'Twas The Night Before Christmas with AniMotion™ Book Review & Great Gift Idea

'Twas The Night Before Christmas with AniMotion™

Product Details:

• Reading level: Ages 9-12
• Hardcover: 26 pages
• Publisher: Accord Publishing, a division of Andrews McMeel (September 15, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0740784323
• ISBN-13: 978-0740784323  

I received this great opportunity by Mom Entrepreneurs and Christa to review this great new technology incorporated into an age old classic 'Twas The Night Before Christmas.  This is an Accord Publishing exclusive with AniMotion™.  Each full-color AniMotion™ window that appears within the festively decorated pages, provides the children with a thrilling, come to life experience.

My two girls literally fought over the book and both wanted it.  The bigger one won so now I have to buy one for the little one.  I have to admit that this is a great family book to start or continue a Christmas tradition with.  The illustrations are rich and colorful yet have an old fashion appearance.  No review can do the animation justice as it's really innovative.  At first you think it's a hologram type image but you quickly learn that as you move the page, the animation comes to life. 

The picture above on the left is a screen shot of what is posted on the Andrews McMeel Publishing site.  The picture on the right is my photo which shows a very rich, beautiful picture of the cover.  I love the deep colors and how it has the appearance of a pricey book.

This photo of the book shows an area on Santa's belly that shakes.  When you move the left side of the page, his belly moves up and down.  The girls laughed when they saw that one. 

To purchase this wonderful, festival book, visit here.

I highly recommend this book to children of all ages and those that love Christmas!  This would make a wonderful Christmas present that can be handed down through the generations.

Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System Pitcher Review & Giveaway - CLOSED WINNER

CLOSED - CONGRATULATIONS TO

GRADSCHOOLMOMMY!

AN E-MAIL HAS BEEN SENT.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!

Bye, bye Aquafina!

I received my Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System pitcher for review from an opportunity on the Product Review Place and Lindsay (thank you!)!  I always call my husband a computer geek but I'm starting to accept that I'm a reviewer geek.  I waited impatiently for my Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System after reading all the other great reviews on this innovative product that not only delivers purified water but you can purchase flavor cartridges to jazz up the tastes. 

After I received my Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System, there are specific instructions on a first time use whereas you need to soak the filter for 15 minutes and then rinse.  After you complete the step and have a cleaned pitcher (no dishwashers), you can start to assemble your choice of flavors or leave it plain.  The beauty with this system is you have a choice!  You can choose any flavor they offer or enjoy the great taste of purified water.  If you want to change the flavor, you don't have to wait until the cartridge is empty.

The water definitely tasted better filtered than straight out the tap.  Something about the Savannah River water isn't appealing to me relative to the taste and odor.  I have bought Aquafina for years but now I can happily say I will switch.  I'm a very picky water drinker and up until now, I would only drink Aquafina so switching to Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System is a huge step for me.  I'm also in the middle of a weight loss program so the more water I consume, the better.  The flavors will provide a variance and encourage me to stay motivated as plain water after awhile becomes dull.

It's reasonably priced too:



The cartridges pay for themselves in the bottled water you don't have to purchase:



These filters provide up to 40 gallons (1 to 2 months) of crystal clean water. Reduces lead and removes microbiological cysts while leaving beneficial fluoride in the water. Can also help remove 96% of trace pharmaceuticals found in some tap water supplies.
The flavor cartridges come in the following flavors:

• Lemon
• Grape - I tried this one and was surprised that I liked it.  I think I'll prefer the lemon flavor which I'm going to buy today.
• Rasberry
• Strawberry
• Peach

The cartridges are great for my weight loss program as they have 0 calories, 0 carbs, 0 sodium, 0 fat and 0 sugars!

To get special coupons and offers from Pur, click here:
https://www.pgeverydaysolutions.com/pgeds/pur/brandsampler-login.jsp

To read some alarming news about our water supply, click here with a story that has excerpts of an interview with the EPA.

I almost forgot to note that my six year old LOVED it!  She likes water but was fascinated with this new gadget and had to have it as soon as I assembled it.  She preferred the plain water as she's not a grape or rasberry fan.  I think she will enjoy the lemon flavor.  As a mom, getting rid of the sodas is a high priority and this gives her an option in between other products of water I purchase to replenish her electrolytes.

I highly recommend the Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System to anyone.  Not only will you have peace of mind that some of the contaminants, pollutants and pharmaceutical residues are getting removed, it's cheaper and it's fun for the little ones!

The Giveaway:

Your own Pur Flavor Options Water Filtration System! 

To Enter:

1. Leave a comment on which flavor you think you would enjoy and you must follow my blog.

Extra Entries (leave an additional comment for each step completed):

1. Go the PUR site and sign up for their newsletter.
2. Go the PUR site and leave a comment here on something you learned.
3. Follow me on Twitter.
4. Tweet about this giveaway.
5. Blog about this giveaway.
6. Subscribe to my blog.
7. Read another post, comment and come back to this post and leave a comment.

Giveaway ends October 31, 2009 (Happy Halloween!) at midnight (EST)

Winner chosen by random.org

Jillian Michael's New Wii Fitness Ultimatum 2010

I just saw the pre-order advertisements at last for Jillian Michaels Fitness Ultimatum 2010 for October 6th and I'm excited!  I'm hoping this one is better than her last game and I hope to hear more of the Jillian we all have grown to love (and some hate).  I can hear her already yelling to "GET OFF YOUR A_____!!!"

Love her or hate her, she makes The Biggest Loser great.  She's the Simon Cowell of weight loss and makes no bones about it.  If you are watching the latest season of The Biggest Loser, have you noticed how Bob is taking it up a notch?  He's not so Paula Abdul anymore.  I love it as they are both acting out the good cop/bad cop with the contestants.  I digressed a bit so back to the game.

You can pre-order this through Amazon and if the price drops from the point of purchase until release, they will adjust your price. Buy.com is advertising a lower price by a few dollars so I suspect Amazon will follow.

Here are some screenshots of the game and they look better from the last game:

The graphics look much better and you actually get to see Jillian performing the exercises.  This game looks way better than her first one:

Product Features:

• "Resolutions" Mode features a customizable training calendar that allows users to plan their routines for up to six months as Jillian coaches you every step of the way.  I love the trackers as it's a great tool to see how you are progressing.
• Cardio Training: Swing Kicks, Obliques, Jumping Jacks, Hip Twists, Water Pump, Running, Bicycle. This already looks better than the other game's exercises.
• Strength Training: Push-Ups, Crunches, Pelvic Thrust, Side Planks, Side Lunges, Sledge Swing, Back Kick w/ Shoulder Press, Boat Pose, Lunge Kick.
• Most exercises enhanced for Balance Board.
• More accurate motion tracking for more precise exercise movements

Building on the success of her first videogame, star fitness trainer Jillian Michaels returns to Wii with a new and improved fast-paced, high-intensity workout in Jillian Michaels' Fitness Ultimatum 2010. Set on a rugged, Pacific jungle island, players will enter a Hell Week-style boot camp filled with many new features and workout modes for 2010, including more accurate motion tracking and a calendar system enabling the user to program routines on a period of up to 6 months. Finally, you'll never train alone with direct feedback and motivation from Jillian for greater results! Game design by health and wellness expert Jillian Michaels: > Features Jillian's motion-captured movements > Fitness routines created by Jillian > All-new audio from Jillian

I'm game ... :)

Tombstone Helps Pay Your Bills

Kraft via Tombstone Pizza is offering a mail in rebate deal where if you purchase 7, 12 or 17 pizzas, they will send you back either $5, $10 or $15.  Not a bad deal if you eat their pizza as $15 can come in handy around the Christmas time.

Requests must be postmarked by January 14, 2010 and received by February 01, 2010.  You must include your utility company and account number and they suggest attaching a copy of a past bill to ensure proper credit.

It will take around 6 to 8 weeks to receive credit.

For more information, go to http://www.kraftfoods.com/sitecollectionimages/imagerepository/7/tombstoneflyer.pdf

Dannon Yogurt's Class Action Lawsuit

Alright, I'm disappointed now.  I've seen this bombardment of yogurt commercials with all their great healthy immune and digestive claims that I was starting to buy into it.  I even tried my first container of yogurt a couple of week's ago.  As I was reading my e-mail, I just read that a class action lawsuit against Dannon was won.

RemedyLife.com posts this:

Yogurt--Good Food But False Advertising


There's some evidence that "probiotic" bacteria in yogurt help rebalance the intestine's natural flora and can have an effect on immune function. But saying--or at least boldly implying on labels and in ads--that yogurt can help prevent constipation or keep you from getting sick is a big leap. Manufacturers have been getting away with such deceptive advertising--until now.

In settling a class-action suit, Dannon has agreed to change how it markets its Activia and DanActive products. For one, the word "immunity" will be dropped from packages. The company will reimburse customers (up to $35 million in total) who spent extra money, thinking they were getting health benefits that may not really exist. (These products cost more than regular yogurts.)

No question, yogurt is a healthy food--rich in calcium, protein, and potassium. Look for nonfat or low-fat yogurt with no added sugar--or buy plain yogurt and add your own fruit. The "Live & Active Cultures" seal guarantees measurable probiotic activity. Just don't expect a medical miracle.

Click here for more information.

More Great Halloween Favor Ideas from Martha Stewart

I'm hosting a bake sale to raise funds for my daughter's elementary school PTO.  I've been looking for unique ideas to package the items to ensure a lot of funds earned.  In today's mail update from MarthaStewart.com, was a link to some fantastic treat boxes and favors. 

I always am partial to the holiday crackers and love the one's in the middle.  The cat treat boxes look a little more time consuming than what I want so I might stick with the other two options.  See how easy it looks:

Tools and Materials

• Crepe and colored papers
• Scissors
• Stickers or rubber stamps
• Toilet-paper rolls
• Glue stick
• Twine
• Plastic spider or bat rings

Halloween Crackers How-To

These Halloween treat holders are modeled after British Christmas crackers.

1. Cut an 11-inch square of crepe paper and a 4-by-7-inch piece of paper in another color; decorate with stickers or stamps.

2. Roll crepe paper around a candy-filled toilet-paper roll; glue seams closed. Wrap paper rectangle around center; glue.

3. Tie ends with twine; snip for fringe. Slip rings over twine. Pull ends to break open.

For more great ideas and how to's, visit the link embedded here: MarthaStewart.com.
 
 

YourPictureBook Personalized Children's Books Review

As a mommy blogger and reviewer, I was reviewing the many offers and opportunities available to provide reviews for various products. On the Product Review Place, there was a post about personalized photo books. I was skeptical thinking it was one of the normal personalized kid's book offers with little character, quality or uniqueness.

At yourpicturebook.com, they have really incredible looking books with great graphics. The characters look identical to the picture and they are so adorable. The process is storybook illustrations, they digitally convert the child’s photo to appear as a painting. This gives a seamless blending of child and illustration that looks almost like the child and illustrations were painted together. The book choices range from counting books, story books and coloring books.

The Review:

I received a book, courtesy of YourPictureBook.com and was so impressed, I just ordered one for my other daughter to give as Christmas gifts.

As a child, they are always impressed to see their name and especially picture integrated into anything.  When I opened the package, I saw my daughter's name and her picture on the cover.  It was very professional and impressive!

Each page had her picture in it and it was arranged to match the scene.  One is under water so her picture had the appearance of being under water.  The storyline was easy to follow for a young kid and it was just simply, a great book and especially a great gift.

The quality of the cover and pages are one in which you expect to see from any book you purchase to read.  It's a great addition and heirloom to pass down to each child.   I cannot wait to see their faces at Christmas when they open them.

The customer service is friendly and delivery was fast.

The price might be a little higher than some might want to pay but the quality of the finished book is well worth it.  The fact that it's a book that can be passed on for generations also adds to the worth.  I've purchased other, less expensive personalized story books and the quality wasn't comparable.  I'd rather pay a little more to have something that they will cherish and pass on to their kids.

The NFL posters are really ideal for the little football player and all the NFL teams are available. They are glossy and sized at 13" x 16."

They also have personalized photo DVDs ranging from Snow White, The Incredible Adventures of Amazing Kid, The Incredible Adventures of Amazing Dad, Our Love Story, My Christmas Adventure and Turbo Kid.

Another feature that I love about this site is the ability to page through each book choice to see how the layout looks. I really liked this feature as it helps to choose the right book for your special one. They also have choices between softcover and hardcover with the ability to add on coloring books.

They really offer so much more so go to their website and see for yourself!

From the site:

Educational Benefits Children have been enjoying personalized children.' books since the 70's, but only recently have we come to realize the educational benefits of personalized children's books. Studies have shown that personalized books are not only entertaining, but tend to promote literacy and education, as well.

Children, like all of us, learn best when they are focused and interested in what they are being taught. Because personalized children's books are so instantly familiar to children, they become drawn into the story, and less aware of other things that may normally be distracting. In other words, they become focused and interested, which is a great combination when children are going through their learning process.

Support St. Judes at Chili's TODAY

Eat at Chili's today and 100% of proceeds (today only) will go to St. Jude's!

Chili's is a proud to support St. Jude Children's Research Hospital®, one of the world's premier centers for the research and treatment of pediatric cancer and other catastrophic childhood diseases. As part of a 10-year commitment, Chili's plans to donate $50 million to help St. Jude fight childhood cancer. Funds and awareness for this important cause are provided by the Create-A-Pepper campaign, which invites guests to create custom pepper designs and make donations. The annual campaign also includes a one-day event where Chili's restaurants offer up 100% of their profits to St. Jude. Learn how you can help Chili's find cures and save children.

Facts about St. Jude's:

• St. Jude treats more than 250 patients each day
• The daily operating cost of St. Jude is nearly $1.4 million which is primarily covered by charitable donations
• Research findings at St. Jude are shared around the world
• No child at St. Jude is ever denied treatment because of a family's inability to pay

Perricone MD Super Acai Berry Powder Sample Twitter Giveaway

I FINALLY WON SOMETHING!

I keep entering other blogger's giveaways and never win but I won some acai berry power from Perricone MD! 

Perricone MD Super Acai Berry Powder Sample Twitter Giveaway

First 50 people* everyday to tweet @Perriconemd for the next month will receive our Super Acai Berry powder FREE.




Contest Rules:


1. Follow Perricone MD on Twitter

2. Tweet and answer the question “why would you like a free sample?” with an @perriconemd in your tweet.

3. The first 50 tweeters each day to let you know you have won (Limit one (1) entry per day/per person/twitter address).

4. Each new day will start at 12:01 am eastern time (et) and end at 11:59 pm et.

5. The giveaway will last for 30 days. The contest will begin on September 1, 2009, at 12:01 am et. The last day of the contest will be September 30, 2009, ending at 11:59 pm et.

The Wii DOES Work!

Ever wondered if the Wii actually does work and promote weight loss?  Not only am I proof it does, but so did Colleen over at miiandmywwfamily blog.  Colleen has lost over 40 lbs!

She also has a great review on Zumba:

Fitness Friday: Zumba book


This week I have been reading the book Zumba, Ditch the workout, Join the party : The weight loss program. This book has a lot to offer. It gives the history of all the dance moves that are incorporated in the Zumba exercises. I enjoyed reading about Beto Perez, the author and creator of Zumba. 
 
Read more here.
 
She's also giving away FIVE copies at her original website The Princess and the Monkey.

Thanks for sharing!

Wii Game Console New Low Price at Amazon, Walmart & Target

I've blogged about the Wii and games before and I absolutely love it!  It's one way, maybe not the optimal way, to get kids up to be active.  I can see my daughter sweat from the games so I know it's better than just sitting and watching Sponge Bob.  The cardio and workout games are great if you want to kick off an exercise program and they are fun.  Okay, not all of them are fun but there are good games out there like Gold's Cardio.

I checked my e-mail this morning and Amazon has it for $199.99!  All the merchants are lowering the prices.  Walmart and Target also have it for $199.99.

It gets better as if you buy one, you get a $25 Amazon gift card.

Product Features:

• Plays two disc formats in a single, self-loading media bay
• Features a processing chip from IBM and a graphics chip from ATI
• Backwards compatible with all Nintendo GameCube games and most peripherals
• Built-in Wi-Fi access for easy connection to Nintendo Wi-Fi Connection gaming service
• Wii Sports game included <-- all kids LOVE this game!  I bought the console for my sister last year for Christmas and it's their favorite game.  My kids love it too as well as the little girl next door who comes over to play.

Gartner Cover Creator & Hello Kitty School Giveaway WINNER

Giveaway Closed!

Congratulations to anndancer!

"Anonymous said...rock an roll theme is good. anndancer@sbcglobal.net"

An e-mail will be sent today. Thanks to everyone who took visited and entered!  Watch for more to come!

I had the opportunity to review Gartner's Cover Creator and I have to say it's really a great way for kids to be able to use their creativity in creating a notebook that reflects who they are. When you buy a Gartner Cover Creator, you get access to their website which has a walk through tutorial in creating the notebook design.

You have to be 13 or older to register but once you register, you can save your creations and go back later to edit. The Actions Palette allows you to choose from many different background, text, clip art or you can upload your own image and all you do is save and print.

This is great for school, home or party favors and they are inexpensive. Check out Gartner for many other great, fun products.

Giveaway:

Win your very own Gartner Cover Creator with a Hello Kitty messenger bag, two Hello Kitty folders and one Hello Kitty notebook of paper.

To enter:

Go to Gartner and let me know what other product you like and leave a comment here and follow my blog.

Extra entries:

Follow me on Twitter

Giveaway ends September 25, 2009 and winner chosen by random.org.

Thanks for entering and good luck!

Free Children's Book Giveaway Written by a Child WINNER

Giveaway Closed

Congratulations to: mom2anutball!

"That's so cute! My daughter would love it! hawkgirl_16{at}hotmail{dot}com"

I will send an e-mail ASAP.  This was a special project for my daughter as  I wanted to create a spark of creavitity in her as she loves to write, draw and can make the most amazing things out of paper.  For those parents and others, this was an easy project and if you want more information, drop me a line! 

Her book is available for purchase via amazon.com.

Thanks to all who responded!

Children's books are more fun when they are geared towards first time readers. This book is written by a six year old and each illustration was her own with a little help by a photo program.

The book is about a gorilla who likes to go to the park and have fun. The book was written using the buzz sight words that are taught at kindergarten.

Even though it's a short book, it also provides a possible interest in other budding artists and authors to use their creativity!

Support a new young author and enter the giveaway for her book.

To enter, only add a comment!

Giveaway ends September 25, 2009.

If you want to purchase and help a budding artist, here is the link.

Free Digital Photo Book ... Really! FREE!

FREE Digital Scrapbook Photo Book

Making your own digital scrapbook photo book via Trendy Prints really is fast, easy and fun!  Once you install the Photo Book software, which takes no time at all, you can begin creating an incredibly looking, premade photo pages with the great look of handmade scrapbooks.

There are 13 themes to choose from with multiple choices within each theme:

1. Everyday 
2. Basics
3. Collections
4. Holidays
5. Baby
6. Kids
7. Birthday
8. Wedding
9. Love
10. Travel
11. Sports
12. School
13. Pets

What makes Trendy Prints unique is the host of products you have available.  It's a one stop shopping for gifts or just every day use and memory collections.

1. Landscape Photo Books
2. Square Photo Books
3. Portrait Photo Books
4. Personal Soft Cover Photo Books
5. Square Mini Books
6. Portrait Lay-Flat Premium Leather
7. Square Lay-Flat Premium Leather
8. Portrait Lay-Flat Printed Cover
9. Square Lay-Flat Printed Cover
10. Monthly Calendars
11. Photo Cards
12. Posters
13. Key Tags
14. Luggage Tags
15. Mousepads
16. Mugs
17. Coasters
18. Puzzles
19. T-shirts
20. Mural Tiles
21. Annual Calendars

The choices for covers are plentiful from hard cover, soft cover, leather, suede, linen and more!

Making each product is so easy! 

1. Once you select your theme and subtheme, you click on the product you want to make and click Add Photos To Begin.
2. You can load photos (fast) from your computer, an online library or by phanfare.Once you load the photo(s), click on Create Product and there are instant Quick Tips to help assist in the proper placement and appearance.
3. Choose the photos you want to use.
4. Click on Instant Layout or Manual Design.

This is just a small sample of the key tag choices:

Another nice feature is you can create and purchase theme products with great ease.  Your photos stay present on the workplace and you only click on the next product to make it.

You can save all your projects to edit or to purchase more at a later date.  This is one of the easiest programs I have worked with and I love the automatic layout as well as the ability to manually make what I want.

I just received my customized, finished book and I love it.  It's scrapbook quality with great backgrounds.  The quality of the pictures are much better than what I was receiving at Kodak via their photo books.    These are going to make great Christmas presents.  The best part about TrendyPrints is they are less expensive then others, the quality is amazing and they offer so much variety.  These aren't just photo books but are high quality photos with great scrapbook quality scenes.

To get your FREE 20 page soft cover book, click on the link at www.TrendyPrints.com, then click on the FREE photo book banner for your FREE book.


TrendyPrints also has invitations (see my other blog entry here) and another site called MagneticMessenger that includes announcements and invitations that stick to the fridge (see my other blog entry here).

Master Lock Supporting Breast Cancer Lock Review

Master Lock introduces new pink security products in support of Breast Cancer Awareness and I was lucky enough to receive one and post about it via TwitterMoms and Jen.

The lock is cute, yes, I said cute because it's pink!  Everything in pink is cute so I can boast about that.  I think the lock is attractive and after I opened the package, my 21 year old daughter exclaimed she wanted it as she needed one for her work locker.  Yet another opportunity to share Master Locks cause for Breast Cancer Awareness!

If you need a lock, support Breast Cancer Awareness Month in October and Master Lock and purchase one!

Cancer awareness is near and dear to me as I have several family members who have died from it and who have beat it.   Master Lock is a leader in locks and security products and in support of National Breast Cancer Awareness month in October, they have created great looking products to show your pride.   Not only are they promoting awareness but they plan to donate $15,000 to The Breast Cancer Foundation.

The selection is great ranging from various types of locks to bike locks and luggage and backpack locks.

Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner Make Time for Change

Ever wanted to make a real change but wasn't sure how or had the time to do it? 

Now you do by clicking on Pledge Your Time and support the Save the Children's Change Program.

Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner are teaming up to urge Moms to use the time we get when we turn the clocks back on November 1st to make CHANGE for children.

Devote that extra hour to a child. Raise your hand today to reveal your pledge HERE.

Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner are proud to support Save the Children's CHANGE program, dedicated to providing nutritious snacks and promoting healthier lifestyles for children living in poverty in the United States. For every pledge made, Frigidaire will donate $11 to support CHANGE and Save the Children's work to help children in need in the U.S., as part of their $250,000 commitment to this worthy cause. Also as part of that commitment, for every new Frigidaire Professional double wall oven purchased, Frigidaire will donate $1002 to Save the Children's U.S. Programs.

New Frigidaire is the first collection of appliances designed with time-saving features for busy Moms. Pledge your time and you'll be entered for a chance to win a new Frigidaire Professional double wall oven.

Starting today, for everyone who goes to Frigidaire.com and raises their hand with a pledge to make time for a child, Frigidaire will donate $1 to support the CHANGE program and Save the Children's work to help children in need in the U.S.

In addition to that fuzzy feeling you get from doing something good, everyone who pledges their time will be entered for a chance to win a new Frigidaire Professional double wall oven! Those in the market for top-notch new appliances should also know that, for every new Frigidaire Professional double wall oven sold, Frigidaire will donate $100 to Save the Children's U.S Programs as part of their $250,000 commitment to this worthy cause.

CVS $100 Coupon Book

CVS is running a special to get your flu shot and for stopping by, you get a $100 coupon book.

If you take their online quiz, you'll get a $5 coupon off of a $25 or more purchase.

$10 Off 2 Pro-X Olay Products

Get $10 off of two Olay Pro-X products!

For details, go here.

I received a "come back later" message but kept clicking and on the third try, I got in.

My Kalorik Mixer, Blender & Tea Maker Great Deals on Haute

I just bought three Kalorik kitchen gadgets and saved $54.50 from Haute.com.  The sale is on going on for a little longer but if you are in need of cool gadgets, check them out!

Haute.com changed their policy where they combine shipping which I love.  They also have a great Coach sale going on if you like them for the next 12~ hours.

The Combinaton Mixer comes with full set of accessories including a nice stand for storage. This 4-in-1 black and silver combination hand mixer by Kalorik was designed by the famous European designer Neil Currie, the signature piece makes for a perfect marriage of function and design, use it as a stick mixer for all food preparation and smoothies then convert with a twist from mixer to a whisk to quickly blend eggs and batters. Need to chop? The unit attaches to a chopper which chops right into the container. Like cappuccinos? Put on the milk frother and whip your own milk just like in the coffee shops! The well thought over Ergonomic designer piece will not only add a touch of style to your kitchen as it goes right on your counter top it sure to be the most useful and easy to reach kitchen accessory you will ever have.


Key Features:

* Multifunction

* Complete with all accessories : beaker with lid; chopper blade to be used in conjunction with the beaker; whisk; milk frother for sauces or cappuccinos; blending rod

* Powerful : prepare soups, purees, mayonnaises, etc, in seconds.

* Black rubber finish and ergonomic handle ensure the best grip, even with wet hands

* Includes a base for the mixer unit & all accessories : your blender is always ready for use in seconds

* Aluminum stick blender with food grade PTFE Coating

* DC motor ensures light handling and durability

* Modern and appealing design
 
This Stand Mixer with rotating bowl, 5 speed, turbo function, dough hooks and beaters, ejectors for beaters it is a kitchen essential stand mixer you can't do without!


Key Features:

* With stand & bowl (not gear)

* 5 speed

* Turbo with safety device (turbo function only available when the mixer is operating)

* Chrome plated hooks & beaters

* Eject button with safety device (blocked while the appliance is running)

The Tea Maker allows you to make tea in the convenience of your kitchen with this essential tea maker. The cordless operation makes this super easy, functional, practical, and stylish!


Key Features:

* Cordless operation

* Total control provided by the patented brewing selector switch (Brewing, keep warm, open position)

* Keep warm function : automatically warms your tea up when this one becomes cold, without re-brewing the tea

* The keep-warm function enables to keep the tea at the desired strength and temperature

* Auto-stop brewing system

* Easy to fill and to clean

* Cleaning brush included

* Tea filter and coffee filter

* Non-slip feet

* 1 quart (4 cups) capacity

* Coffee filter also included

Cute Candy Corn Friends to Make

Candy Corn Friends by DecoArt


This cute project looks labor intensive and I would suspect you could find the materials or similar products at your local craft store. 

Foam shapes become fun little candy corn people in this easy painting project for Halloween. Create a trio of friends spelling out Trick or Treat.

Materials:

DecoArt Products Required:

• Crafter's Acrylic
• DCA01 - White
• DCA47 - Black
• DCA49 - Bright Yellow
• DCA72 - Purple Passion
• DCA97 - Bright Orange
• DCA103 - Citrus Green
• Americana Spray Sealers
• DAS12 - Americana Gloss Spray
• Ultra Frost Sponge Applicator
• DAS131 - Ultra Frost Sponge Applicator
• Americana Brushes
• DBL1000-B - Liner 0
• DBF3012-B - Shader 12

Supplies

• Water container
• Paper towels
• Palette or foam plate
• Chalk pencil
• Scissors
• 1/4" ribbon
• 1/4" wooden dowels
• Hot glue gun
• Craft knife
• Plasteel Styrofoam cones, cylinders, rings, and 1" balls

Instructions:

1. Use sponge applicator to basecoat cones White.

2. Use 12 shader brush and Purple Passion, Citrus Green, and Black to basecoat cylinders. Basecoat rings Bright Yellow, Black, and Purple Passion.

3. Paint dowels Black. Let dry and cut into 3" pieces using craft knife.

4. Dropping down about an inch from cone point, sponge band of Bright Yellow around center of each. When dry, sponge another band around cone bottoms Bright Orange. When dry, use liner brush and Black to paint on faces. Dot Bright Orange on cheeks with finger tip. Highlight eye with tip of brush and White.

5. Use chalk pencil to write "Trick" on Purple Passion cylinder, "or" on Citrus Green cylinder, and "Treat" on Black cylinder. Paint letters White. Outline with Black.

6. Dot cylinders with brush handle end using Bright Orange on Purple Passion cylinder, Passion Purple on Citrus Green cylinder, and Bright Yellow on Black cylinder.

7. Cut 1" balls in half using craft knife. Paint halves using Purple Passion on one pair, Black on another, and Citrus Green on remaining pair.

8. Insert two dowels in each cone bottom. Insert other dowel ends into pair of ball halves for shoes. Adhere shoes to cylinder tops and rings to cylinder bottoms.

9. Use brush handle end to dot cylinders in contrasting colors. (Stripe and dot dowels in these colors as well.) Let dry and spray lightly with several coats of sealer and let dry.

10.Make tiny ribbon bows and attach to feet with hot glue gun.

Review of QUICK-BOOST Diet Supplement

UPDATE:  I just purchased four boxes of this as I love it!  It's less than 1 calorie, it's great tasting and it boosts my energy level.  I've not found anything else that gives me a boost and you can drink this twice a day and it's full of vitamins.
QUICK-BOOST in either orange or lime, claims to be a scientifically formulated beverage that combines some of nature's most powerful flavonoid antioxidants with key vitamins and metabolic enhancers. Its energy-producing effects help fight fatigue, attack free radicals, and repair cells, as well as boost energy and performance, and support daily wellness and vitality.

All you have to do is mix with 8-24 oz. of water and in no time, you do feel less tired, more energized and ready to go.  The recommendations are twice a day in the morning and afternoon. 

You can purchase this at NashuaNutrition.com for $20.95 which includes 14 in a box.  This is $10.05 cheaper than most places that carry it.

It has less than 1 calorie per serving.

Supplement Facts

• Serving size 4.5 g
• Servings per container 14
• Vitamin A
• Vitamin C
• Vitamin E
• Thiamine
• Riboflavin
• Niacin
• Vitamin B6
• Vitamin B12
• Quercetin
• Caffeine
• Licorice (root)
• Ginkigo Biloba
• Ginseng (root)

Also has dextrose, citric acic, flavoring, gum arabic, citrus flavor blend, locus bean gum, sucralose, calcium silcate, acesultame, potassium, FD&C yellow #5.

There are warnings to for pregnant and lactating women to not consume it.

Voices of the Faithful Book Review

Compiled and monthly introductions by Kim P. Davis and series creator and introduction by Beth Moore.

I had the fortunate opportunity from Thomas Nelson Books to read Voices of the Faithful Book Two: Inspiring Stories of Courage from Christians Serving Around the World compiled and monthly introductions by Kim P. Davis and series creator and introduction by Beth Moore.

Each day provided a new prayer and a devotional reading as told by various missionaries around the world.  I liked the concept of the book but would have liked perhaps a lengthier version of each story that was told.  To hold the book to one devotional a day, limited the length and perhaps in some instances, the quality of the message.

Instead of reading this book over the span of days, I would have preferred to devote a day for a couple of the readings to allow it to sink in.  The messages are well written, provided insight into other worlds and gave encouragement to the Christian faith.  It's an excellent resource to see what people endure for the sake of their beliefs and religion.  All the contributers have one goal, one mission which is to share in the teachings of the Christian faith.

I personally feel this is not a book to be taken lightly to read.  I think a good faith is ideal for being able to want to read this book.  It is enlightening but to me, enlightening to the right audience.

Harry Connick Jr Your Songs CD Review

One2One Network gave me this incredible opportunity to review the new Harry Connick Jr CD titled Your Songs that was released today.  This album is unique in which Harry teamed up with outside producer, the legendary Clive Davis.  Harry took his big band, string orchestra and that one of a kind soothing voice to give a captivating, tantalizing feel to these songs:

• All The Way (Frank Sinatra)
• Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel)
• Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley)
• And I Love Her (The Beatles)
• (They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters)
• Besame Mucho
• The Way You Look Tonight
• First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack)
• Your Song (Elton John)
• Some Enchanted Evening
• And I Love You So (Don McLean)
• Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett)
• Smile (Charlie Chaplin)
• Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

All the songs are very familar which is nice and to hear Harry's smooth and soothing voice remake them, adds more appeal. 

To hear samples of each song via Amazon click below.

Harry Connick Jr Your Songs

I think he did a fantastic job on each and every one.  Harry has such a great vocal talent that anything he would deliver in his usual way would be music to my ears.

As I was listening, I felt an urge to pour a glass a wine, shut my eyes and relax.

Recommended Upcoming TV Appearances for Harry:

• 9/25 – Oprah “Live Friday”
• 9/28 – Today Show
• 9/29 – The View
• 9/30 – Imus in the Morning
• 9/30 – Letterman
• 10/1 – Today Show
• Week of 10/5 – Rachael Ray
  

Recommended video click here for a video on the making of Your Songs:

Need more Harry?

Here are additional resources from Harry's website and become a fan for the latest news and updates.

Fast Facts:

• Harry received an honorary Doctor of Humane Letters at Tulane University's 2009 Commencement on May 16th.
• Harry appeared on his first jazz recording at age ten,
• First film score When Harry Met Sally.
• Acted in Memphis Belle (debut), Little Man Tate, Copycat, Independence Day, Hope Floats, voice in My Dog Skip and The Iron Giant, Simian Line, P.S. I Love You as well as many others.
• Album sales over 25 million.
  

The list goes on and on and if you are a Harry Connick Jr. fan, you will want to buy this.  Be forewarned that it's not like his usual original work but it does have the Harry touch!

Highly recommend!

$20 Gap Gift Card & $15 iTunes Gift Card Giveaway 10/31/09 - CLOSED WINNER

CLOSED - CONTRATULATIONS TO

ANNJOYCE!

AN E-MAIL HAS BEEN SENT.

THANKS TO EVERYONE WHO ENTERED!

With fall coming, new clothes are a must have.  I divide my purchases over some brands that I'm loyal to and others that I need to find cheaper.  One place that I love to shop is The Gap.  I think they have trendy and cool clothes for your kids and if you haven't taken a look lately, do so!

I have been given a $20 Gap card and a $15 iTunes gift card to giveaway to one of my lucky readers.

To win, all you have to do is leave a comment that you follow my blog!

Extra entries can be obtained by:

• Following me on Twitter and leave a comment.
• Subscribing to my blog and leave a comment.
• Leave a comment on any other blog, come back here and leave a comment on which one you commented on.  This can be done five times a day.
• Vote for me at DivineCaroline (widget top left) and get FIVE extra entries! Just vote, return back to the each giveaway and leave five entries with what number of voter you were. Easy!
  
  Giveaway ends 10/31/09
  

Winner will be selected by random.org.

My e-mail Box of Discounts, Deals & Specials

Every morning, I check my e-mail and have a lot of good specials, sales and deals.  From my internet surfing experiences, I know these deals aren't always openly out there.  Luckily, we have sites such as dealcatcher.com that lists a host of great specials and sales.  There are tons of sites dedicated to coupons, deals and more which some of my favorites include Southern Savers, Frugal Coupon Living, Nicole's Nickels and Saving with Shellie.  There are many, many more great sites out there and all it takes is time to find them.

Here are the deals and specials delivered to my e-mail this morning:

1. Special sale on holiday clothing at AdorableBabyClothing (use code HOLIDAY).
2. $5.00 off coupon at magazine.com.
3. Save $10 off select Kid's outerwear and jackets at Land's End.
4. Take 20% off all sale styles - 9/22 - 9/25 at The Gap.
5. Free Mini at Clinique with a $30 purchase (use SKIN for the code).
6. 15% off and free shipping at David's Cookies (FSP5 for the code).
7. $15 off $100 or more at Office Depot.
8. $20 off $100 or more on home fashions, bedding and bath (exp COUNTRY3) at K-Mart.
9. Free Veggie Tales download.
10. 10% off at Shindigz and free shipping (use code SZ6LL9).

Extra Crafting Specials:

Sign up for the You Can Make This newsletter for a free eBook bundle: