New at AdorableBabyClothing!

Not only does AdorableBabyClothing.com have the most adorable clothes for your babies and children, but they have gifts and now diaper cakes are available!

Some of the cute choices include:

The Royal Princess Diaper Cake is the Ultimate Gift for a new mom or mommy-to-be.

Our Royal Princess Diaper Cake makes an impressive baby shower centerpiece sitting atop a glass cake stand. Place it in the center of the gift table, then send it home with mommy-to-be after the shower. She'll remember it forever, and so will your guests.

The Royal Cake arrives wrapped in Pink Tulle with ingredient card attached and includes:

• 4 Baby Bath Items
• Velour Door Pillow
• Infant Brush & Comb
• Ceramic Castle Bank
• Body Spray for Mom
• 3 Piece Manicure Set
• 25 Newborn Size Pampers
• 2 Piece Luxury Blanket Set
• 2 Magnetic Ceramic Frames
• Little Princess Crown Rattle/Teether
• Little Princess Tee & Princess Pacifier
• Little Princess Embroidered Terry Cloth Bib

Cake arrives wrapped in Pretty Pink Tulle with ingredient card attached.

Blanket is 34" x 34", made of Cuddle Bubble and Winterfleece with matching Pillow Case. Case fits infant size pillow.

Our Baby Cake Supreme is as good as it looks. Impressively large (32" High) and loaded with many tasty ingredients, this is one cake that is sure to please everyone's appetite. Sweet blue bears adorn each layer, as well as all the things mommy needs for that new little one. A great baby shower centerpiece!

Our secret recipe:

• 100% Cotton Gown
• Hat
• Hooded Terry Towel
• Receiving Blanket
• Booties
• Bib
• Terry Toy
• 4 Diapers
• J&J Lotion
• Shampoo
• Powder
• Soap
• A Dash of Love

There are many other themes available along with price ranges.  Don't forget AdorableBabyClothing.com when you are looking for that great gift or outfit!  Their customer service is amazing!

See other past postings on AdorableBabyClothing's Tutus and Holiday Dresses.
Disclaimer:  I was not compensated in any way for this post on AdorableBabyClothing.com.

Thanks 1-800-FLOWERS!

After posting the 1-800-FLOWERS' great Toys for Tots/Secret Santa program, I received this beautiful arrangement of roses which the picture doesn't do it justice.  The fragrance is incredible and still puts me in the Christmas mood with the smells of pine and other floral scents.

Thank you, 1-800-FLOWERS!

See the original post HERE.

100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen Book Review

Product Details:

• Author: Susan Van Allen
• Paperback: 422 pages
• Publisher: Travelers' Tales; 1st edition (October 20, 2009)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1932361650
• ISBN-13: 978-1932361650

Product Description (from Amazon):

It's an undeniable fact that traveling to Italy is a dream for many women. While many travel guides offer dry lists of facts and can only guide travelers toward cookie-cutter tours, this female-centered guide allows women to create a personalized, fulfilling journey. Written in lively anecdotes and organized by vacation type, this book offers a range of possibilities for any budget, interest, and level of travel experience. A godsend for women looking to finally fulfill their Italian fantasies, vacation types include Hepburn s Roman Holiday and Venetian Carnevale, as well as additional information on great shopping, the best beaches, and culinary-themed jaunts. With passion, humor, and helpful details, 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go inspires travelers to discover masterpieces, sensual delights, and adventures in bell Italia.

My Review:

100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go is an excellent written guide to not only women but any travel lover and especially one that has a passion for Italy.  The book is broken up to include the not so famous landmarks and places to see which is a nice deviation to the usual tourist areas.  What I also liked about the book is the places of interest that can be found on the web.  Susan places the website address sideways on the edge of the applicable pages.  She also advises the best times to visit to avoid crowds which for me, is a huge bonus to the guide. 

The historical facts behind the recommended places is also very interesting.  For instance, the section on Italian shoes and how Salvatore Ferrabamo became the grandpapa of modern Italian shoe fashion.  The extra time Susan put forward in explaining the significance of these attractions adds to the allure. Susan even goes off the usual beaten touristy attractions to recommend places such as painting masks in Venice or create jewelry in Cortona. 

The size is perfect and easy to carry on the plane for planning as well as in a purse or small carrying bag for your glorious vacation in Italy. There's even a great page of resources.

This is an excellent, inspiring book for the novice traveler all the way to the seasoned traveler heading to Italy.  If you want to plan the perfect holiday, desire the chance to step off the beaten path and make profound memories, pick up a copy of 100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go by Susan Van Allen as you won't be disappointed.

About the Author:

Susan Van Allen's love for Italy began from her time spent with her maternal grandparents.  They emigrated from Southern Italy and brought along the same traditions they had in Italy thus allowing Susan to be wrapped up in life the Italian way. She was born in Newark, New Jersey and took her first trip to Italy in 1976.  After spending the following years visiting Italy, she was able to write this great book.

Click on the link to see a view of the inside of the book:  100 Places in Italy Every Woman Should Go (Travelers' Tales)

Free Admission in 2010 for Servicemen at Anheuser-Busch Seven Theme Parks

"Here's to the Heroes," a program sponsored by Anheuser-Busch, provides free admission in 2010 for any active duty, active reserve, National Guardsman or ready reserve servicemember representing any of the five service branches and as many as three of his or her direct dependents. All servicemembers need to do is register online at http://www.herosalute.com/ or in the entrance plaza of a participating park, and show a Department of Defense (DoD) photo identification. Each pass is valid for a one-day admission per person per year to five of Anheuser-Busch's seven theme park brands.

Information from:  http://www.military.com/military-report/free-theme-park-admission

Family Fun Night & Great Hasbro Offer

We started a family tradition back in the fall of "Family Fun Night" and one of our family Christmas presents will help us to continue the new tradition.  We bought one of those bigger but small popcorn theater type popcorn makers and I just ordered the same popcorn, coconut oil and salts that the movie theaters use.  I think instead of a movie, we'll take advantage of Hasbro's great new offer.

Hasbro has Create Your Own Family Game Night special where you choose six games and get one free for only $13.99 a month (plus shipping and handling).  If you sign up for this, you will also get the bonus pack that includes:

• 2 free Dominos pizza coupons
• Family Game Night trophy (great idea for the kids!)
• Family Game Night Score Sheet

What makes it even more enticing, you don't know which game you will receive so it will be a surprise each month.  There are restrictions in choosing the games and they break it down to three groups but the games include:

• Monopoly
• Boggle
• The Game of Life
• Battleship
• Scrabble Upwords
• Sorry
• Clue
• Hungry Hungry Hippos
• Taboo
• Memory
• Chutes and Ladders and many, many others.

There is even a breakdown for bundles that simplifies the decision making based on children, new games, adult games, family fun and strategy based games.

Tips for Starting a Blog for Reviews and Giveaways

Need some tips for starting a blog or establishing relationships with Public Relations professionals for reviews and giveaways?  Check out my guest blog at SheBlogs:

http://www.sheblogs.org/2009/12/tips-for-starting-the-path-to-product-reviews-and-giveaways/#comments

Blogger Giveaways Available Outside of US?

I'm curious as to the blogger sites that allow giveaways for outside the US and what interests there are.  I notice on my Feedlink that I get hits from other countries and most giveaways are for US only.  Is there an interest for more products available outside the US?  Feel free to leave a comment or send me an e-mail at staying_younger@yahoo.com.

Thanks!

Higher Education Opportunity Act: Great News for Military Spouses & Dependents

The reauthorization of the Higher Education Opportunity Act of July 1, 2009 allows spouses and dependents of active duty service members for a period of more than 30 days will eligible for in-state tuition at public universities and colleges in the site where they reside OR where permanent residency is.  In addition, as long as the student is enrolled, they will continue to pay in-state tuition rates regardless of the next PCS.

This is great news!

Marcasite and Onyx Heart Sterling Silver Pendant Giveaway

This elegant Marcasite and Onyx Heart pendant is crafted of genuine sterling silver.

Specifications:

• Sterling silver locket and chain
• Heart-shaped locket features polished onyx stone and sparkling marcasite stones
• 18-inch-long box chain closes with a spring ring clasp
• Dimensions: 31mm H x 24 mm W
• Materials: Sterling Silver Marcasite and Onyx
  
• $55 value
  

Click HERE for the Gift Pack 4 Giveaway.

Current Valentine's Day Gift Pack Giveaways: More Coming Soon!

Current Giveaway Packages:


Gift Pack 1:

• Two Customized Chocomize Chocolate Bars
• $25 Zazzle Gift Certificate
• Chocolate:  A Love Story Hardcover Recipe Collecton

Gift Pack 2:

• Skinfood Skincare Three Products 
• $25 Kmart Gift Card
• 1 Mini Bottle of Estee Lauder Sensuous
• 1 Mini Bottle of Wild Honeysuckle
• 1 Mini Bottle Pure White Linen

Gift Pack 3:

• Sprig Toys Adventure Dino Set
• $10 Walmart Gift Card

Gift Pack 4:

• $25 Eden Fantasys Gift Card

Stay tuned for more giveaways, reviews and ideas!  Items will be added to gift packs as they come so you never know, a gift pack might end up with more items for each lucky winner!

Get Denise Austin’s new book, FREE!

Denise Austin has a new diet and fitness book designed to blast away fat and get you fit in no time. It’s called Denise’s Daily Dozen: The Easy, Every Day Program to Lose Up to 12 Pounds in 2 Weeks! To thank you for being a loyal Morning Stretch with Denise Austin subscriber, they’re giving away a FREE copy to the first 50 people who respond via e-mail.

Just send an email with your full name and mailing address* to giveaways@deniseaustin.com.

Imagine, over 300 pages of illustrated exercises, meal plans, recipes, success stories and more from Denise Austin – absolutely FREE!

Get ready to burn fat, boost metabolism, tone up and get into the best shape of your life!

Scarecrow Finds a Friend by Blume J. Rifken Book Review

Product Details:

• Reading level: Ages 4-8
• Hardcover: 32 pages
• Publisher: Whirlpool Press (August 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979694809
• ISBN-13: 978-0979694806

Imagine a witch needing help to regain her flying powers from a scarecrow and you have this delightful children's story by author Blume J. Rifken.  Tally, who is a good witch, lost her power to fly and needs the help of Scarecrow to regain those powers.  Scarecrow met Tally at Halloween when she granted him a wish.  Tally grants many wishes and forgot that the very thing that gave her happiness could take away her abilities to fly.  Unknown to them, Scarecrow has a plan and the story gives the little ones a chance to see a true form of friendship and the rewarding outcome of helping one another.

This is a heartwarming story about friendship and teamwork.  It is a great read anytime but particularly a good choice during the fall.  Both my girls were delighted as I read the story to them and they enjoyed the illustrations by Carl Wenzel.

The author, Blume J. Rifken, is a former fashion illustrator and is the author of Silhouettes in America, 1790-1840: A Collector's Guide.  Scarecrow Finds a Friend was her first book inspired by her two grandchildren.

 

Military Spouses MyCAA Career Advancement Account

Are you taking advantage of the Department of Defenses' Military Spouse Career Advancement Account (MyCAA)?  If not, you should as it's $6,000 that can be paid towards a degree to include advanced degrees, educational training, counseling and license fees.  This is a program for spouses of active duty personnel and activated Reserve Components that started last May of 2009.

Call 1-800-342-9647 or click here for more information:  https://aiportal.acc.af.mil/mycaa/mosLogin.aspx.  There is a two week backlog per the site.

Disappointed Zhu Zhu Pet: Wheels Don't Turn

I wonder if others are having issues with their Zhu Zhu Pets?  I ended up buying three and gave one away as a giveaway in the spirit of Christmas and ended up keeping the one that ended up being broken much to the dismay of my six year old.  The wheels won't turn but the other one works. I haven't heard from my winner if their Zhu Zhu works.

I just wrote the toy company to see if there is anything they could do.

Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving: Take the Pledge

Take the pledge to not get behind the wheel even if you or someone you know is only buzzed as buzzed driving is drunk driving.  Impaired driving is no accident. It's a serious and deadly crime that kills every 30 minutes.  This holiday season, especially tomorrow night, New Year's Eve, is a particular time to ensure no one is injured or killed over drinking and driving.

Watch Emily's story on how Buzzed Driving affected her life:



The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA), the Ad Council and Global Influence wants everyone to drive smart all the time and especially tomorrow night.  Take the pledge, follow on Twitter (@buzzeddriving) and become a Facebook fan. 

In 2008, nearly 12,000 people in the U.S. were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes - and during the periods around Christmas and New Year's, this number was particularly high, with 316 people killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes. In 2007, 162,493 women were arrested for a DUI, an increase of almost 29% since 1998. 

I have not lost anyone fortunately to drunken driving and pray I never do.  It's such a tragic and senseless act to commit. 

Disclaimer:  I was not compensated for this post.  I am a member of the Global Influence who partnered with NHSTA and the Ad Council to spread awareness.