Add My Bling
The Frigidaire Swap and Save – Energy Star Rating
The newly introduced Frigidaire line (the new fridge that I’ve been talking about from time to time) just received the EPA’s prestigious 2010 Energy Star award for their “Swap and Save” Energy Star Promotion. This award recognizes Frigidaire’s commitment to smart energy management and its efforts to share the importance of energy efficiency with a wide audience. (I save money on my electricity bill) In addition to the time-saving features you already know about, the new Frigidaire collections also save you considerable amounts of energy and water – from washers that use up to 82% less energy and 60% less water, to dishwashers that use at least 41% less energy and 40% less water than was used just 10 years ago.
What you can do is go the Frigidaire’s website and check out their swap and save and you can find out how much money you can save by purchasing a new appliance.
The Frigidaire refrigerator saves me time because it is so easy to keep organized. The shelves are easy to adjust making a perfect fit for creamer, milk, jams and everything we keep in the door.
I also save time with the freezer because in my old fridge, I had a bottom drawer and the only way to find stuff was to dig. My new freezer side of the fridge the drawers are smaller and I have them organized into, cheese drawer, meat drawer, and a frozen veggie drawer. Then we have a shelf with frozen fruit and the door has some extras. My husband loves the top shelf in the freezer because he says it’s made especially for ice cream cartons.
In this picture it’s empty but since then he has filled that empty top shelf with two cartons of ice cream. I’ll have to get a picture of that too.
“I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a Frigidaire Refrigerator to facilitate my review.”
Sewcrafts Boutique Style Items
March 7, 2010 · Filed Under review · 6 Comments
Sewcrafts is an on-line store on Etsy that sells Boutique Style Items at affordable prices. Their handmade items are quite cute dressing babies and kids in style. You can find Bibs and Burps, Baby Gift Sets, Blankets, and Eco Friendly Wash Cloths.
Sewcrafts sent me an item to donate to the charity of my choice. They sent a Carters onsie with a cute appliqué on it. It looked much like this cute baby outer space one except it was for girls and pink.
Another item that caught my attention from the site was the Hot Pink Cat Print dress.
Thank you Sewcrafts for your wonderful donation.
Scene It? Twilight Edition Review
The Game Review Network selected me to review Twilight Scene It. I love the Scene It games, but what I love even more is Twilight. I’m one of those crazy fanatics over the books. I have read all four books three times and am ready to read them again. You might think that I need to get into a new books series but I just love reading it over and over and over again.
Does that help me with the Scene It Twilight? No Way!!
I own a copy of the movie and love to watch it over and over again, but that doesn’t help me with the trivia either. Why?
The Trivia is HARD!
So who is the author is not the hardest question, but that’s not in the movie right?
And I did learn that she was in the movie but I have no idea who she was.
The Board has both Bella and Edward on it and that isn’t the only way that the movie icons are illustrated in the game. The tokens that four players can choose from are Charlie’s house, a baseball, Bella’s truck, and Edward’s piano. All are huge representations of Bella’s eventful stay in Forks.
You can advance around the board by answering triva questions or DVD based puzzles. Sometimes you’ll get to watch a scene, but it doesn’t mean the question is going to pertain to anything you just watched. It’s still fun to re-live the scenes though.
Product Features
- Features clips from the movie Twilight!
- Unique mini-games test your observation, memory and puzzle-solving skills
- Bonus activities like What Cullen are You? and How to Throw a Scene It? Twilight Party
- Includes four collectible metal tokens, 100 trivia cards and 30 Fate cards
- Race friends and family around the game board – Be the first to make the Twilightning Round!
What’s in the Box
DVD, game board, 4 collectible metal tokens, 100 trivia cards, 30 Fate cards, 1 six-sided numbered die, 1 eight-sided category die, 4 category reference cards, and instruction sheet.Like any other Scene it game it’s a great game to get out during a party and if you have a bunch of moms over that love Twilight it is sure to be a huge hit. I like just watching all the scenes and Dr. Cullen lead the game.
Twilight was provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency through The Game Review Network.
Rooms: the main building Preview
Thanks to Fortyseven Communications on behalf of Hudson Entertainment I received a demo copy of Rooms for the Wii. I popped it in and gave it a shot. This is my preview:
Game Description:
In Rooms, players use various items and the guidance of their host, Mr. Book, to navigate a series of surreal mansions. With the right combination of intellect, strategy and various objects, players must carefully shift pieces in the current room around, in a manner similar to slide puzzles, to keep moving forward. Players are also rewarded with a bonus if the background is placed correctly. With more than 100 rooms and a level editor to create even more, players will be enjoying their own unique puzzle adventure for ages to come. 
Rooms: the main building launches March 23 for the Wii and DS for $29.99.
Playing the Game:
Rooms took me a little bit to get into. I felt like the introduction was just a little bit too long. I had to keep hitting the A button to continue the conversation.
The Introduction:
There is a boy and he finds a gift. When he opens the gift it transports him to a new world and he runs into the book. The book is his guide and is going to help him reach the exit. The kid just wants to go back home but follows the instructions hoping to get done soon.
The Play:
The object is to get to the final room. It’s a puzzle game, you have to find a key to unlock rooms and then go from puzzle piece to puzzle piece until you can get to the exit. Each level adds a stage of difficulty and objects get in the way.
There are things to help you along the way but to continue to gain these you have to defeat more levels. With each level you get to a new room and closer to the exit. Just remember, if you enter a room with water in it you will drown. I died very quickly because I wasn’t thinking and entered a room full of water.
There will be more options for play but they are locked down until later in March.
My Thoughts:
As I stated above, I didn’t like the feel of the introduction and almost put the game down. I’m happy that I didn’t though because I love puzzle games. I’m addicted to puzzle games. You know, I would be playing puzzle games all day long if only I didn’t have children or a life. My other thoughts are that this would be better on the DS, and it is available on the DS in addition to the Wii. I would prefer the closer screen and smaller play area for this game. I would also be interested in testing out the level editor. That sounds like a whole lot of fun.
Features
• Designed for Nintendo: Point and Click Controls that are perfect for the Nintendo Wii Remote™ and the Nintendo DS Stylus™.
• Play inside of intuitive and amusing rooms as you use objects and your wits to escape from it.
• Over 100+ rooms to go through as you make your way through the buildings of this mystifying world.
• Includes a Level Editor to create your own levels!Platform Specific Features:
Wii
Two player competition. Square off against another player: Items in rooms are placed so that you are racing against the opponent as they try to exit the room first. Players cannot enter the opponent’s area but the exit for both players is the same
DS
Create AND share your levels: You have all the objects necessary to build your level from the beginning. Brag about the quality of the levels you’ve created by sharing them with your friends!
New York Style Risotto Chips Review
March 4, 2010 · Filed Under review · 2 CommentsLunch Treat:
We recently received the New York Style Risotto Chips to review. We received three bags, the Spicy Marinara, Sea Salt and Parmesan Roasted Garlic. Being the frugal person that I am I will only open one package at a time when I’m trying things. I hate for something to lose it’s freshness before I have a chance to get it all eaten. So I opened one bag so far. We tried the Spicy Marinara for lunch.
The Spicy Marinara:
To me this flavor is like being in a Mexican Restaurant. The chips are light and easy to find yourself at the end of the bag. The flavor is rich and powerful. The coating is just enough in my opinion. It isn’t too much and it isn’t lacking. They crunch just like chips, get stuck in my teeth just like chips, but have a better texture making them light and airy. If I found them on-sale and had a coupon and wasn’t on a diet I would buy them.
The Other Two:
I haven’t had a chance to try them yet. My only concern with all of the chips is the amount of calories they have in a serving. Of course, I haven’t checked out the amount of calories in a bag of chips in a long time. They are a good source of fiber though and you won’t find that in a bag of chips.Light, crispy and delightfully dippable, Risotto Chips™ are great as a side for deli sandwiches, crumpled into a steaming bowl of hearty soup or enjoyed with your favorite spreads and dips. Of course, they’re also tasty right out of the bag!
Risotto Chips™ are all natural, have 0 grams trans fat, are gluten free and offer 11 grams whole grains—all without sacrificing taste. Available in three palate-pleasing flavors, Sea Salt, Parmesan & Roasted Garlic and Spicy Marinara.
Buy and Save:
You can print a coupon by visiting the New York Style website. If you join the Central Park Club, you will automatically receive a $0.75 OFF coupon for any New York Style product.
New Series on NBC: Parenthood Premiers 3/2
February 28, 2010 · Filed Under review · 7 Comments
When I first heard about Parenthood, my husband was telling me of a re-cast for the show and it hadn’t even started. Maura Tierney was supposed to be in the show, NBC postponed the show for her Breast Cancer Treatments, but then she resigned and they reluctantly re-cast her. I believe the recast went to Lauren Graham; the role as Sarah. I like both actresses, I think I like Maura more because she was on ER. You know, even my grandmother is looking forward to this show. She likes Lauren more because of Gilmore Girls. Never would have picked my grandmother as a Gilmore Girls fan. The song, Forever Young, used in the movie in a few different places is a tear jerker. It’s not my favorite version of it but it still brings tears to my eyes when I hear it. Wishing to stay in that perfect moment forever, I ask my kids to stop growing up.
NBC sent me a screener of Parenthood and it’s defiantly a show I could get into. After spending a long two weeks with my family, I find myself wishing I was in the Braverman family. Man, the grandparents are the most understanding people I have seen. They let their now single daughter, with uncontrolled children move into the house. They have meals together completely civilized. Now, maybe all this easy going stuff is just for the trailer right? Or is that what America needs, maybe we are finally going to be getting a show that goes back to love. There will be drama, current relevant family drama, but the rest is going to be how a family unit comes together and fights their problems as one. I’m sure this is going to be a show that will have me in tears often. I was crying just watching the premier.
I think NBC is trying to reach out to all the audiences out there with a single mom of two teenagers getting into trouble and the good son with a child diagnosed with Asperger’s syndrome, grandfather who favors tough love but falters when his kids needs him, a woman so excited about becoming a mother that she purchased sperm, and an unprepared man who has suddenly become a father.
Here is a Sneak Peek:
Children’s Book Reviews: Snow Takes the Checker! Quickly: The Magic Spatula
February 25, 2010 · Filed Under review · 6 CommentsThanks to the Parent Reviewers I received two books to review, Snow Takes the Checker! and Quickly: The Magic Spatula.
Snow takes the Checker is a cute book about Snow. It’ part of a series of stories about Snow the Racehorse and her family of racers. In Snow takes the Checker, you will follow Snow as she gets ready for the big animal race coming up. Her partner if you can believe it is a turtle and together they take the race. It’s a quick read and easy for my daughter to sit through as I read it. The fun whimsical pictures appeal to children like my own and that’s why she keeps asking me to read it to her. .
Quickly: The Magic Spatula, is a book going in the past when two adults find Quickly in an old box belonging to their mother. My husband and I work very hard to create memories for our children to cherish. I even write a series every now and then called Cooking with Kids. This is where my husband and I cook with our children. Just like in Quickly, I remember lots of times where my dad cooked waffles (pancakes in the book) but it was a time where all of us came together and sat as a family to eat. Spending time with family is quite important and building memories is easy. Just read Quickly: The Magic Spatula.
I was provided with these two books for a book tour by Parent Reviewers. All opinions are my own.
Leap Frog:Math Adventures to the Moon and Teaching Preschool kids math
February 24, 2010 · Filed Under review · 11 Comments
Teaching kids math is pretty easy once they learn to count. So first you need to teach them number recognition and sequences. Leap Frog has an entire system to get kids ready for learning math. The first is with Leap Frog’s new movie Math Adventure to the Moon. Lionsgate sent me a copy of the DVD to review in honor of Math Day, March 14th, and I like watching it with my kids.Tad and Lilly are trying to count in the beginning and Tad can’t get past the number four. So their friend Edison transports them to a Spaceship where they can fly to the moon. This space ship helps them with their counting when it only allows them to take 10 items on the ship with them. Ha Ha, ten items, thanks Leap Frog for the adult humor. Part of math includes counting in different intervals and learning sequences and I was glad that Leap Frog included both of these in their math adventure. Tad and Lilly never made it to the moon. On the way they ran into a space storm and crashed onto a cute cube planet; where they had to do even more counting before they could return home.
LeapFrog: Math Adventure to the Moon is great for kids and parents alike as it encourages a shared and interactive educational experience that allows parents to watch their kids learn! You can purchase the DVD and see clips from the new film at http://www.leapfrogdvds.com
Also included in Leap Frog’s arsenal for preschool kids and toddlers are math toys that only re-enforce all of their other teachings. Remember it’s through repetition and interaction that your children are going to learn.
Learn & Groove® Counting Maracas – Get in the learning groove with the Learn & Groove® Counting Maracas. Music Play mode encourages baby to explore and create music—inspires creative interaction and open-ended play. In Counting mode, each shake encourages your child to count to 10 in both English and Spanish. $16.49; 3-36 months
Chat & Count Cell Phone – Fun learning in a smart little phone! Sing along to songs about counting and phone routines, explore more than 15 phone activities and call on Scout for learning fun as you trade calls and voicemails with your puppy pal. Parents can connect to the online LeapFrog® Learning Path for customized learning insights and ideas to expand the learning. $14.99; 18 months – 3 years They also shared math tips with me to share with you.
TIP #1: Math is everywhere!
Next time you’re in a waiting room with your child, scan the room (or the magazines on the tables) for evidence of "math." Advise your child to find as much math as possible, and you can give clues if you need to. Numbers, patterns, shapes, categories, and measuring devices (e.g., ruler, scales), are just a few examples of some of the math you might see all around you!
TIP #2: Patterns and Codes are All Around Us!
Make patterns using standard household objects. For example line up repeated objects–sock, stuffed animal, sock, stuffed animal, and so on. Next, ask your child to continue the pattern to figure out the "secret code." You can vary the difficulty of the pattern to suit your child’s ability–banana, banana, pear, banana, banana, pear. You can also make deliberate errors that your child needs to find–pear, apple, bananna, pear, apple, banana, pear, pear, banana.
TIP #3: Play the Sorting Game!
Take a deck of cards, and discuss with your child all the ways you can sort the cards. They can be sorted by color (red versus black), suit (spades, hearts, diamonds, clubs), numbers (2’s, 3’s, etc.), royalty versus numbers (jacks, queens, and kings versus the numbers), odd versus even numbers, etc. Sky is the limit! You can play the sorting game with many collections of things around the house, such as socks and building blocks.TIP #4: Since It’s the Weekend — Make it a game night!
Playing number-related, age-appropriate board games, such as Chutes and Ladders, can help support many math-related skills. For an important twist, help your child practice saying each number he or she lands on and passes by with each roll of the dice. For example, if your child is on 23 and rolls a four, help him or her say "24, 25, 26, 27" instead of "1, 2, 3, 4." This way, your child can learn about order and magnitude (i.e., how large or small a number is in relation to other numbers).TIP #5: Count-down for Launch!
You and Your Kids can pretend to be rocket ships set for launch. Practice counting down to blast-off! You can make the challenge as easy or difficult as you want remembering that you don’t have to start counting down from 10. You and your kids can count down by ones (e.g., 17, 16, 15, 14…) or Practice counting by 2’s (e.g., 25, 23, 21, 19…)! For advanced math students, try multiples (e.g., 21, 18, 15, 12…)!
What a Man finds important in Fridge Specifications
February 24, 2010 · Filed Under review · 7 Comments
While I was gone in Texas my husband ordered Pizza. He left it in the fridge so that I could take a picture of it when I got back. See the lever above the second pizza box. You just crank that clockwise and the shelf raises. This is what’s important to a man when getting a new fridge. I think he’s hoping he can raise it enough to get one more pizza box in there. He loves the fact that it’s a perfect fit for a large pizza. Just in case this is your first time looking at my blog. This is the new double door Frigidaire refrigerator.
“I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a Frigidaire Refrigerator to facilitate my review.”
The Installation of our Frigidaire Refrigerator
February 17, 2010 · Filed Under review · 4 CommentsRight before I left to go to Blissdom our new Frigidaire Refrigerator arrived. I wasn’t expecting it until the end of the month but it came quickly and very painlessly. A local company moved our old refrigerator to the garage and installed the new one in the house. They hooked up the water that the home builders had already set up for us and we had running filtered water. The water is supposed to come out at a half gallon per minute but our water pressure in our house is very sad. So my husband said that our conversion is more like three minutes. So thanks to our refrigerator we will be calling our water company and finding out if there is a way to get our water pressure increased.
The first thing that really impressed my husband and I is the fact that our old freezer was so jam packed. We had the drawer and I thought I loved it. It’s just that after time I really got tired of bending over and searching for things. I mean for a month I wasn’t even able to bend over and look for things, my husband had to do it. It also was difficult to pack things in and I like to keep my freezer stocked up with lots of goodies for me to cook with. I wish I would have taken the pictures I told myself I was going to take but I was taken off guard with how fast it arrived.Anyways, try to picture this. A drawer filled with frozen veggies in one side and meat, ice cream, and frozen meals in the other side, some tortillas frozen at the bottom of the drawer and not sure what else was hidden, other than some fruit that I forgot about because of the sheer amount of stuff in my freezer. So I ended up filling up three huge reusable bags with stuff from my freezer and when the new fridge was there I placed everything in my new freezer. The left side is the freezer and after everything was transferred we still had room. Yes the refrigerator is a little bit bigger in dimension but the space is used so much more efficiently. With the double doors instead of a drawer I am able to find more places to put things and still have room for an ice maker and filtered water.
I’m very excited to be a part of Team Refrigerator and having a new fridge. I’m not even that upset about my water pressure and I’m ecstatic that it arrived early. I hope that my tone is not too negative because it is a pleasure for me to be able to write about a new appliance. Thank you Team Mom and Frigidaire.
“I wrote this review while participating in a Test Drive Campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Frigidaire and received a Frigidaire Refrigerator to facilitate my review.”
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