested I have business cards to hand out. They also suggested I be sure and add my avatar/button logo onto the cards so people could “put a face with the name.” What other items have been suggested for inclusion? My name, email address, and website link. I’m sure I will include other items but I don’t want it to look crowded or unprofessional.

What do you include on your business cards? Oh, and if you'll be at Blissdom, I hope you'll say hello!

Please see my disclosure notice here.

BenGay For Relief of Aches and Pains (up for grabs)

2012-01-26T00:18:00.082-05:00

We have a lot of strange injuries in our family. I am probably the only person who could have sprained her ankle on the way to play tennis. Or my daughter who broke her wrist in a karate tournament. My husband has been hit more times than he cares to admit by baseballs, horseshoes, footballs, or other objects when he plays games with our son. In other words, we have lots of aches and pains. We've tried all sorts of cures. Heating pads, ice packs, over the counter relief but I had never thought of trying a topical pain reliever.

Recently I have been having severe pain in my neck. It radiates up into my jaw and down into my back. I had been taking over the counter pain relievers but it persisted. After several weeks of pain, I broke down and asked my friend, a PA who works in a Orthopedic Center, for advice. She gave me some advice she said "would help some." Great. Finally, I tried the BenGay Pain Relief + Massage Gel I had received.

This gel contains massaging nubs to rub in the pain reliever and a no mess applicator to control the flow. I was worried about the smell. I didn't want to be out in public with people saying, "Hey, who's wearing the pain reliever?" I was relieved to discover the smell would disappear after a few minutes. When the gel is applied it felt (to me) like a burning sensation. It wasn't painful but the sensation lasted for several minutes. However, the BenGay helped! Talk about relief. I was able to forget the constant pain for a couple of hours. Unfortunately, the pain did come back but I applied some more Bengay.

A couple of warnings here: Bengay can not be used with heating pads or oral pain relievers. Also, don't get it to close to your eyes or nose. I accidentally got it close to my eyes and spent the next few minutes with watering eyes.

I also tried the BENGAY® cold therapy Menthol Pain Relieving Gel with PRO-COOL™ technology.

For years, healthcare professionals have relied on cooling active ingredients to ease muscle and joint pain. Now the maker of BENGAY® brings the powerful, scientifically formulated intensity of cold therapy directly to you to provide deep penetrating, long-lasting relief for your unique pain, whenever it strikes.

This the same technology used by chiropractors and physical therapists. I had my doubts about this being fast acting but was pleasantly surprised to find it was. It dries quickly and has a vanishing smell. Within three minutes I could tell a difference in my pain level.

I will definitely be keeping this in our medicine cabinet. Plus, I found a coupon to make it an even better bargain.

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Giving Gifts is Easy with Interflora

2012-01-26T00:08:00.018-05:00

My husband is the king of picking out birthday gifts that illustrate it is the thought that counts. When we were dating (more years ago than I care to admit) he promised me a birthday present he knew I wanted. One I needed. One I would love. I was more than slightly surprised to find he had bought me a butter dish. He explained it would match my dishes .

I truly appreciate his efforts but finally decided to take matters into my own hands. Instead of hinting about what I would like, I tell him in specific detail. “I’d like a pair of boots that look just like this. In beige. Here’s the size I need. “ It works wonders and we’re both happy.

When it comes to anniversary gifts he is the soul of practicality. Over the years I have received a new washing machine and dryer, a dishwasher, and a garbage disposal. Since these make my life easier there’s no complaints from me. Last year he did plan a wonderful, romantic getaway (well, as romantic as you can get if you have to take the kids along) to Cancun, Mexico. I think this topped my list as a favorite gift. Too bad I can’t expect this every year. What he doesn’t know is that I now have a list of places I want to visit .

Have you heard the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach? It works for me too. If he wants to make me super happy he can take me out to eat. Any meal I don’t have to cook is good with me. Or he could give me sweets. After all everyone needs a “chocolate fix.” When I was browsing through the gifts for her at Interflora I found personalized love heart cupcakes. I need to add this to my list of things I need. I wonder if he had all the cupcakes inscribed with “I love Pam” if it would discourage the kids from eating them. Probably not but I can hope!

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Cut the Cable Cord- 5 Ways to Save Money While Watching TV

2012-01-26T00:03:00.002-05:00

I admit I don't watch a lot of television. When Bryan told me he wanted to discontinue our satellite service to save money I still protested. We live in an area where it is impossible to pick up any channels. I remembered years ago in our pre-cable days when I had to stand on a chair, juggle the antenna, and hope for the best.

Joining in the effort to save money I made a a quick calculation of how much our satellite service cost per year. Deciding this money could be put to better use, I agreed. I didn't want to completely cut myself off from civilization so I began researching ways to be entertained without spending a fortune.

1.Check out websites of your favorite shows or TV channels.
Many of them offer episodes you can watch for free. One program I missed was The Daily Show with John Stewart. I checked his website and found I could watch full episodes of his programs. The small downside? The episode from the night before was not available until the next day. I could live with that. Many other shows are available this way as well.

2. Sign up for a streaming service like Netflix or Hulu.plus.
We subscribed to Netflix for a cost of $8 a month. That's $96 a year. Compared to the $70 we were paying a month before, we'll be saving $736 a year. Movies and television programs can be streamed directly to our computers or laptop as well as the television. (Note: you will need a streaming player to connect to the TV if you do not own a Wii or an Xbox. Streaming players are a one time purchase and cost anywhere from $49 to $99 for a high end model.)

3. Watch programs on hulu.com or crackle.com for free.
These are usually older programs or series that don't feature all the episodes. They also have some older movies. But, hey, it's free.

4. Use Redbox or Blockbuster coupon codes to watch videos for free.
Blockbuster did change their policy to charge $3 for new releases and $2 for movies up to 90 days old. Movies 90 days and older are $1. If you want to watch a new release use the coupon code to make the movie $2. That's still a bargain for the entire family to watch instead of going to the theater.

5. Check out your local library.
Many libraries collect the latest movies and television releases on dvd and blu-ray. Why not check them out and watch them for free? Most libraries allow you to keep videos for one week.

How do you save money on entertainment?

Get a Headstart with Newmark Learning (up for Grabs)

2012-01-25T00:17:00.062-05:00

As a former early elementary school teacher and curriculum developer, I am a huge proponent of early learning and parent involvement. I believe it is essential for parents to encourage reading to and with their children. I also know that this is not always easy to accomplish. Busy schedules, jobs, and parenting duties often make it almost impossible. I encouraged my parents to spend ten minutes a night reading to their children. (or having their children read to them).

Newmark Learning has developed a series of educational activities perfect for classroom or homeschool use. They can also be used by parents who would like to help their children to become more fluent readers.

When learning to read it is essential to create a positive environment. Newmark Learning has created leveled readers in the subjects of science, math, social studies, and fiction. These readers contain sight words as well as comprehension, fluency and phonics skill builders. Basically, each set of leveled readers includes 8 readers designed for grades K-2. The readers are age appropriate and promote learning in one of the four core areas.

Some features I like about this series:

Each book contains the word count, sight word vocabulary and concept word vocabulary
Each book describes which phonics concept is emphasized
Each book includes instruction on How to Read This Book with Children (ensuring maximum learning opportunities
All books contain colorful, engaging pictures
Follow Up Activities are included to ensure comprehension (including cause and effect questions, making connections to life, and drawing and writing about the story)

Each kit also includes a Parental Involvement Guide describing how to encourage a love of reading from ages two and up. Each guide includes suggestions for different age levels, a list of recommended reads, and a parental checklist. Finally, the My Personal Journal is a great conversation starter for parents and children. Children can draw a picture and either write a sentence or two about it or have a parent write it for them. It's a great way to encourage story telling skills, journaling, and a love of writing.

Newmark Learning offers free learning Games and downloads as well. Check out their website, facebook and twitter page for more information.

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Wedding Stressing

2012-01-25T00:00:00.003-05:00

I’m a sucker for weddings. The last wedding I attended I cried through the entire event. My kids poked me and asked, “What is wrong with you?” I think it was because the bride was my “little” cousin who had been the flower girl in my wedding more years ago than I care to admit. She cried at my wedding too but only because she thought she was going on the honeymoon with us. We drove her around town before leaving so she could “have a honeymoon. “

No one tells you how nerve wracking planning a wedding can be. When I was planning mine I ran into all sorts of snags. Probably the most challenging aspect was dealing with my father. He performed the ceremony and was determined to use a certain ceremony with wording he liked. Everyone thought the issue was settled until the rehearsal when he used the ceremony he wanted. No one left the church in a pleasant mood that evening! After a long sleepless night involving my aunt typing out the exact wording for the ceremony and my mom telling him it was my day, we resolved the issue. (In my favor, I might add!)

My advice? Begin preparations early so there will be no nasty surprises. When (hopefully in the distant future) my children plan their weddings I plan to tell them to shop online for wedding invites and stationery. What could be easier than shopping from the comfort of your home, choosing exactly what you want, and having it delivered directly to your door? Anything to make things easier is the way I want to go!

I do have a family member who is getting married this summer. In an effort to be helpful, I checked out the Bride and Groom Direct site. They have a ton of accessories for the reception. Since we forgot to order mine until the very last minute I was afraid we would have to decorate with crepe paper and balloons. (I’m only barely joking here.) During January they have a sale for 30 to 50% off a variety of accessories, invitations, and stationery. I’m all for saving money on the wedding expenses and using the extra cash for an awesome honeymoon. Or just saving the mom of the bride some money.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Keep Your House Cleaner with the Amazing Mat (Up for Grabs)

2012-01-24T00:16:00.092-05:00

My name is Pam and I am a neat freak. That was my motto-until I had children. When my children developed severe allergies and asthma the doctor suggested I get rid of all the carpet in my home. After the installation of hard wood I noticed it was much harder to keep the floor clean. I could sweep twice a day and still see dirt. My main traffic areas had a little trail of dirt meandering through the house. I tried leaving a rug at all the entrances, which worked, sort of, until my nervous cat decided these were her personal litter boxes.

The Amazing Mat must have been designed with me in mind. I was sold as soon as I read "Keep your environment clean and germ-free without lifting a finger - simply step in to clean!" How many of us really want to spend all our time on housework?

This mat is not like ordinary rugs we place at the door. This mat consists of a printed frame and 30 anti-bacterial sheets with a non-skid backing. I know what you are thinking, "What's up with the 30 antibacterial sheets?" Each of these sheets has specially treated film to capture more than just dirt- including pollen, bacteria and germs. This sheet can be removed and recycled, exposing a fresh one ready to help you "leave dirt at the door."

It captures up to 99.9% of these germs and bacteria meaning a lot less of it is tracked onto my floor. The mat is sticky ( as my son was happy to point out) and can be slippery when wet. Each sheet should last a week and can be tossed in the recycling bin when it's removed from the mat. Refill packs are available. The sheets are numbered one through thirty for a handy reminder of when to order refills.

Here's my mat I placed at my most heavily trafficked area. Notice how it really has been trapping the dirt! There's a variety of designs including a cute one with pet paws that would be perfect near feeding dishes or a litter box. Yep, it's perfectly safe for pets. My kitten sits on the one beside our door often. I think her paws are cleaner too. She loves to play in any dirt she can find.

Here's some benefits of the Amazing Mat:

Save your health – provides a cleaner, more sanitary environment for your entire family
Save time – less dust means less vacuuming, mopping and cleaning!
Satisfaction Guaranteed – cut your cleaning time in half, or your money back
Save the environment – recycle used sheets with your other plastics

Saves me time, cleaning, and reduces dirt and germs? I predict the Amazing Mat will be used in our home for a long time. If you'd like to order the Amazing Mat use the code SHIPNOW to receive free shipping.

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Quick Cooking --Hawaiian Meatballs

2012-01-24T00:03:00.001-05:00

My family (well, the guys in the family) love meatballs anyway I can cook them. When I am in a hurry I like to make the "quick cooking' meatballs. They like them because they taste good and I like not having to be in the kitchen for very long. Here's what you need:

Ingredients:
1 bag of meatballs (12 to 18 ounce size is good)
1 can (16 ounce) pineapple chunks
1 15 ounce jar Cherry Preserves
1 8 ounce jar Ham glaze (optional)

Directions:
Add all the ingredients into a large saucepan and stir until all ingredients are mixed. Heat on high until mixture comes to a boil. Stir and reduce heat to low. Let simmer for approximately 20 minutes or until heated through.

Serve over rice or pasta.

Take Over Tuesday Social Media Hop ~ Gaining Followers In All The Right Places ~ #CMM

2012-01-23T22:40:00.004-05:00

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Pillsbury Makes a Quick Breakfast (up for grabs)

2012-01-23T00:16:00.062-05:00

If I were just like June Cleaver I'd get up early each morning and prepare a hearty homemade breakfast for my family. I'm not a morning person and have never had any desire to rise, shine and cook. One of the happiest days of my life was when I discovered my family like Pillsbury Grand biscuits as well as homemade. I could pop a pan in the oven with no fuss. They cooked while I got ready for work. Even my husband, who has no clue how to cook, could pop a pan in the oven. Fast forward a few years to older children and a crazy schedule. We often have to eat on the run.

During the month of December--one of my busiest months- I was able to find a sale on Pillsbury's new Grand's Biscuits Sandwiches. Available in three flavors, Sausage & Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches, Bacon & Cheese Biscuit Sandwiches, and Ham & Veggies Biscuit Sandwiches, I stocked the freezer. Bryan was able to have a piping hot biscuit every morning on the way to work. It only took 1 and a half minutes to warm them. He preferred the Sausage and Cheese with the Bacon and Cheese being a close second. I liked the portability and the convenience of these breakfast sandwiches. He didn't have to stop at a drive through on mornings he was running late.

On days when we have more time Pillsbury has introduced their New Egg Scrambles. Available in Bacon & Veggies Egg Scrambles, Sausage & Veggies Egg Scrambles, and Sausage & Egg Scrambles, these meals cook in around six minutes. To be honest, Bryan is the person who enjoys a "big" breakfast at our home. He enjoys omelets so I decided he would be the test candidate for the Sausage and Egg Scrambles. Those are two of his favorite breakfast foods so I knew he'd enjoy them mixed together.

The Egg Scrambles are designed to serve one person. I think the mixture could be divided and added to a tortilla to make two breakfast burritos. (Voila! Meals for two.) Once again I was pleased by the convenience of these meals. Perfect for mornings when you don't have time to cook and chop up bacon or sausage and veggies.

Look for Pillsbury Egg Scrambles and Grands! Biscuit Sandwiches in your grocery freezer section. They're available nationwide and have a suggested retail price of $2.89.

Win It!
One person will receive two coupons for your choice of Grands! Biscuits Sandwiches or Pillsbury Egg Scrambles.
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Celebrate the Chinese New Year with P.F. Changs

2012-01-23T00:15:00.067-05:00

Happy Chinese New Year! 2012 is The Year of the Dragon which is supposed to be filled with optimism, power and entrepreneurship. According to the custom of Chinese New Year, friends and relatives give each other gifts of money in red envelopes. While I am still waiting for someone to give me my envelope of money, our family did celebrate the New Year with a fun meal from P.F. Changs Meals for 2.

We started by decorating our table with traditional red lanterns and a Bonsai tree. Doesn't it look festive?

We love Chinese food. P.F. Changs has a variety-twelve, to be exact- of tasty meals for two available in the freezer section of most grocery stores. In thirteen minutes (that's faster than takeout!) we can have a meal of Beef with Broccoli or Orange Chicken. I'm allergic to MSG so I was glad to discover none of their selections contain MSG.

P.F. Chang’s Home Menu® is a collection of signature dishes with quality cuts of beef and white chicken breast, succulent shrimp, crisp colorful vegetables, tender noodles, and full-flavored sauces.

For our New Year celebration we were sent Firecracker Shrimp and Grilled Chicken Teriyaki with Lo Mien noodles. I received a coupon for an extra bag and picked up Sweet and Sour Chicken to include with our meal. We tried the chicken dishes for our dinner.

Our favorite was the Sweet and Sour Chicken. It was sweet but had a pleasantly sour "bite". Pineapple and green pepper chunks added to the flavor. The kids quickly devoured their portion. These dishes appeared to be amply proportioned for two, especially if accompanied by side dishes. Unless you have teenage boys then all bets are off. One bag would probably be a meal.

One night when there were only two of us at home we tried the Firecracker Shrimp. This was my personal fav. I will admit it was a little spicy but it had a fabulous flavor. I could eat this at least once a week. My son did say he thought it "tasted good but was too spicy" so this might not be a dish to serve to the younger set.

My kids did not know it but we also received a $10 gift card to P.F. Chang's China Bistro. When I told Bryan about it he replied, "Don't tell the kids! That can be a date for the two of us!" I've already chosen my selections on the P.F. Chang's Menu for Two. The Great Wall of Chocolate is looking good!

Check out their facebook or twitter for more information. Beginning on Monday, January 23rd at 12 PM, the Facebook promotion for "The Year of The Dragon" will begin. You don't want to miss this one.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Giveaway Gala

2012-01-22T21:38:00.002-05:00

Link up your giveaways to be featured on all five of the Collective Media Magic sites.

Just Like June:
Mohawk Home Rug of Choice (up to $149) 1/27

Wellness Mat in choice of design 1/27

Wind & Weather $50 Gift Certificate

Closer To Lucy
Diamond Candles 1/27
Elite Serum 2/9
Vaultz Storage 1/25

Have Sippy Will Travel
Aquaphor Lip Repair & Lotion 2/14
Winchill Mountain Coffee 2/11
Ocean Spray Fruit Flavored Snacks 2/6

3 Princes and A Princess 2
5 boxes of General Mills Cereal 1/30
Pictures on Gold Locket 2/9
Bosch Auto Parts 1/30

That's What She Said
JW Pet Intelligent Ideas 2/13
Conair Infiniti You Wave Ultra Styler ($45.99) ends 2-13

Be A Storm Chaser with The Portable Weather Pod

2012-01-22T00:14:00.049-05:00

It's no secret I like toys with an educational twist. Any toy that can provide hours of imaginative fun-and sneak in some learning along the way-is a hit with me. While my kids are not often enthused with my efforts to add education into their activities, Backyard Safari Outfitters has my back. With their emphasis on backyard adventures they encourage kids to take an active look at nature.

We received the Storm Chaser Mobile Weather Pod to test. Most kids, having watched shows like Storm Chasers, see this as an exciting career. Since the seven year old and I were caught in a freak tornado a couple of years ago that picked up our vehicle and moved it through the air our taste for adventure has been realized. The Mobile Weather pod seemed like a safe way to chase storms.

The Portable Weather Pod is an ideal instrument for expert data collection that can be used in almost any kind of weather. You can now track and monitor rain, sleet, hail, now, and wind with ease. Use the compass to aid you in finding true north. The weather vane will show you which direction the wind is blowing, and the anemometer monitors wind speed. Use the water gauge to collect and measure rainfall. The temperature gauge indicates current air temps and the extendable legs offer support on a flat surface. Comes with the Storm Chaser collectable patch and pop guide!

For anyone who homeschools this is an ideal addition to a science unit of weather. Instead of buying a variety of products, the weather pod includes everything you need for a beginning study. For everyone else this is a fun activity to do with the kids. It encourages learning, family time, and most importantly, activities outside away from video games or the television. The seven year old has been using it and has decided learning about weather is "awesome."

Designed for ages five and up, the Mobile weather pod is sturdy and well constructed. It should last through many outdoor expeditions.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Get in the action with EX3D Glasses

2012-01-22T00:13:00.071-05:00

The 3D craze is sweeping the nation. With videos, games, movies, and even television shows available in 3D, most people will find themselves donning a pair of 3D glasses in the not to distant future. I remember the first 4D movie my family saw. We waited in line and grabbed a pair of flimsy, uncomfortable 3D glasses from one bin and dropped them into another bin as we left. I didn't want to think about how germy these glasses might be.

EX3D glasses offers an affordable, fashionable, germ-free solution to the 3D problem. This glasses are well made, much more comfortable, and uses M3D lens technology. These provide enhanced picture and color clarity and high 3D contrast. No distortion, no haze, and lots less of those ghosted images that are so annoying.

I may be the only mom out there having this problem, although I doubt it, but my kids are incredibly rough on glasses. From stepping on them by accident, to knocking out a lens during sports, to scratches, my kids can wreak havoc in no time. These lens resist scratching and are resistant to both extreme temperatures and harsh chemical environments. The glasses also came with their own soft protective carrying case and wrapped in a soft bag. With all this protection maybe we can make it until the latest 3D movies come out!

Learn more on their facebook and twitter pages.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Real Steel On DVD and Bluray Combo Pack!

2012-01-21T00:30:00.087-05:00

I wasn't sure what to expect when we received Real Steel on DVD. The kids were excited we were reviewing this, but I had some doubts. I'm not a Sci-Fi person but after reading the description decided I'd take a chance. After all, it was starring Hugh Jackman and I didn't mind watching him for two hours and seven minutes.

A gritty, white-knuckle, action ride set in the near-future where the sport of boxing has gone high-tech, Real Steel stars Hugh Jackman as Charlie Kenton, a washed-up fighter who lost his chance at a title when 2000-pound, 8-foot-tall steel robots took over the ring. Now nothing but a small-time promoter, Charlie earns just enough money piecing together low-end bots from scrap metal to get from one underground boxing venue to the next. When Charlie hits rock bottom, he reluctantly teams up with his estranged son Max (Dakota Goyo) to build and train a championship contender. As the stakes in the brutal, no-holds-barred arena are raised, Charlie and Max, against all odds, get one last shot at a comeback.

While this could be considered Sci-Fi and contains plenty of action for the guys in the family, it also has some touching parts for the girls in the family as well. Charlie finds himself a father to eleven year old Max. Neither of them are thrilled with this arrangement. Their struggles to relate for the time they must spend together add an emotional touch. What will keep the guys entertained is the robots. I mean, what teenage or preteen guy isn't going to be excited about a movie that contains fighting robots?

The film , to be released on January 24th, is rated PG-13 due to violence. (Obviously with all the fighting robots.) The guys in my family picked out their favorite robot-Atom. I found a clip so everyone else can meet him too.

Don't forget the extra features that come with the discs. My kids loved the bloopers. Those are always fun to watch. The guys in the family enjoyed the Making of Metal Valley and Building the Bots. What guy doesn't secretly want to build their own robots?
If you can't get enough of Hugh Jackman be sure to check out the deleted and extended scenes. Or get into the action with your computer or iPad with the Real Steel Second Screen.
Interested in purchasing a copy of Real Steel? Click here to $5 OFF the purchase of the Real Steel 3-disc Combo Pack.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Penguins of Madagascar: Operation Blowhole on DVD now!

2012-01-21T00:30:00.085-05:00

The Penguins have always been our favorite characters from the Madagascar movies and their cartoon series. After all, penguins look so cute and cuddly. Who would expect them to be continually scheming and plotting?

In their latest adventures, Penguins of Madagascar Operation Blowhole released on DVD January 10th, the Penguins face off against their evil nemesis Dr. Blowhole. If you enjoyed the Dr. Blowhole episodes (voiced by Neil Patrick Harris), this is the complete saga. Beginning with the Original classic Dr. Blowhole's Revenge, the sneaky doctor tries to get revenge on the penguins by kidnapping Skipper's best friend. Little does he realize King Julius is not Skipper's preferred pal. Doctor Blowhole spouts lines like, "You have foiled my revenge. For that, I swear... revenge!" He's a hilarious character.

These are followed by The Return of the Revenge of Dr. Blowhole, parts 1 and 2. What can he say? He really wants his revenge! This episode features the return of Alex the Lion to help Skipper find his way back to the zoo and stop the nefarious Dr. Blowhole who is bent on destruction. Of course, King Julius finds a way to include his antics and generally get in the way and cause mayhem.

With six original musical numbers, it’s a bond spoof of Penguins proportions! For those of us who are penguin fans it's a great addition to our collection.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Sunshine Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow Keeps Your Neck Comfy (Up for Grabs!)

2012-01-20T00:28:00.059-05:00

Some of you may remember when I hurt my neck playing air guitar (yes, seriously) on a road trip to UGA. We were traveling to pick up our daughter, it was late, and I was trying to stay awake. Although we don't travel nearly as much as we used to, we still have to make day trips to neighboring cities two or three hours away. Since the air guitar incident whenever I try to take a short nap during our travels I wake to a sore neck. Ugh. It takes days of popping and cracking for my neck to feel normal again.

The Sunshine Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow has made traveling much more comfortable for me.
The Ergonomic pillow provides the right support for the head allowing the user to nap in a comfortable but healthy posture during a long flight or car ride. It is also perfect choice for use in a recliner chair. With the help of such a travel pillow, your head won't sleep sideways, and you won't wake up with a painful neck or a stiff neck.

As soon as this arrived, I tested it on a car trip. I was able to lean my head back and be comfortable, not cramped. It feels so relaxing that I am able to drift into peaceful slumber (if the kids aren't talking loudly) and wake up feeling refreshed. Usually I wake up slumped into some weird position with my neck making it clear how foolish I have been. The strap which is attached to be pillow can be slipped over the back of the car seat keeping it in place during the entire trip.

When my son first saw this he told me it reminded me of a tooth and asked me why it was designed like this. "Our neck pillow is firm at the head area so that you get strong head support and it is narrower and softer at the cervical area. The enlarged end portion of the pillow legs provides chin support to prevent head-nodding while you rest or nap. The zipper opening allows for easy adding or removing of stuffing for self-adjusting the firmness or softness that is comfortable for you."

For those of you who rarely travel, this pillow can be used at home. I suffer from TMJ. People (my dentist, my kids, friends) constantly ask me what that "popping" noise is. Everyone-except my dentist- was surprised to discover it was my jaw making creaking sounds. Wearing this while working on my computer or reading in bed supports my neck, helps with good posture, and eases the stain on my jaw. Plus, it's just comfortable to wear.

The Sunshine Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow comes in small, medium, and large sizes and a variety of snazzy designs and colors. They make a variety of other products including scented lavender neck pillows, microwavable neck warmers, and Shoulder Pain Relief Pads. I wish we had one of those when my husband pulled a muscle in his shoulder and spent a few weeks in considerable pain. Want to try your own neck pillow? Check out the selection here.

Win It!
One person will receive a Sunshine Ergonomic Travel Neck Pillow.

Read more »

Get a Grip on Wrinkles with Elite Serum (up for grabs)

2012-01-19T00:29:00.051-05:00

I recently shared my insomnia troubles. I'd either fall asleep for a few hours only to wake up, tossing and turning for the rest of the night, or I couldn't sleep period. Both options were doing my skin no favors. The dark circles under my eyes were giving me a look, which attractive to cute little raccoons, didn't look so good on humans.

A friend suggested I try Elite Serum the incredible needle-free scientific breakthrough in skin care technology makes wrinkles and fine lines disappear around your eyes! Since my husband believes Botox is a waste of money and I'm not particularly fond of needles anywhere around my face, this sounded like an good alternative.

What are the benefits of Elite Serum?

Formulated with the highest concentration of pharmaceutical-grade ingredients.
Rich seaweed extract base as used by the world's most expensive serums.
Contains scientifically advanced peptides proven to cause DNA rejuvenation.
Delivers a youthful and vibrant appearance around the eyes.
Rapidly brings oxygen and nutrients to the eye area.
Reduces the appearance of dark circles and puffiness.
Diminishes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.
Works directly under and around the eye area within minutes.
Ultra-lightweight and fast-absorbing application.
No injection needed. It works on areas where the Botox™ solution can not.
A Cooling, hyper toning sensation indicates that the serum is working.
Scientifically designed as hypoallergenic, non-sensitizing and non-irritating.
Can be used safely and beneficially in conjunction with other skin care products.
Ability to work alone as needed as a powerful eye serum.
Manufactured in the USA in an advanced FDA licensed pharmaceutical laboratory.

The difference with Elite Serum is the combination of pharmaceutical-grade peptides and natural moisturizers. It's been clinically proven to reduce wrinkle depth in only 28 days. There's lot of scientific names used for the ingredients (although I did recognize red and green seaweed extract) but basically it works using the science of DNA rejuvenation.

This is "Not your mother's department store eye serum." It's manufactured in a ISO 9002 laboratory and developed by clinically trained cosmetic pharmacist Irwin Grams. This time I have science on my side as I work to combat those puffy, dark circles!

Read more »

Dead Poets Society now on BluRay

2012-01-19T00:08:00.002-05:00

As a teacher I am all able trying to get my high school age students excited over World History. I live for those moments when I am able to capture their interest and help them realize the importance of learning about the past. It's almost an impossible task. That's why I love to watch movies featuring teachers who motivate their students with an unconventional approach.

First released in 1989, The Dead Poets Society is one of these movies. Robin Williams plays an unusual teacher who attempts to help his students develop a love of poetry. His motto is "Carpe Diem!" (Seize the Day!). He tries to inspire his students to reject conformity and tradition while living life to the fullest. Naturally the other teachers are not pleased with this new style of learning. When a tragedy occurs Professor John Keating is blamed for his controversial style of learning.

Robin Williams delivers an excellent performance. While my teenage daughter thought the movie (especially the tragedy) was a tad depressing, I found it interesting. Maybe it's the teacher in me. The new DVD has enhanced high definition picture and sound and Dead Poets: A Look Back with interviews with the director.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

5 Ways to Save Hundreds at the Grocery Store Each Year

2012-01-19T00:04:00.001-05:00

I am a practicing Coupon-holic. My kids know if they want something they need to be able to say, "It's on sale and I found a coupon for it too!" However, couponing takes time, patience, and practice. It's not for everyone. Here's some easy ways to begin saving money at the store.

1. Sign up for Store Loyality cards.
Most stores have a loyality card which allows you to receive the sale price of items. Sometimes they have specials exclusively for card holders or send special coupons to card holders through the mail.

2. Check your favorite store's website for store coupons.
Most stores have exclusive coupons made specifically for their store or ecoupons that can be downloaded to your card. These coupons can usually be used in conjunction with a manufacturers coupon.

3. Ask if your favorite store accepts competitors coupons.
The stores in my area accept store coupons from competing grocery stores located in our area.
For example, if I have a $5 off $30 order from one store I can take it to another store and use it. Recently I purchased vitamins on sale Buy one Get one Free at one store and used a $5 off 2 vitamins from a competing store plus two manufacture coupons . The vitamins cost 57 cents a bottle compared to $7.99 each at regular price.

4. Sign up for the Fuel Rewards program at your favorite store.
Many stores now offer a discount on gas with the purchase of a certain amount of groceries. The beauty of this program is the purchase amount is determined before coupons. This week I used my accumulated fuel perks to pay 38 cents for 20 gallons of gas! (The original price was $68.99)

5. Check the Clearance Shelves and Discounted section.
I regularly check the discounted meat section and have found great deals on close dated meat. I either use the meat within the next couple of days after purchasing or freeze it.

What's your favorite tip for saving at the store?

Funky Monkey Snacks Up for Grabs!

2012-01-18T00:28:00.007-05:00

I am always encouraging my kids to eat fruit. It's a struggle to find fresh fruit they like. If I couldn't tempt them with fresh fruit, why not try something different?

Funky Monkey Snacks is advertised as "the fruit that crunches." It contains 3 servings of fruit per serving and comes in seven "snacklicious" flavors: Applemon, Bananamon, MangOJ, Pink Pineapple, Purple Funk, JiveALime, and Carnaval Mix.

I like dried fruit but do not eat it often because of the calories. I wondered what the difference was between these snacks and regular dried fruit. Funky Monkey quickly freeze dries their fruits to maintain the nutrients. They don't contain added sugar and are certified organic.

Another plus for our family is all Funky Monkey Snacks contain no gluten, wheat, dairy, peanut and tree nut, meaning they are an excellent option for people with food allergies or celiac disease. In fact, Kids with Food Allergies, Inc. recently named Funky Monkey Snacks in its 2010 list of Allergy Friendly Foods for Kids.

They are also an easy option to pack for snacks in gym bags or (if your kids are younger) diaper bags. My favorite was the MangoOJ, a refreshing combo of Mango and Orange. These are an excellent option to real fruit and a healthy alternative to chips.

Win It!
One person will receive a selection of Funky Monkey Snacks.

Read more »

Bad Kitty! Book and CD by Nick Bruel

2012-01-18T00:02:00.003-05:00

Publisher: Macmillan Young Listeners
Release Date: January 17th, 2012

When I saw this book I knew I had to read it. Bad Kitty looks just like our kitten, Mitzie, who is known for her strange behavior. This book, complete with a CD read by Vanessa Williams, not only teaches children the alphabet but contains hilarious text and illustrations.

Bad Kitty begins when she discovers she is out of food and will be subjected to a variety of healthy veggies listed in A to Z form. The priceless looks on Kitty's face when she discovers she might have to eat asparagus or radishes and her cries of "Yuck" made the seven year old burst out laughing.
Kitty decides she will be a "Bad Kitty" and romps through a comical A to Z list of adventures from "biting grandma" to "being mean to Mommy." She changes her tune when she receives food she loves including fried flies and an order of opossum. Her behavior takes a turn for the better including giving to Unicef (fresh fish anyone?) and washing the car.
Obviously nice Kitty should be rewarded. When she sees her reward the look on her face tells us she's not pleased!

This is a silly, funny look at the alphabet. The repetition of seeing the alphabet presented four different times will help with retention and the pictures will have children begging to hear this book read again and again. The seven year old and I laughed all the way through the book. I can only hope it doesn't give Mitzie the kitten any ideas!

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Guest Post: Win Passes to the Circus!

2012-01-17T17:38:00.000-05:00

Step right up! You will believe your eyes…

aerial acrobatics,
human cannonballs, sword swallowing feats, what an exhilarating experience!

There is just something about the circus that keeps us all childlike…

I
still remember school fieldtrips and attending with my mom and big sister.

I
can’t find it but I still have an old Polaroid of my sister and I getting to
ride a circus elephant...it's one of my most prized moments of childhood.

I can smell the air….it’s full of popcorn, hay, animals, and musk.

Ahhh, Good times………..vicarious nostalgia.

If you’re like me, the idea of the circus being in town
instantly put a smile on your face.

Well Nashvillians…..go ahead and crack that grin because the
circus is in town!

Not just any circus either. The Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey will
roll out the greatest show on earth in Music City’s Bridgestone Arena Jan.
26-29.

If you don’t live in the Nashville area….don’t fret because they are coming to you soon and if you don’t have your tickets yet—What are you waiting for?

You need to seriously consider it. It's not called the "Greatest Show on Earth" for nothing, after all!

Check out event locations, dates, times, and make plans now!

For those of you in the Nashville area I hope you’re excited because it gets better -- they’ve got a $12 kids ticket for the Friday 10:30am showing, just use the code KIDS12. It’s available on all $15, $21 and $26 tickets – which is a pretty good deal.

Want a little bit more to get giddy with…how about a giveaway?

That’s right Closer to Lucy’s peeps will have a chance to win a total of 20 tickets! Thanks to the generosity of the peeps over at Ringling Bro. and Barium and Baily, I’ve got 4 sets of 4 passes to the greatest show on earth!

I received no prior compensation for this posting, I have been offered tickets to the event but have not decided if I will be attending. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally use and believe will be a good match for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with Closer to Lucy's legal disclosure and the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. Thank you to Ringling Bro and Barnum and Bailey for supplying the Giveaway Prize. Prizes shipped by sponsor I hold no responsibility. This giveaway is not affiliated with Facebook in anyway.

Read more »

Trend Micro SafeSync for Computer Backups (up for grabs)

2012-01-17T00:27:00.099-05:00

My computer is an indispensable item in my household. I use it to store paperwork for my part time job. I type and store lesson plans for my World History class. I upload pictures of my kids from my camera and never remove them. Oh, and of course I use it for blogging. I have all sorts of blog related documents and schedules. Or I did until December. I picked up a virus which destroyed my laptop. Had I thought to back up any of my files, photos, or documents? Nope. Was I supremely annoyed I had to start over "from scratch?" Yes. This time I knew I would be prepared with my new Trend Micro SafeSync File Protection.

SafeSync backs up and syncs files between your computers and mobile devices. You can stream music and video to your smartphone, share photos with friends on your tablet, or just play it safe and keep secure backups of your most important memories on all your devices.

Now I can back up my files safely with 256-bit AES Bank level encryption during file transfer and secure cloud when at rest. While I'm not a "techie," this sounds like a high enough security level to keep them away from the bad guys. The best part? They're backed up online so I never have to worry about losing another file. Although, seriously, I don't know why anyone would want a file entitled "January Review List."

My kids have a bad habit of trying to add memory space to the computer by deleting any files they don't think is "important." It doesn't matter if it sounds important with a title like "Biology Term Paper." Delete. Thankfully, the Rollback feature on SafeSync allows us to Roll back changes, restore deleted files, and undo mistakes.

For those of us who have to share files with friends or use social networking sites, SafeSync send links to any files and then allows them to be removed at anytime. I can keep sharing secure by adding passwords or expiration dates, and disable the link when you’re finished! I'm hoping the kids don't discover that feature anytime soon.

SafeSync lets me choose the amount of space I need with a 20GB, 50 GB, or 100 GB option. I can access my files from my computer, on SafeSync.com, or on a smartphone (if I had one.) I'm looking forward to spending the next year not worrying about having to recover a term paper or a blog list. If only I could remember my passwords as easily as SafeSync works!

Win It!
One person will receive a SafeSync download.

Read more »

Quick Cooking-Candy Bar Cookies

2012-01-17T00:12:00.026-05:00

I cannot count the times my children have asked me to come up with a treat for their classroom, a bake sale, or some sort of extra curricular activity at the last minute. I try to keep the items around to throw together candy bar cookies. People can think I fussed when I didn't.

Ingredients:

1 package refrigerated Sugar cookies (can substitute peanut butter)
1 package of snack size or fun size candy bars--your choice of your favorite flavor
(optional) can of frosting of your choice

Flatten the sugar cookies and place on a cookie sheet. Place a snack sized candy bar on each cookie. If using fun sized candy bars, chop them in half and use one half on each cookie.

Wrap the cookie dough around the candy bar. Make sure the dough is completely covered. Bake as directed on cookie package until cookies are lightly browned. Remove from oven. Let cool. Frost if desired.

Take Over Tuesday-Google + Edition

2012-01-16T20:33:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Take Over Tuesday, a Facebook,Twitter, and Google+ hop.

Your Hostesses are:

Closer to Lucy

Just Like June (formerly The Thrifty Things)

Have Sippy Will Travel

3 Princes and a Princess 2

That's What She Said

Each week we will have either hop on Twitter, Facebook, G+.

<a href="http://www.closertolucy.com/"><img src="http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/crystalpw/Image2-3.jpg"/></a>

This week is Google+

**Reminder: Because of the pending GFC changes we thought we'd take a proactive approach and run
Google+ for the next several Tuesdays in order to help boost everyone's G+ buzz**

Now leave your
Google+ link in the linky and follow your hostesses. We will follow you back.

Follow as many people as you like and leave a comment on their page to let them know you are a fan. Remember, following back is appreciated!

The Zone Diet: Healthy Eating with Carbs (up for grabs)

2012-01-16T00:26:00.064-05:00

Six months ago my husband started having health problems. His doctor put me on a mission to lower his cholesterol, sugar levels, and blood pressure with a low carb diet. This was great for Bryan, a huge meat, egg, and cheese eater. For the rest of us, not so much. I struggled each morning to make it through my eggs and sausage. I missed my carbs and longed for the day I could have a bowl of granola for breakfast again.

The Zone Diet was developed by Dr. Barry Sears after years of scientific research. It's a precise yet easy-to-follow way to eat and keep your body's delicate chemical and hormonal balance in check. That sounds great but most importantly, I could eat carbs and be healthy.
Basically I divided my plate into three sections 2/3 carbs (fruits and veggies) and 1/3 lowfat protein. No problem. I could do that!

I was able to start my day with the Double Chocolate Nougat Bars. These bars contain the same amount of protein as a four egg white omelet (14 grams) and to me, taste 100% better. One bar kept me satisfied until lunch time. I could easily start every morning with one of these. I also tried one of their strawberry nougat bars. I'm not a big fan of strawberry things so I'd still go with the chocolate.

Did I mention sweets? I tried the Chocolate Chip cookie (yum). Unfortunately my kids found the other cookies and ate them for snacks. They munched their way through several of my pretzels and bagels as well. We did rate some bagels and pretzels more flavorful than others. The multigrain one was not bad but a little dry for my tastes.

I made sandwiches with the bread slices we received. I found the bread filled me up. I wasn't hungry until late afternoon. Using their foods I was able to enjoy pasta and pizza as well for dinner. I didn't think I would see those foods in our house again.

Supplementing Dr. Sears' foods is a long list of fruits, veggies, dairy products, and legumes which can be purchased from any grocery store. Reading through the list I found I had most of the items on hand. While searching through the website I found all kinds of Zone Classic recipes I can make at home using ingredients I have on hand. Bring on the carbs!

Win it!
One person will receive a selection of Zone Foods. Due to company request, this contest is only open to people who have not won a Zone Foods contest previously.
Read more »

Giveaway Gala - Giveaway Link Up

2012-01-15T21:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Giveaway Gala. A collection of featured giveaways from 5 blog's, including a linky for you to link up your giveaways! This linky will be hosted on 5 blog's giving you the benefit of reaching all of our combined readers. So feel free to check out giveaways and link up your giveaways. We only ask you link directly to your giveaway, any links to your homepage will be removed.

Just Like June:

Mohawk Home Rug of Choice (up to $149) 1/27

Wind & Weather $50 Gift Certificate

Be Known Contest - Ulta Makeup, Starbucks GC and Business Card Holders 1/27

3 Princes and a Princess 2:

Bosch Auto Parts Prize Pack RV $200 1/30

Honeywell ultrasonic Humidifier 1/19

Nu Skin Skin Care System (RV$410) 1/19

Closer To Lucy:

Culver's Mindful Choices Meal (5 Winners) ~ 1/27

Real Steel DVD/Blu-Ray Combo Pack ~ 1/24

Vaultz Locking Storage Products ~ 1/25

Have Sippy Will Travel:

Kidorable Umbrella ends Jan 30

GoGo Babyz Travel Carseat ends Jan 27

Zoobies ends Jan 25

That's What She Said:

JW Pet iSqueak Toy Prize Pack 2/13
Safari LTD Mythical Creatures Prize Pack 1/22
Award Winning Perplexus Puzzle Game 1/22

Mr. Chewy Make Pet Care Easy!

2012-01-15T00:25:00.064-05:00

I am the proud "pet mom" to two spoiled cats and one pampered pooch. Perhaps I have weird pets but their care is expensive. One cat has a nervous condition and gets ulcers when stressed, the kitten is allergic to fleas and certain types of food, and the dog can't eat hard food because of his teeth. Naturally, I am always trying to find the best deals on their dietary needs and care.

I had bought a few things online for my pet before but I had always thought I could get a good deal by using coupons and sales at various stores. Mr. Chewy changed my mind. Not only were the prices of the Beggin Strips cheaper than my "local superstore", I didn't have to waste gas or fight crowds to get them. I clicked, ordered, and was surprised to find them on my front porch two days later.

I planned my selection carefully so I could purchase treats, food, and most importantly for my kitten, cat litter. She loves her litter! I chose Beggin Strips for Rio because they were soft and tried a "new to us" healthy version of treats for the cats. I also purchased a 16 1/2 pound package of Nine Lives (the only type of food the stressed out cat will eat) and a 40 pound bag of litter.

Rio is loving those Beggin Strips.

One of the reasons I don't order a lot of stuff online is the shipping and handling charges. Sure, I can find an item for a few dollars cheaper online. Still, if I have to pay outrageous shipping and handling fees for an item, it's cheaper to pick it up locally. Mr. Chewy made my decision simple by offering free shipping on orders $49 or over.

It's treat time for Mitzie!

Mr. Chewy offers over 70 name brands of pet products for cats and dogs. Because I have been advised to feed the kitten a "non allergenic" type of food, I compared prices and found Mr. Chewy was cheaper. With convenience, ease of service, and great prices, Mr. Chewy will definitely be a fixture in my pet's future.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

reBloom for Restful Nights

2012-01-15T00:24:00.059-05:00

The phrase "Sleep like a baby" has always applied to me. That is if you mean my babies. They never slept well, tossing and turning, sleeping fitfully, waking up hour on the hour. For months I had either a) had trouble falling asleep, b) fallen asleep but woken up two hours later to spend the rest of the night tossing and turning, or c) not gone to sleep until around 6 AM. None of these scenarios were helping my mood or my looks. The baggy, saggy dark circles under the eyes aren't the latest fashionable look. When I was offered a two bottle sample of reBloom I was ready to end my sleepless night cycle.

What is reBloom?

reBloom Natural Sleep Drink is a new way to help your body sleep. A natural, drug-free 2.5oz drink, reBloom is clinically-proven to help you fall asleep faster and sleep better and longer!

Over the past few months when I finally became so exhausted I couldn't take it anymore, I would take an over the counter sleeping pill. They worked but the side effects were annoying. I had a hard time waking up in the morning. I had to drink a lot of caffeine to be get over the groggy, "out of it" feeling I experienced. reBloom promised no side effects, no grogginess, and I would wake up refreshed.

The instructions on the bottle said I could take either 1/2 bottle or a whole bottle. Because I had so much trouble sleeping I decided to drink the entire bottle. reBloom had a "healthy" taste. By that I mean it reminded me of some sort of health shake made with wheat grass. It wouldn't be on my list of top ten things to drink. Honestly, it didn't make me feel sleepy. I drank it around ten and went to bed an hour later. When I went to sleep --amazingly--I did not wake up until the next morning. I'm not a morning person so I can't say I hopped out of bed cheerfully the next morning. I can say I didn't have any side effects and I felt refreshed.

Want to try reBloom for yourself? Right now they are giving away a free two bottle sample to everyone. reBloom has a thirty day money back guarantee too.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

CouponChief for Serious Online Savings

2012-01-14T19:04:00.002-05:00

I am not a fan of heading to the mall. The crowds, the hassle and the long lines make me have me avoiding it if at all possible. I’d rather sit back in my comfy sweats and shop online. The only problem I have with shopping online is wondering if I am missing a big sale and paying the shipping and handling fees.

Because I usually know exactly what I want to buy, I visit my favorite online stores to find the best price. When I find the best price I head to CouponChief to see if I can get an even better deal. They have over 100,000 coupon codes. That’s the largest source of online coupons and store discounts on the web. I l like the “does this coupon work?” feature. There’s nothing more frustrating than finding what I want, entering my data, and discovering the code has expired or is no longer working.

If you love sharing great deals with your friends, CouponChief offers a “Pays-2-Share” feature. It’s simple and earns you money for couponing. How great is that? After signing up for Pays-2-Share you can upload coupons to your account. Whenever a friend uses a coupon you’ve shared CouponChief will pay you 2% of the sale. You can track your progress through your account to see how many of your coupons have been used.

CouponChief is a free service and you don’t have to sign up. If you choose to set up an account you can receive email alerts for your favorite stores and participate in Pays 2 Share. The best part of CouponChief is their generousity. Their Coupons-4-Causes is a program that allows you to earn money for your favorite school, church, or charity every time you shop online.

Shopping with less hassle and stress while saving money and donating to charity? Sounds like my kind of experience. To learn more visit their website or fan CouponChief on facebook.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Nature’s Path Granola for Anytime of the Day

2012-01-14T04:37:00.001-05:00

I am not a morning person. While others in my family can scarf down pancakes, biscuits, sausage, and eggs, I am content to begin my day with a bowl of cereal. As I grew older I became pickier about the food I was eating. I didn't want to start the day with a high sugar cereal but I didn't want to sacrifice taste. I discovered I didn't have to when I tried Nature's Hand Granola. With no artificial flavors or colors, no preservatives, and no sodium and trans fats and available in 7 flavors, it makes a tempting treat.

How did Nature's Hand Begin?

Over 40 years ago, two Bavarian immigrants who resided in Minnesota decided they wanted to begin blending and baking their own unique mix of grains and nuts. This recipe would come straight from Northern Europe and was a recipe that had been used and shared with many people back in the old country. After 35 years of hard work and the building of a successful brand, the founders decided it was time to retire. At that time, a small private investment group came together to purchase the company and trasitioned the ownership in the Fall of 2005. Today, Nature’s Hand granola continues to evolve. While the company still offers its Original Vanilla Almond flavor, the recipes have been enhanced to add flavor and texture to the granola while still maintaining the health benefits of the product.

I chose the Cinnamon Apple and the Cranberry Delight to sample. The Cinnamon Apple had a sweet taste with a hint of cinnamon and pieces of dried apple scattered throughout. The Cranberry Delight had plenty of dried cranberries which provided a chewier texture. I liked both flavors but preferred the Cranberry. Maybe because it tasted slightly sweeter to me.

Granola is not just for breakfast! I made parfaits by combining vanilla yogurt, strawberries, and a topping of granola. Even the kids and my husband were pleased with the results. Need inspiration on how to cook with granola? Nature's Hand has a tempting selection of recipes including Chewy Granola Cookies and Toffee Candy. I plan on making the Chewy Granola Cookies with Cranberry Delight Mix, eliminating the chocolate chips and adding more dried cranberries. Yum!

Nature’s Hand granola is stocked in major food and health retailers across the United States. I found it in my area in my local Earthfare store. It can also be purchased online.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Yum Yum Dishes Make Portion Control Easy

2012-01-14T00:38:00.038-05:00

The "winter blahs" have set in around our home. The holidays are over, it's cold, and it's back to the everyday routine. With the wind howling outside and the temperatures dropping, exercise doesn't seem to be a priority. Instead, sitting by my heater while wrapped in a blanket and holding a snack is my idea of a winter time treat. When I see my children in the kitchen helping themselves to popcorn, potato chips or whatever, I think, "I'd like to have some of that too!" The problem? Portion control.

Yum Yum Dishes were created by a mom who believed in "moderation, not deprivation." These ceramic bowls, available in four cheery colors, allow me to enjoy a 3 ounce snack of my favorite foods. When I reach the bottom of the bowl I find the message, "Yum Yum Time is ....over."

My new Yum Yum bowl came with a lid included. I have found so many uses for this! I can store small amounts of leftovers in my Yum Yum bowl for later snacking. Or I can pack one of my favorite treats when I am running errands. I can have a healthy (or unhealthy!) snack without having to stop to pick something up, saving me time and money. I've also used it to pack snacks in my husband's lunchbox. I like the "child friendly" size option too. This works great for snacks for the seven year old. There's enough to fill him up without wasting any food.

Both the lid and the Yum Yum dish have stood up to my rigorous dishwasher friendly standards. They're also the perfect size for reheating something in the microwave. For anyone not concerned with portion control, these little dishes are great for holding dips, sauces, and dressings.

Yum Yum dishes can be ordered online.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Step into Comfort with Wellness Mats (up for grabs)

2012-01-13T00:37:00.082-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is 242 Schmidty.

I think our kitchen is the most used room in our home. I know I certainly spend the most time in there! Not by choice either. There's always cooking, food prep, or dishes needing to be done. Standing in the kitchen for hours on end can be tiring. While looking around for products to Help Around the House, I stumbled onto Wellness Mats. After discovering This Old House had proclaimed them as "one of their top 100 best new home products" and USA Today has ranked them as "one of the eight must have kitchen gadgets you'll actually use", I was intrigued.

What are Wellness Mats?

Revolutionary anti-fatigue mats ergonomically engineered and medically proven to provide you (and your feet) unsurpassed comfort, safety, relief and well-being.

When our Wellness Mat arrived I was busy and asked my husband to open the box for me. He pulled it out and sat it on the floor. "What is this?" he asked. I explained it was a mat designed to help relieve stress on the body while standing for long periods of time. A few minutes later I noticed he was standing on the mat with a contented look of his face. "This mat feels great!" he said, "If I were a cashier (like our oldest daughter) I would take this to work with me everyday to stand on during my shift." I've noticed he stands on it every time he does any work in our kitchen.

Check out the Wellness Mat Attributes:

Unmatched comfort
Premium 3/4" thick
Edges will never curl
No-trip 20° beveled edge
Anti-microbial (by design)
Puncture and heat resistant
Stain and dirt resistant
Easy to clean
Safe and non-toxic (PVC-Free)
7 Year Warranty!

These mats are unbelievably comfortable. They're so thick and soft. Since our kitchen gets a major amount of traffic I appreciate how easy they are to clean. Not only does dirt and grime wipe out easily, when the cat has a hairball it's a cinch to clean it off this mat. Yes, I am talking from first hand experience.

Wellness Mats would work in any room. Folding laundry? Working in the Garage workshop? Or possibly for my teenagers-standing in front of a mirror putting on makeup. That seems to be a time consuming chore. Available in several sizes and colors, including new seasonal design covers, Wellness Mats have earned a permanent place in my kitchen.

Win It!
One person will receive a Wellness Mat in their choice of color and design.

Read more »

Warm Up With A Mohawk Home Rug (Up for Grabs)

2012-01-12T00:35:00.073-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is
#155 Julie.

I live in the South but since I believe 70 degrees is to cold I often find myself shivering. There's nothing worse than being cold in my own home. Due to my children's asthma and allergy related products I am unable to have carpet in any room in my home. This makes for some frozen tootsies when I am walking around the house in my socks. I wanted something to add color and warmth. I found the perfect mixture with a Mohawk Rug.

Mohawk Home, the rug division of Mohawk Industries, is the largest manufacturer of area rugs, indoor and outdoor mats, and washable rugs in the United States.

Mohawk Home is committed to high quality, ecologically friendly products. Their Karastan wool woven rugs are luxurious, durable, and most importantly, sustainable. The wool originates on the farms of New Zealand, where sheep are shorn every 9 to 12 months to provide a source of highly renewable material. When the wool rugs eventually wear out, the wool is completely biodegradable and returns to the earth as an essential plant nutrient.

I was also impressed with their commitment to use recycled rubber tires to create designer doormats and Everstrand rugs made from recycled Pet plastic bottles. In fact, one of every five recycled bottle in America is recycled by Mohawk.

I've had Mohawk rugs in my home for years and have been impressed with the quality and durability. These rugs hold up to whatever my kids can dish out. Literally. I've scrubbed spills off the rugs to many times to count. I used a Mohawk rug in my Family Room for years. It stood up to heavy foot traffic, bouncing children, and energetic pets.

In my "BC" (before children) days I collected Victorian antiques. I keep several of them in our formal Living Room for "protection." My children refer to this room as a "complete waste of space" and give it a wide berth. I wanted a rug to create warmth and balance. Keeping my feet warm while I would be in there was a plus too.

My Living Room "Before"

While Mohawk makes rugs in Contemporary, Shag, and Transitional, I wanted a "Classic" rug to match the feel of the room. I chose the Westfield Camel Rug. I have to say the picture on line does not do this rug justice. In person it is a lighter tan-which blended in better with our furnishings-and has a pleasingly soft texture.

I was pleased with the outcome. The rug brightened up the entire room and created a focal point, making the room more cohesive. Of course, it didn't hurt that Mitzie (the kitten) was pleased with the new addition as well.

My Living Room "After."

Mohawk rugs are available at Lowes, Home Depot, Bed, Bath, and Beyond, Kohl's, Walmart, Sears, Target, Menards, and Anna's Linens.

Win It!
One person will receive a Mohawk Rug of their choice (up to $149.00). While you are in no way required to do this to enter, feel free to post on the Mohawk Home Facebook Page or your facebook page and let them know which is your favorite rug.

Read more »

Like Clothes? Perk Up Your Wardrobe Part II

2012-01-12T00:09:00.001-05:00

Last week I ~~gushed~~ talked about my love for (certain) thrift shops. My daughter has never shared my joy. She's always been quick to discover name brand clothing though. Humorously, once she began working at a part time job she wasn't as keen to pay the prices for designer duds as she had been when she was attempting to persuade me to fork over the cash.

She learned the "designer on a budget" secret quickly. Consignment Shops. She found one consignment shop filled with designer clothes and was hooked. She found a new Northface jacket for $30. We had looked at (but not purchased!) an identical jacket minutes before for $140. Because consignment shops generally do not accept merchandise over one to two previous seasons there's much more chance of finding an "in style" item.

What are the secrets to finding the best deals at consignment shops?

Browse the clearance rack when you enter the store. The items change weekly and are generally low cost. (Think $2-$5 dollars an item.)
Be sure to check for any defects, wear and tear, or stains on the item before purchase. Consignment items are generally nonrefundable.
Trade in last season's items you no longer want for store credit. You get rid of unwanted clothing and can purchase new. Store credit is usually higher than the cash pay out you would receive.
Try on items before purchasing. It's no bargain if it doesn't look good and you can't wear it.
Find national consignment shop chains for the best selection and most name brands. Or find a consignment shop in a ritzy area.
If you like it, it's a good price, and it fits, grab it. Because selections change quickly it might not be available the next time you shop.

Here's a selection from her shopping foray:
2 Hollister shirts ($5 each)
1 Sonoma Sweater ($5)
1 Bongo Jacket ($5)
1 pair aeropostle khakis for work ($12)

While she's not quite up to par with my shopping trips yet it is encouraging to see she is learning. Have you found any good deals at a consignment shop?

Going Google Thursday

2012-01-11T19:45:00.001-05:00

As many sites will lose their Google Friend Connect ability in March we're being proactive and beginning the switch to Google Plus. Join Just Like June, Three Princes and a Princess 2, and Yes, I Have a Coupon for a hop to increase your Google Plus following.

Beat the Winter Blahs with Wind & Weather (Up for Grabs!)

2012-01-11T00:35:00.079-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is
1039 Karen

The month of January causes me to have serious "blahs." The holidays are over, the weather is cold and dreary and I am sick of being stuck inside my home. I wanted a touch of Spring to cheer me up and tide me over until the Spring Thaw (or in my case, temperatures over 70 degrees.) Tired of being unable to work in my garden outside, I turned to Wind and Weather for comfort. They have specialized in helping people be "At Home with Nature Since 1976.

The idea of a tropical vacation, lounging on the beach, relaxes me. I love the tangy smell of salt in the air, the cool breezes blowing in from the ocean, and walking slowly down the beach combing for shells. To remind me of my happy place, I ordered the Costa Blanca Wreath to hang on my front door.

Floral artisans perfect this arrangement with natural grass, green caspia, white globe, white larkspur, white sea stars, sea urchins, natural phalaris, natural salal and maiden hair fern. Assorted conches, sand dollars and other assorted shells are accented with an ivory sheer ribbon to perfect the elegant look.

This wreath is 22 inches in diameter and sturdy enough to stand up to slammed doors and cold weather. It makes me smile whenever I enter the house. The only problem I have had is its thickness. The wreath is thick and full with plenty of lush coastal foliage. When my glass entrance door is closed (practically all the time), I find the wreath becomes a little squished. For me this is the perfect all season wreath. The white shells add a touch of winter while the coastal grasses and vegetation remind me of a warm summer day.

Wind and Weather has nifty little (and big) gadgets for every room of the home as well as the great outdoors. Lately I have had a lot on my mind. It's easy to forget a birthday, anniversary, or some other event I need to remember. I found this Birthday Reminder Photo Frame on sale for only $7.99.

It can hold family pictures and be programmed to remember important dates I don't want to forget. Actually I might buy one and give it to my family so they will remember my birthday.

I've found all sorts of gift ideas too. Advanced weather instruments for my father in law, garden accents for my mother in law, and even treats for my furbabies. I can see some serious cat action inside the house when they see the One Way Mirror birdfeeder. Or maybe it will at least motivate them to exercise.

Check out all the great gifts (be sure to include some for yourself) at Wind and Weather. Or visit their facebook page for more information.

Win It!
One person will receive a $50 Wind and Weather Gift Certificate.

Read more »

BeKnown Facebook App (and an awesome giveaway!)

2012-01-10T00:34:00.074-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

#101 Trudy Zufelt

The lines between Social Networking have become blurred. When Facebook was created it was seen as a way to reconnect with old friends, stay connected with new friends, and keep family members up to date on the latest happening. While it is still used for those activities, Facebook has expanded and became a major player in the job market scene. As the line between professional network and social network becomes blurry, we need a way to keep the two separate. After all who wants a future boss to see embarrassing family photos or see posts about your teenagers latest drama? To combat this problem, Monster.com recently launched BeKnown, a professional networking app for Facebook.

Since many professionals spend more time on Facebook than any other networking site, Monster wanted to give people the opportunity to network professionally within the world’s largest and most popular social network. BeKnown allows you to set up a professional profile directly on Facebook that is completely separate from your personal Facebook page (think along the lines of a network within a network). It also lets you conduct a job search of Monster's database of jobs without ever leaving BeKnown or Facebook. By tapping into the networks of their Facebook friends, professionals can easily connect, send messages, and see who among their existing contacts is connected to a company, job opportunity, or person they are interested in.

Here's a tutorial explaining how it works:

Think of it as a network within a network. You choose what you will share with companies, allowing you to create a professional appearance and network with other like minded professionals. The family and friends stuff? It's still there but not mixed with the business side. How great is that?

Once you create a Beknown profile you can can view and apply for jobs, see information from companies, and apply for jobs without ever leaving Facebook. Your resume will be available online, making it simple and painless to print. You can even be automatically matched with available jobs that fit your profile. The app is available in 19 languages making it a job hunter's dream.

Installing the app takes only a few minutes. Once it is uploaded, fill out the information requested (or upload from Monster.com) and it prepares a professional resume. Once this is completed there is a section to ask for endorsements. I like this because it allows people you have worked with to recommend you.

Interested in learning more about this great new tool? Check out the guided tour. The BeKnown app is also available for Mobile phones, iPhone, and Androids.

Win It!
In celebration of the BeKnown Facebook App, you can win a BeKnown Survival Kit including an

Ulta makeup kit
$10 Starbucks gift card
Professional Business Card Holder

Quick Cooking- Peppermint Bark

2012-01-10T00:02:00.000-05:00

It's Time for Kitchen Fixin's With June where we make something quick, easy, and tasty. My friends ply me with home made goodies during the holidays. I want to reciprocate but I don't want to spend hours at the stove cooking. This recipe takes only two ingredients (or three if you want to get crazy.)

Ingredients:
8 ounces White Chocolate Bark or White Chocolate Chips (I use chips. They're cheaper.)
6 ounces Wrapped Peppermint Candy (Or use spearmint candy or a mixture of both)

Unwrap the candy. This could be time consuming but challenge the kids to an unwrapping contest. See who can unwrap the most pieces the quickest. This really works! Next, place the candy in the food processor and grate into small chunks. Or place the candy in a plastic bag and hit it a few times with a hammer. I couldn't find the hammer so I used a wrench. It's good for releasing frustrations.

Meanwhile melt the chips in the microwave for one minute. Stir. If not completely melted microwave for 30 more seconds. Mix in the peppermint candy.

Spread on a piece of waxed paper (or some plastic wrap sprayed with cooking spray). Freeze until firm. It took around 10 to 15 minutes for me. Remove from freezer and break into pieces. ~~Devour~~. Share with friends.

Pin It

Take Over Tuesday--Google + edition

2012-01-09T21:14:00.000-05:00

Join the members of Collective Media Magic for a New Google + Hop. Remember, Google Friend Connect is going away on all non Blogger blogs in March.

Welcome to Take Over Tuesday, a Facebook,Twitter, and Google+ hop.

Your Hostesses are:

Closer to Lucy

Just Like June (formerly The Thrifty Things)

Have Sippy Will Travel

3 Princes and a Princess 2

Each week we will have either hop on Twitter, Facebook, G+ Hop.

This week is G+

**Reminder: Because of the pending GFC changes we thought we'd take a proactive approach and run G+ for the next several Tuesdays in order to help boost everyone's G+ buzz**

<a href="http://www.closertolucy.com/"><img src="http://i270.photobucket.com/albums/jj112/crystalpw/Image2-3.jpg"/></a>

Now leave your Google+ link in the linky and follow your hostesses. We will follow you back.

Follow as many people as you like and leave a comment on their page to let them know you are a fan. Remember, following back is appreciated!

Get Your Recipes in Gear with Cook'n Software Up for Grabs!

2012-01-09T00:32:00.114-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

I have a huge recipe collection. Living in the South family dinners, potlucks, bar-b-ques and anything involving food is a social event. I always come home with a new recipe. Finally I decided to organize my recipes into some semblance of order. I thought creating a recipe book with favorites I had collected over the years would be simple. Nope. Someone misplaced my recipe book. I'm not sure which member of the family to blame since everyone constantly moves things in the cabinet I had it in. I needed something no one would lose. Something easy for me to find. Something that organizes my recipes for me.

No one can lose my recipe book since I have switched to Cook'N Recipe Organizer. This is software, created for PC and Mac, allowing me to save all my favorite recipes. Using the Recipe Manager, which has a feature that looks like a traditional recipe card, adding recipes is simple. The "Quick-Fill" feature even does part of the typing for me. If anyone asks me for a recipe I can print the recipe on a 3" by 5" or 4" by 6" card or email it to them.

Another feature I like is the Ingredient Calculator. Because I sometimes have to take a large amount of food to a get together, I have to determine how many ingredients I need to use. Usually I use the "mix it together and see if it looks right" method. I've done this for years so it works. With the Recipe Organizer I enter the amount of people I'm serving into the recipe and viola! It calculates the correct number of ingredients. No more "That doesn't look quite right add more whatever" for me.

Maybe I'm the only person who does this but I am a terrible menu planner. Some evenings I find myself standing the kitchen thinking, "What am I going to make tonight?" Cook'N lets me drag my recipes to the day of the week I want to serve them, print them to post in my kitchen, and generates a shopping list I can take to the store. It's a money saver too! Now I don't have to worry about not having an ingredient I need and having to make a trip to the store.

What else does Cook'N do?

Export your cookbooks to your blog

Cook'n even has a feature where you can export recipes onto the worldwide web to share with all of your extended family and friends!

Print entire cookbooks with title page, table of contents, and index!

Take the hassle out of publishing your very own cookbooks. Cook'n makes it easy by automatically including these essentials for your electronic cookbooks that you create from Cook'n.

Create and organize cookbooks with different chapters

Cook'n has simple cookbook-like chapters and categories that make it easy to find your recipes fast.

Cook'N has an amazing guarantee. If you aren't completely satisfied with their software (within the first 30 days) they will refund your purchase price and buy you the recipe software of your choice.

Tip: It requires 1GIG RAM and 300MB Hard disk space for the download.

Win It!
One person will receive a Cook'N Recipe Organizer download.

Read more »

Giveaway Gala--Add your giveaways!

2012-01-08T19:11:00.000-05:00

Come link up your giveaways at the Giveaway Gala and have them featured on all the Collective Media Magic Sites.

Just Like June
Weaver Chicken Nuggets 1/13

Oransi Fridge Air Purifier 1/20

A Turtles Take: Sammy's Adventures 1/20

3 Princes and a Princess 2
Honeywell ultrasonic Humidifier 1/19
$325 dollars worth of Gift Cards to sneakpeeq multiple winners 01/13

The Superior Nut Company $25 GC 1/23

Closer to Lucy
Blessed Elements Sculptured Necklace ~ 1/21

Have Sippy Will Travel
Kidorable Umbrella ends Jan 30
Go Babyz Travel Carseat ends Jan 27
Zoobies ends Jan 25

Get Ready for Xtreme Cooking with Xtrema Cookware!

2012-01-08T00:42:00.085-05:00

Anytime the temperature drops below my comfort zone (65 degrees) I am ready to stay in the house. To make my cozy day inside more delightful I try to prepare a pot of soup. This is enough to drive my children into strong hysterics. "Another pot of soup?" I have recipes for all types. Minestrone, Chicken chili, Cheddar Corn Chowder. My kids hate them all. It doesn't stop me though. Soup is fast, easy, healthy and makes me feel warm.

Making soup become much easier once I received a 4 Quart Covered Ceramic Soup Pot from Cermancor. Not only does it have a major cuteness factor going , it's designed to take advantage of far-infrared heat. Put in simple terms for those of us who didn't know what that was, your food is cooked evenly, with the inside being cooked the same time as the outside. You’ll have chili and soups that are heated throughout, without any uneven spots you’d get from other cooking methods.

I first tried my soup pot to make Taco Soup. From the moment I tried it I was sold. I was able to serve the soup in the same pot I had cooked it in which meant no extra dishes to wash. Did I mention it can go in the dishwasher? Yay! No need for special hand washing. Another plus was the handles and lid. The lid holds in heat (keeping the soup warm on all the nights my family doesn't show up at the correct time.) The handles and lid stay cool too. I was able to carry the pot directly to the table without using oven mitts. While I don't recommend doing this, I grabbed the lid of the pot while the soup was boiling. I was talking to one of the kids and didn't realize I hadn't used an oven mitt until after I had picked it up. Thankfully it was cool to the touch.

Another plus is the design. Usually when using my sauce pot I stir whatever I am cooking a little too vigorously and it splashes on my hand. I still have the scar from the time I was cooking toffee at 312 degrees and splashed it onto my thumb. Using my soup pot I was able to stir and keep everything in the pot.

Here's some of the features of Xtrema Products:

Non-scratch: You have the freedom to use any utensils: nylon, silicone and wooden.
Versatile: Built to withstand extreme heat and cold, each piece can go directly from oven to freezer. Whether you want to cook on the stovetop, broiler, grill or microwave, you can do it all with Xtrema.
Easy to Clean: Spend more time enjoying your food and less time cleaning up after it with Xtrema’s sinfully easy clean up … you can even stick it in the dishwasher!
Practical: With Xtrema, your cooking time is reduced and your food will stay hotter longer.
Healthy: Your food will not only taste better, it will be healthier as no trace metals or chemicals leach from the non-toxic ceramic glaze surface.
100% Green: Not only is cooking with Xtrema healthy for your family, it’s also friendly to the environment. From the earthy-friendly production practices and inorganic natural minerals used in construction to the safe ceramic glaze alternative to harmful PFOA coatings of most other popular non-stick cookware, Xtrema is eco-friendly.
Handcrafted: Each piece is handcrafted to uphold the strict quality standards of the world’s finest ceramic cookware.

One tip: Make sure you have a firm grip on the cookware. If it falls it might break. I had an Xtrema Skillet I loved. It cooked evenly and I never burnt anything. When it slipped from my bottom kitchen cabinet, falling about six inches, it broke. This soup pot has been moved so it has no chance of slipping! However, Ceramcor promises to replace any ceramic part of your Xtrema product that breaks from hot or cold temperatures within fifty years from date of purchase.

Check out all their products here.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Stay Warm with a Honeywell Heater

2012-01-07T00:55:00.076-05:00

The running joke among my family and friends is how cold natured I am. "Oh, Pam's cold. It must be 60 degrees outside." Our kids call me "the heat miser." Each Christmas they gleefully sing, "She's Mrs. Heat Miser, she's Mrs. Sun....she wishes it were 101."

This year-until this week-our winter has been mild. That was a good thing because in October our central heat and air went out. Poof! One minute it worked, another it didn't. We have a few wall mounted gas heaters, since we live in an area where the electricity goes out frequently. Amazingly, I forgot it was not working. Believe me, that's a first!

When the temperature decided to drop into the teens, with a gusty wind, I began feeling the chill. No heat in any of our bedrooms or bathrooms due to strict regulations regarding the placement of gas heaters meant freezing areas in our home. I dragged out our new Honeywell HZ-860 EnergySmart™ ThermaWave Ceramic Heater.

The Honeywell HZ-860 EnergySmart™ ThermaWave Ceramic Heater uses ThermaWave technology to send a quiet wave of warm air around the room, spreading the heat more evenly than traditional fans. It also features Smart™ technology, which regulates electricity flow based on temperature for precise temperature control and energy savings.

My new best friend.

It only took me a minute to assemble the heater to its base and have it plugged in and ready to go in my family room. This little heater can be set on 65, 70, 75, or 80 degrees and can be programmed to run continuously or cut off when the preset temperature is reached. I have been singing its praises (literally, with my "Ode to the Heater" song designed to drive my kids crazy) since I began using it.

What are some features I love about this heater?

It doesn't tip over. I've backed into it twice and it stays in place.
Unlike gas heaters it is cool to the touch. No worries about the kids or cats burning themselves. I watched one of the cats stand up, put both paws on the heater, and stand there. (Possibly getting warm?)
It's quiet. Although it makes a gentle whirring noise, it's a pleasant sound.
It heats up a room like you wouldn't believe! Even my husband complimented what a great job it was doing with his statement, "That heater really works!"

Other features include:

Digital LED lights show current room temperature and desired temperature
Energy usage indicator shows amount of energy used
High and Low fan speeds
Programmable thermostat
Carry handle
Tip-Over Protection shuts heater off if tipped
Overheat Protection Device
Extra-Wide Sturdy Base

Plus, I'm saving on my heating bills! Ceramic heaters heat more quickly than radiant heaters, and use less electricity. Plus, the ceramic body stays at a lower temperature than radiant heaters, making them safer around pets and small children. Who doesn't want to save on their electricity bills this winter?

Interested in seeing how much you can saveon your heating bills? Check out the Honeywell Heat Savings page. Use the saving calculator to see the difference using a Honeywell Heater can make!

Please see my disclosure notice here.

What to Know About Eye Care Before Your Next Exam

2012-01-06T21:35:00.000-05:00

I come from a long line of people with poor vision. My husband is even worse. On our honeymoon we decided to go for a swim. He removed his contacts and we walked to the pool. When he feel off the sidewalk because he didn’t see it, I discovered new meaning to the phrase “Blind as a Bat.” I knew our children would be subject to vision problems and I wanted to be prepared.

According to the American Optometric Association, almost one in three Americans suffers from some degree of nearsightedness. For those of us who need to learn more, check out Zeiss educational tools, a free service provided by Zeiss lenses.

As a global player in the state-of-the-art technology world, Carl Zeiss has offered a broad spectrum of optical solutions for far more than a century. The company is engaged in activities ranging from the manufacturing of highest performance microscopes to research to the designing and manufacturing advanced eyeglass lenses.

I was able to learn:
• 1. Facts to know about vision and lenses
• 2. Tips for selecting an eye doctor
• 3. Questions to ask at your next eye appointment
• 4. Facts to know about age-related vision changes

Because I have spent (literally) hundreds of hours at Ophthalmologist offices, including a visit for my daughter who developed a rare eye disease only 1 person in a million will ever have, I thought I was pretty savvy about vision facts. When I began reading through their information I realized how uninformed I was. I didn’t realize the variety of coating options available for lenses, the importance of choosing the right type of glasses, or questions to ask our doctor.

As expensive as health care is preventative care can save money and possible save your vision too.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures DVD up for grabs

2012-01-06T00:16:00.029-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

A Turtle's Tale: Sammy's Adventures begins as 50 year old Sammy looks back over his life and begins to share his adventures. Based on the actual trajectory of a sea turtle’s life, Sammy describes his life, his frustration with love, and the problems he's faced over the years.

Born on a Baja, California beach in 1959, new hatchling Sammy must do what his fellow newborn sea turtles are doing: race across the beach to the ocean before a seagull or crab captures them. Thus begins Sammy’s incredible fifty-year ocean journey. Along the way he meets his best friend, a fellow turtle named Ray, and overcomes obstacles both natural and man-made while trying to fulfill his dream of travelling around the world. Throughout his travels, Sammy never forgets about Shelly – the turtle he saved on his first day and loves passionately from afar. Based on the actual course of a sea turtle’s life, this story of one creature’s breathtaking journey is a thrilling voyage the whole family will enjoy.

Sammy is a cute little turtle and the film features an all star cast for the voice talents. With several well known musical artists, the soundtrack is definitely worth a listen. The film focuses on a strong message about Global Warming and its effects. Released by Vivendi Entertainment with a running time 86 minutes, Sammy the Turtle teaches environmental lessons and lessons about friendship.

Read more »

Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier Up for Grabs!

2012-01-05T00:18:00.084-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

The inside of my fridge seems to attract odors. It probably doesn't help that the kids -and hubby-forget to cover dishes they stick in there. Onions? Tuna? Sure, no problem. No other foods will pick up these odors! Do I try to combat these odors? Yes. I added a box of baking soda to my fridge. No matter where I place that box someone knocks it over. I tried putting it in a small plastic bowl. No success. My kids are infected with the clumsy gene.

I needed a safe-nonbreakable, spill proof- way to clean the fridge and discovered The Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier. When I opened the box I was surprised. I had expected something a little bigger since it promised to "cleans the air in my refrigerator so it smells amazing." Instead it measures 4 inches tall and about 2 1/2 inches wide. It weighs in at around two ounces. This is a plus for me. I can slide it toward the back of the fridge where there is little chance of it getting knocked over. The sturdy construction means it won't break if it does. (Note: It needs two AA batteries which aren't included. Be sure to have some on hand. The batteries are simple to install. No tools needed to pry the back off the purifier.)

What's special about the Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier?

There's nothing to spill! No worrying about opening the fridge to find the food covered in white powder (from the baking soda).
It's silent. When I open my door to the fridge I don't want to freak out because I think my fridge is making noise. I forget when I put things inside and search for the noises before I remember what's going on.
It uses a Patented Piezo-electric ionizer which is safe for the environment and safe for people.
The batteries (when added) last for approximately 90 days. The led light warns when the battery power is low so I never have to worry I will have no notice before it quits working.
It doesn't have any filters that need to be replaced, saving me time -from having to hunt filters- and money.
The built-in micro processor controls the operation of the air purifier so it will cycle on and off to save battery life.

I have a fresher smelling fridge and nothing to worries about spills-from the baking soda at least. What's not to like? The Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier includes an one year warranty and is on sale now. Buy it online for free shipping.

Win It!
One person will receive an Oransi Ionic Fridge Air Purifier.
Read more »

Like Clothes? Perk Up Your Wardrobe on a Budget

2012-01-05T00:09:00.001-05:00

I'm definitely not June Cleaver. I'll never be a perfect mom or housewife. My motto? Simplify, simplify. If I can find tips, crafts, or other ideas to simplify my life and save money, I'm all for it. This new series, Household Help with June, is designed to -maybe-make others lives a little easier or to help save a little dough. And most of us could use that, right?

I admit it. I love clothes. What I don't love is spending a ton of money on them. My husband will be happy to tell you I can unerringly walk past aisles of clothing and find the only item I like is the most expensive in the store. How to I combat this and still have a wardrobe? Thrift stores! (Well, okay, one thrift store that I love--which happens to be in another city. Since we no longer stay there I make a special trip twice a year to stock up. Never tried them?

Here's some hints to help you have a good shopping experience:

Find a thrift store in a ritzy area (or on the edge of the ritzy area.) Many times they will have designer label clothing--sometimes with the tags still on them--for a fraction of the cost.
Make a list of the items you need before you go. On my last trip I knew I needed sweaters for myself, ties, white shirts, and dress pants for my hubby.
If possible, don't take the kids. It's easier to look over the selection without them.
Check each item carefully for any defects.
Try on the items before you leave the store. (Some stores have dressing rooms.) Thrift stores have a no return policy.
Look for special "tag" sales. Most stores have colored tags and reduce items up to 70% off by tag color.
Don't buy it unless you absolutely love it. No matter what the price it's not a bargain if you don't wear it. (Exception: Sometimes I buy things I can wear around the house. Last week I purchased a Land's End Jacket in perfect condition-except I didn't like the color-for $1.20. Since I planned to use it while on exercise walks I splurged.)
Make a budget and stick with it. It's easy to get carried away with bargains.

Want to see my results from my last trip? I had a budget of $100 from my Christmas money. I did blow my budget by spending $100.54 (tax included) but I thought it was worth it.

Ignore the nosy cat in the pictures.

I know, I need to iron that white shirt.

What did I get?
For Bryan
4 pairs Dockers
6 ties (one not pictured. Bryan wore it to work)
2 white button downs
1 Totes Jacket

For Me-possibly shared with the girls, blech
1 Express dress (perfect with leggings!)
1 Express shirt
1 Rue 21 sweater
1 Dress Barn sweater (not pictured, I forgot it was still drying when I made pictures)
1 Land's End Sweatshirt
1 Land's End jacket
1 pair Old Navy Sweatpants
1 toboggan
1 Planet Gold Sweater
1 Nine Company Sweater
1 More by Lala shirt
1 Sweater Coat
1 Jones New York Jacket
1 "Sweater Sweater" jacket
1 Ralph Lauren sweater
1 Lillie Ruben sweater

Not to bad a haul, it beat department store prices, and the clothing was in excellent condition. Humorously, the kids do not like to wear clothing from thrift stores. Imagine my surprise when I returned from my day trip and my oldest said, "I wanted to go with you! I wanted some clothing too!"

What's the best find you've ever gotten at a thrift store?

A Mile In His Shoes DVD Up for Grabs!

2012-01-04T00:19:00.002-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

I'm not a sports fan. When football games are on I cheer the time clock. "Yes! Yes! It's almost over! Noooooo! Don't call a time out!" The feeling carries over to other sports related activities as well. Obviously, watching movies about baseball is not on my top ten list. The guys in my family, however, are happy to see anything remotely related to sports. I planned A Mile in His Shoes as a treat for them. Then, I found it was based on a true story (The Legend of Mickey Tussler) of a boy who has Asperger's.

Only a miracle can help baseball coach Arthur 'Murph' Murphy (Dean Cain) and his losing minor league baseball team. As Murph sets out to recruit new talent for the team, he stumbles upon Mickey (Luke Schroder), a young farmer with an incredible pitcher's arm. However, Mickey's parents are reluctant in allowing him to join the team because he has Asperger's syndrome, a form of autism. Murph convinces Mickey's parents that life in the minor league will benefit their unique son, but he doesn't realize just how much his new recruit will help the team s game and, more importantly, their spirit. Based on a true story, Thomas Kinknade Presents: A Mile in His Shoes is an inspirational film that celebrates faith, determination and the power of friendship.

This is definitely a feel good, family film. While I didn't mean to get caught up in the story -because it's baseball- it's impossible not to root for Mickey. It didn't hurt that Dean Cain (the cutie from Superman) was in the film too. This is a perfect family night film. As a former Special Ed teacher, it's great to see anyone with Special Needs treated in a positive, uplifting way.

Each package includes a limited edition 4" by 6" Thomas Kinkade painting and bonus features.

Read more »

The Garfield Show: Dinosaurs and Animal Adventures DVD up for grabs!

2012-01-03T00:15:00.042-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

When I was growing up I loved Garfield the Cat. He and I shared some of the same characteristics- our mutual hatred of Mondays and our love of lasagna. In this newest episode, to be released on January 10th, Garfield returns with all of his friends for a new set of adventures in The Garfield Show: Dinosaur and Animal Adventures.

Everyone's favorite cat is at it again! Join this larger than life feline and his animal friends as they embark on a series of adventures from digging up dinosaur bones, working with farm animals and discovering life under the sea. No stone is left unturned as Garfield takes us through the history of dogs, attends a pet show and even prepares to eat a pet goldfish! Being part of the animal kingdom has never been any more exciting!

The animation is different from the classic newsprint cartoon. The characters of Garfield have a modern 3d quality that seems to bring them to life. Containing six episodes, Down on the Farm,
The Pet Show, Bone Diggers, Underwater World, Fish to Fry, and History of Dogs, the dvd has a running time of 72 minutes.

The seven year old enjoyed the video and had a good time checking out the games at The Garfield Show Website. For those of us who grew up with Garfield it's nice seeing how he has made the transition into the modern age.

Win It!
One person will receive The Garfield Show: Dinosaurs and Animal Adventures DVD.

Read more »

Quick Cooking-Oreo Truffles

2012-01-03T00:09:00.031-05:00

Let's face it--we all want our food to taste good. However, that doesn't mean we have hours to spend in the kitchen to achieve that goal. I've developed a new feature for 2012--Almost June Kitchen Fixin's. We still have great tasting food in a fraction of the time, with only a few ingredients, and we can claim credit for being good cooks. What's not to like? It's win-win all the way around!

I got this Oreo Truffle Recipe from one of my husband's coworkers who had to share this recipe with me and give me a sample so I would be "forced" into making a batch for my family. It's amazing and takes three ingredients. They disappear quickly too. I sat out a plate of these on Christmas Day and came home with none.

Ingredients:
One 8 ounce package cream cheese, softened
1 package of Oreos, crushed (I use double stuff)
1 package (8 ounces) of white chocolate chips or 8 ounces of white chocolate candy bark
(I used white chocolate chips because they were cheaper)

Mix the crushed oreos and cream cheese together. I had to use a mixer to get them well blended. When well blended, roll the oreo/cream cheese mixture into balls. Freeze until firm. (It took about 20 minutes for me.)

When the candy is firm, remove from freezer. Melt the white chocolate chips in the microwave on high for 1 minute. Stir. If not all melted, microwave for approximately 30 more seconds. Roll the candy balls in the white chocolate mixture. Freeze again until chocolate is firm. (It took about 10 minutes for me).

I don't have a picture of the finished truffles but they look good and taste even better.

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Giveaway Gala--Add your giveaways!

2012-01-02T10:53:00.001-05:00

Come link up your giveaways at the Giveaway Gala and have them featured on all the Collective Media Magic Sites.

Just Like June
$50 HP Gift Certificate 1/6
Microsoft Home and Business 1/6

Rock N Roll Trivia Board Game 1/6

Have Sippy Will Travel
Gogo Babyz Travel Stroller Car Seat 1/27
Zoobies 1/25
Hearts for Hearts Girls Dolls 1/13

3 Princes and a Princess 2
Dino Dan Prize Pack 3 Winners 01/16
$325 dollars worth of Gift Cards to sneakpeeq boutique 01/13
Frosted Toast Crunch Prize Pack 01/16

Girl's Night with Piggy Paint (up for grabs)

2012-01-02T00:14:00.037-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

Little girls want to be just like their moms (until they become teenagers and don't.) With cold, dark winter evenings making it difficult to do things together outside, why not have a mother-daughter night with manis and pedis? Since most of us aren't keen on having chemicals soaked into our kids skin, Piggy Paint has developed a line of natural, nontoxic, odorless nail polish. We tried the Mistle Toes (clever!) Gift Set with Red, Green, and clear polish.

Piggy Paint makes a ton (well, 18) of creative colors. None of that boring stuff I had when I was a kid. The names are fun too-Ice Cream Dream, Dragons Tears, Mac-N-Cheese please. I noticed they also had two exciting (for me) paints-Puppy Paint and Spirit Paint. Puppy Paint is just that-a nontoxic nail polish which can be used on the family dog. I know as many times as the girls painted my in-law's dog, he would have been happy to have had Puppy Paint used on him.

Spirit Paint is a collection of paint that matches the colors of 13 college teams. They're mostly Southern teams but I live in Georgia and was thrilled to see The Georgia collection!

The hypoallergenic formula dries to a hard, durable finish that can easily be removed with their eco-friendly, low odor Piggy Paint nail polish remover. It is free of formaldehyde, toluene, phthalates, biphenyl A, ethyl acetate and acetone. That's good because I've noticed that little fingers find their way to mouths pretty easily.

Thanks to Piggy Paint all the girls in the family and our unfortunate dog will have stylish nails this winter.

Win It!
One person will receive a $15 Piggy Paint Gift Certificate.

Read more »

Keep the Pets Content with Kyjen

2012-01-01T00:13:00.049-05:00

This is our first Christmas with our new dog, Rio. When we adopted him from the animal shelter, we weren't sure what to expect. We were warned he was shy and to expect him to be nervous and cowering for a few weeks. Instead, he seemed to realize he had been rescued and was affectionate from the beginning. We discovered he knew how to "fetch". Chasing toys around the house was his favorite past time. This year, he had a Kyjen Christmas. Their mission is to "design and make unique quality products that keep dogs active and engaged."

When he opened his Hide A Squirrel Junior (with a little help), I knew we had found a hit. This puzzle exercise a dog’s natural instinct to search, stalk and capture its prey, as well as strengthening eye-paw coordination skills. Toy inserts can be replaced over and over again for endless entertainment and fun! Although my son claims these look more like chipmunks than squirrels, I've spent hours stuffing them back into their "tree" while Rio pulls them back out. He also enjoys chasing the squirrels around the house whenever someone throws them and *strangely* carrying around the "tree."

I wish I could have gotten more pictures of him playing with his toys because he is adorable but by the time my camera makes the picture he's grabbed the toy and ran off.

As much as he loves his squirrels, I think he loves his "Mini Invincible Dog" more. He meets us at the door with his dog, ready to play. He brings this little dog to us to toss constantly. When he's not bringing it to us, he carries it around in his mouth. It makes a squeaking sound he loves when he bites it which adds to his enjoyment. These are designed to be invincible and it has held up to constant wear and tear plus random chewing.

Because we don't want anyone to think our dog is not "styling and profiling" he has his own Outword Hound Eco Carrier in SpottyDot. The Eco Carrier is a lightweight fully enclosed durable pet carrier that is an economic alternative to the ordinary ugly cardboard carriers. Made from the same eco-friendly, post-consumer fiber commonly used in reusable grocery bags. Reinforced seams and long over the shoulder handles allow for easy transportation of animals up to 25lbs.

While Rio doesn't seem to be as pleased with being carried in his Eco Carrier, the cats love it. Maybe we could change the name to Outward Paws.

Interested in boycotting boring with your pet? Kyjen believes in having real people test their products. A few times a year they have Dog Toy Testers to try out their latest products. I know Rio has already thrown his name in the hat!

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Be Spill Free with The Safe Sporter

2011-12-31T00:47:00.056-05:00

My daughter is the dare devil of the family. She's into the "extreme" sports none of the rest of us want to try. My idea of exercise is a brisk two mile walk. Her idea? Slipping and sliding through muddy caves or traversing up the side of mountains. She asked me for a strong, durable water bottle to take on her treks. The Safe Sporter from Kidbasix is made from stainless steel. That means it can be banged around, stepped on, and suffer other abuse and still be usable. (Note: This is not something I recommend doing to water bottles. It just happens around our home.) Available in 12 and 16 ounce sizes, this has become the new bottle of choice on her outings.

While she loves the durable, spill free aspect, I like the environmental and money saving aspects. Before I decided to "go green" a few years ago, I bought water bottles. Not only are they expensive, the plastic going in to our landfills takes years to disintegrate. With the Safe Sporter each bottle of filtered water from our sink costs only pennies and it can be reused over and over.

What are the awesome features of the Safe Sporter?
The Mud Cap- closes and keeps all things nasty off the spout. Honestly, when she is caving "mud flap" is the perfect name.
The Pull Spout- designed so even small children can open it.
Wide Mouth- designed to be able to add ice cubes to the beverage. Who wants hot drinks in the summer?
TPR Sleeve-provides insulation for hands in the summer. Who wants to grab the stainless steel filled with icy liquid and have your hands freeze?
Plastic Coaster-acts just like a coaster, protecting the furniture. It fits into the cup holder too!
Stainless Steel Vessel- It's made from food grade stainless steel. No BPA's, No phthalates, nothing that could hurt the environment or us.

The Safe Sporter is dishwasher safe (an important consideration for me!). Although it is not recommended for carbonated beverages-due to leakage- or pulpy beverages-which could clog the spout- the Safe Sporter can be used on any other beverages.

Have younger children? Kid Basix makes The Safe Starter, baby bottles, and The Safe Sippy, for toddlers. The Safe Sporter can be purchased at these online Retailers.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Easy, Breezy Beautiful (10-15 Minute) New Year’s Eve Appetizers!

2011-12-30T15:05:00.000-05:00

I don’t know about you, but I find the holidays to be exhausting. We just finished a marathon 25 days of holiday parties, diehard shop-till-you-drop days and an unending demand upon our creativity and pantry to provide scrumptious appetizers, fancy hors d’ oeuvres, and on top of it all dinners fit for a king for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. And just when you think it’s all said and done, BAM. New Year’s Eve hits! If you suddenly find yourself scrambling to find something, anything to bring with to one more round of holiday parties, I’ve got some ideas to save the day. These appetizers are easy, breezy & beautiful. Whoever said food and cosmetics had nothing in common after all? Plus, depending on your mood, I’ve got options on the “healthy side” and those leaned slightly the “other” direction.

Appetizers on the “Healthy Side”

Hummus & Pitas: Pick up a decadent flavor of hummus (I highly recommend tomato basil) and whip up some homemade baked pitas. Purchase pitas (whole grain are the best!), cut into triangle shapes with a pizza cutter. Place on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with sea salt. Bake until just browned. Once arranged delicately on a tray with hummus in the center, you’ve got a gorgeous, elegant, simple, and delicious option to get things kicked off with.

Hot Artichoke Dip: If you’d like to get even richer than hummus and whip up your own dip, I highly recommend a hot artichoke dip. My favorite is a really quick one from
Simply Recipes. 3 minute prep, 5 minute cook time!

Ingredients:

Artichokes, 2 14 oz. cans of artichokes (water, not oil)
Parmesan cheese, 2 cups freshly grated
Soy Mayonnaise, 1 cup (can use regular if you prefer)
Salt & Pepper to season

Drain artichokes, chop roughly. Combine first three ingredients into a microwave safe bowl, heat on high for 5 minutes when you’ve arrived at party and right before serving. Stop to stir occasionally and add salt and pepper at the end. Serve with fresh, warm, thinly sliced bread; roasted rosemary bread is my favorite.

Steamed Edamame: It doesn’t get easier than steaming edamame, but it’s one of the most delicious appetizers you can whip up. Steam, drain, fill up a large glass bowl and toss with olive oil and sea salt.

Roasted Nuts: For the sophisticated party, you can’t go wrong with Rosemary Roasted Almonds. This will literally take you 3 minutes to make 20 minutes to bake (while you’re showering). {Adapted from Two Peas & Their Pod.)

Ingredients:

Almonds, 2 cups
Olive oil, 1 tablespoon
Rosemary, 1 Tablespoon (fresh and finely chopped)
Sea Salt, 2/4 teaspoon
Pepper, to season

Toss ingredients together in large bowl, spread out on baking sheet and roast until lightly toasted, approximately 20 minutes.

Mini Rustic Flatbread Pizzas: These are my favorite thing to show up with. They look extremely impressive and time consuming, but they literally take almost no time to make and you can toss them in the oven when you get to the party for the freshest, most delicious food at the entire party. Simply buy some pre-made whole grain or white pizza dough (found in the deli section). Roll out into mini pizza crusts (5 inches across is a good goal). Brush on some olive oil, toss on some fresh tomatoes, a handful of fresh basil and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese. Wanna get even fancier? This page on Rustic Crust has some of my favorites: Maryland Blue Crab, Cranberry & Brie, Red Pepper & Herb, Fresh Fig and Prosciutto, Rustic Antipasto, and more.

Options on the “Sweeter Side”

Dark Chocolate Ganache Brownies: This one might just push the 10 minute prep time, but it’s so worth it! Simply whip up a box of your favorite brownies (I prefer Betty Crocker, they’re the gooiest and moistest in my opinion). You can make these a day ahead even so all you’ve got left come party day is the topping (best part!). Combine 8 ounces of semi-sweet or dark chocolate (the richer the bar and higher the fat content, the better) and 8 ounces of heavy whipping cream into a microwave safe bowl. Heat 2 minutes, stir. Heat another minute or two until chocolate is melted and you can whisk it into cream. Whisk well until you are left with a silky mixture. Pour over warmed sliced brownies. (A dollop of ice cream on top wouldn’t hurt…)

Chocolate & Fruit: Of course, almost nothing is quite as fun as simply dipping fresh fruit in warm chocolate. If you have a warming pot or fondue pot, all you have to do is heat up chocolate and show up with a variety of your favorite fruits sliced into bite sized pieces. Sure to be a hit.

Crepe Bar: Make up a batch of crepes ahead of time (see easy breezy recipe below) and then set up a “crepe bar” complete with things like fresh berries, honey, powered sugar and of course, whip cream! So fun, so festive, so easy! Recipe adapted from AllRecipes.

Ingredients:

Flour, 1 ½ cups
Sugar, 1 tablespoon
Baking powder, 1/2 teaspoon
Salt, ½ teaspoon
Milk, 2 cups
Butter, 2 tablespoons
Vanilla extract, ½ teaspoon
Eggs, 2
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder and salt. Stir in the remaining ingredients and mix until smooth. Heat a lightly oiled griddle or frying pan over medium high heat. Pour or scoop the batter onto the griddle, using approximately 1/4 cup for each crepe. Cook each crepe approximately 2 minutes, till lightly brown. Flip, cook 2 more minutes. If serving later, stack crepes with wax paper between each one and cover pile with a dry cloth.
Here’s to bringing in the New Year with less stress, more good eats and more wonderful gatherings with the best of our friends! Enjoy!

Image Credit: Brownies – FunandFoodCafe
Image Credit: Mini Pizzas – wildgypsies.tumblr.com via Malina on Pinterest

Author Jocelyn Anne writes for Air and Water full time and branches out into guest blogging whenever she gets the chance.

Ring in the New Year with The Old Farmer's Almanac (up for grabs)

2011-12-30T00:45:00.048-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

Growing up on a farm was rough for a city girl like me. My parents believed in having a huge garden (think around five acres). I absolutely hated working in the garden and spent as much time as possible planning ways to prevent it. Cooking the lunch or dinner? Sure. Cleaning the house? Sure. Mowing the yard? Sure. Hauling hay? Okay. Hoeing, weeding, or picking veggies? Nope, nope, nope.

The only thing I liked about having a huge garden was reading The Old Farmer's Almanac. We used this for planting schedules. I made sure to check these schedules to see if we were planting at the correct time. Not because I personally cared when the crops were planted but if it wasn't the right time I could avoid extra work. I was fascinated by the trivia and stories included in the almanac too.
I learned all kinds of facts that amazed grownups when I shared those tidbits with them. Here's some of the facts I've culled from the 2012 Almanac:

*How to forecast rain with an onion
*How to hypnotize a chicken
*All About Spit (Wacky Wisdom from the Tip of the Tongue)
And that's not counting the useful gardening tips and recipes!

The Old Farmer's Almanac is loaded with: Long-range weather forecasts (80% accurate!), home remedies that work, recipes, puzzles, trivia, folklore, best fishing days, zodiac secrets, garden planting schedules, daily calendar with sky sightings and astronomical data, and much, much more!

Even though I was never a big vegetable gardener, I do enjoy planting flowers. Browsing through books and designing my own gardens in my head and then recreating the ideas in my yard is a fun pastime. I didn't realize The Old Farmer's Almanac also had a magazine entitled the "All Seasons Garden Guide." With sections on landscape design, ornamental flowers, edibles, herbs, and how to use containers properly, this will come in handy this spring. I'm going to study the "Move Your Plants Around" article carefully. I always try to do that and then they die. With included recipes, soil enhancing tips, and a month by month gardening calendar, maybe I can have the flower and herb gardens I've dreamed of!

Here is some of the great information included in our new Garden Guide that will help to make this year your BEST gardening year ever:

A Gardener's Calendar of advice, reflections, facts, and folklore
Gardening by the Moon and its influences on planting, harvesting, pruning, destroying pests, and drying herbs
Vertical Gardening for a more productive garden
Create a Bird Haven
Flowers that Change Color
Night-blooming Gardens
The Easiest Perennials
Plant Vegetables in Containers
Grow Your Own Snacks
Healthy Herbs
Houseplants that clean the air
Improve your soil
Frost and Growing Seasons Chart

Win It!
One person will receive an Old Farmer's Almanac and An All Seasons Gardening Guide.

Read more »

Traveling? Get some Pronto Plus! (up for grabs)

2011-12-29T00:43:00.048-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

It's a traveler's nightmare. Small bugs that hide themselves in your suitcases and travel into your home, infesting the house. Until a few years ago I never worried about bedbugs. Then my husband, a frequent traveler, began staying at a nice motel in a major city. When he would return at the end of the week he would toss his suitcase on the bed. Unfortunately, he brought some unexpected visitors.

Because I was severely allergic to bedbugs we caught the problem in the early stages. Our pest control service, owned by a very nice man, used us as his "test control" case since we were regular customers and he was seeing a major resurgence of bedbugs among travelers. (Otherwise bedbug treatment from an exterminator is around $3000). The cost still wasn't cheap since I replaced our mattress and box springs and had to throw away everything stored under my bed.

I decided to be safe rather than sorry. Whenever I travel I carry (and use) Pronto Plus Travel Size. It doesn't have a chemical odor and can be used where ever I go. Pronto Plus household spray effectively kills bedbugs, bedbug eggs, dust mites, lice, ticks and fleas that might have gotten on couches, beds or other non-washable items in your home.

Pronto Plus® uses the active ingredients 3-phenoxybenzyl-(1RS, 23RS,21RS,23SR)-2, 2-dimethyl-3-(2-methylprop-1-enyl) cyclopropanecarboxylate, also known as Phenothrin, and N-Octyl2bicycloheptene dicarboximide. Phenothrin is a natural occurring pesticide that can be harvested from the chrysanthemum plant. The chemical works by entering the nervous system of the bedbug and paralyzing it a few minutes after the application.

Enzymes within the insect have the ability to detoxify the Phenothrin over time, which is why most bedbug treatments fall short and are ineffective. Pronto Plus’® second active ingredient, N-Octyl 2 bicycloheptene dicarboximide, comes into play to prevent the detoxification of the spray. This chemical synthesizes with the Phenothrin, and increases its potency, giving Pronto Plus® the ability to effectively kill bedbugs.

Since that horrible experience I learned how to prevent bedbug infestations. Here's some tips to help you:

1. Check out your room before you bring in your luggage. I always check the bed for signs of dried blood or for the nasty little critters themselves.

2. Move to another room—or hotel. Do not take the room on either side of the infested room or the room above or below it.

3. Put your luggage on a luggage rack. Don't set it on the bed, the floor, or on any chairs or couches in the room.

4. Wash or dry clean clothes back home. Use hot water. I always take the clothes straight to the washer and drier. The rest stay in the garage until I am ready to wash them.

5. Spray your suitcases with Pronto Plus® just to be sure that bedbugs aren’t lurking in the edges and seams.

Traveling? Get a coupon for Pronto Plus. Pronto Plus® household spray can be found in both the first aid and household aisles of your favorite stores, including Walmart, Walgreens, Rite Aid, Kroger, and Bed, Bath, and Beyond and is available in a 10-ounce container or a 3-ounce travel size.

Win It!
One person will receive Pronto Plus. (Take it on your next trip!)
Read more »

Holiday Recipes Are Easy with SeaPak and Casa Di Bertacchi Meatballs

2011-12-29T00:42:00.061-05:00

During the Holiday season I cook a lot. Everyone needs me to send a dish to an activity/party/whatever they have to attend. Since Bryan and I try to get together with friends during the holidays too that means more cooking. I know it sounds terrible but with all the cooking and baking I do, everyday meals get pushed to the backburner. I'm busy, I'm tired of cooking fancy dishes that take hours to prepare, and I want something quick and easy.

Seapak made the week before Christmas easier for me by sending me some of their products and some "quickie" recipes. We started off with some SeaPak popcorn fish, bite size balls of fish coated in a light breading. The kids had just gotten up and were hungry. They didn't want to wait for recipes and ate their fish with blue cheese dipping sauce.

I'm glad my daughter did not see the recipe for Honey Mustard Dipping Sauce or I would have had to prepare it. It would have only taken a minute but Blue Cheese sauce was good too.

I was able to get a little more creative with the SeaPak Popcorn Shrimp. Since my daughter is allergic to shellfish, I could fix the Shrimp for dinner when she wasn't home. We tried the Popcorn Shrimp Jambalaya. I'm not a fan of andouille sausage so I used some smoked sausage I had on hand instead. This recipe calls for fire roasted tomatoes with garlic. This might not be a common staple in the kitchen (not in ours at least) so I substituted a can of diced tomatoes with Italian spices. Since SeaPak is available in most grocery stores it's easy to pick up a box when I'm out.

One super easy and fast recipe I make that the whole family loves -amazing in itself- is my Sweet and Sour Meatballs. We received a package of Casa Di Bertacchi meatballs, available at Sam's Clubs, and this package was large enough to make two meals.

My Sweet and Sour Meatball recipe is easy to make. Although the ingredients sound like they would be horrible together, it's actually good. Just combine 12 ounces of grape jelly, 12 ounces of sweet n sour sauce, and the meatballs. Heat to boiling then reduce to low heat. Let this simmer for ten minutes and voila! dinner.

I did notice Casa Di Bertacchi had tons of yummy recipes I want to try. Italian Meatball Soup and Piping Hot Buffalo Subs top the list. I also plan on trying these in my recipe for speedy stroganoff.

Although I used these for speedy fare during the holidays I plan to add these products to my everyday menu. Anything that saves me time in the kitchen is a keeper to me!

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Weaver Chicken Nuggets Make Quick Meals (up for grabs)

2011-12-28T00:40:00.041-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

I've made no secret of trying to find shortcuts for cooking and easy meal ideas during the Holiday Season. November and December are my busiest months of the year. I do like to have home cooked meals for my family. As my daughter is quick to remind me, "It has been scientifically proven that families who eat meals together have kids who are less likely to get into trouble." I have noticed, however, this theory is not applicable when she wants to do something with her friends.

One dish the entire family can agree on is chicken nuggets. These tasty, versatile little nuggets can be eaten plain or dressed up in salads or other dishes. We tried a new (to me) brand this season--Weaver.

The tradition of great tasting Weaver chicken was started more than 70 years ago by Victor F. Weaver. Victor was a true American entrepreneur. Over the years, the Weaver brand developed a reputation for high quality chicken. The Weaver line expanded to include frozen breaded boneless chicken, croquettes, wings, and other prepared items. Premium quality products and attractive packaging drove sales in the sixties and seventies. As a part of Tyson Foods, Weaver chicken continues the tradition of Victor Weaver, bringing delicious, wholesome products to your family's dinner table.

These nuggets are reasonably priced too. I found a 26 ounce bag of these for $4.00 at Dollar General Mart. They're also available at Walmart Super Centers. Want to turn these into a portable meal on the run to avoid stopping for fast food? Make a Chicken nugget wrap using the nuggets, lettuce, shredded cheese and a touch of mayo.

Want something different for dinner? Layer the chicken nuggets in a pan and cover with spaghetti sauce. Sprinkle shredded Parmesan and Mozzarella Cheese and Italian Seasoning over the nuggets. Boom! Easy Chicken Parmesan. Of course, serving chicken nuggets with a side dish of macaroni and cheese or cole slaw is easy too. This is another staple I'll be adding to our winter menu.

Win It!
Win 2 coupons for a free bag of Weaver Chicken Nuggets.

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Capture the Everyday Moments with Coby SNAPP Swivel Camcorder

2011-12-28T00:15:00.053-05:00

Birthdays. Christmas. Thanksgiving. Graduations. Those are big events we want to remember. But what about those everyday moments? My kids are growing up so fast-regardless of heeding my warnings forbidding them to- and I want to capture the little moments. I'm not a high tech person so I needed something easy to use. With me I like the kind of camcorders that are foolproof. Point and Shoot is my motto. This Christmas we received the Coby SNAPP Swivel Camcorder.

The CAM4002 SNAPP® Mini Digital Camcorder from Coby is the perfect entry-level pocket cam on the market. It features a large flip-out 2.4" LCD screen to capture perfect video and photos to share with family and friends. A built-in SD/SDHC card slot offers expandable memory and the it also comes with an easy-to-use Muvee™ video editing software that allows you to edit and upload your videos to share on YouTube™.

I was able to test this during our Christmas celebrations. The hardest part was getting the kids to not make faces at the camera or put bunny ears over each other's heads. Remember the days of the heavy, bulky camcorder that was almost impossible to maneuver into position? This baby weighs less than one pound! It's the perfect size to carry in my purse to pull out and record impromptu happenings, much to my kids' and their friends' disgust. (I'm sure they will thank me for that someday. Although I notice they record the same things when they think I am not watching and it's fine.)

The Coby SNAPP not only make videos but pictures that can be uploaded to the computer via the enclosed USB cable. One small warning when making pictures: when I had to wait for a shot because my subject (Rio the dog) kept running off, the SNAPP would shut itself off automatically after a certain period of time. IT was much easier to use on a shot of all the kids huddled around the nook playing Angry Birds.

All in all, I liked the Swivel feature which made it easy to see the photos or video I had taken. Having the 3 AAA batteries needed to operate the camcorder enclosed in the package was a plus too. Because my kids love to make videos of their friends and have a bad habit of dropping equipment, I was glad to find a carrying case in the package.

(We're still discovering how to use the flash.)

The only extra we will have to purchase for the Camcorder is a memory card. It's a good camera for the kids to use and will be great on field trips due to its portable size. The one downside I could find? It allows video to be uploaded to YouTube. I am hoping my son never discovers this and uploads the videos of me bent over loading the dishwasher.

The SNAPP Cam can be purchased online at Amazon.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

The Magic Tap Is Easy for Little Hands (Up for Grabs)

2011-12-27T00:34:00.064-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

I love my kids but I'm not as thrilled with the messes they make, especially in our kitchen. It seems like they can not pour a drink without spilling it. Don't get me wrong-my two cats are thrilled with the messes. They stand by the fridge, ready to pounce on the spilled milk, juice, or soda.

When I was offered a chance to try the Magic Tap, I said sure. The reasoning behind this was twofold: even younger kids could use it, allowing self sufficiency and I wouldn't have to clean up as many spills.

What is the Magic Tap? It's an automatic drink dispenser available in white, red, and black. What's so good about it? It's designed to fit gallon bottles, allowing me to buy bulk sized drinks (which means I save money!) The cap slides on easily and stays in place. The drip free trigger is designed for one hand use allowing the kids or me to be holding something else besides the glass. Plus, kids can use it themselves without spilling drinks all over the floor. While the cats are disappointed at this turn of events, I am thrilled. No more walking through the kitchen and sticking to the floor!

There are a few beverages that shouldn't be used with the magic tap. Carbonated beverages, beverages containing over 40% alcohol, or pulpy beverages are not recommended. It also needs two AA batteries which aren't included so be sure to pick these up before you're ready to use the Magic Tap. The downside for me is it is not dishwasher safe but it's easy to clean so I'm not complaining--too much.

Win It!
One person will receive a Magic Tap Beverage Dispenser.

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Going to College? Check out Campus Book Rentals

2011-12-27T00:04:00.011-05:00

I knew college would be expensive but I didn’t realize how much until my daughter got accepted to a Summer Writing Boot Camp at a major university. We pulled out her college fund and discovered, thanks to the stock market plunging and the recession, we had enough to buy her a bus ticket to the school. Okay, we had a little more than that but not enough for four years of higher learning. But tuition is not the problem. I thought book fees were outrageous when I was in college! Her college money could easily be consumed by extra fees and textbook expenses.

Then we discovered CampusBookRentals.com. This site allows students to rent textbooks and save up to 90% of their costs. The textbooks can be rented for as long as needed and then returned when she is finished with them.

How does it work?
Simply search online for the textbook the student needs, order, receive the textbook, keep it until finished, and return. It’s even okay to highlight in the textbook! I love that feature because I am forever highlighting in the textbooks I use when teaching my high school world history class and would be lost without it.

Check out their features:

Need more convincing renting textbooks is the way to go? They donate to OperationSmile, an out of this world, awesome organization, that performs life changing cleft lip surgeries on children whose families could not otherwise afford it, with each textbook rented.

Maybe with renting textbooks we will save our valuable tuition money!

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Help Those Holiday Headaches with Anacin (Up for Grabs)

2011-12-26T00:30:00.037-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

It's almost New Year's Eve and everyone is probably planning a more exciting evening than me. Yes, I am the boring person who stays home and watches the ball drop with my children. Sometimes if things get really cranking, we will visit friends, order pizza, and let all the kids watch the ball drop. Fast times, that's us.

For anyone planning a more substantial evening, headache relief the next morning might be in order. Anacin provides relief with aspirin and caffeine. Long ago one of my friends (who is a nurse) told me if I would take my pain reliever with a soft drink, it would relieve my headache faster. I was skeptical but I started doing this. Anacin contains 32 mg of caffeine, or approximately as much caffeine as in a cup of coffee.

Caffeine additives make pain-relievers 40% more effective in treating headaches. Caffeine also helps the body absorb headache medications more quickly, bringing faster relief. Hey, anything that provides relief faster is good with me. Thank goodness my Anacin arrived when it did because I got to test it out when I had a virus. Believe me, I would have rather stashed the bottle in my husband's car than had a virus. I felt bad the entire time I had a virus but the pills did help my horrid headache as long as I didn't try to sit up.

Anacin® temporarily relieves minor aches and pains due to headache, muscular aches, menstrual cramps, the common cold, backache, toothache and minor pain of arthritis.

Anacin also makes an aspirin free formula that's good for people like my daughter who has asthma and can't take pain killers containing aspirin. Anacin can be purchased at drug stores, major retailers, and most grocery stores.

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New Year! New You! 10 Day Nutrisystem Challenge

2011-12-26T00:03:00.025-05:00

For the past few months I've had a lot of stress in my life. My eating habits went from well rounded with tons of fruit and veggies to "how fast can I fix it junk food" or fast food if I was in even more of a hurry. The one good thing about stress is that I wasn't gaining any weight. On the other hand, I wasn't losing any either. (Until the week before Christmas when I went on a sweets eating spree.) Add to this deplorable eating habits and it was easy to see why I needed a change. I'd love to be able to shed ten more pounds and begin eating healthy again.

I'll be taking the 10 day Nutrisystem Challenge to to try to get back on track. What I like about this plan is the convenience. I have prepackaged meals, high in protein and fiber, sent directly to my home. I can round out the meals with fresh fruits and veggies purchased from the grocery store. The meals include desserts, a personal favorite of mine, so I won't feel deprived.

Added to that is an exercise plan. Yes, I need to get back on track with that too. Before I received my food I received a package explaining the diet and a water bottle. I think drinking that much water will make me feel full too! Although when I say the small box I thought it was my food before I opened it. I was worried for a moment thinking, "Uh Oh! I am going to be seriously hungry the next ten days."

I'll let you know how the challenge goes as well as how the food tastes. I start today and I hope it's good!

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Stuff Their Stocking with The Royal Family (DVDs) Up for Grabs

2011-12-25T00:23:00.036-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

For anyone fascinated with the story of William and Kate, Lifetime delivers an in depth look at the couple in their 2 disc set Royal Wedding of A Lifetime. This is a historical documentary divided into six parts. Beginning with William and Kate's first meeting, the documentary explores how their friendship deepened into sometime more, the similarities between Diana and Kate and more. Interviews with the couple as well as their close friends give an up close and personal view of their lives.
Interested in the wedding? This series let's us follow along with the creation of the menu, previews of the wedding including the ring, the horse and carriage and lots more.

Need more Will and Kate? Check out the Lifetime movie William & Kate.

How did Kate Middleton, an ordinary British girl, come to be Prince William s intended? Over an eight-year courtship, her warmth, humor, and grace under pressure convinced him she was the one. From University to the altar...this is the true life making of a Princess.
They've charmed the world with their romantic love affair, engagement and eagerly awaited royal wedding. The Lifetime Original Movie WILLIAM & KATE tells the story of Prince William (Nico Evers-Swindell, NCIS: Los Angeles, Law & Order) and Kate Middleton (Camilla Luddington, CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, The Defenders), from the moment they met at the University of St. Andrews to the intense media attention surrounding their storybook romance. William & Kate also stars Ben Cross (Chariots of Fire) as Prince Charles, Serena Scott-Thomas (The World Is Not Enough) as Carole Middleton, Richard Reid (Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone) as Ian and Victoria Tennant (L.A. Story) as Celia.

Who doesn't love a happy fairy tale ending?

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Stuff Your Stockings with a Family Guy Volume 9 DVD Set

2011-12-24T00:54:00.057-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

I first saw an episode of Family Guy when I walked through the house and asked one of my kids what was on TV. She explained the intricacies of the family including Meg, the unloved daughter, Stewie, the genius baby who plans to conquer the world, and Brian the talking dog. The head of the family is Peter, who can only be described as um, uncouth. Lois, the mom, was raised in an elite blue blooded family but has managed to forget her roots and blend into her new lower middle class lifestyle well.

The humor is edgy, venturing into satire and grappling with touchy subject matter. This volume includes three discs with fourteen episodes, including the show’s milestone 150th episode and the controversial “Extra Large Medium.” The episodes include:

Disc 1:
Business Guy
Big Man on Hippocampus
Dial Meg for Murder
Extra Large Medium
Go, Stewie, Go

Disc 2:
Peter-Assment
Brian Griffin's House of Payne
April in Quahog
Brian and Stewie - 150th Episode!
Quagmire's Dad
The Splendid Source

Disc 3:
And Then There Were Fewer (Extended Episode)
Excellence in Broadcasting
Welcome Back, Carter

Each disc features deleted scenes, plus disc one has an episode of The Cleveland Show, starring Peter's wacky neighbors. Don't be misled by the title, the subjects of Family Guy are not suitable for the entire family. I definitely wouldn't allow the seven year old to watch it. Older teens will find the razor sharp wit and the subject matter amusing.

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Holiday Spills Clean Up Easy with Bounty

2011-12-24T00:27:00.042-05:00

Around our house Christmas means spending time in the kitchen. I plan out menus for our Christmas Eve dinner, our Christmas breakfast and dishes to take to my in-laws on Christmas day. This year I decided to revisit our Christmas traditions of making candy and cookie for friends and relatives. This was greeted with hearty good will from the kids (who wanted to help) and the friends and relatives (who wanted to eat the candy and cookies.)

The only person who greeted this activity with trepidation was me. I envisioned a flour covered mess. I could see the dirty dishes piled around the sink, spills all over the counters, the stove, and the floor. My kids are the only people I know who could accidentally forget to put the lid on the blender and splatter the cabinets, walls, and ceilings too.

I keep a roll of Bounty paper towels within reach at all times. In fact, I keep a couple of rolls hidden in the pantry for emergencies. These towels are thick and pick up any mess my kids can dole out, which is considerable. I use them to clean the windows, the mirrors and the messes in the kitchen.

While not something people think about around the Holidays, they make my life easier.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Stuff Your Stockings with Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special DVD

2011-12-23T01:53:00.035-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

The original Ice Age movie was a hit with our family. My favorite part was Sid happily singing, "Hey, now, what's that sound? All the mammoths are in the ground." We giggled our way through Ice Age 2 so I was glad to learn Ice Age had a new twist with Ice Age: A Mammoth Christmas Special.

When Sid accidentally destroys Manny's heirloom Christmas rock and ends up on Santa's naughty list he leads a hilarious quest to the North Pole to make things right and ends up making things much worse. Now its up to Manny and his prehistoric posse to band together and save Christmas.

As with any Ice Age movie, all of our favorite characters return. Scrat is still chasing his elusive acorn and having misadventures. Sid is still his usual bumbling self as he fumbles his way through the North Pole with Peaches, Eddie and Crash. The only disappointment is the DVD is only twenty six minutes long. I would have loved to have a full length feature film of their Christmas adventures.

Included on the DVD is a music video of the mini-sloths singing "Swingin' Jingle Bells" (which got stuck in my head) and a clip from Ice Age: Continental Drift. It's funny enough we didn't mind sitting down and watching it with the kids. Released on November 26th, this DVD is available from Fox.

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Anti Monkey Butt Safari Towels Keeps Kids Clean During Holidays (Up for Grabs)

2011-12-23T00:25:00.046-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

Although we don't travel as much for the holidays now, for years we had various excursions and trips to visit family in other states. I'd pack the kids and we'd start on our way. I wouldn't remember I had forgotten to give them motion sickness medicine until I heard, "Mom, I'm sick!" followed by various lorching sounds. Naturally no one could stand to be outdone and soon I had barfing kids all over my backseat. Yep, nothing says holidays like sick children. I learned to keep a supply of wet wipes in my trunk for these occasions. Using wet wipes was a problem because they were small. I had to have a large box to clean up the mess.

Anti Monkey Butt Safari Towels are a quick solution for our needs. (Although I thought as the kids got older they wouldn't get sick as often. As usual I was wrong.) These towels are a large 14' by 24' size and pretty thick and sturdy. The recommended uses are for quick showers when camping, hunting, fishing, cycling, or anything else that gets you hot and sweaty away from home. I think being clammy and stinky away from home qualifies too!

The towels come in packs of three (or for families like mine) the Safari pack with 18 towels. I added these to my trunk along with my supply of plastic bags to hand over when needed. One recommendation with these towels: once they are open they tend to dry out quickly because it is hard to get the package to stay closed. I keep the original package sealed inside a plastic bag to extend their lifespan.

Anti Monkey Butt Safari Towels can be purchased online or at Ace Hardware, Northern Tool and Equipment or Sportsman's Warehouse.

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Stuff Their Stockings With SoftLips Up for Grabs

2011-12-22T01:21:00.040-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

My kids are getting older but they still believe they must have a stocking hung each year in hopes of having it filled with goodies when they awaken on Christmas morning. I want to fill the stocking with items they will use but I don't want to break the bank on stocking stuffers either.

My daughter is a big fan of Softlips. When we receive samples of Softlips (and even before I can snatch one for myself) she scampers off with them yelling, "These are mine!" Since she is constantly complaining about dry, chapped lips in the winter or dry, windburned lips in the summer, she keeps one of these in her car, her purse, her bedroom, or anywhere she can find a place to stash it.

This year, when I received the Winter Five Pack (wrapped in a cute purple gift pouch), I stashed it where she couldn't find it and plan to stuff it in her stocking. Available in thirteen flavors, all of their lip balms have an SPF of 20. That's crucial with our hot, humid summers. Sunburned lips are the norm around here.

The Winter Five pack includes mint with a hint of vanilla, sugar & spice, sugar plum berry, sugar cookie & winter mint. I have to admit the Sugar Cookie flavor smells so good it makes me crave sugar cookies. The way these are packaged they would be great present toppers or a cute present for a last minute gift. For a limited time Softlips is offering 99 cent shipping on all their five packs online. SoftLips are available at Walmart and Target too.

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Stuff Their Stockings with Skylanders: Spiro's Adventures Xbox 360 Game

2011-12-22T00:52:00.073-05:00

Who says you can't combine video games with toys? Certainly not Skylanders: Spyro's Adventures, the new game developed by Activision for Xbox 360, PS3, Wii, and Nintendo 3DS. The premise of the game is simple. The Skylanders, having lived in peace for years, are threatened by the evil villian, aptly named Kaos. When Spyro and his fellow country mates team up to banish Kaos, he turns the tables and sends a massive explosion, destroying the core of light and hurling the skylanders into space. Now they've shrunk in size, turned into plastic, and landed on earth, leaving the player as the new portal master.

This is where the fun part comes into play. Spyro, and approximately 30 other characters, are available as action figures that can be uploaded into the game through a special "portal." Each character has his own unique abilities and powers which are unlocked when the character is uploaded. The beginner's set includes the game, three action figures, and a "portal of power" that hooks to your game system of choice. Another feature I liked was how kids can take their figures to a friends house and add the characters to their game even if it is not the same system.

This is especially cool when the lights are turned off.

Compared to most battle games filled with violence, Skylanders is rated E for everyone. While there is some comic violence, when the villains explode they turn into coins or gems. No bloody gore! Another humorous touch is the sheep found on nearly every level. They can be tossed and beaten but they still get back up. (Not that I advocate beating sheep, just saying.)

Skylanders can be played in single player or dual player (cooperative) mode. Each character maxs out at level 10 but can be reset at level one. One note: the Skylanders have eight magical elements (air, life, undead, earth, fire, water, magic, or tech) but only three action figures are included. If you want to play all the elements you have to purchase the expansion packs with other action figures.

Check out the Key Game Features:

Everything Needed to Get Started - The Skylanders Spyro's Adventure Starter Pack contains everything needed to get started including: a game copy for Xbox 360, 3 Skylanders (Trigger Happy, Spyro and Gill Grunt), 'Portal of Power' peripheral, character poster, trading cards, sticker sheet, web codes and batteries).

Multiplayer - Put two Skylanders on the Portal of Power and battle with your friend as a team or pick a Battle Arena and go head-to-head against your friend to see who is the best Portal Master. Either way it's a fight to the finish.

Battle to Save Skylands - Use your character collection to battle KAOS and his minions. Each of your Skylanders has special abilities and powers. The more you play, the more powerful they become.

Adventures, Mini-games and Puzzles - There are different challenges and mini-games waiting throughout Skylands. Jump in a turret to fend off enemies and solve challenging puzzles to find secret areas and earn cool in-game rewards.

Play Online - Each Skylander comes with a unique secret code. Show off your collection to your friends and play fun new mini-games.

Expand Your Adventure - Pick up an Adventure Pack (sold separately). Each one includes an exclusive Skylander, 1-Location Piece and 2-Magic Items. Place the Location Piece on the Portal of Power to explore exclusive new worlds and embark on new adventures and challenges.

I'm glad I have found a game that's not only fun for my son but for the seven year old as well. How often can both of them play a video game together and enjoy it?

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Stuff Their Stockings with Microsoft 2010 Home and Office (Up for Grabs)

2011-12-21T02:04:00.074-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

The past two weeks have not caused me to have any computer love. I spent most of the time trying no to pull my hair out in frustration. After a virus completely fried my laptop making it unable to be repaired, I realized I had lost all my files, my photos, and my Microsoft 2010 Home and Business. I was upset that I hadn't backed up my files or saved my photos to disc, but I knew the one program I would miss most was my Microsoft Home and Office.

The kids use Powerpoint for presentations they have to make at school, my husband uses Excel for work, and I use it...for everything else. I am an organizer and like to make lists and spreadsheets. My kids complain I have a list for everything! When I found out Microsoft Home and Office had a bunch of free Holiday templates to make my life easier and allow me to plan to my heart's content, I had to check them out.

I love to make sweet treats for friends and relatives (sneaking some for myself too) but I've had a problem locating my recipes. Sheesh! I have one book that I use with my favorites and it has been misplaced. When I find it again I'm going to convert my recipes to the One Note recipe notebook. I'll have all my recipes digitally cataloged in one place. Ha! I won't be able to lose them.

My dad loves to send Christmas cards. He can easily send out 100 or more to far flung friends and relatives. When I say he loves to send Christmas cards what I mean is he likes to have me make a list of people who need cards, sign the cards, address the envelopes, and send them. This
Christmas Card list from Office.com will make my life easier. I'll have their addresses recorded since each year he keeps the list and loses it, leaving me scrambling to find the addresses. They've got templates of cards I can print too, saving me a trip to the store when he runs out of cards.

They have a gift tag template too for those times he wants presents wrapped and doesn't have all the necessary supplies.

One thing my kids especially hate about the holidays is my strict budget. I have amounts assigned for everyone in the family and I stick too it much to their disgust. They were disappointed to learn Microsoft has an Excel 2010 Budget Spreadsheet to help me keep track of my purchases. This year I'm armed with visible online proof! I also noted Microsoft has a college budget spreadsheet I'm going to pass on to my daughter after the holidays.

My list making options are endless thanks to Microsoft Office and Business. I feel more organized already!

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Stuff Their Stocking with Real Housewives (Up for Grabs)

2011-12-21T00:20:00.036-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

Isn't it interesting to see how the other half lives? The Real Housewives of Orange County gives us a glimpse into the world of modern, upscale (notice that doesn't always mean classy) housewives Vicki, Jo, Tammy, Lauri and Jeana. These ladies have so many petty jealousies and clashes it's hard to see any friendships evolving. I've decided my life may not be as glamorous but it's more peaceful! The season 2 set includes all the episodes from the second season, never before aired footage and the reunion special. There are 3 discs with a running time of 7 hours and fifty three minutes.

Another release from A&E for guilty pleasure viewing is The Real Housewives of New York City Season 2. On four discs, this volume contains twelve episodes, The Reunion Special episodes 1 & 2, plus never before aired footage. There's plenty of tension and drama as the ladies compete with each other and try to live up to the challenges of motherhood, careers, and their social life. I think my daughter has her heart set on visiting New York after seeing these episodes. With a total running time of eleven hours and fifteen minutes (plus the extra scenes), these women kept us entertained, amused, and (sometimes0 dismayed with the events in their lives.

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EatSmart Precision Voyager Luggage Scale Up for Grabs

2011-12-20T01:17:00.045-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

I love to travel but I have a slight problem. I over pack. When my husband used to travel to business conferences and I went with him I was never sure what I needed. Maybe I needed more casual clothes, but what if I needed more formal clothing? And what about shoes? I needed tennis shoes for walking, heels for formal events, maybe a pair of flats and a pair of flip flops. The weight in my suitcase added up fast. Coming home was worse. By the time I had added souvenirs for the kids and packed a few things I had bought my suitcase was bulging.

With the airlines adding fees right and left I didn't want to have to pay overage on my bag. Having used Eat Smart products in the past, (they have a handy food scale), I realized their Precision Voyager Luggage Scale was a good item to have on trips.

This scale is incredibly light, portable, and easy to use. The scale weighs in at 5.5 ounces, folds down to a compact size and can be tossed into the pocket of the suitcase when I'm finished. It turns itself off automatically after twenty seconds so I don't have to worry about whether I turned it off or not.

After easily clipping onto the handle of your suitcase or bag, EatSmart's proprietary two handed SmartGrip design allows for easier lifting of even the heaviest bags. When your scale registers the weight, the scale will beep and your luggage weight will appear on the screen instantly. This scale will register to 110 pounds so I never have to worry about an unexpected fee again.

I tested the scale on several sizes of luggage ranging from one of my daughter's stuffed backpacks to a few scale stuffed suitcase. I was able to find out quickly why our vehicle seemed weighted down! Although I don't fly nearly as often as I used too, I'm keeping this in my suitcase for any unexpected trips. Who knows? Maybe I will go places again soon!

This would make a good gift for a frequent flier or for someone who travels extensively. It can be purchased online.

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Stuff Their Stocking with Face Racers for DS

2011-12-20T00:18:00.054-05:00

I hate to admit how much my son loves his games. He would play on whatever game system he has available twenty four hours a day if it were allowed. Face Racers is the first game I have seen that allows him to not only experience the fun of racing but to personalize his driver to look like him. This isn't accomplished in the usual way of adding features to a character to resemble him. He can take a picture of himself on his Nintendo 3DS camera and map it to his custom 3D avatar's face. He can personalize his face with accessories, clothing and a custom hair style. There's features to allow him to customize his racer and billboards with his face too.

Unlock hidden tracks, race against the clock and prove you're the fastest in multiple game modes including Championship, Quick Race, Battle, and more that deliver the ultimate racing experience across various difficulties.
Race in 20 exotic track locations, skid around corners, soar over chasms, and experience intense speed with physics-based racing dynamics.
Collect fun power-ups including trip missles, shields, and slow motion to use against your competitors to speed ahead.
All performances are recorded using leaderboards so you can see where you rank in each event.

He's able to play with up to three friends in Single-Card, Multi-Card, and Online Multiplayer. Because it's rated E for everyone, the seven year old can play it too with no qualms from me. It makes him feel like he is just as big as the rest of the guys! Face Racers is available from Majesco Entertainment.

Please see my disclosure notice here.

Stuff Their Stockings with HP Products (Up for Grabs!)

2011-12-19T02:03:00.102-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

On item I couldn't live without is my printer. I use it for everything- scanning and uploading work for my part time job, printing tests and homework assignments for my 9th grade World History class I teach, and --my personal favorite--printing coupons. The kids use it for printing reports, homework assignments, and goofy photos of themselves and friends.

I thought I was utilizing my printer to the fullest until I discovered HP Inkology At Home. I received an HP gift pack including items that could be downloaded at home with one click. Need something to keep the kids occupied while trying to wrap gifts? Download the Disney coloring book. Want to impress friends with a new dish? Download the Holiday recipes shared by Epicurious. (My advice: try the Rosemary and Garlic roasted potatoes.)

As a busy woman (and who isn't busy these days?), I actively search for ways to simplify my life. Strangely, I had never thought, "Why don't I print some labels?" A small light bulb went off over my head when I saw my customized address labels and another blank label sheet. Added to this was outbound labels for packages (perfect for those presents I have to send via UPS), and gift tags. Those arrived at the right moment! I was searching for gift tags so I could wrap presents.

The HP Facebook page has even more time saving ideas.

One of the most fun parts of my package the extras for my blog. The "Follow Us on Twitter" and "Like Us on Facebook" signs are laminated and can have my information written on them in sharpie. I'm loving the QR code stickers which can direct people to my blog when scanned. I'm imaging all the places I could put these. I wonder how annoyed my husband would be if I put these up at his workplace and told him he should require everyone to visit me? I'm guessing he would tell me no.
The blogger's editorial calendar will be a big help too. I have a spreadsheet I use to keep track of everything but having a "to do" list in sight at all times would be a big help.

The downside of this? I use bunches of ink. Thankfully, HP has supplied me with a $50 gift card to purchase ink online. Yes!

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Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Trivia Board Game Up for Grabs

2011-12-19T00:14:00.070-05:00

The contest is closed. The winner is

Our family has a difference in musical tastes. I have my selection of "classic 80's" hits and can tell the kids (after only listening to a couple of notes) the name of the song and the artist. I'm happy to sing along too, much to the annoyance of my children.

My kids have "modern tastes." I find CDs of the latest performers scattered around their bedroom floors and spend too much time yelling, "Can you turn that music down????" (I'm sure I never did that when I was a teen.)

I've never been to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame & Museum in Cleveland, Ohio, but I was intrigued when I saw their Rock N Roll Hall of Fame Trivia Board Game. I was pretty sure I would know more about Rock N Roll history than my kids. I mean, I've been around longer and moms know best.

Get inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with our official trivia board game! Test your rock and roll knowledge and travel 86 spaces to become the first player to reach the Hall of Fame. Includes over 1,700 questions and clues about the greatest people, events, recordings and dates in rock and roll history! Game contains 1 game board, 87 trivia cards, 87 perfomer cards, 30 tokens, 6 playing pieces, 150 singles and 1 set of dice. 2 to 6 players, ages 10 and up.

Since there is over 1700 questions I thought I could zip through this game. Nope. While I did better than my children, they were able to hold their own throughout the competition. The game took quiet a while as we worked our way up from Garage Band (the beginning level.) We had to work our way up to recording artist, then to stadium powerhouse. The winner was the first person to reach the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. I won't tell who made it to the Rock N Roll Hall of Fame first! The game is designed for ages 10 and up. This would be frustrating for younger kids unless they were Rock N Roll geniuses.

For anyone who's a Rock N Roll fan, this would make a fun holiday gift. If they invite you to play with them, try to memorize some of the questions and answers first!

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Giveaway Gala--Add your giveaways!

2011-12-18T22:07:00.001-05:00

3 Princes and a Princess 2:
Dremel Trio (RV$100) 12/28
Prince Lionheart Newborn Bundle 12/30
Applebee's $25 GC (2 Winners) 12/30

Just Like June:
DownEast Basics 12/30 $25 Applebees Gift Card 12/22

101 Touch Games for Nintendo DS 12/23

Have Sippy Will Travel
Petcakes 1/4
Crayola Prize Pack 1/2
Playmobile Secret Agent Prize Pack 1/2

Closer to Lucy
Exuviance Eye Contour 12/21
Dr. Perricone Product of Choice $150 Value 12/24