tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73130233187310824592024-03-13T10:44:09.067-07:00Binkytowne Review BlogWanna Know What I Think About That?Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.comBlogger26125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-22347985596813853032012-10-09T10:43:00.004-07:002012-10-09T10:43:59.250-07:00E.T. Anniverary Edition DVD BLU Ray Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_h8RMnT1gA/UHReLcgO0dI/AAAAAAAAAa0/h9fVSZ7baYw/s1600/et.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-I_h8RMnT1gA/UHReLcgO0dI/AAAAAAAAAa0/h9fVSZ7baYw/s1600/et.jpg" /></a></div>
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<b><i><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">E.T.
The Extra-Terrestrial</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">, Academy Award<sup>®</sup>-winning director Steven Spielberg’s magical
adventure, celebrates its 30<sup>th</sup> Anniversary with it’s first-ever
release on Blu-ray<sup>™</sup> October 9, 2012. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Featuring an
all-new, digitally remastered picture that delivers six times the resolution of
DVD, as well as all-new 7.1 surround sound, the <b><i>E.T. The
Extra-Terrestrial Anniversary Edition </i></b>Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes
the 1982 theatrical movie, an all-new interview with director Steven Spielberg,
and “The E.T. Journals” featuring never-before-seen footage from the set of the
film. The Blu-ray<sup>™</sup> Combo Pack also includes UltraViolet<sup>™</sup>,
a DVD and a Digital Copy of the film, offering fans a chance to relive the
mystery, laughter and wonder of the iconic movie anytime, anywhere on the
platform of their choice.</span></div>
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<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">Synopsis:
</span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 13.5pt; mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">When an
imaginative boy meets a lost alien, it is the beginning of one of cinema’s most
endearing friendships, as Elliot (Henry Thomas) helps the marvelous creature he
calls E.T. find his way back home before government agents can capture him.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Bonus Features Include:</span></u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">· <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Steven Spielberg &<i> E.T.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">· <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Deleted Scenes</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">· <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">A Look Back</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">· <span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">The E.T. Reunion</span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">What I
liked:</span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;">This film
is timeless. I enjoyed it just as much with my kids as I did when I saw it (cough)
30 (cough) years ago. (When I was obviously just born.)</span><br />
<br /></div>
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<a href="https://dl.dropbox.com/u/9642711/Universal/ET%20Activity%20Sheets.zip?dl=1"><img border="0" src="http://clickcomm.zenfolio.com/img/s1/v56/p1143681432-2.jpg" /></a>
<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i> </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Arial; font-size: 11.0pt;"><i>Thank you to Universal for providing me a copy of this Blu Ray DVD to watch with my family. And don't forget to phone home. </i></span></div>
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<![endif]-->Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-40602745862007485692011-12-08T14:22:00.000-08:002011-12-08T14:22:22.067-08:00Dare to Try: Fake Eye Lashes<a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/click;h=v2%7C3EA6%7C0%7C0%7C%2a%7Co;243194519;0-0;0;74733139;31-1%7C1;42896271%7C42914058%7C1;;;pc=%5BTPAS_ID%5D%3fhttp://www.makeup.com/?cm_mmc=dfa-_-federated_media-_-makeup_dot_com-_-MDC_PHASE_I&utm_source=federated&utm_medium=banner&utm_campaign" target="_blank"><img alt="" border="0" height="123" src="http://static.fmpub.net/banners/20111128/4ed4021ded4e2mdc_logo_125x123.jpg" title="" width="125" /></a><img border="0" height="0" src="http://ad.doubleclick.net/imp;v1;f;243194519;0-0;0;74733139;1%7C1;42896271%7C42914058%7C1;;cs=u;pc=[TPAS_ID];%3fhttp://ad.doubleclick.net/dot.gif?[timestamp]" style="border: none; height: 0; width: 0;" width="0" /><br />
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Thanks to L'Oreal for sponsoring my post about my favorite beauty looks, tips and tricks! Check out <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclick%3Bh%3Dv2%7C3EA6%7C0%7C0%7C%252a%7Co%3B243194519%3B0-0%3B0%3B74733139%3B31-1%7C1%3B42896271%7C42914058%7C1%3B%3B%3Bpc%3D%5BTPAS_ID%5D%253fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.makeup.com%2F%3Fcm_mmc%3Ddfa-_-federated_media-_-makeup_dot_com-_-MDC_PHASE_I%26utm_source%3Dfederated%26utm_medium%3Dbanner%26utm_campaign&k4=3000&k5=%7Bbanner_id%7D" target="_blank">Makeup.com</a> for beauty advice from the experts.<br />
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I like my eyelashes. I think they are nice. You know, they are decent. A good length, moderate thickness.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TInUs_QNdak/TuEzKwLgi1I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/x3uBlXF55mM/s1600/photo%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-TInUs_QNdak/TuEzKwLgi1I/AAAAAAAAAZ0/x3uBlXF55mM/s320/photo%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
But there is a woman who works at a restaurant near my house her eyelashes go BOOM! BANG! POW! I know they can't possibly be her own naturally born eyelashes, but I can't take my eyes off of them just the same. It's exactly what I think I need to spice up my look a little bit. Not necessarily for car pool drop off, but for a holiday night out with the girls or with my man.<br />
<br />
So how do you go about getting such fabulous lashes? Turns out, first you have to get up the nerve to ask someone with really amazing lashes and hope you judged the situation correctly. Which I did! Yay me! I asked the waitress how she got her eyelashes to look so long and beautiful. She waved her hand at me and said "It's SO EASY."<br />
<br />
I didn't know. I've been intimidated by the thought. I don't have the best hand-eye coordination and I know you need glue and what if the glue never comes off or sticks to your hands or even worse drips onto your favorite going-out shirt? <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knVec76H3qU/TuE13TbcBbI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/iVMIZ0Mc6bs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-knVec76H3qU/TuE13TbcBbI/AAAAAAAAAZ8/iVMIZ0Mc6bs/s1600/unnamed.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto; mso-margin-top-alt: auto;"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Turns out I had no reason to fear the false eyelashes! I got my own personal tutorial that I'm sharing here with you. Any woman can pull this off, trust me: If I can do it so can you!</span></div><ul><li><span style="font-size: 12pt;">Check the length of the eyelashes you purchase. They should follow the natural line of your own lashes. Trim them with sharp scissors if need be.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Start with fresh <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2821_false-eyelashes.html"><span style="color: darkgreen;"></span></a>eyes, free of makeup or debris.</span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Hold the lashes in your hand and put <a href="http://www.ehow.com/how_2821_false-eyelashes.html"><span style="color: darkgreen;"></span></a> a very thin line of glue or adhesive along the base; let it sit for 1 minute. </span></li>
</ul><ul><li><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Apply the false lashes above your eyelashes, as close to your lash line as possible, following its natural curve.You can</span><span style="font-size: 12pt;"> tweak the lashes with your fingers or tweezers. </span></li>
</ul><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;">Viola! Take a good look in the mirror and smile at what you see.</span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> Also, if your first attempt doesn't go as planned, practice makes perfect! False eyelashes are inexpensive and can be found at drugstores, department stores - even my grocery store has them so if you need to take them off and start all over again, go for it! </span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;">(What do you think? Am I wearing them? I'll never tell..) </span></div><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fs1K35as16U/TuEyxUDvrGI/AAAAAAAAAZs/VtP2pr8lhwQ/s1600/AJJ+photo+small.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fs1K35as16U/TuEyxUDvrGI/AAAAAAAAAZs/VtP2pr8lhwQ/s320/AJJ+photo+small.jpg" width="212" /></a></div><br />
I was selected for this sponsorship by the <a href="http://www.clevergirlscollective.com/">Clever Girls Collective</a>. <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fad.doubleclick.net%2Fclick%3Bh%3Dv2%7C3EA6%7C0%7C0%7C%252a%7Co%3B243194519%3B0-0%3B0%3B74733139%3B31-1%7C1%3B42896271%7C42914058%7C1%3B%3B%3Bpc%3D%5BTPAS_ID%5D%253fhttp%3A%2F%2Fwww.makeup.com%2F%3Fcm_mmc%3Ddfa-_-federated_media-_-makeup_dot_com-_-MDC_PHASE_I%26utm_source%3Dfederated%26utm_medium%3Dbanner%26utm_campaign&k4=3000&k5=%7Bbanner_id%7D" target="_blank">Click here</a> to learn more about Makeup.com or become a Facebook fan by <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FMakeupdotcom&k4=3001&k5=%7Bbanner_id%7D" target="_blank">clicking here</a>.Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-86118632968167656222011-08-31T09:44:00.000-07:002011-08-31T19:32:41.226-07:00Crocs Back to School<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">Thank you to Crocs for sponsoring this blog post. </div><div style="text-align: center;">Please <a href="http://bit.ly/bts0001">click here</a> to learn more about Crocs’ new Back to School line. </div><div style="text-align: center;">I was selected for this sponsorship by the <a href="http://www.clevergirlscollective.com/">Clever Girls Collective</a>. </div><div style="text-align: center;">All opinions expressed here are my own.</div><br />
Well tomorrow is the big day! It's back to school day for my first-grader. Yippee! <br />
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We know that back to school means back to school shopping. I do a pretty good job of stocking up on pants and tees all throughout the year (especially when there is a hot sale, natch) but when fall rolls in I need to go in search of backpacks, lunchboxes and shoes. You know, those things you buy your kids that they grow out of almost overnight? Yes, those.<br />
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I've written before about Crocs and how much I TRIPLE LOVE THEM. I'm not alone, my boys do too. Just because summer is almost over doesn't mean I have to leave my Crocs behind. Oh no. Did you know that Crocs has a back to school line? They do! They are school approved on the outside because they are close-toed and close-heeled, but they have the same comfort in the inside. Check it out: Crocs has a special <a href="http://bit.ly/bts0001%20">microsite</a> which shows all the styles and colors of the new school approved shoes and there are 13 new styles for boys and girls which go from K-8. Like these:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjW8l3uhmaM/Tl7ueVDfWmI/AAAAAAAAAZU/YbLAf_1mMUw/s1600/Hover+Slip+On+for+Boys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="152" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gjW8l3uhmaM/Tl7ueVDfWmI/AAAAAAAAAZU/YbLAf_1mMUw/s320/Hover+Slip+On+for+Boys.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rTD9A4sZ1uE/Tl7uEbPZR3I/AAAAAAAAAZQ/wtCHMulJ6J4/s1600/51dkywliCYL._SL500_AA300_.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><br />
</a></div><br />
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So I know, back to school shopping in stores can be a drag: Long lines, crowded parking lots. Here. Let me help you with that: Crocs created an interactive music video - you can click on the shoes in the video to go directly to the shoes' corresponding pages on the Crocs site.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/s1SIn-zwFMg" width="560"></iframe><br />
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But that's not all! Gather your kids and have them watch it with you. Try to find the hidden Easter Egg within the video and watch what happens.<br />
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Here's a hint: Look for this<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdpLkLIm2OA/Tl5hBgIJOWI/AAAAAAAAAZM/u-sRYQeDDWM/s1600/Easter+Egg+Photo+Hint.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mdpLkLIm2OA/Tl5hBgIJOWI/AAAAAAAAAZM/u-sRYQeDDWM/s1600/Easter+Egg+Photo+Hint.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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See? FUN! <br />
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So you have my personal recommendation that Crocs feel good, are reasonably priced and super cute. They have a fun interactive video and make shopping easy. If that's just not enough for you, consider this: If you visit the site you can enter a giveaway for a family vacation to San Diego on the microsite with no purchase necessary.<br />
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So hop to it! Shop till you drop! <br />
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Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-4334305308790614172011-06-16T13:39:00.000-07:002011-06-16T13:48:08.902-07:00E Me<script src="https://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/401616?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d8kfUHqyEhE/Tfpr8gBfukI/AAAAAAAAAYE/TtWO8tRqtAU/s1600/ha.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-d8kfUHqyEhE/Tfpr8gBfukI/AAAAAAAAAYE/TtWO8tRqtAU/s1600/ha.jpg" /></a></div>Thank you to <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;239248263;61930235;h">Yahoo! Mail</a> for sponsoring this post about staying connected. I was selected for this sponsorship by the <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clevergirlscollective.com%2F&k4=1680&k5=%7Bbanner_id%7D">Clever Girls Collective</a>, which endorses <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogwithintegrity.com%2F&k4=1681&k5=%7Bbanner_id%7D">Blog With Integrity</a>. <br />
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Do you and your BFF have a language all your own? My BFF and I do. We've known each other for so long and through so many different incarnations that we often communicate in an abbreviated fashion. For instance, when ever my BFF and I part ways she'll give me a hug and say "E-me".<br />
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My name is Amy and if I had my choice it would be something much more exotic like Shiloh or Alexandria or Magnolia - actually the list goes on and on. So whenever we go anywhere that requires a reservation, historically, we have given my name, only we say it with a great deal of sarcasm and very much in a nasal tone, which makes it sound like <i>Eeeee-meeeee</i>.<br />
<br />
But then a funny thing happened. Eeeeeee-meeee, the affectionate play on my name turned into E-me, as in "Email me later". Because the next thing to being there, is being able to chat via email during the day.<br />
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My friend and I both have two young children and we both work full time. Neither one of us have time to spend hours, or really, even minutes catching up with each others lives on the phone. There is simply no time. Plus, you know that when you talk to someone on the phone, it can go on much longer than you expected or you might find yourself in that uncomfortable position of not being able to get off the phone mid-conversation without feeling guilty for cutting someone off, let's say -- in the event that there is a toddler standing right in front of you peeing on the floor. <br />
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But my Yahoo! email account (which actually includes the name "amy") gives me the chance to touch base with good friends who are like me, way too busy to meet for lunch, spend an hour on the phone or simply able to hang out and talk to each other without constant requests for shoe-tying, snacks or attention from little people.<br />
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Through out the day we are able to complain about how many cookies we have to bring to school that week, compare the benefits of bikini bottoms from Old Navy vs. The Gap and best of all, sneak in inside jokes to make each other laugh. Everybody should have that during a busy or stressful day. It's important to reach out and share with each other. Even when you think you don't have time.<br />
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<div><object height="324" width="576"><param name="movie" value="http://d.yimg.com/nl/ymailbeta/leadership/player.swf"></param><param name="flashVars" value="vid=25146727&shareUrl=http%3A//personallyyours.mail.yahoo.com&"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed width="576" height="324" allowFullScreen="true" src="http://d.yimg.com/nl/ymailbeta/leadership/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="vid=25146727&shareUrl=http%3A//personallyyours.mail.yahoo.com&"></embed></object></div><br />
So by all means, Email your BFF today and remind her of that time she did that thing that made you laugh so hard you almost cried. It just might make you smile too.Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-19614499312048388162011-05-31T08:36:00.000-07:002011-05-31T08:36:06.946-07:00Gnomeo & Juliet! Now on DVD and Blu-ray!<iframe frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.totaleclips.com/player/Splash.aspx?custid=907&clipid=e90091&playerid=69&affiliateid=-1&bitrateid=378&formatid=10" width="352"></iframe><br />
GNOMEO & JULIET is a silly twist on a little old story called Romeo & Juliet but this time, as you’ve never seen it before and MUCH more suitable for the whole family. <br />
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You can enter the secret world of garden gnomes where you'll meet two adorable gnomes from completely different worlds who fight the odds to be together. But not in an overly mushy, romantic, boys won't like it kind of way.<br />
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Here's what the studio has to say:<br />
<blockquote>From a director of Shrek 2 comes your chance to step into the secret world of garden gnomes — Gnomeo & Juliet. Perfect for the whole family, this fresh and funny makeover of one of the world’s most timeless stories features music from Sir Elton John, and the voice talents of Emily Blunt, James McAvoy and Sir Michael Caine. Caught up in a feud between neighbors, Gnomeo and Juliet must overcome as many obstacles as their namesakes. But with flamboyant pink flamingos and epic lawnmower races, can this young couple find lasting happiness?</blockquote>I thought this was cute and I loved that they weaved Elton John's music through the story. I was ready for a good love story so I was sort of surprised at the level of action in this one - via a super turbo lawnmower -but again, I think maybe that's in there to keep the boys interested and distracted from the k-i-s-s-i-n-g. You know how boys (and some girls) can be.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hUlTuAl2Y0/TeUKDHZEICI/AAAAAAAAAYA/MDE_dqDNLCw/s1600/gn.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3hUlTuAl2Y0/TeUKDHZEICI/AAAAAAAAAYA/MDE_dqDNLCw/s320/gn.png" t8="true" width="266" /></a></div><br />
Overall, Gnomeo and Juliet is popcorn and movie night worthy for sure. It's available now in a DVD & Blu-ray combo pack. Thanks to Disney for sending a copy my way!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>There's something for everyone here. Mom particularly liked the sound of star James McAvoy's voice.</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-30450484651975074692011-05-31T08:19:00.000-07:002011-05-31T08:21:59.089-07:00Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Great Outdoors DVD & Mickey Mote<iframe frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.totaleclips.com/player/Splash.aspx?custid=907&clipid=e89114&playerid=69&affiliateid=-1&bitrateid=378&formatid=10" width="352"></iframe><br />
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<br />
Just in time for summer! Mickey Mouse and his famous pals (Minnie, Donald, Pluto, Goofy and Daisy) are here to encourage kids and families to enjoy the outdoors by camping, fishing and exploring nature in Walt Disney latest DVD release, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors. <br />
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Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors features four episodes from the “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse” TV show plus one all-new, never-before-seen “Mickey’s Fish Story” episode and comes packaged as a special DVD Play Set (DVD + Digital Copy + Mickey Mote.) <br />
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This set really is a great value for parents and a fun, portable play set for kids, Disney has packaged Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey’s Great Outdoors to include a DVD, a Digital Copy and a Mickey Mote –(a child-friendly handheld remote control) which provides hours of interactive fun. The digital copy allows parents to dowload the episodes onto a secondary device for easy, portable on-the-go access. Smart! <br />
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Mickey Mouse Clubhouse episodes never fail to disappoint and these are no different - plus my kids like to play with the Mickey Mote even after the DVD is done. Score!<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thanks to Disney for sending me a copy to review. Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Great Outdoors is in stores now. See you real soon!</em><br />
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</div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-91841551112853742122011-05-19T13:25:00.000-07:002011-05-19T13:47:12.173-07:00Email Love<script src="https://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/401616?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript">
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Thank you to <a href="http://ad.doubleclick.net/clk;239248263;61930235;h">Yahoo! Mail</a> for sponsoring this post about staying connected. I was selected for this sponsorship by the <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.clevergirlscollective.com%2F&k4=1680&k5=%7Bbanner_id%7D">Clever Girls Collective</a>, which endorses <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.blogwithintegrity.com%2F&k4=1681&k5=%7Bbanner_id%7D">Blog With Integrity</a>.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHJT_Rtjt-g/TdV3AYssDDI/AAAAAAAAAX8/mNX8hjJJPhk/s1600/41780992_c2be45c322_m.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NHJT_Rtjt-g/TdV3AYssDDI/AAAAAAAAAX8/mNX8hjJJPhk/s1600/41780992_c2be45c322_m.jpg" /></a></div><br />
<br />
We all have email, right? Spend hours of our days/weeks/months reading it, sorting it--even anticipating it! I know I do. I love to hit the refresh button and see what pops up. Even the emails that I don't need. I still love to see it and scroll through it. It keeps my day interesting and makes me feel connected to people and places that are far outside the reach of the office chair where I spend a lot of my day.<br />
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I set up my Yahoo! email account in at least 2003. The reason? <i>Love.</i><br />
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I didn't own a computer in 2003. I had one at work that I could use, but no email access. My husband, (an IT guy,) did. It's hard to believe that there was a time way back before cell phones and texting kept us connected but there was and during that time, I was MADLY in love with my boyfriend who became my husband. It was so hard to go ALL DAY without talking or communicating with each other. Infatuation. Sigh.<br />
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Someone in my office had a computer with email access (remember this was almost a decade ago) and I found a way to back her up when she was out of the office so I could exchange emails with my lover boy. Sometimes it was just a quick email with no message but a subject that said "GMB" which stood for <i>Good Morning Baby</i>. Just seeing that would send shock waves through my fingertips all the way up to my infatuated brain. Sometimes it would say *swoon* I love you.<br />
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Having these little email exchanges would keep my spirits up and my relationship exciting. I really believe that during our courtship, through our constant stream of email we learned how to talk to each other. In those early days we created a foundation through my Yahoo! email account for a partnership that is still going strong.<br />
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I'm also incredibly grateful that our history is just a few clicks away. I can open my email account, sort my email to the oldest date and look back at a loving email message I received from someone on an ordinary Thursday that made my whole week.<br />
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So what are you waiting for? I know you've got three minutes today. That's all it takes to send that special person in your life a quick email that says <i>I adore you.</i> It's kind of like this:<br />
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<div><object height="324" width="576"><param name="movie" value="http://d.yimg.com/nl/ymailbeta/leadership/player.swf"></param><param name="flashVars" value="vid=25212053&shareUrl=http%3A//personallyyours.mail.yahoo.com&"></param><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed width="576" height="324" allowFullScreen="true" src="http://d.yimg.com/nl/ymailbeta/leadership/player.swf" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" flashvars="vid=25212053&shareUrl=http%3A//personallyyours.mail.yahoo.com&"></embed></object></div><br />
XOXO,<br />
<br />
MeBinkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-9431913496210618442011-03-10T14:36:00.000-08:002011-03-10T14:40:57.895-08:00I DO Love Baby Star<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inYnOlJ4KTY/TXlP5lXMW1I/AAAAAAAAAX0/2BLV4hKTUL4/s1600/030811_01.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="163" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-inYnOlJ4KTY/TXlP5lXMW1I/AAAAAAAAAX0/2BLV4hKTUL4/s400/030811_01.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Waaaay back when, in 2009, Baby Star sent me one of their completely awesome tote bags for review. I wrote about how much I loved it here at <a href="http://www.thefullmommy.com/2009/02/baby-star-diaper-bag.html">The Full Mommy</a>.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Well it's two years later and I don't have a baby anymore but I am still carrying my Baby Star Tote bag. It's the perfect size, the perfect material for someone like me who tends to be hard on gear and it has more than withstood everything I've dished out to it. I'm talking whole Starbucks green tea latte beverages spilled inside of it. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I've looked around thinking one day I should downsize a little and stop carrying around so much stuff, but I can't find anything I love as much as my "big silver bag". I love the length of the straps and I love how comfortable it is to lug around. So color me super excited that there is a massive sale going on over at Baby Star for totes. Here is the skinny from Baby Star:</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-weight: bold; line-height: 24px;">Super sale on totes at over 60% off! our signature and stylish rock the tote comes with a wipe case and is the perfect accessory for spring. plus great prices on bedding, fitted sheets, knit blankets, ruffle skirts for girls and johnny pants for boys. </span></blockquote><blockquote><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"><b>notes</b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #666666; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; line-height: 18px;">= quantities limited to inventory on hand and please allow for 1 week to ship. no returns or exchanges on sale items.</span> </blockquote><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;">Check out all the available styles</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"> </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #333333; font-family: Georgia, serif; line-height: 20px;"><a href="http://shop.babystar.com/product/part_number=bag-rtt-case/872.0.46088.0.0.0.0" style="color: #5588aa; text-decoration: none;">here</a> and snatch one up before they all gone.</span>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-20668907347643563182011-03-09T08:45:00.000-08:002011-03-09T12:53:48.933-08:00Trying Something New: Hip Shaking ZUMBA<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://clevergirlscollective.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/kroger_hytty_SM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://clevergirlscollective.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2011/03/kroger_hytty_SM.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I'm a runner. I like the way that sounds. I'm going to say that again: I'm a runner.<br />
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But here's the thing about running: If you do it a lot, it's hard on your body. I run at least 20 miles a week and I'm 40 years old and I've had 2 kids. I have my usual aches and pains, sure, but what is happening to me now is that running is putting stress on my hips. Not my hip bones, per say, but all of those muscles that surround them. Pretty much every day they are sore, stiff and in need of major stretching.<br />
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I talked with my doc about this because there is no way I'm going to stop running and he advised that while running is great for your legs and glutes, it doesn't do much to strengthen your core or your hip flexors so he suggested I try to vary my routine. I asked him, have you met me? I don't like change.<br />
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Still, faced with the option of burning out my hips or really causing an injury to myself I decided to check out my choices: Swimming? Too cold. Weights? No. Wait a minute, what was that thing my boss told about that she loved so much? It was kind of like dancing? There was salsa music? Oh yeah. Zumba. Let's look into that.<br />
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Doesn't that look like fun? IT IS!<br />
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I took a Zumba class. Yes it took a few weeks to learn the moves and yes I felt kind of silly when I went in the wrong direction and yes it takes a little while to get used to shaking your groove thing in a room full of strangers but..<br />
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Yes this was the most fun form of exercise I've ever tried and yes I feel great when it's done and yes dancing makes your spirit feel lighter.I worked up a sweat, worked my hips and my abs and felt more like I was having a good time than working out. It also made it easier to rock the treadmill when I've had a break for a couple of days. When is the last time you tried something new? What was it? Weren't you happy?<br />
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Thank you to P&G’s <em>Have You Tried This Yet?</em> program and Kroger for sponsoring my writing about trying new things and breaking out of my everyday routine. <a href="http://www.kroger.com/digitalcoupons">Click here</a> to find great savings on high-performing P&G products at a Kroger store near you. I was selected for this sponsorship by the <a href="http://www.clevergirlscollective.com/">Clever Girls Collective</a>, which endorses <a href="http://www.blogwithintegrity.com/">Blog With Integrity</a>.Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-88346450799228524232011-03-07T09:25:00.000-08:002011-03-07T09:26:55.760-08:00My New Croc Boots<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lb7GPaS9BAg/TXUSqv3XQUI/AAAAAAAAAXw/tWxXKUtq8z8/s1600/croc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="199" q6="true" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-Lb7GPaS9BAg/TXUSqv3XQUI/AAAAAAAAAXw/tWxXKUtq8z8/s320/croc.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So it's March and it's kind of slushy, sort of rainy and just plan messy out. It's not cold enough to wear your winter boots -- or maybe you're just sick of wearing your heavy winter clunkers.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Lucky for you, Crocs aren't just for clogs and summertime fun. Crocs sent me a pair of these <a href="http://www.crocs.com/crocs-crocband-hi-lined-boot/11091,default,pd.html?cid=22Z&cgid=women-footwear-boots">Crocband Hi Lined Boots</a> which are totally perfect for spring. They keep you warm and dry, yes, which is important, but never have your little piggies been so comfortable in the process.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I'm a devoted Crocs fan, so I wasn't surprised that this spring time model features all the comfort and cushioning of the traditional Croc sandal, with the benefit of being waterproof. They look cute with jeans and totally work with my yoga pants. I wear them with socks and without. I've even worn them with tights and a denim skirt. I absolutely love them. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I ordered them one size up, thinking I would need room for cold weather socks but I didn't really need them. They don't really make my feet look any smaller but I don't care at all. My feet are too happy to care.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Thank you to Crocs for sending me a pair of Crocband Boots to review. As always, my opinions are my own.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>The Crocs totally rock(s).</em></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-4955628637374482012011-03-02T08:19:00.000-08:002011-03-02T08:19:28.143-08:00New Releases: Minnie's Masquerade DVD & Mickey MoteYou know what I love about the Disney Mickey Mouse Clubhouse videos? Here's one for the girly-girl pre-schoolers that they will absolutely adore, but will be able to sit down share with their brothers too. This new release, Minnie's Masquerade is a DVD that celebrates friendship, teamwork, sharing, problem solving and ... dressing up!<br />
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The nice thing about this pack is that it's the DVD and the Mickey Mote. The Mickey Mote can be used with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode feature. To date there are more than 11 titles that can be used with the remote control, just take a look at the back of your package to see if your DVD will work. <br />
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Here's what Disney says about Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Minnie’s Masquerade: <br />
<blockquote>"Minnie’s Masquerade starring Disney’s Fab Five -- Minnie, Mickey, Donald, Goofy and Daisy – takes viewers on an all new adventure as they dress-up in their favorite costumes for Minnie’s Masquerade Ball. In this episode, Minnie needs some help getting everything ready for her party including making royal crowns for their costumes, searching for Sir Goofalot’s lost shoe, stringing up paper lanterns and much, much more. At the ball, Professor Von Drake hosts the great Clubhouse Costume Show and gives out prize ribbons to all the friends who have dressed up in some funny and fancy costumes. All it takes is a heaping helping of imagination…and the right Mouseketools."</blockquote><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thanks to Disney for providing me a copy of the Minnie's Masquerade DVD for review. As always my opinions are my own. M-I-C.. See you real soon!</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-91334194137756572952011-03-02T07:53:00.000-08:002011-03-02T07:53:47.214-08:00New Release: Bambi DVD & Blu Ray ComboI have such fond memories of sitting in a beautiful old fashioned theater with my parents, chomping on popcorn and falling in love with Faline, just like Bambi did. Remember this?<br />
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If you are like me and have a soft spot for Bambi, you can now enjoy this classic over and over by bringing home Walt Disney's Bambi which is available in a DVD & Blu Ray Combo pack.<br />
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Here's the synopsis: (Like I need to remind you)<br />
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<blockquote>"For the first time ever, the wonder, music and majesty of one of Walt Disney's greatest triumphs comes alive in glorious detail through the magic of Blu-ray high definition! Now Bambi, Walt Disney's beloved coming-of-age story, will thrill a new generation of fans with its breathtakingly beautiful animation, soaring music and characters who will touch your heart-Bambi, the wide-eyed fawn, his playful pal Thumper, the loveable skunk Flower and wise Friend Owl. Plus, all-new immersive game and special features that reveal the extraordinary creative process behind the making of this timeless classic take you deeper into Bambi's world than ever before." </blockquote><br />
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Plus there's more: The special features include:<br />
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• Disney's Second Screen - Content comes alive on your laptop, or iPad as you watch the movie.<br />
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• Disney View - 16x9 Full frame viewing experience<br />
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• Intro by Diane Disney Miller<br />
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• Inside Walt's Story Meetings - Enhanced interactive edition<br />
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• Two never-before-seen deleted scenes<br />
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• Deleted song<br />
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• Blu-ray interactive galleries<br />
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• Game: Disney Big Book of Knowledge<br />
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• Classic DVD bonus features<br />
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Bambi is available now. Don't miss this one!<br />
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</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thanks to Disney for sending me a copy to review and share with my kids. As always my opionions are my own. I love love love those "doe eyes." </em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-44363888219338038422011-01-24T12:39:00.000-08:002011-01-24T12:39:51.838-08:00Dacron Pillow Review<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TT3dG5m1wyI/AAAAAAAAAXk/hahCUJ866XY/s1600/pillow.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TT3dG5m1wyI/AAAAAAAAAXk/hahCUJ866XY/s1600/pillow.jpg" /></a></div>Have you noticed all the January and February White Sales? I have. The Christmas season ends and moms everywhere go in search of new bedding products.<br />
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(I do anyway, but recently found myself replacing a number of key bedding items due to an unfortunate stomach virus that hit my two year old, but that's all I'm going to say about that!)<br />
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I don't mess around when it comes to sheets and pillows. When you think about how much time you spend in your bed, it's not worth it to scrimp on inexpensive or poorly made stuff. I want my sheets soft and my pillows firm. It was perfect timing that just as I was on the hunt for the perfect pillow, DACRON® offered to send me one mini-pillow to review.<br />
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INVISTA recently launched the new DACRON® Fiber Quality Seal to help busy (and distracted with two-year-olds) consumers like me. The new quality seal will be featured on packaging of bedding and branded fiberfill from INVISTA. Plus the taglines read: "Trust What's Inside" and "It Just Feels Good". <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TT3hvnV1LFI/AAAAAAAAAXo/NgnaMOpdReo/s1600/DACRON_Seal_Logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TT3hvnV1LFI/AAAAAAAAAXo/NgnaMOpdReo/s1600/DACRON_Seal_Logo.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So does it feel good? Yes. Definitely. My kids fight over it on a daily basis. I would tell you that's it's given me the best night of sleep ever, but that wouldn't be really true because I don't sleep. But when I do, it's really great and a full sized Dacron pillow is a worthy investment.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Dacron provided me with a mini-pillow, but my opinions, unlike multiple hours of restful sleep, are mine.</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-63129134922577048472011-01-24T11:55:00.000-08:002011-01-24T11:55:29.691-08:00New Releases: Beverly Hills Chihuahua<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TT3Uv8CJ_pI/AAAAAAAAAXg/2cGtcb46-jY/s1600/bhc.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TT3Uv8CJ_pI/AAAAAAAAAXg/2cGtcb46-jY/s320/bhc.bmp" width="263" /></a></div><br />
Out now on Blu-Ray DVD is the fun and family friendly comedy, "Beverly Hills Chihuahua," starring the voices of many of your favorite stars including George Lopez as "Papi".<br />
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I recommend this one for movie night with kids. Bust out the popcorn, settle in and prepare to spend some quality time with this Disney flick. Chloe & Papi are back in an all new adventure and their family just got bigger. Look at that photo! Don't you want to bring those puppies home?<br />
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Here's a synopsis:<br />
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<blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"><em>From the creators of Beverly Hills Chihuahua, everybody’s favorite talking Chihuahuas are back in a comedy that’s a pack of outrageous fun for the whole family. Puppy mayhem turns the lives of newlywed Chihuahua parents, Papi and Chloe, upside down when their playful puppies present one challenge after another. But, when their human owners find themselves in trouble, the tiny pups will stop at nothing to save them—because in good times and hard times, the family always sticks together. Papi, Chloe and the puppies embark on a heroic adventure, proving once again that big heroes come in small packages. </em></div></blockquote><div style="text-align: left;"></div><div style="text-align: left;">Both the Blu-Ray and DVD include Bonus features including a Music Video (This is My Paradise By Bridgit Mendler) and Blooper Faux Paws. Here's a sneak peek:</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;"><object height="385" width="640"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/bBwCIaCHs1o?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/bBwCIaCHs1o?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object></div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">You too can meet this rambunctious, mischievous and hilarious litter on February 1, 2011 when Beverly Hills Chihuahua 2 comes out on a Blu-ray™ combo pack (include Blu-ray and DVD of the movie), 1-disc DVD. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: left;">Thank you to Disney for providing me with a copy of this new release. </div><div style="text-align: left;"><br />
</div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>I love puppies in all forms and would happily devote another Saturday night to watching them perform hilarious antics. You would too.</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-19637292924352603602011-01-20T12:24:00.000-08:002011-01-20T12:24:48.299-08:00Day Care Debt & Family Finance Plans<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TTiPf6CaZXI/AAAAAAAAAXc/UOu9OvODjv8/s1600/cash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TTiPf6CaZXI/AAAAAAAAAXc/UOu9OvODjv8/s320/cash.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><em>Thank you to TurboTax for sponsoring my writing about household finances.Learn more about how TurboTax can help you find every </em><a href="http://turbotax.intuit.com/"><em>tax deduction</em></a><em> you deserve. I was selected for this sponsorship by the </em><a href="http://www.clevergirlscollective.com/"><em>Clever Girls Collective</em></a><em>, which endorses </em><a href="http://www.blogwithintegrity.com/"><em>Blog With Integrity</em></a><em>.</em><br />
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Once upon a time, I decided to do something. My day care gave me the option of paying by check or using a credit card to charge the oh-so-incredibly-painfully-large monthly fee on a monthly basis.<br />
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The credit card I had was a rewards card. It earned miles and points based on the monthly charges. At the rate I was going to be using it, I thought I'd be banking enough miles to get plan tickets for the whole family to go on a fun vacation -- that I couldn't afford because I spent all my money on day care.<br />
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So I signed up. It was brilliant, right? It was money I was spending anyway and now I'd be getting something for me. Pat on the back for little ol' me. Since it was on a credit card if I had to, I could always carry a little over from month to month if I had to. No big deal. I could deal with the interest. Such a good idea.<br />
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At the end of every month that big day care charge hit. Sometimes I paid it all. Sometimes I didn't. I didn't worry. I'd catch up.<br />
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Then another baby arrived. My expenses went up. My cash flow went down. Interest went up. Late fees went up.<br />
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Do you see where this is going? I'm sure you do. I didn't.<br />
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In hindsight, it's all crystal clear. I was digging myself in a hole I was going to have to struggle for years to get myself out of. I'm still there. But at the time, I just couldn't see it, or maybe didn't want to see it.<br />
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Needless to say, I don't charge my day care bill any longer. If something comes up where I can't pay the bill in full, I make a point to make it up the following one. I actually don't charge anything anymore. It's too easy to charge $50.00 in groceries here and $25.00 for a school fundraiser there. I know I'm not alone in this. Credit has been too easy to get, too easy to use and too hard to recover from for a lot of people. So I'm proclaiming 2011 the year of cash. Who's with me?<br />
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<em>Photo via </em><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/bfishadow/4237025430/"><em>bfishadow</em></a><em>/Flickr</em>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-66105614381328754452011-01-11T10:13:00.000-08:002011-01-11T10:13:39.679-08:00Heart of Haiti Project<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TSyXXWZksBI/AAAAAAAAAXI/UoO5fUD_3nY/s1600/heartohaiti_img.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TSyXXWZksBI/AAAAAAAAAXI/UoO5fUD_3nY/s1600/heartohaiti_img.gif" /></a></div><br />
I have never been to Haiti. Having never been there, I picture it in my mind as a beautiful place inspired by the ocean and sunshine and lush green spaces.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TSyYVMfXgnI/AAAAAAAAAXM/SXxQ_joUiB0/s1600/heartofhaiti_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="140" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TSyYVMfXgnI/AAAAAAAAAXM/SXxQ_joUiB0/s320/heartofhaiti_3.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Well, that is what Haiti is like, but unfortunately, that's not the whole picture. The people and the neighborhoods are still struggling, even one year after the earthquake that devastated the country. But, the good news is, there are people who want to help.<br />
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The <a href="http://bit.ly/HeartofHaiti-ShopforABetterWorld">Heart of Haiti Project</a> is an initiative founded by Willa Shalit (daughter of Gene Shalit) and her company, Fairwinds Trading, a for-profit company that uses business as a strategy for economic empowerment of people, especially women, in the Majority World. The Majority World is where two billion of the world’s three billion people live, in poverty.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Their focus on women as a preferred partner is based in part on their history, in part on their leadership as a woman-owned firm, and in part on evidence that raising the standard of living for women has the greatest positive multiplier effect within families, communities and cultures. Their mission is to connect cultures through business, art and understanding.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
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</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TSybJUgEP1I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/6tBtbWM1XnY/s1600/heartofhaiti_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TSybJUgEP1I/AAAAAAAAAXQ/6tBtbWM1XnY/s1600/heartofhaiti_2.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Through a partnership with Macy’s, Heart of Haiti offers artisan-crafted decorative arts and jewelry for sale. All income derived from sales of the products on the Heart of Haiti site enhances an artisan’s family’s nutrition, educates children, and brings access to healthcare and dignity.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">More information on the Heart of Haiti Project and the products for purchase can be found <a href="http://www.macys.com/heartofhaiti">here</a>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I did a little browsing and I think I might have to pick up some of these fruit sculptures. The bright colors would make my kitchen a little happier on a grey snowy day like today.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TSyb-mmeykI/AAAAAAAAAXU/iLPJ3U-1CZw/s1600/825580_fpx.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" n4="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TSyb-mmeykI/AAAAAAAAAXU/iLPJ3U-1CZw/s1600/825580_fpx.jpg" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">If you want to find out more information on the the Heart of Haiti founder and Fairwinds Trading CEO Willa Shalit, you can find out more <a href="http://www.oprah.com/spirit/The-Woman-Who-Makes-Shopping-Meaningful">here</a>. </div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I love the phrase "Meaningful Shopping". You can't get better than that.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em>I was selected for this very special “CleverHaiti” opportunity by Clever Girls Collective, which endorses Blog With Integrity. All opinions are my own.</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-42829091764224751342010-12-20T08:15:00.000-08:002010-12-20T08:15:51.755-08:00The Best Gift Ever: SWAGG Post<a href="http://bit.ly/theSWAGGapp"><img alt="" src="http://clevergirls.typepad.com/web%20sundance%20ad7-02.jpg" /></a><br />
<em>SWAGG is a free mobile app <a href="http://bit.ly/theSWAGGapp">(download here)</a> that lets you shop smarter using your mobile phone. Buy, send or swap SWAGG GIFTS and organize your old school plastic gift cards.</em><br />
<em>For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to <a href="http://www.standup2cancer.org/">Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C) </a>, up to $125,000.</em><br />
<em>Clever Girls Collective and SWAGG are sending a pair of movie fans to the Sundance Film Festival! <a href="http://bit.ly/theSWAGGapp">Download the SWAGG app </a>and then visit the <a href="http://wildfireapp.com/website/6/contests/82357">Ultimate SWAGG Getaway Sweepstakes site </a>to enter to win a trip for two to the Sundance Film Festival. Entry deadline is January 3, 2011, 11:59pm, PST.</em><br />
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The best gift I ever gave was one I didn't even know I was giving!<br />
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Just after we were engaged, my then boyfriend gave me a beautiful (and expensive) silk scarf for my birthday It was flowered and lovely and I thought it was the coolest thing ever. It made me feel like a million bucks.<br />
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The day before Christmas I was shopping with some friends, one of whom is a notorius prankster. I know this about her and I love her anyway, even though I'm not a huge fan of practical jokes.<br />
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My friends and I have a tradition of getting together on the day after Christmas and exchanging little presents, nothing major and I showed up with my bags of lotion and good smelling things for all my girlfriends. We took turns opening gifts and squealing over the things that we got until it came time for the last presentation.<br />
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One of my girlfriends took her time unwrapping the last gift which was carefully wrapped in a small box. She peeked inside and slowly lifted the lid then she pulled out ... my scarf!<br />
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She was oohing and aahing about it. How pretty! How thoughtful! How she couldn't believe I would give her such a thing! I was stunned. Then confused. Then stunned again. Rapidly my mind was running. Wasn't that mine? Wait, where was mine? Is that mine? Why does she think I'm giving it to her? Then I saw my friends snicker, then laugh, then belly laugh, then howl with laughter.<br />
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That's mine! I exclaimed. I snatched it from her hands to look at the tag. It was mine. My sneaky friend has slipped it away from me the day before, then wrapped it up and gave it to my other friend (who was in on it) under false pretenses -- just to see the look on my face. Which apparently was very, very funny.<br />
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So yes, I was mad for a minute, but then I gave in and laughed along with them. To this day they still bring it up and yuck it up about how funny that was and what a great night we had. It's true. I love my friends and I love that I was able to give them a belly laugh, even if it was at my expense. That's the stuff that real friendship is made of.<br />
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Hoping your Holiday is filled with much love & laughter!<br />
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<em>Learn more about the coolest new app that revolutionizes the whole shopping, gifting, and gift card-organizing experience and <a href="http://bit.ly/theSWAGGapp">Download the SWAGG app to your iPhone or Droid.</a> I was selected for this sponsorship by <a href="http://www.clevergirlscollective.com/"></a>Clever Girls Collective , which endorses <a href="http://www.blogwithintegrity.com/"></a>Blog With Integrity.</em><br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Laughing makes you feel great, and so can this: SWAGG has partnered with non-profit Stand Up To Cancer (SU2C). For every download of the app between now and Dec. 31, 2010, SWAGG will donate $1 to SU2C up to $125,000. Awesome, right?! Visit the SU2C site for more info http://www.standup2cancer.org/</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-49976868855286306232010-11-17T08:25:00.000-08:002010-11-17T08:25:58.236-08:00Mickey Mote & DVD Playset: Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Handy Manny<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.totaleclips.com/player/Splash.aspx?custid=907&clipid=e78540&playerid=69&affiliateid=-1&bitrateid=378&formatid=10" width="352"></iframe></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br />
</div>What is a Mickey Mote? I'm glad you asked: <br />
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The Mickey Mote works with any Disney Preschool DVD that includes the Discovery Mode(tm), which is the interactive "Watch & Play" feature on the DVD! Parent's program the remote control (there's an easy and quick set-up guide in each DVD) and then select the Discovery Mode feature on the menu screen. Within minutes, kids will be easily responding to questions, throughout the story, about scenes they just watched (such as "What color is Goofy's hat?") by pressing one of four color-coded buttons on the device -- a yellow star, green circle, orange triangle or blue square -- to click in their responses. The Discovery Mode also features two levels of play, which provides more challenging questions as your child grows. <br />
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The Mickey Mote is in stores now and comes packaged with the Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Numbers Roundup DVD. This Disney DVD features more than 100 minutes of content with five numbers-themed adventures and bonus features including a never-before-seen bonus episode (which will air in January 2011) as well as the Discovery Mode feature.<br />
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Disney was kind enough to send me the Mickey Mote & Mickey Mouse Clubhouse Numbers Roundup DVD to review and threw in a copy of the Handy Manny Big Construction Job DVD, which is also compatible with the Mickey Mote so my five year old could give it a try.<br />
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We liked it for a number of reasons:<br />
<ul><li>The Mickey Mote. In our house we're always telling him not to touch the remote so it was fun for him to have one that is JUST HIS.</li>
<li>The Numbers Roundup DVD. He's learning all about numbers in his kindergarden class and so this DVD was very timely and entertaining.</li>
<li>Handy Manny: Is there any little boy out there who doesn't like trucks?</li>
</ul>I like it that Disney came out with the Mickey Mote but also gave parents the option to play these DVDs independent of the Mickey Mote. These DVDs are rated G and you don't need the Mickey Mote to watch them because while questions and challenges are great, sometimes you just want kids to enjoy Mickey Mouse and be entertained. It's nice to be able to do both.<br />
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<div align="center"><em>How great is it that your pre-schoolers can watch a DVD and learn math? Maybe if there were DVDs and Mickey Motes like this around when I was a kid I'd be much better at balancing my checking account than I am.</em></div><br />
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<div align="left" style="text-align: center;"></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-69054731693593285382010-11-09T09:27:00.000-08:002010-11-09T09:29:22.990-08:00Veggie Tales It's a Meaningful Life DVD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TNmB9Lb0GtI/AAAAAAAAAXA/LGepxBdjtRo/s1600/veg.bmp" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TNmB9Lb0GtI/AAAAAAAAAXA/LGepxBdjtRo/s320/veg.bmp" width="227" /></a></div>My kids love VeggieTales. Without fail, VeggieTales DVDs are family friendly, entertaining, clever and with plenty of catchy music that you will like.<br />
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In It's a Meaningful Life, you can see the story of Stewart ( who is really Larry the Cucumber), a silly but sweet man with a wonderful family who constantly plays the what-if game about an old football injury. After meeting a conductor who can turn back the hands of time, will he finally find everything he's been looking for?<br />
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Every VeggieTales DVD has a lesson, and this is no exception. I will tell you because it surprised me the first time I watched a VeggieTales movie, there is always a message about God in the stories. I will also tell you that regardless of how you feel about that, the messages are simple and basic and such that you can have a conversation with your child if they have questions about it without any controversy. It's my humble opinion that even though we may not practice religion at the level that some VeggieTales fans might, I'd rather answer questions about God than see violence, sassy talk or characters disrespecting each other.<br />
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I'd give this two thumbs up but vegetables don't have thumbs, so two sprouts up I guess, for It's A Meaningful Life. Thanks to Big Idea Inc. for sending me a copy for review. It's in stores now if you want to check it out.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>It's true. There's never ever ever ever ever ever been a show like VeggieTales.</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-59229712767539871052010-10-27T09:43:00.000-07:002010-10-29T12:45:14.684-07:00Shutterfly Holiday Cards: Yes, It's That Time Already!<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;">This morning when I was driving to work I saw that a park near by is gearing up the Holiday lights display. Really? I thought -- but then I realized it's almost November so, yeah, I guess it's time. </div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TMT5FmF7RqI/AAAAAAAAAWw/rOjWi9B6J2Q/s1600/card1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TMT5FmF7RqI/AAAAAAAAAWw/rOjWi9B6J2Q/s1600/card1.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>Hooray for Mistletoe!</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">I've used Shutterfly before for <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/">holiday cards</a>. I am usually super frazzled by the time the middle of December rolls around, but I love sending Christmas cards. I love sharing pictures of my kiddos and we all know that if you don't send Christmas cards you don't get very many back. I think it's so fun to get letters and pictures from family and friends plus don't you love getting mail that is not a bill? </div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TMT5NeSC-nI/AAAAAAAAAW0/U5Nctf2eBco/s1600/card2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TMT5NeSC-nI/AAAAAAAAAW0/U5Nctf2eBco/s200/card2.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; text-align: center;"><em>I love the clean & c</em><em>lassic look of this one.</em></div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Since I don't have a lot of time or money, I look for a few things when picking out Christmas cards:</div><ol><li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Shopping that is EASY.</li>
<li style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery">Christmas photo cards</a> and the flexibility to move them photos around to create my own format.</li>
<li><div style="text-align: left;">Non-Traditional designs. I don't like to send religious cards and I like modern designs and colors, although I am always tempted by the beautiful blue <a cards-stationery="" hanukkah-cards”="" href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/hanukkah-cards" http:="" www.shutterfly.com="">Hanukkah cards</a>.</div></li>
</ol><div align="center"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TMT5XEe9VbI/AAAAAAAAAW4/q5YXLl4sXa4/s1600/card3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="cssfloat: left; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" nx="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TMT5XEe9VbI/AAAAAAAAAW4/q5YXLl4sXa4/s200/card3.jpg" width="143" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><em>This one would work great if I choose to use summer vacation photos this year.</em></div><div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>So grab your camera and your family and click away, then head over to Shutterfly to see what you can create.<br />
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<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">Do you want 50 free holiday cards from Shutterfly? <a href="http://blog.shutterfly.com/5358/holiday2010-blog-submission-form/">Click here to go to Shutterfly</a> for information on how you can get 50 free cards this holiday season, and make sure to select Clever 1000 as the referral source.</div><div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;"><br />
</div>This post is part of a series sponsored by Shutterfly. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses <a href="http://blogwithintegrity.com/">Blog With Integrity</a>.<br />
<div class="separator" style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none; clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-22754595514680727612010-10-06T07:58:00.000-07:002010-10-06T07:58:23.371-07:00It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown DVD<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKyL7lMEPnI/AAAAAAAAAWs/dQ9vTqnVoFQ/s1600/charlie.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" ex="true" height="200" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKyL7lMEPnI/AAAAAAAAAWs/dQ9vTqnVoFQ/s200/charlie.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>Every year when It's <em>The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown</em> shows up, for me, I celebrate the start of the holiday season. <br />
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I have such fond memories of getting to stay up late in watch this show in my pajamas -- back in the days when televisions didn't have remote controls and were as big as a car -- and how sad I would be when it was over.<br />
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My kids won't have to suffer the same fate because of awesome DVDs like this one: <em>It's The Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown</em> finds the Peanuts gang outfitted in costumes, ready for trick or treating and crashing Violet’s Halloween party. Charlie Brown is in a ghost costume. Lucy dressed as a witch and Snoopy in a World War I flying ace costume. Linus decides to steadfastly hold vigil in the pumpkin patch as he awaits the Great Pumpkin. <br />
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There are so many reasons why you want to buy this DVD. You don't have to deal with fast forwarding, or worse yet, sitting through the commercials for all the stuff your kids want but don't need, the quality is outstanding, it's a DVD & Blu-Ray combo, so even if you don't have a Blu-Ray now, you will one day and you'll be so prepared. If that's not enough, this disc comes with a bonus TV special: You're Not Elected, Charlie Brown. This episode tells the story of Linus trying to become student body president. Things are going well, until he starts talking about the Great Pumpkin. <br />
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You know how there are some DVDs that your kids watch a couple of times and then never get touched again? This is not one of them. <br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thanks to Warner Home Video for providing me a copy of this DVD for review and for sparing me all the commercials I won't have to watch this year.</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-33984166809160244412010-10-05T10:56:00.000-07:002010-10-05T10:56:14.288-07:00Cheerios and The Wild Wild WestSponsored By<br />
<script src="http://thirdparty.fmpub.net/placement/355982?fleur_de_sel=[timestamp]" type="text/javascript">
</script><br />
<br />
Cheerios® is giving you the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, your ultimate family vacation. As part of a paid promotion for their <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cheerios.com%2Flove%2FSweepstakes.aspx&k4=584&k5={banner_id}"">“Do What You Love” Sweepstakes</a>, Cheerios® is sponsoring my post today about what my ultimate family vacation would be. Read mine, <a href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cheerios.com%2Flove%2FSweepstakes.aspx&k4=584&k5={banner_id}">Enter the Sweepstakes</a> for a chance to actually win your own fantasy family trip or one of a bunch of other great prizes.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtmcF461WI/AAAAAAAAAWo/94Rj8EwVhbk/s1600/bad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtmcF461WI/AAAAAAAAAWo/94Rj8EwVhbk/s320/bad.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>When I was in college, on a whim, on very little sleep and probably about two hours notice, a handful of friends and I piled into a too-small vehicle and hit the open road. I don't remember why we chose to go where we ended up or who was in charge of directions but we took what turned out to be one of the most fun and memorable trips of my life. We left Wisconsin early in the morning and headed West -- a direction I had never traveled before.<br />
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We slept on the ground in sleeping bags in Sturgis, South Dakota. I drove through the Badlands and admired the jaw dropping beauty of it all. I shrugged my shoulders at Mount Rushmore (that's it? Isn't it bigger than that? <em>Really?</em>) Got a <a _mce_href="http://www.walldrug.com/p-1457-1-wall-drug-bumper-sticker.aspx" href="http://www.walldrug.com/p-1457-1-wall-drug-bumper-sticker.aspx" target="_self">Wall Drug</a> bumper sticker, shouted to the buffalo who roamed Yellowstone, tied a string to a fence on top of a mountain so high I almost peed myself driving back down and said the words "We're not from 'round these parts" to a mountain man in a convenience story with a beard down to his knees when I had to ask for directions.<br />
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There was more too, wading through freezing cold mountain springs, music, photographs. As clear as some of those memories are in my mind, I'm sure there is much I've forgotten. There were places we didn't get to as well. We wanted to see the cliffs at Mesa Verde and swing by the Grand Canyon but ran out of time.<br />
That's why I can't wait for the day that I can do that again. With my boys - my husband and my sons. I want to recreate that Western trek. I want to see it all again. I want to show it to them. How different this country can be and how amazing. I want to spend hours in the car. Maybe we'll rent an R.V. I want to wear silly cowboy hats and I want to hike under the sun and I want to see the Grand Canyon this time. From a helicopter. Yeah! I want to stand where I can't see anything but wide open spaces in every direction and I want them to see that too. I want them to be open to a world so much bigger than the small city we live in.<br />
I can't wait for that day. That's what I would do if I could.<br />
<br />
<a _mce_href="http://www.binkytowne.com/.a/6a00d83451e2a169e20133f4c77c2f970b-pi" _mce_style="float: left;" href="http://www.binkytowne.com/.a/6a00d83451e2a169e20133f4c77c2f970b-pi" style="float: left;"></a>Don't forget to enter the <a _mce_href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cheerios.com%2Flove%2FSweepstakes.aspx&k4=584&k5={banner_id}"" href="http://r1.fmpub.net/?r=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.cheerios.com%2Flove%2FSweepstakes.aspx&k4=584&k5={banner_id}"">“Do What You Love” Sweepstakes</a>, for a chance to win your own ultimate family vacation. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective, which endorses <a _mce_href="http://blogwithintegrity.com" href="http://blogwithintegrity.com/">Blog With Integrity</a>.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><em>As stated above, this post was Sponsored by Cheerios, which I really love, especially the honey-nut variety.</em></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-87634032014400740252010-10-05T09:42:00.000-07:002010-10-05T12:30:00.162-07:00Umi Shoes Back To School GIVEAWAY! <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtNgY_ciqI/AAAAAAAAAWY/4z_CGn1XmBk/s1600/umi.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="149" px="true" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtNgY_ciqI/AAAAAAAAAWY/4z_CGn1XmBk/s200/umi.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Umi Pilot</td></tr>
</tbody></table>Yes, I realize that back to school started a month ago, however, it's taken me an entire month just to catch my breath and get used to new routines for two children, a new school for one, a new classroom for the other, to fill out forms, permission slips, print out the lunch menus and learn how to correctly pronounce the name of the teacher that someone just informed me I've been saying wrong for four weeks (my bad).<br />
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Luckily for me, I've got Umi Shoes on my size. I've reviewed Umi shoes multiple times before on <a href="http://www.thefullmommy.com/2009/08/umi-shoes-prams.html">The Full Mommy</a> and you can expect to read about them again here because they are my go-to shoes for both of my boys. I don't even have to think about it: They get a pair in the spring and another in the fall. I know the quality is consistent, the styles are hip and fun, they are affordable and I know they will last the entire season. As crazy as back to school month has been for me, Umi helped me tremendously by being there and making it easy to check NEW SHOES off my list. I so appreciate having a brand that can do that for me.<br />
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I'd like to do the same for you, because <strong>Umi has generously offered a pair of shoes for a lucky Binkytowne reader</strong>. If you would like a pair of Umi's for your favorite little feet here's what you need to do:<br />
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1) Comment here and make sure you leave your email address!<br />
2) Visit <a href="http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=lf#!/UmiChildrensShoes?ref=search">Umi's Facebook page</a> and leave a comment there as well.<br />
3) Think about which shoes you want if you win. <br />
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Your choices for the giveaway include:<br />
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The Orchid for Girls, in pink or black OR The Tiberius lo in chocolate:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtT2f-YAII/AAAAAAAAAWg/oFbZ3XudhqM/s1600/orch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtT2f-YAII/AAAAAAAAAWg/oFbZ3XudhqM/s1600/orch.jpg" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtT545D-CI/AAAAAAAAAWk/VQNGakv0nGA/s1600/Ti.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtT545D-CI/AAAAAAAAAWk/VQNGakv0nGA/s1600/Ti.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Umi sent me a pair of the Pilot shoes for boys (seen above) and they are perfect. They are casual enough for jeans, but well made enough to look nice with khakis or cords. Of course, my two year old doesn't care about that. He only cares that they feel good and enable him to run fast. They do both.<br />
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You can visit the <a href="http://www.umishoes.com/shop/index.html">Umi website</a> to see all of the cool options for fall and winter and right now shipping is free with any order of $50.00 or more. <br />
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I'll pick a winner on October 15th. One comment per person please and GOOD LUCK!<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;"><em>Thank you to Umi for providing a pair of Pilot shoes: </em></div><div style="text-align: center;"><em>Full disclosure, I buy 3-4 pairs of Umi shoes every year and I wish they made MaryJanes for adults.</em> </div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-84152722528240869542010-10-05T08:57:00.000-07:002010-10-05T09:01:25.134-07:00Disney's Beauty and the Beast DVD & Blu-Ray Diamond Edition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtFo1886cI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/9SFCnymSqJk/s1600/beauty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" px="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtFo1886cI/AAAAAAAAAWQ/9SFCnymSqJk/s1600/beauty.jpg" /></a></div><span style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;">Now that the weather is turning colder I'm always on the look out for DVDs I can bring home for the kids to watch on weekend afternoons. Lucky for me (and you) Disney’s most requested film, Beauty and the Beast, is arriving in stores for the first time in a Blu-ray + DVD Diamond Edition.</span></span><br />
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Do you remember Beauty and the Beast? I can refresh your memory: It is set in and around a quaint French village during the late 18th century and Beauty and the Beast follows the adventures of Belle (the Beauty) who finds escape from her ordinary life through books and the Beast, who must discover a true love who will return his affection. <br />
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This is a timeless tale that has gone on to inspire a Tony nominated Broadway musical, has won Academy Awards, Golden Globes and a couple of Grammys. All of which is fantastic, but the question is will your kids want to watch this? The answer of course, is YES. The movie is charming, full of beautiful music, awesome graphics, humor and characters your kids will fall in love with. On top of that, there are hours of additional viewing experiences that include behind the scenes features, deleted scenes, enhanced music tracks, games and more. <br />
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This film is defintely family movie-night worthy. Here's a clip for your viewing pleasure:<br />
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<iframe frameborder="0" height="284" src="http://www.totaleclips.com/player/Splash.aspx?custid=907&clipid=e73949&playerid=69&affiliateid=-1&bitrateid=378&formatid=10" width="352"></iframe><br />
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I know you are totally singing right now, aren't you? Well, before you go make sure and click over <a href="http://www.disneymovierewards.go.com/promotions/special-offers/batblptw-coupon">here</a> for a special offer from Disney worth $10.00 of the DVD & Blu-Ray combo pack.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtJUHKx8NI/AAAAAAAAAWU/TFhPdT6-x-k/s1600/bcoup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="185" px="true" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/TKtJUHKx8NI/AAAAAAAAAWU/TFhPdT6-x-k/s320/bcoup.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<blockquote><em>Thanks to Disney for sending me a copy of Beauty and the Beast for review, it was free, but I'm sure I would have bought one anyway.</em> </blockquote>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7313023318731082459.post-9123843978049328282009-08-10T19:58:00.001-07:002009-08-10T20:03:45.768-07:00Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair.<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/SoDfM4MuOVI/AAAAAAAAAPY/SepF5uE0TAo/s1600-h/DSC04041.JPG"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5368536168162802002" style="FLOAT: right; MARGIN: 0px 0px 10px 10px; WIDTH: 150px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 200px" alt="" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_ODoB99-eZeY/SoDfM4MuOVI/AAAAAAAAAPY/SepF5uE0TAo/s200/DSC04041.JPG" border="0" /></a><br /><div><div>This is part two of my compensated review from BlogHer and Estée Lauder Advanced Night Repair.<br /><br />So did you make your way to your nearest Estée Lauder Counter on July 23rd for the ULTIMATE SKINCARE GIVEAWAY? I did! As part of our original BlogHer review for Advanced Night Repair, I was fortunate enough along with a busload of other bloggers, to be treated to a visit to Macy’s in Chicago for a special event celebrating Advanced Night Repair. I’m here to tell you all about it.<br /><br />After being greeted warmly by the Estée Lauder team, we were treated to two presentations; Evelyn Briley taught us about the product itself and Theresa Selvaggio gave us a spirited look at the life of Estée Lauder, the woman and entrepreneur. We were able to learn about what makes Advanced Night Repair so successful and how much research has been done to make it so effective. It was great information but I really enjoyed learning about Estée Lauder, the woman. The woman who wasn’t “allowed” to give out samples of her perfume in a department store, so she showed up on a crowded Saturday afternoon and dropped a bottle of it in the middle of the place, letting it shatter so that the fragrance filled the air. Sounds like my kind of lady.<br /><br />After the presentations we all had the opportunity to meet with Estée Lauder make up artists for a personal consultation and make up touch up. As I mentioned in my previous review, I’m a long time Estée Lauder customer so I’m familiar with the products but it was really helpful to talk with an expert one on one about my skin tone and how to combine the products for the best effect. I wish we had done some before and after pictures can I can tell you, there was a whole lot of pretty ladies walking out of Macy’s that night and heading back to BlogHer.<br /><br />One last thing. As a thank you gift, Estée Lauder gave us all gift bags with some sample products enclosed. In my bag there was eye-shadow (lovely, by the way) and the new TurboLash mascara. This was not part of the review but I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you to go out and get that mascara RIGHT NOW. I am extremely picky when it comes to mascara and rarely find one that I really, really like. Listen, ladies, it vibrates. I can’t tell you why this works but wow- it does. The mascara glides on smoothly, doesn’t clump and my lashes look long and full. It’s magical. I’m in love.<br /><br />I want to send my thanks to the team at Estée Lauder for sharing their products and expertise with me and the rest of the BlogHer reviewers. I enjoyed my visit to Macy’s and I look forward to my next visit to the Estée Lauder counter. </div></div>Binkytownehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13369442093829617488noreply@blogger.com0