What's In Your Easter Basket? - Blu-ray Giveaway

FOUR MODERN FAMILY CLASSICS DEBUT ON BLU-RAY JUST IN TIME FOR EASTER!

Enjoy Epic Adventures for All Ages On Blu-ray for the First Time March 6

Experience the excitement of four unforgettable family films, FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST, AQUAMARINE, THUMBELINA and THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER on Blu-ray for the first time March 6 from Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment. Featuring talented casts and moving stories, these Blu-ray titles make great Easter gifts for the whole family to enjoy.

FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST

Starring a talented voice cast including Robin Williams, Tim Curry, Christian Slater, Samantha Mathis, Cheech Marin and Tommy Chong, FERNGULLY: THE LAST RAINFOREST is an enchanting story about taking care of the environment and the power of friendship, celebrating its 20th anniversary this year. There's magic in the rainforest and it's called FernGully! Deep in the heart of the forest awaits a paradise filled with tiny sprites, winged fairies and tree spirits who all live in joyful harmony. But when their home is threatened by humans, one courageous sprite gives her all to save it! FernGully is a fantastical adventure into a world you’ll want to visit again and again!

AQUAMARINE

Just in time for Easter, this fun feature starring Emma Roberts (Scream 4 and Valentine’s Day), Sara Paxton (The Last House on the Left and Malcolm in the Middle), and Joanna “Jojo” Levesque (Hawaii Five-O) is the perfect movie for any family to enjoy. It's the end of summer and Claire (Roberts) and Hailey (JoJo) have a major problem. In just five days, Hailey's family is moving halfway around the world! These girls need a major miracle, and they get one in the form of Aquamarine, a beautiful mermaid who washes ashore in a late summer storm. Sweet but clueless to the ways of romance, she offers to grant the girls one wish if they help her find the boy of her dreams. But when they attempt to reel in the cute local lifeguard, the result is something none of them expect and they discover that sometimes what you wish for isn't what you really want after all!

THUMBELINA

From world renowned animator Don Bluth (Anastasia, All Dogs Go to Heaven, The Secret of NIMH) and award-winning composer Barry Manilow comes Hans Christian Andersen's Thumbelina - a magical story that reminds us that if we follow our hearts, nothing is impossible. When Thumbelina, a tiny enchanted fairy, meets Prince Cornelius, she is sure she's found her heart's desire. But before their romance can blossom, she is kidnapped by a family of show business toads, detained by a scheming beetle and married to a befuddled mole! As Thumbelina casts its magical spell on your entire family, you will see why Family Life says, "Parents will be cheering, girls will be in heaven and boys will be rewarded with exciting derring-do!"

MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER

Featuring Kirk Douglas in a remarkable dual role and highlighted by a climactic chase involving 40 horsemen and 90 wild stallions thundering across snow-covered peaks, THE MAN FROM SNOWY RIVER is destined to become a legendary film. Set during the 1880's, when the Australian frontier was as wild and dangerous as the American West, the film follows the exploits of a handsome youth (Tom Burlinson) who sets out to tame a wild herd of horses. Taking on a challenge many men had attempted before him, he rides deep into the treacherous and untamed wilderness of his native timberlands where boys become men fast - or die trying.

WHAT’S IN YOUR EASTER BASKET?

Celebrate this Easter with an epic Easter basket filled with goodies that will be enjoyed by all, including a copy of one or all four of Ferngully: The Last Rainforest, Aquamarine, Thumbelina and The Man from Snowy River. Use some ideas from this handy tip sheet to aid in coming up with some fun ideas for Easter surprises. And enter at the bottom to be eligible to win a prize pack of these family friendly Blu-rays!

EGG-SHAPED SIDEWALK CRAYONS

What says better than the beginning of Spring and the celebration of Easter more so than egg-shaped sidewalk crayons? Get your warm weather festivities started by decorating your bland sidewalk with your friends and family with this fun sidewalk-crayon kit. The shape allows little ones to get a good grip, though they may not give it back once they get started.

EASTER NAIL POLISH SET

Decorate your little one’s nails with pretty pastel colors in a fun Easter nail polish set just in time for her to return back to school after her Easter or Spring break. Pair her flowery pink dress with a light purple polish to put on the finishing touches to her back-to-school outfit.

EASTER PUZZLES

Celebrate this Easter with your young ones as you work together to solve some Easter-themed puzzles that will for sure get the wheels in the heads rolling as they try to solve word search, mazes and cross-word puzzles. No matter what age you are, puzzles are a perfect and inexpensive activity that can be enjoyed by all.

Win It!

One person will win Blu-ray copies of Aquamarine, Thumbelina, The Man From Snowy River, and Ferngully:  The Last Rainforest.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA and Canada.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Cache Chic - Jewelry Giveaway

Cache Chic strives to inspire eclectic personal art to touch the heart of those who wear it and their beautiful  jewelry is handcrafted with Sterling Silver, Copper, semi-precious stones, Swarovski crystals and fresh water pearls.  Each piece is made with love and a prayer. No two pieces are exactly a like, and the shop also takes custom orders.

There are several pieces of jewelry I admire at Cache Chic, with one being the Grace & Mercy Cuff Bracelet.  It has a rawness and a realness to it and is inscribed with two words that I know God bestows upon me every day.  So many of the necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and personalized jewelry are ravishing and you can tell they were handcrafted with precision.  The owner and designer behind Cache Chic is Tricia Legg, who started in the jewelry business in 1989 working for independent designers and later became a designer of her own jewelry.

Win It!

One person will win a custom personalized necklace like the one pictured above.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

She's Got the Room; I've Got the Cart

Not to be outdone by my sister's camper room dedicated to our favorite adult beverage, my sister and husband volunteered to jazz my golf cart up last night.

Obsessed much?!

Announcing House of Tsang and Woodcarver DVD Winners

Two of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.  The winners have been emailed and have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or new winner(s) will be drawn.

The winner of the House of Tsang giveaway is #4, Debbie P.

The winners of the WWJD II: The Woodcarver DVD giveaway are #80, Debbie J. and #103 Valerie.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered.  Be sure to check out my list of active giveaways, listed at the top left hand side of my blog.  There's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Printed Sugar - Invitations and Gifts Giveaway

My oldest daughter turns 18 in less than a month.  While searching for online companies that offer invitations and gifts, I came across Printed Sugar.  Printed Sugar offers various invitations and announcements needed to announce life's sweet celebrations. Each item is reviewed and hand selected with the customer in mind. Their products range from classic to funky pieces and everything in between, above, and below. Printed Sugar also specializes in modern birth announcements, adult party invitations, and a wide selection of stationery needs.

Because I didn't plan far enough in advance for Shelby's birthday, I didn't have time to order birthday invitations.  The invitation shown above is the style and bright colors I would've went with.  I'm not going to allow the busyness of my life deter me from properly planning the other kids' birthday parties I'll be hosting this summer.  I've already ordered the party supplies and will soon be browsing for birthday invites and gifts.  Printed Sugar is a personable company that I'll be definitely considering when the time comes to purchase those items. 

Win It!

Two people will each win a $50 Printed Sugar Gift Certificate.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*


a Rafflecopter giveaway

Take Note: Two Giveaways Ending Tonight

If you haven't entered already, be sure to enter the two giveaways ending tonight, March 28th, at 11:01 pm CST.  As with all my giveaways, there's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

WWJD II: The Woodcarver DVD giveaway - 2 winners - USA

House of Tsang Prize Pack giveaway - 1 winner - USA

Wordful Wednesday - Fishing

For the first time this year we went fishing.  The campground has a beautiful lake with many coves.  Me and Jason took the boys there Saturday.

Jason didn't catch any fish but Logan caught quite a handful of Sunfish.  We go by the CPR method - Catch, Photograph, Release.

Logan learned how to take the hook out of the fish mouth by himself.

Adam and I are spectators.  Neither of us are into worms or getting fish off our line.

Do you enjoy fishing?

We Bought A Zoo - DVD and Novel Giveaway

Featuring Family Friendly Audio Track The Whole Family Will Go Wild for this Heartwarming Adventure Starring Matt Damon and Scarlett Johansson On Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download April 3rd.

Directed by acclaimed filmmaker Cameron Crowe (Almost Famous, Jerry Maguire) and starring Matt Damon (Contagion, True Grit), Scarlett Johansson (Iron Man 2, Vicky Cristina Barcelona) and Thomas Haden Church (Easy A, Sideways), WE BOUGHT A ZOO is “a sweet-natured tale…that you’ll want to see with your kids” (Liz Braun, Jam! Movies).

Benjamin Mee (Damon) is a Los Angeles newspaper columnist and adventure writer who, as a single father, faces the challenges of raising his two young children. Hoping that a fresh start and a new life will restore their family spirit, Mee quits his job and buys an old rural house outside the city with a unique bonus feature: a zoo named the Rosemoor Animal Park, where dozens of animals reside under the care of head zookeeper Kelly Foster (Johansson) and her dedicated team. With no experience, limited time and a shoestring budget, Mee sets out with the support of his family and the local community to reopen the zoo. Now, Benjamin is no longer reporting an adventure story; he’s living it in his own backyard.

WE BOUGHT A ZOO Blu-ray Combo Pack Special Features

Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Copy including theatrical film

Deleted & Extended Scenes

o Elevator Empathy

o A Gift From Ronnie

o Life is Elemental

o Thank You, Rhonda

o Rosie Names Her Peacocks

o Quick Learner

o Just Can’t Get a Handle On It

o So Much Bloodshed

o Buster is Loose

o Utterly Free / Nobody Died

o I Make My Own Hours

o The Stuff is Alive

o We’re Living The Story

o Disaffected Youth

o It’s Their Zoo, Too

o Goodnight Big Mac

o Such a Cliché

o Sorry About the Rain

o Benjamin’s Big Speech

o Opening Day

Gag Reel

“The Real Mee”

“We Shot a Zoo”

“Their Happy is Too Loud”

Audio Commentary with Director Cameron Crowe, Star J.B. Smoove and Editor Mark Livolsi

My Review:

Based on a true story and a novel, We Bought A Zoo is a heartwarming family film about a widowed husband who buys a run-down private zoo and spruces it back up with the help of a female zookeeper.  When I first saw the previews for this movie I thought it would be geared more towards kids.  Although its content is mostly acceptable for kids to watch, I wouldn't put it in the kids movie genre.  We Bought A Zoo is more of a romance, with family struggles admist it.  The acting is believable and the animals are ambrosial.  Even though We Bought A Zoo wasn't what I expected it to be,  it was still splendid.

Win It!

One person will win We Bought A Zoo DVD and book.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA and Canada.*

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Peanut Butter Doug's Peanut Butter Challenge

Have a recipe starring peanut butter that your family goes nuts for? A video of you singing the song you wrote about peanut butter sticking to the roof of your mouth? A photo of your kids covered in PB&J? Planters wants to reward you for your peanut butter passion!



On Wednesday, March 28, Planters is launching “Peanut Butter Doug’s Peanut Butter Challenge” on Facebook, which will call on consumers to enter a photo, video, recipe, or written entry that proves how much they love peanut butter. The top 16 submissions, as voted on by the fans, will win a case of Planters peanut butter. The grand prize winner will receive not one, but two lifetime supplies of Planters peanut butter.

KEY DATES

· Submissions: 3/28- 4/18
· Voting for Top 16 Finalists: 4/25-5/2
· Voting for Winner: 5/3-5/28
· Winners Notified: 5/29

I received no compensation for this post.  This post is for informational purposes.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

GoodtoBeYou - Accessories and Gifts Giveaway

I know that I feel better about myself when I use products that indulge me and make me feel like a princess or queen.  Our lives are so busy and fast-paced.  Sometimes it feels super nice to sit down, relax, and get pampered.  GoodtoBeYou.com is an online boutique full of fabulous treats for all women.  With their beauty goodies, wardrobe problem solvers, spa treats, and handbags there's no shortage of products that make you feel "good to be you".

GoodtoBeYou wants to serve as your retreat from life's everyday stresses by proving an enjoyable shopping experience in a chic, fun and friendly atmosphere.  Signing up for the GoodtoBeYou email list gains you access to receive specials and coupons, and be entered in their monthly GTBY giveaway. 

Win It!

One person will win a $50 prize pack of goodies from GoodtoBeYou.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

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Delightful Discounts and Deals #8

Little Tikes is offering free shipping on all Playhouse purchases going on now through April 16^th when you enter the code HOUSE at checkout.  For more information, visit the Playhouse Circular.

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Do you need a last minute gift for your Easter basket? Would you like it for free just for talking about it with your friends? Share the joy of Kidorable's Easter Egg Hunt Giveaway.

From today through April 9, Kidorable will be giving lucky winners FREE products every weekday. All you need to do is like them on Facebook or follow on Twitter and share the excitement with your friends. To enter, just post a comment on their Facebook page or retweet each Giveaway. Winners will be randomly drawn every weekday at noon CST. 

Don't want to wait to win? Get a free Kidorable umbrella when you make a minimum $20 purchase on www.kidorable.com. Just enter coupon code EASTER at checkout. Remember to add your free umbrella to your cart first. (not valid with other promotions, expires April 9, 2012)

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Hoodiezz.com blog is hosting a Crooked Brook T-shirt Giveaway for quality, blank t-shirts from Crooked Brook's inventory.  Giveaway ends April 6, 2012 and is open to residents of the contiguous USA, 18 years of age or older.

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Join the American Family community and enter to win an AmericanFamily.com $500 Melissa & Doug Shopping Spree.  Registering for the community gives you access to enter the giveaway, see  your name on Who's Doing What, cash in your points for cool stuff, save your favorite recipes or games, and lots more! You'll also be registering to receive emails from Melissa & Doug.  Entries for the Shopping Spree ends April 6, 2012.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Chick-fil-A - Old School Widget and Kids Meals Giveaway

Lace up your sneakers because the new Nutricious Chick-fil-A Kids Meals are going to help fuel active family fun!  Spring is here and what better way to promote an active lifestyle and enjoy the great outdoors than with some old school games for your family to enjoy.  The Old School Fun blog app is available with classic old school games for the family and a fun throwback quiz!

Win It!

One person will win three coupons for free Chick-fil-A Kids Meals.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

DEA Take-Back Day and My Interview with Dr. Catizone

Prescription drugs are the most commonly abused drugs among 12-13 year olds. Many of these pills can be found in your medicine cabinet and around your house. The National Association of Boards of Pharmacy Foundation and their AWARxE Consumer Protection Program are helping to spread information about prescription drug abuse and proper disposal methods. In an effort to help stop this growing problem, the DEA is hosting a Take-Back Day on April 28, 2012. If you have any unused prescription drugs in your home, you can drop them off at the designated collection site in your community on April 28. The DEA coordinates with the local law enforcement and community partners to provide thousands of sites across the country, many of them at police departments, so that the unwanted drugs are disposed of safely and legally. Sites will accept pills, both prescription and nonprescription, for disposal.

You can find out more information about AWARxE at www.AWARERX.ORG. And don’t forget to like them on Facebook! www.facebook.com/AWARxE .

I had the opportunity to interview an expert: Dr. Catizone. Dr. Catizone is the Executive Director of the National Association of Boards of Pharmacy (NABP) and a licensed pharmacist. He currently serves as a Governor of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) Board of Directors and Chair of the PTCB Certification Council. Dr. Catizone is regularly called to serve as an expert witness for the US Government in the areas of pharmacy practice and regulation on both the state and national level issues.

Check out my interview with him:

a) What are the dangers of taking drugs not prescribed to you?

Catizone:
Taking a medication not prescribed for you can lead to serious health consequences, permanent injuries, or death. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that in 2009, 1.2 million emergency department visits were related to the misuse or abuse of prescription drugs. Controlled substance medications have the potential for abuse, and taking these medications if they are not prescribed to you could lead to addiction. Every year, 15,000 people die from an overdose of prescription painkillers, according to the CDC.

b) What steps can a person take to ensure their prescription drugs are safe?

Catizone:
When picking up a new prescription ask to have the label and dosage explained to you. If there are any discrepancies between what the pharmacist tells you and what your doctor has told you, ask to have that discrepancy resolved immediately. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication, and talk to your pharmacist about any questions you may have.

When you receive a refilled prescription, examine the medication and note if there are any differences in color, shape, size, and taste from the medication you normally receive. Also, look for changes in the packaging or any evidence of tampering, such as if the packaging is unsealed or if tablets are chipped or cracked. If you notice anything different, contact your pharmacist.

If ordering a medication online, make sure to use a VIPPS® pharmacy. VIPPS-accredited pharmacies meet all state licensing requirements as well as nationally endorsed standards of pharmacy practice. When consumers see the VIPPS Seal they can also be sure that the online pharmacy they are using is in compliance with standards of privacy, authentication, and security, that it adheres to quality assurance policy, and that the site provides meaningful consultation between patients and pharmacists. The list of VIPPS Internet Pharmacies is available on the AWARxE Web site.

c) I have three teenagers. Are there specific or general signs I can look for to determine if they are taking prescription drugs that don't belong to them?

Catizone:
Side effects associated with prescription drug abuse include dizziness, loss of appetite, unconsciousness, impaired memory, mood swings, loss of motor coordination, trouble breathing and rapid or irregular heartbeat.

d) What is the safest way to discard of unused prescription drugs?

Catizone:
If you have pills or medication that is no longer needed or has expired, dispose of it at an authorized DEA Take-Back location, or a local medication disposal program. The next DEA National Prescription Drug Take-Back Day is April 28, 2012 and collection sites will be located across the country.

Also, cities and counties across the country provide permanent medication disposal programs. Many programs provide a drop-box at a police department—these programs can take controlled substance medications for disposal. Other programs are run by hazardous waste disposal agencies or other entities that cannot accept controlled substance medications, but can take all other unused drugs for safe disposal.

Many of the AWARxE Get Local pages have links to local disposal programs, and we are actively expanding these resources. We are happy to take information about local programs and post it on our Web site. Anyone who has information on a disposal program can e-mail the information they have to AWARErx@nabp.net and we will review it for inclusion on the respective state’s Get Local page.

If there are no drug disposal sites near you, there are options for disposing of drugs at home. The information that comes with your prescription may provide instructions on home disposal. Only some medications should be flushed down the toilet and the US Food and Drug Administration has a list of these drugs on its Web site. If there are no instructions for disposal you can throw the drugs in your home garbage. But first, take them out of the container and mix them with an undesirable substance like coffee grounds or cat litter.

More details about drug disposal programs are available on the AWARxE Medication Disposal page.

Links for cited Web pages:

· VIPPS pharmacy list: http://www.awarerx.org/VIPPS_Pharmacies.php

· Medication Disposal: http://www.awarerx.org/medDisposal.php

· Get Local: http://www.awarerx.org/getLocal.php

I received no compensation for this post.  The opinions and questions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Silverlicious - Nintendo DS Game Review

GameMill Entertainment, an independent publisher of entertaining mass-market video games, announced the release of Silverlicious™, the entertaining exploration video game based on the Silverlicious™ story from the best-selling Pinkalicious™ children’s book series. Silverlicious the game is available now in retail stores nationwide for the Nintendo DS™ hand-held system for $19.99.

Following the enchanting storyline of Silverlicious™ written and illustrated by Victoria Kann, Silverlicious the game lets players set out on an adventure as Pinkalicious who has lost her ability to taste anything sweet. Help Pinkalicious regain her sweet tooth as you practice kindness, good manners and helping others in need. Collect costumes and accessories you can use to dress up Pinkalicious and unlock magical rewards including butterflies, sparkle rides and fireworks as you explore the beautiful lands and meet new friends. Boost your “sweet meter” with every good deed and polite remark and you’ll quickly discover that true sweetness comes from much more than cupcakes and cookies.
Silverlicious the game also features a variety of holiday-themed neighborhoods to explore. Visit the land of Easter Excitement just in time for the Easter holiday where you can twirl, glide and dance along with Edgar the Easter Bunny and his many Easter chicks! Whether playing alone or with others, Silverlicious the game creates an imaginative and fun way to drive home the importance of kindness and good manners.

My Review:

My 9 year old step-daughter is familiar with Pinkalicious from reading the popular books.  Emma has played Silverlicious for the Nintendo DS a number of times since receiving it and has had fun helping Pinkalicious, the main character, with party preparations.  There are several mini-games that include baking cupcakes and creating invitations.  A Sweetness Meter fills up when sweets are collected and new outfits give Pinkalicious new abilities.  Holidays are celebrated with themed lands called Easter Excitement, Christmas Caroling, and Very Valentine's.  Kindness and manners are rewarded.  The illustrations and games are girlish so I doubt boys would find much interest in Silverlicious.  On the other hand, young girls will have a delightful time with this enchanted game. 

I received game for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products.  Your opinions and results may differ.

It Works! - Contouring Applicator Review

I may as well get this statement out first:  The best thing you can do for your body to lose weight is proper diet and exercise.  Now that everyone knows I'm aware of that, I'd like to talk to you about the It Works! Contouring Applicator.  It's a naturally-based, detoxifying body contouring formula that tightens, tones and firms.  It also improves skin texture and tightness.  Usually sold in a kit of four applications, I was able to try one of the applicators for review.

I'm usually not so shy about stuff but I'm not about to tell you how big I am.  Let's just say it wouldn't hurt for me to lose a little bit of weight.  Before applying the It Works! Contouring Applicator I measured my roundness to compare results of how many inches I lost after using it.  The Contouring Applicator can be used on many areas of the body and I chose to go right for the gut.

The contouring applicator needs to be applied to clean skin so I made sure to apply it after I took a shower.  With my full nakedness, I measured myself and applied the wrap to my tummy.  The applicator looks like a very thin piece of garbage bag with brown and green goo on it.  Once I unfolded it, I placed the applicator on my stomach and smoothed out the wrinkles. 

That's where the fun part came in!  I had my hubby wrap me up skin tight like a mummy in saran wrap.  He went around my body four times to make sure the applicator was securely in place.  I looked like a hot mess but the saran wrap helped the applicator stay in place and was supposed to compress fat cells.  The brown and green goo I mentioned is a formula that feels like menthol rub.  It has a cool, tingling sensation. 

 

It's recommended to wear the wrap for a minimum of 45 minutes and no longer than eight hours.  I kept mine on for two hours and drank lots and lots of water to facilitate the detoxification process.  By doing this, my body was getting detoxified by air/droplets via the lungs, urine via kidneys, stool via colon, and sweat via skin.  I couldn't move around a whole lot due to being wrapped tight but it wasn't uncomfortable.  After two hours of wearing the wrap, I took the entire thing off and threw it away.  There was still some of the formula on my stomach and I just rubbed it in. 

I know, I know, you want to know the results!  I lost just a little over an inch after wearing the contouring applicator.  You may not think that's much but it got me pretty excited.  The Contouring Applicator is meant to give both immediate and progressive results.  A once-a-week application is recommended for continuous, progressive results.  I only had one wrap and saw a slight difference in skin smoothness and inches lost so I imagine that using the wraps as indicated would give even better results.

From the time of its inception in 2001, It Works! Global has dedicated itself to providing professional quality beauty and wellness products that both reflect high standards of integrity and reach consumers at affordable prices. Today they offer the highest quality nutritional supplements, exclusive anti-aging solutions, and the internationally famed Ultimate Applicator Cosmetic System.  It Works products are formulated by leading scientists, herbalists, and researchers using the best natural ingredients, cutting-edge science, and strict quality standards to provide effective products that safely nourish your body and enhance your life.  It Works is proud to offer its one-of-a-kind body slimming treatments, top-notch nutritional supplements, and a specially-formulated skin care line that helps stop or delay the harmful environmental effects that contribute to the speed of the aging process.  For more information on It Works or its products visit Shannon at Karma Girl Wellness, an It Works! Independent Distributor.

I received product for review from Shannon at Karma Girl Wellness.  These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Share '100 Cars for Good' With Your Favorite Nonprofit

Toyota is giving away 100 cars in 100 days to deserving nonprofits!

If you represent an eligible nonprofit organization, apply to submit an application.  Toyota will award 100 vehicles over the course of 100 days to 100 U.S. nonprofits.  The deadline is March 26th at noon PT or when 5000 completeted applications are received, whichever comes first.  Eligible 501c3 organizations and nonprofit Native American or Alaskan tribes with sovereignty can submit an application at http://on.fb.me/100CarsForGood.

In communities across the country, vehicles from the first year of 100 Cars for Good are making a significant difference. They include:

Ensuring that a soup kitchen in Morristown, New Jersey can pick up food donations that used to be turned away due to a lack of transportation, allowing it to provide meals and food to even more people in need;

Helping a program near Detroit provide horseback riding visits for kids with cancer; and

Supporting the efforts of a nonprofit in Wilmington, North Carolina to train and deliver service dogs to wounded veterans.

Organizations can review the eligibility requirements and full Participation Terms at http://bit.ly/100CFGrules.

I received no compensation for this post.  This post is for informational purposes.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Little Angels Easter Cards

LITTLE ANGELS is an animated DVD series and has been created for pre-school aged children to teach practical learning skills like ABCs and numbers. Pre-school twins Alex and Zoe are blessed to have eight Little Angels watching over them – literally! These Little Angels live on the ceiling of their bedroom, painted there so they are the first things the kids see when they wake up in the morning and the last thing they see before they fall asleep at night. The angels come to life when the children need them most, helping guide them through the challenges of their young lives.

Save the above picture and print it out to make your own Little Angels Easter cards.

I received no compensation for this post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Politics

Politics

Contribution by Terrance Kirby

Every time I turn on the television on Dalls DIRECTV, I am always certain to find something about the upcoming presidential election. I have never been a fan of politics, but when there is a presidential election coming up, you can’t seem to get away from all of it. There are always debates going on that pre-empt your favorite night time television program. And then there are all the commercials where the candidates bash each other as much as they legally can. No matter what political party you are in favor of, you are still subject to all of the shenanigans of the people running for public office on the television. I look forward to the day when all of the elections for this year are behind us, and we can get back to all of the regular television programming that I am so fond of. My husband on the other hand really enjoys watching all the political banter that goes on during an election year. If I watch any of that right before I go to bed at night, I end up dreaming about it. That can create some pretty crazy nightmares.

This is a sponsored guest post.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.

A Super Sunday For These Winners

Some of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.  The winners have 48 hrs. to respond to email notification or new winner(s) will be drawn.

The original winner of the Good Luck Giveaway Hop giveaway never responded to winning notifications so I've redrawn another winner.  The new winner of the Nokia Lumia 710 smartphone is #637, Catie R.

The winner of the PrintRunner giveaway is #82, Ledford Land.

The winner of the Tooth Fairy 2 DVD giveaway is #32, Anita Yancey.

The winner of the Green Glam Candle giveaway is #64, Shannon.

The winner of the Breakout Kings: Season One DVD giveaway is #31, tracy simms.

The winner of the Dog Is Good giveaway is #179, Kayla@TheEclecticElement.

The two winners of the Carved Solution giveaway are #97, rubynreba and #207, Jennifer T.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered.   I'd love for you to enter my other giveaways, always listed at the top left hand side of my blog.  There's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Oldest In Line at Hunger Games Premiere

I'm fairly sure I was the oldest in line at the Hunger Games midnight premiere.  And I'm pretty sure there's a lot of tired teeny boppers at school today. 

There were four showings in my town and I can't say for sure if they were sold out but I can say there was a very strong audience crowd.  I got in line at 10 pm with my teenage daughter and her boyfriend and only waited in line outside for fifteen minutes before we were escorted inside.  I was afraid it was going to be Black Friday at the movies with pushing, shoving, and gnashing of the teeth.  Nope, everyone acted cordially.  We got good seats and the two hour wait went by fairly quickly. 

I admit, I people watched for those two hours.  A group of teenagers played Silent Football (don't ask me, don't know what that means).  A guy slept in an aisle corner.  A college student brought their laptop.  Oh, and I even saw another adult there!  My daughter says she saw him drinking beer before he came in, so I'm not sure how in tune with the movie he was.

Anyhow, on to the movie.  *Giddy, giddy, clap of hands*

If you've read the book, then you'll be glad to know the movie has real close ties to it.  It doesn't veer off and you'll know what's going on.  Although I enjoyed the parts leading up to the Hunger Games, the actual death match was the best.  There is mild violence and death so I have to agree with the PG-13 rating.  I wouldn't take my younger ones to see it.  My daughter read the book too and thought the movie was fantastic.

Alex, my daughter's boyfriend, knew nothing about Hunger Games and still thought it was one of the better movies he'd seeen lately.  However, I'm pretty sure Shelby could've put the choke hold on him a couple times when he asked a hundred questions.  Why are the people dressed like that?  What are Peacekeepers?  Really, a hovercraft?

I think the movie may be confusing at times to those who haven't read the book but, according to Alex, it was still a great watch.

Yes, my friends, I was one of the crazies who stood in line to brave a world movie premiere at midnight.  And it was so totally worth it! 

Did you see Hunger Games at its midnight premiere?  Do you plan on watching it?

I received no compensation for this post.  It's just my general opinion of the Hunger Games.

Veri Peri - Review and Giveaway

With almost every meal that we cook, we add spices and sauces.  Sometimes it's what's called for in recipes and sometimes it's just whatever we feel like adding in to give our meals extra flavor.  Our pantry has no shortage of sauces or spices and we always like to try new ones out.

I was given the opportunity to try Veri Peri Cooking Sauces and you would've thought it was Christmas all over again.  My husband immediately started rambling with what meals he was going to cook with them. 

Veri Peri is the number one cooking sauce brand in South Africa.  Made with the African Bird's Eye Chili, the gluten-free, dairy free and low carb Very Peri delivers a smooth heat experience.  It comes in five different flavors: mild, lemon herb, garlic, hot and veri hot.  Unlike other hot sauces, Veri Peri can be used as a marinade, an ingredient in a favorite recipe or as a condiment.

 With the exception of Veri Hot, I like the flavors each sauce adds to my meals.  The only reason I stay away from Veri Hot is because it is as the name indicates, very hot.  My husband, however, dips his meats in it all the time.  The spicier, the better for him.  All of the sauces are versatile, meaning they taste good in many eatables.  My personal favorite is Lemon & Herb, especially when it's used to marinate chicken.  Garlic is especially good when added to fettucine alfredo or roasted vegetables.  Veri Peri cooking sauces have made the way to our dinner plates several times now and will continue to do so.   

Win It!

One person will win a bottle of Veri Peri cooking sauce in choice of flavor.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Camping Season Has Unofficially Begun

As many of you know, I loooove camping.  Every weekend for seven months out of the year, you'll find me and mine at the campground.  I'd like to say we go all natural with tent camping but that changed a few years ago when everything we owned would get ruined from storms.  So we now have a camper parked at a permanent spot at a local campground.

Camping season doesn't officially start until April 1st but the weather has been unusually beautiful.  Because of that, the owners have allowed campers access and the place has been abuzz.  The last three weeks we've been busy getting our place in tip-top shape. 

We moved our camper from one location to another so we can be closer to my sisters and friends who camp there.  I paid a teenager girl some cash to wash our camper and we just got our deck moved in place.  The decorations are out and the inside has been cleaned.  My husband also painted our golf cart black.  I purchased a couple of Jagermeister decals to go along the sides. 

The Jagermeister tap machine is hooked up and ready to dispense.  That's our adult beverage of choice.

Hooray for camping season!  Let the good times roll!

Reminder: Four Fantastic Giveaways Ending Tonight

I'd sure hate for you to miss out on four of my fantastic giveaways ending tonight, March 22, at 11:01 pm CST.  Be sure to enter if you haven't already.  Heck, while you're at it, be sure to check out my entire list of current giveaways at the top left hand side of my blog.  There's no limit to how many you can enter or how many you can win.

Tooth Fairy 2 DVD giveaway

Breakout Kings: Season One DVD giveaway

Green Glam Candle giveaway

$25 Dog is Good gift certificate giveaway