Hershey’s For Your Valentine

It wouldn’t be Valentine’s Day without chocolate! One of my favorites, Hershey’s, has some great tasting items for giving (and eating).  We tried out four of them….  Reese’s Peanut Butter Hearts Valentine Exchange come in the perfect snack size for children/adults to give to one another and each heart has  To: and From: on it, with 30 pieces per bag.  You can also choose from heart shaped Jolly Rancher Lollipops (20 pieces), Kit Kat (30 pieces), and Assortment Pack (30 pieces).

Hershey’s Bliss Milk Chocolate with a Raspberry Meltaway Center is also heart shaped in colored foil and swirls.  I love fruit flavors and this wasn’t disappointing.  You may remember the review and giveaway I did last year for Hershey’s Bliss, well, this is a perfect fit with the other Bliss flavors.  You can’t eat just one!

Pot Of Gold Premium Collection Pecan Caramel Clusters in a red heart shaped box and a gold bow.  There are several different varieties of candy and boxes to choose from, so you can get their favorite.  It is so nice to look at you really don’t want to open it, but how else are you going to get to the goodies inside?

And lastly, everyone’s favorite, Milk Chocolate Kisses, wrapped in red, pink and silver foil and hearts.  Fill up a candy dish, use in recipes, give in a gift bag, wrap in tulle tied with a ribbon… the ideas are endless.

Visit the Hershey’s website to find gift ideas, recipes, crafts, and even make Valentine’s cards to print yourself or send by e-mail.

‘I received samples and information from Hershey’s to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

L’Oreal Lash Boosting System

I have been using the L’Oreal Paris Lash Boosting Power System for about a month now and have mixed reactions.  I like the serum and how it makes my lashes feel but I don’t care for the mascara with the lash boosting primer because it makes my lashes hard and just does not feel good.  These are two new products from L’Oreal Paris, made with fortifying amino acids, panthenol, ceramide, arginine, and centella asiatica, to condition, protect and reinforce lashes.  You can purchase them separately or together at major retailers, they are Opthalmologist tested, and safe for contact wearers and those with sensitive eyes.

L’Oréal Paris^® Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum

• Apply to bare lashes before bedtime for an intensive overnight conditioning boost. Also apply underneath your mascara for all-day benefits
• For best results, use daily with Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara
• Suggested Retail Price: $14.95

L’Oréal Paris^® Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara

• Step 1: The Lash Boosting Primer, our exclusive serum-infused basecoat, perfectly primes and extends lashes.
• Step 2: The Ultra-Lengthening Mascara Topcoat instantly lengthens lashes up to 80%
• Available in Black and Blackest Black
• Suggested Retail Price: $12.95

Both together in a 24-Hour Lash Boosting Power System

• This starter kit contains both Concentrated Lash Boosting Serum and Double Extend Lash Boosting Mascara at a special value price
• Mascara available in Black
• Suggested Retail Price: $24.95

Both products were easy to use.  The serum did not irritate my eyes or skin and felt cool after applying.  I did not notice an increase in length or the amount of lashes but they did feel softer and didn’t seem to fall out as much.  The basecoat that comes with the mascara made my lashes hard and I did not care for it at all.  The mascara wasn’t bad but neither seemed to make my lashes appear longer or fuller.  There was some clumps like most mascaras I have used, but it coated/covered pretty good and lasted all day.  It was easy to remove also.  I would recommend the Lash Boosting Serum but not the Mascara.  After four weeks of use L’Oreal gives these statistics:

• 71% –seems to have more lashes
• 75% –lashes seem thicker
• 78% –less lash loss during makeup removal
• 81% –lashes seem to be in better condition

I would agree with the lashes being in better condition and less lash loss, but I didn’t experience more or thicker lashes.  Maybe other people will have different results, which you can view on the L’Oreal website.

‘I received samples and information from BZZ Agent on behalf of  L’Oreal to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

Gary Unmarried On DVD

Gary Unmarried the Complete First Season is now available on DVD. It retails for $39.99, is 430 minutes long and is rated TV-14.  It includes 20 episodes and bonus features:

1. Gary Unhinged–Bloopers
2. Tuesday on the Set with Jay–Spend a day on the set of Gary Unmarried with Jay Mohr
3. Planet Begley–Cast member Ed Begley Jr. brings his eco-friendly expertise to the set 
4. The Chemistry of Comedy–Join the cast & crew for an all-access tour 

Summary:
Newly single dad Gary Brooks is an uncomplicated guy trying to find his way in an increasingly complicated world.  Gary’s doing the best he can to raise his two kids with ex-wife Allison while just beginning to stick his toe back into the dating pool after 15 years of marriage… just in time for Allison to drop a major bombshell on him- she is engaged to their marriage counselor.

I don’t think I’ve ever seen this show until now and found some episodes to be funny and a good distraction from the everyday things you see on tv.  The characters are likable and the bonus features weren’t too bad.  You can order a copy, view clips and more HERE.

‘I received a copy from Walt Disney to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

Army Wives Season 3 On DVD

Today marks the release of Army Wives Season 3 on DVD.  The Lifetime hit show retails for $45.99, is 774 minutes long, and rated TV-PG.  It includes 18 episodes and five bonus features:

1. Bloopers
2. Deleted Scenes
3. Webisodes–featuring Joan & Roland Burton and Jeremy Sherwood
4. Army Wives Gives Back–Lifetime and the Army Wives team up to surprise deserving military families
5. Stationed in The South–the cast and crew of Army Wives take you behind the scenes in the historical city of Charleston, SC, and show you how the city’s scenic landscape is integrated into the show

Summary:
Experience the unexpected moments in this heartfelt drama that has won the acclaim of fans and critics all across America.  Go inside the inspiring lives of five amazing military families with the third season of Army Wives.

It’s a new year of challenges for the Army Wives as Denise and Frank fight to save their marriage and Claudia Joy discovers a life-changing personal truth of her own.  Newly promoted Joan wrestles with a major decision that affects her husband and new baby, while Roland imagines what his life would be like had he taken a different path.  Pamela questions Chase’s family commitment after he returns from capture and Roxy encounters unexpected new responsibilities as Trevor explores a new job in the army.  Follow the dreams and friendships of four very different women, and one man, as they tackle the real-life challenges of families on the home front with humor, grace and unending loyalty to one another.

I started watching this show a year or so ago while flipping through channels one day.  It was pretty good and didn’t take long for me to figure out what was going on and who all the characters are.  If you enjoy Desperate Housewives, I’m sure you will like this show.  The bonus features were interesting.  You can find more information about the show at myLifetime.

‘I received a copy from Walt Disney to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

Minnie’s Bow-Tique on DVD

Today, Disney’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse comes out with their latest DVD, Minnie’s Bow-Tique.  It retails for $19.99, is 96 minutes long, and rated TVY.  It includes four episodes with one never before seen and interactive watch and play, and includes a Magnetic Minnie Bow Frame.  The episodes are:

1. Minnie’s Bow-tique
2. Minnie’s Picnic
3. Minnie’s Bee Story–interactive game mode
4. Minnie’s Pajama Party–interactive game mode

Summary:
Welcome to the grand opening of Minnie’s sparkling new store, packed with the coolest bows and bow ties you’ve ever seen!  Watch as Daisy’s amazing mood bow magically changes colors.  Say ‘cheese’ and smile for Donald’s camera bow tie, and help catch a bunch of runaway butterfly bows.  It looks like there’s something here for everyone… But Pete has a problem: he wants to get a present for his Aunt Mabel, and he’s never shopped for ladies’ bows before.  He’ll need a lot of help from Minnie, Toodles, and You to find the perfect gift.  Then, join your Clubhouse pals for a daytime sleepover, a picnic in Mickey Park and more exciting adventures.

As always, this Walt Disney DVD is fun to watch and interact with.  Little girls will love it!  You will see all kinds of bows, from the Photo-Bow that takes pictures, to the Grow-Bow that grows by adding water.  Pete causes some problems in the new store while looking for a gift for his aunt, but Minnie comes to the rescue.  All the episodes were fun and the interactive games with the 2 added some variety.  The magnetic photo frame is perfect for a childs’ photo.   You can purchase a copy at Amazon, and visit the website at www.mickeymouseclubhousedvd.com.

Try out Minnie’s Bow-tique game…..

‘I received a copy from Walt Disney to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

My New Favorite Toy: Epson Artisan 810 Printer

We have had a few printers over the years, most of which worked ok but never did everything we wanted or needed. Since he has a small business, we need to be able to fax, scan and print.  I like to print pictures and coupons and scan things I find and want to send to someone.  Our last printer was an all-in-one but the paper would get stuck all the time and it used up the ink pretty fast.  The print quality wasn’t very good either.  When the Epson Artisan 810 Printer arrived in January, I was digging into the box faster than you can say lickety split!

It was so easy to set up, I had it printing in minutes.  What do I love about it?  Just about everything!  It has a digital display that you can actually see and it does just about everything but wash dishes.  Yes, a 7.8″ touch panel that tilts for easy viewing on a 3.5″ LCD.  You can copy, enlarge, crop, rotate, restore, preview and view a photo slide show without a computer!    It instantly removes red eye, something I almost always forget to do, and it is fast- print a 4″ x 6″ picture in 10 seconds.  You can print from a memory card, iPhone and USB Flash Drives.  Does your cell phone or MP3 player need charging-  you can do that too just by plugging it into the front USB port.  Don’t like to waste paper?  Problem solved with two sided printing.  Hate buying those expensive ink cartridges? Buy only the color you need with individual ink cartridges.  There is a two year limited warranty and it’s compatible with Windows 7, Vista, XP, XP Professional x64, 2000, Macintosh OS X 10.3.9, 10.4.11, 10.5.x, 10.6x, and it retails for $299.99.  I could go on and on about the things you can do with this printer.  I love it and surprisingly, so does MH.  I thought he might not like the digital display and other features but he says it’s easy to use.

Here are the Features:

• 7.8″ touch panel, 3.5″ LCD
• Wi-Fi® and Ethernet networking
• 4″ x 6″ photo in as fast as 10 sec
• 38 ppm max/9.1 ppm laser quality
• CD/DVD printing
• Automatic two-sided printing
• Two paper trays, 30-page ADF
• Easily charge portable devices
• Restore faded color photos
• Two-year limited warranty
• Estimated power consumption for one year is less than two dollars
• Save up to 50% of your paper supply with automatic, two-sided printing
• Save even more by printing multiple pages on a single sheet
• Supports printing on recycled paper
• Designed to be recycled
• ENERGY STAR qualified
• RoHS compliant
• Ink prices are $10.44 – $17.09 per cartridge

If you visit the Epson website you can find information about their other products, get tips and craft ideas too.  An interesting note, the Epson Artisan 810 was featured on the Ellen Show on the 12 Days of Giveaways in 2009.


Pros:

• Easy to use
• Does everything
• Wireless
• Fast
• Great quality prints
• Looks good

Cons:

• May be a bit pricey for some 

‘I received a printer from Epson to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

Tupperware

It seems like Tupperware has been around forever and a good majority of moms or grandmothers have sold it or had parties.  My mother had a set of salt and pepper shakers that lasted my whole childhood.  She melted them one day I believe, so I had bought her another set quite a few years ago.  They weren’t the same as the older pair, which we both liked better, but they were still Tupperware.  I have had a few items of theirs for a while also.  As I said, they seem to last forever.  Recently I received a few more items to try out:

• Quick Shake Container 
• Flat Out 4 Cup Container Set 
• Quick Chef 
• Stuffables Mini Set 
• Herbal Serenity Instant Manicure 
• Regeneration Extreme Repair Hand Lotion 

You can never have too many items for the kitchen!  I never thought I would be someone who would get excited about storage containers, pot and pans, etc, but I am.  The Quick Shake Container is suggested for shakes, mixing up pudding, smoothies, salad dressings, scrambled eggs-  just about anything you can think of actually.  The lid was a bit hard to put on at first and the lid for the pouring spout was also kind of hard to put on.  Maybe with use that will improve.  I love the fact it has measurements on the outside, fits easily in your hand, easy to wash, and I love the color.

The Flat Out 4 Cup Container Set is super easy to store, since they collapse.  It seals completely, is easy to wash and again, I love the color- orange.  I have been using these almost daily and would definitely recommend them.  They are the perfect size for our leftovers.  They aren’t for use in the microwave.

One of my favorites is the Quick Chef.  You can chop fruit and veggies or use the paddle and make salad dressings, mayo, dips or pesto sauce.  The bottom has a non skid ring so it doesn’t move around while you turn the handle.  It also has a funnel attachment so you can add oil while turning the handle.  You do have to cut the veggies up a little so they fit, otherwise you won’t be able to turn the handle.  I suppose that makes since.  It’s a quick and easy way to make salads and the bowl holds quite a bit.

The Stuffables Mini Set have an expandable lid making it easy to store odd shaped food and if you push down on the lid, it pushes out the air, seeming to make food last longer.  The three different size bowls are a lifesaver and they are stackable, so they don’t take up much room.  The lime aid color goes great in our kitchen, which is green.

The Instant Manicure and Hand Lotion are both from BeautiControl, which is a part of Tupperware.  They carry body care products such as cleansers, lotions, scrubs, fragrance and more.  I had heard of BeautiControl years ago but had never tried any of their products.  The Instant Manicure was easy to use- just mix up and rub into your hands and rinse off.  It made my hands super soft right after using but then they were very dry.  But that was ok because then I used the Hand Lotion which has a nice, light scent and soaks in quickly.  I finally had soft, smooth hands!  It was a nice treat.

Tupperware has so many items.  Everything from kitchen towels to the Shape O Toy (which I bought for one of my nephews a while back).  I think they will always be a staple in kitchens worldwide.  I loved everything I tried out!

‘I received samples from Tupperware to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

Air Bud Golden Receiver

Disney’s Air Bud Golden Receiver Special Edition is available on DVD today, February 2, 2010 for $29.99.  It also comes with a Sport Whistle Necklace.  It is Rated G, 90 minutes long, widescreen, and has the Bonus Feature:

Sports Channel Play-by-Play Quarterbacked by the Buddies

Summary:
This time out, Buddy, the hoop-shooting, hotshot canine, tackles a new sport- football.  When his teenage owner reluctantly becomes the school’s new quarterback, Buddy catches the spirit and joins the team.  Soon, the two find themselves leading the Timberwolves to the state championship.  But victory hopes are sidelined when two sinister Russian circus owners take a bite out of everyone’s plans and dognap Buddy for their star attraction. 

This was a very enjoyable movie and of course, in the Disney tradition, has a villain, or in this case, villains.  Buddy is amazing and so lovable.  He loves basketball, but when Josh is given a football by his mother’s new boyfriend, he more or less convinces Josh to play.  Josh also likes the fact that he won’t have to see his mother’s boyfriend if he is at practice.  So Buddy becomes a part of the team.  They go from losing to winning.  It isn’t surprising but it is fun to watch Buddy play!  The bonus feature with Buddy’s offspring is humorous.

‘I received a copy from Walt Disney Home Video to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

Tropical Traditions Liquid Soap-CLOSED

The latest item we have tried from Tropical Traditions is the Unscented Liquid Soap, $7.50, which is made of 100% Organic Virgin Coconut Oil.  You can also get scented varieties (Tea Tree or Lavender $9.50), which have organic essential oils added.  It comes in an 8 oz. bottle with a special dispenser that adds air to the soap making it foam.  That means it’s easier to use and you get more uses out of each bottle.  You can also get refills in a generous 32 oz. size for $25.00 ($33.50 for scented varieties).

I have never used soap like this before, so I was anxious to see how it would clean and how it would affect my skin.  I used it on my hands and on my face, which will really show me how good it is.  It cleans completely with no residue left behind and it doesn’t leave your skin feeling dry, just clean.  One push of the pump and you have all you need!  I was satisfied with the results and will continue to use it.

You can view my past reviews for Tropical Traditions products here (Virgin Coconut Oil), here (Shredded Coconut), and here (Coconut Peanut Butter), all of which we have enjoyed using, especially the Shredded Coconut!

Thanks to Tropical Traditions, one person will WIN an 8 oz. Bottle of Liquid Soap of their own!


How to Enter:

1. Sign up for the Tropical Traditions Newsletter (if you already subscribe, just let me know).
2. Leave a comment telling me what you like about liquid soap.

Rules:
Open to U.S. & Canada
One entry per person, e-mail, household
Giveaway ends on February 13, 2010 at 9:00 PM, ET.

Extra Entries:
All extra entries apply
See RULES for all eligible entries

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED, THANK YOU!

‘I received a sample from Tropical Traditions to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’

Chocolate Cheerios-CLOSED

Almost everyone loves chocolate. I know I sure do! Cheerios has now come out with a new flavor- chocolate, made with real cocoa. Of course it is still low in fat, has 100 calories and at least 8 grams of whole grains per serving,and  is a good source of calcium and vitamin D.  How does it taste? It isn’t bad and it leaves you with chocolate milk, which kids will enjoy.  I think this would be a good way to get kids to eat something good that isn’t loaded with sugar.

Here is a recipe using Chocolate Cheerios, perfect for Valentine’s Day.  It’s fun and easy to make and it sure does taste good!

Chocolate Cheerios® Marshmallow Hearts

Prep Time: 30 Minutes
Start to Finish: 1 Hour 45 Minutes

Crust
1 cup Gold Medal® all-purpose flour
1 cup Chocolate Cheerios® cereal, crushed
2/3 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 teaspoon vanilla
3 cups miniature marshmallows

Topping
2/3 cup light corn syrup
1/4 cup butter
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 bag (11.5 ounces) milk chocolate chips
4 cups Chocolate Cheerios® cereal
Candy sprinkles, if desired

1. Heat oven to 350°F. Line bottom and sides of 13×9-inch pan with foil. In large bowl, mix all crust ingredients except marshmallows with electric mixer on low speed until crumbly. Press firmly into bottom of pan.
2. Bake 12 to 15 minutes or until light golden brown. Remove from oven. Immediately sprinkle with marshmallows. Return to oven; bake an additional 1 to 2 minutes or until marshmallows just begin to puff. Cool while preparing topping.
3. In large saucepan, place all topping ingredients except cereal and sprinkles. Heat over medium-low heat just until chips are melted and mixture is smooth, stirring constantly. Remove from heat; stir in 4 cups cereal. Immediately spoon warm topping over marshmallows; spread to cover. Sprinkle with candy sprinkles. Cool completely, at least 1 hour.
4. Using foil to lift, remove mixture from pan; remove foil. With deep 2 1/2-inch heart-shaped cookie cutter, cut out 18 hearts. Store loosely covered.

Thanks to General Mills and MyBlogSpark, one person will WIN a Chocolate Cheerios Gift Pack, which includes a box of Chocolate Cheerios, a ceramic cereal bowl and a chocolate scented spa kit!

How to Enter:
Leave a comment telling me what your favorite cereal is.

Rules:
Open to U.S.
One entry per e-mail, household, person
Giveaway ends on February 13, 2010 at 9:00 PM, ET.

Extra Entries:
All extra entries apply
See RULES for all eligible entries

GIVEAWAY IS CLOSED, THANK YOU!

‘I received a gift pack from General Mills and MyBlogSpark to facilitate my review and I was not compensated in any other way.  This is my honest opinion only.’