Want to Save More Money? BargainJill is a Place to Go

I had never of Bargain Jill until recently.  Starting a few years ago, founder Dustin DeVries and his wife began collecting coupons and deals from national retailers as a result of the recession.  They shared this information with their friends and family, and this venture continued to grow until Dustin decided to make collecting online coupons and deals a full-time venture.  Thus was born Red Tag Media and its three component sites: Bargain Jack (http://www.bargainjack.com), Bargain Jill (http://www.bargainjill.com), and One Day Buys (http://www.onedaybuys.com).  Since then, these sites have grown in size and success; PC Magazine named Bargain Jack a Top 10 Deal Site, for example.

Bargain Jill is a one-of-a-kind website that compiles deals and coupons from across the web on brand-name items tailored specifically towards women--items like women's apparel and accessories, home and garden items, beauty products, and children's items. Through Bargain Jill and its newsletter and social media activities, they've been able to find and broadcast deals at more than 50% to 75% off their street prices. Unlike other websites, Bargain Jill doesn't only include one-day deals and doesn't require membership.  Instead, Bargain Jill is a one-stop-shop for women searching for the best deals on the Internet for items they love and trust. 

• Stay Connected:
  • Jill's Newsletter
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Hawaiian Luau Party Ideas eBook Review & How You Can Get a Copy

Having parties is something I live for and can't wait to start planning.  I always gear my themes around the person and try to make it a great event.  Trying to find ideas can be very time consuming as if you are like me, you want it just right.  I spend hours upon hours planning and lots of money in preparation.  This year, I planned a Hawaiian birthday party for my eldest who loves Hawaii.  We lived there about five years ago for 10 months.  My youngest was born there in fact.  When this opportunity came up to review the Hawaiian Luau Party Ideas eBook, I jumped.  


This eBook is full of great ideas to help you plan your ultimate Hawaiian Luau along with some great free downloads to print such as Moo-Luau Mad Libs game and a coupon to print off a printable Luau Party games pack and much more.

We had our great party and my daughter was very happy.  Here is our result:

 

It's a great eBook that will help you plan every aspect of your Hawaiian Luau and best of all, it's FREE!  You can get your own free copy by signing up here.





I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Drink Pepsi? Easy Giveaway to win $150 in GCs 8/10

Here is an easy giveaway while providing support to an eight year old girl and her 501c3 non-profit benefiting children with epilepsy.  You can win $50 GC to Anywhere, $50 Dillards GC & $50 Eden Fantasys GC Giveaway but hurry as it ends on 8/10

Click here to enter and win!  All you need are your Pepsi Refresh codes!

FREE FRESCHETTA® By The Slice Pizza Event 8/4!

FREE and PIZZA!  Two of my favorite words as I love pizza and of course, who doesn't love free unless it's free pizza someone left out all night or dropped on the floor? Of course this isn't that as it's FREE Freschetta!  Starting July 28th, you can visit www.FreeFreschetta.com and sign up for a reminder to get your free slice of pizze on August 4th.  Not only will you get a reminder but you will also get to see a preview of events with host Mike Rylander.

  

On August 4th, the event will go live at 11 am for all to sign up and enjoy some other fun, interactive contests and coupons.

Stay up to date by following Freschetta on Twitter and click "like' on Facebook.

*Disclosure: I received no compensation for this post but I am eligible for a giveaway if randomly chosen.

Dr Dennis Gross Skincare's Alpha Beta Glow Pads Review

I know it's summer and many people still like to get that summer glow in spite of the health warnings.  Throughout the year, I like to have a little bit of color to my very white English complexion so I use a self tanner all the time.  It's really hard finding a tanning product that looks natural and goes on smooth without leaving marks or areas you forgot to apply.  I received a complimentary box of Alpha Beta Glow Pads from Dr Dennis Gross Skincare for review.


I have to say that this is a great product.  It not only provides color to your complexion but it's also the only anti-aging, exfoliating sunless tanner that contains active Vitamin D.  Also known as the "sun vitamin," Vitamin D helps to provide smoother, healthier skin.  It provides a deep color through microencapsulated DHA and soy proteins which helps to prevent fading.  Many self-tanners fade quickly especially after exfoliation but not with the Alpha Beta Glow Pads.  It also helps to tighten pores, eliminate blackheads and helps to fade sunspots!  It's like they made the product just for me!  I also love that you can apply, know where you are applying it and have no streaks.  It does take some time to show so I found that I get my best effect from using it the night before.


Another benefit, it did not cause break outs which is a big a plus to me as most will cause my face to react which really does detract from the look and benefit.  My skin feels great, looks wonderful and I have seen a reduction in blackheads and pore size.  

Overall, I would recommend the Alpha Beta Blow Pads.

For those that like to know more about the ingredients in their products:


Vitamin D Topical Supplement gives sun kissed glow without sun; makes other vitamins work better Glycolic Acid Reduces visible signs of aging Lactic Acid A naturally-occurring Alpha Hydroxy Acid that helps speed up cell renewal Willow Bark Extract Clears pores & also exfoliates; natural alternative to Salicylic Acid Soy Protein Kick-starts collagen production and ensures a more natural hue for rich, long-lasting color Encapsulated DHA Provides time-released color Vitamins A, C, E Potent antioxidants that prevent collagen breakdown Vitamin B Helps reduce pore size and provides wound healing Phospholipids Natural substance that draws moisture from the air & seals it into the skin






*Disclosure:  I received a complimentary product in exchange for this review.  The opinions are my own.

Are You Participating in National Night Out Block Party August 2nd?

If you are, you have until Sunday to get your Block Party invites out in time for a National Night Out Block Party on August 2nd.  National Night Out is the nation's night out against crime when residents are encouraged to join with their neighbors to have a neighborhood block party, ice cream social or other outdoor event to build neighborhood spirit and unity - which is the first defense against crime. 37 million people participated last year and research shows that when neighbors know each other and look out for each other crime goes down.

There has been already over 14,000 invites go out and people can definitely use WhitePages Neighbors to organize a block party anytime. 


Here is how you do it:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QXDRZwjF31A



Check out my giveaway for $100 to help host your own block party!






*Disclosure:  I received information to post along with a giveaway.

Marley and Me: The Puppy Years Doggie Jobs

Following the box office smash hit of Marley and Me, the world's most misbehaved dog returns in Marley & Me: The Puppy Years as a loveable pint size puppy. This time Marley spends the summer with his owner, Bodie Grogan, who has to live with his strict veteran grandfather while trying to prepare Marley for the neighborhood dog agility contest. This is a fantastic adventure filled with fun, laughs, and love.

The fire fighting Dalmatian isn’t the only working dog in town – there are many other types of heroic doggies, from the Seeing Eye dog to the St. Bernard Mountain Rescue ranger. In Marley and Me: The Puppy Years, the Marley saves his team by escaping the junkyard. We take a look at some well-known pet professions and pick up Marley and Me: The Puppy Years out on Blu-Ray Disc and DVD August 16^th!

• Border Collies – Border Collies are often used for herding sheep and other livestock on farms because of their natural pack instinct. They take direction well even from a distance which makes them ideal for working. They will also protect their charges from predators like wolves and coyotes. 

·     St. Bernards – St. Bernards have a long history serving as rescue dogs, especially in the mountains. They are known for their size and strength which helps them rescue people who have been trapped. St. Bernards are comfortable in the cold and have a keen sense of direction so it is no wonder they were often used in avalanche territory.

• Newfoundlands – These dogs are also often used for rescue but are more suitable for doing so in the water. Newfoundlands are excellent swimmers because of their webbed feet and their water-resistant coats make them likely lifeguards. This makes them particularly common aboard lifeguard boats and out at sea.

• Dalmatians – Dalmatians are often associated with and were used in iconic imagery of the firehouse. They were originally engaged by firemen to clear the path for fire trucks that were pulled by horses because of the congenial nature of both animals. Even though horses are no longer employed the canines have stuck around to guard the house and the firemen.

·  Australian Sheppard’s – like the Australian team in the movie, these dogs are fantastic farm animals that are known for their tremendous skills in herding. They are also known to be amazing search and rescue dogs, disaster, guide, and detection dogs.

·        Beagles – These intelligent dogs may be small but don’t let their size mislead you. Because people aren’t automatically wary of them, beagles can be used in places like airports and train stations as detection dogs. Their sense of smell is excellent for uncovering drugs, explosives and other forms of contraband.

• German Shepherds – German Shepherds are extremely loyal and smart dogs that can be trained to do a number of tasks. They often serve as guard or enforcement dogs for the police by doing tasks such as hunting down criminals and sniffing for bombs and drugs. Though their size can intimidate this can be useful for cops and the military that need to instill fear in suspects.

·      Golden Retrievers – Golden Retrievers like Marley are great dogs and make for even better work dogs. These dogs can be working in anything from sniffing out things like bombs or drugs for the police to being guide dogs for the blind.  Also retrievers can track things like other animals extremely well, which is why they make for great hunting dogs.

What's your favorite breed?

*Disclosure:  This post is written as part of a two part series involving Puppy Years Doggie Jobs and a follow up Marley and Me DVD Giveaway.

Buy a Tutu or a TG Bear & Help a Child's Charity

My eight year old who started Angels4Epilepsy last year to help bring smiles to children in the hospital and more is selling tutus made by her 23 year old sister.  Were trying to raise funds to touch more children around the country.  To date, we have delivered to Georgia multiple times and Florida.  We have a wonderful volunteer, Stacey Burns, who is set to deliver more gift bags to children in Indiana next month.  We have a busy year left with two deliveries planned in October for Texas and Georgia and then there is Christmas.

In our attempts at raising money, we have focused on three ideas:

1. Tutus
2. Hernando - a TG Bears inclusive bear for Angels4Epilepsy where a portion of the proceeds goes to Angels4Epilepsy
3. Banner redirection to TG Bears in which $4 will go to Angels4Epilepsy

Here are some of the tutus:

  

To see all of the tutus or to purchase, click here.

Meet Hernando:

With Angels4Epilepsy embroidered on his paw and TG on the other, this is a great way to cheer up someone especially if he or she has epilepsy due to the purple ribbon.  To purchase, just send an e-mail to angels4epilepsy@yahoo.com


To purchase an adorable, high quality, hand made bear from TG Bears, click below:

The Bosley Lasercomb (Promote Hair Growth) Giveaway 8/5 - $495 Value - US/Canada - Winner

CONGRATULATIONS TO...

 Alex said...

I am following you now and I NEED it

July 22, 2011 11:05 AM

An e-mail has been sent and Alex has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.  Thanks to all those who entered and thanks to Bosley for sponsoring a great giveaway!

Hair loss is a huge topic in my house.  Actually, it's not a topic as my husband, who is losing his hair (shhhhhh...) won't admit to it nor accept that it runs in his family.  Because of him, I can imagine how it must affect other men and women's self-confidence in most cases.  This is where a new weapon against the fight of hair loss is introduced.  Clinically proven to promote hair growth in men AND women, it's an FDA approved medical-grade device.  This means that it has passed tests that have proven it works and it's safe.  The state-of-the-art precision laser diode has a 24 month warranty and includes a carrying/storage case.  The Bosley Lasercomb is the first and only home-use medical laser device to stimulate your scalp and promote hair growth.

How it Works:

The Bosley LaserComb works via the principle of photo-biostimulation, a process which delivers laser energy to the hair follicle. The light energy emitted from the Bosley LaserComb may increase blood flow and circulation within the scalp and in doing so, revitalize individual follicles and promote a general strengthening of the hair. Blood flow is crucial to promoting healthy hair growth; it brings important nutrients into the follicle, while allowing the follicular cells to effectively dispose of detrimental waste products.

How Does the LaserComb Stimulate Growth Throughout a Hair's Life Cycle?

1. Anagen Phase. This is the active growth phase for follicles when cells in the root are dividing rapidly. The LaserComb emits a controlled amount of light which causes photo-biostimulation. This provides energy for hair growth and helps healthy hair stay in the anagen phase longer. A typical hair follicle stays in the anagen phase for 2-3 years, depending on genetics.

2. Catagen to Telogen Phases. These phases mark the normal "death" of a hair and resting phase of a follicle. The LaserComb helps stimulate the hair root to keep terminal hair healthy during this 3-12 week process.

3. Vellus Hair. Vellus hairs are short and very fine. Photo-biostimulation stimulates the follicle and root to encourage baldness-caused vellus hairs to transform back to healthy terminal hairs.

4. Dead Hair Follicle. A follicle in Telogen Phase is simply resting, while a dead hair follicle will not produce a hair again. The LaserComb cannot revitalize a dead hair follicle.

Other Features:

• Cordless
• Hand held
• Ergonomic design
• Rechargeable lithium ion battery
• Only requires 10-15 minutes of use, three times a week

This week Bosley is giving away The Bosley LaserComb to ONE of my lucky readers!  (Retail value: $495!)

___________________________________

To Enter:

Follow my Blog and leave me a comment on why you want to win!

Extra Entries:

• Follow Bosley on Twitter
• "Like" Bosley on Facebook
• Tweet this about this giveaway - can be done once a day for two entries (leave your url of the Tweet)
• Blog about this giveaway - can be done once for five entries (leave url of your post)
• Follow me on Twitter
• "Like" me on Facebook
• Subscribe to my blog
• Add this giveaway to a giveaway link (worth three entries per link up - leave url)

Just remember that the more times you enter, the more chances you have to win!

Check out the home page here for EXTRA BONUS entry opportunity!

Note: Please use a valid email address. Contest open to US & Canadian residents only.

One winner will be selected via random.org.  Giveaway ends August 5, 2011 at midnight (Mountain Standard Time).  The winner will be reached by email, and announced on this post.

K-Magic K's Kids Movie and Game Interactive Console Review

With all the technology around and for those that are lucky enough to have iPods, iPads, DS Lights and more, it leaves the younger ones feeling left out.  My youngest likes to play with my iPod and I cringe because she might drop and break it and she has inadvertently learned how to delete.  She also likes to play with her older sister's DS Light and is always losing the games which starts a war in our house.  I want a product that is safe, fun and durable for her and I don't want it to be my toys!  Then, I learned about the K-Magie K's Kids Movie and Game Interactive Console and was thrilled with the chance to review this cool new toy.

If you are like me, you never even heard of the K-Magic.  It's a powerhouse full of fun for your little toddler.  There are cartoons, educational games, music for babies and first words to play on the easy to maneuver console.  It's also great for babies as you can see from my picture!  It has a 3.5 inch screen that is vivid and bright, it's portable and comes with its own case.  It's ideal for traveling as I've seen so many parents post on Facebook and Twitter wanting ideas to keep their little one's entertained on long trips and this is it!

 

 

It's colorful which as anyone knows, kids love colors and lights.  Between the interaction of pushing buttons, hearing the sounds and music and watching the screen, it's a great all in one toy for any child up to six.  My eight year old even took a peek at it and was playing it when no one was looking.

Here are some additional features:

• Adjustable handle
• On/off power switch and language selector
• Slot that allows for easy access in putting in and removing the Magic Cards
• Volume control <- a must have for any parent
• Grip pads on the side to help their little fingers and hands hold the console which is lightweight
• An easy "Home" button
• Built in stereo speakers
• Rubber stands to hold up if preferred
• Supports multiple languages
• Warranty

The K-Magic comes with the Magic Cards to include a variety of different types of entertainment.  There are also 20 built in cartoons at five minutes in length covering subjects such as discipline, education and creativity.    You can view a sample here.  The Magic Cards include learning games that include visual, senses, observation and logic with three levels of challenging.  It's also first in market for babies aged 2 - 5.

For a demo of the K-Magic, click here and here to learn more about K-Magic Apps.

You can check out their website here

This is a great first toy given the versatility of the K-Magic.  It can be set up to play music for baby and as they advance, they can learn over 200 first English words, play fun games and learn so much.  The screen provides vivid, colorful graphics that are inviting and appealing to the little one's.  I think it's a great first toy that grows with your child and whenever you can find a toy that teaches while entertaining, it's a win-win.

I would highly recommend the K-Magic.

K-Magic will be available for purchase in September by clicking here.




*Disclosure: I did receive a complimentary K-Magic for the purposes of this review.  The opinions expressed are of my own.

Our Hawaiian Theme Party

Yesterday, we celebrated my 23 year old's birthday in a Hawaiian theme.  We lived there for nine months and I had my youngest, 4, there.  I didn't have a lot of time to plan because we just recently made a cross country move for the Army and with getting settled in and so forth, it was hard to do.  With the help of Silhouette SD, I was able to help with my party decor.  I LOVE the Silhouette for all my parties.

Here is what I came up with:

The cookie cake provided the perfect decor for the theme but didn't taste that good:

This pineapple fruit bowl was easy to make and with a flower lei, I used the petals to decorate the platter:

I used flower theme decorations for the cake pops.  I was going to make small pineapples but didn't have the fondant to make the tops so I opted out.  The water bottles were decorated with a grass skirt and a coconut bra.  I used the lei for decorating combined with Elmer Glue sticky tape and a hot glue gun.  The very cool cake pop stands came from KC Bakes.  They are so handy to use!

I decorated my KC Bakes cake pop stand with more flowers and a banner I created and printed.  My pops weren't doing too well in the heat as you can see them sliding ...

The Sixlets were actually two layers of colors but the tag hid the colors.

Mamavation Mondays: Week Two

I was bad, I skipped last week's post mostly because of life.  I had a lot going on but mostly it was planning for my 23 year old's birthday as well as an interview for my eight year old's non-profit.  We had a great party that gave me the bad excuse to eat what I wanted over a two day period and I paid for in the amount of three pounds.  I pick up weight by looking at food.  The good news is, I'm still keeping off 15 pounds from when I lost it post May.  Our party was good and all three of my kids and grand baby had fun:

 

My plan has been mostly working out in the pool every day and watching what I eat in terms of carbs and calories by following the controversial Dukan Diet.  I've been focusing on protein and low fat foods granted I know I need fruit and vegetables, I figure the short term sacrifice is okay given how being overweight and unhealthy in the long term is far worse.  So today marks back on the bandwagon and loose those pounds!

My goal next week is to report a weight loss!

_______________________________

BLOGGING CARNIVAL: This week’s blogging carnival is sponsored by Grunt Style. Two blogging carnival participants will receive a shirt from Grunt Style. Answer the following question in your blog post and link back to the Grunt Style website. Link up your post here.  You can join in too if you would like to become a Sista or just learn some great things!

Question: What has been your favorite Grunt Style workout? If you aren’t doing his workouts what has been your strength training routine?

I am not doing any of the Grunt Style workouts and and I'm not doing any strength training even though I know I should.  I do have a Kettleball and every now and then, I do use it but not near enough.

This post is sponsored by Grunt Style and I’m writing this to be entered into a giveaway hosted by Mamavation and sponsored by Grunt Style.” at the bottom of your post.

TG Bears' Hernando and How You Can Purchase Him While Helping a Kid's Charity

A very special person reached out to Angels4Epilepsy and offered us a wonderful opportunity.  TG Bears has created this custom, hand made bear with Angels4Epilepsy embroidered on his right paw.  The purple ribbon is for epilepsy and altogether, he makes up Hernando!  Hernando is available for purchase and can be shipped directly for you.  Portion of the proceeds will go to Angels4Epilepsy (a 501c3 charity) so your purchase is tax deductible.

We have three up-coming gift bag deliveries to hospitals in Indiana, Georgia and Texas.  We are able to provide gift bags to children thanks to the generous support of others.  We also have many requests from others who want to provide deliveries in their states.  Additional funding will allow us to complete our goals. 

For $35 per bear plus $15 shipping ($3 for additional), you can order this adorable hand made friend for that special someone while benefiting Angels4Epilepsy! 

For more information on ordering, send an e-mail to angels4epilepsy@yahoo.com.

Winnie the Pooh's Pooh's Note and Winnie Cake Pops

Winnie the Pooh is coming out in theaters July 15th with Pooh, his friends and the Hundred Acres Woods.  Who doesn't love Winnie?  He's been around for as long as I can remember and he's just as timeless.  My kids have all grown up with something of Winnie and I suspect it will keep going in our family.  Winnie the Pooh is adorable and his friends are fun and whimsical.

Catch a glimpse here:



Like Winnie the Pooh on Facebook here.


Check out these really cool Winnie the Pooh Cake Pops!



Winnie the Pooh Cake Pops by Bakerella




Materials:

• 1 box cake mix (bake as directed on box for 13 X 9 cake) 
• 1 16 oz can of ready-made frosting 
• Wax paper 
• Baking sheets 
• Yellow candy coating 
• Red candy coating (optional for shirt collar) 
• Chocolate coated sunflower seeds in yellow, white or another light color (nose) 
• Black non-pareils (eyes) 
• Brown rainbow chip sprinkles 
• Pink confetti sprinkles (tongue) 
• Black edible ink pen (eyebrows, mouth) 
• Red edible ink pen (mouth) 
• Toothpicks 
• Paper lollipop sticks 
• Styrofoam block

Instructions:

1. After cake is cooked and cooled completely, crumble into a large bowl.
2. With a large spoon, mix thoroughly with about 3/4 of the can of frosting. You won't need the rest.
3. Roll mixture into quarter size cake balls and place on a wax paper covered baking sheet.
4. Place cake balls in the freezer for about 15 minutes to firm up. You can transfer them to the refrigerator to keep chilled and avoid freezing.
5. When they are firm, shape half of the cake balls to resemble Winnie's head. The top of the ball should be smaller than the bottom. Try to shape them so the nose protrudes in the front. 
6. To practice getting the shape right, place candies in position for ears and nose and use a lollipop stick to mark the eyes to see if the shape is looking right.
7. You can use a picture of Winnie as a guide to shape the cake ball. You can also use a lollipop stick to help shape the nose.
8. Return the cake pops to the refrigerator to maintain firmness.
9. Melt yellow candy coating in a heat-proof plastic bowl so that the coating is at three to four inches deep for easier dipping. 
10. Melt in the microwave in 30 second intervals on low, stirring in between. 
11. Repeat until melted and smooth.
12. Remove a couple of cake balls from the refrigerator at a time to work with.
13. Dip the tip of a lollipop stick into the melted coating and insert into the bottom of Winnie's head. Then, grab two sunflower seed ears and dip the pointed side into the melted candy coating. Attach the ears to the top/back of the cake pop and the coating will set like glue.
14. Place in a styrofoam block to dry. 
15. After a few minutes you can carefully dip the entire cake pop with ears attached into the bowl of melted candy coating. Dip and remove in one motion without stirring. Make sure the entire cake ball is covered. Using a deep bowl is helpful here.  If your coating is too thick, you can add a few drops of vegetable oil or shortening to help thin it and make it easier to work with.
16. Remove and allow any excess coating to fall off the pop and back into the bowl.
17. Before the coating sets, attach one brown rainbow chip sprinkle in position for the nose. Repeat with the remaining Winnie the Pooh Pops.