Smartfish ErgoMotion Laser Mouse Review & Giveaway 11/30 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Robert said...

Following Smartfish Technologies on Twitter @rslebron
rslebron(at)live(dot)com

An e-mail has been sent and Robert has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

I spend a lot of time on the computer and have over the past 15+ years mostly due to my past employment.  All those years of typing and moving the mouse have finally caught up with me and I was having to pop my write about every three minutes.  The timely part about this was I was contacted to review the ErgoMotion Laser Mouse - Black.  I was skeptical as I have tried different ergonomically correct products and really hadn't noticed anything.  If fact, I had been using a special mouse pad that was suppose to help my wrist.

I've been able to use the ErgoMotion Laser Mouse - Black for about three weeks now and feel I can provide a good review based on my wrist's response to the new mouse.

Pro's:

• The mouse is different from other mouses in that it has a patented pivot base that helps increase comfort and lower wrist movement.  
• It adapts to your natural hand and wrist motion.
• A nano transceiver allows it to become an "on the go" type of mouse as it fits into a USB port. 
• It's wireless.
• Four way scrolling.
• 10 month battery life <- this is really nice as I get tired of burning through batteries quickly.
• Power save feature to save battery life when not in use
• 800 dpi laser precision.  I did have to get use to the speed but it took no time for that.
• Developed by medical professionals.
• Portion of proceeds are donated to the Hospital for Special Surgery.
• One year warranty.
• For use in Windows or Mac.

Con's:

• None yet

Here is a demo:

I absolutely love the ErgoMotion Laser Mouse and felt improvement with my wrist in a day or two.  My wrist still needs to pop every now and then but not so frequently.  I like the movement of the mouse and it's very easy to get used to.  It's sleek, easy to clean and portable which are also great features.

I definitely recommend the Smartfish ErgoMotion Laser Mouse for anyone who uses a computer.

 

The Giveaway:

Your very own Smartfish ErgoMotion Laser Mouse!

To Enter:

Follow my blog and leave a comment.

Extra Entries:

• Like Smartfish Technologies on Facebook (three entries).
• Follow Smartfish Technologies on Twitter (three entries).
• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow me on Twitter.
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (can be done daily for two entries a day)
• Enter any of my on-going giveaways

Giveaway ends 11/30 at midnight (EST) - Open to US and Canada

Winner chosen via random.org

*Disclaimer:  I received a complimentary product in exchange for my honest review.

$25 StarBucks, Walmart, Target or Kroger GC Giveaway 11/30 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

coriwestphal said...

I'm a Google Friend (follower): Cori Westphal

Entry 2

coriwestphal at msn dot com

Some of you may remember my daughter's Angels4Epilepsy quest to win a Pepsi Refresh Grant back in August.  She won and was awarded part of the money in October and we're moving forward with the items we wanted to accomplish.  During our journey, we met a wonderful woman named Donna Bailey.  She is a cancer survivor but not just any cancer, ovarian cancer.  This silent deadly killer is one that is often overlooked but not by Donna.

This is Donna's story:


My name is Donna Bailey and at 28 years old I was diagnosed as to having Ovarian Cancer. After my surgery to remove my tumors & ovaries I was promounced cancer free. There are so many symptoms for OC that many women don't know about and must be made aware of. I didn't know them either but when looking back I recognize them now.

Through the past 4 1/2 years I have been healing from this & from the realization that while I have my life, I can't have children due to OC. The only thing that has helped me through this is hope. Hope that one day all women will be aware of this "Silent Killer" and hope that more women will survive it though as of right now, not many do. To help push this awareness for OC around I created the group Hope Heals because without hope we have nothing.


This giveaway is in hopes to help Donna secure the top 10 spot to win a Pepsi Refresh Grant.  With your help, she can do this as she's been trying for at least a few months now.


The Giveaway:


Winner choses a $25 GC to Starbucks, Walmart, Target or Kroger.


To enter:


Just vote (one of the three methods below) and leave a comment!


Extra Entries:

• If you vote all three ways, leave a comment for each way you voted (each day you vote, you can leave new comment(s).
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries and can be done daily)
• Follow my blog (five entries)

There are three ways to vote:

1. Go here: http://www.refresheverything.com/hopeheals 
2. Via Facebook
3. Text to vote to 73774 & type 100047

Giveaway ends 11/30 at 11 pm (EST)

Click here for more great giveaways to include ANOTHER Starbucks GC!

General Mills LiveGlutenFreely 8 Product Giveaway ($24.99 Value) 11/30 - WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

joder said...

Daily tweet..... http://twitter.com/#!/jone402/status/7998819664924672

joderjo402 AT gmail DOT com

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Gluten issues are becoming more and more prevalent with the more information sharing is occurring thanks to the internet.  Many people suffer from issues directly related to gluten and until recently, there really hasn't been many choices for those that do need or prefer gluten-free products.  Once I started to learn more while researching how to live healthier, I was drawn to want to eliminate some of the gluten products from my family's diet.  We've never been diagnosed with it but I've read so much about gluten that I wanted to see how we would fair.  General Mills created an online community called LiveGlutenFreely.

LiveGlutenFreely.com is a site that offers gluten-free product news, articles and real life stories from people who are experiencing or trying to experience the gluten-free life.  There are also many recipes to help please yourself and family in pursuing a more robust guten-free life.  What you may not know is that General Mills has over 300 affordable gluten-free products available.  Subscribe to the LiveGlutenFreely newsletter and receive up to date information on new additions along with a host of other extras such as tips, recipes, coupons and more.

Gluten is a protein naturally found in certain grains such as wheat, barley, rye and some oats.  About three million people in America suffer from a serious medical condition called celiac disease.  Eating gluten containing foods causes damage to the lining of the small intestines which makes it difficult to absorb nutrients from foods.  Over time, this damage can lead to malnourishment and possibly other complications.

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Try some of these great looking recipes:

 

 

Apple Crisp
Braised Chicken with Fennel and White Beans
Five Layer Mexican Dip

Many more recipes can be found here.

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General Mills is also offering this great Gluten-Free Product Box that includes eight easy gluten-free products:  brownie and cake mixes, frosting, cereal, fruit snacks, mashed potatoes and a signature red Betty Crocker serving spoon for $24.95.

I received a complimentary Gluten-Free Product Box and I was more than pleased with the selection.  It contained all the products my family enjoys and it allowed me to sample some gluten-free products before I make a total commitment.   I can honestly say that I do not notice a difference in the products that are made gluten-free and feel they taste just as good as their counterparts.  My children enjoyed the fruit snacks, cereal and brownies.  They didn't complain and only said it was "great!"  I like the idea that you can purchase and send as a gift as well.  Not all areas or supermarkets carry such a variety.

Sorry to my readers in Hawaii, Canada, canal zone and international as this can't be shipped to those areas.  I know from past giveaways, those in Canada would definitely enjoy the same access.

Don't forget to fan LiveGlutenFreely on Facebook!

The Giveaway:

One reader will receive the same gift pack as I did to include all the great products I listed above.

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me a product you would like to see come in a gluten-free alternative.

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow me on Twitter
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries - can be done daily)
• Enter any of my other on-going giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 11/30 at midnight (EST) - winner chosen via random.org

US only please

*Disclaimer:  The product, information and prize packs were provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.

Click here for more great giveaways to include ANOTHER Starbucks GC!

Daughter Hospitalized

I'll be away for a few days from my blog since my three year old has been hospitalized but I will be back.  She should be released shortly.  Asthma/allergy issues but nothing too serious this time.

Liquid Palisade: Radically Changing the Way You Apply Nail Polish

If you are like me, you have a shaky hand or just aren't good at applying nail polish.  I have no patience for it so I usually opt out on painting my nails.  Now there is an innovative new product out there to help you achieve the perfect salon look without the cost of the salon.  Liquid Palisade has a great, up beat website that shows you how to apply if you are seeking a flawless Frenchie, a simple manicure or using nail art.

 

This product is different from the traditional French manicure kits if you have ever purchased one in which you control the area you don't want to paint which I like.  I always found the stickers didn't quite fit or were hard to apply.  I like the concept of applying like nail polish and controlling exactly where I want it.  If you don't like how it looks, after it dries, just push it back and you are ready to paint.   You do have to peel it off before it dries.

For nail art, this is where you can get creative in you paint your first coat of polish and after it dries, apply the Liquid Palisade however you want it to appear such as lines or polka dots.  After it dries, apply your second coat of polish and peel off the Liquid Palisade before it dries and you now have the cool, funky nails you want!

There is a great instructional video here.

  

Like Liquid Palisade on Facebook here, follow on Twitter or read the blog here.

Disclaimer:  I have not tried Liquid Palisade.

Decorating the Table - Blogmania Dream Team Holiday Mania - Win Over $2000 in Prizes

CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT GIVEAWAYS ON MY SITE

<a border="0" href="http://healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/jacquiblogger/ginaparkerblinky.gif" /> </a>

Yesterday, I posted the desert table and today, I'm going with decorating the dinner table today.  I count down to Thanksgiving not only to give thanks which is paramount to the day but also because I know that the day after, I get to decorate!  We're getting ready to put our house up for sale and I think this is the best time to do it as you get to make it all pretty, comfy and beautiful.

The centerpiece is the eye opener as soon as you walk in a room.  You can choose to make it big, small, homemade or store bought.  The choice is all yours and reflects your style.  It can be as simple as glass bowl or large vase filled with the colors you have chosen for your table in ornaments.  This is really inexpensive as you can re-use it year after year with new ornaments.

Courtesy of TinyPic.com

Christmas candles also make for a nice display and again, they can be used over and over.  This is one of my favorite displays.  This is elegant with the all white and silver accessorized theme.  It makes a pretty conversation pieces as well.

Courtesy of Squidoo.com/Christmas Centerpieces

Courtesy of DigsDigs.com

Whatever idea you use, it will definitely make the table the focal point of the room.  The napkins and placemats also provide a great accent to the table.  Whether you make them or purchase them, they add the pizazz pending on the feel and look you are looking for.

Courtesy of a Cottage Industry

RiRi Creations have these wooden embellished rings that are elegant yet simple.  Priced at only $15 for six, it's a great deal.

Evelyn White has some beautiful napkins, placemats, runners, tablecloths and more.

  

Add some sprinkles to the table, some coordinated chargers and your table is all set!


Children's Table

Don't forget the kid's table either as they would not only love to have this little piece at their table but will have loads of fun making it.  The Gumdrop Pops is also cute to make and easy.

Courtesy of VeggieBoards

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

The kid's table can also include these delightful Christmas crackers filled with your favorite Christmas candy or little toys.  It's been a hit at our house when I have them for Christmas and they are easy to make.  Martha Stewart has an instructional here.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

All kids want to be like the adults so you have to remember the drinks.  Adding whimsical little stirrers adds fun to the table.  These Candy Cane Reindeers are delightful and again, easy to make.  If you have a Cricuit or Silhouette, it would take no time to make them.  Find instructional here.

Courtesy of Martha Stewart

To top off the table, you want to have cute napkin rings.  Driftwood Santas are cute and come in many colors.  Storybook Woods has these delightful napkin rings with a belt on them for their storytime theme.

 

More post to come on the series of planning a Christmas party.

Check out some of the great prizes available:

• Oreck air purifier
• Oreck edge vacuum
• Gift Certificate to studioahimsa 

Please ENTER THE DIRECT URL to YOUR Holiday Entertaining post (post must include our giveaway button in it) in the link up below for YOUR chance to win the over $2,000 in prizes* - all chosen to make you the Holiday hostess with the MOSTESS!!

*All links must link directly to a winter/holiday entertaining post.  Links to main pages will be deleted. All linked posts must include our giveaway button. Any posts without our button in them will be deleted.  Bloggers may publish and link up one post per day from 11/1 – 10, as long as each one meets the criteria to be eligible.

Winner will be chosen using random.org. from all eligible(remaining) links and announced on www.parkerpronline.com on Nov. 11, 2010 and winner will also be contacted via comment on  winning post.

Winner will then have 72 hours to submit their contact information to blogmaniapr@gmail.com in order to claim the prize package.  If not claimed, a new winner will be selected from remaining eligible links.

Prizes will be provided to winner directly from companies in a timely fashion. BLOGMANIA, members of the BLOGMANIA  2011 Dream team and Parker PR Online will do our best but are ultimately not are not responsible for anymisrepresentations of or fulfillment made or not made by PaRtners of this event.

Blogmania Dream Team Holiday Mania - Win Over $2000 in Prizes

<a border="0" href="http://healthbeautychildrenandfamily.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://i845.photobucket.com/albums/ab13/jacquiblogger/ginaparkerblinky.gif" /> </a>

The holidays are coming and it's never too early to start planning.  Preparing early really does alleviate some of the stress especially if you are having get togethers.  For holiday entertaining, a get together always requies some fabulous food in addition to the love I have for decoratinge my house with all the pretty Christmas lights and more.  I also like to prepare deserts and other craft type gifts for my loved ones.

I have the Cricut Cake, Cricut Personal and a Silhouette SD to all play with in designing all my Christmas gifts and more.   I'm also going to be baking a lot too and trying my hand at some unique type of gifts.

For my desert table, I'm going to try my hand at these really cute Snowmen cake pops that were posted on Bakeralla (photo courtesy of Bakeralla).  Cake and brownies pops are somewhat easy to make once you get the consistency of the chocolate down.  My oldest and I prefer brownie pops as they seem to be more moist and rich.  We made them for her baby shower this past summer and they were a hit.  You can see the post here.

An assortment of cookies will be added such as dipped Oreos which if you are a good artist, you can draw the design on them, pre-buy the design or if you have a Cricut Cake or printer software, you can make your own.  Again, these are easy to make and if you look at my previous baby shower link, you can see an example of what we did.   SweetiesbyKim on Etsy has the most beautiful cookies if you prefer to just buy yours.

 

This is mine from the baby shower:

Another great idea for your desert table are glass jars or apothecary jars and canisters.  They make beautiful pieces to the table and once you purchase them, you will be able to reuse them for every party or gathering you have.

   

Finish it off with a beautiful table cloth, sparkles and don't forget a great looking centerpiece like this great recipe from Martha Stewart:  Christmas Tree Cupcakes.

More post to come on the series of planning a Christmas party.

Check out some of the great prizes available:

Oreck air purifier:  http://www.parkerpronline.com/2010/10/oreck-air-purifier-win-one-and-1600-more-in-prizes/


Oreck edge vacuum:  http://www.parkerpronline.com/2010/10/joining-in-the-fun-enters-you-to-win-over-2000-in-prizes-this-november/

Gift Certificate to studioahimsa -  http://www.parkerpronline.com/2010/10/studioahimsa-one-of-my-personal-favorites/

Please ENTER THE DIRECT URL to YOUR Holiday Entertaining post (post must include our giveaway button in it) in the link up below for YOUR chance to win the over $2,000 in prizes* - all chosen to make you the Holiday hostess with the MOSTESS!!

*All links must link directly to a winter/holiday entertaining post.  Links to main pages will be deleted. All linked posts must include our giveaway button. Any posts without our button in them will be deleted.  Bloggers may publish and link up one post per day from 11/1 – 10, as long as each one meets the criteria to be eligible.

Winner will be chosen using random.org. from all eligible(remaining) links and announced on www.parkerpronline.com on Nov. 11, 2010 and winner will also be contacted via comment on  winning post.

Winner will then have 72 hours to submit their contact information to blogmaniapr@gmail.com in order to claim the prize package.  If not claimed, a new winner will be selected from remaining eligible links.

Prizes will be provided to winner directly from companies in a timely fashion. BLOGMANIA, members of the BLOGMANIA  2011 Dream team and Parker PR Online will do our best but are ultimately not are not responsible for anymisrepresentations of or fulfillment made or not made by PaRtners of this event.

Del Monte Fruit Teacher Monday: Cash for Classrooms & Giveaway 11/25 - WINNERS CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ...

Aileen said...

Entered the Fiber 1 giveaway - 1 arobimom at gmail dot com

&

ellie said...

I follow Del Monte on FB (Ellie Wright)
eswright18 at gmail dot com

e-mails have been sent and each winner has 48 hours to respond.

Thanks to all those who entered!

Del Monte, in the spirit of giving back, has this great online contest right now: Teacher Monday Cash for Classrooms.  Cash and fruit will be awarded to K-12 public school teachers across the US, Canada and Central America this fall.  This post is after the start date of October 18th, but you still have time to help award 10 teachers in the US and Canada $1000 ($750 cash and $250 fresh fruit gift certificates) to win over the next two weeks.  Many teachers, if not all, are using their own resources in purchasing supplies for their classrooms more than ever now.  With the help of great projects like this, your favorite teacher could win by letting them know about this contest.

To enter, the teacher must register online and submit a short essay on how the funds will be spent.  The winning teachers will be decided by the number of votes received so this is a community project to get hyped about.

Keep up to date on the latest contest information by fanning on Facebook and following on Twitter.

"In an effort to support schools in less developed countries where many Del Monte products are grown, and where classrooms are also experiencing economic disadvantages, the “Teacher Monday: Cash for Classrooms” program will link winning U.S. classrooms with a school in Guatemala or Costa Rica. The 50 selected Central American schools will also receive $1,000 each for school supplies."

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The Giveaway:

Two winners in the US will receive a $25 Del Monte fresh fruit gift certificate

To Enter:

Follow my blog and tell me if you are going to encourage a teacher you to know to enter (your entry won't be disqualified if you answer no).

Extra Entries:

• Subscribe to my blog.
• Follow Del Monte on Twitter (link above)
• Fan Del Monte on Facebook (link above)
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries per day)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Post on YOUR Facebook page about the contest (two entries)
• Follow me on Twitter

Giveaway ends 11/25 at midnight (EST) - winners chosen via random.org - US only pleased


Disclaimer:  I'm receiving two vouchers to giveaway in exchange for this post.

Click here for more great giveaways to include ANOTHER Starbucks GC!

Cards Direct 25 Card Giveaway (up to $50 value) Giveaway 11/24 WINNER CLOSED

CONGRATULATIONS TO ....


giamunoz@7hotmail.com

An e-mail has been sent and she has 48 hours to respond before a new winner is selected via random.org

Thanks to all those who entered!

Christmas is quickly approaching and with these wonderful holidays, the need for Christmas cards is essential to keep the holiday mood going.  I used to spend countless hours trying to find the perfect holiday cards each year while trying to be the first one to ensure I had an assortment to choose from.   It had to reflect the person I am while exhibiting a touch of elegance.  This was all fine until I discovered the use of photo cards which now, I'm addicted to them.

 

I take so many pictures and love to give them out at Christmas and find holiday photo cards that allow multiple photos are my best options since some of my recipients only see my children once a year.  As part of my participation in a Global Influence campaign for Cards Direct, I'm sharing some of my favorite cards along with some tips on adding some extra "you" with each one.  The only problem I have with Cards Direct is they have so many great choices that it makes it hard to decide.  They are also a one stop shop for all your paper card needs such as business greeting cards, which I use) to birth announcements to birthday invitations and more.


I narrowed my favorites down to these three:

   

Some of my tips for adding that extra "you" into each card:

• Have the children sign their names versus having them imprinted
• Stick crystal diamond type stickers on the envelope
• Purchase customized photo stamps to match the card
• Purchase a personalized stamp with a Ho Ho Ho or other greeting 

Don't forget the New Year's Eves cards too!

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The Giveaway:  

One reader will receive 25 cards up to a $50 value from Cards Direct

To Enter: 

Follow my blog and leave a comment on what you like about Christmas cards.

Extra Entries (optional):

• Subscribe to my blog
• Follow Cards Direct on Twitter
• Follow me on Twitter
• Like Cards Direct on Facebook
• Like me on Facebook
• Tweet about this giveaway (two entries per day)
• Blog about this giveaway (five entries)
• Enter any of my on-going giveaways (five entries)

Giveaway ends 11/24 at midnight (EST) - US only please

Disclaimer:  I will receive a complimentary product from Cards Direct for this post.

Click here for more great giveaways to include ANOTHER Starbucks GC!

Top 10 Tips for New Moms Who are Bringing Baby Home

My oldest daughter only three week's ago brought home her first child.  It was such a memorable moment watching my baby bring home her baby.  It's also a little strange since I'm 42 and have a three and a seven year old at home as well.  The joy of baby is always a great experience but also preparing for their arrival is paramount for not just the safety of the newborn but also to help mom in easing in after what could have been a rough delivery.  Lysol with TwitterMoms has put out another great blogging contest challenging bloggers to list their top 10 tips for bringing home baby.

There are so many different things that have to be done or should be done pending your priorities.  

1. Have all the baby's clothing and bedding washed and ready to wear.  One of the concerns I had with washing too soon was dust accumulation.  We have a very dusty house so the use of Space Bags helped to keep them clean and dust free.
2. Disinfecting the various surfaces is always a good idea.  The most important areas to disinfect are the counter surfaces especially where the bottles or where the breast pump will be.  Germs hide out everywhere and in the kitchen, they are plentiful in my house.
3. Getting rest while in the hospital is also a good idea considering the lack of rest that the new mom will get at home.  I know for myself it was hard to allow the baby to go back to the nursery as I wanted to keep her with me the whole time.  My daughter had more sense than I and did allow this on the first second night.
4. If you live with others or not, having a disinfectant hand sanitizer is always a good idea for those quick fixes against germs.  Of course hand washing is ideal but when it's impossible, a bottle on hand is ideal.  Given the various sizes of the bottles, it makes it convenient to carry in anything like a diaper bag or even on a key ring.
5. Make sure mom and dad both understand how the car seat works.  Those things can be tricky but learning how to use it ahead of time will save on aggravation and will ensure you buckle the newborn bundle up appropriately.
6. After an exhausting labor, let others help the new mom.  It's easy to be the one who keeps wanting to everything but after leaving the hospital, arrange to have mom or a sibling there to help out.  The extra help will also help with the healing process.
7. We also have tubs of Lysol Disinfectant Wipes all over our house.  These handy tubs can be placed in many places and are great for quick clean ups like baby spitting up and it hits the floor.  Having sanitary conditions is important and this is another way of ensuring good health.
8. If bringing the new baby home and there are siblings, allow time for each sibling to enjoy the new addition.  If the other siblings are young, explain to them about how fragile they are and help them understand how to handle the baby.  Nothing is more scarier than seeing a three year old holding a newborn.  Taking this extra time will help them to understand.
9. Baby's sometimes get cranky and don't want to sleep.  A nice soothing bath with a lavender fragrant wash can sometimes help.  Baby's like to feel that warmth and while a snuggle is good, don't warm them up too much.  I like the swaddle blankets since I know they are getting the right amount of coverage without worrying about them having warm, fluffy blankets to be smothered.
10. My final tip for the new mom, take time to pamper yourself.  It's easy to get caught up with all the things we have to do but you cannot let yourself go.  Try to get rest, eat healthy and accept help.  Go get your hair done or your nails polished as we still need to be us in spite of our new responsibilities.  A happy mom makes everyone happy.

There is just so much that needs to be done before a baby arrives home.  The key to easing the newness is preparation.  If you have what you can in order and clean, it will take loads off your mind.  I have three children and two have chronic medical conditions so having cleaning products that are convenient on hand helps me tremendously. 

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.