Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Save Hundreds This Year with Shuttercover

Shuttercover - Winterize your home and save hundreds.

As someone who lives with an HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Cooling) guy, I know about sealing up places where cold air can get in and warm air can escape. Winterizing the house is something that takes Teach about a month to fully be done. There is the wood stove cleaning, the fireplace, storm windows, blah, blah, blah...

With the cost of oil, wood, or whatever you use to heat your house there is no reason to allow those dollars to slip through easily sealed areas of your home. Teach was in the process of creating his own sealers when the box from Shuttercover came in.

Shuttercover is a ¼-inch thick, Low-E reflective foil insulation. This type of insulation can stop up to 97% of radiant heat transfer, adding significant energy savings. One side has a white coating to blend in with the surrounding ceiling. The square can be trimmed to fit any shutter size up to 48 inches by 48 inches.

This afternoon Teach got to work on covering our central air vents and the attic stairs. It was so easy. He measured and cut what he needed. Then he took the velco tape that was included and placed it on the vent covers. Taking the Shutter Cover he placed it over the covers. Wah la. Easy peasy.

Check out how easy it is:

Why wouldn't you want to use this. Who couldn't use an energy savings this year.

Depending on the size you need prices range from $18.50 - $47.50 for the 48x60 piece.

You can purchase online here or pick up locally at Ace, Lowes, Grainger, Ebay, Herrman Lumber Company, Meeks and Sutherlands.

What I Can Tell You:
Who wouldn't want to save money on their energy costs!
Teach thought it was awesome and he is not easily impressed.
You don't need a man to do it for you ladies, you can totally do it yourself.
Keeping drafts out keep you smiling. Who really likes being cold?

Adopted Ed by Darren Maddern - A Book Review

This simple and beautifully illustrated story is about an adopted little boy and his journey through his early years. Sensitive and likable, we’re with Eddie the moment he learns he’s adopted. At school when he is teased by bullies about being adopted, his mom coaches him through the situation, which ultimately sets the course of his life with personal empowerment. Over time, Eddie feels a strong "void" and becomes curious about his biological parents, which ultimately leads him to find out more. ADOPTED ED concludes with a section of famous people who were adopted.

What I Can Tell You:

This is a great book for kids who have been adopted or parents who are looking to adopt. Ed is a sweet little boy with big, beautiful blue eyes. Who is loved, well adjusted and understands that he is adopted. However when he starts school, he gets teased by other children but his mom makes it all better by telling him that "adoption is a great act of love. It's a gift from the Heavens sent down from above." This appears to make it all better until Ed suddenly feels a void. The picture of little Ed with a whole in his belly was quite sad. Again, Ed's parents with kindness, love and sensitivity tell him the story as to how he came to be adopted.

What I love about this book is how sweet and caring it is. It acknowledges the child's emotions and feelings without being overly wordy. There are loads of sweet pictures of his parents hugging him and the love they feel for him is evident. The story is short and not too wordy. It is rhymey and an easy read for readers 6 and over.

The book then ends with a small page of important, leaders, writers, celebrities and others who were adopted.

Very sweet book about adoption for children as young as 4 years old.

Head to the Adopted Ed site for more on Ed, the Author and the newest book Tall Mall.

Disclaimer: I received this complimentary book through a One2One Network Book Campaign.

Get and Stay Healthy Giveaway

AHCC - Immune Support Supplement $59.49

I wrote about AHCC last week. AHCC is Japan's leading immunonutrient and new research shows that by taking two (2) to six (6) capsules daily on an empty stomach or as directed by your healthcare professional you can greatly reduce your chance of contacting the flu along with a slew of other ailments and diseases.

Check out this contest too through Quality of Life Labs. One entry will be randomly selected to win a $1,000 Vitamin Shoppe gift card and a supply of Quality of Life Labs’ clinically-proven immune compound Kinoko AHCC. AHCC, Japan’s top-selling immune supplement, is a safe, natural immune regulator that has been clinically shown to help activate a weakened immune system and help the body fend off viral, bacterial and fungal infections…which is perfect timing for the cold and flu season!

The Giveaway: 1 Winner will a bottle of AHCC

To Win: Leave a comment by Midnight, December 14, 2010

For Extra Entries:

*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)

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12 Days of Christmas - Day 8 - Standing Ovation DVD - Tween Stocking Stuffer

Day 8 Brings a Tween Stocking Stuffer DVD

The high-energy hit musical film, Standing Ovation, will be released tomorrow on DVD – exclusively at Amazon through CreateSpace DVD on Demand and available only at Amazon.com!

Standing Ovation tells the musical story of “The 5 Ovations,” five middle school friends who form a singing group to compete in a national music video contest. Along their journey to success, the 5 Ovations encounter their share of ups and downs, especially from The Wiggies, a group of five talented sisters who, together with their parents, will do anything to sabotage the Ovations’ chances of competing for the grand prize of one million dollars! Armed only with their talent, passion and street smarts, the 5 Ovations discover something even more valuable then prize money: that perseverance, family and friendship – plus a healthy dose of laughter – are instrumental in fulfilling your dreams!

Filmed on location in Atlantic City, Philadelphia and New York City, this charming and kinetic musical brims with electricity and sincerity, stemming from a talented cast of 7- to 17-year-old, who are actual elementary and middle school students playing themselves!

The compelling and catchy music and incredible dance sequences will inspire tweens and teens across the country – even after the last note has sounded – to go after their own dreams and make them a reality!

The Giveaway: 1 Winner will receive a DVD copy of Standing Ovation

The Sponsor: Kenilworth Films Productions, LLC

To Win: Leave me a comment telling me who are you winning this for by Midnight, December 14, 2010

For Extra Entries:

*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)

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Monday, November 29, 2010

12 Days of Christmas - Day 7 - Get Beautiful Stocking Stuffers!

Day 7 Brings some of the best Stocking Stuffers of the year.

Last week I wrote about some of my favorite stocking stuffers. The sponsors involved want my readers to have a chance to fill up a loved ones stocking with some of my favorites things. Awww...I sound like Oprah. Sorry, I don't have a car of TV to give ya'll but good things come in small packages.

Stocking Stuffer #1 - Conair

Conair Gel Grips Cushion Brush. It conforms to the shape of your hand for easy gripping.

Conair Tourmaline Ceramic Porcupine Round Brush.

Soft Lips Holiday 5 Pack

No Slip Grip

scunci® Upzing™ double combs

The Giveaway: 1 Winner will receive everything you see above.

The Sponsor: Scunci, Conair, Soft Lips

To Win: Leave a comment on one of the posts for the above mentioned, Post 1, Post 2, Post 3, then leave me a comment letting me know which one by Midnight, December 13, 2010

For Extra Entries:

*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)

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*Open to US residents only.

Disclaimer: Scunci, Conair and Softlips are providing the products for giveaway. I received no monetary compensation.

12 Days of Christmas - Day 6 - Dinosaur Train All Aboard Game

Day 6 Shouts - All Aboard with a Dinosaur Train Game.

On November 4th, I wrote about Dinosaur Train All Aboard Board Game. We absolutely love it and play almost daily.

I loved it so much, I asked The Jim Henson Company to supply me with a second one to offer to my readers. They generously agreed! Woot!!!

What I love the most about this game, is that kids as young as 4 can play without assistance. Making them feel like "big kids" and giving them a boost of confidence.

To play, you spin the spinner and move your dinosaur train by counting the dino prints on the track. But wait, it gets better. If you land on a pocket watch you move closer to the finish, land on a crossing space and you move back. The first player to reach the nest in the center of the board, wins.

Details:
For 2 to 6 players ages 4+
Retails for $12.99

DINOSAUR TRAIN embraces and celebrates the fascination that preschoolers have with both dinosaurs and trains. This top-rated, award-winning series, which airs on PBS KIDS®, encourages basic scientific thinking skills as the audience learns about life science, natural history and paleontology. The stars of DINOSAUR TRAIN are Buddy, an adorable preschool age Tyrannosaurus rex, and his adoptive Pteranodon family who board the DINOSAUR TRAIN to embark on adventures to prehistoric jungles, swamps, volcanoes and oceans. In season one of the series children were introduced to over 40 types of dinosaurs, providing an excellent opportunity to learn and now to collect their favorite dinosaurs. An all-new season of the hit TV series is currently in production with new episodes slated to premiere on PBS KIDS ® in fall 2011.

The Giveaway: 1 Winner will receive a Dinosaur Train All Aboard Game

The Sponsor: The Jim Henson Company

To Win: Leave me a comment by Midnight, December 13, 2010

For Extra Entries:

*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)

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Order Your Home Made Holiday Goodies from A GrandMa Lives In Brooklyn

Have you ever found yourself saying; "It's not like Grandma (my nickname, by the way) used to make"? Me too! There is nothing like grandma's cooking. My grandma was an amazing cook.

I love home made goodies and sometimes there just isn't time to bake them. If you are like me, there is no reason to go without Grams cooking because; A Grandma Lives in Brooklyn.

Get ready for the holiday with some homemade gifts from Grandma!

I took the box and headed out to meet Clarissa who was up for a impromptu taste test (who wouldn't be?).

We got some coffee and headed to the park. Finding a table an bench under a clear, crisp autumn sky was easy. We were the only ones crazy enough to have a picnic in 40 degree weather. It was so much fun. We chatted and ate Grams baked goods which were mini pumpkin bourbon tea cakes.

Chewy Chocolate Chip Cookies

Pumpkin Walnut Bread

We both LOVED the mini pumpkin bourbon tea cakes. Everything was fresh, moist and yummy. It was a great way to spend some time with a great friend and enjoy home baked goodies made with love.

I had a chance to ask Grandma about her herself and her shop.

Tell us a little bit about yourself? I have my day job but early in the morning and late at night, I work on my Etsy shop. Baking is something that I love to do and I'm at a point in my life where I want to bring it to more people.

How long has your Etsy shop been online or why did you start your Etsy shop? I just opened my Etsy shop about a month ago. I've been baking for friends and family for quite some time and I was ready to take it to the next step.

Please describe your shop to us. My shop is filled with products that I've baked for friends or that I personally enjoy. I love baking with local products and hi-quality chocolate. I think it's important for food to have a story - how it was made and where it came from. I don't do anything easily. For example, all of my pumpkin puree is fresh, direct from me. I think my efforts in seeking out fresh, local produce, grains, and eggs give my product a fresh, honest and most importantly, delicious taste.

Where do you get your inspiration? The farmers market. I love baking with seasonal foods. Hence, my obsession with pumpkins at the moment. I love roasting them! Plus it's a great stress reliever cutting them apart. I can't wait for the summer when I can start baking with blackberries and strawberries again.

What do you love most about what you do? I love food and I love nothing more than sharing that love with other people. It's as simple as that. Baking is what makes me tick and I hope I can continue to do it for a long time and in the future, full time.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In five years I hope to own my own coffee shop, where ever I may be. I love inspiring people with food and giving them a product that could help their day be better.

To read more about A Grandma Lives in Brooklyn (btw, that is where my Grandma lived) head over to her blog. While there, check out her recipe for Mushroom pizza. Yummy!

Grandma also wants to let you know: "If you are purchasing from the NYC area, message me - We can do a custom order and can arrange for delivery or pickup. I try to package all of my goods in reusable containers - I'm also open to doing a Tupperware exchange. You give me an empty one and I will give you one filled with your ordered goodies."

These make great office gifts, teacher gifts, hostess gifts or if you want to treat yourself, shop at A Grandma Lives in Brooklyn.

Disclaimer: I received complimentary samples from A GrandMa Lives in Brooklyn to write this review.

Look for this shop in my 2010 Holiday Gift Guide.

Perfect Holiday Gift Idea - AnyBook Reader from Frankin Discover

Yesterday I mentioned an upcoming review for AnyBook Reader and I am thrilled to be able to tell you all about it.

Last month, a new product from Franklin Electronics called AnyBook Reader was launched. It is aimed at the working, busy or traveling parent, far-away grandparent, or any other long distance relatives, who want to bond with a child even when they are apart. It's an interactive reading device that allows you to read & record any book in your personal library in your own voice and then allows your toddler (who may or may not know how to read yet) to follow along with their favorite books and your voice, so that you're reading the book instead of the Nanny!

AnyBook can be purchased through Amazon and Barnes & Noble. There is a 15-hour version ($39.99), and a 60-hour version ($59.99).

Ok, now that you have seen the press release let me tell you all about it.

AnyBook comes with a selection of blank stickers for recording your voice. There are also stickers that have sounds recorded in them if appropriate to the book (dog, firetruck, rain, crying, etc). The stickers are made to be removed and won't ruin your pages. You can even re-record on them or order more if you run out.

You touch the button on the pen to start the record mode. You hear a few beeps and it is ready for you to record. That's it! So easy!

Last week I quickly and easily recorded two books so that I could carry it everywhere with me. My first stop was the school where I was meeting with my son's teachers and therapists.

I opened the first book and put the reader to the sticker. They heard the book being read through the pen and then I opened the next book to show them how the reader will read anything I record into the sticker. They all looked at me in amazement.

I was asked, "how do you get the recording". I explained that I touch the pen to a sticker that I place on the page, the pen counts down and I record the page into the pen by reading. They actually thought it was Ruby on the Max and Ruby book so they were at first confused. When I told them it was me doing characters that is when they were all amazed.

Everyone stated the same thing; they have seen other readers out there but you have to literally buy books from the maker of the pen. That is what makes this pen so much better! You can literally read/record your children's favorite books and they can hear you read to them anytime.

It is the easiest thing and so personal. I love this idea for military families especially but I think this is great for anyone. Perhaps your children don't get to see their grandparents, aunts, uncles, friends often. They visit you once or twice a year. They could read a book or two for the child into the pen and your child can hear them anytime they want.

Another friend had asked about the stickers and if they can put on other things. Sure, why not. This got me thinking how great this would be for a baby learning speech or perhaps someone trying to learn another language. Place the sticker on anything, record what it is and the person can actually learn speech.

Here is how easy it is:

What a great gift idea. Imagine a child on your Christmas list opens a book of books with the pen that you have already recorded the books on! This pen says "love".

Look for Franklin Discover's AnyBook Reader on my 2010 Holiday List.

Sunday, November 28, 2010

Upcoming Reviews

A medical problem side lined me this weekend. Watch for these upcoming reviews this week. Some great holiday gift ideas.

Any Book Reader

Annie's Point
starring Betty White

A Grandma Lives in Brooklyn, Homemade Baked goods.

Tiny Wishes Come True

Shuttercover - Winterize your home and save hundreds.


Adopted Ed

Toy Story 3 Action Links - Mom and Tot Party

12 Days of Christmas Day 5- Romantic Holiday Giveaway - 3 Winners

Day 5 brings on the Heat with a steamy Forever Romance Holiday Giveaway courtesy of Hachette Book Group.

TO SIN WITH A SCOUNDREL http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446541299.htm

By Cara Elliott

A TOUCH OF SCANDAL http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446540278.htm

By Jennifer Haymore

BOUND TO PLEASE http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446541923.htm

By Lilli Feisty

A HIGHLANDER NEVER SURRENDERS http://www.hachettebookgroup.com/books_9780446619134.htm

By Paula Quinn

Winners will be subject to the one copy per household rule, which means that if you win the same title in two or more contests, you will receive only one copy of the title (or one set in the case of grouped giveaways) in the mail.

US and Canada Eligibility

The Giveaway: 3 Winners will receive 1 set of the above mentioned books

The Sponsor: Hachette Book Group

To Win: Leave me a comment by Midnight, December 12, 2010

For Extra Entries:

*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)

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Do not leave entries in the comment section,

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Disclaimer: Hachette Book Group is supplying the giveaways. I received nothing for hosting this awesome giveaway.

12 Days of Christmas Day 4 - Hex Bugs Giveaway

Day 4 Nano Coming at Ya!

Wondering what a Hexbug Nanos is?

They are really cool!

The Giveaway: 1 Winner will receive 2 Test Tubes of Nano Pets

The Sponsor: HexBugs

To Win: Leave me a message telling me who will be the recipient by Midnight, December 11, 2010

For Extra Entries:

*Blog about this, and leave me the link for (5 extra entries) (each entry must be separate)

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Disclosure: "This post was written for Hex Bugs who provided the complimentary product for giveaway.

Saturday, November 27, 2010

Mom Rocks the Holidays Sweepstakes

Rayovac wants to power your holidays with fun new contest. To enter, just visit the Mom Rocks the Holidays with Rayovac (link underlined words to http://www.facebook.com/Rayovac#!/Rayovac?v=app_102844599787096) contest tab on Facebook, like them and tell them how you or your mom makes the holidays rock for a chance to win the Grand Prize of $1,000 cash! There will be 3 Grand Prize winners and 20 Runner Up winners will take home a Paper Jamz guitar, amp, drum kit, guitar strap, and two Rayovac Alkaline AAA 24 packs of batteries.

Also, be sure to visit 3 Kids and Us mom blog (link underlined words to http://3kidsandus.com/2010/mom-rocks-the-holidays/) where you can win 1 of 5 Mom Rocks the Holiday prize packs that include a $50 Visa Gift Card, Pper Jamz guitar and Rayovac Alkaline AAA 24 pack of batteries.

Disclosure – Followers who promote the Rayovac Mom Rocks the Holidays Sweepstakes may receive gifts from Rayovac.

Mama’s Holiday Wish List Meme

TodaysMama and GameStop are giving away a sleighful of gifts this holiday season and to enter I’m sharing this meme with you.

1. What is your holiday wish for your family? I wish that we all spend the day together, opening gifts, playing with the kids stuff, taking pictures, being happy and listening to Holiday music. One day of bliss! I also wish for everyone to be healthy and happy.

2. What is your Christmas morning tradition? We put music on, light up the tree, set up the video camera (we have video of Christmas morning from way back) get the garbage bags and let the fun begin.

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be? Pay my medical bills for 2010, fix my intestine and let me be financially secure for at least a year.

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money? I wrap all of our Christmas movies, and Christmas books, put them in a basket and do 25 days of Christmas starting Dec 1st. The kids take turns picking a wrapped gift. We open it, and either read the book or watch the Christmas movie. It is a great tradition and allows us to experience Christmas for a whole month. I add one new thing a year, sometimes it's an ornament to hang on the tree.

5. What games did you play with your family growing up? We played cards and bingo.

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood? Unfortunately, I can't remember my family doing anything special. We didn't make cookies, leave anything for Santa, sprinkle glitter and oats for the reindeer, put on Christmas music or record anything.

7. Where would you go for a Christmas-away-from-home trip? I wouldn't really want to do a Christmas away. Christmas is at home! Home is where I want to be more than any place else. With my little family of 4. It is where I am happiest and most comfortable.

8. Check out GameStop and tell us, what are the three top items on your GameStop Wish List this year?Xbox 360, DSi and Karaoke Revolution Glee for Wii.