Friday, December 30, 2011

FizzButter Luxe Bath Bombs Give It Away - #ChristmasLetdown

***THIS IS A STICKY POST. Please scroll down to see new posts!***



Photobucket



The day after Christmas sometimes feels like a letdown. 
All that preparation, then BAM it's over. 
You're left with a hundred boxes and three garbage bags of torn paper. 
Didn't get what you wanted? You're not alone. 
This will cheer you up! 

The Christmas Letdown Giveaway Hop
hosted by Planet Weidknecht and co-hosted by Going Crazy! Wanna Go? 
runs from December 26 @ 12:01 a.m. EST to December 30 @ 11:59 p.m. EST. 
Each blog on the linky list below has a giveaway worth at least $20.00. 
You can hop from blog to blog and enter to win prizes on every single one!
Good luck and HAPPY NEW YEAR!

 

I have two Prizes. One winner will receive a 12 pack of bath bombs from FizzButter. One winner will receive a $25 Giftcard from Melissa and Doug.

Enter in the Rafflecopter form

Fashion Friday: Winter Workout Wear

It that time of year when we start thinking about getting in shape.  No, really, this is the year we're gonna do it!  Welll...if you're gonna start in January, you're going to need some gear that will keep you warm, 



First, you need a long sleeve shirt that will wick away sweat and regulate your body temperature.  There are a lot of different brands out there, and they don't come cheap.  $40-60 is a standard price.  This one is from Asics. 




Next, you'll need some pants, right?  Now, you can wear your sweatpants, but beware.  The wind will whip right through them.  Nooo, what you're gonna want is some thermal wind-resistant pants.  These are from Mizuno and run about $85.  While I'd love to have a pair of these, I layer workout leggings under a pair of fitted sweatpants. 




If you're a chicky-babe, you understand the need for a good bra.  Working out is no exception!  If you have smaller breasts, you can find a good sports bra many places.  When you have a fuller bust, it's more difficult.  This bra is from Nike and comes in sizes up to 3X!



Now, you'll also need a jacket.  No one wants to exercise in their big, bulky, heavy coat.  No, you want something that's going to keep you warm without getting in the way.  And, you want something that will regulate the temperature so you don't get too hot.  This half zip is awesome for that!  I wear a polar fleece jacket that's somewhat fitted to my body. 




Of course, you need a good pair of shoes.  This is a place that you don;t really want to scrimp, but that's not to say that the most expensive shoes are the ones that are right for you.  Good shoes will last you a long time.  Personally, I like a pair of cross-trainers, as I like the way they support my foot.  I have a pair that are very similar to the ones shown above that I'm getting ready to retire after 3 1/2 years.   These are from Asics and run around $70. 


Other items you may want include an ear warmer headband, gloves, and, depending on how cold it gets where you are, possibly a hat.

Thursday, December 29, 2011

Eden Fantasys - Costume Fun For All - PG-13

The following post is slightly pg-13.  If you're offended, just skip it! 

Have you heard of Eden Fantasys?  I have to admit, I was not familiar with the company until I heard about them from one of my bloggy friends.  

Date Nights

Guest post of the week by Brittany Booker

My husband and I love to watch television together, but we struggle to find shows that we both want to watch at the same time. Normally he’ll want to watch something on the History channel and I’ll want to watch House Hunters International, so he’ll end up upstairs in his “man cave” while I’m downstairs dreaming of houses in Bora Bora. This has changed since we got our direct TV. We now record television shows that we know we’ll both enjoy to watch together, and if we want to watch other shows that happen to come on at the same time we just record those as well. It’s a perfect solution. That way, we’re spending time together without giving up our favorite shows. Admittedly, it’s tough to find shows to watch together based on our wildly different tastes, but with our tons of channel options we can always find a few things. I love the time we get to spend together, and I also love not having to sit through an hour long special on the origins of Alcatraz. It’s a win-win, in my opinion.

Wednesday, December 28, 2011

Giveaway Roundup



Here's the current giveaways at HWYD:

Fizzbutter Bath Bombs OR a Melissa and Doug GC - 2 winners - Ends 12/30, US Only

Mega Blog Ad Campaign! Perfect for bloggers or small businesses! Ends 12/31, open WW

$100 Amazon Twitter Blast - Ends 12/31, open WW

Stalkinator Self Defense System - Ends 1/6, open WW.

SnapSac Eco Friendly Totes - Ends 1/8, US only

UPrinting Die Cut Business Cards - Ends 1/10, US Only

I wanted to get a giveaway up yesterday/today, but ran out of time. Sooo...be on the lookout for the next few days.

PS - I don't know where the image come from. Someone emailed it to me!

Queen of America - Book Review




After his wildly popular novel, The Hummingbird’s Daughter (2005), Luis Alberto Urrea’s second novel, Queen of America, is an epic tale in its own right. Queen of America begins its journey where The Hummingbird’s Daughter’s tale ends.

Based loosely on his own family history, Urrea’s central character is Teresita Urrea, a young girl who has been raped, died, and risen from her own funeral to become the “Saint of Cabora;” a healer, medicine woman, and beloved by those surrounding her.

In 1892, she escapes from the Catholic Church (who shunned her shaman gifts) and Mexican Government when she is 16, leaving with her father to the border towns of Arizona and New Mexico. But she is followed by assassins from the Mexican government - driving the pair far into the United States.

During their journey, Teresita and her father travel from San Francisco to New York and even St. Louis, meeting all sorts of people - those in need of her healing, European royalty, millionaires and beauty queens.

From Kirkus Reviews:

“Mixing religious mysticism, a panoramic view of history, a Dickensian cast of minor characters, and political breast beating, Urreas’ sprawling yet minutely detailed saga both awes and exhausts.”

Although I didn’t read his first novel, there are differing viewpoints as to whether there is a need to read his books in the order written. Queen of America is a great story of the Americas at the turn of the century; its industrialization and spectacle given in immense detail. Urrea has done his homework, and delivered another great story.

Title: Queen of America
Author: Luis Alberto Urrea
Publisher: Hachette Group
Price: $25.99 US/$28.99 Canada

Wordless Wednesday: Santa?

Hmmm...You don't look like Santa.


Drinking Santa's milk.


Eating Santa's cookies.


I guess it's a lump of coal for him!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Winners!

We have winners! Lots and lots of winners!

Left of Trend GC - Sandy
Dulce Mio GC - Olivia
Eco-Foil Prize Pack - Jayne
Dominique - Tiny Prints
Peace Earrings - Jen

I have some new giveaways coming up, too! Ooh la la!

ZOMG Christmas Lights!




I love Christmas lights. Like, really really reallly love them. They just make me happy. When I was a kid, we used to go to the boat parade in Newport Beach, CA. There was also the best Christmas light display I've ever been to. They had a Santa and after waiting in line to see Santa, he knew your name! It wasn't until many, many years later that I found out they had a walkie-talkie system, relaying names. HA!

Our town doesn't really do anything. At all. Nothing from the city, no neighborhoods that go all out. It's really rather Bah Humbug! However, there are a few great displays. There's the Bagwell's Lights. They're a father and son that live next door to one another. The son sort of takes over the yards in the neighborhood with his display.



Then there's the B Hwy Christmas Display. I found this totally by accident! There's about a million Christmas inflatables on display at a couple of houses. Well, according to the facebook page there's 200+



And then there's this house I saw on Puck Daddy. It's actually in Buffalo, NY, but if I can talk a couple other people into it, I may consider doing something similar next year. Of course, we'd have to use a different team.



What about you? Do you dig Christmas lights?

Thursday, December 22, 2011

Fizzbutter Luxe Bath Bombs - Review




I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again!  I adore bath and body products.  Who doesn’t, right?  Well, allow me to introduce you to a new company called Fizzbutter!  Fizzbutter specializes in moisturizing bath fizzies with fabulous shea butter in every bomb. 

SHINE Cards: A Woman's Guide to Herself



The girls over at The SHINE Factor, Mimi and Kim Shannon, are on a mission to empower women - to allow each of us to become who we can be.  I recently received a set of their SHINE Cards and accompanying book to see just how they might help me. If you’ve read my About Me section, you might know that my life’s course was altered drastically this year.  Last Fall, changes occurred, and I literally would not have guessed that this is what I would be doing now. 

Wednesday, December 21, 2011

Dog E Glow Light Up Leashes Review - Holiday Gift Guide





Dog E glow is a totally different kind of dog leash & collar. They light up to help your dog be seen. How cool is that?

When the owner’s beloved pet was hit by a car, they came up with the idea of a lighted collar and leash. With a flexible LED tube sewn into each collar and leash, they are visible for up to 1,000 feet! There’s also two settings for the lights – you can have them blink or have them stay on steadily.


Tuesday, December 20, 2011

'Twas the Night Before Christmas Cash Give It Away




A group of bloggers have gotten together to bring you the 'Twas the Night Before Christmas Cash Giveaway! This giveaway runs from 12:01 AM on Wednesday 12/21 and will run until Saturday, 12/24 at 11:59 PM (all Eastern times). One winner will receive $75 from Paypal or Amazon - winner's choice!

Midwinters Eve Give It Away Event - Digital Photography Book


Welcome to the Midwinter's Eve Giveaway Blog Hop! This hop is hosted by I Am a Reader, Not a Writer & Oasis for YA.



I'm offering a copy of Digital Photography: A Basic Manual.  This is one of the best photography books I've ever seen, and it puts  directions in real language that yo u can follow along with.  No confusing technical jargon!  Read my whole review here.

Super easy Rafflecopter entry after the jump

Digital Photography: A Basic Manual - Review




Are you getting a new camera for Christmas?  Maybe you have someone on your list that’s really into photography?  Perhaps you just want to take better pictures of your everyday life.  If so, Digital Photography – A Basic Manual by Henry Horenstein is the book to get!  

SnapSac Eco Friendly Tote Bundle Give It Away - US



SnapSacs are great eco-friendly bags.  They come in super mod colors and patterns, too.  You can see the full review here

SnapSac has generously offered one HWYD reader a chance to win a 3 tote bundle, valued at $12.50! 

Monday, December 19, 2011

Smallville - How I'd Write Season 11




What would I do if I wrote Smallville?  Hmmm…To start, I think I’d bring back less characters.  As several of the villains have served their purpose in bringing Clark Kent to be Superman, I’d start writing them out.  I’d also focus more on the Clark Kent/Lois Lane relationship. 

One of the other pointd that I’d be sure to make is that Superman is always about doing good.  He doesn’t have a dark, brooding side like some other superheroes.  Clark Kent/Superman is always upbeat and has that good ol’ fashioned boyish charm. 

I’ve always liked to think that if it wasn’t for discovering that he had superpowers, Clark Kent would have become a fireman or police officer.  Maybe I’d have Clark go on to attend the police academy.  Hmmm….how different would that be?  

Now that the 10th season is out on DVD, do you wish that there was an 11th season?  Get the dvd set and watch it again: http://bit.ly/sB4sYu

Perhaps you want to relive the whole season.  You can do that, too!  http://bit.ly/tGOjMX 

"I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Smallville.'" 

Stalkinator Self Defense System - Review & Give It Away - WW


Have you ever been out alone and had that feeling that someone was following you?  Or sometimes when you’re shopping and you might get a little spooked? How about when you’re out jogging, hiking or walking?  Now you can have another line of comfort because Stalkinator is here.  

Saturday, December 17, 2011

Slim Fast Shakes are Tasty

This post brought to you by Slim-Fast. All opinions are 100% mine.

 

Slim-Fast has always been one of the products that I trust when I want to shed a few pounds.  Why, you ask?  Because it works, and I’ve never had any negative side effects.  Between the shakes, the bars, and the new snack packs, Slim Fast is easy to bring with you. 

 

Slim Fast has recently released their new and improved 3-2-1 plan.  With that, you eat the following:

  • 3 healthy snacks – like the 100 calorie Slim Fast snack bars, veggies, fruits, or nuts.
  • 2 Slim Fast Meal Bars or Shakes
  • A healthy, balanced meal containing about 500 calories. 

 

Easy peasy, right?  And the best part is that the Slim Fast products are tasty!  The new shakes are thick and rich, and taste like a treat.  Like a malt!  I noticed that after I drank the shake, my cravings went away.  That’s always my downfall.  I eat when I’m bored, but I didn’t even have the urge!  I think I’m going to put one in the freezer and see what happens.  

 

The shakes come in delicious flavors including Strawberries N Cream, Creamy Milk Chocolate, French Vanilla, Rich Chocolate Royale, and Cappuccino Delight.  I tried the Rich  Chocolate Royale flavor and would totally recommend it – if you like chocolate.  I think I’ll try Cappuccino Delight next. 

 

Slim Fast products are found in stores almost everywhere.  Target, Walmart, Kroger, or your local drug or grocery store all should have the products.   You can also get them online at Amazon or the Slim Fast 3-2-1 store on Facebook. 

Be sure to give Slim-Fast a like on Facebook, too!

Visit Sponsor's Site

Friday, December 16, 2011

Blog Ad Campaign Give It Away - WW

Are you looking to increase your exposure and following for your blog?

22 blogs have joined together to offer you a chance to win a MEGA ad campaign!

The lucky winner will receive:
A promotional post on ALL 22 blogs
Premium Sidebar advertising for the entire month of January on ALL 22 blogs
Weekly Facebook Shout-outs from ALL 22 blogs
Weekly Tweets from ALL 22 blogs

How an Attorney can Help Eliminate Debt

A couple years ago, my best friend – or so I thought - lived with me. At first, I thought it was great. We’d go out to dinner or have cocktails and she’d insist on paying, saying she was happy to do it and she was glad I’d let her move in. All was hunky-dory. Until I found out why she was so glad to pay.

The credit cards were in my name. I didn’t discover that little fact for nearly a year. I was angry. I was hurt. I was wounded. I wanted revenge. I planned to rip her limb from limb, and send the limbs to the four corners of the empire.

Thankfully, my true friends talked some sense into me and we went to an attorney. The attorney was quite empathetic, and was able to start on my case. There were police reports and conference calls. Certified letters and harassing phone calls soon followed.

The attorney was able to get some of the credit card companies to recognize the fact that I didn’t take the cards out. He was able to negotiate many of the cards down. A couple of the cards allowed me to pay just the $50 fraud liability. While I don't think I should have to pay them, it's much better than the alternative.

The friend has since moved to Baton Rouge, so now I have to get another attorney in Louisiana.

This post was sponsored by a company that can help you find an attorney in
Louisiana. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Wednesday, December 14, 2011

$100 Amazon Twitter Blast Give It Away


UPrinting 250 Die Cut Business Cards - Give It Away - US



Want to win 250 super awesome die cut business cards from UPrinting? I know I would!

The winner will have their choice of one of the following designs:
  • 2x3.5" Rounded Corners, 2x2" Rounded Corners, 1.75x3.5" Rounded Corners, 2x3.5" Leaf, 2x3.5 Rounded one corner, 2x3.5" Half Circle Side, 2x3.5" Oval, or 2.5" Circle
  • 14pt Cardstock Gloss / Matte / High Gloss (UV), or 13pt Cardstock Uncoated 
Plus, they'll receive: 
  • 6 Business Days Turnaround time
  • Free US shipping only
How great is that?!


Let Your Voice Be Heard - VOTE!!




Want to have a say in the next HWYD giveaway? Then go vote on the facebook page! Here's the current options.

Who says it's not an interactive blog?

Bestest Cookie Mix Base Recipe Ever! - Entertaining Guide

This is a fantastic cookie mix base that can be altered to make about a zillion different cookies.  This mix is perfect for cookie parties or exchanges, as you just need to make a couple additions and you'll end up with a wide variety!   This is a clone of the pouch mix that comes from your Aunt Betty C. 

You will need:

5 cups All Purpose Flour
5 3/4 cups Granulated Sugar
2 TBSP Baking Powder
2 tsp Salt
1 1/2 C + 2 TBSP Butter or Margarine (3 1/4 sticks)



Tuesday, December 13, 2011

SnapSac Eco Friendly Tote Bag Review



SnapSac is a new company that has really fun reusable shopping bags.  Available in trendy, mod prints, these bags really set themselves apart from the other shopping bags on the market. 

Mod dots, zigzags, argyle, and polka dots are all patterns that are featured in the line, as well as popular shades of grey, sunny yellow, navy blue, red, and crisp white.  Snapsacs are also a lot heavier fabrics than other bags on the market.   They’re made from a non-woven fabric and fold flat for easy storage!   And if the bag gets dirty or you have a leak?  Just toss it in the washer!  

Mixbook Holiday Cards Review




Mixbook has a ton of different designs for your holiday cards. You can peruse their selection and upload your own image to personalize the cards.

I realize it’s sort of late to order cards, but think about Valentine’s or Easter cards! What about ordering thank you cards to send out?


Monday, December 12, 2011

ZoneFast Weight Loss Program1-2-3 Review




The Zone Weight Loss Program is one of the well-known alternative diet plans.  It’s a high protein plan, but it doesn’t eliminate carbs.  As a cookie & cake kinda girl, this is important to me.  The Zone is also good for diabetics as it doesn’t spike your blood sugar levels. 

The Zone 1-2-3 plan is a scientifically based plan that eliminates the “toxic fat” that is stored in your body at the cellular level.  Toxic fat (really, arachidonic acid) is created by corn, wheat, and vegetable oils like safflower, corn, sunflower, and soy. 

Siam Natural Soap Review + Give It Away - US


Siam Natural Soap has a unique take on beauty. Using natural solutions from Southeast Asia that have been passed down for generations, Siam Natural creates their line with a modern twist.

I’m a huge fan of handmade soap, so I was very excited to receive a Honey Coconut Facial Scrub. Made from natural products like coconut, honey, coconut milk, olive oil, and essential oils, this scrub has a great scent. It’s a very thick, almost putty like, scrub and has a very natural look.


$100 Amazon Twitter Blast



What is a Twitter Blast? You the blogger can join for free with one account – Twitter. Then we will provide the prize-$100 Amazon card.
Amee from Madame Deals and Jen from all her blogs  (Kobiso, Makobi Scribe, Sason and Pobi, etc) are the sponsors!!
What do you need to do to join? 
  • Post about the event with the button linking back to this post. (Right click save the image)
  • Fill out this form - sign ups close Dec 14th at 9 AM EST.
  • Post the Rafflecopter on your blog and your Facebook page for the event. You can get it here
  • Then schedule the giveaway post to go live on Dec 15 11:59 PM EST to Jan 1 12:01
  • You can post on every blog you have, one post per twitter account.
  • The sponsors will email you on the 14th to remind you.

Friday, December 9, 2011

Smallville: Clark Learns to Fly!




Did you watch the last season of Smallville?  I sort of felt like the show lost it’s way.  Was it just me or did they add a litany of characters starting mid season 9?   I know, I know.  They had to have Clark turn into Superman and realize his powers, but it was almost like the writers felt the need to introduce every character that had ever been mentioned in the comic books

Danger lurked around every corner!  And all the different kinds of Kryptonite?  C’mon!  .   I felt that it detracted from the storyline and made the series muddled. 

However, when Clark got the Superman costume from his dad, errr…Mr Kent, it melted even my stone cold heart a little. 

Do you have a Smallville super fan?  How about a comic geek?  Wouldn't a DVD box set make a great gift for them?  
What did you think of the final season?  Let me know in the comments

I have been hired by Warner Bros WBWord division to raise awareness for 'Smallville.'

How To Shave with a Brush and Safety Razor

Shaving really has become a lost skill.  Usually, it’s such a chore that you totally dread doing it.  Add in the cuts, nicks, razor burn and irritated skin, sometimes I wonder why we do it at all.  It doesn’t have to be that way, though.  Here’s how to get a great shave. 

The key items that you need are a nice razor, a great shaving brush, and a glycerin based shaving cream or soap.  These usually come in cakes/bars or a small tub or canister. 

Fashion Friday: Scrubs Have Style



Scrubs have come a long way, baby!  My dad worked at a hospital and always wore scrubs.  They were just plain in whatever color the hospital was using at the time.  Sometimes blue, sometimes green or burnt orange scrubs.  Never with any real fit or style to them.  

My my my, how times have changed.  I noticed while at the Dr’s office one day that the gals all had super-stylish scrubs on.  One even had a cotton knit top that looked like something I would wear to work!  And they came in modern colors like red, turquoise, even black.  I was quite impressed. 

If you’d like to see some of the new styles of scrubs, check out http://www.blueskyscrubs.com/categories/Scrubs/Scrubs-for-Women/Original-Scrubs/

brought to you by your friends at Blue Sky Scrubs

Carpet Cleaning

I always like having my carpets cleaned.  I like the way the freshly cleaned carpets feel on my feet, as I rarely wear shoes in the house.  I’ve tried the DIY machines, and they just don’t seem to work as well. I don’t know if I’m doing it wrong – which is totally possible – or what! 

If you’re in the Austin or Dallas area, try http://www.thesteamteam.com/   They’re an all encompassing carpet, floor, and cleaning service.  The Steam Team does carpet cleaning, tile & grout cleaning, steam cleaning and more.  They even do fire and water damage restoration Austin.  If you’ve ever had a flood or fire, you know how messy the aftermath can be. 

Next time you’re thinking about having your carpets  cleaned, think about The Steam Team! 

brought to you by your friends at The Steam Team

My Ugly Place - Easy Changes


I’m always looking for new stuff for my house.  Whether it’s a big change (hello new wood floors!) or small changes like new accessories, I like to change it up. 


Pillows are a great way to make changes.  I think these Zebra Pillow Shams  are great!  And you know how much I love animal print.  



Or how about a  new Nativity Stable?  It is the holidays, after all.  I like the rustic feel of this one.  




And for a big change, you could re-do your bathroom.  Free standing shower stalls are fairly easy to install and can be relatively inexpensive.  A multi head body shower?  Yes Please!


 
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