Smelly Washers - Be Gone!

Being the mother of boys, I am quite familiar with the odors and smells that come along with them. Laundry is a never ending drama in this Lassie's house. Did I mention we live on a lake and that one of the boys plays football. You can smell where I'm coming from can't you?

Well, between the football stench and the moldy smell in the towels because no one seems to remember to hang them to dry, *ahem*, I am often at a loss as to how to get things smelling fresh around here.

Enter Smelly Washer!

Smelly Washer is an all natural way to remove mildew in your towels as well as all those nasty smells in your washing machine. You know the ones..... the ones no one likes to talk about. You can achieve all this freshness with only one Tbsp! Smelly Washer is also the only all natural washer cleaner available. But could it tackle the nasty smell which is the football uniform?? This Lassie had to put it to the test.

I have to say I was pleasantly surprised. While it did take longer to complete the load of laundry, it did get rid of the smells. The only downfall you ask - you have to run it through the wash twice; once with the smelly washer and then again with detergent. You also have to let the clothing soak for two hours and have already completed the 'two day cleaning of your washer step', so you have to have your day planned around de-mildewing your laundry.

The perks - no more mildew smell in my beach and bath towels and no worries of the repercussions of trying to get rid of the smell with bleach. You also get a whole year supply when you buy one 12 oz. bottle. Now that is definitely worth it!

So what are you waiting for? Go check out Smelly Washer's website for more great tips on eliminating all the odors you!

The Diamond Princess Has Evolved!!

I met this amazing guy who works for Eden Fantasys at BlogHer in Chicago this summer. I loved his personality, his honesty, his humor. I could have easily hung out with him all night shooting the stuff over drinks. He asked if I do reviews. Why yes, I do. And so it all began.

I have to admit I was a bit leery to do a review on something so... personal. We are all human, have human urges and act on them according to how comfortable we feel about ourselves and out partners. I thoroughly love my Hubby and we tend to look for, shall I say, adventure? But not too adventurous because, in all honesty, some of those vibrators really scare me. They are all pink, sparkly and have a bunch of moving parts. That's a lot for this girl to try and digest in the moment. I don't like to think too much when it comes to that area of my life so I was very pleased when he sent me something simple - the Diamond Princess.

I loved that it wasn't pink and sparkly and quite honestly... I am a fan of the bling. It has a soft velvety texture - not plasticy. It is also very user friendly. I also like that on Edens website, you can see the actual size of the vibrator you are looking for. This leads to no surprises when you get the uber discreet box in the mail. I knew just what I was expecting. I also love that they have various other thing like lingerie, massage oils and edible puddings! They even have books - a girl's gotta have her books!

So with the holidays right around the corner why not add some adult gifts to your list. I am sure on that list, it doesn't matter if you were naughty or nice. In fact, it is probably better if you were naughty!

tuesday tunage - rock of ages

Are you ready to rock?!? I was all about 80's rock and hair bands. Warrant, Twisted Sister, Poison, Whitesnake..... sigh. I could go on and on.

Did you know that New Line Records has releases a CD off the Original Broadway Cast Recording of five-time Tony Award nominated "ROCK OF AGES." For those of you not in the know, Rock of Ages is the new Broadway musical starring American Idol finalist Constantine Maroulis. Want a sneak peek at some of the recording action? Check it out!

Here is the background: The musical is set in 1987 in a legendary Sunset Strip rock club. As fate has it, a small-town girl meets a big-city dreamer and they fall in love to the greatest metal songs of the 80's. The musical is an arena-rock love story told through the mind-blowing, face-melting hits of Journey, Bon Jovi, Styx,Reo Speedwagon, Pat Benatar and more.

You won't believe what songs are on this album! Here is a list of just a few of the hits:

Just Like Paradise / Nothin' But A Good Time

We Built This City / Too Much Time On My Hands

We're Not Gonna Take It

Waiting For A Girl Like You

Wanted Dead Or Alive

Cum On Feel The Noize / We're Not Gonna Take It (Reprise)

Harden My Heart / Shadows Of The Night

Here I Go Again

The Final Countdown

Any Way You Want It / I Wanna Rock (Reprise)

Hit Me With Your Best Shot

Can't Fight This Feeling

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Don't tell me you aren't already singing along after reading some of those titles! And, I have to admit that I have a few favorites. First - let me warn you that Constantine Maroulis singing "I Wanna Rock" will instantly having you banging your head and rocking out. My other favorite is Amy Spanger and Constantine Maroulis singing a medley of "I Hate Myself For Loving You" and "The Heat of the Moment". Oh to be back in the 80s again!

So come on! Feel the noise, get the CD and rock on!! With that I am off to pull out my leather pants and tease my bangs!

A special thanks to One2One Network for making another Rock of Ages groupie!

are you getting fresh with me??

Ever wonder what it would be like to be a 20 something year old entrepreneur? Yeah me to! Well Dove and Gossip Girl are going to let us live out that fantasy vicariously though four up and coming women. These girls are real and amazing. The new video series introduces four real girls from Manhattan’s Upper East Side who grew up in the same NYC hotbed as characters of Gossip Girl. These real girls have followed their passions to define their own successes in life. They took life by the hands and went after their real dreams.

Their real stories are being shared to encourage all 20-something girls to live life with a fresh perspective and inspire others to pursue their dreams as they juggle common life pressures such as careers, relationships, beauty, finances, family and friends.

And don't forget to check out Doves new line of Go Fresh products. This new line is fragrance-driven with four deliciously flavors! They are available in beauty bars, body wash, deodorants and matching body mists. What are you waiting for?? We can all use a little burst in our beauty routine!

Real Women. True Stories. Fresh Gossip.

tuesday tunage - trebellina review

I am taking a different spin this for this week's edition of Tuesday Tunage. This week it is for the kiddies! Oh ok, and parents too.

I had the opportunity to review Cristofori Baby Company's new DVD, Trebellina. Trebellina is supposed to be a revolutionary music series aimed at teaching little ones, ages 1-4, musical concepts, instrument names and sounds. The DVD is supposed to help young children develop pitch and teach them to read music in a fun and interactive manner. Since Grady loves music and sings all the time, I thought it would be a perfect fit.

I was all excited as Grady and I took our places on the couch. I had watched the video previews but was not sure how my almost four year old would like it. Initially he liked trying to mimic Trebellina singing the notes. Trebellina would say the name of the note and then demonstrate it by singing it. Sounds simple enough. Then they introduce two of the other characters as well a variety of musical instruments. Sadly, after about 10 minutes of the program, my son lost interest and walked out of the room. I tried a few day later to get him to watch it again to no avail.

I personally, was not impressed. As an parent and educator I have seen a lot of different ways to engage children with music. I personally would rather expose my child to a variety of different musics then try and teach them the names and sounds of the specific notes. Sadly, my pre-schooler felt the same way. While I do feel the DVD is very educational and has a lot of great ideas, I just don't feel it was appropriate for a young child. I am sure younger children would like it just from the cartoon and music stand point, but the academics of it was lost on my 3 year old. I will try and revisit the DVD when he is a bit older, but for now Trebellina will be filed away.

thursday thirteen - caress me

I had the glorious opportunity to try out Caress's new Evenly Gorgeous exfoliating body wash. Now, in all honesty, I am an 'in and out' kind of girl when it comes to the shower. Usually because I have little leprechauns running amok, causing chaos or trying to dismember each other. Relaxing showers have indeed become a luxury of the past. But this lassie was willing to give it a try and boy am I glad I did! Want my reasons for now trying to take a daily shower? Read on!

1. Evenly Gorgeous is made with burnt brown sugar and karite butter. It smells divine! Though I have gotten a few concerned glances when I was caught sniffing myself.

2. I now have even toned and radiant skin so I can sport all my sassy and hip skirts!

3. It exfoliates and moisturizes. I love something that does double duty!

4. It got Carson to go into the closet with Kim Kardashian! Wonder how I can get him into mine....

5. Warning - It will make you want to lick your arm.

6. I can flaunt the latest trends and feel confident doing it.

7. Because gorgeous skin is always in style.

8. Hubby likes the smell - not too flowery or sweet. He too has gotten some curious glances as he was trying to sniff me in public. Ooops!

9. I love trying on the latest styles on my very own virtual me.

10. The directions on the bottle specifically say I can "ignore the knocks on the door." Sweet!

11. I am always ready to reveal my daring side.

12. I could win a trip for two to New York's fashion week, stay at a swanky hotel and hang with Carson Kressley. Hell-LO! Who wouldn't want that??

13. You can even try a free sample. Yes, that's right... A FREE SAMPLE!

Not convinced yet? Try it for yourself. Believe me, you will be happy you did!!

arrr, so ye want yerself a pirate eh?

Even though I live in an Irish wonderland and am constantly trampled by wee little leprechauns, Hubby has recently switched gears and turned my leprechauns into scallywags. While he was so bold to anoint himself captain, he was kind enough to make me his first mate. When I tried to put up a scuffle he said there was only room for one Captain on this ship and it wasn't me. Seriously?? Hmmpf. We'll see who gets promoted to captain when his laundry doesn't get done!

So when Captain Billy contacted me about his new book, Cap’N Billy “The Butcher” MacDougall’s Guide to Pirate Parenting, I quickly jumped on board. What better way to handle the pirate uprising in my house then with a little insurgence on the high seas?

If you or your child loves pirates you need to check out this book. Heck, even if you don't like pirates, you need to check out this book! I mean, let's be honest. Your kids already smell like pirates don't they? It would make for an easy transition! Plus it is the number four reason for raising your child as a pirate. One down, nine to go!

Guide To Pirate Parenting gives you ideas for online pirate dating, turning your minivan into a schooner and even helping your teen pirate resist peer pressure (the pirate way of course!) Have a newborn baby pirate? Check out Cap'N Billy's lullabies for landlubbers. My personal favorite is Rock-A-Bye Pirate. Sigh... I bet that would have put my boys to sleep back in the day! He even helps you convince your kids they want to do chores. What kid would pass up a chance to swab the poop deck?

As for this pirate wench? Why ye be able to find me sailing the 'Festering Pillager' from now on with me crew of scurvy dogs. Now go! Be a pirate parent. Yer children will thank ye for it!!

tuesday tunage - yanni voices

Yanni and producer Ric Wake have outdone themselves once again. After two years of hard work, and four of the most new and talented young voices in music today, Yanni is debuting another fantastic album, "Voices". Yanni's new CD features the extraordinary voices of four up and coming young singers; Nathan Pacheco, Chloe, Ender Thomas and Leslie Mills. They sing some of Yanni's classics as well as debuting some of their own new music!

I grew up listening to Yanni and was very excited when he had a new CD coming out. While it is definitely not like his past work, it does have a lot of more upbeat and powerful songs. My favorite vocalist on the album is Leslie Mills, especially her song 'The Keeper'. I fell in love with it the very first time I listened to it. In fact, I hit replay just so I could hear it again! her other song, 'Before the Night Ends' is also truly amazing.

If you are looking for traditional Yanni I suggest listening to 'Our Days', 'Orchid' or 'Moments Without Time'. All are beautifully orchestrated and reminiscent of the Yanni of years gone by.

Don't forget that Yanni Voices is also touring! One2One Network wants to give you an opportunity to experience these phenomenal singers first hand. You can listen to a preview of these amazing singers and find out when Yanni Voices is coming to a city near you! His "Voices" tour starts April 10 so be sure to get your tickets early! .

Do you have chapped lips

Dry, cracked and not kissable

Flaky, peeling skin?

Alas! Fear no more

Bioelements is here

To rescue your lips

It is called Lip Buff

Yummy sugar cane crystals

Citrus and mint oils

Reduces fine lines

Sweeps away dead peeling skin

Dryness disappears

Nothing synthetic

Not tested on animals

Purely organic

So take back your lips!

Make them youthful once again

And pucker away!!

irreplaceable

Have you ever loved someone so much that you would do anything for them? Even if it meant giving up what ultimately meant the most to you - them?

Stephen Lovely's debut novel Irreplaceable visits a topic that many families and couples, thankfully, do not have to encounter often, organ donation. Lovely takes you through the emotions and turmoil associated with loosing a loved on at such a young age while incorporating the joy of receiving new life.

When Alex's young wife Isabel dies suddenly, he is faced with granting Isabel her final wish - organ donation. Janet Corcoran, a 34 year old mother of two, is on the receiving end of Isabel's traumatic death. After years of suffering heart disease and secretly wishing for a 'new' heart of her own, Janet gets her wish. What Janet doesn't realize is that along with the joy of receiving a new life comes the guilt that goes with taking the life, the heart, of another.

Lovely also explores the newly formed friendship between Isabel's and Janet's mothers. While the mothers seek solace and enjoy their new found friendship, the relationship troubles Alex. He doesn't want to know about Janet, her family and the life they are living. Add in the driver of the car that killed Isabel, Jasper, and the circle of life continues to expand.

Irreplaceable is impeccably written and provides true and honest emotions without being overly sappy. It is definitely a book worth reading! Put it on your nightstand today!

signed, sealed, delivered - i'm yours!

Seal has always been one of my favorite male vocal artists. His deep romantic voice can always provoke instant heart flutters in this lassie. I try to ignore the fact that he has a SUPER gorgeous wife and imagine he is still singing all those songs to me. Hey - a girl can dream!

Well, Seal has been busy and has released another albulm, "Soul". One2One network and Warner Bros Records have been working together to spread the news about this amazing television premiere! This record is definitely swoon worthy with 12 of his classic love songs plus some great extras. Remember "If You Don't Know Me By Now"? *** sigh***

Believe me, you DON'T want to miss Seal tonight! He will premiere his concert on PBS tonight, Feb 12 at 9pm (CST). Be sure to check your local listings for the exact times. Want to know all the songs Seal will sing tonight? Click HERE for a full list. You will see all your romantic favorites plus a few renditions.

So grab your honey, snuggle up on the couch and get ready for a super romantic television concert. You'll be glad you did!!

are you ready for some shopping??

If your kids are anything like mine they are constantly counting down the days till Christmas. Or like my three year old, asking and asking and asking.... (There are three in case you were curious.) Since all of our relatives live out of state we are often blessed with the all glorious gift cards for Christmas. They are fast, easy and don't cost an arm and a leg to ship. Plus the recipient gets to pick out something they really want and not some thick itchy wool holiday sweater that Aunt Agnes thought you HAD to have.

Did you know you could take you gift cards and go to the Box Top Marketplace, shop at all the best stores AND earn money for your child's school? Plus it is super easy and you get extra bonus deals and discounts like free shipping or and extra percentage off your total order. Sweet!! What parent isn't looking for an extra deal this holiday season? Plus shopping at Box Tops Marketplace is SUPER easy. Here are some simple steps to help you get started:

1) Go to www.boxtops4education.com and click Sign up Now. Sign up free and choose a school to support.
2) Click on the Marketplace tab and start shopping online at more than 70 stores.
3) Your school will receive a donation of up to 8% from your qualifying purchase, up to $20,000 each year.

Did You Also Know?

Your school can earn up to $60,000 every year by participating in all three of the Box Tops for Education programs. You can earn cash for your school every time you:

1) shop online at the Box Tops Marketplace

2) shop for groceries and clip box tops or

3) order books online through the Box Tops Reading Room – at no extra cost to you.

What better way to enjoy special deals, discount prices, top brand stores AND provide extra income to your child's school? I recently scored some major deals from Old Navy, got next day shipping and earned money for my son's school. Did I mention I did this in my warm and cozy pajamas from the comfort of my couch? No long lines, cranky shoppers and over full parking lots - it was a dream come true for this lassie!

So snuggle up by the fire, enjoy a cup of hot cocoa and shop to your hearts content. You'll thank me in the morning!!

i am in love

a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7fmf7SFaS90HzRRbdZUevBQcnSzhOqeOmKRX5WD0U3464dLPhvzmt9Onaet3HDHa5uyCcDg9V6vs28IfrRKYFqh9F3NPOSSDNZVTirqH8mcoiiEMtO7Wpwbkn-M2qDOctLi_45zhZLpSm/s1600-h/bioelements-sleepwear.jpg"> Have you ever instantly fallen in love ..... with a product? I am ashamed to say that I am a product junkie. I buy a product because I am wooed by it's pretty package and worldly promises, but when I get it home it - Lets. Me. Down. I know you can relate. So because of this problem I have drawers and cabinets full of once or twice used products. Sigh.... Hubby is not pleased.

So when I heard a lot of positive reviews about SkinCare RX I decided to give it a try. I filled out a quick and simple survey and they developed a list of skin care products that work with my skin type and fit all the requirements I was looking for. Fabulous!!

Since this lassie has skin so fair and enjoys being outdoors, I am beginning to exhibit some, *gasp* wrinkles. Grandma O'Donnell was quite wrinkly so I know what is in my future. I decided to try Bioelements Sleepwear. Swoon!! After one application my face was so soft (softer then a baby's bottom I might add) and looked noticeably different. Ok, that was just one night - will you hold up to the test of time?? I am happy to say that yes, Bioelements Sleepwear has passed the test! Hubby notices my new softness and I find myself always touching my new soft skin.

Since I am hosting 'Giveaway Palooza' this week I thought I would kick off the week with a prize for everyone! SkinCare RX is offering all of my readers a $20 gift certificate! All you need to do is enter you name and email address and they will send you your gift certificate code. The email will come from the address 'promo.sk@skincarerx.com' with a subject line 'SkinCareRx.com Free $20 Gift Certificate. This gift certificate will allow you to purchase products from any of their three websites - SkinCareRx.com, Apothica.com & SkinBotanica.com!

So go, shop and enjoy your gift!