HAPPY NEW YEAR

I hope your 2010 is a wonderful one!!! Thanks for visiting my blog and I hope this year brings me more opportunities to bring you some great giveaways and reviews!!!

Taking a Small Break

Hi everyone, I am taking a week off from this blog to relax during the holidays. I have a few giveaways going on so make sure you enter them!! I also have a giveaway for an autographed Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives cookbook over at my personal blog Carolyn in Carolina!!

If you want to help out the needy please donate to our LATISM (Latinos in Social Media) toy drive. You can see the Chip-In button to the left. We are raising money and collecting toys. For more info, you can visit latism.org. Any amount is a wonderful thing. I also want to thank TimeToPlayMag.com for donating a whole bunch of new toys to the drive. They rock and the donation was greatly appreciated!!

I hope everyone had a great holiday and I will see you in the New Year. I already have a few great reviews and giveaways lined up. WOOHOO!! There are some great items up for grabs.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!



Disclosure: As part of my review, I received the product I discussed in this review. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

L'Bel & Blogher Giveaways 1/6

Win a line of L'Bel products courtesy of Blogher!! Ends 1/6

Jenny on the Spot
Wishbone Clover
Metalia
BooMama
I am Style-Ish
Nothing but Bonfires

Kisses Dahlings!! 12/31

Just in time for the holidays Blogher and Hershey have teamed up for another round of great giveaways!! $100 gift card is up for grabs.
Quadville
Fiddledeedee
Fluid Pudding
Swistle
Life With The Boys
Oh The Joys
Salsa in China
Big Momma

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA! EXPO Markers & Learning Board Review

I have to admit that sometimes I am a little scattered. I forget a lot of things so I have to constantly writ them down. I have Post-It notes all over the house and am always leaving notes on my computer. One of the things that helped me remember the things I have to was a dry erase board that sticks to my refrigerator. It is the best thing but it's small and is on the refrigerator so when I have something to remember I have to go to the kitchen and write it down.

At my last job, I had a huge Dry Erase board in my office where I could track events I was coordinating and meetings I had to attend and it was the best thing. I love Expo Dry Erase products because you can write stuff down and then erase it when it's not needed. Then you can start all over again!

So when I received the opportunity to review EXPO Dry Erase products, I was thrilled. I received a pack of the Expo Bright Sticks Fluorescent Markers, a pack of the Expo Click Low Odor Chisel Dry Erase Markers and a Expo Learning Board.

I love the board because it is small so I can take it from the office to the the front of the house where I do a lot of my blogging and reviews as well. It is handy when I need to walk around the kitchen and write down the groceries I need. I also leave Tom messages on the board in places where he will see them. The Retractable Markers are fantastic. These are great for me because
I am forever and day leaving my Expo markers with the caps off and they dry out.

They are so handy and easy to use. I know it sounds weird to say this would make a great holiday gift but if you know someone like me who goes nuts at the site of office supplies, this would be perfect. You can make a great basket of Expo products for teachers, co-workers or even kids. The products are inexpensive and functional. I know if someone gave me a basket full of Expo products, I would be one happy camper!!

In addition, for every package of EXPO markers sold in the U.S. this November and December, EXPO will donate one marker to the Kids In Need Foundation up to a maximum of 100,000 EXPO markers. That's pretty cool.


So if you need a quick, cool gift that anyone can use, you should consider giving them some EXPO products!! I think they will thank you. I know I would!!



Disclosure: As part of my review, I received the products I discussed in this review. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

Blogher and Tassimo

Enter to win a Tassimo! If you love coffee enter now! Ends 12/31
Retro Food
Xiaolin Mama
Megan’s Minute
Southern Hospitality
A Year of Slow Cooking
Petroville
More Women

Blogher and Sprint - 12/31

Sprint and Blogher have teamed up to give you the opportunity to win a $200 visa card. Ends 12/31

Muses of Megret
Sweet as Punkin Pie
Slice of Pink
Busy Mom
Honest & Truly
Long Hollow
CookinCanuck
Stepford Stories

Blogher, Arbor Mist and more chances to win!!

Win a $100 Visa card when you enter these cool giveaways. Check out what theme basket these bloggers created with Arbor Mist! Yummy! Ends 12/31

Michelle Woo
Joy Unexpected
Oh! How Lovely
Slice of Pink
Megan’s Minute
Wishbone Clover
Your Style Star

CLOSED ~ HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS: Staples OXO Review and Giveaway - 3 Winners

I know this will sound weird but I love office supplies. Yes, I love them. Any type, any kind. There is something about having new pens or a cool stapler and don't get me started on Post-It notes.

So when Staples contacted me to review some OXO Good Grip office products I was very excited. Staples and OXO have teamed up and now have a great line of Good Grip office products for sale at Staples. I have used OXO products before but in the kitchen. I have quite a few OXO Good Grip kitchen gadgets and love them. They work well and last long.

OXO's design philosophy is to create each product to be convenient and easy for everyone to use. As they say: It's where advanced function meets comfortable usage. And they succeed. OXO products are comfortable and functional. Plus they are so cute!!

I received a few of the new OXO Good Grips retractable ballpoint pens in blue and black ink and some large magnetic clips to try out. After writing a few checks and Christmas cards, I realized that these pens are really nice. I like that you just twist and they are ready to use and then twist again and they retract. This is especially good since I am known to leave pens all over the house and sometimes they leak and it's a mess. The non-slip grip makes them easy to use and to hold. The ballpoint makes writing smooth and easy. Plus, the pens are refillable.

I love magnetic clips as well. I am forever and a day losing papers and coupons and I keep a lot of clips on my refrigerator to hold coupons and important mail. These were great too. They are easy to use and they stick really well. They were strong enough to hold a bunch of coupons I had. I also was able to use them as a bag clip for my chips!

The OXO Collection at Staples includes tons of cool office supplies and I am definitely eyeballing a few I looked at. I love the pushpin dispenser and I also really like the retractable highlighters. Now you are probably saying why does she say this is a good holiday gift idea. Well, if you know someone like me who goes gaga over office supplies what better gift can there be but a basketful of these cool supplies, right? Not only is it a fun gift but totally functional!!

Staples has a gift for three of my cool readers!! They are offering me some supplies to give to you. WOO!! Three of you will win a set of the Good Grip retractable pens, a pushpin dispenser (so jealous because this is the cutest thing) and a one hole punch! YAY! Thank you Staples!

So read the entry rules and enter! Start your New Year with some cool office supplies!!

Mandatory Entry

Visit the Staples-OXO website and come back and tell me which OXO products you would love to have in your office!

Extra Entries

* Follow the Staples on Twitter
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (2 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!
Deadline: Monday, January 11 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.


Disclosure: As part of my review, I received the products I discussed in this review. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

Blogher and Intel Giveaway

Another Blogher set of contests. This time for a UMID mbook from Intel. Hit these giveaways for you chance to win. These end 12/30

I am Style-ish
Michelle Woo
This Full House
Fluid Pudding
Show Me the Curry
Megan's Minute
Nothing but Bonfires

Blogher and LOFT

Okay peeps, here are another round of Blogher contests! Woo. These are for a LOFT card. Perfect for that after Christmas shopping!! So check out these site and enter soon because these end on 12/25!

Sassafrass
Zip n Tizzy
Gen Pink
Steece’s Pieces
A Girl and A Boy
The Karianna Spectrum
Caleigh's Corner
Honest and Truly
Xiaolin Mama
The Calm Before The Stork
Slynnro
Mocha Momma
Mom’s Happy Handful
Oh! How Lovely

WOW TONS OF WINNERS!!

Okay not tons but 6 winners. So here they are: Drumroll please. The winners of the Tom Petty, GCDSpa and Cook's Ham giveaways chosen by Random.org are:

Tom Petty Giveaway
Liz D
GCDSpa.com
Bleatham
CMC
Little Bird

Cook's Ham
Imurley2000
Carolsue
Congrats! Two of these giveaways had lots of entries so y'all lucked out!! WOO! I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winners. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Total Assault, Cook's Ham and GCDSpa.com for these great prizes and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for upcoming giveaways! So enter and win!!

I also want to thank everyone who participates in my giveaways! I appreciate the support!!

WOO-HOO!! CONGRATS AGAIN!!

TJ Maxx and Marshalls Secret Santa Shopping and Carol-Oke

I was chosen to take part of the T.J. Maxx and Marshalls "Secret Santa" project. As part of the project, 100 sites were chosen and we were given a Secret Santa to shop for at T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. I was sent two $25 gift Marshalls cards to do some shopping!

I love T.J. Maxx and Marshalls. I always find some cute stuff at great prices. They have the everything from toys, MP3 accessories, electric razors, golf accessories, electronics gourmet food ingredients (my favorites), chocolates, coffees, books, beauty products, fashion and winter accessories. Plus my T.J. Maxx is a Homes Good store which rocks!!

So I went shopping for my Secret Santa and found some cute stuff. The best thing is that I was able to use my Marshalls cards at T.J. Maxx. I was thrilled that I could do that and it comes in handy since the Marshalls was miles away.

What I found was a cute apron (she has cats), beautiful kitchen towels, some funky potholders, a cute recyclable bag and some Lindt truffles. All this for just under $30!! Woo-hoo. I really hope she likes it. I didn't have much info so I played it by ear. I had fun. I need to go back and shop for myself next time!!

You have a chance for a little Holiday cheer by entering a new contest. Marshalls and T.J. Maxx have joined together for a "Carol-oke" contest. One lucky person will win a $5,000 holiday shopping spree - just for singing their favorite holiday tune! You can visit the YouTube's specially-created "Caroling Channel". There, you can select from one of three carols, create their own "Carol-oke" video and upload for entry into the contest. For each video $1 will be donated toward Toys for Tots, to purchase gifts for a child in need.

So go upload a video and possible make some Holiday cash. Plus, you are helping out a great charity! Happy Holidays!




Disclosure: As part of my review, I received 2 $25 Marshalls cards. One for me and one to purchase gifts. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA ~ HP PhotoSmart Premium with TouchSmart Web Printer Review

I first saw the HP PhotoSmart Premium with TouchSmart Web Printer at the Type-A-Mom Conference I attended in August. HP had set up a suite and recharging station for the attendees. I decided to venture in and look around. You can read about my adventure here. Giovanni from HP was so helpful that day as I walked around and asked 101 questions. I also got to meet Angela from HP and she was equally as nice and helpful. As I walked around, I immediately noticed the HP Mini which I love and covet. I was really lucky I got to play HP Touchsmart 600 PC as well. Giovanni was patient enough to demonstrate all the cool features of the HP Photosmart Premium Touchsmart Web Printer. I loved it. I remember going home and hinting to Tom we needed the Touchsmart PC and PhotoSmart printer and that I needed a Mini as well. He ignored me.

So when HP contacted me to do a review of the HP Photosmart Premium Web Printer how could I say no. I was thrilled because I already knew what to expect. When the printer arrived I was so excited to set it up and start printing.

First of all, the printer was easy to set up. Though Tom was the one who set it up, I could have easily done it myself but I hate doing these techy things. The only issue I encountered was when I tried to network the printer and my laptop but that was a problem on the laptop's end because when Tom tried on his Mac, it worked immediately.


Before I get into the cool features of this fabulous printer, I want to talk about the biggest plus this printer offers our household. I am a PC and Tom is a Mac. When he bought a wireless printer last year, we assumed that he was going to be able to use it as well. It wasn't until we set it up that we realized that the printer we bought was not compatible with a Mac. So for about a year, he has been printerless here at home. He has had to take his laptop to work to print anything or have me print it from my laptop. It wasn't a good thing. But now our problem has been solved with this HP printer. It is compatible with both operating systems and now he can do his own printing. You don't know how exciting that is for Tom. I am so glad HP offers printers that are compatible with both operating systems.

I have to say that I loved that the printer came ready to go. We took it out of the box, plugged it in and it was ready to use. As we looked around for the instruction manual, we realized that the printer itself takes you though the instructions right on the touch screen so you don't even need a manual. That's how easy it is. All you do is turn it on and it walks you through the set up. It was fantastically easy to follow along and set up the printer. The printer cartiridges were easy to load and you can replace them individually as they run out! Sometimes loading ink is a pain but this was just simple as can be. Loading paper, both regular and photo, was easy as well.

In the box we found a really cute pouch that had all the cords and cables we needed. This is fantastic because usually we just have this big giant box full of cables and cords and have no idea where they belong. Now we can keep all the printer cords in one place. The printer itself came in a huge bag. Although I know this is the printer bag, I am taking this baby to the beach next time I go. It would fit all my beach towels and beach accessories! Nice touch HP!


Once we got the printer online, it was a breeze to get it to connect with our wireless service. All we needed was our password and it went online quickly. Now we can print from anywhere in the house. That is so handy. The touchscreen is the best thing because it is easy to use and the screen is a good size so it is easy to read.

That was all it took to get set up. It took less than 15 minutes to get it up and running and once we got our laptops to recognize the printer we were in business. It printed out the regular test pages and I tried a few pages from my computer and we had no problems. I even decided to print a picture and the printer automatically knew which tray it needed to be routed to for printing. The quality of the photo was fantastic. I love this because I am the keeper of our Family Album and now I can scan and print out copies for my mom and dad. I am sending this family photo I printed out to my sister for Christmas. After printing pictures, files, web pages we both came to the conclusion that the printer quality on everything we printed was excellent. The printer also has automatic two sided printing which is a wonderful feature.

This printer is also connected to the Internet which makes it so wonderful. And even if you are offline on the computer you can still access the applications that come with the printer without having to turn on the computer. It comes with several programs that you can connect to at anytime. The programs include Fandango, Disney, Google Calendar, Coupons, USA Today, DreamWorks, Nickelodeon, Google Maps and Recipes. I am sure I missed one or two but you get the picture.

We don't have kids but I know many of my readers do. This printer is so kid friendly. If I can figure it out I am sure a child can as well. Plus, the web applications accessible through the printer are fantastic. I went on Disney, Nickelodeon and DreamWorks. What is fabulous about these programs is that your kids can go on the sites and print out the content they like. Disney had coloring pages and crafts. Plus they had a featured movie button. The featured movie was A Christmas Carol and I was able to go on and print out crafts and coloring pages from the film.

Nickelodeon was really cool. They featured many of their characters including iCarly, Dora the Explorer, Go Diego Go and my favorite Spongebob Squarepants. They had a lot of content. Besides coloring pages, they had puzzles, mazes, spot the difference games, word search and many more. DreamWorks had great content for the kids as well. They also featured their movies including Madagascar 2, Shrek 3 and Kung Fu Panda. They had coloring pages, games and crafts. As a test, I printed out the Shrek door hanger. Not only do you get the printout to work with but they also include a page with instructions.

I also loved the other applications you can access. My favorites include the Recipe program where you search and print out recipes of all kinds. I would love to have the room in my kitchen to place the printer there so I can print and cook all at once. The Coupon program allows you to search for coupons by zip code. If you use coupons like I do, this is a really handy application to have.

If you have a Snapfish account you can easily log into your account and print your pictures. This is very convenient since there are many times I download pictures on my Snapfish account. Friends also share photos with me so I can always print out those pictures as well. If you love movies, you can access the Fandango application and buy and print up tickets from home.

The other programs were equally as good. I loved the Google Map application because I am forever getting lost. The best thing is that I can access the program directly from the printer and not have to log into my laptop. The Google Calendar is handy for keeping track of your appointments and you can print out the pages. I am printing out my schedule and tacking it on the refrigerator.

I can't tell you how easy it is to use this printer. I also have to mention that it isn't only a web connected printer. It also copies, scans and faxes. It is truly an all-in-one printer. I suspect that we will never ever buy another printer for a long time. I don't want another printer because I really love this one. Tom was equally impressed.

So if you are looking for a new printer, you have to consider the HP PhotoSmart Premium. It has everything you need and then some. The cost is reasonable for all the great things it does. The retail price of the printer is $399 and it is well worth it. I would recommend this printer to everyone.



Disclosure: As part of my review, I received the product I discussed in this review. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

WINNERS!!! Truvia Giveaway

Drumroll please. The winners of the Truvia giveaway chosen by Random.org are:

Barbarwr

Henrietta

Cheryl F.

ale_di_o_l

MommyKennedy
Congrats! I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winners. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Truvia for this great prize and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

WOO-HOO!! CONGRATS AGAIN!!

WINNER!! $20 Amazon Gift Certificate from Savespro

Drumroll please. The winner of the $20 Amazon Gift Certificate chosen by Random.org is:

BunnyB

Congrats! I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winners. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Savespro for this great prize and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

WOO-HOO!! CONGRATS AGAIN!!

CLOSED ~ HOLIDAY GIFT ALERT: Village Tea Company Review and Giveaway

I am a tea lover. I love tea and one of my dreams is to one day open a little tea house where I could serve tea and those little tiny tea sandwiches. I love the idea of serving tea. It's so civilized. Plus, I am a fiend for those little tea sandwiches and scones!!

To me there is nothing better than a cup of tea on a cold afternoon. And it's been cold around here! So when I received the opportunity to try some new tea, I couldn't say no.

The tea I got to sample was Simply Earl Grey Tea from the Village Tea Company. The Village Tea Company sells a whole line of wonderful loose teas. Flavors include the Simply Earl Grey tea I received as well as Classic White Tea, Smooth Jasmine Green tea, Sassy Green Tea with Acai and many more.

I got out my favorite mug and made myself a cup of this wonderful tea. The canister the tea came in was also eco-friendly and I liked that. The Earl Grey tea came in a cute little unbleached drawstring bag. My canister had two of them. The Simply Earl Grey tea was fantastic. It was rich and robust. Strong but not bitter. It left no aftertaste and I really enjoyed it. I tried it straight with just some sweetener and then one morning I had it with milk and sugar. It was heavenly!

Luckily, I have my very own tea steeper since this is loose leaf tea. It is a wonderful tool that allows you to have fresh tea anytime. I love it. But if you don't have your very own steeper, Village Tea Co. teas also come with little bags to place the loose tea and you can use to steep it. I thought this was such a nice touch because you don't have to go out and buy a special tool. This little detail made the tea experience so much lovelier.

Overall, I really enjoyed this tea and it is very good. The taste was so nice and it made for a wonderful morning and afternoon treat. I would certainly buy it for myself. I know I would love to try more of the flavors they sell. I think it would make a fantastic gift for the tea lover on your X-mas list. The teas are also reasonably priced as well. You can visit the Village Tea Co. site fot more information or follow them on Twitter or fan them Facebook.

And now one lucky reader will be able to try 3 flavors of this tasty tea for themselves. I want to thank the Village Tea Company for providing this opportunity for one of you. If you are a tea lover, then this is the giveaway for you. Remember to follow the rules and enter for your chance to win.

Mandatory Entry

Visit the Village Tea Company website and come back and tell me which three flavors you would choose if you are the winner.

Extra Entries

* Follow the Village Tea Co. on Twitter
* Subscribe to my blog through email (1 entry)
* Follow me on Twitter @carogonza (1 entry)
* Tweet this giveaway. Leave the link to the tweet in your post. (1 entry/tweet per day)
* Follow my blog (1 entry)
* Subscribe to to my feed (1 entry)
* Add my button to your site (2 entries)
* Add this Giveaway to a Sweepstakes site, Mr. Linky,your giveaway list etc. Leave the link!! (2 entries per submission)
* Fave me on Technorati (leave your username - 1 entry)
* Blog about this giveaway leave the link (3 entries)
* Follow me on Networked Blogs (1 entry - see right sidebar for widget)

Make sure to leave a separate comment for the entries you complete!

Deadline: Wednesday, January 6 at 11:59 pm EST. I will use random.org to pick the winners so everyone has a chance to win. **PLEASE leave an email if your blogger profile does not include it or you don't have a blog. I need a way to contact you.** Once a winner is drawn I will contact them and the winner will have 48 hours to reply back before I draw a new winner. Giveaway is open to US residents only who are 18 years of age or older.




Disclosure: As part of my review, I received the product I discussed in this review. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEA: Ultra Dental Water Jet WP-100 Review

A few years ago my dentist suggested I buy a WaterPik in order to prevent plaque from building up around my teeth and gums. I didn't do it. Then the last time I got my teeth cleaned the dental hygienist also suggested I get a WaterPik because I had some plaque buildup. I told her that I floss everyday. She said flossing is great but the WaterPik would do a better job. But again, I never got one.

So when I had the opportunity to review an Ultra Water Jet WP-100, I finally gave in. I wasn't sure what to expect from it. I know a few people who use it and love them but I wasn't sure if I wanted to use one myself.

A little background on the benefits of the WaterPik:
•Improves dental hygiene and is clinically proven to be up to 93% more effective than dental floss at improving gum health
•Removes bacteria deep between teeth and below the gum line where brushing and flossing will not reach
•Massages and stimulates gums to help prevent gingivitis and improve oral health
•Works with water or your favorite mouthwash
•Leaves a clean, fresh sensation

The water jet technology the WaterPik uses gets right in between teeth and the gum line. These are areas where regular toothbrushes and floss just can't reach. But the WaterPik does.

The first thing I noticed is how cool the WaterPik is. It is compact enough to fit on any vanity near the sink. The lid of the water reservoir hold the attachments so they are all in one place. The handle and cord fit nicely into the unit so there is no messy cords all over. The WaterPik Ultra comes with 6 different tips: 2 Standard Jet Tips, 1 Pik Pocket, 1 Orthodontic Tip, 1 Tongue Cleaner and 1 Toothbrush Tip. This is fantastic because you can use the tip that best suits your dental needs. It comes with lots of settings as well. I started out on the lowest setting when I tried out the WaterPik but was able to go up to 8 setting. I tried the highest setting and found it to be a little strong. Hubby's teeth and gums are sensitive so he uses a lower setting. It's all about finding what level is good for you.

At first it is a little weird to use it. And when I didn't remember to keep my lips partially closed, it splattered all over. But after a few tries, I got the hang of it. I now know why my dentist told me to get one of these. It works and works well. When I rinsed and looked in the mirror, I could tell how clean the WaterPik had gotten my teeth and gums. I could see that the plaque that was there before was gone. I love the brush attachment as well. The Tongue Cleaner attachment is a little strange but it works and I use it all the time. Hubby has taken to using the WaterPik too and he likes it as well. The only complaint I have is the noise and vibration the unit itself makes but for clean gums and teeth, I don't care.

I know my dentist will be thrilled next time I go into his office. He will be surprised that I have little or no plaque. I would recommend this product if you are interested in good dental health. As I get older, I am definitely taking better care of myself and I really believe that dental hygiene is part of that effort to strive for better health.

If you are interested in purchasing one a WaterPik, it is available on their site for $59.99 and at other retailers around the country. These would make a fantastic holiday gift! If you do want to buy one go to their site and print out a $5 off coupon. You can also follow WaterPik on twitter.

For good dental care, this is one fantastic tool!!


Disclosure: As part of my review, I received the product I discussed in this review. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

Blogher & HP 12/24

Blogher has tons of contests going on now. I will post of all them for the extra entry so keep checking back for more of these cool giveaways. This one is terrific. You can win an HP Touchsmart 600 PC. Okay, I had the opportunity to test one of these out when I attended the Type-A-Mom Conference in August. They are so super duper cool. So enter and good luck peeps!!

Kelly’s Korner
A Year of Slow Cooking
My Charming Kids
The NieNie Dialogues
BooMama

Weekend Giveaway Round Up

First of all don't forget to enter my giveaway if you haven't. Most will end on the 18th or sooner, so you want to make sure you get in. And keep checking back because right before Christmas I am putting up several more giveaways that will end right after the New Year. New giveaways will include teas from a Village Tea Co., OXO office supplies, a Barbar hair dryer (I am excited about this one) and possibly a Dean's Dip giveaway so stay tuned. I want to get these done before we take a mini-Xmas trip!!

In the meantime, here are a few giveaways around the net to keep you busy. I will be adding some new ones too.

What's a Posh Party Box? Well head on over to Simply Stacie and find out.

Pretty Pink Momma has a $25 Hellmann's card up for grabs. Go over to her site and enter!!

The Provident Woman has a cool giveaway. She has a signed book by The Pioneer Woman and The Marlboro Man. Also included is a Pioneer Woman t-shirt.

If you like office supplies go over to Everything Up Close and get in on an Avery Basket!! This is a nice basket.

The Mom Buzz has an ABC 25 days of Christmas prize pack over at her site. Go check it out peeps!

Cheerios 100,000 book giveway over at "Deal"icious Mom
and Me and My Boys. Cheerios Rock!!

Head over to the Fashionable Housewife for a cool HP Envy with Windows 7. This is a good giveaway so get on it!!

Update on my Nutrisystem Weight Loss - 14 Pounds and Counting

Hi everyone, just wanted to update you on this blog of my weight loss journey. I am down 14 pounds on the Nutrisystem program, WOOHOO!! This is my latest post from my other blog. If you want to red more Nutrisystem posts and follow my progress, please go over to Carolyn in Carolina. I also update on this blog every few weeks as well to keep you in the loop. It's a journey but I am still on it. Thanks.

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Nutrisystem is providing me the Nutrisystem food free of charge for my weight loss journey. The compensation received will never influence the content of my posts. No other form compensation has been offered or given.

Been a little tired this week. I have been a little under the weather and not eating regularly and feeling achy and poopy. I am down a few ounces this week and not happy about it. I feel like I am doing well but it seems like I hit a plateau. I hate hitting plateaus because it means that I need to step it up. Hopefully, I will feel better next week.

You know I always see those Marie Osmond commercials about how she lost 50 lbs. on Nutrisystem and I want to lose 50 lbs. on Nutrisystem. I wonder how long it took her and if the Nutrisystem people are wondering why I am not losing like she did. I know weight loss is a long journey but I want to lose it all NOW! Boo!

By the way, I love Marie Osmond. I remember when I was younger, I wanted to be just like her. Silly, isn't it? And I love Donny. When I was 5, I couldn't decide if I wanted to marry him or Michael Jackson. Obviously, I didn't marry either. I was so excited when Donny won Dancing with the Stars. Yeah, I watch Dancing with the Stars and love it!! Don't judge me! It is so one of my guilty pleasures. I have no idea why I love it so much but I do.

Anyway I digress, a friend of mine lost 8 pounds in one week and I want to lose that much every week but I know that is just not healthy. One to 2 lbs. is the healthier way to do it and I am glad that's how I am doing it. I figure that I can probably lose more on the program if I didn't incorporate other foods and leave myself a little leeway. But then I wonder that if I did that what will happen when I go off the program. Would I be able to maintain the weight loss? UGH!

I think I am in a philosophical mood because I am not feeling well. When I get sick, I start thinking stupid things. Sue me. Anyhow, nothing much else to report this week since I have been busy with my other blog. Somehow it has gotten nuts and I have to catch up on that one before I write more here.

I am so glad Nutrisystem has soup on the menu. I am eating the Chicken Noodle soup which is exactly what I need right now. I don't know what I have. It isn't the flu but more like a mild cold. I have a stuffy head, achy body and just an overall feeling of malaise. Hopefully it will go away by next week.

Hall's Refresh Review

Do you ever get a dry mouth? Do you sometimes need something to make it feel better? I know I do especially now in the winter when I am in places with forced heat. I usually grab some water but that helps for a little while but the dry mouth comes back. Well now there is a hard candy that helps you get rid of dry mouth while giving you a burst of flavor!

Halls Refresh is a new "mouth watering" hard candy that is formulated to help moisten your mouth. This tasty treat has an Advanced Moisture Action™ formula. It is also sugar-free so it fits right in with my diet!! With 6 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, and 0 grams of sugar per drop, I can pop these in my mouth to prevent dry mouth or soothe my throat when it gets dry and scratchy.

I tried the Juicy Strawberry and the Tropical Wave and both flavors were really good. My favorite is the Strawberry. I am definitely keeping these around in the house, car and in my purse so I can pop one in my mouth when I need it. They also come in Refreshing Mint.

Halls Refresh are available in 9-piece sticks and 20-count resealable bag. Be aware though that Halls® products may be used by adults and children 5 years and over. For children under 5 years, ask a doctor.

For more information about Halls Refresh you can go join their Facebook page or visit gethalls.com.


Disclosure: Halls contacted me to participate in a review of their new Halls Refresh in these two new flavors. As part of my review, I received the product I discussed in this review. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

WINNERS!!!! Thai Kitchen Cooking Kit!

Drumroll please. The winners of the Thai Kitchen Cooking Kits chosen by Random.org are:

Brennaboo

Matt4Melis

Sondra

Tammigirl

Di
Congrats! I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winners. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Thai Kitchen for this great prize and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

WOO-HOO!! CONGRATS AGAIN!!

HOLIDAY GIFT IDEAS!! Slanket Review!

In our house one of us is always cold (me) and the other is always hot (hubby). So when winter rolls around, we have a problem. I am forever and a day turning up the heat especially at night because I am chilly. He is forever and a day turning down the heat because he gets too warm. I am sure many of you have the same issue.

So when I got the opportunity to review The Slanket, I was thrilled because I figured this might be the answer to our problems. And guess what? It was. Okay, I have to say that whoever invented the Slanket is a genius. A blanket with sleeves is just what I needed. I love it!!!

To use the Slanket you put your arms through the sleeves and that's it. The back is open so it is easy to slip on and off. This thing is really huge as well. If I had a complaint about the Slanket is that it was too long for me so when I stood up it dragged on the ground. But on the other hand, when I am sitting down and curled up in the Slanket, it covers my feet and toes and keeps them warm and toasty!

The Slanket comes in all colors and sizes. There is the regular Slanket (pictured), the Kid's Slanket and the Siamese Slanket. The Siamese Slanket is great if you and your honey watch TV together. Two people can share and it makes cuddling easy! There is also a Travel Slanket. I think I want one of these because I always freeze in the airplane. I know when we take another road trip I am tossing the my Slanket into the car so I can curl up while Tom drives.

It is really soft and comfortable. I love that the sleeves are large and I can use the Slanket and still be on the computer and use the remote. It keeps my whole body covered and warm. I love this thing. I can't imagine what I did without it. Now Tom can have the heat lower and be comfortable and I can be totally wrapped up in my Slanket and be comfortable as well.

I wear it all the time now even during the day. The other day I was in my Slanket and the UPS guy knocked on the door. What a dilemma. I thought do I slip out of my Slanket and answer the door or keep it on. You know I kept it on. He looked at me sort of weird and I said: "It's a Slanket." Then I proceeded to chat him up at how fantastic it is. He might be buying one for his wife this Christmas.

My only problem with The Slanket is that the cats love it as much as I do. I keep my Slanket on the sofa since that is where I use it the most and they keep lying on it and falling asleep. I have to fight them for it. Every time I turn around they are on it. I have to keep kicking them off so I can use it.

So I give The Slanket two thumbs up. This is the perfect product for me and if you hate being cold especially during these long winter nights, it might be perfect for you as well. Who would have thought such a simple idea would be the answer to lowering our electric bills as well?

I have to thank Gary at The Slanket for giving me the opportunity to try this product. It is probably one of my favorite items I reviewed! If you want to purchase a Slanket head on over to their site and you can order one for you or for your family and friends! The Slankets are on sale at $32.99 which I think is a fantastic deal! And right now there is free shipping on all orders over $95!! So what are you waiting for? Go get your Slanket!!

Disclosure: As part of my review, I received the product I discussed in this review. No other compensation was given and the opinions in this post are solely mine and are based on my experience with the product. My opinions have not been influenced by the product given.

"Truffle, Caviar or Oysters?" Giveaway @ Marx Foods

Are you a foodie? If so, then enter this wonderful contest over at Marx Foods. If you enter, make sure you tell them that Carolyn over at The Art of Random Willynillyness sent you. If you win, then I win. Just click on the image to enter. WOOHOO!

Que Rica Vida - Xmas Webinar

Here is something fun for my Latino readers and/or Spanish speaking readers. It's also great if you are interested in baking and cooking. Que Rica Vida (a wonderful site in Spanish) will be presenting a Christmas Webinar December 16th @ 4pm EST, 3pm CST and 1pm PST. The webinar will give practical and creative tips for the holidays as well as fun recipes. And not only will you get some fantastic information but you will also be able to participate and win some cool prizes. Woo-Hoo.

To participate call 1 (800) 747-7409 and punch in the code 7642591. While you are waiting to register, go to this site and follow the instructions. You have to complete both steps to participate. In advance of the webinar, you might want to check out this You Tube video of Chef Cristina from Que Rica Vida on how to create that darling snowman cake!!

Para participar sigue estos dos pasos sencillos: Marca gratis al 1-800-747-7409 y pulsa el código 7642591. Mientras esperas a ingresar al webinario por vía telefónica, haz click aquí: https://www.callinfo.com/prt?host=gcc&ac=7642591&an=8007477409 y sigue las instrucciones. SIN ESTOS DOS PASOS, NO ES POSIBLE PARTICIPAR PLENAMENTE.

Como un avance del webinario, aquí te enviamos un link que muestra a la Chef Cristina de Que Rica Vida demostrando como preparar el pastel o cake en forma de hombre de nieve que se ve en la invitación: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HNw6XLVAwuM.

WINNER ~ EcoStore USA $25 Gift Certificate

Drumroll please. The winner of the EcoStore USA $25 Gift Certificate chosen by Random.org is:

bleatham
Congrats! I have sent you an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winner. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank EcoStoreUSA for this great prize and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

WOO-HOO!!

GIVEAWAYS GALORE ROUND UP!!

Wow $75 Sam's Club card. Head on over to The Not so Average mom and enter this fantastic giveaway. ENDS 12/9!

Ramblings of a Texas Housewife has some delish Shortbread up for grabs. Please DO NOT enter this one because I am a total shortbread fanatic and I really really want to win. But i know you guys and you will enter, won't you??

Do you Yoga? Then you might need to enter this giveaway over at The Cloth Diaper for some really cool Hyde Yoga clothes. Woo-hoo, this might motivate me to actually exercise.

Win a $25 Amex Card over at Mommy Mandy. Who can't use a little extra cash during the holidays, right? I know I could. Woo!

Mo money, mo money!! $50 AMEX is up for grabs at Barefoot Mommies. I so need this cash!!! SO don't enter!! ;0)

BlogHer and Aquaphor

Another round of Blogher Contests. This time you can win a Aquaphor Basket and a $100Visa card. The giveaways end December 15. Good luck!!

She Just Walks Around With It
Kirida
1 Ideal Life
Little Bites of Heaven
Looney Tunes
This Northern Life
A Boy and a Girl
Kelly's Korner

WINNER - Alight.com Top!!!

Drumroll please. The winner of the Alight.com Top chosen by Random.org is:

Judy Brittle
Congrats! I have sent you an email. You have 48 hours to get back to me. After 48 hours, I will choose a new winner. So send me your info!! Once I get all the info, I will send it our wonderful sponsor.

I want to thank Alight.com for this great prize and the opportunity for one of my readers to win. I also want to thank everyone who participated. I appreciate your continued support! If you didn't win this one, there are a few more giveaways going on. Look on my sidebar for the current list! There are some really good ones!! So enter and win!!

WOO-HOO!!