2013 Halloween Giveaway and Special Offers on Windows and Mac Software Apps

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With the 2013 Halloween Day just a week away, many people are busy preparing for the annual spooky holiday: making Jack-O-Lanterns, preparing costumes, horrible decorations and gifts for their kids or friends. If you happen to be a hard movie fan and plan to watch Halloween themed movies on this Halloween Day, and quite coincidentally you’re looking for a media converter to help you convert your Halloween movies on your PC or Mac, this Halloween Giveaway and Special Offer promotion would be what you need.

Leawo, an online multimedia solution provider, just kicked off its 2013 Halloween Promotion weeks ago to present people, both Mac and Windows users, with wonderful Halloween freebies and other high-discounted multimedia solution apps until the end of November 3rd.

This company’s 2013 Halloween promotion includes 2 parts: Halloween giveaway freebie and Halloween discounted apps.

Halloween giveaway freebies
From now to the end of the Halloween promotion, Windows users could get this company’s Blu-ray Ripper for totally free as Halloween freebie, while Mac users could get their Mac version of Blu-ray Ripper without any cost. Both the Windows and Mac versions of their Blu-ray Ripper could help you easily rip and convert Blu-ray/DVD discs or folders to SD/HD videos and audios in various formats like AVI, MP4, WMV, FLV, MPEG, MOV, MKV, RMVB, FLAC, AAC, AC3, AIFF, AMR, M4A, etc. For people who want to convert Blu-ray/DVD for multiple devices like iPhone or iPad, these 2 freebies would be of great help. It actually still includes other functions, including 2D to 3D converting, Blu-ray player, video editor, etc.

To get these Halloween freebies is quite easy. Visit their Halloween promotion page, find the “2013 Halloween Giveaway” section, then click the right button to call out the registration box, in which you need to enter your email address to receive the program license code. Only remember to click the right button on base of your Windows computer or Mac.

Up to 65% off Halloween special offers
Besides the Halloween freebies, the company still offers all Windows and Mac users up to 65% off Halloween special offers in different categories for people to choose from. These special offers could help you save up to $100.

• Halloween Top Seller - Total Media Converter Ultimate: During the Halloween promotion period, people could enjoy 50% price cut on this 7-in-1 media converter suite. It could act as Blu-ray ripper, Blu-ray burner, DVD ripper, DVD burner, YouTube downloader, online video accelerator, HD video converter, 2D to 3D converter, and comprehensive media player.
• Halloween Gift Pack - Total Media Converter Ultimate + Blu-ray Copy + iTransfer: The biggest saving section for you in this Halloween promotion that saves you $100 in total. These 3 apps in this Halloween Gift Pack could compensate each other quite well in functions. Total Media Converter Ultimate could finish all kinds of media conversions and video downloadings, Blu-ray Copy helps copy and back up Blu-ray/DVD content in lossless quality, while iTransfer helps transfer data between iOS devices, iTunes and computer easily.
• Other up to 65% off Halloween offers: In this Halloween promotion section, people could get various media converter apps or other practical utilities at up to 65% price cut. These apps include Blu-ray Player, Blu-ray Copy Mac/Win, Blu-ray Creator Mac/Win, Tunes Cleaner Mac/Win, iOS Data Recovery, and PowerPoint to Video Pro Mac/Win.

This company has promised that any person around the world could take part in this Halloween Promotion activity during the period. So, if you’re looking for a media solution, or need a freebie Blu-ray/DVD converter, you shouldn’t let this Halloween pro slip away. Just remember to get the one you need before the deadline.

Leawo PowerPoint to Video Pro Software Giveaway - Five Winners

*Disclosure: I received product at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Because of the many years I spent doing classroom trainings for childcare providers, I have files upon files of PowerPoint presentations. At the time, I didn't even have the technology to simply stream the slides and I actually had to print them out and make copies. Thankfully, technology has come a long way since then and I was recently introduced to a fabulous new software program called Leawo PowerPoint to VideoPro.

Using this program, I can now convert every single one of those PowerPoint presentations to a streaming video. I'm working on a project to upload my trainings to the internet and thanks to this software, it will be a seamless transition for me. In four simple point-and-click steps, even the newest of computer users can make professional videos from PowerPoints.

1. Add the PowerPoint to the software program.
2. Create the output video settings.
3. Customize the video with timing, music, and audio. It even allows you to add a watermark!
4. Convert with a click.

It's really that easy. I'm working my way through my training slides and I've been really impressed with the software. I've not come across any bugs and it's very user-friendly. Check out their video HERE!

Win the Leawo PowerPoint to Video Pro Software!

To enter, just fill in the Rafflecopter form below. Five winners will each win one download of the software. You must be at least 18 years old to win and this giveaway is open worldwide. Giveaway ends on 11/14/2013. Good luck!

State Fair of Texas - #Travel #SilveradoStrong

*I received tickets to the fair at no charge from #SilveradoStrong in exchange for my post.

As guests of #SilveradoStrong, Johnny and I found our way to the State Fair of Texas in Dallas. Waiting until the last weekend to go meant cars were bumper to bumper to even get near the fairgrounds. It took us 2.5 hours to drive the last 17 miles. We finally reached the fairgrounds and were greeted by Big Tex, the icon of the fair.

Towering even taller than Big Tex was one of the largest ferris wheel rides I've ever seen! But our mission was to find the stash of Silverado trucks so we could climb in and dream. It didn't take us long to find the Chevy trucks because they were a major sponsor of the State Fair of Texas.

The prettiest Silverado was inside a special building and even though I asked nicely and dropped the #SilveradoStrong blog ambassador title, I didn't get to sit in it. So I posed for a quick photo and we headed outside to where the driver-friendly trucks were parked.

On the fairgrounds, it was people-packed. Shoulder to shoulder with adults pushing screaming toddlers in strollers, face-painted children with sticky cotton candy in one hand and a corn dog in the other, parents yelling at grumpy teenagers, and the occasional cute old couple walking slowly and holding hands. Oh, wait that was us.

I thought perhaps this area was where families were supposed to leave their children while they went to enjoy the fair, but I guess the children all escaped. {grin}

Inside the Silverado, it was nice and quiet. We didn't have keys, so we couldn't experience the joy of the air conditioning, and we had to open the doors for some air. They truly are beautiful trucks, from the honeycomb grill on the front to the bumper with the foothold on the back.

My favorite color was the bright blue, as pretty as the blue skies over Texas that day. Although if I do get a Silverado, it would also have to be the Texas edition. I really wanted to start up one of the trucks so I could hear the engine rumble. I tweeted live pictures to #SilveradoStrong and even got a tweet back from Chevy!

Knowing we had a long drive back to Austin, we headed out from the State Fair of Texas after a few hours of fun and exploration. It was a wonderful and exhausting experience and now we can cross off one more thing on the bucket list!

Ready to be #SilveradoStrong?

You can see the newest commercial HERE. 

Then shop for yours at www.chevrolet.com!

Embrace Yourself: Forgiveness

I'm enjoying the breezy, balmy days of a Texas autumn by taking my daily walks with my dog Buddy in the afternoons. We always walked in the early morning during the summer to avoid the stickiness of the afternoon. Speaking of stickiness, the thought came to me that forgiveness is often something we grant to others when we feel we've been wronged in some way. That inner voice of resentment can be very sticky. Being gracious enough to forgive someone is often difficult, but it truly can set your heart free when you do forgive. But what about forgiving ourselves?

Forgiving yourself can be even more difficult. Especially when you've wronged yourself in a way that affects all parts of your life. I think of all the things I've done in my past that weren't intended to make me a better person. My most prominent self-sin right now is my weight. Last month when I stepped on the scale, I realized I weighed more than I have ever weighed in my entire life, even more than when I was nine months pregnant. How did I let that happen?? Standing there staring (and glaring) at myself in the mirror, I decided to forgive myself and make a clean start.

Over the past month, I've focused on doing the right things for myself. I am eating better foods, eating less foods overall, walking more consistently, biking further, and practicing self-affirmations that I can lose the weight. Guess what? I've lost 17 pounds in the last month! By moving forward and not looking back to who I was before, I'm learning to better embrace myself with forgiveness. If only we all had the forgiving capacity of a dog, standing ready to lick our face with unconditional love!

Dress: Nora by Karina Dresses

The "Embrace Yourself" series is sponsored by Karina Dresses. Sign up HERE to receive the Karina Dresses Newsletter, filled with great information, amazing giveaways and special promotions!
Use code PLANETW30 to save $30 on any full price dress at karinadresses.com, where you can find dresses that make every “body” feel and look great, no matter what shape or size. Karina believes in the innate beauty of women when they accept and love themselves as they are.

16 Reasons the 2013 #Kia Rio Rocks! @kia @drivesti

Disclosure: 2013 Kia Rio 5-door SX use provided at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

This little car is the 2013 Kia Rio 5-door SX and I had the genuine pleasure of driving it for an entire week. I think this car might just be the next one I buy. It's perfect for me and I thought I'd share my top 16 reasons that I think the Rio rocks!

1. The compact design makes it easy to get in and out of any parking space, regardless of the fact that other people obviously don't know how to park their huge gas-guzzling monster cars.

2. It gets fabulous gas mileage, with 36mpg hwy and 28mpg city, which gives me more money for new shoes.

3. It has front and side airbags to keep me safe from the Austin drivers who are filled with road rage (probably because they bought the wrong car).

4. Although it looks compact from the outside, it has plenty of room inside for both the front seats and the back seats, even if you have big kids.

5. The sleek exterior design shape and sport-tuned suspension work together to allow me to zip in and out of traffic while saving money on fuel costs.

6. The grill looks like it's smiling at me. Who doesn't love a happy car?

7. The matte interior color helps to reduce the glare of the Texas sun, unlike my current vehicle that is filled with highly-reflective chrome accents.

8. The leather-wrapped steering wheel features controls for audio, Bluetooth, cruise and more, so I can turn up my classic 80's rock and roll tunes as loud as I want without letting go of the wheel.

9. The Kia Rio has a fancy-schmancy tablet-style computer screen with all these standard features:
- AM/FM/CD/MP3
- SIRIUS XM Satellite Radio
- UVO by Microsoft with a rear-camera display
- USB and Ausilliary Input Jacks
- Bluetooth wireless technology

10. The premium package includes a Navigation System with SIRIUS Traffic (because there is serious traffic in Austin to navigate through).

11. It comes standard with a 10 year/100,000 mile limited powertrain warranty and 5 year/60,000 mile roadside assistance. I love when a company stands behind their products!

12. The seats are very comfortable even on long road trips, and there are plenty of storage pockets on the interior doors and seat backs, plus an extra roomy glove-box and console storage box.

13. The fifth door in back opens wide so I don't bonk my head and there is a cover that hides my cargo from peeping thieves in parking lots.

14. There is a secret hiding spot under the floor of the far back. I'm imagining it filled with ice and beer.

15. The Kia Rio only costs about $18K. If I upgrade to their premium package (which of course of would) it will still be under $22K.

16. It is FUN TO DRIVE. Think about it, we have to drive anyway, so it may as well be in something that brings us joy, right?

Shop www.kia.com today!

Halloween Wreath - Beez Dream - The Craftstar - Review

Disclosure: I received a wreath at no charge in exchange for my honest review.

Even with step-by-step directions, I don't think I could have created a better Halloween Wreath than the one I received from Beez Dream Floral Design at The Craftstar. This custom one-of-a-kind wreath is handcrafted by Jen Perkins and the careful attention to detail is fabulous. I've already had two neighbors stop by my house to tell me they love it!

The accessories on the wreath are all high-quality, from the tiny wired bats to the big fuzzy bat, from the carefully placed leaves to the broomstick-flying witch. Everything is very securely attached and not a single thing was out of place when I removed it from the packaging.

The wreath was gently packaged and surrounded by adequate packaging materials. It also arrived super fast. It even comes with its own securely-attached ribbon for hanging! If my doorway wasn't deeply recessed, I'd probably choose to hang my new custom wreath inside my house because it's SO beautifully made that I wouldn't want the wind and rain destroying it.

Visit Beez Dream on The CraftStar for beautiful wreaths for Halloween, Fall, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. You'll also find beautiful handcrafted silk, natural and dried floral arrangements for weddings and other special occasions. Beez Dream is even offering 10% off right now on The CraftStar when you use the code MYFAVORITEONE.

Support small businesses this holiday season and shop at TheCraftStar boutiques!

#Bloggers! Join the Celebrate Your Holiday Wish Giveaway Event

Seeking Bloggers for New Event!

Celebrate Your Holiday Wish Giveaway Sign-Up

Prize $300 Target Gift Card

November 11-30, 2013

Open to US

Organized by Celebrate Woman Today

Details For You To Know About:
• Event Dates: 11/11-11/30, 2013
• Post the announcement about this giveaway (Find the copy to post here) or pay the $5 fee (pay via PayPal to [email protected], and put your blog name if you’re paying)

Fill Out the Form for Your Participation Here, If You’re a Blogger
Please tell them PLANET WEIDKNECHT referred you to this event! Thank you.
Referral Prize: $50 PayPal - the person who refers the most to this event gets this prize!

5 Mistakes When Buying Car Insurance

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Before hitting the road, all car owners are required to purchase automotive insurance for their ride. Due to the fact that not every car insurance policy is created the same, the motorist must select an insurance package that fits their specific needs. Here are five mistakes that car owners commonly make when buying car insurance.

Purchasing the cheapest insurance available
With the economy being in such upheaval, many people have been forced to adjust their budget. However, choosing just the basic level of insurance coverage could lead to a slew of problems in the long run. If the motorist happens to be found responsible for a crash, the insurance company will not pay for any damages to their vehicle.

Lying to the insurance company
In an effort to save a few bucks, some car owners attempt to lie to the insurance company. Unfortunately, this dishonest tactic could prove to be ineffective. If the car owner is caught providing false information, he or she risks being denied a claim or penalized with higher rates.

Failing to obtain all of the available discounts
The truth of the matter is that most car insurance companies offer certain discounts and incentives to the customer. Motorists are able to obtain discounts for things such as being accident-free, having anti-theft devices, and being a loyal customer. If the driver fails to inquire about these discounts, he may be leaving hundreds of dollars on the table.

Forgetting to read the insurance policy
Some motorists do not even bother to skim through the details of their car insurance policy. The best approach is to carefully read the entire policy before signing on the dotted line. If there are any misunderstandings, do not hesitate to ask the Winston-Salem insurance agent to further explain the fine print. Waiting until after an accident to inquire about the specifics of the insurance policy is a recipe for disaster.

Not shopping around
Some car owners tend to go with the first insurance company that they happen to run across. Not only could this method lead to the motorist paying extra money, but they could also be signing up with a low-quality insurance company. Taking a little more time to shop the market will definitely be well worth the extra effort.

Throwback Thursday - Ryan's First Halloween

Ryan's first Halloween - circa 1995

Ryan with big sister Heather, dressed in their Native American Indian costumes (handmade by my mom).

He loved eating mm's candies and was fascinated by sister's face paint!

Eight O'Clock Coffee - Review and Sweepstakes

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

I love a good cup of gourmet coffee. The problem is, when I find a fabulous one, I tend to drink it all day long and into the evening, then I can't go to sleep. Luckily for me, Eight O'Clock Coffee reminds me to stop drinking coffee by 8pm! I received a bag of their Original Coffee and their Caramel Macchiato Coffee. The word caramel grabbed me immediately, so I brewed up a pot for a taste test. My house smelled SO good while it was brewing!

Eight O'Clock Coffee is crafted from 100% Arabica coffee beans at their own facility, under the expert care of master roasters. Their coffees come in whole bean and ground varieties, plus single-serving Keurig K-Cup packs. They've been making gourmet coffee for 150 years and even though I'm not quite that old, I can't believe I've never had a chance to try it before now. Eight O'Clock Coffee comes in all these dreamy flavors, so you're sure to find at least one you cannot live without: The Original, The Original Decaf, 50% Decaf, Hazelnut, French Vanilla, Caramel Macchiato, Chocolate Mint, Dark Chocolate Cherry, Cinnamon Bun, Colombian Peaks, Central Highlands, African Plains, Dark Italian Espresso, Dark Italian Roast, and French Roast.

My cup of Caramel Macchiato is at the top of my list of favorite gourmet coffees! It is very smooth, with just enough caramel flavor without being overpowering. I've found it's a great way to satisfy my sweet tooth without indulging in high-calorie sweets. I love it so much that the bag is nearly empty already. The Original is also delicious, but the Caramel Macchiato is my favorite of the two. I can't wait to try some of their other exotic flavors!

Would you be willing to give up YOUR coffee? If not, what would you sacrifice to enjoy it? Eight O’Clock Coffee is on a mission to find out. Tell them HERE on their Facebook page and enter the sweepstakes. Every Friday through November 21, Eight O'Clock Coffee will choose eight lucky winners to win a fantastic Eight O’Clock Coffee prize pack!

eightoclockcoffee.com

on Facebook ~~~ on Twitter ~~~ on Pinterest

Easy Cheesy Beef Macaroni #Recipe - Dei Fratelli Review

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

I have friends who can sit down and create a week's worth of menus, recipes, and shopping lists. That's not me. I'm more likely to go stand in the kitchen mid-afternoon and stare into the pantry and fridge, wondering what to make for dinner. Dei Fratelli Truly Tomato products in environmentally-responsible cartons are perfect for helping me figure out dinner in a snap.

Dei Fratelli Truly Tomatoes are grown on local family farms in the rich, fertile soil of the Lake Erie Basin. The tomatoes are carefully selected for the distinctive Truly Tomato products. The tomatoes are preserved within a maximum of 10 hours after harvesting - their “Field to Carton” concept!  The tomatoes are packed in a light puree providing a rich tomato flavor, and do not contain any artificial additives or preservatives. It's a product perfect for "home chefs."

My Cheesy Beef Macaroni Recipe:
Brown ground beef in a skillet, drain and rinse, then return to skillet. Pour one carton Dei Fratelli Truly Finely Chopped Tomatoes over beef and stir. Add 1 cup macaroni, 1 cup parmesan cheese, 1/2 cup sliced black olives, 1/2 cup water, 1 tsp salt, 1 tsp black pepper, 2 tsp garlic powder, and 1/2 cup diced onions. Stir well and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer approximately 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. When noodles are tender, serve into bowls and top with some shredded cheese.

My family is very impressed with the quality and the taste of Dei Fratelli products. Dinner was absolutely delicious! I love the ease of creating recipes with their products. If you love to create recipes, Dei Fratelli is sponsoring the Ripened Recipe Contest where you could win Dei Fratelli products for a whole year, plus a $250 Visa Gift Card! Five runner-ups and five honorable mentions will also win great prizes.

Go enter your recipe HERE!

Visit www.deifratelli.com for more information about Truly Tomato Products and their other fabulous products! Be sure to follow them on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest for more recipes.