House Party Happenings: Hasbro Brought the Fun #hasbrogamingparty

Over the holiday, we had our family visiting and although I didn't get enough pictures of the good times we had, I did get some of our gaming night with Hasbro.  The girls love board games and discovered they like some new ones compliments of our House Party Hasbro Games!  Of course they already loved Sorry and Twister but they had no idea how much fun they would have with Taboo Buzz'd.  They still play it regularly.  Unfortunately, our hour glass timer was broken in the Yahtzee Classic game so it made it a little harder to play with the full effect of that but the girls still had a great time along with everyone else.

The girls loved the Ring Pops too!  They were gone very fast and it was nice to receive Duracell Quantum Batteries to place in Taboo.  We also received a Papermate Inkjoy pen that was immediately confiscated by my little one who proclaimed 'it was the best pen ever!'

This is where we realized the hour glass was broken and my oldest has a perplexed look on her face while holding my new grandson.  Have no worry as we still had GREAT fun!

Our party occurred over the Thanksgiving holiday so our dessert table was in a Jane Austen theme.  Had I thought about it, I really had should have coordinated with our party them and done more game type features.

Hasbro games are perfect for anytime.  Whether it's just you and your kids or an excuse to have family or friends over!  The games are not only fun but they can be educational as well.  As a homeschooling mom, I greatly appreciate any opportunity to interject fun and learning!  Our party was a result of my participation with House Party.

About our Hasbro Games Party Pack:

TABOO BUZZ’D game

The TABOO BUZZ'D game is an electronic, hand-held party game that's easy to play, auto scores for you, and it all comes in one handy unit. Get your team to guess as many words as you can while you race against the clock, but if you say a Taboo game word, the other team will hit the buzzer and your team loses a point.

• Ages 12 and up
• For 2 teams

YAHTZEE game

YAHTZEE game is the classic dice game with a unique combination of luck and strategy. Every game is an exciting challenge to rack up the highest score. Seriously high scores come from multiple YAHTZEE game bonus points, but your luck could change with every roll!

• Ages 8+
• 2+ Players

SORRY! game

This classic SORRY! board game is fun, challenging, and filled with unpredictable twists and turns. You never know who is going to move ahead or get bumped all the way back to the beginning. There are so many possibilities depending on the card you pick and the strategy you choose.

• Ages 6 and up
• For 2 − 4 Players

TWISTER game

Get moving with the TWISTER game! It's the on-the-floor party game where the spinner calls the shots and you make the moves. The classic TWISTER game spots and laugh-out-loud action will have you and your friends tangled up in fun in no time.

• Ages 6 and up
• 2 or more players

SCATTERGORIES game

Fun, face-paced game of categories! Come up with unique answers for each category and points if your answers are different from all the other teams’ answers.

• Ages 13 years and up
• For 2 - 4 teams

Duracell® Quantum Batteries

Duracell® Quantum Batteries last up to 35% longer vs. the next leading competitive brand.* Combined with a Hi-Density Core™ for unbeatable long-lasting power and PowerCheck™, it’s a Quantum leap in battery power.

Ring Pop® Party Pack

The whole party can show off their sweet style with the Ring Pop® Party Pack. With a big flashy gem and a rainbow of delicious flavors, now everyone can Rock That Rock™ and own the spotlight with Ring Pop®!

Paper Mate® InkJoy®

Experience the joy of effortless writing.

Connect with them online:

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Silver and Gray Foil Wedding Invitation Sets

Affiliate link included

I previously wrote that I'm helping a friend plan her wedding and so far, we have come up with a purple and gold flowery wedding theme below and now we are trying a silver foil wedding set design. We have put together non-traditional invitations, matching envelopes, postage stamps, RSVP cards as well as round stickers, wine labels and a "forever" box. I definitely love the purple since it's also used for epilepsy awareness but just not too sure about the layout. The silver or gray is for asthma awareness which also fits well with my other daughter who has a severe form when she contracts a cold.

I think purple and gold would definitely works and it does look elegant but I'm starting to like the silver one more.  Any thoughts?

$50 PayPal Flash Gift - 1/2/15 - 1/4/15

Christmas is over and it's the new year so are you ready to try to win some New Year's CASH to help you on your way to your new year's resolution if you made one?  If not, why not try to win and buy yourself a gift!  For THREE Days ONLY we are offering this Flash Giveaway! One lucky reader will receive $50 USD Paypal Cash or Amazon Gift Card!! This giveaway is for THREE Days Only! Enter Now! 

We are making it easy peasy to enter! 

Just use the form below. Remember, this giveaway ends at 11:59 pm on Jan. 4, 2015! 

Tell your friends so they can enter, too! Good Luck! Enter GT Code HERE 

Disclosure: This giveaway is organized by Giveaway Booster.com. The participating bloggers were not compensated for this post. We are not associated with any of the companies named above. No purchase is necessary to enter. Void where prohibited by law. The odds of winning are based on the number of entries received. Must be 18+ to enter. Confirmed Winner(s) (by Random.org) will be contacted by email. Winner(s) have 24 hours to respond before a new winner is chosen. No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited by law.  My blog is not responsible for product shipment/delivery. This event is in no way administered, sponsored, or endorsed by, or associated with, Facebook and/or Twitter, Google, Pinterest. This disclosure is done in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 10 CFR, Part 255 Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements. Entrants must only enter with either one email address, IP address and/or Facebook account, anyone found violating these rules will be disqualified. It is at the sole discretion of the admin of the giveaway if the winner has met the rules or not.

If you have any questions about this giveaway please email Tina at branchpropromotions@gmail.com.

Entry-Form

Purple and Gold Flower Wedding Invitation Set at Zazzle

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I'm helping a friend plan her wedding and so far, we have come up with a purple and gold flowery wedding theme but not sure I'm really loving it.  We have put together non-traditional invitations, matching envelopes, postage stamps, RSVP cards as well as round stickers, wine labels and a "forever" box.  I definitely love the purple since it's also used for epilepsy awareness but just not too sure about the layout.  

I think purple and gold would definitely works and it does look elegant.  Any thoughts?

Oreo Thins

New Year's™s Rituals Around the World

Around the world family, friends and loved ones come together on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day to celebrate bringing in the new while remembering the old.  Time really flies by doesn't it? In the United States, we gather on New New Year's Eve to a ringing out the old and ring in the new by raising our glasses at midnight while sharing hugs and kisses.  Time Square is the big deal here in the US.

The term, ringing out the old and ring in the new comes from the United Kingdom where, at the approach of midnight, the head of the household would open the front door and hold it open until the twelfth chime from Big Ben has rung in the New Year then he would close the door;  The song, Auld Lang Syne comes from Scotland, where it is sung at the beginning of their New Year's Eve hogmanay festival, a festival where men parade throughout the streets swinging great balls of fire over their heads).

Other cultures around the world use clothing, food and effigies to celebrate the New Year. For example, in the Philippines people wear polka dot clothing believing it will bring luck for the New Year. In Italy people wear bright colored underwear-red for passion and love and yellow for wealth and happiness. In Mexico, some people wear white clothing believing it to ward off illness and bring good health for the New Year. In Ecuador, they burn effigies at midnight of people who have brought them harm in the past year, while in Panama they burn effigies of popular celebrities or politicians.

People of many other countries celebrate the New Year by eating food.

Spain-In an effort to use their surplus of grapes and get more customers, several Spanish wine farmers in 1865 began a tradition of having their customers eat 12 grapes at midnight. They chose 12 grapes to represent each of the 12 months of the year. At the stroke of midnight, and for each of the 11 chimes of the clock thereafter, Spaniards eat one grape. It is believed if you consume all 12 grapes your dreams will come true. It's actually funny to watch everyone stuffing grapes into their mouths in an effort to get them all down with each chime of the clock.

Netherlands-The Dutch believe eating donuts (called Oliebollens) on New Year's Day brings luck since the shape of the continuous round sharp of the donut symbolizes the continuous passage of time from the end of one year to the beginning of the next.

Argentina-People eat beans before midnight because they believe it will bring them good luck in their careers in the year ahead.

Cuba-Since the US has announced that you can soon travel to Cuba, if you are there on New Year's Day you most likely will eat pork. The Cubans believe because pigs never move backwards, eating pork will help them move forward into and through the New Year.

Asian Countries-Most Asian people cook unbroken long noodles and eat them on New Year's Day believing the Long Noodles will give them longevity in life, but only if they eat them whole.

And in other countries such as Canada they celebrate New Year's Day with their traditional Polar Bear swim. With all due respect to the Canadians, I just as soon celebrate New Year's Day drinking a warm mug of Sippity® hot cocoa by my fireplace.

Countdown Recipe



Recipe Ingredients
1 Envelope Sippity® chocolate flavored hot cocoa mix
1.0 Ounces Whiskey

Preparation Instructions
Heat 6 ounces water in microwave for 1 minute 30 seconds.
Stir in 2/3 of 1 envelope of Sippity® chocolate flavored hot cocoa mix until smooth.
Add 1.0 Ounces of your favorite whiskey.
At 10 seconds to midnight on New Year's Eve begin the count down: 10! 9! 8! 7! 6! 5! 4! 3! (Drop the whiskey shot glass into the glass of hot cocoa mix), 2! 1! 0 - HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!

Written by Bob Jenkins, Founder & Chief Executive Officer of Southwest Beverages.

Bob has had the privilege of working for some of America’s largest and well run public and private companies, including Philip Morris, Canada Dry, Dr Pepper, Cadbury Schweppes, Snapple Beverage Corporation, Tasker Capital Corp. and The Water Club and River Cafe, two of New York's finest fine dining restaurants. He has worked in various capacities as Finance Manager, Controller, Director of Finance, Vice President Finance & Administration, Chief Financial Officer, Secretary, and Treasurer.

Bob holds a Masters of Business Administration degree in accounting from the University of Tennessee and a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from the University of Arizona.

Southwest Beverages® is a manufacturer and marketer of two brands of premium quality dry mix beverages: Sippity® hot cocoa mix and Kemosabe® gourmet flavored coffee. All Southwest Beverages® products are uniquely blended flavors that contain all the ingredients necessary for you to enjoy the ultimate hot beverage experience. Simply add water and stir-then sip, savor and enjoy.

For more information, please visit www.southwestbeverages.com.

SleeKeys keyboard for iPad Air or Air2 Giveaway - 1/20/15 - US

* No form of compensation took place. This is for an iPad Air.

Anyone that has a tablet knows that typing on them is a bit of an adjustment as it's not like a keyboard obviously.  For those with bigger fingers or a medical condition, it can be harder to type as well.  A new type of keyboard called the SleeKeys keyboard for iPad Air and Air2 is a possible solution for many.  Not only is it thin and lightweight but you just flip the keyboard to use!  

Some other features:

• A durable, stylish protective case
• No batteries or wires
• A Qwerty keyboard set up
• Available in black, red or red
• Multiple stand positions
• Travel friendly

The keyboards available will work with the iPad Air or Air2 and remember, no batteries or wires making it easy to take on the go. The patent-pending typing solution of having an integrated physical keyboard is a novel idea eliminating losing parts or having to lug around more.  It all fits into the normal case that you are use to.

It will work with all major carriers and it will not scratch your iPad Air screen.  The cover will not hinder the ability to charge the device either and it's priced at only $59.95!

You can enter for a chance to win either a keyboard for your iPad Air or Air3 for yourself but if you don't want to wait, head over to SleekTech to buy one now!

Read more about SleeKeys at SleekTech USA:

http://www.sleektechusa.com/

Purchase at Amazon:

Sleekkeys

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Sleekeys/138919506294236

Connect with SleekTECH On Twitter @sleek_tech:

https://twitter.com/sleek_tech

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Dermwand Deluxe System Retail Kit Review

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I decided to tryout the Dermawand Deluxe Skin Quench Retail Kit with 2 Derma Vital Skincare Products - Derma Wand For Wrinkles | Puffy Eyes | Saggy Skin | Non-Surgical Face Lift | High Frequency Machine since I've seen it sooo many times on infomercials.  I was skeptical as most are as it seems the "as seen on TV" products don't usually work but I gave it a try.  It reminded me of the NuFACE Classic Facial Toning Device, White that I already have but this seems to be more precise in where I want the attention given.

The DermaWand alleges to 'stimulate and rejuvenate by sending out a gentle stream of low level micro-current impulses up to 168,000 cycles per second, imitating hundreds of tiny fingers that massage your skin - and massage helps improve circulation bringing oxygen and vital nutrients to your skin's surface. The gentle micro current also has a thermal effect on the skin's surface, helping the skin look more toned and tight, smoothing out the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. Plus DermaWand oxygenates by giving off enriched oxygen that cleanses and purifies, helping breathe new life into your skin's surface.'

So after about a week's use, this is the after picture (bottom):

The eyes don't look like they are hooding as much and as I read with other reviews, you do have to use daily to maintain the work.  I'll post again!

Jabra Headphones from Best Buy will Greatly Help in Your New Years Resolution

The reviewer has been compensated in the form of a Best Buy Gift Card and/or received the product/service at a reduced price or for free.

Alright Christmas is over and it's time to start thinking of the new year and a new you.  Whether it's accomplishing goals such as a new job, going back to school or losing weight among many other things to check off next year, it's time to start planning.  I always, like many others, say to myself THIS will be the year that I will get healthier because after all this time, I finally realized it's not about losing weight as it is more about getting healthy.  I have my own little gym in the basement so I have no excuses ... well, I do have one.  I am inspired and motivated when I can listen to music.  I can't always use the speakers as my girls are watching TV or playing on their gaming system.  I am unable to count the many times that I get horrible reception, have my ear buds pull out or have them fall out due to being sweaty after running on my treadmill.  It's really the worse and those that exercise and love music know what I'm talking about.  I got really excited when I saw this project for Jabra Sport Wireless Headphones as it is the answer I've been looking for!

I haven't purchased them yet but I will!  The Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless has many great features such  as:

• An all-in-one training power house that not only provides an in-ear biometric heart rate monitor but with immersive Dolby® Digital sound and real-time voice coaching!  That is so cool!  It's really the answer to what I've been wanting and more.  
• It also has the U.S. Military grade durability certification that should entice fitness buffs at all levels.  
• It has a built-in intelligent app called the Jabra Sport Life that will allow the user to get the most out of their Sport Pulse Wireless earbuds.  The app helps to plan, track and evaluate each workout so you can see real time results that will keep you on track and on your toes.  I've never been good with monitoring my heart rate or tracking my performance but with this, it seems so easy.  
• I also love that it's compatible with smartphones with BT capabilities.  It's truly the fitness item to purchase with that extra Christmas money!

Whether it's working out at home, in a gym or outside, the Jabra Sport Pulse Wireless is the sure fire way to help you achieve your goals in my opinion and I cannot wait to get mine!  What keeps you from working out?

@BestBuy #JabraHeadphonesBBY

$20 Walmart or Target Gift Card Giveaway

Love receiving responses from winners:

Hi Judy, thanks so much for the giveaway! I think I am going to go with Amazon and an Ecard would be great. Thanks again, I really appreciate it! Michelle

NOTE:  THIS IS STILL HAPPENING AND YOUR ENTRIES WILL NOT BE COUNTED IF DONE WRONG!

DO NOT MAKE THE ENTRY BLOG COMMENT ON THIS POST!

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