Tag Archives: Mommy Ramblings

November 13, 2013 · 11:52 pm

Choosing Sinks For Our New Master Bath Remodel!!!! #CurbAppeal #Houzer

houzer

Well, the tile is officially ordered and boy was that scary.  I always over think it and then wonder if I picked the right thing, lol. I know it will be great, it’s just such a big and highly permanent decision.  We also made another decision on the under mounted sinks.  I went with something a little bit different and chose 2 under mounted stainless steel oval basins from HOUZER.

One of the reasons I chose them is because with the shower doors and shower panel in the stainless, I think they will go perfectly.  I know it’s not something you normally see used, but I think it will work well.  What I really like about them is their quality, HOUZER sinkware is made from durable Type 304 stainless steel, an optimal mix of nickel and chrome, making their sinkware exceptionally resistant to corrosion and stains for the life of the product. It provides a hygienic, scratch-proof and resilient surface that requires minimal care and maintenance.  Each HOUZER sink is covered by a Lifetime Warranty to the original purchaser against any possible defects in materials and workmanship. HOUZER is not  satisfied unless their customers are totally satisfied with their products. A beveled edge on the outer rim of the under mount sinks provide increased structural rigidity for the entire sink span, and creates a smooth and finished look.  SpecPlus Edge is found only in HOUZER sinks.

And for the record my countertop is not blue like this. It is going to be a granite or quartz and I have not picked the color yet.

And for the record my counter top is not blue like this. It is going to be a granite or quartz and I have not picked the color yet.

We also chose the  design with the overflow and they are already here at the house.  Now we just need to finalize all the other decisions and that needs to happen quick.  HOUZER carries  all kinds of sinks for kitchens and baths.

Houzer Black Sink

 

Houzer Bar

 

Houzer Farmhouse

 

Houzer Copper

 

Houzer Bar

 

Houzer Sink

You’ll find a HOUZER sink to match any design theme you have in mind; country to classic, transitional to ultra-contemporary. With arresting designs and sculptural details, HOUZER sink achieves a dazzling presence for your kitchen and are the perfect complement to professional-grade appliances set against today’s rich palette of stone, quartz, and solid surface counter tops.

Combining the highest quality materials and artisan’s attention to line and detail, HOUZER sinks are painstakingly crafted to satisfy the sophisticated consumer who demands the very best. Every aesthetic detail is enhanced on every sink we produce to provide lasting beauty and value to your home for years to come.

For over three decades, they’ve been improving millions of kitchens across America and overseas, one sink at a time.  At HOUZER, it’s their deep-seated belief that our sinks can make your life in the kitchen easier and more enjoyable. For more information or to browse their website and see all the products visit www.houzersink.com.


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· 1:31 pm

Show Your Support For All The Caregivers with The Thanks Project From AARP!!! #ThanksProject

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AARP Logo #ThanksProject

Thanks Project Logo #ThanksProject

Did you know that November is National Family Caregivers Month?  I have found that one of the hardest parts of getting older, is seeing people you looked up to grow older.  You realize just how short and  precious life is and aging parents, relatives, even neighbors put us in the position of being a caretaker to people who took care of us.

My mother died unexpectedly several years ago and left my father behind who had battled colon cancer and was much more frail than she.  Add to that they were married over 60 years and you can understand how heartbreaking it was to my father.  My mother and all of us had always assumed my father would pass first, but when the reality hit, it was so hard.  I was extremely close to my parents and so were my older children.  We lived houses from one another and I would often do their grocery shopping and drive them to appointments etc.  We knew my father was so lost without my mom and I truly think if it wasn’t for my kids and I being so close and there for him, he would not even have survived a week without her.  You do hear that many spouses together for so many years tend to die within a year of each other and my father passed 1 day shy of 365 days after my mother.

AARP CareGiver Resources #ThanksProject

It was like he hung on as long as he could, but  could not go that year.  In those 364 days, I had a new role and that was as a caretaker for my Dad.  Like I said he was heartbroken without my mom and so we would go out to dinner, I would shop for him, my family and I shared almost all meals with him and spent a lot of time with him.  Losing a parent and losing both parents really changes the dynamic in your life.  Many people just don’t understand until they are there but it cuts a buffer out.  When you are a child you see your parents there, you see your friend’s parents and your aunts and uncles and grandparents if you are lucky enough to have them in your life and it creates a secure feeling.  Death does not seem imminent, you rationalize your parents are still here and life seems like it will last forever.  When your parents pass it’s a very different feeling and suddenly the buffer is gone, you are the next generation and you kind of feel “next”. It can make even a young person feel like they only have a short time left on this earth and it’s what I struggle with daily.

Many people say, “Oh you are so young, you have a young family, how could you feel like that?”  It’s something they don’t understand.  I have digressed though and much of this starts when our roles change and we become the caretakers of a parent.  It’s a very emotional thing because you are now seeing your parent become weak, not able to do things they used to and it hurts deeply.  It throws you into a sense of reality and it’s stressful.  It can help to talk to someone who knows, someone who can guide you and validate your feelings.  Many do not have that support in their lives and can feel alone.  There are so many that are caretakers for others and they deserve support and someone to reach out and say that they’re doing a great job and express gratitude.  Whether it’s your parent, relative or if you take care of others as a profession, those messages and support can mean so much. Now it’s even easier to show that support to caretakers.

ThanksProject.org was started by AARP with the Ad Council and it is a public message board where you can show your support and appreciation for caregivers. The messages are posted along other supportive messages from people across the country to illustrate the number of caregivers nationwide.  AARP  and the Ad Council also have a Caregiving Resource Center that you can access HERE! If you know a caregiver, take a moment to send them a message of thanks and encouragement on ThanksProject.org.  You may also want to let them know about the Caregiver Resource Center that they can access from the website.  Your message may be just what that person needs to hear today!

 


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· 12:32 am

Shopping For The Urban Dweller Is Easy With Rickshaw Bagworks!!!

Rickshaw Bagworks

Do you take extra steps to shop local and buy locally made goods?  I know in our town we have special days during the holiday season where shopping local and supporting local businesses is highly encouraged.  It makes people feel good to support local businesses and help them prosper in a tough economy.  Along with buying locally, many people today think of where something is made, how it’s made and how the company gives back to the community.  You will hear a lot about fair trade, organic, sustainable and recycled materials, soy based inks and dyes, safe working conditions and manufacturing right in the USA.

When I shop for holiday gifts it means so much when I  can get a person something special that has a great story behind it.  For instance if the product I buy them was made by a company that cares about the environment and manufactures in a green way, employs local artisans, manufactures in the USA which provides jobs for Americans and pays fair wages, provides safe working conditions and turns out  high quality products, it’s a win-win.

Companies that are created as a result of purpose and passion serve as  an example that it’s possible to build a successful business doing or creating something that fuels your spirit, mind and body!

Rickshaw Bagworks is a new San Francisco-based bag company. Inspired by the creative energy of their city, urban cycling and an intense desire to make great products,   Rickshaw  was born to satisfy their own personal passion for bags. They know how people love their bags and how they grow attached to their favorite bag. Rickshaw knew that choosing the right materials is paramount to the durability of the bag. In Inc magazine article, How To Build a Sustainable Business, Rickshaw founder, Mark Dwight talks about how they partnered with one of the few remaining upholstery mills in North Carolina.  Working together they developed a proprietary collection of Rickshaw Performance Tweed: a gorgeous, rugged fabric made from recycled beverage bottles and finished with an eco-friendly, stain-resistant coating. With a little extra effort, Rickshaw developed a fabric that met their goals for sustainability, style, durability, and affordability.

There is something about urban living, big cities bring an excitement, diverse culture and creativity to its residents who reside in this fast-paced metropolitan environment filled with  palpable energy.  A mecca of art, music, restaurants, parks, theaters and more in every direction appeals to  city dwellers.  Rickshaw bags are the perfect choice for people who thrive on urban life and celebrate the creative spirit. Rickshaw may be a new company but they are not new to designing and manufacturing great bags.  In addition to the passion for bags, they embrace a strong set of humanistic, environmental and social values that guide the way they conduct every aspect of their business.  The name of the company is derived from three Japanese characters meaning “human powered vehicle”–delightfully apropos for a company making bags for bicycle enthusiasts, and their metaphor for the strength of the human spirit.

 

The Velo Collection is a great choice for the urban commuter. The ultra lightweight waterproof sailcloth backpack bags are made to order in San Francisco and feature a top loading main compartment. Seatbelt shoulder straps, signature reflective strip and light loops, included MacBook Pro sleeve, organizational front pocket and padded base and lumbar support ensure these bags are comfortable and useful.  Available in medium or large these backpacks are the perfect choice for all the urban dwellers and cyclists on your gift list.

VELO-Edition BackPack

The large Zero Messenger Bag is big enough to hold a 15″ laptop while the medium can handle a 13″ laptop.  Also made in San Francisco the name Zero is inspired by the minimal waste in the manufacturing process.  Featuring  quick adjust shoulder straps, front pockets, D Ring, and the ease of being machine washable make these bags convenient and functional.  There are small and mini options of the Zero Messenger Bag so it’s easy to find the right size bag that understands one size does not fit all!

Large Zero Messenger Bag

Stuffed Large Zero Bag

With a selection of commuter laptop bags, totes, limited edition styles, sleeves, pouches and even custom orders shopping for your favorite city lover has never been easier.  For more information or to see all the available bags and accessories  visit Rickshaw Bagworks.  You can also like them on Facebook and follow them on Twitter to get all the latest news and updates.

City Messenger Rickshaw City Messenger

 


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November 12, 2013 · 12:52 pm

Enter The AXE Hair Greatest Place To Work Sweepstakes & Our Giveaway For A $25 Walmart Gift Card!!!

This is a sponsored post from Walmart and AXE Hair inspired by the DVD release of the movie The Internship, as always all thoughts and opinions are my own.

They have long said first impressions are everything and I find that’s so true.  I’m able to read people really well and I can learn so much about  them in the first few minutes of meeting them.  Making a great first impression can be easier if we just choose every day to be the best person we can and to always take care of our outward appearance as well. Sure you might think it won’t matter to anyone if you go out looking sloppy, but you never know who you might meet and you never get a second chance to make a first impression is not just a cliché, it’s the truth.  Check out the rules for making a good first impression with the help of AXE® Styling products and The Internship. Watch the videos here! While you’re on the site, shop for all AXE® Hair products and pick up your copy of The Internship now on DVD! Enter our giveaway below to win a $25 Gift Card to Walmart!!!

WM_Axe_TreasureHunt_Social_4

Have you entered the Walmart AXE Hair The Greatest Place to Work Sweepstakes that was inspired by the DVD release of the movie, The Internship?  If not you can enter now!

WM_Axe_TreasureHunt_Social_2

 

Enter A Giveaway Right Here on Mommy Ramblings To Win a $25 Walmart Gift Card!!!

Would you like to win a $25 Gift Card to Walmart?  If so enter our giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Open to US residents.  Good Luck!!!

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· 12:05 pm

Walmart Releases Largest Black Friday Ad!!! Early Shopping Online Offered Too!!! See Ad Now!!! #BlackFriday

Today Walmart unveiled its largest Black Friday Ad Circular! offers, including seven times the number of one-hour guaranteed items compared to last year, “Manager Specials” and even more hot deals on the season’s top gifts. Walmart will hold Black Friday events at 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Thanksgiving and 8 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 29.  Compared to last year, the retailer will offer 65 percent more inventory on televisions and double the number of tablets—some of the most popular Black Friday items.

Customers have told Walmart what they want this holiday season, which includes:

  • One-Hour Guarantee
  • A better shopping experience
  • Three special events
  • Manager’s Specials
  • Early shopping online
  • Shop like the pros

 View the Walmart Black Friday Ad Circular!

“Black Friday is our day – our Super Bowl – and we’re ready to prove once again that no one does it better than Walmart,” said Bill Simon, president and CEO, Walmart U.S. “We’re excited to give our customers an incredible Black Friday with shopping hours that will allow them to take advantage of great prices on Thanksgiving night and all weekend long.”

Walmart Black Friday Ad

Compared to last year, Walmart will offer 65 percent more inventory on televisions and double the number of tablets—some of the most popular Black Friday items. The retailer not only has more products, but lower prices too. For example, this year a 32” LED TV will be available at Walmart for $98. Last Black Friday, a 32” LED TV sold for $148 at Walmart.

“Delivering for our customers wouldn’t be possible without our associates. They are a critical component of our success throughout the year, and especially during the holiday season,” added Simon. “We appreciate each associate and the time they are dedicating to serve the families who shop our stores. As we have in the past, we’ll be recognizing their hard work with additional pay and free meals during their shifts. This year, as a special thanks, associates who work on Thanksgiving Day will receive a 25 percent discount on an entire purchase this holiday season.”

One-Hour Guarantee – It’s Back and Better!

In 2012, Walmart introduced the industry’s first One-Hour Guarantee, a Black Friday event that guaranteed customers select items during a one-hour period. Due to an overwhelmingly positive response from customers, the retailer is bringing it back and expanding from the three items offered last year to 21 One-Hour Guarantee items this year.

Customers who are in the designated lines at Walmart between 6 and 7 p.m. or 8 and 9 p.m. local time on Thursday, Nov. 28 can purchase top gifts at special low prices with confidence that they’ll receive the item either that night or before Christmas.

6 p.m. One-Hour Guarantee:

  • Vizio® 60” Class Smart LED 1080p HDTV – $688 (a $310 savings)
  • Apple iPad® mini Wi-Fi 16GB (two colors) – $299 with a $100 Walmart gift card
  • Funai 32” LED 720p HDTV – $98 (special buy)
  • Furby Boom!™ – $29 (a $30 savings)
  • HP® Pavillion TouchSmart 14-B109WM Laptop – $278 (special buy)
  • Call of Duty® Ghosts (Xbox 360 and Playstation 3) – $39.96 (a $20 savings)
  • LG® Blu-ray™ Player – $38 (special buy)
  • Graco ® Travel System (stroller and infant car seat) – $99 (special buy)
  • 1 Carat T.W. Diamond and Sterling Silver Pendant and Earring Set – $98
  • Assassins Creed, NBA 2K14, Batman, Grand Theft Auto V (Xbox 360 and Playstation 3)  – $34 each (a $25.96 savings)

8 p.m. One-Hour Guarantee:

  • Beats™ by Dr. Dre ® Solo Headphones – $114.95 (a $85 savings)
  • Straight Talk ® Galaxy Centura™ prepaid phone – $29 (a $70.88 savings)
  • RCA 7” Dual Core Tablet – $49 (special buy)

New Process to Make Shopping Easier on Black Friday 

To help improve the shopping experience Walmart, for the first time in all stores, will hand out wristbands so customers can shop while they wait for some of the hottest items – like the new Sony PS4 and Microsoft Xbox One. Here’s how it works:

  • Prior to the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. events, customers need to go to the designated line within the store to secure a wristband for certain products. Wristbands will be distributed while supplies last.
  • Customers can shop for other gifts throughout the store while they wait for the 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. events to start.
  • Then customers with a wristband simply need to come back to the designated line within two hours after the event start time to pick up their product.

More Deals Across the Store

Walmart’s chief merchandising and marketing officer, Duncan Mac Naughton has described this year’s Black Friday deals as “smoking hot.” Following are examples of the deals at each event:

 

Starting at 6 p.m., Nov. 28

  • 700-thread count sheet set from Better Homes & Gardens® – $24.96 (special buy)
  • Licensed sleepwear for kids (Hello Kitty, Spiderman, Disney and Monster High) – $4.50
  • Kid’s hoodies and jackets for $10
  • More than 100 video games priced at $10, $15 and $25 each
  • 580 movies (including new releases) ranging in price from $1.96 to $9.96
  • Fisher-Price® 6-Volt Barbie™ Jeep or 6-Volt Hot Wheels® Jeep – $89 each (special buy)
  • Rubbermaid® 30-piece Easy Find Lids™ Storage Set – $6.92 (special buy)
  • National branded home appliances for $9.44
  • Garth Brooks Blame It All On My Roots Limited Edition Boxed Set – $24.96 (exclusive)
  • Big Hugs Elmo – $44 (a $5 savings)
  • Stanley® Rolling Tool Chest with 88-pc. Mechanical tool set – $89 (special buy)

 

Starting at 8 p.m., Nov. 28

  • VIZIO® 70” Class Smart LED 1080p HDTV – $998 (a $700 savings)
  • Samsung® 46” Class Smart LED 1080p HDTV – $497 (a $151 savings)
  • Element™ 40” Class LED 1080p HDTV – $178 (special buy)
  • Nabi™ 2 7” Tablet – $99 (a $80 savings)
  • Canon® T3 dsLR Bundle (75-300mm lens, bag and 8GB card) – $449 (special buy)
  • GoPro® Hero 3: White Edition – $199 with a $30 Walmart gift card
  • Monster® Headphones – $79.95 (a $50 savings)
  • Straight Talk® Samsung Galaxy S® III® prepaid phone – $299 (a $100 savings)

 

Starting at 8 a.m., Nov. 29

  • Apple iPhone® 5C ($45) and 5S ($189) with a $75 Walmart gift card; requires a two-year contract from AT&T or Verizon
  • Customers can save up to $127 per tire with Walmart’s weekend tire in-stock guarantee
  • Keurig® K70 Platinum Brewing System – $169 with a $20 Walmart gift card
  • SodaStream™ Mega Bonus Kit – $79 with a $10 gift card (special buy)
  • Bostitch® 18-Volt Drill – $99 (a $50 savings)
  • Shatterproof Ornament 80-pack – $30 (special buy)

 

Extending Black Friday Deals with Manager’s Specials

For the first time ever on Black Friday, Walmart will be activating “Manager’s Specials.” Throughout the store from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 29, Walmart will drop prices on entire categories and brands that are most in demand for holiday, as well as empower its local store managers to lower prices on other great items. For details, customers must like their local Walmart Facebook page.

 

“Couch Shop” While the Turkey Cooks

Starting early on Thanksgiving morning, customers can shop on Walmart.com for some of the Black Friday deals that will also be available in stores. Customers can also take advantage of hundreds of online specials on Thanksgiving and Black Friday while supplies last. Some of the deals include:

  • Apple iPad® 2 with Bluetooth speaker and accessory kit – $349 (nearly $75 savings)
  • Kids’ 3 Piece License Character Pajama and Robe Set (includes Disney, Marvel characters) – $14 (special buy)
  • Samsung® 40″ Class LED 1080p 60Hz HDTV – $379 (nearly $50 savings)
  • Proscan 7″ Tablet with Keyboard Case – $49 (special buy)
  • Wooden Activity Table with 45-Piece Train Set & Storage Bin – $49 ($20 savings)
  • Xbox 360™ with Camouflage Controller – $139 ($90 savings)

 

 

 


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· 12:45 am

SlingGRIP Universal Handle For Smart Phone, iPad, iPod, Kindle & Other Handheld Electronics Review & Giveaway!!! Five Winners!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

SlingGrip Logo

SlingGRIP is a universal handle for phones, iPods, e-readers and other handheld electronics. Its smart design keeps a device comfortably at the users fingertips, safe from being dropped, damaged or stolen. The flexible, natural rubber elastic allows a user to hold a phone with one, two or three fingers, for a secure and comfortable grip.

Sling Grip Image Bar

The SlingGRIP was super easy to attach to the back of my iPhone case and once on it was super secure.  Sometimes when you are juggling a lot of stuff you can easily drop your phone and so this strap makes it easy to just even carry it with one finger. It also acts as a safety net if you are holding your phone the normal way but just up one or two fingers through the loop, now it will not just slip from your hands.  It works with other electronics too.

Sling Grip Close Up

Mommy Ramblings things the SlingGRIP makes a great stocking stuffer so we are adding it to our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!

Grip Your Phone

Grip Your Phone Device

SlingGRIP is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  Five luck blog readers will win their own SlingGRIP universal handle for smart phones, iPads, Kindles and more!  Thank you SlingGRIP for the review handle and for sponsoring this gripping giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US residents.

SlingGRIP Universal Handle For Smart Phone, iPad, Kindle & More Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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November 11, 2013 · 7:20 pm

NutriCrystal Wireless Smart Food Scale, World’s First Bluetooth Ready Food Scale!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

nutriplus_logo05_0

For people who are looking for an effective way of measuring their nutritional intake, the NutriCrystal food scale has mobile applications that work with it to tell you if you are meeting your healthy eating goals. Unlike the existing nutritional scales, the process of taking the measurements is fully automated. All you need to do is put food on the scale and record the data using your mobile phones, tablets or desktop PCs wirelessly. In addition to tracking the amount of your nutritional intake, their software also provides you summary reports on each of your nutritional consumption and compare the result to national standards or among your friends.

NutriCrystal Scale Bluetooth Ready NutriCrystal Scale

NutriCrystal Wireless Smart Food Scale is the world’s first Bluetooth Smart Ready Food scale that comes with a huge selections of mobile application in iOS and Android to help people track their daily nutrients intake. Based on customer feedback, these some of the applications:

– People dealing with weight related issues are using the scale to do portion control with their own home cook meal
– Parents with type I diabetes children use our scale to educate their children how much carbohydrate their children have consumed
– Body Builders use our scale to track the sources of their protein intake.
– Individuals who want to make sure that their family members and themselves are receiving sufficient vitamins from their daily food consumption.
– And many more…..

Scale

scale Nutricrystal

If you are looking for a great gift for a tech savvy person on your holiday list, the NutriCrystal Wireless Smart Food Scale is the perfect choice!  Mommy Ramblings is adding the NutriCrystal Wireless Smart Food Scale to our 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!!!

I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

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· 5:42 pm

Recaro Performance SPORT Combination Harness to Booster Car Seat Review & Giveaway!!!

recaro

We love the Recaro brand for car seats and we have 2 ProRIDE convertible car seats by Recaro that my kids use everyday.  I recently had the chance to choose a Recaro car seat to review and I chose the Recaro Performance SPORT Combination Harness to Booster Car Seat.  Both of my little ones are peanuts and lightweights, so they are fine in the ProRIDE convertible car seats,but I figure at some point my older son is going to move to the booster and this booster seems perfect.  I like that it has a secure harness that is easy to buckle him in and out of, the seat is really nice and comfortable and easy to clean fabric is used.  I chose the Knight color style because I think it goes well in my car and will not show dirt or soil easily.

The seat is very supportive and comfortable with memory foam in the seat that’s great if my son falls asleep on long trips. This seat has impressive side impact protection that is designed to distinctly protect 5 vulnerable areas of a child in a side impact collision – their head, neck, face, torso and pelvis. The color coded belt guide makes it easy to find the proper path and positioning  of the LATCH strap or vehicle seat belt whether used in harness or booster mode.  The 5 Point Harness and head restraint are adjusted together so no re-threading is necessary to properly position the harness shoulder straps to your child. The one-of-a-kind racing-inspired white stripe, clearly visible on the outside edge of the 5-point harness, alerts parents to improper harness alignment. There are mesh stretchable pockets on each side that can hold toys or sippy cups.  It is easy to attach in and out using my latch system in my van and I feel good knowing my son is in such a safe seat.  If you are in the market for a harness to booster car seat, you should take a look at the Recaro Performance Sport Combination Harness to Booster Car Seat!

Recaro Booster

RECARO has over 100 years of history designing seats for the world’s most prestigious automobiles, airlines, and race cars. RECARO is German engineered, and an international leader in seating safety, design, comfort and style. RECARO is the pioneer of child seat side impact technology, going beyond any side impact requirements as tested with the ADAC European standard. For your peace of mind – every seat is built with RECARO’s superior side impact protection technology.

 

Performance SPORT Recaro Knight

perfSportGraphic (1)

Recaro is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!  One lucky blog reader will win a Recaro Performance Sport Combination Harness to Booster Car Seat in the Knight Color Style!  Thank you to Recaro for sponsoring this giveaway and for providing us with the review seat!  Giveaway open to US residents.

Recaro Performance Sport Combination Harness to Booster Car Seat Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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November 10, 2013 · 8:40 pm

Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium Review & Giveaway!!! #HolidayGiftGuide

Microsoft Office Logo

I recently had the chance to upgrade to Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium from Microsoft Office 2010.  It was super easy to perform the download from the internet and it worked well with Windows 8.  It comes will all the 2013 versions of the programs I need like Word, Power Point, Publisher, Excel, Outlook, Access  and One Note.  It also can be run on five separate devices which really comes in handy and makes it a super value when you have as many computer and tablet users as we do in our family. Another neat feature is that you can automatically save to your SkyDrive which gives you security to know that your documents are accessible from any applicable device.  I find it to be a super value especially since one version can be run with five different devices with an annual subscription price of  $99.99 a year. See below for everything you get with your annual subscription of Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium.  You can also get a free 30 day trial!

Office 365 Home Premium Includes

  • The latest and most complete set of Office applications: Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook, Publisher and Access1
  • One license for the entire household to use Office on up to five devices, including Windows tablets, PCs or Macs, and get Office on Demand from any Internet-connected PC2
  • An additional 20 GB of SkyDrive cloud storage, nearly three times the amount available with a free SkyDrive account
  • 60 free Skype world calling minutes per month to call mobile phones, landlines or PCs around the world3
  • Future upgrades, so you always use the latest time-saving technology
  • Fast, fluid design that responds to touch and stylus as naturally as it does to keyboard and mouse
  • Automatic save to SkyDrive, so your documents — and even your personal settings — are always available from virtually anywhere and on your favorite devices

Office 365 Home Premium Pricing and Availability

  • At US$99.99 for an annual subscription, Office 365 Home Premium costs the equivalent of US$8.34 per month.
  • It is available in 162 markets in 21 languages.
  • It is available through more than 100,000 resellers and at more than 450 retailers worldwide, including Best Buy, Staples, Dixons, FNAC, Challenger, Amazon.com and the Microsoft Store, and at Office.com.
  • People can also get Office 365 Home Premium with a new Windows 8 PC from OEMs, such as Dell, Lenovo and HP.
  • A free 30-day trial is also available online at Office.com.

Office 365 Graphic

Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium Subscription

Get the most from your Office 365 Home Premium subscription at the new Office.com:

  • Access Office on Demand.
  • Activate and deactivate devices.
  • Add family members to your subscription.
  • Access SkyDrive folders and documents.
  • Search and download Office apps in the Office Store.
  • Access a gallery of more than 700 new professionally produced templates.

Top 10 Features

  1. If you are reading, not writing or editing, click or tap View, then Read Mode in Word to hide the writing tools and menus.
  2. Re-open a document or presentation, and keep reading right where you left off with Resume reading in Word and PowerPoint.
  3. Like a data assistant that finishes your work for you, Flash Fill in Excel detects what you want to do and enters the rest of your data in one fell swoop, following patterns in your data.
  4. Dress up your data with conditional formatting such as bars and color scales through the Quick Analysis Lens in Excel.
  5. Tired of trying to precisely match the colors of shapes and pictures in PowerPoint? Let Eyedropper in PowerPoint do the work for you.
  6. With an improved Presenter View in PowerPoint, the audience views your slides on a main screen, while you control the show on another screen that only you can see.
  7. Inline replies in Outlook allow you to reply with one click by typing your response right in the Reading Pane.
  8. Grab a quick glance at your schedule, an appointment or your to-do list with peeks in Outlook, without having to switch from email to calendar or other modes.
  9. If the sound of typing is distracting, you can handwrite notes in OneNote instead of typing them. This is also useful if you’re faster at writing than at typing.
  10. Instead of re-typing information or relying on links to documents, feel free to embed files in OneNote to keep them handy online or offline.

We think an annual subscription to Microsoft Office 365 Home Version makes a great holiday gift for just about anyone! You will find it on Mommy Ramblings 2013 Holiday Gift Guide!

Microsoft Office is sponsoring a giveaway on Mommy Ramblings.  One lucky blog reader will win a one year subscription of the NEW Office 365 Home Premium!  Thanks to Microsoft Office for the review subscription and for sponsoring this awesome giveaway on Mommy Ramblings!!!  Open to US and Canadian Residents.

Microsoft Office 365 Home Premium One Year Subscription Giveaway on Mommy Ramblings Rules:

Please enter the giveaway using the Rafflecopter widget below.  Good Luck!!!

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November 9, 2013 · 11:54 pm

Jaybird Headphones, Made For Active Lifestyles! Take A Look At The BlueBuds X!

Jaybird creates state of the art headphones for active people with active lifestyles.  If you love your music and listen to it while you run, bike, cross train or any other vigorous activity you’ll love Jaybird headphones.  Jaybird has a great selection of headphones like the game changing BlueBuds X.  The BlueBuds X patent pending X-Fit™feature let you wear them in the traditional under-ear style for music and calls or over-ear, designed for individuals who want a great sports music experience without feeling anything on their neck.

JayBird BlueBuds X

Shift™ Premium Bluetooth Audio rewrites Bluetooth!  Traditionally when sound is compressed on a phone or music player, sent through the air by Bluetooth connection, and decompressed by the Bluetooth headphones, there is a substantial amount of packet loss. It means your music comes through lacking some soul, lacking some punch, and with a certain amount of static-like white noise.

Jaybird perfected a custom implementation of the native Bluetooth SBC codec, called Shift™ that allows delivery of a level of purity and sound that rivals and challenges the very best in wired headphones. A great feature of Shift™ is that it’s pair and play, meaning, nothing special is required on your phone or music device, just standard Bluetooth, Shift™ takes care of the rest.

Jaybird studied the impact of vocals on the ear over extended listening periods, and observed a very interesting phenomenon that even wired headphones today are not addressing. Did you know all in-ear headphones (wired or wireless) create white noise? Both the speaker diaphragm and your ear canal have their own impedance or resonance frequency.  If they don’t match precisely, they create a mirroring effect resulting in white noise feedback, noticeable as harsh sounds in the vocal area. This results in listener fatigue. Jaybird’s on-board filtering system, called, PureSound™ filters out and eliminates the white noise, delivering a clean audio experience, offering hours of pure enjoyment.

Jaybird BlueBuds X

Voice prompt technology called Jenna™ makes it simple to get to your first track.  Put your headphones on, hold the power button and Jenna™ takes over saying, “power on”, then “headphones connected”.  Push play and your music begins plus Jenna™ helps with you pairing too.

SignalPlus™ gives you the ability to run and play sports outdoors while using your music device anywhere on your body without experiencing the limitations of your body getting between the devices and blocking your signal.  You can even leave your phone/music device in your bag at the gym and workout at a good distance without losing or dropping the signal.

BlueBuds X

JayBird knows athletes because they are athletes with passion.  Their passion is to get the products right and they offer a lifetime warranty against sweat on all JayBird products.  To further enhance their lifetime warranty against sweat, BlueBuds X feature Liquipel Sweat Repellant Nano Technology.  Liquipel Sweat Repellant Nano Technology is a super hydrophobic process that provides the BlueBuds X with added protection from exposure to sweat or the elements.

BlueBuds X are simply the smallest Bluetooth headphones in the world, add in the remarkable playtime, the BlueBuds X are simply the most progressive Bluetooth headphones available.

You may know the saying that dynamite comes in small packages and that totally describes BlueBuds X.  BlueBuds X are the smallest Bluetooth headphones available, yet they pack an incredible 8 hours of play time, double that of which was previously possible from a product this small. Enjoy a full day of music and calls, or work out an hour a day for an entire week on a single charge!

BlueBuds X Curled

To purchase Jaybird BlueBuds X or any of the other great headphones they make click HERE!


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