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Holiday Cards from Shutterfly!

November 30, 2014 By 7 Comments

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Thanksgiving is over and now it’s that time of the year! Time to send out Holiday  and Christmas Cards! Shutterfly is my favorite to-go-to website for cards because they have so many choices! Above are two of my favorites this year. I love how you can personalize them so easily and that there are so many choices. There really are so many choices that it is difficult to choose but after choosing the theme, it is so easy to add photos and your text.

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I really like how the one my son and I designed this year! (Above photo).

Just check out these awesome holiday cards at Shutterfly !”  And, don’t forget to check out all the wonderful holiday photo gifts at Shutterfly !”

We have teamed up with our friends at Shutterfly for a Holiday Giveaway! One winner will win  $50 off total order so you can design your own cards (plus free shipping) code at Shutterfly!  Next,  visit the Holiday Cards landing page at Shutterfly (click on our link above!) and leave a comment below telling us one of your favorite card designs. Deadline to enter is December 5th, 2014 at noon PST! One winner will randomly be selected from all entries.

Self Disclosure: I have received compensation (photo credit for free) to facilitate this feature but any opinions expressed are my own.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

A DIY Holiday

November 29, 2014 By 2 Comments

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Design and function offer the perfect gift for new families looking to capture that first smile this holiday as LivingPlug introduces its DIY and personalized Faceplate program to its energy-efficient line of INLETs. The INLET turns a standard outlet into three receptacles helping organize electronic devices while also providing a USB charger. And for families with small children the INLET includes a tamper resistant feature for childproofing.

“Most people don’t think about the outlet until it electrocutes a child and when we learned over 2,400 children visit the hospital because of playing with the outlet we created a design-worthy, multi-use product that could reduce accidents along with the energy bill,” says co-founder Samuel Leichman. “Capturing a child’s expression or an inspirational quote, or an artistic image on a faceplate turns the ugly outlet into a unique design element for any room in the house or office.”

During the holidays, power to light up trees, twinkling house lights and other decorations can increase monthly bills by more than $5 a day or $150/month. The “UNplug” button allow users to stop power to devices when not in use without pulling cords from the wall. On average, plugged-in electronic devices are 15-25% of the monthly bill.

The LivingPlug INLET retails for $25 and each faceplate is $25. Personalizing is FREE. Just upload an image and order. Preview the holiday collection or purchase online at LivingPlug or on Amazon.  Please visit LivingPlug for more information.

Credit:  LivingPlug. No compensation or products were received. I have reviewed LivingPlug in the past.

 

Filed Under: Featured Products of the Week

“Jefrey Au-Go-Go!” – For the Sheer Fun of It – New Kids’ Album from Jefrey Siler

November 29, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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Critically praised indie musician Jeffrey Siler has packed multiple lives into less than four decades and rightfully calls home both the U.S. and Australia, with plenty of performing credits over and under the equator.  With his latest project, Siler takes on an entirely new, “just for the fun of it” persona as Jefrey Au-Go-Go.  His debut children’s album, Jefrey Au-Go-Go!, is set for release on January 20.

Language conveys meaning, but it also entertains.  Jefrey Au-Go-Goknows how to write enchanting songs that present a feast of alliteration and clever rhymes, playing with language for the sheer delight of the sound of the words.

“This album is the first where I’ve completely let ‘me’ be ‘myself,'” says Jefrey.  “I loved letting go of the seriousness of rock, re-approaching the music with fewer inhibitions, and just enjoying playing.  Working within the constraints of having to keep songs fun, simple, and somewhat upbeat actually helped me to become more concise and creative.  Necessity really is the mother of invention!”

Jefrey Siler’s music for adults has been described by Flagpole Magazineas “hugely dynamic.”  The Stranger praised “a songwriter’s mind in simpatico with his surroundings, letting songs bloom with resonance.”  As a children’s musician, Siler brings his dynamism and songwriter’s creativity front and center, crediting such influences as The Muppets Take Manhattan, Jack Black in School of Rock, and even the mighty Flight of the Conchords.

Jefrey Au-Go-Go! kicks off with “Peter the Pushy Puppy,” a great example of wild and zany vocal delivery that rollicks through at least three very entertaining, silly octaves.  “Ippo The Hippo” vacillates among outrageous accents (North Carolina backwoods to comic Italian and everything in between).  “Cheeky Alligator” thrives on a spooky vocal setting with lovely background voices that seem oblivious to the zaniness of the lyrics.  “Perry The Pirate,” a descendant of Cyril Ritchard’s unforgettable Captain Hook, offers non-stop silliness.   The fun continues right up to bedtime with a jolly, nocturnal “Pajama Parade” followed by the tale of a family of bears on “Mountain Called Change.”

I received a copy of this CD and it is silly! Younger children will be highly entertained! Be prepared for lots of laughter and smiles!
Jefrey Au-Go-Go! will be available online at CDBaby.com, iTunes, and Bandcamp.

Visit Jefrey Au-Go-Go on Facebook.

Check out Jefrey Au-Go-Go’s website at www.jefreyaugogo.com

Self Disclosure: I received a free CD to facilitate this feature. Photo Credit: Jefrey Siler.

Filed Under: Media Reviews

New Video from Brooklyn-based Jefrey Au-Go-Go

November 29, 2014 By Leave a Comment

Brooklyn-based indie musician Jefrey Siler calls both Australia and the US home; he’s been praised by critics in both countries.  Jefrey will release his first children’s album in January, and he’s  taken on a new persona, becoming Jefrey-Au-Go-Go.   His influences include Maurice Sendak, E.B. White, and Jack Black.  Indeed, he’s been called “the Jack Black of children’s music.”
Here (see above), for your viewing pleasure is a video based on “Peter the Pushy Puppy” from the album, Jefrey Au-Go-Go!  Enjoy!
Credit: Jefrey Au-Go-Go!
Filed Under: Media Reviews

Holiday Time with Hallmark!

November 29, 2014 By 20 Comments

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Most of my friends know that I am a BIG Snoopy fan! I grew up with the Peanuts and they are still a favorite of mine today! I also love Hallmark! I have also loved them since I was a kid so it is exciting to be able to review their wonderful products. I Recently was given the opportunity to review one of Hallmark’s Keepsake ornaments and was told to pick  my top three favorite ornaments from the Dream Book. This one (above) was my top choice and I was thrilled to receive it!

Hark! Music Fills the Air! with the Peanuts gang is just perfect! I love that it is musical too! Just turn the knob on the back of the ornament to see the characters move and hear their version of “Hark! The Herald Angels Sing!” This is just too cute and can’t wait to put it on my Christmas Tree this year!

Another fun thing that Hallmark is doing this year is they are giving away weekly prizes in their #KeepsakeIt contest! Share your Keepsake moments but hurry!   This contest is only open through 12/18! You simply use  the hashtag #KeepsakeIt with your picture of keepsake moments (on Instagram/Twitter). Click HERE to find out more!

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You can find all the ornaments HERE. But, we have also teamed up with our friends at Hallmark for a Holiday Giveaway! One winner will win their own Keepsake Ornament from Hallmark. Hallmark will choose a surprise one to send. To enter, check out one of the links above of the Keepsake Ornaments. Leave us a comment below telling us your favorite! It’s as simple as that! Deadline to enter is December 5th, 2014 at noon PST. One winner will randomly be selected from all entries via Random.org.

 

Self Disclosure: I received a free Hallmark Keepsake Ornament to facilitate this holiday feature and all opinions expressed are my own. 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Harbor Breeze Cruises for Holiday fun!

November 29, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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This past week, my family had the opportunity to sail away…well…for 45 minutes on a Harbor Breeze Cruise. This really is a fun family thing to do! It’s both fun and educational as you learn fun facts about the port, Queen Mary, Sea Lions and more! You can also go on a longer cruise because they have Whale Watching Cruises too. This one is my favorite though because it is a nice calm and fun experience! They are open daily and what a great thing to do this holiday season!

To find out more, check out the website! You can also visit the wonderful Aquarium of the Pacific because it is right next door!

Self Disclosure: I received family media comps to facilitate this post.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Laura Mercier’s 2014 Holiday Colour Story

November 29, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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The Look:

  • This collection is all about eyes – so wear these enhancers alone or lay on top of any of Laura’s pressed eye shadows for instant transformation
  • From discrete day to a high impact textural diamond effect for night

 

 HOLIDAY COLOUR STORY – CHAMELEON

Product Product Detail Shade Detail Price
Smoky Suede Eye Colour Palette

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 Soft, cushiony colour that gives you a flawlessly air-brushed effect.  Wear alone, layered or blended to create your customized smoky eye look from sheer to intense.
  • Palette Includes:

o  5 Suede Eye Colours

  • Noir
  • Black Magic
  • Graphite
  • Slate
  • Ivory

o  Double-Ended Creme Eye Colour/ Smoky Eye Liner Brush

 $55
Eye Transformer Trios

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 Laura’s latest way to decorate the lip.  Play, experiment and have fun with colour-coordinated trios of lip essentials.
  • New, Limited Edition

o   Rose Quartz

o   Black Diamond

 $32
All Over Face Colour Brush

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 Super-sized and spotted, this kabuki face brush is perfectly tapered for shimmering colour.
  • New, Limited Edition

 

 $50
Shimmer Bloc

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 A unique baked formula that applies effortlessly while brightening the eyes, cheeks & body with a hint of natural colour and light. Light-reflecting properties blend together to give the skin a healthy all-over glow.
  • Repromote

o   Pink Mosaic

 $40
Baked Eye Colour

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 An innovative wet/dry Eye Colour formula featuring Baked technology in beautiful shades that last all day.
  • Repromote

o   Ballet Pink

o   Black Karat

 $24
Rouge Nouveau Weightless Lip Colour

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 Laura re-invents lipstick with this 100% wax-free lip colour that delivers pure, long-lasting breathable colour and comforts with lip-nourishing hydration. The light-as-air formula feels completely weightless on lips.
  • Repromote

o   Coy

 $25

 

 

Self Disclosure: No compensation was received. Credit: Laura Mercier.

 

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner

Holiday Sparkle with NYC New York Color

November 28, 2014 By Leave a Comment

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NYC New York Color Sparkle Eye Dust ($2.99): This pure, pigmented eye dust instantly illuminates eyes with serious sparkle and true color payoff.  This richly pigmented eye shadow has an alluring, pearlescent finish that accentuates eyes with an instant pearl shimmer. Available in Opal Sparkle, Aquamarine Sparkle, Diamond Dust, Amethyst Dazzle, Amber Glitz, Smokey Topaz, Bronze Shimmer,  Brilliant Sapphire, Golden Champagne and Pink Topaz.

I received a sample of Amethyst Dazzle and Bronze Shimmer and love the color! They also are such fun colors for the holiday!  Find them at local stores that sell NYC New York Color Products.

 

Self Disclosure: I received free samples to facilitate this post. Photo Credit: NYC New York Color.

Filed Under: Beauty and Fashion, Beauty and Fashion Corner
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