Support St. Judes at Chili's TODAY

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

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

Facts about St. Jude's:

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

Perricone MD Super Acai Berry Powder Sample Twitter Giveaway

I FINALLY WON SOMETHING!

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

Perricone MD Super Acai Berry Powder Sample Twitter Giveaway

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




Contest Rules:


1. Follow Perricone MD on Twitter

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

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

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

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

The Wii DOES Work!

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

She also has a great review on Zumba:

Fitness Friday: Zumba book


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

Thanks for sharing!

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

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

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

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

Product Features:

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

Gartner Cover Creator & Hello Kitty School Giveaway WINNER

Giveaway Closed!

Congratulations to anndancer!

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

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

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

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

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

Giveaway:

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

To enter:

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

Extra entries:

Follow me on Twitter

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

Thanks for entering and good luck!

Free Children's Book Giveaway Written by a Child WINNER

Giveaway Closed

Congratulations to: mom2anutball!

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

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

Her book is available for purchase via amazon.com.

Thanks to all who responded!

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

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

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

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

To enter, only add a comment!

Giveaway ends September 25, 2009.

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

Free Digital Photo Book ... Really! FREE!

FREE Digital Scrapbook Photo Book

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

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

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

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

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

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

Making each product is so easy! 

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

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

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

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

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

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


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

Master Lock Supporting Breast Cancer Lock Review

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

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

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

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

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

Frigidaire and Jennifer Garner Make Time for Change

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

CVS $100 Coupon Book

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

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

$10 Off 2 Pro-X Olay Products

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

For details, go here.

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

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

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

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

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


Key Features:

* Multifunction

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

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

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

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

* Aluminum stick blender with food grade PTFE Coating

* DC motor ensures light handling and durability

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


Key Features:

* With stand & bowl (not gear)

* 5 speed

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

* Chrome plated hooks & beaters

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

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


Key Features:

* Cordless operation

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

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

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

* Auto-stop brewing system

* Easy to fill and to clean

* Cleaning brush included

* Tea filter and coffee filter

* Non-slip feet

* 1 quart (4 cups) capacity

* Coffee filter also included

Cute Candy Corn Friends to Make

Candy Corn Friends by DecoArt


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

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

Materials:

DecoArt Products Required:

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

Supplies

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

Instructions:

1. Use sponge applicator to basecoat cones White.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Review of QUICK-BOOST Diet Supplement

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

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

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

It has less than 1 calorie per serving.

Supplement Facts

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

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

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

Voices of the Faithful Book Review

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

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

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

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

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