Norton Online Family Review and iPod Touch Giveaway
February 20, 2009
UPDATED CHANGE: I was notified by BlogHer that the date the contest ends is actually the 9th, not the 8th as I was originally told. Here is your official updated change. You may resume your regularly scheduled day.
I was asked by the powers that be at BlogHer to review a new product, Norton On-Line Family. Norton in an attempt at keeping our kids safe online has developed a product called Norton On-Line Family. Here is a quick video of a family (I am guessing the Cleavers or Jones’) showing how much better their life with their kids has become by using Norton On-Line Family. Go watch. I will wait.
Norton On-Line Family is software to help track where you kids are going on the internet, what they are doing, what instant messages they are sending. It even has a feature which allows you to limit them to so many hours per week or weekend. Now that is a feature that I did enjoy. Though, turning off the computer works, too. I know there are times I won’t be able to be there and limit their time, so this is a good feature to have available.
The software enables you to block certain types of sites, specific sites or to allow certain sites. You can warn the teenager they are getting ready to enter an prohibited site, block the site entirely or simply log the information about what site they went on. Of course, there is a pop up telling them that they are at a site that has been or should be off limits. This is tougher to enforce if you have tech savvy teenagers. It has a safe search feature so your child doesn’t search for web sites about something innocent for school and end up on a porn site or a site that is absolutely inappropriate for him. It has notification features which send e-mails to a specific address when certain things occur. I enjoyed that feature the most. I like that I can get an email telling me that my teen tried to visit a site that was off limits and if he tried to by-pass it, what his reason was for doing so.
In short, with Norton Online Family, you can:
- View the Web sites that each child has visited.
- Block a Web site that you think is inappropriate for your child.
- Monitor all the Internet searches that your child performs with most search engines.
- Monitor the time that each child spends on the Internet.
- View all the social networking sites that the child has visited.
- View all the instant messages that your child sends and receives.
- Block the personal information that the child attempts to send.
And because I love you, readers, I and because I tried out this new software and tried to make it work out for our family, the people at BlogHer and Norton are giving me an iPod Touch to give away to my readers. That’s right. You, the reader, get the prize this time for the review that I did for you! What do you have to lose? Now, I must note that my email on this site has been a bit strange so if you have a problem, leave a comment on my post at Mommy Needs Coffee here on this post.
Make sure your email address is valid!
Rules:
- IMPORTANT! The contest runs from Monday, Feb 23rd and will end Sunday, March 8th.
- No duplicate comments (see additional entry methods for more chances to win)
- This giveaway is open to U.S. residents
- Winners will be selected by random draw (Random Integer Generator) and will be notified by email.
- You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
See the official rules for details:
blogher and norton itouch giveaway rules
Good luck and let me know how that iPod touch works out for you! 
Posted by Jenn @
4:11 pm | |
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Personal Trainer: Math for the Nintendo DS
January 30, 2009
How long has it been since you found yourself sitting in a math classroom? If you are like me, if has been ages. To me that is a blessing. You see, math and I don’t really get along. It goes back many, many years.
When I was in 8th grade, I was a math Super Star! I was taking high school Algebra and though it was easy. I had it down. I enjoyed it. I was proud of myself that I was good in math. Then came the final six weeks period of that 8th grade year. You see, my Algebra teacher decided that I just wasn’t “getting it” and that perhaps the previous 5 six weeks of classes just didn’t sink in for me. She told me that she didn’t feel I was “good enough” for the class and decided to remove me. That’s right. With one 6 week grading period left she suddenly decided I couldn’t cut it and removed me from the class. All of the hard work from that year was gone. I was moved to honors math and lost all of my Algebra credits. I was stung.
Something inside me broke when it came to math. In some twisted way my brain began to believe I was terrible at math. From that time on, math and I became bitter enemies. Not only did I lose my confidence in math, but in school. That one teacher took someone who was confident and excited about a subject and slammed it into the ground. Even today, I shudder at the words “Algebra” and “math” because, I just “couldn’t get it” like the smart kids.
Well, I am taking that back!
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Posted by Jenn @
9:17 am | |
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Giveaway! Space Buddies with Plush Buddies to Win!
January 24, 2009
On February 3rd Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment will release SPACE BUDDIES on DVD and Blu-ray. Packed with more tail-wagging fun -than ever before, the Buddies’ greatest adventure yet takes them to the final frontier- outer space! The adorable and inquisitive Golden Retriever puppies accidently blast off to the moon, and they return with help from Spudnick, a friendly bull terrier, and Gravity (voiced by Amy Sedaris), a resourceful ferret. Out of this world bonus features include doggie bloopers and a brand new music video from Disney Channel star Alyson Stoner and much more!
I am giving away two prize packages to two lucky winners. You can win a Plush Buddy and the DVD. Just leave a comment and two winners will be randomly drawn. You know you want these!
Disney’s irresistible talking puppies are back in an all-new movie, Space Buddies, an intergalactic action-adventure coming to DVD and Blu-ray Hi-Def on February 3, 2009 from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment. Packed with more heart, more suspense and more tail-wagging fun -than ever before, the Buddies’ greatest adventure yet takes them to the final frontier— outer space! Perfectly timed for Valentine’s Day gift-giving, Space Buddies is packed with out-of-this world bonus features including hilarious doggy bloopers and a brand new music video.
Adorable Golden Retriever puppies Rosebud, Buddha, Budderball, B-Dawg, and Mudbud return in an epic adventure that takes them farther than they ever dreamed. In a delightful new escapade, the inquisitive pooches travel to the moon in search of a dream, only to realize that what they want is back on earth. Moving at warp speed, dodging asteroids and more, the Buddies and their two new friends, Spudnick, a sweet bull terrier and Gravity, a resourceful ferret, must summon their courage and ingenuity
to launch plans for a moon landing and a rocketing trip back home. Will they have the right stuff?
Overflowing with intergalactic action and heart, Space Buddies is an inspiring tale of teamwork, and loyalty that celebrates the journey of life and the friendships made along the way. It’s Buddy-loving fun the whole family will enjoy again and again.
DVD BONUS FEATURES
• Buddy Bloopers – Hilarious outtakes, blunders, and bloopers that add fun for the whole family!
• “Dancing in the Moonlight” – A brand new music video performed by Disney Channel star
Alyson Stoner
• DisneyPedia: The Buddies Guide To Space Travel – Viewers can go on set with the Space
Buddies as they each take a turn revealing some of their favorite movie making moments from
Space Buddies. They also give insight on what it takes to actually travel in space.
• Buddy Facts – Watch Space Buddies again with pop up facts filled with information about space
and the making of the Space Buddies.
BLU-RAY EXCLUSIVE BONUS FEATURES (Includes all DVD Bonus Content)
• Buddy Finder – Buddy Finder – Viewers go on a scavenger hunt with their favorite Buddy and
identify and locate 100 items within the movie
• Disney BD-Live Network – The Disney BD-Live Network is just one of the many ways movie
lovers, families, and loved ones can continue to stay connected and engage in their favorite
movies.
Plush Buddies You Can Win!
[Update: I’ve just been informed by Disney that the helmets seen on the Buddah and Rosebud plush dogmonauts might be included, which also means that they might not.]
Here is a fun quiz you can take to see which Space Buddy you are:
And finally, here is a sneak peek at the movie:
Posted by Jenn @
8:38 am | |
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Introducing: Sauvenomics! And? Get Free Suave!(Bonus!)
January 14, 2009
Obama’s not the only one with a plan to boost the economy! Suave wants to remind America that it is completely possibly to live beautifully for less and get quality products without paying the price. They call it Suavenomics - living beautifully for less - and have asked me (and you!) to put it to the test!
Seriously, we have seen the ads that say Suave is as good (or better) than the more expensive leading brands? Is that true?
My new and wonderful friends at Weber Shandwick (Who happen to be one of my favorite PR Firms to work with AND they totally get it when it comes to marketing and working with bloggers. I highly recommend you jump on anything they have to offer!) sent me six Suave beauty products, alongside six more expensive brands, and challenged me to try them both for myself. My first thought? What if what they claim is not true? I cannot let them down. However, I was determined to find out for myself if these claims were indeed true.
It has been years since I have bought Suave. Not because I don’t like it. I just got in the habit of sticking with what I know. I have used both NEXXUS and Bath & Body Works so, I am more familiar with those. However, I was more than happy to put both products to the test–side by side. My hair can handle this little challenge.
How did I go about doing this?
Well, I the more expensive brands (Nexxus and Bath & Body Works) because I have to share with the kids and really? They are going to get the one that is less expensive first. They go through A LOT of shampoo! The first week I tried the more expensive brands. The following week I tried the Suave brands.
The results both surprised and delighted me.
THE TEST:
Suave Humectant vs. Nexxus: The bottle of Suave claims the Suave product “deeply moisturizes as well as Nexxus.” I was about to put that to the test. I have to admit I love the coconut smell of the Nexxus. (My husband was thrilled to go to work with coconut smelling hair. I didn’t dislike the Nexxus but it didn’t really do much for me. I did discover that with Nexxus I had to definitely use more especially if I had product in my hair. The first wash and rinse just didn’t clean my hair as well. (Remember, I live in Texas. We love product in our hair!)
Then, I switched over to Suave. Bonus! It had that same coconut smell I love (takes me to tropical places!) but I actually thought the Suave had a better (less harsh) coconut smell to it. My hair felt softer and seemed to tame my fly aways much better. Another huge plus for me? It only took one washing to completely clean my hair. (Less shampoo, less time fighting for hot water in a house of five.) Seriously, I absolutely could tell the difference.
Apparently, so could my teenagers. When I switched the Suave in their bathroom with the Nexxus, they continually came back to my bathroom to steal it back. They noticed the difference without even being told it was a comparison test. And? They are boys. Boys with curly hair who really want soft and managable and not the wild man hair style. I think of them as my unknowing test cases.
MY FINAL VERDICT: Suave washed, rinsed and smelled better than the Nexxus. The Suave also felt much lighter and didn’t tend to make my hair limp which was the effect of the Nexxus in the end. Also? I used less Suave with better results. Lower price. Using less product. Making teenagers happy. Win-win-win!
TEST NUMBER 2:
Suave Sweet Pea & Lavender Body Wash vs. Bath & Body Works : With this product, Suave claims their product has the “fragrance appeal of Bath & Body Works” signature collection. I have to agree. As a very loyal Bath & Body Works customer, I know my product there. Yet, I found that Suave’s claim was absolutely true. In fact, Suave smelled a bit better (though a bit stronger) and it lathered up so much better than the Bath & Body product. That one also went to the kids’ bathroom for my daughter. What she doesn’t know won’t hurt me.
MY FINAL VERDICT: I think the Suave’s body wash smelled even better than the leading brand and tended to last longer. Which is great when you have long days and don’t want to smell of perfume yet still want to smell fresh and clean. Score one more for Suave. (Have any coconut, Suave. I am all about those tropical scents, too!) Which will I buy when I need a refill? Definitely Suave. Lower price and for me a better quality.
Suave products have an average retail price around $2.00 to $2.50, it is great for families who have been hit hard with the economy. Haven’t we all?? And because Suave loves you, too, today, you can get a free bottle of Suave! That did say FREE, by the way.
Go to Suave.com (http://www.suave.com/nomics/index.html) to get a coupon for your free bottle of Suave. Right now. Today.
MY FINAL FINAL VERDICT: Why aren’t you using Suave? Go out and get yourself some. You can thank me later when you look fabulous and are eternally grateful that I told you about it!
Posted by Jenn @
10:26 am | |
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Sony Mylo: Or “My Life Online”
December 22, 2008
I received a Sony Mylo 2 personal communicator for review recently. Did you catch the name? Mylo stands for My Life Online. I totally love that! The Mylo communication is based on using WiFi rather than a “cell service” which means for you, there are no monthly bills and no expensive data plans that you become locked into. That is a huge bonus when you have so many other monthly bills related to your electronic world. It is not a cell phone, however it does work with Skype. I thought that was absolutely cool when I learned how to use that feature. It really is an awesome, portable electronic world that can go anywhere you can find WiFi.Not sure where you can find WiFi? No problem. Sony Mylo users receive free Wi-Fi access at over 10,000 Wayport Hotspot locations nationwide (and the Mylo even has a feature that will tell you where some of those hotspots are located! Cool, right?). It also includes over 9,000 participating Wi-Fi enabled McDonald’s® Restaurants, 70 IHOP restaurants, 600 hotels, and more. I was able to use mine at home with our home wireless router. I also took it to my sister’s house and used their wireless network. So, you have many options when it comes to getting logged online. It was like having my own mini computer that fit in my purse. And when I say I took that bad boy everywhere, I mean it went everywhere with me!
The Mylo has a full QWERTY keyboard and a great 800×480 pixel high resolution touch screen. It comes with a very hard to lose stylus. Why do I say hard to lose? It attaches to the wrist strap. The perfect way to keep track of those pesky things that I so easily use. This one I know I will keep track of and that is saying something right there! And? It was so easy to use right out of the box. That is a huge seller for me because as many gadgets as I have, I still need things to be easy to use right away or my frustration level keeps me from fully enjoying a device. No problem with the Sony Mylo. I was up and texting within minutes. Weighing only 7oz., it can goes every where with me. (And trust me, “stay at home moms” rarely stay at home!)
I was very impressed with it’s many features. I think the 1.3 megapixel camera was my favorite! Not only does it take a great picture, but you can upload and download images, it has photo editing software and my favorite thing is I can write on the pictures and then save them. Great for when you want to take a picture of your son NOT doing his homework, write a note on it to get started then send it to him while he is on the computer! (Not to mention drawing a mustache on the dog!) The Mylo has 1 gig of internal memory, a mini USB port and even expandable memory using a memory stick Duo/Duo Pro.
To test it, I did what I do with many electronics: I handed it over to my teenage son and told him to mess around and let me know what he likes about it, how easy it is to use and if I were to give it to him, would he want one. (Seriously, he knows so much more than I do and is not afraid to try everything out! Teenagers seems to have this gene I lack that gives them unlimited electronic gadget knowledge.) His verdict? He wanted to take mine. That is a definite thumbs up from him. (Any teenage approval with electronics is like 5 adult thumbs up, I believe.) My next test subject was my very overly electronic gadget collector (must have all of the latest and greatest) was my brother-in-law. I handed it over and told him to test it, play with it and do everything he can think of with it to see if it fell into his must have list. Again, it got not only his approval, but I had to steal it back. (He is still trying to get it back from me!)
That is two hard to please electronic “pros” that not only approved but tried to keep it for themselves.
Now, for me? After getting over the intimidation of “what if I mess something up” (you can’t, by the way), I began to have a blast with it.
I loved that it supports instant messaging. I admit it. I live online with messaging but really can’t always be on my computer. This way, I can be anywhere and still stay connected and gossip and network while using my Mylo. I love that! It has received plenty of use to the point of near obsession. With the Sony® mylo™ communicator you can always stay in touch. Instant Message your friends with the most popular messaging software from AOL®, Yahoo!®, Google™ and Skype®. Send and receive e-mail through AOL® Mail, Google Gmail™ and Yahoo!® Mail. And, with COM-2’s new backlit keyboard you can type wherever you want to regardless of how much light is available. (Which means in bed while the hubby sleeps and I don’t wake him up. Bonus!)Do you want to also store you music and videos in handy place? Mylo can do it! It comes with headphones and supportsIWindows Media DRM 10 and plays MP3, AAC, ATRAC or WMA files. The video support includes MPEG4 and MPEG4/AVC.
The Sony Mylo comes in black and white and currently retails for around $199.
My Final Verdict: I LOVE this little product. I have been using it nonstop since I received it and have no plans to let either my son or my brother-in-law steal it. (You either, just for the record.) If you are looking for a great hand-held “life online”, I highly recommend the Sony Mylo. Because you can’t have mine. I am most definitely not letting this sweet thing go! I am thrilled I have been able to test it out, play with it to the point of obsession and still not tire of it. Sony is a brand you can trust. I am a blogger you can trust. How can you go wrong? Trust us. The Sony Mylo is great gift for someone you love– and especially for yourself. You will be glad you got one! I certainly am!
Posted by Jenn @
11:42 am | |
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Monopoly for the Wii: Tradition Meets Gamer Fun!
November 26, 2008
Like many people my age, I grew up playing the game of Monopoly. I played with my older brother and sister many, many times. They knew that I had no idea what I was doing, so they were able to whip up on me every time. The upside? I could cheat. I mean, the bank money was right there and that way they could never bankrupt me. Also? They always took the coolest game pieces like the sports car or the Scotty dog. That usually left me with the thimble. That was just fine with me because I could then put it on my pinky and act goofy with it to annoy them.
I was ecstatic to hear that Electronic Arts came out with a Monopoly game. Now the world’s most popular board game is available in an all new fun and exciting way to play. Surely, now I was finally old enough to win! My kids and I have played several times since we received the game. I would love to tell you that I won at least a few of those times. I would love to tell you that but I can’t. I am still losing. But! I am having a lot of fun. A big pro to the game when playing with “cheaters” is there is no way to rob the bank. (Bummer for me, though!) Another change is since it is on a video game, I also can’t put the thimble on my pinky and act like a dork. (However because I am now the Mom, I can choose the sports car, baby!)
The Wii version of Monopoly stays faithful to its board game origins while offering a few extras to give new life to the age old game. The heart of the game, however, is a straight console version of the traditional board game. Up to 4 players can play. If there are fewer players, the computer console fills those players’ spots to keep the game active and fun. Speaking of fun, a digital version of Mr. Monopoly walks from player to player on their turn helping in his ever so cheerful voice. He is encouraging when you do something great and supportive when you do something, well, stupid that could cost you the game. And? He doesn’t even mock you when you land in jail. For the fifth time in one game.
As this is the Wii version of Monopoly, players are encouraged to shake their controllers in order to reproduce the sound of rattling dice before pressing the A button to throw. Of course, trying to convince my 7 year old that she doesn’t need to shake it 15 times to get a good roll, she loves the sound of the dice shaking and will stop at nothing less than a 15 shake roll. (In fact, you will soon find you don’t actually have to shake the remote, but where is the fun in that?)
There are two ways to play. ‘Monopoly Edition’ stays true to the standard game. There is even a way to change the ‘House rules’ on a per-game basis. And, that my friends can completely change the dynamics of the game. (Which may actually help me win a game once in a while.) In the ‘Richest Edition’ the game offers three options for quick play by limiting the number of turns each players makes. This version incorporates some “mini-games” based on the elements of the actual board games like ‘Get out of Jail’ and ‘Bank Pays You Dividend’. You have to unlock these features through game play, but once they are unlocked they are able to play them. However, with these mini-games, it will probably appeal more to the younger age set.
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Posted by Jenn @
6:36 am | |
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Shop.com: For Your Hassle-free, One Stop Shop Site
November 23, 2008
SHOP.COM is a comparison shopping site specifically designed for women that allows you to shop from over 2,000 merchants all in one place. Purchases can be conveniently made using one universal “shopping cart” to buy everything at one time or by clicking over to participating merchants’ sites.
Since I do most of my holiday shopping online, this site is like shopping Nirvana. I love a good deal and I love simplicity. Shop.com is the best of both.
Just to test it out, I searched for a kid tough digital camera. There is more than one version by different manufacturers. Using Shop.com I was able to find the best deal on the best product by going to the sites and reading reviews and really comparison shopping. (Found a great deal on the perfect camera at digitalfoto.com) All with just a few clicks of my mouse. And? When I found the perfect camera, I was able to get it right then and there for my nephew. No lines. No waits. And? I was in my pajamas the entire time. That is what I call a good shopping experience.
SHOP.COM gives busy Moms an opportunity to ease the stress of holiday shopping with tools to help us figure out what to buy, find recommendations, and pinpoint which stores have the best price. With a combined total of over 20 million products, we can stop running from store to store to find the best deal or the perfect gift for the impossible-to-shop-for relative. Additionally, SHOP.COM provides expert advice, shopping tips, and articles, while giving easy ways to save money via price comparison tools, coupons, and rebates.
This review written in partnership with Mom Central.
Posted by Jenn @
11:09 am | |
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The Xbox Experience. More fun than one console should be allowed to give…but it does anyway!
November 22, 2008
What do you do for a gamer who is looking for the next best, coolest and most fun experience online? Why, you send them an X-Box and hook them up with the fun new features, games and show them how much their life will freaking ROCK when you hook them up with an XBox Live account.
On November 20th, Xbox launched their new Xbox experience. I have to tell you that it is absolutely amazing. I will admit that I can be a rather harsh critic when I hear abot something New! and Wondeful! but in this case? This new experience actually is wonderful.
It’s not just about the games anymore with Xbox. If you sign up for an Xbox Live Gold acccount– a massive steal at only $60 a year–you can do so much more than just play your Xbox games. They are trying to make your Xbox experience an all inclusive package. Which means, not only can you and your family play games with the Xbox, but you can do so much more. Take for example if you combine your Xbox Live account and you have a standard (unlimited) Netflix membership, you can watch movies from Netflix through your Xbox. Yes, you can! In fact, the day they launched the new Xbox Live experience, my daughter and I immediately watched a movie. Why? Because we could! It does’t involve any downloading either. Netflix streams the video to your television, allowing you to watch movies and television shows immediately after ordering them. Instant gratification, baby!
Being a gamer, I am quite used to using voice chat when gaming. But the Xbox? It includes video. Yes! Now, when I pwn a n00b on one of the many online games I can play with Xbox, they can see that it was an “old mom lady” who pwned them. (Or? I can just sit and chat with friends who have Xbox live and a video camera. Video conferencing through my Xbox? Now, that? Rocks my socks off!)
Now, let me get the heart of what most parents want to know when it comes to games and online gaming. Parental controls. Xbox is big on parental controls and making sure that parents have many ways to ensure their kids are kept as safe as possible when playing online by using the Family Settings on the Xbox.
Family Settings perform two functions on the Xbox 360 console. When playing offline, they can be set to grant or restrict access to games based on the ESRB rating. When playing online, they can be used to restrict access to content and contacts based on the parent’s choice.
With Xbox LIVE Family Settings, you can set different levels of protection for online gameplay, online communications, and downloading member content or items from Xbox LIVE Marketplace.
Xbox LIVE Family Settings let you:
- Control access to all the features of Xbox LIVE.
- Set a pass code to limit who can change your Family Settings.
- Decide what your kids can play, both online and off.
- Decide who your child can communicate with online.
- Control who can see your child’s profile or friends list.
Other additions to the new Xbox Live Experience? Avatars. If you are familiar with the Mii avatars for the Nintendo Wii, you will recognize the feel of these avatars. And? The new interface? It is very cool! Gone are the old skool look of the former system and in its place is a new system that scrolls both horizontally and vertically. It is a sleek, clear and bright interface.
I was a casual fan of Xbox before this new experience and “overhaul” but now? I can really get into these new features. Not only that? I think I may love it. Seriously? The Xbox Live Experience is awesome and it will rock your world.
Give it a try. You will not be sorry. You have my word on that one! (And? I would totally love to video game and chat with you. And will try not to pwn you in front of your children. Ha!)
Posted by Jenn @
9:19 pm | |
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NeoPets Puzzle Adventure
November 20, 2008
I received an advance copy of the DS version of Neopets Puzzle Adventure from Capcom a couple of weeks ago and let me tell you something… I cannot put the game down. I do love me my Neopets Puzzle Adventure. I know the name may cause one to beleive that it should be geared more towards “kids” but frankly, my kids have very little opportunity to play with the game. I love playing it. I admit, it did take me a while to figure out exactly what I was supposed to do in order to advance, but the addiction of continuing to the next level and on and on has me hooked! (Thankfully, they do have it set up where you can
Neopets Puzzle Adventure from Capcom is an easy to play and hard to master single and multiplayer puzzle game (think Reversi, a token-based board game) coming this holiday season to the Nintendo platforms and the PC ($39.99 Wii, $29.99 DS, $19.99 PC). It’s based on one of the most popular virtual world destinations for youth on the Internet, Neopets.com, with more than 44 million users who speak 11 different languages around the world.
Created for fans and casual gamers alike, Neopets Puzzle Adventure lets players create and develop one of 12 Neopets characters by completing quests, playing mini-games, and battling others. Players embark on an epic story and travel through three Lands of Neopia with more than 150 quests, while collecting “PetPets” for special abilities. For the first time, Neopets fans will also be able to start a multiplayer match and be able to earn secret codes that they can redeem on Neopets.com for exclusive virtual items and accessories.
I am still trying to figure out how to get the secret codes and how to continue to unlock everything that you can unlock on the game. However, I can see that it is going to be a challenge. My kids offered to help me out, but really? That would involve handing over the game to them and letting it go. It will be a while until I do that.
So, if you want to have fun and play a game that is both fun and will give you literally hours of entertainment, I highly recommend Neopets Puzzle Adventure. It will be released on November 25th. This game is a must have for the casual gamer as well as kids who love playing games on their DS that can either be quick and short (one quest in the adventure) or when they want to be occupied for as long as possible. (Such as those long car rides when they want to keep themselves entertained for as long as the drive lasts!)
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Posted by Jenn @
7:48 am | |
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Simply Chic and Eye Candy– Get Organized with Style!
August 8, 2008
Just in time for my personal back to school organizing, I was able to try out the most incredible organizing products I have seen in a long time. The Simply Chic and Eye Candy collections are by far my favorites when it comes to getting myself organized. (And let’s face it, as a board member on two PTA boards, I need all the help I can get!)
If you know me, you know that I am not only not the most organized person you will meet, I am probably one of the most dis-organized people you will come across. I try! I really do. But I haven’t found anything that meets my need and is something that I would want to use. Oh, I have bought more than my share to get me there, but nothing has worked. With these products, I have found the secret to getting organized. I need to make it fun!
I had the best time getting my work papers organized, my PTA forms filed and my calendar filled in. I even used the sticky notes for things I need to remember at meetings and the flag stickies to make notes of what pages (and where) I need to sign when it comes to back to school papers.
You can believe that when I pulled out my super organized folders and calendar and the first PTA board meeting, those who knew me nearly fell on the floor in shock. (Totally worth it!) In fact, they were asking me where I got them. (Organized and a trend setter. Does it get better for back to school?)
Carolina Pad and Paper and Jacqueline Savage McFee have introduced two new lines of products to make getting organized fun, cool and chic with organizational tools that actually have personality and style. Now, I am definitely the technology mom who loves to have the latest gadgets for my computer and phone, but in my heart, I still love the simplicity of sticky notes, folders, binders and paper calendars that I can stuff in my bag or purse to keep the never ending flow of paperwork organized. I was thrilled to hear that Mom Central teamed up with Jackie and Carolina Pad and Paper to promote the two incredibly beautiful new lines of paper and organizational products to help moms like me get organized in style. (Did I mention chic and fun?)
When I was sent me a box of several new Simply Chic and Eye Candy products courtesy of Mom Central, I nearly passed out with glee over the contents– including a note pad, a datebook, magnets, a journal, and organizational folders (a regular folder and my all time favorite accordian style folder as well as a super chic mouse pad. Even their magnets are hip. The pens? I am totally not loaning out at meetings or to friends. They are now my favorite pens and I am going to be greedy with them. All of these come in fun and (yes, I will say it) sassy designs and stylishly chic colors. These totally fit my personality! (Sadly, they also seem to be just as much fun to my daughter who was sad that the box was not for her. Not this time! I get to be the one with the fun back to school folders.) However, these incredible products are available at Wal-Mart so I can actually be nice and share with my daughter. Rather, I can buy her her own set of stylish back to school products because this mom is going to get herself organized first!
Simply Chic is the more subdued of the two new designs. It’s black. It’s simple. And it is very chic. The Eye Candy designs are more fun and playful with bright colors and fun designs. Both are a perfect mix of class and sass.
In addition, the team is currently running a “Glam Your Office Makeover Contest.” To help women and teens get organized in style, submit your best organizational tip by visiting Carolina Pad and Paper. The 10 most original and creative entries will be featured on the Carolina Pad and Paper Web site’s “Get Organized” page, and the winners will receive:
Complete Eye Candy or Simply Chic office system
$100 gift card
1000 Best Quick and Easy Organizing Secrets by Jamie Novak
This is a win-win for you because I guarantee once you see these products, you will not only enter to win, but will probably immediately run out to purchase your own! (Because like I said before, I am not sharing mine!)
Posted by Jenn @
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