Nikita Season One on DVD

There have been several moments throughout the show that Nikita has been judged solely on her looks, which is a huge mistake!  Of course the show has its appeal to men given how pretty Nikita is but many men and women tend to prejudge a woman by her looks.  There were many times when I first started out in the business I was in where people assumed because I was blonde, I couldn't be intelligent.  I had to go that extra length to prove I wasn't dumb and at times, it was irritating.  I grew accustomed to it and it was always delighted when I proved them wrong.  


Nikita, if you haven't seen it, is about her leaving this secret government agency that grew corrupt.  Since no one was ever suppose to leave, it showcases her continued efforts to undermine the group while they try unsuccessfully to stop her.  It has all the suspense of a drama with the eye appeal for the guys and some fashion candy for us women.


You can pre-order the Nikita Season One on DVD now!

Check out:

	Nikita: Should Have Told Michael Facebook
	Nikita: Reassure Me Facebook
	Nikita: Towel Girl Facebook

I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Nikita: Season One on DVD/Blu-Ray.

Hearthsong ABC Chalk Talk! Electronic Learning Center Review and Giveaway 9/9/11 - Winner Closed

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

debijackson 

djackson1958 at hotmail dot com

An e-mail has been sent and Debbie has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via Random.org. Thanks to all those who entered!

It's time for school again and this year, I'm homeschooling and a little bit petrified!  I'm worried I'll let my kids down and fail miserably but then I stop, breath and realize that most likely, I won't fail them and I'll do okay at least.  I look for tools to enhance the learning experience and whether I'm homeschooling or not, I always like tools that incorporate fun into learning.  What kid doesn't like to play school?  I loved it growing up and in fact, I wanted to be a teacher until life caught up with me and I took a different path.  When I was offered a chance to review a product from Hearthsong, I easily picked the ABC Chalk Talk! Electronic Learning Center.


I knew I liked how it looked in the eCatalog but wasn't quite sure what it would be like in person.  I was surprised as it was nice and portable.  Portable is a great feature to me so I can easily put it away if needed or hang it up.  My girls loved the pointer hand and it's a great system with many games and levels to play.  What is nice is that it talks and instructs to child to play such as find the circle.  They use the pointer finger to select the answer and it tells them if they have it right or wrong.  It can be turned up louder or softer which is another nice feature to have.  The built in chalk board allows more versatility in teaching your kids while they have fun.  The built in pockets to hold the pointer hand, the chalk and eraser really make this the all around ideal toy to learn.

 

My eight year old filmed the review of this as I wanted to see how they operated without me present

My youngest did have a little bit of trouble getting the finger pointer to push down on the answer response but I think in time, she will learn how to most effectively push to seek the answer she wants.  She didn't get frustrated so that was saying a lot to me.  I think it's a great toy to learn from with the number of games it has, the ability for the kids to play teacher and to have a question/response forum.


Other Details:

• Durable vinyl that can be cleaned which is good for germ removal
• More than 30 touch sensors for kids to learn
• Removable chalk board
• Six games including a music mode
• Can be hung or laid out flat
• Comes with colored chalk, a pointer and an eraser
• Requires four AA batteries (not included)
• 34"L x 30"H
• For ages 3 and up

Overall, I think it's a great product to learn while having fun.  My girls love it and although it's below my eight year old, she's having fun playing teacher with my four year old.  I advocate any toy that serves a learning function as learning is always easier when it's fun!  To purchase, click on ABC Chalk Talk!

______________________________________

The Giveaway

One reader will win their very own ABC Chalk Talk which is a $47.98 retail value.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you have heard of HearthSong before.

Extra Entries:

• Like HearthSong on Facebook.
• Follow HearthSong on Twitter.
• Like me Facebook
• Follow me on Twitter
• Subscribe to my blog
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries)
• Blog about this giveaway (can be done once for five entries)
• Post this giveaway on another contest linky (can be done up to 10 times for two entries each)

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

Giveaway ends 9/9 at midnight (MST) - Winner will be selected via random.org

US Only Please

*Disclaimer:  I received a product to review in exchange for this post and giveaway.

Gossip Girls Season Four on DVD - Find Out More!

Trends are started many times from movies and television.  We watch what they wear and when we love them, we certainly can make a difference in what becomes hot and what doesn't.  Us girls tend to watch the little things like fashion and want to get the latest and greatest.  Just like on the Gossip Girl where the lovely women wear such terrific fashions from clothes that most cannot afford to buy to other ready to wear outfits.  Whatever your style, Serena and Blair wear the latest and makes their fans come back wanting them.


If you are a Gossip Girl fan, you know these girls can wear just about anything and their styles reflect their own personalities.  Blair's style is more in gear to what I like in a classic upper east side chic whereas Serena is the sexier version and a lot less effort.  Blair wearing her Oscar de la Renta sweetheart gown was one of my favorites.  Elegant and sophisticated yet timeless.  It reminded me of an old movie from the glamorous times.   All her outfits are gorgeous right down to her Fendi dress and accessories.


Don't get me wrong, I love the outfits that Serena has too and would also love to have the money to buy them!   What style are you?  Blair or Serena? 





Step on the runway of style with the fabulous 4th season of Gossip Girl on DVD http://bit.ly/r4GTe8!








I have been hired by Warner Bros. WBWord division to promote Gossip Girl Season Four on DVD.

A Critical Loss of Balance by Mark E. Shaver Book Review

If you are into suspenseful thrillers, this one is for you.  Mark E. Shaver's third book titled A Critical Loss of Balance is about one parent's worse fear of having your child kidnapped.  Cliff Elliott is one parent gripped in a city of fear due to a rash of kidnappings that go unseen despite all the normal tools available to law enforcement.  In an elaborate scheme to kidnap, seek ransoms and run, the criminals didn't bargain on what one parent could do.

The book was very well written and kept me guessing all along the way.  As a parent, it was easy to put myself in the position Cliff was in and understand the array of his emotions.  It may sound like a typical kidnap, ransom, return of victim and parent gets even story but it's not.  Cliff's story is different from the other kidnappings and never hears a word from the kidnappers.  There are twists with the criminal, Aaron and his long family history of this type of crime all the way down to the turn of events that you will not even suspect.  It's a well thought-out gripping suspenseful novel that was hard to put down.

Check it out here:






About the Author:




His story starts out interesting back in 1966 when his father was transferred to the city of Cork in Ireland. Upon his time there, his parents took him to Blarney Castle where legend has it that he who kisses the Blarney stone will receive 'the gift of eloquent speech.'  Needless to say, he was taken there by his parents and reluctantly kissed the stone and the rest is history.  His collection include The Second Verdict, After the Fact: When Passion and Fate Collide and of course, A Critical Loss of Balance.  His next book is due out in 2012.

Like us, Mr. Shaver resides in Texas.

Connect on Facebook here and Mark E. Shaver's website.

To purchase A Critical Loss of Balance or to download, go to Mark E. Shaver's site.



* Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary copy of this book for the purposes of this review.

Our MommyParties & Medela Pump in Style Party

Having a baby shower can be one of the most wonderful experience to give someone.  To be able to plan something that will provide a lifetime of memories is not only fun but can be nerve racking.  I love planning parties and this holds true for baby showers.  The opportunity to host a MommyParties' Medela party was ideal as I had a baby shower to plan and present.  My party pack included everything to supplement my party and I was rearing to go!

Medela, a name recognized quite well among pregnant women and more, has been around for years.  It's one name I trust for breastfeeding given their reputation.  They have so many products to help ensure success with breastfeeding.  My last two breast pumps were Medela as I had to rent one from the hospital on the last child.  Their products not only help you breast feed but they also have products that help you breast feed from nipple care.  Anyone who has breast fed, knows how it can tear those up at first so having relief is paramount in helping to succeed.

For our party, I gathered the finest folks I could have for a real baby shower as luck would have it, we had three pregnant women present so this was an extra incentive in coming since they receive raffle prizes  and were able to learn more about Medela.  One lucky friend even won a Medela Pump In Style Advanced On-the-go Tote worth over $350 retail value!  We don't know how the pump is working out for obvious reasons but she was beyond happy.

Medela - Guest of Honor Raffle Prize

Check out some of our party pictures:

 

   

We had fun with games, the get together and the Medela and products.  We were very grateful for our opportunity to supplement our party thanks to my participation with MommyParties and Medela.

_________________________

About the Medela Pump in Style Advanced Breast Pump with On the Go Tote:

This is one very nice gift to give or receive!

Product Features

• Daily use double pump electric New bag style with extra storage
• Adjustable speed/vacuum dial lets mom choose her most comfortable setting.
• Removable PVC-free cooler bag with contoured ice pack keeps milk cool for up to 12 hours.
• Battery pack lets mom pump anywhere, anytime. (Optional 9V vehicle lighter adapter available).
• More milk in less time with 2-Phase Expression technology when pumping at Maximum Comfort Vacuum.

Special thanks to Medela and MommyParties for the opportunity we had in receiving this pack to host our party.  

40% Off Today Only - Appliance Art to Jazz Up Your Appliances

Appliance Art is having a big sale right now and it's today only!  There are so many varieties to choose from to jazz up your appliances.  FOR TODAY ONLY! 40% off of our rolls of adhesive rolls of Instant Stainless and Magnetic Instant Stainless Panels with code FLASH0817



Check out some of these:

  

BOO! Scary Halloween panels will send chills through you. 

  

You can turn your kitchen into a vineyard with these wine panels for your refrigerator and dishwasher.

Quick Way to Make Ice Cream Cakes Without the Cost

I just received this e-mail on how to make easy ice cream cakes by Bryers and love how easy it looks and it's less expensive!  Although the instructions state to use the shape of the container, you can soften the ice cream into any mold you have to include a regular cake pan.  Years ago, something like 22, I made an ice cream cake for my oldest and used a bear shape cake pan from Wilton.

Ingredients:

• 1 container (1.5 qt.) Breyers® BLASTS!™ OREO® Cookies & Cream Chocolate Frozen Dairy Dessert 
• 1 container (8 oz.) whipped topping, thawed 
• Decorative sprinkles and icing, crushed cookies or chopped nuts 

Instructions:

• Cut container from Breyers® BLASTS!™ OREO® Cookies & Cream Chocolate Frozen Dairy Dessert with scissors, then arrange on chilled serving platter. Frost with whipped topping, then garnish as desired. Serve immediately or freeze until ready to serve.
• Variations: Use your favorite Breyers® BLASTS!™ or Breyers® Ice Cream! 

Cost per recipe*: $6.85.

Cost per serving*: $0.57.

*Based on average retail prices at national supermarkets.


To see more, just click on on Bryers.

$40 Amazon GC Giveaway at Mom Caboodle 9/20

Here is an easy giveaway for a $40 Amazon Gift Card which I love!  Amazon has just about anything you need so $40 can help you pick out something you want or need and it's for a good personal cause too!

To find out more and enter, click here for the $40 Amazon Gift Card Giveaway!

Not Fat Because I Wanna Be by LaNiyah Bailey

In a time where so many children are overweight and there appears to be an increase emphasis on bullying, this is a timely book told by six year old, LaNiyah who is overweight but not because she likes to eat rather she has a medical condition.  It's easy for us that are not overweight to cast first perceptions of others and assume they are overweight because they have no control or just overindulge from time to time.  Rarely do we stop and consider that maybe the person or child has a condition preventing them from being what society deems as "ideal."  

Little LaNiyah, through her story, tells her every day experiences with being teased and ridiculed for being "different."  She is able to tell different facets of how it hurts her, how she shields her loved ones and how she is able to reach out to her loving parents for help, love and explanation.  It's really a good story for all children to hear because they might not realize that their words are hurting someone else and it might help another overweight child feel empowered since they can read about someone just like them. On second thoughts, it's a good story for all to read because teaching children at an early age about kindness starts with the parents.

The book concludes with a poem for LaNiyah from her father, a pledge to refrain from doing something and a Parent and Teacher's Guide.

Book Details:

• Written by: LaNiyah Bailey 
• Publisher: Createspace/Bright Girl Publishing, IncISBN Number: 978-1461006763
• Publication Date: March 2011
• Genre of Book: Children’s Picture Book

Additional Information:

• Author Website: www.NotFatBecauseIWannaBe.com
• Blog Address: www.NotFatBecauseIWannaBe.com
• Facebook Fan Page URL: http://www.facebook.com/pages/LaNiyah-Bailey/204815272870647
• Facebook Event Page: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=234614673244782&pending

*Disclosure:  I was provided with a complimentary copy of this book for purposes of the review.

Mamavation Monday

It's time already and I don't have much to report as my daughter is running for a big grant for her 501c3 for epilepsy so all my time has been consumed with networking and getting her a win.  I've been aware of my eating habits and made some good choices and managed to job in the pool and swim for an hour on average every day except the last two days since Mr. Sun decided to leave and it cooled down (boo ..hiss!)  I'm a 150% (don't you hate when people go over 100%?  LOL) summer girl and thrive in the heat and sunshine.  I think I'm a little tired too given my networking.  I also managed to hop on the bike here and there and am going to add the Kettleworx ONCE I can find it as the packers did a miserable job packing.

Overall, I gained nothing and actually ended up losing a pound or two so that was a nice surprise!  This week, I plan on incorporating the bike into my evening routine and finding that kettle ball.  The good news is....FOOTBALL is back!

Hope it's been a good week for all you other Mamavation Moms!

Carmex Lime Twist and Vanilla Click Sticks Kit Review & Giveaway 9/1

There are some products that can be used seasonal and others that are needed year round.  Some are used by one and others by the entire family such as Carmex.  Carmex is a name that most recognize from the little pots of heaven especially when you had chapped lips in the winter or needed to just protect them if you were smarter than the weather.  Carmex has evolved and has these new click sticks that make it even more convenient to use and the new flavors of Lime Twist and Vanilla should appeal to most anyone's tastes (yes, you aren't suppose to eat it but you do lick your lips from time to time)!  What is also nice about the Click Sticks by Carmex are they small and are gender non-specific so men can carry them without looking like a sissy.

I received a complimentary pack as a Carmex Blog Squad Member to review and provide my input.  I'm not a lime fan so my preference is for the Vanilla Click Stick.  The lime wasn't overwhelming but I just don't like the smell of lime.  The vanilla was perfect!  Not too waxy or oily, it went on without leaving a heavy film and didn't have an intoxicating odor.  It's my new lip balm to protect my lips from the HOT El Paso sun, the winds from the mountains that kick in and when the cold air moves in.  It's a multi-season lip product for the entire family.

We had fun in our own backyard with the really nice roll up picnic blanket that was included with the Carmex Click Sticks.  The blanket, as you can see below, rolls up into a nice carrying pack with handle and velcro that keeps it together.  It was a perfect day for a picnic with our blanket, lunch and lip protection.

 

_____________________________

Photo Courtesy of SusieBHomemaker.com

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive:

• One Carmex Lime Twist Click Stick
• One Carmex Vanilla Click Stick
• One On-the-Go Picnic Blanket
• One Carmex Moisture Plus Clear Satin Finish Gloss

Just Dance Summer Party Review for the Wii

 My kids love the Just Dance series and they love their Wii.  They love the collection of Just Dance games because of the songs and the sheer fun of dancing.  I'm delighted that they like it because it gets them moving and having fun.  The Just Dance Summer Party is packed full of summer fun tunes that includes songs from Katy Perry who they love!  They were dancing and grooving while working up a sweat.    This Summer Party version has over 20 tunes that are from the 80's, 90's and current and although you might think a child would grumble over the 80's and 90's music, they are the catchy dance tunes and some are from movies they are used to like Kung Foo Panda.

One of the features they liked was being able to dance together and when one doesn't want to play, they can dance solo.  They are both competitive so they really enjoy the dance offs to see who will score the highest.  This video shows them cranking it up to Katy Perry's Firework.  After this one, my eight year old said, "Oh, I had enough, I'm sweating!"

In this video, they were dancing and just giggled over the alien who dances with them.  You can hear how giddy my youngest is on the video.  

Track List

• A Band of Bees - "Chicken Payback"
• Blur - "Song 2"
• Carl Douglas - "Kung fu fighting" (Dave Ruffy / Mark Wallis remix)
• Estelle feat Kanye West - "American Boy"
• Katy Perry - "Firework"
• M/A/R/R/S - "Pump Up The Volume"
• Panic At The Disco - "Nine in the afternoon"
• Rihanna - "Pon De Replay"
• Steppenwolf - "Born To Be Wild"
• The Supremes - "You Can’t Hurry Love"
• V V Brown - "Crying Blood"
• Countdown Dee's Hit Explosion - "Barbie Girl"
• Love Letter - "Why oh why"
• Nick Phoenix and Thomas Bergersen - "Professeur Pumplestickle"
• Studio Allstars - "Maniac"
• Sweat Invaders - "Skin-to-Skin"
• The Hit Crew - "Here Comes The Hotstepper"
• The Lemon Cubes - "Mambo NO. 5" (A Little Bit Of Monica)
• The Lemon Cubes - "Moving On Up"
• The Reverend Horatio Duncan & Amos Sweets - "Down By The Riverside"
• The World Cup Girls - "Futebol Crazy"
• Game Exclusive -- A R Rahman, Pussycat Dolls featuring Nicole Scherzinger - "Jai Ho!" (You are my destiny)
• Game Exclusive -- Sweat Invaders - "Funkytown'"

 

It can have up to four player local support and with the dance battle, dance party or sweat option, there are more ways to engage the family and have fun while getting a workout!  Overall, they just love the Just Dance Summer Party and I think it's now their favorite one.  My youngest said, "this is cool, Mom!"  She really has had a great time playing it.  We received it on Thursday and she's played it each day.  If you like to dance or your kids like to dance, this is ideal to purchase especially if you are looking for some fun family time, want to get the kids moving or to exercise.  I love it as well.


You can purchase Just Dance Summer Party by clicking on the title.









Thank you to Ubisoft for sponsoring this UbiChamps blog post. Please click here to learn more about Ubisoft. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions are my own.

Wear High Heels? Dr. Scholl's® For Her High Heel Insoles Golden

I don't wear high heels as much as I did when I worked but once winter rolls around, I wear high heeled boots and love them but I don't love the pain associated with them.  I remember walking through the halls of work trying to hide the pain I was experiencing on the bottoms of my feet and no matter what I did, it didn't help.  I would almost be in tears by the time I got home and could barely walk sometimes.  I know ... I know...some would say why wear them then?  I like the look and especially while you are working in a professional environment, it's about the look.  I also like the look outside of work and feel it makes me look better so why not?  I found this terrific product called Dr. Scholl's For Her High Heel Insoles and LOVE them! 


I used to wear a smaller version that provided the protection against pain but they would slip which is why I love these.  They easily slide into your shoe and stay put.  The special gel material comforts and soothes your foot while keeping them from moving (at least that's how I see it).  The friction of my foot moving back and forth coupled with panty hose produced that killer pain but not with these.  I also like that my foot doesn't have that crowded feeling either as who wants pain on the top of the foot because it's now squashed?  



This is a great product and if you wear shoes with a 2" heel or higher, you will want these!


Like Dr. Scholl's® For Her on Facebook. Make sure to vote on the most confidence-inspiring shoe as part of the Dress for Success program and take the "Fabulitis" Quiz








*Disclaimer:  I am a BzzAgent and received a complimentary product for the purposes of this post.  The opinions are my own.

Victoria Secret Photo Photo-Shopped?

Just curious if anyone else thinks this is YET another bad photo shop trick or is this woman's leg that odd? A totally pointless post but as I was checking e-mail, it popped upon the side and looked weird.

Check Out Great Prize Pack for Dancers Who are Children @WisharooPark

If you haven't entered the Wisharoo Park Duckle Dance and giveaway, you don't want to miss out on this great prize pack too:  

• Tap Shoes
• Ballet Shoes
• T-shirt
• Carrying bag.  

Click here to enter:  http://www.healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com/2011/08/duckle-dance-sweepstakes-presented-by.html

Tips For Squirmy Baby Diaper Changes

Do You Want to Make Her Mad When Changing a Diaper?

We've all had them most likely if you are reading my blog and know what a challenge on so many fronts babies are when they start becoming more mobile.  They are faster than my oldest grabbing a piece of chocolate.  When they start to crawl, it becomes more than a challenge since they don't understand what no means and they certainly have places to go and dirt to find.  When they walk, oh boy, watch out!  There is nothing worse than trying to stop a baby on a mission.  I have diapered three so far and can honestly say that Huggies is my diaper of choice so participating in this blog post was ideal.  My oldest has a baby that is about to turn one so she understands the frustrations involved with a newly found independent baby.  When I think back of the ways I found that helped to alleviate some of the squirms, I shared them with her.

• The best and easiest way to distract long enough to change those diapers is to have a toy on hand.  That always works to complete the task but you still have to be quick since their attention spans are just as quick!
• Make sure you have everything you need to change the diaper ahead of time.  Nothing is worse than changing a diaper and you forgot the wipes or the cream.  I always made sure I kept them in a small container to have at my disposal.  Quick is the name of the game.
• In situations where nothing else worked, I would use my legs to help hold in place.  Of course, I didn't cause pain but just enough to hold them still.  Sometimes they are just more determined then we are and can escape better than Houdini!
• Singing a song is another way to help sooth and distract.  This not only works when changing a diaper but is also instrumental when in a car and they are upset.  I found that singing even the Alphabet song works.  When they are on a mission, we do whatever it takes.
• If you have other siblings, their help can be vital in offsetting their mission.  Kids love kids and when they see another kid's face, that is all it takes to distract them.  My youngest adored my middle one when she was a baby, not so much now, but it always worked to get a smile and some calmness.
• If the baby is old enough to hold a bottle, that is always a good trick too along with a pacifier.  It's soothing and takes their mind off of you taking away their fun!

Changing a diaper can be a pain and lead to all sorts of frustration.  With the right planning and quick action, the process can be smoother with just providing a distraction.  They are smart little things but as moms, we have one up on them!  Diaper changing is never fun but it makes you feel better knowing you are providing the best comfort to your little one.

Do you have any tips or tricks to share?  If you want to participate, just click the link at the bottom of this post.

About Huggies
The Huggies® community brings parents together so that you and your babies fully enjoy every day, whatever the day presents. Enjoy the ride with Huggies®.

More info on Huggies: http://www.huggies.com

Like Huggies on Facebook

Follow @huggies on Twitter

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Huggies blogging program, for a gift card worth $35. For more information on how you can participate, click here.

Things I've Learned While Growing Up

Things I've learned while growing up ...

• The written word has no emotions and although you can add affection or feelings to a word, it doesn't always come across that way.  I try to remember that when I read something I receive and want to disown a person or misinterpret.  I have learned to be kinder with my response or ask for clarification.
• Forgiveness is the key to all.  I learned to not carry grudges because it just festers inside you and keeps you sad or angry.  It's better to forgive.  If you can't forgive, remove the person.
• No matter how many times I say Gerard Butler should marry me, he won't.
• With the social media world, there is always that one person who annoys you with her Facebook page.  You know the one that has three to four children, five or six high bred dogs, cats, on welfare but still manages to get a tattoo every week and/or a piercing while complaining that they don't have the money to pay the bills.  Okay, you may not have someone in your life that is like that but my oldest and I did.  Instead of feeling enraged, I told my oldest to remove her as a friend and she wouldn't know what was going on with her.  I did earlier than my advice to her and it was a God send.  
• Surround yourself with positive people.  If you have that friend that is always down on something and hasn't a pleasant word for anyone, it's better to remove yourself unless you have some familial obligation and then I would distance yourself.  Negative people sap the energy from you.
• I can't eat all the chocolate I want and not gain a pound.
• I always sit on an e-mail for a day before I respond if I perceive it as mean spirited or negative to avoid starting something based on emotions.  This bode wells in work environments.  I've seen too many people go off half cocked which resulted in fighting and low morale.  Wait and then send and clarify first if needed.
• The old saying, "if you don't have something nice to say, say nothing at all" still applies today.  I'm outraged at how cruel people are on online forums.  The civility and respect in the world is dying fast.  It's like a competition as to who can be the most cruel.  Our politicians are setting such poor examples with their hypocrisy to include Hollywood.  

I wrote this post because I was contemplating sending birthday wishes to someone tomorrow and second guessed if I should because I continue to reach out to this family member and am not met with any agreement.  The circumstances are beyond me and complicated and when I finally told myself no, I thought about the things I had learned.   I decided I will overlook that I have to make all attempts as that will get me nowhere.  I will reach out for love and for that, I will feel better.