SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge: Self

I am participating in the #SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge. The theme for July 14 is Self. It's funny that I used to hate getting a picture taken, but now that I have my own blog where I do reviews, there have been so many times I've had to get a photo of myself, that it doesn't bother me anymore!

Bee All Natural Organic Baby Gift Set Review and Giveaway

This is not a Planet Weidknecht giveaway. I am posting this giveaway in exchange for a spot on the Rafflecopter form. Enjoy and Good luck!

Bee All Natural Organic Baby Gift Set Review and Giveaway

Bee All Natural was founded in 2009, by Rachel Nonis. Rachel couldn't find the quality skincare products she was searching for and was tired of buying so called "natural" products that were petroleum based and filled with perfumes. So she set-out to develop her own skincare that would be safe for every member of her family. The daughter of an organic dairy farmer, Rachel already believed in the connection between diet and health. Rachel wanted the products she chose for her family's skincare to reflect the same quality and goodness as those that I picks for their nutrition. Working independently, Rachel researched, tested and developed each of her products from start to completion. The ingredients are certified organic and are all "food grade" quality. Rachel makes each product from scratch and never uses pre-made bases. Rachel packages each batch herself. She even designed and prints her own labels and carries each order to the post office or retail location! Rachel is proud of Bee All Natural and stand behinds her products 100%. She will not sell a product that she doesn't use and believe in herself. If she can't make a product great, she just won't make it.

Bee All Natural Organic Baby Gift SetAre you looking for the perfect baby shower gift for someone special in your life? Did your best friend or sister just have a new baby and your not sure what to get for a present? Look no further because I have the perfect solution to your gift needs. Bee All Natural Organic Baby Gift Set will make any mom new or a pro and their little bundle of joy smile! The Bee All Natural Baby Gift Set comes in Lavender and Natural scents. My favorite is the Natural. This set includes everything that you need for baby (and mom can use it too.)

The Bee All Natural Organic Baby Gift Set includes...(Be Sure to click each link to read our individual review for each item that comes with your gift set!)Baby Diaper Rash Salve (natural)Baby Oil (natural)Baby Powder (natural)Baby Body Butter (natural)Baby Body Butter Stick (natural)

 

Planet Weidknecht Weekend Hop

May you have a blessed weekend!

Link up and hop around the blogosphere with us!

Hosted by Planet Weidknecht and 

Beck Valley Books.
Check out my giveaways while you're here!

SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge: Black and White

I am participating in the #SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge. The theme for July 13 is Black and White. This is a shot of my preschoolers painting with watercolors. I love the old-fashioned feel to Black and White photos, but am definitely glad we have color photography.

Kipling 30% Off Backpacks and Totes

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Sears $10 Off Dockers Schoolwear

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Target $10 Off Two Jansport Backpacks

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College Registry Helps Parents Raise Funds for College Education

Introducing College Registry - New Service Helps Parents Raise Funds for College Education!

It's no secret - raising a child/children is a hefty investment. A recent report by the Department of Agriculture showed that the cost of raising a child is estimated at $234,900. And college costs aren’t included in that figure!

If your heart is pounding because you're a new parent or already raising a few rug rats- it might be time to stop buying toys that will gather dust in the closet and start looking at gifts as a way to invest in their future.

FiPath, an independent site providing financial education for consumers, has launched College Registry™, a unique, new service that helps parents achieve college savings goals with help from friends and family.

Parents can register for FREE on College Registry to:

• Learn the estimated cost to attend a specific college using a college cost estimator that breaks down cost details at the top 130 colleges and universities.
• Use a suite of planning tools to help determine college education savings goals, including how much money they need to raise from family and friends.
• Create a profile highlighting their savings goals.
• Share their profile with family and friends via an email platform, who can then contribute funds for college directly to the user through a secure PayPal transaction that works with any financial institution.
• Utilize a dashboard to track who the user has emailed to contribute to their fund, who has donated to the fund and how much they’ve contributed.

Flash Giveaway to Gear up for Helping Homeless Pets Giveaway

This is not a Planet Weidknecht event. I am posting in exchange for a link on the Rafflecopter. For more information, contact Jennifer at CouponsAndFriends.

I have always loved animals. Since I could crawl I've been chasing them around and trying to save all the lost and hurt animals. I have been able to volunteer with different rescue organizations and it's really enjoyable to be able to help. I don't even mind mucking out stalls or cleaning up after dogs because these poor animals have been abandoned or abused.

Kitty Mattrazz shares the compassion... well for a young girls she has way more compassion and heart than many people. It warms my heart that she is willing to spend so much time helping others.

Well, this all started with Kitty! She started a page to raise money for the Arizona Humane Society, being a fellow Arizonian and knowing Kitty a bit, I offered to help out. So here we are setting up these great giveaways in which we've had some fantastic bloggers enter and some great companies sponsor!

If you are interested in donating to this great cause and Help Kitty reach her goal head over to her Donation Page every little bit helps.

If you are a business or company who would like to sponsor a Prize in our upcoming Giveaway, Please e-mail me at [email protected].

If you are a blogger and would like to join us Head over to the sign up page.

So Lo La' Deals has Sponsored a $15 Credit! If you haven't checked out their site yet, it's new but they're getting some great deals.

One winner will receive a Prize pack from Noxicare including a bottle of Noxicare cream and a t shirt.

This Giveaway will run from 7/12 12:01est am- 7/20 12:01est am

Enter on the Rafflecopter below.

Good Luck!

Vortexx on The CW - Kids Television Programming

Saban Brands wants kids everywhere to step into Vortexx, a power-packed broadcast television and online destination for action, adventure and comedy entertainment that was unveiled today. Vortexx brings all new energy to Saturday morning television with its new five-hour programming block on The CW Television Network. Vortexx will launch with online (www.myvortexx.com coming soon) and mobile offerings making Vortexx available to kids whenever and wherever they are.

The television premiere of Vortexx on The CW Television Network will be Saturday, August 25. “Vortexx will be an entirely new platform for action-adventure fans. It will give them more of what they want on TV and online than any other source,” said Elie Dekel, President, Saban Brands. “Vortexx will be the new maverick in kids entertainment - delivering a high-energy entertainment destination that delivers action and comedy unlike any other.” Vortexx CW will deliver high-impact action, exciting adventure and laugh-out-loud comedy. The brand-new programming block will air on all CW affiliated stations nationwide, Saturday mornings from 7 a.m. to noon.

5 Money-Saving Websites

So much summer fun can mean damage to your bank account. But savvy shoppers know that great deals and discounts are always available. To make your life a little easier—and less expensive—here are 5 Money-Saving Websites:

Goldstar - http://www.goldstar.com/
The single best place for half-price live entertainment tickets in over 26 cities around the country, Goldstar posts 1,500 new events each day for all kinds of live entertainment fun, from musicals to national sports league games, comedy shows to plays, circuses and sunset cruises. Prices range from 50%-off to totally free. It’s perfect for date-night, family events, and last-minute deals too.

Billshrink - https://www.billshrink.com/
Named a “Top 20 Best Money Website” by Money Magazine, BillShrink helps you save money by finding the best cell phone plan, credit card, and gas prices that fit your spending habits.

Savored- http://savored.com/
Savored enables diners to make free online reservations and pay lower prices at great restaurants. You find the table you want, reserve it online for free and enjoy a discount of 20-40% off your entire dinner bill, food and drinks included!

Cheapism - http://www.cheapism.com/
Named a “consumer reports for the cheap” by the New York Times, Cheapism finds the best cheap products out there and tells you what they are. A smarter way to scout out bargains, Cheapism scours news stories and product reviews, doing the research so you don’t have to.

RetailMeNot - http://www.retailmenot.com/
Check out this huge database of online coupon codes and printable in-store coupons before heading out to your favorite retailer. Users vote on the reliability of coupons, so no more clicking through to unusable coupons.

SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge: Hands

I am participating in the #SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge. The theme for July 12 is Hands. This photo is me with one of the children I teach in my home daycare. He has special needs and has a special place in my heart. He speaks very few words, but knows some sign language, so his hands are very important to him. I am blessed that his parents put him in my hands to teach.

Storm Clouds on July 9

Sites to List Your Giveaways

Simply Stacie has compiled a huge list of site to list your giveaways. This is also a great place to start if you're looking for giveaways to enter. Thank you Stacie!

Simply Stacie - Sites to List Your Giveaways

Current Giveaways

• Denby Imperial Blue Cast Iron Oval Casserole- Ends July 14
• $200 Gift Certificate to Stampa - Ends July 14
• ePool Smart System - Ends July 14
• $100 Amazon Blast - Ends July 14
• $25 SallyBeauty.com Gift Code - Ends July 15
• Rock N Learn DVD or CD - Ends July 15
• $25 Bath and Body Works Gift Code - Ends July 15
• New Sprouts Fix It! Tool Set - Ends July 21
• Dana Classic Fragrances - Two Winners - Ends July 21
• $20 Gift Certificate to Liane Fried Studio - Ends July 21
• Scandle Eco-Shave and Shower Foam - Ends July 22
• Beyond Sugar Shock by Connie Bennett - Ends July 22
• Tantex Leather Conditioner - Ends July 22
• Love Your Breed FouFou Dog Prize Pack - Ends July 22
• Tangerine Sky Productions Art and Book - Ends July 29

Nutrisystem D For People With Type 2 Diabetes

Nutrisystem D meets the nutritional guidelines established by the American Diabetes Association for people with diabetes. Nutrisystem recently confirmed their support of the American Diabetes Association at the National Strategic Partner level and will work to help the Association with its mission related activities of creating awareness and providing educational tools. As part of the company’s sponsorship, the Association is offering discounted pricing for Nutrisystem D as a new benefit to its members.

”Type 2 diabetes is reaching epidemic proportions in the United States, but it is a disease that is often preventable with a lifestyle-based approach - better eating habits, regular physical activity, and better tools to self-monitor and self-manage the risks,” said Dr. Bruce Daggy, Chief Science Officer at Nutrisystem. “Likewise, lifestyle approaches are key to improving outcomes for those with the disease itself. To help battle this epidemic, we’ve spent years developing, improving and testing Nutrisystem D. We know that being diagnosed with type 2 diabetes can be traumatic, and changing a lifetime of habits can be difficult. That’s why we’ve worked so hard to make Nutrisystem D simple and easy to follow.”

Nutrisystem D Program Overview

• A wide selection of more than 130 nutritionally balanced, portion-controlled entrees and snacks, delivered directly to customers’ homes with customizable menus.
• The program provides access to Registered Dietitians, Counselors and Certified Diabetes Educators, as well as behavior modification materials developed by a leading expert in weight loss treatment, online tools for tracking progress, and online support communities, all at no extra cost.
• The program also includes My Daily 3, a Nutrisystem-developed approach to physical activity based on the actions of daily living. Nutrisystem membership is free and doesn’t require members to visit centers, participate in group weigh-ins, count carbohydrates or calories.
• Nutrisystem is cost effective and provides savings of hundreds of dollars compared to other home delivery weight loss options. Food delivery is free of charge for customers enrolled in auto-delivery.
• Some insurance providers may cover, or contribute to, the cost of the program. See: Nutrisystem Health Insurance Reimbursement Forms.

More information, including patient testimonials and images, can be found in the Nutrisystem D News & Information Center Area at www.nutrisystem.com/hcpnews.

To order the Nutrisystem D program and other Nutrisystem® products, please visit www.nutrisystem.com/success4u or by calling 1-888-841-2572.

SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge: Love

I am participating in the #SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge. The theme for July 11 is Love. I'd have to take a photo of my whole world for this theme! I settled for a simple heart within a heart shape because when I think of love I first think of God who gave me all the things in my life that I love.

Wedne$day Wealth Giveaway Link Up

Hi there! Thanks for dropping by!

Enter to win these great giveaways

and if you're hosting any, please link them up!

May you win something grand!

New Printable Coupons

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SAVE with the San Antonio Vacation Experience

This post brought to you by SAVE . All opinions are 100% mine.

I love living in central Texas because all the major cities are just hours away. San Antonio is one of my favorite places to visit because it is so rich with cultural heritage and there are so things to do there. This summer, there is even more reason to go because of all the wonderful savings through SAVE - San Antonio Vacation Experience designed to save visitors over $600. Whether your family travels on a budget or vacations in luxury, everyone appreciates good discounts on theme parks, museums, animal adventures and tours. Stay and save at the Grand Hyatt San Antonio, the San Antonio Marriott Riverwalk Hotel, the Hilton Palacio del Rio, and many other hotels and resorts. SAVE makes it so easy to find deals and discounts on attractions like Sea World, Six Flags Fiesta Texas, Natural Bridge Wildlife Ranch, and the San Antonio Botanical Gardens. There are also fabulous Limited Time Offers that help families save even more! 

I have been to San Antonio many times over the past 20 years and we always find new things to do! The San Antonio Zoo now boasts an exotic Africa exhibit that we haven't seen yet. I'd love to see a Dive In movie at the Splashtown San Antonio Wave Pool too. There is even a new South Texas Heritage Center at the Witte Museum where we can learn about the 1850s through live performances and interactive exhibits. I can hardly wait to see the new rides at Six Flags Fiesta Texas. It's also a tradition in our family to go see the Shamu show at Sea World. With SAVE discounts, we'll even be able to stay at The Westin Riverwalk San Antonio.

ITINERARY

San Antonio Zoo - $2 SAVE Discount/Admission

Splashtown - up to $42 SAVE Discount

South Texas Heritage Center 

Six Flags Fiesta Texas - Adults pay kids' price SAVE Discount (other SAVE discounts also available)

Sea World - $10 SAVE Discount/Admission (other SAVE discounts also available)

ACCOMMODATIONS

Westin Riverwalk San Antonio

The SAVE - San Antonio Vacation Experience will help us save money all over San Antonio this summer! With so much to do an see, I'm glad there is a SAVE San Antonio mobile app to download to help me plan our trip. Check out their website and follow @SAVEinSA  on Twitter. Pack your bags and get ready to make some memories!

SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge: Drinks

I am participating in the #SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge. The theme for July 10 is Drinks. As a mom, childcare provider, and blogger, my day starts at 6:30a.m. and ends at 11:30p.m., rarely including a true break for relaxing. My drink of choice is coffee, all day long. Funny fact: I was in my forties before I ever tried coffee!

Disney Launches Sock Drive

DISNEY LAUNCHES “THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN” SOCK DRIVE: Program to Collect New Socks for Needy Families Kicked Off on July 9th.

The Walt Disney Studios announced today that they worked with Hanes, who is collaborating with the Association of Gospel Rescue Missions (AGRM), to launch “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” Sock Drive on July 9, 2012, aimed at providing new socks for families in need across the U.S.

People are asked to take new pairs of socks to any of the community drop-off locations nationwide between July 9 and September 3, 2012. Besides the community locations, people may also drop off socks at Carmike and Marcus theaters in their communities. Hanes will be standing by to match donations up to 10,000 pairs of socks. AGRM will distribute the socks to the families they aid.

For more details about “The Odd Life of Timothy Green” Sock Drive, please visit the film’s Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/OddLifeMovie.

Decorating with Orange

Although orange may seem rather 1950ish to some people, it has actually come back into style. Be careful though because too much orange can make people nauseous. Using bright orange to punch a colorful hole into an otherwise drab environment can make a delightful impact. By applying softer oranges, you can create an atmosphere of freshness. The kitchen is a wonderful place to use the color orange, as long as it's not overdone. A wonderful choice for a focal point, orange decor can lift the spirits.
Because orange tends to be an action color, it's best used in areas where you like to be motivated to get things done. A cheerful splash of orange in your laundry will help lift your mood when you need to complete the drab job of ironing or folding clothes. A work desk area is another great place to display some orange to help motivate you to get those bills paid or answer the deluge of emails on your computer.
I highly recommend you don't use orange in a child's bedroom, because you want your child to sleep, not be motivated to action in the bedroom. Children who suffer from ADD or ADHD are especially agitated by too much of the color orange. A child's playroom is a great place to use orange in limited amounts. If you've never decorated with orange before, it's best to start in small amounts. Combining orange with yellow will increase the action feeling of it. Combining orange with green will make it feel a bit more outdoorsy. Combining it with a light blue will help soften the impact of orange. No matter where you choose to decorate with orange, you'll likely find yourself drawn to that area when you need a boost of energy!

Summer Bedroom Makeover with Bella Notte Linens

Now that temperatures are reaching 100 degrees nearly every day, I'm finding myself waking up sweating under the blanket. Yes, part of that is the wonderful joy of aging, but our blanket is just too warm for summertime. On the other hand, sleeping with just a sheet isn't enough for me. I wake up shivering from the air conditioning that blows from a vent right over the bed. Plus, the fan is right over our bed and one of our neighbors must have the same fan and remote control because every time they change their fan setting, ours kicks on to the high setting. The past two weeks, I've been looking for summer linens to do a mini makeover for our bedroom.

After doing some research, I'm considering either satin or silk sheets, since both are very cool to the touch, and then maybe topping it off with a lightweight breathable cotton blanket. Bella Notte Linens has a wonderful collection of luxury linens made from silk and satin. Their Linen Whisper fabric is also very lightweight and elegant. They custom make every order using eco-friendly processes, using high quality, sustainable materials. They will create the summer bedroom of your dreams from 26 lavish fabrics in 15 gorgeous colors. I'm having so much fun trying to decide what combination will look best in my bedroom. Since the carpeting and walls are neutral in color, I'm thinking of using white satin sheets and maybe a steel blue lightweight blanket, with some deep gold throw pillows. From duvet covers and pillow shams to curtains and throw blankets, Bella Notte's quality linens and excellent service will have you sleeping with a smile.

NEW Mom2Mommy Parenting Resource Site

Mom2Mommy is a health and wellness parenting resource started by CEO Elaine Iwicki and CFO Kelly Harper to meet the needs of moms looking to communicate directly with care providers and join discussions centered around child care and health.

Visitors can search for medical specialists, read expert posts, and join forums and parenting discussions. Participation is free and allows visitors to post questions and get answers from expert physicians, dentists, chiropractors, and health specialists. In addition to forum participation, care providers can post articles related to their areas of expertise and tips on child care and healthy living.

The website also features unique boutique items for children and adults. Boutique owners will be able to be featured at no cost and advertise their specialty goods to medical professionals and parents.

More information can be found at 

www.mom2mommy.com

Girls of Grace Conference Discount Tickets

In honor of the 10th Season and new conference theme, 25 Entertainment is offering 25% off all tickets on Girls of Grace: The Beautiful Truth for this week only. As a gift of appreciation, the brand new www.girlsofgrace.com will have tickets discounted from Monday, July 9 through Sunday, July 15.

Girls of Grace is an interactive high-energy event for teenage girls, full of exciting live music and speakers. Throughout the one-day event, girls will learn how to live past the lies of pop culture and discover who they are in Christ. This is the perfect experience for teens and their leaders to build lasting memories and learn how to live life as extraordinary individuals.

Performers include: Meredith Andrews, Jason Castro, Chris August, Sidewalk Prophets, for KING & COUNTRY, Group 1 Crew, Dara Maclean and Britt Nicole.

Speakers include: celebrity stylist Amber Lehman, inspirational author Annie Downs, FINDINGbalance Founder/CEO Constance Rhodes, Youth Speaker and Director of Student Initiatives at Show Hope Chris Wheeler and Girls Director of WinShape Camps Trudy Cathy White.

Conference sponsors: Susie Magazine, WinShape Camps, Zondervan, ChildFund and New Release Tuesday.

To register, please visit www.girlsofgrace.com

GIRLS OF GRACE CONFERENCE DATES:
7/28/12 - Bethany Bible Church, Phoenix, AZ (ON SALE NOW)
8/11/12 - Christ UMC- Jackson, MS (ON SALE NOW)
8/16/12 - Fellowship Evangelical Free, Knoxville, TN - Girls of Grace 180° (ON SALE NOW)
8/18/12 - Northside Baptist - Charlotte, NC (ON SALE NOW)
9/22/12 - Grace Church - Eden Prairie, MN (ON SALE NOW)
11/3/12 - Sunshine Community Church - Grand Rapids, MI (ON SALE NOW)
11/10/12 - TBD - Greenville/Spartanburg, SC
2/23/13 - Christ Church - Nashville, TN (ON SALE NOW)
3/9/13 - TBD - St. Louis, MO
4/20/13 - Cottonwood Creek Baptist Church - Dallas, TX (ON SALE NOW)
5/4/13 - TBD - Atlanta, GA
5/11/13 - TBD - Tampa, FL

Hot New Coupons - Print Them Now

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#SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge: Daily Life

I am participating in the #SimplySassySnaps Photo-a-Day Challenge. The theme for July 9 is Daily Life. This is how my kitchen sink looks about three times every day. Since my three kids kids are nearly grown they cook for themselves whenever they're hungry, plus I prepare meals for all my daycare kids. I try to make sure the sink is empty before I go to bed.

Nutrisystem Week 34 Update - #NSNation

This has been a really positive Nutrisystem week for me! I've lost another two pounds, for a total of 27 pounds lost. Due to some health problems my husband has been battling, he's been instructed to drink no more alcohol, so I gave all our bottles away. I'm pretty sure this positive change has contributed to my additional loss this week and I'm looking forward to more. Plus I discovered I love almond coconut milk so I've been blending it with my morning Nutrisystem protein drink, tossing in some frozen fruit and making some awesome smoothies that keep me full all morning long. We've also been drinking lots more water because the sodas are also not part of a recommended plan for his health problem. I've had so much more energy this past week and a few days off work left me refreshed and rejuvenated. I'm going to reach my weight loss goal! Watch me!

Want to lose weight and get healthy?

Join Nutrisystem today by calling 1-888-853-4689

or by visiting http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.

Free Grilling Ebook

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Free Bridal Guide Magazine

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Almond Breeze Smoothie Recipes and Review

As a mom ambassador for GreenMomsMeet, I got to try Blue Diamond Almond Breeze. It's a blend of almond milk and coconut milk. This non-dairy alternative to milk has half the calories of milk and a smooth, creamy texture. My package came with a book of food recipes and another of smoothie recipes.

Since I didn't see a Strawberry Banana Smoothie, I made up my own smoothie recipe. It turned out so delicious that I wanted to share it with you! You'll need a blender of some sort, one banana, honey, frozen strawberries, and Blue Diamond Almond Breeze in Unsweetened Vanilla Almond Coconut.

The best reason to use frozen fruit is because it eliminates the need for ice cubes that will water down your smoothie. I poured two cups of Almond Breeze in the blender with two tablespoons of local honey. Always use local honey because it helps protect you against allergies in your area.

Then I peeled the banana and broke it up into about five pieces, dropping it into the blender. I measured out about a cup of frozen strawberries and dumped those into the blender. I secured the blender lid (I've learned not to skip this step) and turned it on to puree for two minutes.

This recipe makes enough for three small smoothies or two large smoothies. It was a medium consistency and the small size was just perfect for a snack. The medium size works better for a meal replacement.

My husband, my son and I all loved the smoothies. I used the same recipe for the GreenMomsMeet sample party, except I used the other Almond Breeze, and it tasted just as delicious.

The next morning I wanted to see how it would mix with my Nutrisystem protein shake. I used 1 cup of Almond Breeze, one strawberry protein packet from Nutrisystem, and 2/3 cup of frozen strawberries. I blended the three ingredients for two minutes and it filled a large glass.

This combination is much thicker and foamier, but just as scrumptious! It was definitely a meal replacement. I made my smoothie around 8am and wasn't hungry again until noon. Since I don't like the taste of dairy milk anyway, I will absolutely be buying more Almond Breeze!

Disclosure: I received these products at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Dust-Off Ultimate Screen Care Kit - Review

My laptop is nearly always open and nearly always on. You'd think with all the time my fingers are on the keys, it would never get dusty. But living in Texas means lots of dry weather and lots of dust. The Dust-Off Ultimate Screen Care Kit cleaned up my laptop in no time.

Inside this snappy little zipper case, I found a screen shammy, a plasma screen cloth, a cd/dvd cloth, a sweep key fob, and a can of Dust-Off Advanced LCD/Plasma Screen Spray. This spray is so advanced that  it's technology safe, people safe and environment safe. You can spray it on the cloth or directly on the screen.

The cloths are machine washable and handwashable. The specially designed cloths will help you keep all your delicate media screens and discs clean. Made by Falcon Safety, the Dust-Off line is just one of their fantastic products. Be sure to look for their Eco-Duster,

No more dirt, no more dust and no more fingerprints! Find out more at www.dust-off.com and follow them on Facebook too! Their Facebook page often has special promotions and super giveaways. I definitely recommend this product.
Disclosure: I received this product kit at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

For the Ladies Giveaway Hop - Win a $25 SallyBeauty.com Gift Code

Welcome to the

For the Ladies Giveaway Hop

hosted by Planet Weidknecht and 

Going Crazy!! Wanna Go??!!

where you can enter to win

a giveaway on each participating blog!

Each blogger is offering a prize worth

at least $25 designed just for the ladies!

After you enter my giveaway,

hop around to the other blogs below

and enter theirs too!

Giveaway runs from July 9 at 12:01am to July 15 at 11:59pm.

Planet Weidknecht is offering

a $25 Gift Code to 

SallyBeauty.com!

To enter just fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

You must be at least 18 years old and live in the US.

Good luck!

Avoid Common Credit Card Traps

Paying only the monthly minimum: Many Americans make the mistake of paying only the minimum amount owed on their credit card on a monthly basis. Paying only the monthly minimums can add years to the amount of time it takes to pay down your debt completely. A majority of your minimum monthly payment goes towards paying down the monthly finance charge on your card, leaving little towards actually paying down the actual balance of the card. Paying even only double the monthly minimum can cut down on the time it takes to pay off a debt by a substantial amount.

Late Fees: Missing even one credit card payment can be extremely detrimental to paying down your debt. Many credit card companies charge a fee if your payment is made only one day after the due date. A tardy payment can also lead to an increase in your annual APR. A recent article on Forbes.com warns that “each time you are late the card issuer can reset your APR to the default APR or ceiling APR.” If you have signed up for a zero percent APR card, missing a payment can nullify your zero percent APR for the remainder of the deal.

Zero Percent Intro APR: These offers are often very attractive at first glance, but beware to read the fine print before signing up for one of these deals. According to the aforementioned article on Forbes.com, “most 0 percent APR offers are for balance transfers only. Any new purchases or cash advances will be subject to a much higher interest rate.” Often times the fact that new purchases or cash advances are subject to higher interest rates is not made highly visible unless you read through the entire disclaimer. Additionally, balance transfers to new credit cards often come with a transaction fee (usually 4%) which is automatically added to any transfer amounts. This means that the consumer is paying 4% just to move the money around - you might be getting 0% APR for six months, but you pay 4% upfront to get it. Making new purchases or using the card for cash advances can nullify any chance of utilizing the zero percent APR to more quickly pay down your debt. Remember to always read the fine print on any credit card offers.

Fixed Rates: A fixed rate credit card, as opposed to a variable rate credit card, is enticing to a credit card holder because it ensures you that you will be notified in advance if there is a change in your annual APR. However, this does not mean that your rates cannot be changed. The credit card company can still change the interest rate at any time, and for any reason they see fit. Most cards are attached to the “Prime Rate” (currently at 3.25%). This means that banks and credit card issuers will charge a “fixed rate plus prime”. If the prime rate goes up, so does your interest rate.

Inactivity/Annual Fees: Inactivity and annual fees (also known as membership fees) are fees that the credit card companies charge simply for holding the card. These fees can be a set amount determined for a yearly basis, or a set percentage of the total credit limit on the card. Many times companies will offer a “No Annual Fees” promotion to bring in new customers. This offer is usually only for a set period of time, not for the entire period you hold the card. In addition, if you do not spend enough on a card over a specific period of time, card companies can also charge inactivity fees, which vary from company to company.

Source: http://www.chicagobankruptcylegalfirm.com/

Dana Classic Fragrances - Review

Do you always wear the same fragrance or do you like to experiment with different ones? Are you more drawn to earthy scents or floral scents? Over the years, I've discovered I'm most happy with a mix of the two, so almost all my perfumes have a vanilla element in them. This French Vanilla parfum came from Dana Classic Fragrances and since it's one I hadn't tried yet, I was eager to test it. There were so many to choose from on their site!

The first benefit I noticed was the size of the bottle. A full 1.8 fl oz is larger than I can usually afford, but this was only $21. Even better, it's a spray bottle, which I always prefer because the mist automatically layers the scent properly on the skin. Did you know you're not supposed to rub in your fragrances? It changes the chemistry of the scent. Best of all, this French Vanilla smells wonderful! It is a bit sweeter than I normally wear, but my husband said he likes it too. My parfum came well packaged, protected from delivery damage, and arrived quickly. I am very pleased with the product and the company, and I encourage you to visit them at www.danaclassics.com for fragrances for both men and women. TWO lucky readers can win their choice of any Dana Classic Fragrances by entering below!
Disclosure: I received this product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Two Winners!
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To enter, please fill in the Rafflecopter form below. You must be at least 18 years old and live in the US (no PO boxes, per sponsor). Only the first entry is mandatory; bonus entries will increase your chance to win. This giveaway ends at midnight ET on 7/21/12. Good luck!

Buying a Car for Your Vacation

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