Dino Lingo Language Learning Program for Kids

I recently sampled a clip of the Dino Lingo Learning Program for Kids as an Influenster Member. For those of you who haven't heard on the Influenster program, it's a great way to try out new products and get free stuff without having to pay anything! You can sign up or her more information right here.

The clip of Dino Lingo I watched along with my 2 year old daughter was the Hebrew language clip. You can watch the same clip here. My daughter was completely interested in the clip & I'd love for her to be able to see the whole DVD. It is proven that children who start learning an additional language under the age of 3, have a better chance of not only learning the language, but retaining the information better than someone learning later on in life.

I love that kids are leaning without realizing it. The clip & DVD's are fun cartoons with cute little dinosaurs. I would even watch too & who knows, maybe I'll learn along with my daughter!

Disclaimer: This post was not sponsored or paid. It was written as part of my membership in the Influenster Program.I have the possibility of getting a Dino Lingo Learning Program DVD in the language of my choice for writing this post. The opinions on this post are my own. If you wish to copy and/or publish any information seen here, please contact me to request permission.

How to Prepare Your Home for a Holiday Party

The holiday season is upon us. Feels to me like it snuck up since I was preoccupied with the Election madness, but now that that's all over with, I can now concentrate on making my home party-ready! 

I love to have friends & family over all year round but there's just something about the Winter Holidays that makes me feel nostalgic about past holidays & thankful for today's. 

I am not saying that I'm Martha Stewart by any means, one can only dream, but there are certain details that I like to prepare that many forget about. 

We all know that cleaning is the 1st step to preparing for house guests, since we don't want people thinking your house is a mess, that's always the first order of business. 

Second, I like to remember little details, especially in area's that guests will be frequenting such as bathrooms & guest rooms. In the guest bath I like to keep a basket of trial size toiletries handy, just in case anyone forgets toothbrush, razors, fragrance & deodorant. This isn't expensive at all to do, especially when you are big on snagging freebies on the Internet like I am. I also like to have a magazine stand in a guest room with assorted magazines for all interests as well as books, since you never know when insomnia will sneak up on you. 

Third, decorating for the holidays is such a fun part for so many of us, bringing back great memories of decorating with family & friends. Speaking of holiday decor, have you checked out Kmart lately? They have some amazing deals on decor right now! You can check them out here.

Fourth, I love to set the stage for an inviting home by adding fragrance. Sometimes I use sprays and candles but more often then not, I love to actually cook things that small yummy. Who doesn't love walking into a home that is fragrant with the scent of chocolate chip cookies or cinnamon & apple cider? 

Last, but not least, good food & even better family as well as friends is what makes a holiday gathering. I love to prepare as much as possible beforehand, even freezing well ahead of time so time can be spent with guests. 

Enjoy quality time with everyone & try not to worry about cooking during your gathering. 

Thanks for much for reading. 

Disclaimer: This post was sponsored by Kmart on behalf of Smiley360.com and a gift card was provided. The opinions expresses, however, are and remain my own. If you wish to copy any of my post I only ask that you give me proper credit & link back to my blog. Thank you.

Win an iPad from MediaCast!

I just found out about a great contest going on over at MediaCast - they are giving away an iPad to celebrate the launch of their new app! You can enter the contest here: http://www.mediacastblog.com/win-an-ipad/#

What is MediaCast? It's a company that specializes in digital media management. What is this, you ask? It encompasses live broadcasting, video-conferencing as well as online course creation and hosted streaming. This is a wonderful service for any classroom to have since we all use technology so much in our everyday life and our kids are no exception. Whether you home school or teach in a school you can utilize MediaCast's services to fit your classroom needs.

Their blog has all sorts of great posts such as: Homework Help Videos, Wired for Mobile Learning, Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), and Technology and Younger Students.

Being a parent of three children ages 2, 12 and 17 I know that bringing more technology into the classroom would not hurt, but it would help the kids learn since they are always so interested in using any technology they can get their hands on. If your kids are anything  like mine then you may find MediaCast to be a valuable resource for yourself, your children's school and their teachers.

You may visit MediaCast's blog at http://www.mediacastblog.com/ for much more information or to enter this terrific contest!

Disclaimer:
I am not being endorsed in any way by MediaCast for writing this post. This post was written as a form of entry for this contest to win an iPad. My thoughts on the product are my own.

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If your answer is yes, then all you need to do is head over to  http://www.roofing-directory.com and enter. I love easy giveaways, don't you? 

I was not compensated for this post in any way.

Would you like to win a brand new 16GB WiFi iPad 3?

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Venus & Olay Razor Product Review

Gillette Venus and Olay got together and made the prefect razor with the new Gillette Venus &  Olay razor. expertise. Olay Moisture Bars (built into the razor) help lock-in moisture to your skin for less dryness, the best part of this is that you don't need separate shaving cream! What a great idea! A razor that actually works well with the all in one Olay Moisture Bars so no more schlepping razors &  shave cream to the gym, on vacation (where you can only bring 3oz of shave cream on a plane anyway) , and anywhere else you need great shaving as well as portability! I highly recommend this razor since it works great & also because of the convenience.

www.gillettevenus.com

Product Details

• Venus’ five-bladed razors shave you close and adjust to women’s curves for a smooth and comfortable shave, even over tricky shaving areas like knees and ankles.
• Olay Moisture Bars contain skin-enhancing elements found in Olay products: Petrolatum helps lock in skin’s moisture for less dryness and Glycerin helps offer that goddess glow! Just wet the razor to release a light lather – no separate shave cream required.
• As with most Venus razors, new Venus &  Olay also features a rounded, pivoting head designed for women’s curves, and a soft-grip ergonomic handle for confident control, even in wet and soapy environment

Where to Buy

A refillable Venus & Olay with one replacement cartridge sells for approximately $8.99-$10.99. Packages of three replacement cartridges are available for about $14.99 - $19.49.

Venus &  Olay will be available starting March 15, 2012 at food, drug, convenience and mass merchandise stores throughout the United States.  

Note: I received this product complimentary to test through Influenster’s VoxBox program 

Truvía® natural sweetener Product Review

I have to preface my review by saying that I am not a fan of any artificial sweetener at all. I abhor diet sodas & low calorie foods because I find they leave a nasty aftertaste. That being said: Truvía®  is an all natural great-tasting, zero-calorie sweetener  right from the leaves of the stevia plant. It tastes so good, that I am now no-longer using strictly sugar, but am switching over to Truvía® ! 


I also made the Mojito recipe features at http://truvia.com/recipes/beverages/mojito/
It was delicious! I didn't miss regular sugar one bit! Try it for yourself! It's amazing!


o   One packet of Truvía^® natural sweetener provides the same sweetness as two teaspoons of sugar.
o   Truvía^® natural sweetener is refreshingly uncomplicated.  Add it to coffee and tea.  Sprinkle it on fruit and cereal.
o   Truvía^® natural sweetener is a great alternative for people with diabetes. It is also kosher certified. 



Truvía^® natural sweetener is available nationally at most major retailers and in package sizes of 40-count, 80-count, 140-count and a spoonable jar.  



Check out their website at www.truvia.com


Note: I was provided a sample of the product from Influenster's Voxbox program for free. My opinion are, however, my own & I was not paid for them. 

Kiss Nail Dress: Nail Art that Sticks

I was recently introduced to Kiss Nail Dress for the first time & was amazed at how easy it is to have cool looking art on my nails. You literally just peel, apply & shape it for nail art that lasts up to 10 days. It peels back off so you don't even need polish remover! This product is perfect for anyone on the go, or who doesn't have a ton of time to have their nails done professionally. Nail dress is available is 18 different styles, even some with jewels! Top coat is built right in to save even more time. 

I received a package of leopard print Nail Dress & love the look of it. I have it on my toe nails which my 17 year old daughter has them on her fingers. We've both had them on for a good week with no chips, tears or fading! 

With 28 strips in each package, you can cut up your extras to create designs that can be used on top of polished or artificial nails. Nail Dress doesn’t dry out the way other polish strips can, so you can save them to use on your next DIY mani. A nail design booklet is included in each package, just in case you need a little inspiration.

Where to Buy

Nail Dress’ suggested retail is $6.99 and is available in all major drug chains and mass retailers like WalMart, CVS and Walgreens.


Visit KissNailDress.com to learn more!

Note: I received this product complimentary for testing and review purposes from Influenster's Voxbox program

Suave® Keratin Infusion Kit

My hair has always been naturally curly...My nickname when I was little was Shirley Temple if that gives you a clue (and if you're over 30 you'll know who I'm talking about). When Japanese Thermal Reconditioning 1st came out & I lived in PA, I actually used to travel to NYC to get it done (because it was that much cheaper there...always looking for a bargain). It's been about 10 years since I last straightened my hair professionally & I've been hearing all this buzz about Keratin Treatments. I decided to try the Suave® Keratin Infusion Kit when I was shopping at Wal-Mart with my husband. 

When I 1st read the box, I got a bit apprehensive as it says you should not use it at all on bleached or hair which is lightened significantly. You see, I recently went from dark drown to dark blonde... Being the brave soul that I am, I decided to go for it...after all, if it went bad I could just get my hair chopped since I have plenty of length :)

The process is 3 steps, 2 of which consist of rinsing so don't start this unless you have plenty of time to finish it... When you apply the 1st product, it smells just like perm solution/relaxer so you know exactly what you're in for (I only left it on for 15 min instead of the 20 directed). The 2nd step is slightly better smelling & the last step is a conditioner which is also sold separately that I WILL be buying since it is amazing! I'm posting my photo to show how my hair looks now & no, it's not pin-straight but it is as straight as I would ever want it to be :) If the directions are followed, yours should look awesome!

 I wasn't paid or endorsed by Suave in any way & my opinions are my own.