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Review - Candle Warmers Etc.

It's the perfect gift for her. Every time. Your aunt will love it. Your secretary will love it. Your sister will love it. Your teacher will love it. Your grandmother will love it. Your bus driver will love it. Your housekeeper will love it. Your mom will love it. Your hairdresser will love it. Your daycare provider will love it. Seriously. This is one gift that never goes wrong. Women absolutely love candle warmers and melts. There truly is a style and a scent for everyone. You just cannot go wrong by giving her a gift that makes her home smell delicious.

These products are all part of the collection of Illumination Fragrance Warmers by Candle Warmers Etc. The company is the original innovator and category leader in candle warming products. This beautiful, innovative line of patented candle warming products and accessories provide a quick, safe, clean and healthy alternative to enjoying scented candles in the home. I can even use candle warmers during daycare business hours because they don't pose the dangers of burning candles.

I received two warmers and three scents. This "Fall Leaves" warmer is just gorgeous and provides a fabulous autumn home decor piece. This warmer is different from any other warmer I've ever seen. Instead of a candle there is a warming bulb inside. They are also a bit larger than other ones I've had.

I've had warmers before that were electric but they were made of a warming plate that provides no lighting. The Candle Warmers Etc. warming bulbs give off a warm, soft glow just like a candle does! Check out the whole line of beautiful lamps, lampshades, and lanterns on their website. And you can connect to them on Facebook and Twitter to watch for new products and specials.

I first tried the Pumpkin Spice wax melts and I was very impressed with how quickly the scent drifted throughout the house. I put it in the kitchen and hours later I could still smell pumpkin while upstairs. These wax melts last much longer than some of the other brands I've tried. The following day when I wanted to refresh the scent, I just dropped in a single melt.

The Cinnamon Sticks was the next scent I tried in the "Fall Leaves" warmer and it smells so good. I wish I had smell-o-vision on this computer so you could experience it. One of my daycare kids asked me if I was making cinnamon rolls. It certainly inspires the feeling of fall baking and I'm craving pumpkin bread and apple pie already.

I could hardly wait to try the cute little"Snowman" Plug-in Fragrance Warmer with the Christmas Day wax melts. It uses the same type of warming bulb and provides a safe and easy option for holiday entertaining. New holiday scents include Peppermint, Evergreen, and Chocolate Mint. Both types of warmers can use wax melts or oils. I love these products and the lady in your life is sure to love them. Come to think of it, I can think of quite a few guys who could use one in their man cave!
Disclosure: I received these products at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Review - Star Wars Costumes

I have loved Star Wars since I was a kid. I remember going to see the first movie with my older sisters. Wow, that was a long time ago! It probably cost me a whole dollar to see it. There have now been six full length movies made in the Star Wars collection. Do you have any favorite characters? My favorite characters are Yoda and R2D2. My husband says I should dress as Princess Leia. I guess we know who his favorite character is!

Star Wars costumes are really popular this year. There is now a whole new generation of kids who love Star Wars. This Yoda costume looked to be a perfect fit for my husband, so I made him model for me. Loves me, he does!

Isn't it a great Star Wars costume? He says it's extremely comfortable, even the mask, and that he could easily wear it the entire night for Halloween. I think I'll have him answer the door as Yoda for trick-or-treating kids. Don't tell him yet though!

This costume came with a one-piece jumpsuit, a hooded robe, a tie-belt, and a half mask. This is a standard adult size and there is also an extra-large adult size. The Yoda costume is made of 100% polyester and the mask is a soft, flexible rubber with an elastic band.

At BuyStarWarsCostumes.com, costumes are available in adult and child sizes, in a range of prices for every budget. They have lots of costumes and accessories to choose from. Their shipping is super fast too. Be sure to get your Star Wars costumes before everyone else snaps them up this year! You don't want to end up wearing that old white sheet with eye-holes again.

I decided to see if my dog Buddy would let me put the mask on him. After all, he loves me too! Well, he did anyway.
Disclosure: I received these products at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Review - Scotty B's Chipotle Fever Gourmet Hot Sauce

I just had the most amazing meal. Not only that, it only took me five minutes to make. It was quick and simple. It also tasted absolutely fabulous. I can always count on Scotty B's award-winning sauces to take my meals from zero to sixty in a few seconds. I received a bottle of Chipotle Fever Sauce and decided it was time to give my favorite sandwich a fever.

I broke two eggs into a hot skillet and let them sizzle in a tiny spritz of oil. (Don't forget to throw those eggshells in the disposal and turn it on - that will sharpen the blades for you.) While the eggs were busy dancing in the skillet, I tore the kitchen apart looking for my Chipotle Fever sauce. (Note to self, when items arrive for review, leave them in your work area until you review them or you might forget where you put them.)

Finally, I found it on the bottom shelf of the refrigerator, way in the back. I must have hidden it there from the teenage boys. I dumped about a tablespoon of Chipotle Fever onto each of two pieces of bread and spread it to the edges with a spoon. Yes, I licked the spoon for my first taste! It is one smokin' BBQ sauce. Delicious!

It was all I could to NOT each the bread before the eggs were done, but I managed to survive and as soon as the eggs could be flipped, they were flipped. Hey, is that Jesus' face in my eggs? Never mind.

Of course I messed one of the eggs up, because I didn't wait long enough, but that's why I always use two eggs. Well, that and they are delicious. As soon as they were slightly browned on both sides and the gooey yellow part was no longer gooey, I stacked both onto one of the pieces of bread, put the other piece on top, and sliced them down the middle.

It was so good that I forgot to give the dog the last bite. He looks really insulted right now. But I'm sure I'll be making more Chipotle Fever Egg Sandwiches soon!
Disclosure: I received these products at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Want to win a bottle? Scotty B's is letting me give away winner's choice of any of their delicious gourmet hot sauces. How hot is that? Just fill out the Rafflecopter form below by Friday, October 23, 2011 at midnight est and you may be the lucky winner!

Halloween Home Decor - Spider Candles

Aren't these great? They are tea light candle holders that I picked up today from Michael's while on a shopping trip to buy black construction paper. $110 later, I walked out of there with four new shelves for my scrapbooking area (some assembly required), Halloween books and fake witch fingers for my daycare room, spider stickers for the windows, oh and the black construction paper. Why is it that I can never get out of Michael's for under a hundred bucks? Which store does that to you?

Protect Yourself From the Flu

Yes. That's my arm.

I got my flu shot today.

I got the flu once.

 I thought I might die.

I think I wanted to die.

I will never, ever go without the flu shot again.

Protect yourself and your family.

Share the Love. Not the Flu.

This message brought to you as an act of random kindness.

Super Giveaways Ending Soon!

• Polaroid Sunglasses Fall Fashionista Giveaway Event - Ends 10/19/11
• Big View Bug Jars from Learning Resources - Ends 10/21/11 
• Spooktacular Cash Giveaway - win up to $100 - six winners - Ends 10/23/11
• Social Media Boost - win iPad2 or $500 Paypal cash - Ends 10/24/11

ENTER NOW Fall Fashionista Giveaway Event

 Planet Weidknecht has joined with dozens of blogs to offer you the

2011 Fall Fashionista Giveaway Event

From October 14-19

My fabulous sponsor is Polaroid Sunglasses

 Best Under the Sun Collection

The winner will choose one of ten fabulous fashion sunglasses!

CLICK HERE TO ENTER!

 

Making Memories in Branson, Missouri

This post brought to you by Hiltons of Branson. All opinions are 100% mine.
Since I grew up in Missouri, I was able to visit Branson a few times throughout my lifetime. I have some wonderful memories, especially of family vacations to Silver Dollar City. I loved the experiences of making hand-dipped wax candles, watching glass blowers create delicate vases, and eating maple-flavored hard candy sticks. Branson is a beautiful place to visit, especially in the fall as the leaves are changing.
This time of year, the Hiltons of Branson have three amazing travel packages available - one for thrill seekers, another for holiday goers and even for those shop-till-you-droppers. Families or couples can stay at the Hilton Promenade at Branson Landing or the Hilton Branson Convention Center Hotel, fabulous luxury hotels that offer a wide array of services, restaurants, guest rooms, and activities on-site and close by. Fun and thrills await your family at Silver Dollar City, an 1880's themed experience set within the picturesque Ozark Mountains in Branson. The Silver Dollar City package features two adult and two children's tickets and rooms starting at just $257.50 per night.
Another choice is the Santa Claus package featuring deluxe accommodations for a family of four (two adults and two children) and breakfast with Santa at the Level 2 restaurant with a special gift for the children. Rooms start at just $228 a night. The Level 2 Steakhouse also offers a Thanksgiving brunch and even a "Turkey to Go" special! If you're a marathon shopper, maybe the deluxe shopping package is for you! It includes hotel accommodations, a $25 gift card to Branson Landing, a $25 gift card to Tanger Outlets, and a complimentary breakfast buffet for two. Branson Landing is a wonderful place to do all of your Christmas shopping. Whatever most relaxes you on your vacations, you can likely find it at Branson, Missouri. The temperatures may be cooler, but the excitement of Branson has never been hotter!

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I'm Featured on Heck of a Bunch

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Photo Journal - USA Basketball - Las Vegas

Spencer Haywood, Lisa Weidknecht

Johnny Weidknecht, Coach Lenny Wilkens, Lisa Weidknecht

Lisa Weidknecht, Nate McMillan

Chris Mullin, Lisa Weidknecht

Clyde Drexler, Lisa Weidknecht, Jerry Colangelo

Dominique Wilkins, Lisa Weidknecht

P.J. Carlesimo, Coach Mike Kryzewski, Coach Lenny Wilkens, Chris Mullin, Clyde Drexler

Las Vegas Photo Fun

 This was taken just inside the registration area of the Wynn. There was an entire garden that looked like the background above. It was really pretty. Our sweepstakes win included four days and three nights of fun, food and famous people!

 Here are pics of Johnny and I at the casino in the Wynn Hotel. We won a little bit of money and lost a little bit of money, but we never expect to win anything big. We just set aside "entertainment money" and when it's gone, we're done gambling.

The Wynn lets you drink for free when you're gambling. We wished we'd remembered that earlier on Saturday night because we stopped in one of the bars for a couple drinks and it cost us $68. Then again, I guess the free drinks probably cost a whole lot more when we're throwing all that money in the slot machines! I'm just glad the trip expenses were all paid for by State Farm's sweepstakes. It was a wonderful experience, full of great memories!

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Review: Scrubbing Bubbles One Step (with video)

I was asked to review a new product from Scrubbing Bubbles. I received the package through SheSpeaks and was really excited to be one of the first to try out the One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner. I opened the package to find a large can of product, a sleeve, and a base with a tube. At the end of the tube was a squirting contraption that clipped over the edge of the toilet bowl.

The cleaning system was easy to assemble. The can presses upside down into the base and the sleeve goes over the can, presumably to hide the can. The part that clips over the toilet bowl edge went on easily.

This is part one of my Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner video review:

Part one was actually supposed to include three videos that I spliced together, but the splicing didn't work and I lost the other two follow up videos. Right after the first attempt of using this product, it squirted all over the toilet bowl edge and I had to readjust it and try again. The second "take" of the product worked better. The product smells good and I used it as directed for four days.

This is part two (after using it for four days) of my Scrubbing Bubbles One Step Toilet Bowl Cleaner video review:



So, as you can tell from the videos, I was not very impressed with this new product. It's okay, but not great. Thanks to SheSpeaks.com and Scrubbing Bubbles for allowing me to review a new product.
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Laughing with Southwest Airlines

We flew via Southwest from Austin to Vegas for our sweepstakes trip win. I love when we end up on a plane flight that entertains. One flight attendant was quite funny. "Please pretend to pay attention while I go through all the boring emergency procedures." One of the funniest was, "Federal law prohibits the dismantling of smoke detectors and webcams in the lavatories." As she pointed out the features of our flotation device, she drawled, "in the event of a water emergency between Texas and Nevada...." and set us off laughing again. The best one was as we were landing. "Ladies and gentleman, there is a gentleman up front here who is celebrating his 100th birthday today, and today is his first flight ever!" As we clapped, she continued, "So on your way out, tell the pilot happy birthday!"

Our flight back was not as humorous, but the flight attendant did get on the loudspeaker as we were pulling up to the gate to inform us her seatbelt panel had informed her that about 15 people had already unhooked their seatbelts before reaching the gate. We heard about a dozen people quickly buckle their seatbelts back up; they must have believed she really had a seatbelt panel! Thank you Southwest Airlines for two on-time, virtually uneventful, pleasant flights!!!

Learning Resources Big View Bug Jars - Review

According to the National Wildlife Federation, the average American child spends 4-7 minutes per day playing outdoors. On the same day, they spend 6 hours staring at some kind of electronic screen. Go back and read that again. Isn't that sad?

I used to spend hours outside every day, climbing up trees, rolling down hills, poking sticks in creeks, eating berries off bushes, and exploring the woods. Outdoor play is SO important. Children should spend at least one hour outdoors in the morning and at least one hour outdoors in the afternoon. I could write pages and pages of the benefits of outdoor play.

Here are just a few of the benefits of regular, unstructured outdoor play:

• Children fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly.
• Children learn respect for nature by interacting with it.
• Children absorb vitamin D from the sun, protecting them from health problems.
• Children develop distance vision outdoors.
• Children are less likely to suffer from depression.
• Children build better balance and strength.

It's important for parents to provide plenty of outdoor play opportunities for children. If parents don't send their children out to play, they likely won't choose to go. If children are younger and need supervision, then parents must allow the time to go with their children. Outdoor play doesn't need to be any more complicated than spending time in a backyard. An occasional walk to the park is nice, but ANY outdoor play is beneficial.

Learning Resources sent me a box of Big View Bug Jars and my kids were so excited I could hardly get them out of the box fast enough. My group of little scientists love to look for bugs and these fabulous bug jars encouraged them to dig through the dirt, the flowers, the vines, and the grass.

This set has six colors of ladybug lids that screw on and off the jar. They are made of plastic and are very safe. The colors are brilliant and the best part is the dot in the middle of the ladybug's back. When the button is pushed, the ladybug wings spread open to reveal a magnifying glass!

Learning Resources Big View Bug Jars provide opportunities for children to interact with the natural world in an unstructured setting. An "unstructured" play session for a child simply means the child leads their own play, the opposite of when an adult tells them how to play a group game and then leads the game. By providing toys for the child to direct their own play, parents teach children how to make choices and decisions.

What an exciting event to find a bug, create a tiny environment for it, and examine it through the lid without fear or shyness! These Big View Bug Jars are awesome and your kids will love real science in action.
Disclosure: Learning Resources sent me this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Learning Resources is allowing me to giveaway a set of Big View Bug Jars! You can enter until midnight est on Friday, October 21, 2011. You must be a follower of Planet Weidknecht via email, RSS or GFC and you must be at least 18 to enter and win. Invalid entries will be deleted. Please enter using the Rafflecopter form below.