Hallmark Kids Collection Review and Giveaway

I recently received some tricked-out card samples from the Hallmark Kids Collection that are some of the most fun cards I've ever seen!

Hallmark research finds a discrepancy between how much moms think they encourage their kids… and how much encouragement kids say the receive. To help bridge that gap, Hallmark is offering cards and small gifts specifically designed for parents to show their love, pride, support, encouragement, understanding and acceptance of their children.The cards and gifts are designed for school-aged children in kindergarten through high school. The line was developed with input from moms, grandmothers and kids.

“This new line of cards and gifts is meant to help parents and grandparents make their encouraging words stick,” notes Sarah Mueller, a card writer who worked on the line. “They provide little reminders that you are rooting for them all the time.”The collection, which starts at 99-cents, includes a variety of greeting-card styles, such as value packs of eight small cards perfect for slipping in lunches, cards with fun attachments, recordable cards with music and pop-up cards. Day-brightening gifts include trendy jewelry, key rings, backpack clips, water bottles, journals and books.

The cards in the new Hallmark Kids Collection are so cute and clever. I love how they incorporated little surprises into each card to make them special, so the recipient will feel just as special.

Whether adorned with a cool hologram, a fun hand clapper, or an inspiring bracelet, the cards offer support and encouragement in memorable ways.

My favorite card amongst the samples I received states "If it'll make you feel better.... (inside) Just let it all out, and a whoopee cushion is attached. Talk about a fun card that I'm sure would make any kid laugh (and I also know an adult or two who would love to receive this card).

There are so many great cards in this new collection.

I can't imagine a kid, or even an adult, not smiling when they see one of the cards from the new Hallmark Kids Collection.

Hallmark is constantly offering consumers innovative and creative ways to show a loved one how much they care, and the new Hallmark Kids Collection cards are no exception.

Shop: To purchase cards and gifts from the Hallmark Kids Collection, click here to find a Hallmark Gold Crown store near you.

Win: Once lucky winner will receive a surprise assortment of 5 cards from the new Hallmark Kids Collection!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to jceko77!

• To enter, visit Hallmark Kids Collection and comment on your favorite card.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
• 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Hallmark Kids Collection (leave the link in your comment)
• 2)Subscribe to my feed
• 3)Add my button to your sidebar
• 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is April 7, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 8, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.
• By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

Thank you to Hallmark for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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EO® Introduces All Purpose Soap!

EO® All Purpose Cleaner is the ideal choice for all your cleaning needs. It is an extremely effective grease cutter that produces a rich lather that is gentle on sensitive skin. All it leaves behind is a great clean and the light, fresh scent of pure Essential Oils. Use it to remove grime as it safely and effectively cleans floors, counters, bathrooms and kitchens. Cleans and polishes glass, windows, mirrors, porcelain, un-lacquered metals, chrome, aluminum, stainless steel, cast iron cookware, tires and tools. Outside, this All Purpose cleaner is perfect for siding, exterior doors and more. It is the perfect product to take along on your next camping trip. Use it anytime and every time you need a good honest clean.

· Pure premium Essential Oils create our signature aromatic blends.
· Coconut Cleansing Complex creates a mild and gentle foam.
· Works equally well in hot or cold, soft and hard water.
· Formulated and balanced to skin pH with biodegradable surfactants.
· Safe and gentle for basic personal care.

Available in three scents:
o Lavender - Pure Lavender Essential Oil is soothing & refreshing.
o Myer Lemon - Premium Citrus Oils create our signature aromatic and refreshing Meyer Lemon Blend.
o Peppermint - Peppermint Essential Oil soothes as it cools and awakens.

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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DOLE Cook-Off and Giveaway

Whenever I find a recipe that calls for canned pineapple, I immediately think of DOLE. Do you have a favorite original recipe that uses DOLE Pineapple or any other DOLE fruit or juice product? If so, you should enter the Dole Cook-Off!

SUBMIT YOUR RECIPE FOR A CHANCE TO WIN A CALIFORNIA GETAWAY!

• From home cook to celebrity chef! Five lucky finalists will win more than just their 15 minutes of fame with a trip for two to sunny LA where they will participate in the California Cook-Off event with celebrity chef Ben Ford. With airfare, three nights’ accommodations, a rental car and spending money included, you’ll be living your very own California dream!
• Just visit www.DoleCookOff.com to enter your signature recipe for an entrée that highlights at least one can of DOLE Fruit or Juice. Using DOLE Pineapple, Mandarin Oranges, Tropical Fruit, Pineapple Juice or Pineapple Mango Juice, as well as no more than seven additional ingredients, you will be automatically entered to win this ultimate California cooking experience.

Judging criteria for the Grand Prize Winner will be based on:

• Best use of DOLE Canned Fruit or Juice
• Creativity
• Flavor and taste

The California Cook-Off event will be held at the Epicurean School of Culinary Arts, one of the most well-respected culinary schools in California. You will be teamed up with a professional blogger as your "sous" chef, who will chronicle the cooking process and feature your dish on their site! This blogger will be on hand to help with your dish and share the experience with you with their readers. Plus the Grand Prize winning recipe will appear on cans of DOLE Fruit nationwide!

Don’t forget to keep coming back to http://www.dolecookoff.com/ for more chances to enter your favorite recipes, as well as discover great new recipes to try out!

WIN INSTANTLY AT http://www.dolecookoff.com/

• The California Cook-Off Instant Win Game offers even more chances to win with DOLE. All you have to do is register at http://www.dolecookoff.com/ and you’ll be automatically entered to win one of more than 100 great prizes from Cooking.com.
• And tell your friends! For each friend you tell about the DOLE Cook-Off, you’ll get an additional entry to win!

DOLE CANNED FRUIT FUN FACTS

• DOLE Canned Fruit comes in three different varieties: Mandarin Oranges, Pineapple and Tropical Fruit.
• Convenient and ready-to-eat, DOLE Canned Fruit is the one of the best ways to have fruit always on hand in your pantry.
• DOLE Canned Fruit is naturally fat free, saturated fat free, cholesterol free, and rich in vitamin C.
• DOLE Canned Fruit has been awarded the ChefsBest award by the American Culinary ChefsBest.
• DOLE Canned Pineapple is a convenient, ready-to-eat product. For your convenience, DOLE Canned Pineapple is available in slices, chunks, tidbits and crushed.
• DOLE Tropical Fruit is a combination of hand-selected pineapple and red and yellow papaya chunks packed in light syrup and passion fruit juice.
• DOLE 100% Pineapple Juice and Pineapple Mango Juice are packed with real fruit taste and always have the flavor adventure you've been craving.
  
  For more information and official rules, visit DOLE Cook-Off.

Win: Two lucky winners will each receive a coupon good for one free DOLE Canned Fruit ($2.39 max value; expires 12/31/10).

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to cdziuba, llinda29!

• To enter, visit DOLE Cook-Off and comment on your favorite recipe in the Recipe Gallery.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
• 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and DOLE Cook-Off (leave the link in your comment)
• 2)Subscribe to my feed
• 3)Add my button to your sidebar
• 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
• 6)Comment on your own signature recipe(s) that you use DOLE fruits or juices in.
• The deadline for entries is April 6, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 7, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.
• By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

Thank you to DOLE for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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How Green Are You?

For those that didn't know, I started Sage and Savvy primarily to learn more about green products and how to live a greener lifestyle.

Prior to starting this blog, I used green/eco-friendly cleaners and regularly ate a few organic foods, but that's about it. I was very, very light green.

I still consider myself somewhat light green, but a darker shade of light green, if you know what I mean.

I've started to use a lot more "green" bath and body products (lotions, body washes, shampoos, etc.) on myself and my boys; I've bought several green toys and other baby/kid products, and I use my reusable bags a lot more (but yes, there are times I still forget!).

I do wish green/organic/eco-friendly products were more readily available in my neighborhood and in Hawaii in general, and that they weren't so expensive, especially groceries! A 1/2 gallon of organic milk costs $7 (on sale it's $5)!

And don't get me started with organic fruits.

I know prices in Hawaii are usually higher than on the mainland, which is why I usually buy green products (non-perishables of course) online.

Although I still have a long way to go in terms of living a greener lifestyle, I'm proud of the changes I have made so far.

It's just been small changes here and there, but knowing that I'm using products that are better for both our family and the environment really makes me feel good.

How green are you?

What challenges do you come across when it comes to being green?

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The Very Best of Enya Review and Giveaway

Thanks to Warner Music, I recently had a chance to review The Very Best of Enya.Capturing Enya’s beguiling mix of classical choral sounds, Celtic atmosphere, and pop sensibility, The Very Best Of brings together, for the first time, all the highlights of her entire 22-year solo career, from “Boadicea” (off her 1987 self-titled debut) to her international breakthrough hit “Orinoco Flow” (from 1988’s Watermark) to the sad serenity of “Only Time,” which was adopted as a comforting anthem of hope after 9/11. Along the way, the album visits a remarkable collection of enduring favorites, such as “Anywhere Is,” “Caribbean Blue,” “Book of Days” and “Amarantine.” It also provides something new in the shape of a stripped-down, previously unreleased version of “Aniron” which was featured in Peter Jackson’s Lord Of The Rings: The Fellowship Of The Rings.

It's been a while since I've heard any Enya songs, but after listening to the tracks on The Very Best of Enya just once, I had to go back and listen to them again.

And again.

Orinoco Flow and Only Time, two of her most popular songs, are simply beautiful, and Caribbean Blue, Wild Child, and Trains and Winter Rains have become my new favorite Enya songs (in addition to Orinoco Flow and Only Time).

There were some songs I wasn't familiar with, but the entire CD was wonderful, and Enya's pure, sometimes haunting (in a good way) voice made the CD such a pleasure to listen to.

The DVD in The Very Best of Enya CD/DVD set features videos of some of her most popular songs, as well as a documentary and "making of" segments of two of her videos.

The videos of Enya's songs are visually stimulating and only add to the appeal of Enya as an artist.

Enya's amazing voice and talent, combined with the beautiful music and meaningful lyrics, really make The Very Best of Enya such a great CD.

I think those who are not too familiar with Enya will enjoy this CD, and those who are already fans or enjoy her songs will absolutely love it as much as I do.

Shop: You can purchase The Very Best of Enya at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $18.98 CD; $27.98 CD/DVD set)

Win: 5 lucky winners will each receive a copy of The Very Best of Enya CD.

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to cdziuba, sphinx63, Deborah Wellenstein, Hotsnotty2, Helena!

• To enter, visit the official Enya website and comment on your favorite Enya song (excluding anything mentioned in this post).
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
• 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Enya (leave the link in your comment)
• 2)Subscribe to my feed
• 3)Add my button to your sidebar
• 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is April 4, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 5, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.
• By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

Thank you to Warner Music for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby Renditions of Journey Review

Journey is behind some of my favorite songs of all time, and thanks to Rockabye Baby!, I was able to listen to some of their songs in a whole new way.Rockabye Baby! transforms timeless rock songs into beautiful instrumental lullabies. Guitars and drums are traded for soothing mellotrons, vibraphones and bells, and the volume is turned down from an eleven to a two. Rockabye Baby! is the perfect way to share the music you love with the littlest rocker in your life.

I was fortunate to receive a copy of Rockabye Baby!: Lullaby Renditions of Journey.

Track List includes:

Open Arms

Any Way You Want It

Wheel in the Sky

Faithfully

Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)

Who's Crying Now

Lovin', Touchin', Squeezin'

Send Her My Love

Stone in Love

Only the Young

Lights

Don't Stop Believin'

I love Open Arms, and I thought it was really neat how this song and other Journey hits were turned into instrumental tracks that are soothing, mellow, and soft enough to lull a baby to sleep.

I was also pretty impressed how Don't Stop Believin', Any Way You Want It, and so many of the other songs that I normally wouldn't imagine as lullabies were indeed transformed into them.

There are other genres of music that Rockabye Baby! offers--such as reggae and alternative, featuring bands such as Green Day, No Doubt, and more!

I think the Rockabye Baby! CDs are a clever idea, turning popular rock songs into ones that babies can fall asleep too, and even adults can relax too (and maybe fall asleep to also!).

Shop: You can purchase Rockabye Baby! CDs on the Rockabye Baby! Online Store (ARV $16.98)

Thank you to Rockabye Baby! for providing the product for review free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Egg-Ceptional Easter Savings at Toys"R"Us

While the Easter Bunny prepares to hop around backyards across the country, Toys“R”Us is offering parents incredible deals to help them fill children’s Easter baskets! From Friday, March 28 through Saturday, April 3 parents can stop by their local Toys“R”Us store, with select items available online at Toysrus.com, to find amazing last-minute savings on toys, games, candy and Easter gifts galore.

Toys“R”Us stores will also host a 2-day Easter Sale with ALL-DAY DOORBUSTER DEALS on Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3.

To offer kids pre-Easter “egg-citement,” Toys“R”Us stores nationwide will also host a 3D Easter Adventure on Saturday, March 27 from 12 noon to 2 pm. Children who attend the event will receive complimentary 3D glasses, an activity booklet filled with 3D games and puzzles, along with additional gifts.

Additionally, Zhu Zhu Pets are decked out for the spring season and kids can collect them all, choosing from Chunk with Bunny Ears, Jilly in a Ballerina Dress, as well as the rest of the hamsters, sought-after accessories and exciting play environments!

Following are examples of deals valid Sunday, March 28 through Saturday, April 3 in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide:
· 30% OFF ALL Pre-Filled Easter Baskets priced at $19.99 – Now $13.99*
· $1.99 for ALL 7 oz – 13 oz Easter Bagged Easter Candy – Was $3.49*
· FREE $5 Gift Card with ANY Hasbro Board Game Purchase of $20 or more*
· Select Preschool Games ONLY $2.99 – Was $8.99 - $12.99; Now $4.99; Final price of $2.99 after with $2 rebate.
· ALL Star Wars 3 ¾ Basic Action Figures – Was $6.99 each; Now 2 for $10.99
· Toy Story Buddy Pack Action Figure 2-Pack – Was $9.99 each; Now 2 for $12.99
· BUY ONE GET ONE HALF OFF ALL Thomas Wooden Railway Engines – Was up to $29.99 each; Now
· FREE Barbie Beach Tote ($19.99 value) with ANY Barbie Doll, playset and accessory purchase of $40 or more

Following are examples of deals valid on Friday, April 2 and Saturday, April 3 in Toys“R”Us stores nationwide:
30% OFF ALL Easter candy, fillers, dye kits and pre-filled baskets – Prices Vary*
FREE $25 Gift Card and Bonus $15 iTunes Gift Card with the purchase of any iPod Touch*
50% OFF Select Crayola arts and crafts sets – Was $19.99; Now $9.99
50% OFF Riptunes 2GB Digital MP3 Player – Was $29.99; Now $14.99
50% OFF Webkinz Lil’ Kinz Combo Pack – Was $17.99; Now $8.99
Buy One, Get One Free on ALL Club Penguin Plush Toys – $9.99 each
Buy One, Get One Half Off ALL video games – Prices Vary
Buy One, Get One Half Off ALL Disney Princess dolls and accessories – Prices Vary
Buy One, Get One Half Off ALL Might Beanz – Prices Vary
Buy Two, Get the Third FREE on all books – Prices Vary

*This offer is not available online at Toysrus.com
**This offer excludes books, plush, apparel, DVDs, music and puzzles

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Cheez-It Italian Four Cheese Baked Snack Crackers Review

Ever since I was little, I've loved Cheez-It Baked Snack Crackers, and have recently become quite addicted to the White Cheddar Cheez-It crackers. Naturally, I was excited to try the new Italian Four Cheese flavor!

Introducing Cheez-It Italian Four Cheese. Four 100% real Italian Cheeses in one delicious combination have you say "Ti Amo" in no time.

The Italian Four Cheese crackers were really good. Made with Romano, Parmesan, Mozzarella, and Asiago, they're cheesy, zesty, savory, crunchy--everything I enjoy in a snack.

Even my boys enjoyed them, especially Smiley Boy. He kept signing "more" and asking for "mo" crackers.

Italian Four Cheese is now one of my favorite flavors of Cheez-Its, and I didn't realize they offered so many other varieties of their flavorful crackers!

I look forward to trying the other flavors of Cheez-It crackers, but in the meantime, I'll enjoy the little that's left of my box of Italian Four Cheese.

Shop: To purchase Cheez-It Italian Four Cheese Baked Snack Crackers, click here to find a retailer (ARV $4.19/13.7 oz box).

Thank you to Cheez-It/Kellogg Company for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Envirosax Origami Review

Envirosax is always coming out with innovative designs, and I was fortunate to receive Bag #2 in their Origami line of reusable bags.
Infusing multiple looks and styles, Origami is individual, quirky and fun. Influenced by the playful street fashion in Japan where creative fashionistas parade their savvy style. Cute, poppy and a little kooky; be inspired, let your imagination run wild.

Bag Dimensions (unrolled):19.5" x 16.5"
Bag Dimensions (in pouch):4" x 1.5"
Weight Capacity:44 lbs
Bag Weight:1.4 oz

I love the bright and fun colors of the entire Origami line, and the contrasting shapes and textures really give the bags character.

As with the other Envirosax bags I own, the Origami Bag #2 is not only fashionable, but very functional.

Envirosax always leads the way in bringing us fresh, new designs, and I always can't wait to see what they come up with next!

Shop: You can purchase Envirosax bags at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $8.50).

Thank you to Envirosax for providing the product for review free of charge.; I recieved no monetary compensation for this post.

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Tiny Prints Anniversary Sale Extended

We've had such a great response to our sixth anniversary sale, we simply can't help ourselves—we're extending the celebration (and the savings) for another week! This means you still have time to enjoy 15% off your next order of $75 or more using the coupon code TPSIX. Just get your orders in by 3/29/10 to take advantage of this special offer when you shop for Easter cards, religious party invitations, birthday invites, birth announcements and more.

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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ThermaPAK HeatShift Laptop Cooler Pad Giveaway

DH bought me a laptop cooling device, and he gets upset because I don't use it that often.

Why don't I use it? The fan makes a lot of noise and it sucks up battery power!
Now I know there's a laptop cooler made by ThermaPAK that eliminates those problems!

HeatShift Laptop Cooler Features:

• Performs better than USB fan cooling devices
• Cools entire laptop, not just certain sections
• Uses no fans
• Generates no noise
• Grooved channels for enhanced airflow
• Ultra slim design for mobility
• Various sizes and colors
• Fits all sizes of laptops
• Comfortable, Lightweight and portable
• No need for refrigeration
• Self-cooling
• Uses no power so laptops last longer
• Environmentally friendly
• Heavy-duty, durable, and maintenance free

Description

A Better Way To Cool Your Laptop: ThermaPAK's Patented HeatShift Laptop Cooler is the most effective solution against laptop heat. In a recent CNET study the HeatShift Laptop Cooler was proven to lower laptop temperature by more than 10 degrees Fahrenheit and significantly outperformed USB cooling fans. Unlike the fan products that blow dirt and dust at your laptop the grooved channels on the HeatShift laptop cooler enhances airflow.

Not only does the self cooling HeatShift dissipate heat faster and more effectively than alternative products, it uses no power (extends battery life), wires, or refrigeration- making it the most advanced, and eco-friendly laptop cooler you can buy. The HeatShift cools uniformly by using organic cooling crystals that dissipate heat away from your laptop allowing it to perform at its best while keeping your laptop at a safe temperature. The superior design and performance of the HeatShift Laptop Cooler has received numerous industry awards such as the CES Innovations Design & Engineering Award and the iF Design Award.

I think the ThermaPak HeatShift Laptop Cooler is such a great idea, and I love the fact that it uses no power from a laptop and is quiet!

I didn't realize that the fan in my laptop cooler blew dirt and dust onto my laptop, and this would be another reason why I'd want to get the HeatShift Laptop Cooler.

ThermaPak's HeatShift Laptop Cooler comes in black and white, but I think pink is the coolest!

The HeatShift Laptop Cooler is simply an innovative product that I hope DH will be getting me for the next special occasion!

Shop: to purchase ThermaPAK products, click here to find a retailer.

Win: One lucky winner will receive a Pink HeatShift Laptop Cooler (ARV $29.99)

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to kathyluman!

• To enter, visit the HeatShift Technology Overview page and comment on an interesting fact or feature.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
• 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and ThermaPAK (leave the link in your comment)
• 2)Subscribe to my feed
• 3)Add my button to your sidebar
• 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is March 31, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on April 1, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.
• By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

Thank you to ThermaPAK for providing the products for review and/or giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Human Nature: Reach Out Review and Giveaway

Thanks to the Family Review Network, DH and I received a CD that we can't stop listening to: Human Nature: Reach Out.

Reach Out is a collection of songs from their last three studio themed recordings in tribute to some of the best songwriters and performers in Motor City – it is a tribute to the renown recording studio and record company that brought the sound of young America to the world. In Reach Out, Human Nature – Toby Allen, Phil Burton, Andrew Tierney,and Michael Tierney -pay loving tribute to the sounds that influenced their global success, and bring an infectious energy and their amazing vocal talents to the proceedings.

THE SONGS:
Reach Out I’ll be There
You Keep Me Hangin’ On
Baby I Need Your Loving
I Heard It Through The Grapevine
Get Ready w/Smokey Robinson
The Way You Do The Things You Do w/The Temptations
My Girl
Stop! In The Name Of Love
ABC
You Are The Everything
Ain’t No Mountain High Enough
Uptight (Everything’s Alright)
Twenty-Five Miles
Dancing In The Street
Ooo Baby Baby
Barnes & Noble Bonus Track:River Deep Mountain High w/Mary Wilson of The Supremes

Human Nature did a terrific job showcasing their talent and style on Reach Out.

I loved their covers of so many of the songs, such as Reach Out I'll Be There, Baby I Need Your Loving (check out the video below) and My Girl. My favorite song was The Way You Do the Things You Do--I always enjoyed that song and Human Nature's performance with The Temptations made for a memorable track.

Although I did think there were a few songs in which I like the original version better, such as ABC, I still enjoyed the entire CD.

Human Nature did a great job covering the Motown classics, and I think Reach Out will appeal to both young and old.

I am now a huge fan of Human Nature and I plan to check out their previous releases and already can't wait to hear future ones!

Shop: You can purchase Human Nature: Reach Out at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $17.99).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a signed copy of Reach Out!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Jennifer!

• To enter, visit Human Nature: Reach Out, take a listen (click on the song titles in the track listing box), and comment on your favorite track.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
• 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and Human Nature: Reach Out (leave the link in your comment)
• 2)Subscribe to my feed
• 3)Add my button to your sidebar
• 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is March 30, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 31, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.
• By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

Thank you to Family Review Network, Human Nature, and Sideways Media for providing the product(s) for review and/or giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Ronzoni Smart Taste Review

Feeding my boys healthy, nutritious meals is always a concern, so I was excited to try pasta from the Ronzoni Smart Taste line, which offers a lot more than just great taste.

RONZONI® SMART TASTE™ is a new member of the New World Pasta family of brands. What's so special about RONZONI SMART TASTE? It's the first white pasta to be enriched with Fiber, Calcium and Vitamin D-- and lots of it. RONZONI SMART TASTE is an excellent source of Fiber and contains Calcium and Vitamin D equal to an eight-ounce glass of milk. Studies show that many diets are lacking in these three important nutrients. Plus, RONZONI SMART TASTE is lower in calories and fat than traditional pasta. That means RONZONI SMART TASTE is the same great taste -- the smart taste --your family loves but with greater nutritional value.

I was fortunate to receive some samples of Ronzoni Smart Taste, and I made something that I knew my boys would love--Spaghetti!

I cooked the spaghetti according to instructions, added broccoli, chicken and pasta sauce, and topped it with Parmesan cheese.

It was very delicious, but the true test would be with my boys.

Well, although they made quite a mess, they sure loved the spaghetti!

It tasted like any other spaghetti I've made before, but the fact that the Ronzoni Smart Taste spaghetti is lower in calories and fat than regular pasta and has more nutrients and Vitamins is a big plus, especially when trying to feed my growing boys.

Ronzoni Smart Taste is also available in Rotini, Angel Hair, Elbows, and other varieties of pasta.

The next time I need to make a pasta dish I wouldn't hesitate to pick up Ronzoni Smart Taste over other brands of pasta. If I can provide sources of essential nutrients and vitamins into my kids' meals in delicious ways, why wouldn't I?

Shop: To purchase Ronzoni Smart Taste, click here to find a retailer (ARV $1.69/14.5 oz box).

Savvy Savings: Click here to receive a $.75 coupon off of 1 box of Ronzoni Smart Taste.

Thank you to Ronzoni Smart Taste for providing the products for review free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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How to Never Look Fat Again by Charla Krupp Review and Giveaway

Ever wonder if a dress or a pair of jeans made you look fat? Well, thanks to the book How to Never Look Fat Again: Over 1,000 Ways to Dress Thinner--Without Dieting! by Charla Krupp, you may no longer wonder!

The new groundbreaking style-guide from bestseller author Charla Krupp on how to look 10 pounds lighter, 10 years younger and 10 times sexier every day, all year--in summer, winter, at the gym, even in a swimsuit!You'll never get dressed the same way again once you discover:
*smart, easy ways to hide arm flap, a big bust, a muffin top, back fat, Buddha belly, a big booty, wide hips, thunder thighs, and heavy calves-and that's only half the book.
*which fabrics, colors, and styles make women look fat
*absolutely the best shades, shapes, and brilliant buys to make the pounds invisible
*clever solutions for special fashion situations--workout gear, evening wear, and even swimsuits!
*which products, fashions, and services you shouldn't waste your money on
*the top ten tips that will make you look thinner by tonight!
So, if you've ever put on a piece of clothing and asked "Does this make me look fat?" Finally, here is the book that will answer your question.

How to Never Look Fat Again was both a practical and humorous reference on how to dress to look your best.

Whether you have Arm Flap, a Muffin Top, or Wide Hips, How to Never Look Fat Again offers many great tips.

I enjoyed many of the various sections throughout the book, especially the High-Fat/No-Fat Lists, which show images of women in two different outfits, emphasizing what works and what doesn't.

The Brilliant Buys offers tips on brands of clothing to shop for to help different problem areas, as well as website and pricing information.

Thinner By Tonight! Instant Gratification provided quick and easy tips, such as if you have a muffin top/back fat, you should sit up straight and wear a silky blouse that doesn't cling to problem areas.

I also learned why not to go shoe shopping in the morning, what exercises help with arm flap, top styles that are great for muffin tops, how to avoid panty lines, and so much more!

I really enjoyed the photos throughout the book that showed the dos and don'ts, as well as stars who are working their assets.

I have a few problem areas myself, and with the numerous style and fashion tops from How to Never Look Fat Again, I plan to buy tops and bottoms that will flatter my shape and throw out the pieces of clothing that don't, and I hope to start looking more like a stylish, put-together mom!

Shop: You can purchase How to Never Look Fat Again at various retailers online and nationwide (ARV $26.99)

Win: Three lucky winners will each receive a copy of How to Never Look Fat Again!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to Ardy22, Chrissyb, Francine!

• To enter, comment on what problem area(s) you need help with, or why you think you'd enjoy this book.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
• 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and How to Never Look Fat Again (leave the link in your comment)
• 2)Subscribe to my feed
• 3)Add my button to your sidebar
• 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is March 28, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 29, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.
• By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

Thank you to Hachette Book Group for providing the products for review and/or giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Public Invited to Free Concert for NASCAR Hall of Fame Grand Opening

Race fans, tourists, Charlotte residents: All are invited to a full day of free fun May 11, 2010 outside the NASCAR Hall of Fame in uptown Charlotte, N.C., to celebrate its grand opening.

One of the highlights of the daylong event will be a free concert that evening on the Ceremonial Plaza headlined by country music trio Love And Theft, who are preparing to tour with country music superstars Tim McGraw and Lady Antebellum. The stop will be a homecoming for one member of the trio, Charlotte native Eric Gunderson, who grew up in the area and attended the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. The band also features members Stephen Barker Liles, of Florida, and Texan Brian Bandas. Lyric Street recording artist Love and Theft’s debut album, World Wide Open, includes the hits “Runaway” and “Dancing In Circles.”

“I had the pleasure of seeing Love And Theft perform live at Sprint Sound and Speed in Nashville (Tenn.) this year,” said Winston Kelley, executive director of the NASCAR Hall of Fame. “I was not previously familiar with them, and I was absolutely blown away. They were fabulous! Our guests are in for a treat. This is a monumental day in NASCAR and Charlotte history, and it is our privilege to have such a talented trio join us.

“The free concert and all of the free outdoor activities are just small ways we can say thank you to the race fans, Charlotte residents, tourists, NASCAR community, local businesses, elected officials and everyone who has supported this project.”

Opening ceremonies begin at 9 a.m. EDT with all the pomp and circumstance expected of a national tourist attraction. The one-hour ceremony will culminate with NASCAR celebrities, elected officials and other dignitaries officially opening the 150,000-square-foot venue. The opening ceremony will be followed by free outdoor activities from 10 a.m. through the late evening. Activities will include NASCAR celebrities, question-and-answer sessions, strolling entertainment, food vendors, musical entertainment and more.

The star of the show that day will be the NASCAR Hall of Fame itself. Tickets to enter the high-tech, interactive attraction are on sale now and can be purchased at www.NASCARHall.com or by calling 877-231-2010. Tickets are $19.95 for adults, $17.95 for seniors and military, $12.95 for children 5-12, and free for children younger than 5. Memberships provide unlimited entry for one year and start at $25 for children and $50 for adults. Group discounts, facility rentals and sponsorships also are available by calling 704-654-4400.

Schedule of Events
9-10 a.m. Opening Ceremony Ceremonial Plaza Free; No Ticket Required
10 a.m.-8 p.m. Facility Hours NASCAR Hall of Fame Ticket Required
10 a.m.-5 p.m. Outdoor Activities Ceremonial Plaza Free; No Ticket Required
5-8 p.m. Concert Ceremonial Plaza Free; No Ticket Required

All Ceremonial Plaza activities that day are free to the public. The Ceremonial Plaza faces Martin Luther King Boulevard between Caldwell and Brevard. Guests are encouraged to use the Charlotte Area Transit System.

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Swaptree.com

As spring cleaning season—and Earth Day—approach us, many people are reflecting on how to be more “green” in their daily lives. If you are like most people, you most likely have a lot of stuff in your house that you hardly use but don’t know what to do with. Studies show the average household has $7,400 worth of unused merchandise!

In light of this common conundrum, people are increasingly turning to the age-old practice of bartering trade their unused items for things they want, as opposed to buying new items or even worse--throwing them away.

Websites like Swaptree.com allow you to swap your unused books, CDs, DVDs and video games. With millions of people listing millions of things, the swap opps are staggering!

The way it works is members list the items that they are trading and the items they want, and Swaptree’s two and three-way trade algorithms instantly find all of the items that they can receive for the items that they have. Referred to by mainstream media outlets as “the eBay of Swap,” Swaptree.com also allows for cross-media trades, so members can swap a DVD for a book, a video game for a CD, or a book for a video game, etc.

In addition to being green (average members lower their annual carbon footprints by approximately 180lbs) Swaptree is completely free—you only pay for postage, which means that you can get a book, CD, DVD, or video game for around two dollars.

Please feel free to check out the FAQ page here, http://www.swaptree.com/WebFrmFAQ.aspx, if you have any questions--happy swapping!

I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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Sage and Savvy Survey and $20 Walmart Giveaway

I'm starting a new feature--a Sage and Savvy survey, to find out what my readers' interests and favorite products are!

Th current survey is all about sunscreen. It's just a quick survey--just two questions in addition to leaving your username!

I have my favorite brands of sunscreen, but I'd like to know what your favorite brands are and why!

I'll be posting the results next month, and I'll thank one lucky person who completed the survey with a $20 gift card (retailer/venue to change each survey).

Win: One lucky winner will receive a $20 Walmart Gift Card!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congratulations to karen!

• To enter, complete the Sunscreen Survey and leave a comment stating that you completed it.
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
• 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and the Sunscreen Survey(leave the link in your comment)
• 2)Subscribe to my feed
• 3)Add my button to your sidebar
• 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is March 27, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 28, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.
• By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

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Waikiki Aquarium Free Admission with Tropicana Juicy Rewards

Not too long ago I mentioned how Tropicana recently launched Tropicana Juicy Rewards, and how I'm fortunate to be a Tropicana Juicy Insider Ambassador!

We already took advantage of one of the rewards--for just one point, I was able to print out a coupon for one free adult admission at the Waikiki Aquarium with the purchase of one adult admission, which resulted in a $9.00 savings!

We had a great time at the Waikiki Aquarium. Little Music Man has already been to the aquarium several times, but this was Smiley Boy's first visit.

Although the Waikiki Aquarium is quite small compared to many others that we've been too, there were still many interesting things to see, such as the following exhibits:

Hawaiian Day Octopus

Seadragon

Tidepool Hermit Crab

Hawaiian Monk Seals

And at the end of our visit, our boys enjoyed roaming the grounds.

It was a nice day at the Waikiki Aquarium, and it was great that we saved money thanks to Tropicana Juicy Rewards!

I wrote this review while participating in the Tropicana Juicy Insiders Ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of Tropicana. I received 12 free Juicy Rewards points and a $50 Visa gift card to use in redemption of the points and to facilitate my review.

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gLovies Review and Giveaway

We've been potty-training Little Music Man for a while now. Often times after touching the toilet, I'll see him about to stick his hands or fingers in his nose or mouth for whatever reason, and I always have to remind him to not touch his face.

Imagine that scene in a public restroom. Just the thought makes me cringe.

Thanks to gLovies, I can prevent that scene from ever happening in a public restroom.

We can't guarantee that every trip away from home will be stress free, but having gLovies® with you means you'll have one less thing to worry about when you take your toddler into public places lurking with germs.
gLovies® are:
• Fully lined and 100% waterproof
• Sanitary and disposable
• Held securely in place by a comfortable elastic wristband
• PEDIATRICIAN RECOMMENDED

I was fortunate to receive a couple of samples of gLovies.

Little Music Man was actually excited to put on the gLovies, especially because of the cute penguin designs (he's totally into penguins right now!). They felt quite thin, so I was wary about how well they would hold up, but on the inside there's a lining that makes them sturdier.

The wristband was not too tight, and the entire time Little Music Man was wearing the gLovies it did not tear or come off.

And taking them off was just as easy as putting them on, and when you're done with them, simply toss them in the trash!

I really think gLovies are great for when you're out and about and your little one needs to go to the potty.

I do agree with those that say germs are necessary and are important to help build immunity, but until Little Music Man learns how to stop touching the toilet, especially those in public restrooms, for us a product like gLovies is a necessity, especially if I can prevent any unnecessary illnesses.

Shop: To purchase gLovies, visit the My Mom Knows Best website (ARV $4.99/12pk).

Win: Two lucky winners will each receive a 12 pack of gLovies!

***THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED***

Congrautlations to Kelly, Saving for a Home!

• To enter, simply comment on why you'd like to win!
• You’ll get one extra entry each if you do any of the following (be sure to leave a comment for each “entry”):
• 1)Blog about this giveaway and link back to Sage and Savvy and gLovies (leave the link in your comment)
• 2)Subscribe to my feed
• 3)Add my button to your sidebar
• 4)Follow me on Twitter (leave your Twitter name in your comment)
• 5)Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment)
• The deadline for entries is March 24, 2010, 11:59pm HST.
• If you submitted an eligible entry and it is chosen by random.org as the winner, you will be notified via email on March 25, 2010 (make sure your email address is in your profile or comment) and will have 3 days to accept.
• Valid for US addresses only.
• By entering in this giveaway, you have read and agreed to Sage and Savvy’s policies regarding giveaways.

Good luck!

Thank you to My Mom Knows Best for providing the products for review and/or giveaway free of charge. I received no monetary compensation for this post.

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MagnetStreet Weddings Promotion

If you're planning a wedding, you know how expensive things can be, so it's always great to find discounts on wedding necessities.

MagnetStreet Weddings is currently offering 50 free RSVP's with a $250 minimum purchase.

Offer is valid through 3/29/10.

MagnetStreet Weddings is a Sage and Savvy affiliate.

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Jelly Belly Easter Promotion

Celebrate Easter with Jelly Belly!

Spend $35 and get a FREE Carrot Bag!
Coupon Code: CARROT
Dates:March 16, 2010 through March 23, 2010

Jelly Belly is a Sage and Savvy affiliate.

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