Gratuitous Reviews

Me + Pandora Radio = TLA

2011-03-01T20:53:00.001+09:00

Dear Pandora Radio,
Will you marry me? Is this too sudden? I know we've only had a few days to get to know each other, but I'm pretty sure this is True Love.

In a strange twist of fate, it was my husband who introduced us. When I kept having to "thumbs down" Taylor Swift, I knew it was time that I stepped in and got to know you. (Turns out he had typed in "Taylor Swift" which, ya know, explains things.)

(I don't have tweenage girls. I don't have to acknowledge her existence if I don't want too.)

I was so traumatized that I could barely think straight. I went to the laptop and typed in the first band to come to mind: "U2". Ahh...sweet relief. After a few bars of Bono's melodious voice, I was feeling a little more calm and added "Coldplay" to the mix. The playlist that commenced was nothing short of brilliant! So brilliant that I stopped doing dishes and started taking notes for this post:

Counting Crows
Wallflowers
The Fray
Goo Goo Dolls
Peter Gabriel (Who woulda thought? But YES!)
Snow Patrol (How did you know I'm a closet Grey's Anatomy fan?!)
U2
Matchbox Twenty
Coldplay
Collective Soul
and Lifehouse
Then you played a song by
Deep Blue Something and I thought maybe you weren't as perfect as I first thought. But I was singing "Breakfast at Tiffany's" pretty dang loud, so I guess you know what you're doing.
Next, "Someday" by Sugar Ray. Again, not my favorite, but again, I was singing right along again. (Loudly--again.)
So far today you haven't played anything new to me, but all the songs you've played, I LOVE!
You reminded me that I really like Lifehouse and need to buy a few of their songs! (Namely "Breathing", "Broken", "You and Me", and "Hanging By a Moment")
You just kept on wooing me with
Creed
Duncan Sheik (Barely Breathing) and
Eve 6 (Inside Out)

Not a single song was new to me, but many were songs I'd forgotten I loved. How could you possibly plumb the depths of my musical soul on such short acquaintance?

(How did you know my cousin Wendy and I spent hours memorizing every single word to
Blue's Traveler's "Runaround" in high school?) (<---just played.)

I don't know how you do it, Pandora, but you've won me over. If this love is wrong, I don't wanna be right. Tonic, playing at this very moment, says it best: "If you could only see the way [s]he loves me, maybe you would understand...why I feel this way about our love, and what I must do..."
"Regular" radio will forever be dead to me. I'm yours forever! xoxoxo

Your Not-So-Secret Crush,

Emily

FYI:
*Pandora streams music (all sorts, including the churchy kind, according to your preference) --for free-- via the Internet.
*You don't have to download ANYTHING!
*Pandora is legal.
*Pandora plays ads after every 3-4 songs but they're short and not annoying.
*Pandora sometimes plays songs you've never heard that you never knew you already loved!
*You can give songs a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down" and Pandora will further customize your radio station accordingly. (Yellow Ledbetter {playing now} by Pearl Jam gets a THUMBS UP!!! Love you Eddie!)
*You can skip songs you don't like, or pause songs you're currently listening to.
*Pandora did not request this review and they're not paying or compensating me at all. (Though they're more than welcome to.)
Last but not least...
*Pandora Radio is an automated music recommendation service and custodian of the Music Genome Project. (As seen on Wikipedia.)

"Despicable Me" vs. Pixar's "Up"

2011-01-14T15:57:00.000+09:00

Let's compare and contrast:

Both have cranky old men and small neglected soliciting child(ren).
Both have cranky old men that transform into nurturers who love said child(ren) by the end.
Both have "mad scientists".

"Up" has a very depressing premise and the first part may or may not make children question their mortality and future child baring ability.
"D. Me" has "the box of shame". (Which is hilarious.)

"D. Me" has Steve Carrell
"Up" has Ed Asner (?)

"Up" has overly scary robotically controlled dogs.
"D. Me" has Boogie Robots. And then Cookie Robots. (Totally awesome.)

"Up" has a scary bad guy.
"D.Me" has a nerdy bad guy with a shark tank and a shrink ray.

"Up" has balloons.
"D. Me" has super cool futuristic vehicles.

"D.Me" has killer music.
"Up" has forgettable music. (I'm basing this on the fact that I can't remember the music at all.)

"Up" has a few funny parts and a handful of redeeming moments. (You can see all the funny moments in the trailer.)
"D. Me" is laugh-out-loud funny all the way through.

Now, I generally love Pixar movies. And Up does have it's moments, but mostly, it just let me down. (Pun intended.)
Despicable Me, however, we purchased. And it continues to make me laugh as my kids watch it ad nauseum. (I'd have to put the kids on Suicide Watch if they were constantly viewing "Up".)

Therefore, my uneducated and unendorsed opinion is that...

Despicable Me wins hands down!

And now it's time to boogie.
The End

Gru: Uh, question. What are these?
Dr. Nefario: A dozen boogie robots. Boogie! Look at this! Watch me.
Gru: Cookie robots! I said cookie robots! Ah, why... why are you so... old?

Edith: When we got adopted by a bald guy, I thought this'd be more like Annie.

Dear USA Network and Royal Pains Respectively;

2010-07-01T12:34:00.000+09:00

Doug and I are HUGE fans!
Great job putting together quality shows high on wit, and low on the gratuitous scuz most shows use to fill the gaps between inane dialoge.

We love Psych, (loved Monk), love Burn Notice, love White Collar, and we love Royal Pains. (Plus, we're going to love Covert Affairs. We just know it.)

We just have one teeny tiny itty bitty complaint:
The song at the beginning of the Royal Pains:
"Independence" by The Blue Van
It doesn't work.
It doesn't elicit excitement.
It annoys people. (Okay, well--it annoys us. A lot.)

(And, until now, I thought it said "My Independent Wendolyn". Which makes as much sense as "My independence went away" --which is what it actually says.)

In short, it BUGS!

And we'd like to respectfully demand that you change it to something more fitting.
Plus, why is Hank falling in a pool?
Plus, how in the HECK does WWE fit into the above line-up??? (Seriously!?)
Please change the whole opening.
And remove WWE from the airways.

Sincerely,

Your Loyal Fans - Doug and Emily Dub

(Sometimes it just feels good to write a letter!)

Summer Reading List: Self Improvement Edition!

2010-06-21T11:40:00.000+09:00

Here are a few of my all-time favorite, always recommended, practical/life-changing/perspective-altering self-help books. Enjoy!

"...Seek ye out of the best books words of wisdom. Seek learning even by study and also by faith." Doctrine and Covenants 109:7

On Finances:
"Total Money Makeover" by Dave Ramsey
Learn how to get out of debt and start accumulating wealth. (We're currently working on our debt snowball.) This guy is very back-to-basics and common sense. It's one of those books you finish and wish every one of your friends and family would read.
also:

"The Richest Man in Babylon" by George S. Clason
Short, sweet and to the point.

"The Millionaire Next Door" by Thomas J. Stanley

I read this quite a few years ago but still think about it and remember some of the things I learned. For example: The people who think they have to look rich (like Doctors and Lawyers) are usually the ones with the most debt and least amount of actual accumulated wealth.

On Physical Health:
"Eat for Health" by Dr. Joel Furman

These books have changed the way we eat and view food. It's very empowering to think you don't have to suffer through the last years of your life. If you take care of your body, you can stay healthy even as crotchety old people!

Doug has lost a bunch of weight and I might also if I'd lay off the chocolate! (Hey, I'm nursing! Give me a break!)

On Mental Health:
"Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy" by David D. Burns
Another empowering book! Change the way you think, act and react--without drugs. I'm a big fan of cognitive behavior therapy because I believe the brain is very powerful. I'm not anti-drug, I just think a lot can be accomplished without them!

On Changing Your Outlook and Life:
"Hard Times and Holy Places" by Kristen Belcher
Written by my sister-in-law, I've heard nothing but GREAT THINGS about this book. And it really can change your life for the better if you let it.

"The Hiding Place" by Corrie Ten-Boom

Amazing and perspective changing. The best holocaust book you'll ever read. (Besides maybe "Man's Search For Meaning" by Viktor E. Frankl--also highly recommended.)

On Pain:
"The Gift of Pain" by Paul Brand
I loved this book and recommend it to everyone! It is fascinating and reads like a really good novel.

On Gardening:

"Square Foot Gardening" by Mel Bartholomew

An easy and practical (AND PRODUCTIVE) way to plant a vegetable garden. Plus everything you need to know about composting, planting schedules, etc.

We're currently enjoying our broccoli and lettuce harvest. Peppers, tomatoes and beans are on their way. Crossing our fingers for pumpkins and corn!

On Getting Babies to SLEEP:
"On Becoming Baby Wise" by Gary Ezzo and Robert Bucknam
I believe the first edition of this book was quite controversial because people were following the suggestions to the letter without using their own judgement. (Duh.) I researched the hysterical claims and didn't find anything (In my version) to substantiate them. I personally don't do everything this book says. But I credit it for making all four of my crazy boys into excellent sleepers. All of my boys have been able to sleep through the night from an early age and sleep deeply at night. (I.E., Gabe shares a room with Gray and doesn't wake up when Gray cries in the morning.)

On Marriage:
The Proper Care and Feeding of Husbands by Dr. Laura Schlessinger
Like her or hate her, if you follow even a little of the advice in this book, it will improve your marriage. I happen to love Dr. Laura because she is a tireless advocate for healthy strong marriages, intact families, stay-at-home moms, religion, strong moral values, adoption and foster care, etc. Plus, she likes Mormons!

Book Review Times Two - Brandon Sanderson

2010-05-18T15:29:00.001+09:00

I've just finished a couple of books I really enjoyed, both by the same author.

"Elantris"

and
"Warbreaker"

both by Brandon Sanderson. Both of these books fall into the Sci-Fi/Fantasy category which is not usually my thing. (I'm a huge mystery/suspense/thriller fan.) BUT, I love anything with good writing, a good plot, and at least a little suspense. So I make exceptions. (A lot.) My other stipulation for giving a book a big thumbs up is that the writer doesn't rely on gratuitous s-e-x to fill the pages or swear too dang much. (A book I absolutely hate for this reason: "The Pact" by Jodi Picoult)

These books fit the bill. Both sucked me in from the very first page and kept me reading. (Too much, too fast!) Both have strong characters and well crafted plots and what I call "artistic unity" (which means that everything in the book is in there for a reason) and although they both include swear words, they're made up swear words in a made up language. So not offensive to me at all!

Now, I must say that "Warbreaker" does include some s-e-x. Nothing graphic but it is part of the plot: since two characters get married and are supposed to make a baby. To me, that excludes it from the "gratuitous" category so I don't get all het up about it...but it is in there.

One other thing I don't enjoy in all Sci Fi/Fantasy in general? Made up nouns. I like being able to pronounce things and I have no idea what the proper pronunciation is for "T'Telir" or "Susebron". But, I can never have everything I want. Even my perfect husband likes Country music, after-all...! So I try not to be too bugged.

When I started "Elantris", Doug told me I'd be sorry there is no sequel. He was right. I was sad to finish it. Which is why I started "Warbreaker" soon after. That's my idea of a good story.

Therefore, I highly recommend these books. Especially "Elantris".

Have you read these books or any others by Brandon Sanderson? What did you think?
Read anything else I'd love lately?

Winner, Winner, Chicken Dinner!

2010-05-17T16:27:00.000+09:00

Congrats Mel!!!
You're the Winner of the Sea Glass necklace!!!!!
Hooray! I'll be in touch.

Everyone else, ease your personal pain by going to JapanSeaGlass.com and buying something. On-line shopping always works for me!

Thanks for entering everybody. Thanks for the beautiful necklace Misti.

And let's not forget: The world has enough leaders...be a FOLLOWER!!!!

:)

Sea Glass Jewelry - Giveaway!!!

2010-05-07T23:00:00.001+09:00

Because it's been awhile and because I love all two of my loyal readers, and because Mother's Day is approaching and I'm anticipating breakfast in bed, (which makes me feel extremely magnanimous) it's time to do a giveaway!!!

Two of my very good friends here in Japan, Kendra and Misti, have a passion. A passion for BEACH COMBING and SEA GLASS!

They've turned that passion into an awesome business making beautiful jewelry.
Please give a warm welcome to...
K and M Creations!!!

AND...
(wait for iiiiiiiitttttt.....)
Misti gave me a necklace to give to one of YOU lucky readers!!!

(It looks similar to this one below:)

Here's a little info about their jewelry:

Featuring 100% Beach combed sea glass, surf tumbled to perfection - not artificially enhanced! Design your own piece or check out our gallery for one of our original designs! Custom designs using your own sea glass also available!

So! Here's how to enter for your chance to win:
Leave a comment and get one entry. (I'm going to need your name if you want your entry to count.)
Become a "Follower" of this blog (right side bar) and get four extra entries for a total of FIVE!!!
(I KNOW, I'm AWESOME, right?!?!?! And maybe I want more than two followers. It's a pride thing.)

The contest will end in four days. Monday night/Early Tuesday your time.
(Tuesday night at 10ish my time.)

Got it? Good.

Make sure you're Following or Subscribed to this blog to find out if you're the lucky winner!

Not a winner? Don't worry. I still like you. Oh, and you can always go to:
www.japanseaglass.com
and buy something for yourself. And your sister and your mom.
That way we all win.
But mostly you and your sister and your mom.

Good luck! And may the best entrant be selected from a random number generator!!!

---
FYI: I am not being compensated in any way for this review. I'm just a big fan of sea glass!!!

A Toy I Hate, A Toy I Love...just because!

2010-03-22T16:25:00.005+09:00

This is probably a moot point since we bought this toy almost two years ago, but every time I see this toy it bugs me and I want to TELL THE WORLD! Or, the three people who read this blog...just to warn you in case there is still one hanging out on the shelf at your local Target.

So here it goes. I hate this toy. This toy? Yes. This toy.

But it's cute, right? Backyardigans, a pirate ship, a tub toy! What's not to love?

The design, that's what.

First of all, everything deck-up comes apart. Handy for storage I suppose. But it comes apart too easily and doesn't go back together easily. (Not for toddlers, anyway.) That means the mast and sail, which Gabe could never "fix" himself, were a constant source of frustration, and eventually (fortunately) got lost/thrown away.

But here's the worst, most horrible-terrible-no-good part. The first time we put it in the bath tub, The bottom cavity filled with water. Maybe this is required for it to maintain proper buoyancy. I dunno. The problem is, the bottom cavity is the only part that DOESN'T come apart! It's SCREWED TOGETHER! With (now rusty) metal screws!!!

That means, this toy is filled with nasty, moldy, two-year-old water and it can't be cleaned without the use of a tiny screwdriver!!! (And my OCD hasn't taken me that far. Yet.) It's amazing I haven't tossed the dumb thing! (But we have a dirth of tub toys so it's gotten lucky.)

And THAT is all I will say about that.

Moving on.

A toy we love:

THE PLAYSKOOL BALL POPPER!!!

We got this toy a few years ago from my in-laws. The toy pictured below is actually the next generation design so not exactly like the one we have. (But ours is still kicking, sooo...props for quality!)

Basically, the genius of this toy is that it contains a suped-up hair dryer. A little motor blows air through the toy which pops the balls out the top. Then they fall back down and roll down the ramp for another spin. Oh yeah. And it plays music.

Now, you may think the motor noise/song combination would get annoying. But the popping balls are so mesmerizing, you forget the noise and just stare. And when I say "you" I mean "YOU", me, and children of all ages. Everyone loves staring at this toy. Babies through big kids.

Yes, bigger kids are always dropping matchbox cars, blocks and other toys into the Ball Popper to see if they pop out. They don't, but it's easy to pop the ramp off, and dump out the offending toy if it happens to get stuck.

When our Ball Popper bites the dust, I'll buy another one. For the kids, of course!

TWO THUMBS UP!!!

I'm glad I have a place where I can get these things off my chest! Gotta love blogging!

SHANDLEous

2009-11-16T13:36:00.003+09:00

Dear Shandle People,

Thank you for sending me a free "shandle". Unfortunately, I wont be able to review your product at this time.

I DID recieve your Shandle and it DOES seem like a good idea: a little antimicrobial handle that you stick to the toilet seat so "you'll never have to touch the seat again."

I WAS really hoping it would encourage my oldest to put the seat back DOWN after peeing and the middle child to put the seat UP before peeing.

I also appreciated that mine came with a pro-hand-washing message.

UNFORTUNATELY, when I went to install it on the bottom of the toilet seat, I found that all the toilet seats in the house have a half inch thick lip running around the edge. To give the appearance that the seat is thick and not cheap and thin like it is.

So I thought, "well, I'll just stick it to the lid. At the very least, maybe it will remind the boys to wash their hands." I stuck it to the lid and washed my own hands. So far, so good.

10 minutes later, Sam went into the bathroom, ripped the Shandle off the lid, and then came to ask me, "What's this Momma?"

The thick foam adhesive was ripped to shreds half on/half off the toilet.

And that was the end of our Shandle.

And this review.

Thanks anyway,

Emily

And the Winner is...

2009-08-20T13:52:00.004+09:00

#18 (total stranger to me) Becky!!!

CONGRATULATIONS, Becky!!! You're gonna love it! Please send me your mailing address to emilydeon(at)gmail(dot)com.

The rest of you, SORRY CHARLIES!!! You'll have to beg, borrow, or steal your copy. (I suppose you could also buy it.)

But whatever the case, make sure you READ IT! You wont regret it!!!!!

Dear Kris,

Now that I've made your book an international sensation with my blog, please use the money that is surely pouring in to visit me in Japan. Post haste!

Thank you for your immediate cooperation!!!

xoxoxo

Hard Times and Holy Places - Book Review and Giveaway

2009-07-03T06:00:00.007+09:00

"Trials and difficulties can, if we let them, become holy places — places where we can feel the power of the Atonement in our lives. Our struggles can be consecrated to our good and growth, and you and I can become more like Christ." — Kris Belcher

A few months ago, I received an autographed copy of "Hard Times and Holy Places" written by none other than Kristen Belcher. MY sister-in-law. I was extremely excited to read it and devoured it in an afternoon.

My immediate next thought was "I need to do a blog review of this book!" But then I thought "...but Doug hasn't read it yet. I should let him read it first. Cause I want to be able to talk to him about it n' stuff." So I gave it to Doug and commanded him to read it. And he did. Over a period of about two months. And again I thought "I need to do a review of this book."

THEN I thought, "...but hey, I'm going to Utah in another two months. I'll wait until I'm there, get a few copies autographed by Kris and do a giveaway!"

Then I went to Utah.

And saw Kris.

But I didn't have any copies for her to sign.

Then I DID go to the bookstore and bought three copies of her book...

but didn't see her again!

SO, I have a book to give away, but it is NOT signed by the author.
(sigh)

Now, about the book. This book...is incredible!!! It is life changing and thought provoking and funny and spiritual. I like it even though she left out the chapter all about me. (I'm sure her editor made her leave it out.)

In case you think I'm biased because I'm related to Kris and I'm just hoping to get another free copy of her next book, here are a few unbiased reviews:

Fabulous Photographer Jen: "i meant to tell u that i just read ur sis in laws book... kris belcher's hard times and holy places. i LOVED it. since my mom got diagnosed with ALS i have been reading a lot of church books and this was my favorite. i went and bought 2 more and gave one to my mom and one to my friend who just had to give her adopted baby back to total loser parents after having her for almost a year, and then her house burned down a couple weeks ago. she said the title even made her cry. ur sis in law is amazing and i would luv to meet her one day."

Sister Dahl: "Kris's book was such an inspiration to me that I read it twice in one weekend! And it really put into perspective the health issues I've been worrying about. Kris is my hero! She must be one of Heavenly Father's very elect to have weathered all her storms with such grace and dignity. I highly recommend her wonderful book of faith and acceptance and love."

Kim: (I found this one on the Deseret Book website.) "This book was so amazing! It gave me the strength to look back at my life and find my own personal Holy places that I didn't realize existed. The author beautifully weaved adversity and testimony into an inspiring and entertaining book. She shows you the way to see your life for what it truly is. A difficult and trying test, yet a rewarding journey. I laughed, I cried and I will certainly read it again."

For more info about the book or Kris, here's her website:

hardtimesandholyplaces.blogspot.com

WANT A FREE COPY???

Bella Sara Trading Cards

2009-06-25T15:42:00.010+09:00

Remember how I told you I was a member of Team Mom and sometimes I get free stuff to review? (The sole compensation being the free stuff.) Which is super cool because...

it's free stuff?

Well, recently I got an envelope from Team Mom containing...

*drumroll*

2 Bella Sara Royalty Card Packs

translation: Really girlie trading cards with horses on them.

ie:

They're trading cards that work concurrently with an on-line interactive website. A "magical new world with majestic realms, noble traditions, and regal families" no less.

Only one problem. I have three boys. Three really boyish boys. (I bought Max a baby doll when I was pregnant with Sam and he used it to sword fight. Yes. He held the doll by its legs and whacked things with it.)

Oh, and one other problem: I'm not a horse girl. Never have been. Never once asked for a pony, never had a toy horse for my Barbie (never had Barbies), and never owned a single piece of unicorn paraphernalia.

Never.

Ever.

In fact, this picture makes me want to throw-up in my mouth a little bit. Sorry Bella Sara. Just being honest.

ANYHOO! Ever since I got the cards, they've sat, un-opened on my desk staring at me reproachfully saying "Review Me! Review Me!"

Last night, I finally decided to do it. I couldn't stand looking at the girlie-ness any longer. So...

I OPENED THE CARDS!!!

I opened them, logged into the website, and called Max over.

"Hey Max, wanna come play this computer game with me?"

Max comes running over having never before heard those words from my lips.

--Sees pastel colored horses.

Max: "Uh, no thanks! It's princess!!!"

Runs away.

I thought that was the end of it.

But a little while later he came back (having run out of better things to do) and said

"Okay. Show me the game."

So, we set him up and account and picked him a horse. The next hour was highly amusing from my standpoint. After showing Max around the site a bit, I left him alone at the computer to see what he'd do. He found his way to what is, I believe, called the "beauty salon" where you can dress and accessorize your horse. (!!!$&%#!!!)

Max started going to town.

"Hey, Mom! Look at this! (adds black tale which looks like a whip.) And THIS! (adds pointy black armour.) And THIS!" (adds black horse shoes and evil looking shin guards.)

What the...? Max is sifting through the multitude of pastel and frou-frou offerings to find the most goth/emo/boyish/black stuff available.

Would it be wrong to say it made me a tiny bit happy?

Well, after a little while Sammy comes over to see what the fuss is about. And he wants to make his own horse. (You can print them out when you're finished)

Doug sits down to help and he ends up with a decidedly sillier horse: green running shoes, gray knee socks, Native American style feathered accessories, and little red devil horns.

And then Doug wanted to decorate a horse...

and I mocked him inwardly and took a picture for blackmail purposes.

It just goes to show that you cant judge trading cards (or websites) by their pink/sparkly/horse-covered wrappers!!!

Lesson learned.

And I have pictures to prove it.

Log-in to www.bellasara.com to create your own free account and play on-line (user name Maxer_Boy is already taken) and/or buy your own trading cards where-ever trading cards are sold! (Where are trading cards sold?)

Perfect for your horse/fantasy/computer game/pony/unicorn loving girlie-girl

and/or

your energetic/violence prone/computer game loving little boy!!!

Don't say I didn't warn you!

***

Post Script:

Max brought over one of the 9-year-old neighbor boys. HE wanted to make a horse and print it out too!

***

And the Winners Are...

2009-04-03T13:32:00.005+09:00

...I looked out my window and what did I see?

Five boys jumping on the traaaam-poooo-leeeen!...

To pick our winners today, I went to an outside panel for help. And by that I mean, I wrote 1-9 on a piece of paper, went outside and asked all the boys bouncing on our trampoline to pick a number between one and nine. Then I circled their number and wrote their name by it.

Here are the results

Sammy-Boy picked #1. #1 = Cami. Appropriate since Cami is the mother of his best buddy Payden. (I didn't tell him that though! There was no undue influence!)

Ryan-1 picked #2 = Christina. Also appropriate since they're both from Canada. Just kidding. I don't know where Ryan-1 is from. I don't even know where he lives. I just wanted more coincidences...

Strange-Boy-I've-Never-Met-Before picked #4 = Linz. I don't know Strange-Boy. I've seen him around but he's never played with Max before. Before the trampoline was assembled that is.

Pause for random tangent...

(Reminds me of the "swimming pool friends" I had as a kid. The ones that only wanted to play with me during the summer. At my house. In my pool. I could be there or not--whatever. Good times, good times...sigh.

Well guess what, Stange-Boy?! If I hear you yell "OH MY G**!" one more time, you're getting the boot. From my trampoline and from my life. But Lindsay still gets to keep her Frame-Name.)

Max picked #6 = Emily. Another happy coincidence. Emily is the mom of Camden, Max's friend from San Fran. Her pleading must have penetrated Max's psyche. He has The Force with him at all times, ya know.

Ryan-2 picked #7 = Annie who is actually my cousin of a different name but keeps her identity protected with an alias. Congrats, Annie! And thank you Ryan-2. Yet another newly acquired Trampoline Friend!

Well, those are our winners! Congrats ladies! Those were some pretty great odds, no?!

For the rest of you who didn't enter/win, don't forget, you can still place an order at www.frame-name.com and get 20% off! (Only $20. A steal! Just mention "favorite daughter" and/or "Emily")

Winners, please email me your email address (at emilydeon(at)gmail(dot)com) so I can forward them to my dad so HE can deal with all y'all! THANKS FOR PLAYING everyone!

Another great give-away coming up for Mother's Day so STAY TUNED!!!

Frame-Name Give-Away!!!!!!!!

2009-03-25T08:37:00.010+09:00

You may recall that for his New Year's Resolution this year, Max has forsaken candy in favor of earning $10/month.

He's actually doing a great job and staying quite strong in the face of temptation. The only problem I see is in the future when he's faced with more Candy-centric holidays. Valentine's Day was bad enough and now we're swiftly approaching Easter when Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs and Cadbury Mini Eggs can un-do even the most steely health resolve. (I'm thinking of myself here.)

Therefore, I'm trying to come up with non-candy solutions for the boy's Easter Baskets. Maybe you're facing the same dilemma?

Enter, this month's GIVE-AWAY;

My dad is generously offering to give "Frame-Names" to FIVE yes FIVE lucky winners!!!

Frame-Names are wall hangings perfect for kid's rooms, nurseries, play rooms, offices, and hobby rooms.

Any kid (big or small) would be thrilled to find one in their Easter Basket. You get to customize them with any name and your choice and a myriad of different patterns and designs.

The frames are 6" x 12" made of solid wood with a safe, non-breakable plexiglas front.

Here's what you do:

Select a background (plentiful choices on www.Frame-Name.com and www.zoobeedoos.com)
Select a frame color (white, black, oak, pink, blue and lavender)
Enter your name or word(s)

Enjoy your Framed Name valued at $25.00!

Those of you (let's avoid using the term "losers") who don't win the give-away can still be winners! Order from www.Frame-Name.com and get 20% off if you mention "Emily" or "Acte Gratuit" or "Favorite Daughter"!

Contest Rules:

Just leave a comment on this post in the next 48 hours!

(That's Friday morning at 10 a.m. my time. We have to wrap this up soon so you can get them in time for Easter!)

I'll select 5 winners at random!

Good luck!

Dear Barnes and Noble,

2009-02-06T11:21:00.003+09:00

I searched the Internet far and wide and eventually found exactly what I wanted on your site:

A 2009 Japanese Woodblock Prints Mini Wall Calendar. Although it wasn't on-sale (like every other calendar on every other site in the entire world) I was desperate and purchased it anyway. I really need a new calendar and this one fit the bill perfectly.

And then I waited.

And waited.

And even tracked the shipment to it's last known location in California where it arrived 3 weeks ago.

And after waiting MORE than a sufficient amount of time...

I contacted customer service.

Who apologized and offered to resend my shipment.

So I prepared to wait (PATIENTLY) again.

And then I got this:

Due to an unexpected delay, we are unable to ship the merchandise listed below in the time frame indicated in our previous email. We anticipate that your merchandise will be shipped within the next 1-5 business days. (Please note: business days are Monday through Friday, excluding holidays observed by the Post Office.)
As always, you will not be charged until this merchandise ships from our warehouse.

We assume that you still want to purchase this merchandise. However, if you would like to cancel this portion of your order, you may do so online at: http://www.bn.com/orderstatus.

Please accept our sincere apologies for the delay.

-- Barnes & Noble

NO! I DON'T want to cancel my order! I want to RECEIVE my order!! Evidently you don't realize how much I NEED MY FREAKING CALENDAR!!!

Therefore, I label you LAME!

I'll stick to Target and Amazon from now on. (Where my items are generally shipped within 24 hours of purchase and arrive, IN JAPAN, in as little as 9 days sometimes!)

Get it together, B&N!

Sincerely,

A FIRST-TIME and LAST-TIME customer!

And the Winner is...

2009-01-26T09:41:00.002+09:00

Alright, I did it. I resorted to using Random.Org to pick a winner. I tried asking Gabey to pick a number between 1-13, but he can't actually talk so it wasn't a productive conversation.

So congrats to ***BEESWAX*** who was placed at the top of my random order list. (I didn't know how to use it to just pick one number so I used the list randomizer.)

Beeswax, by-the-way, is a complete stranger (to me) who's blog I love to read because she's so stinkin' funny. So check her out sometime. (But not in the creepy way a construction worker would...)

Now, for the rest of you who are interested in the book but also scared of the book, here's what I have to say: If you know me, you know that I am a big fan of all things sweet. Some may even use phrases like "sugar-addict" or "chocolate junkie", but I'D just say I'm slightly "health challenged".

So, has this book completely changed my diet and personality and lifestyle? Yes and No. Here's the thing. The diet Dr. Furman recommends is actually pretty extreme for most of us. He doesn't say go vegetarian or go off sugar, but pretty close. That's where moderation comes in. I read the book, and I'm trying to implement his ideas with moderation.

For example. We still eat meat, just less of it. We still eat treats, but I've stopped buying stuff with High Fructose Corn Syrup in it. (It's in bread, applesauce, peanut butter, Wheat Thins, EVERYTHING!) Mostly though, we're just trying to eat a lot more veggies and nuts. We make fruit smoothies in the blender and add spinach and carrots, (don't knock it 'til you've tried it!) I offer the kids veggies as snacks more, and fruit for dessert more. We add ground nuts to pancake batter (with the chocolate chips) and I make my favorite Chicken Broccoli Rice Casserole with Brown Rice and less chicken. (I just chop the chicken into smaller pieces.) Oh, and I use Soy Milk to cook with. (Less saturated fat!)

So there you go. Don't freak out that he's extreme. Just read it and take what you want from it.

Oh yeah, here's the list in case you didn't believe me...

List Randomizer

There were 13 items in your list. Here they are in random order:

9. Beeswax said...
13. Mindelicious said...
11. mountainmama said...
3. Heffalump said...
2. Sweetest Of All said...
1. Ginna said...
5. Christina said...
10. Anonymous (Dale) said...
7. Thora said...
8. Emily said...
4. Renel said...
12. The Wifers said...
6. mj said...
Timestamp: 2009-01-26 00:40:25 UTC

Once again, congrats Beeswax! Drop me an e-mail with your address and I'll get it sent out to you! (emilydeon(at)gmail(dot)com)

Let us know what you thought of it when you're done reading! And anyone else who ends up reading it, please let me know what YOU think! I'm very curious!!!

Here's to good health!!!

Book Review: Disease-Proof Your Child: Feeding Kids Right by Joel Fuhrman, M.D. (AND a give-away!)

2009-01-18T15:00:00.000+09:00

Do you ever read "Self Help" books? Ever read one that make you want to exclaim out loud after every paragraph? That makes you want to highlight every other paragraph and buy copies for all of your friends and family because they need to read it also? A book so life changing that for ONE SOLID WEEK after reading it you completely change your behavior?!? (Which is 6 days longer than with the other books you've read...?)

Well THIS is THAT kind of book. My new friend here, Neen*, let me borrow it.

After her father-in-law died of a heart attack, she and her family resolved to eat better. And this is one of the books that inspired them to do it.

So I borrowed it from her and in the midst of reading it, my father had a heart attack which could have killed him. And my mom is not exactly in optimum health either. And I've known for a long time that my youthful skinny genes would only take me so far before I'd start to gain weight and feel yucky. (Turns out, those genes took me right up to age 30 and then dumped me on my now-expanding bottom.)

In other words, the time has come for me to reevaluate my eating habits. (We're not going to talk about exercise just yet. One major life change at a time, alright?)

Currently, I weigh 20 pounds more than when I got married. Which isn't a huge deal since I was under-weight then. But still...it's not a trend I want to continue.

But my main concern is, I just don't feel good. I don't have a ton of energy and I don't feel healthy.

Enter this book. I started reading it with my kids in mind (specifically Max who was recently diagnosed with ADHD)...not me...but it turns out, it helps the whole family. We're already eating better and we're just getting started.

In this book, Dr. Furman talks about the link between the foods we eat and disease: How poor eating leads to disease and superior nutrition leads to health.

Dr. Furman asserts (and I found that I agreed with him) that superior nutrition can, "For today, reduce asthma, ear infections, and allergies. For the future, protect against diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer."

He explains why so many more people have allergies, why girls start their period's earlier and earlier, and why many foods we think of as healthy, are actually hurting us.

Here's the thing: I am not an alarmist, extremist, or conspiracy theorist when it comes to health and nutrition. But this book did change my outlook on many things and I have resolved to do better. Much better. Not just for me, but for my kids and my family.

And since I want the whole world to read this, but can't afford to buy that many copies, I've decided to start small and just give one away. Out of my own pocket**. Just because I'm a Nicey-Sugar-Spicy.

To enter, leave a comment. (Anonymous comments don't count.) To get an extra entry, post a link (to this site) on your blog. (and then tell me in the comments). If you don't feel lucky, get it at your local library! You'll definitely learn something and it just might change your life!

The contest will go until next Monday. A week from today. Which is probably Sunday night for you, but whatever.

Good luck and HAPPY READING!

*Neen and her husband were our sponsors before we moved here and I was determined to win her love an affection with all sorts of baked delights upon meeting her. Turns out, it wasn't necessary. And she doesn't eat sugar so it wasn't a very good plan to begin with.)

**This expenditure/random generosity not approved by Doug.

And the Winners are...

2008-12-02T10:57:00.001+09:00

#12.

#9.

#4. Number 12 and Number 9 tied for first place in the Reader's Choice catagory.

Number 4 was picked from my hand by Sammy boy who at first refused to cooperate, but was then bribed into compliance since he and Gabe are the only other two people in the house and I obviously couldn't be trusted to draw one from my own hand!

WHEW! This has been quite the contest!

Congratulations to the winners! Ladies, please send me your first name and e-mail address to my e-mail address (emilydeon(at)gmail(dot)com) and I'll get the info to the proper place! (I'm sending your info at the same time, Marni.)

Then go praise me on your blog and tell all your friends they should be reading my blog because I'm awesome.

If you didn't win, JUST BUY THE DANG BOOK!!! It's only $30 with the coupon code GRATUIT and it's worth it! Just look at those cute covers!!!! (And let me reiterate, the INSIDE of the book is awesome too. You'll love it.) Plus, you're helping the economy. It's pretty much a win/win, people!

And then you should go to your blog and praise me too, because I really did want you to win, also. I really did!

Thanks for playing everyone! It's been fun!

I have one more give-away coming up before Christmas, (courtesy of my Dad: Dale-Bud) so stay tuned!

Vote For Your FAVORITE Custom Cover!

2008-11-24T18:07:00.003+09:00

Leave a comment telling me which one is your favorite. (Tell me the number directly ABOVE your favorite...a description wouldn't hurt either.) Anonymous entries wont be counted. If you want to win, get your friends and family over here to vote for you. There will be two "Reader's Choice" awards and one "Random Choice" award. If you haven't entered, you're too late to qualify for Reader's Choice but you still have a shot at the Random Choice award!

The contest will end Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. my time. Which I'm hoping will make it Monday evening/night for most of you. (Don't ask me to do math. It's not my strong suit.)

Um...I'm 14 hours ahead of Rhode Island and 17 hours ahead of California if that helps...

Now go forth and VOTE!!!

1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.10.11.12.

And The Winner is...

2008-11-21T22:41:00.006+09:00

MARNI! Congratulations to my former Rhode Island neighbor! I hope you enjoy your book! (Stay on the line and I'll get your information.)

How did I pick Marni? I didn't. Doug did.

After extensive pondering on the merits of random selection versus selection based on photographic merit/artistic unity/biased preference, etc., my brain started swelling so I said "Doug pick a number between 1 and 12!" He said 8. And Marni left the 8th comment. (Once I deleted Melissa's second comment to make it fair. Sorry Melissa.) So if you didn't win, you can blame him. ;)

Now I know why people use that obnoxious Random-number-picker-generator! Anyway, like I said...there will be four winners total, so don't give up hope! And please enter if you haven't already!!! I'll use a different selection technique next time. Just to keep things interesting.

It's Like Christmas In My In-Box

2008-11-20T08:46:00.008+09:00

Some of the first excellent entries...This is actually really fun for me!!! I love seeing what you choose for your custom cover!!!!

(The following is a picture of the dress I never even knew I wanted! Isn't she gorgeous?)More tomorrow...PLUS THE FIRST WINNER!!!

(There will be THREE MORE after that!!! HECK YEAH!!!)
:)

"America at Home" GIVE-AWAY TODAY!

2008-11-19T01:16:00.000+09:00

Warning: The word "cool" is over-used in this post.

Just recently I've started getting solicitations from different companies asking me to review their product or service. Some I answer, some I ignore. A few weeks ago I go a random solicitation from Kim asking me to review a coffee table book. I wrote back and said "If you send me a free copy, I'll review it!" I guess I'd thought it was a mass solicitation so I was surprised when I got an e-mail back saying "I'd love to send you a copy!"

I was even more surprised when I got the book and looked at it. It's actually REALLY COOL!

Not only that, it would be a really cool Christmas (or other) gift for that hard-to-buy-for person-in-your-life-who-likes-cool-photography-and/or-reading-about-the- lives-of-total-strangers. (You know...THAT person.)

So I wrote Kim back again and said, "Will you send me ANOTHER copy to give away on my blog?"

And Kim said "I'll give you LOTS of copies to give away on your blog!"

And I said, "HECK YEAH!"

So let's cut to the chase and I'll tell you about the book:

Actually, let me let Kim tell you about the book:

"AMERICA AT HOME is extraordinary book created by 100 of the worlds leading photographers and tens of thousands of amateurs over the course of one week (its from the folks who created the best selling "Day in the Life" books). The large format 224 page book book offers an unexpected look at the rituals, ceremonies and all the myriad ways in which we work, play, learn, conduct our lives, and interact with friends, family members (and pets!) as we transform our dwellings into our homes...."
blah blah blah. You get the idea.

The cool part is, all of the photo's come with a little story. A little written snapshot (if you will) to go along with the photograph. It's sort of like having a vast array of interesting blogs condensed and presented in book form for your voyeuristic pleasure.

Not only did it suck me right in, it's the kind of thing that you want to share with other people so you keep calling--say--your husband over until he eventually takes the book in annoyance and then he gets sucked in and wont give it back and wont move out of the computer chair to join you on the couch. (It could happen.)

Now, here's the OTHER really cool part. Let's go back to the borrowed words again. (I'm still really tired from Doug's absence.)

"The coolest* thing about the book is that you can upload a photo of your own kids or your home or pets and when the book arrives your family is featured on the cover of the book."

Now really, you must admit that's cool. You get to make your own custom dust jacket for the book. So not only is YOUR photograph part of the publication, it's the COVER PHOTO!

It just so happens I had the perfect picture of my little demons, eh hem, angels and MY custom cover is on the way! (See a picture in the sidebar.)

So here's the deal: If you want to buy the book, do it here. Enter: GRATUIT and you'll get it for $30 instead of $40. Don't forget to order you custom cover!!!

If you want to WIN the book and cover for free, here's what you do:

1) Go to www.MyAmericaAtHome.com and create your own custom cover. (It's super-duper quick and easy.)

2) Then e-mail a copy to emilydeon(at)gmail(dot)com. (I might just post it on this blog!)

3) Then leave a comment on this post. (I just threw that last part in 'cause I like comments.)

I will announce the first winner on Friday! (Make sure you've added me to your reader so you'll be informed of the winner!!)

There will be MULTIPLE WINNERS so give it a shot and ENTER!!!

Good luck! See you back here on FRIDAY!!!

*See! Kim started it! (Yes, I know I need to get a new word. But I'm not about to start using "rad" again. I have my standards!)

Old Navy Costumes: The Best* Part of Halloween

2008-10-09T15:07:00.005+09:00

I miss Old Navy. I really really miss it. I miss shopping for bargains, and I miss buying the boys .25 cent bouncy balls to add to our collection. (Dear Old Navy, Do you think you could start selling the bouncy balls on-line?!? Please?!?)

What I'm really missing right now though, are the super cute, super affordable, super soft and durable HALLOWEEN COSTUMES!!!
We've purchased quite a few over the years and we've never been disappointed.
Two years ago Max decided he wanted to be a pirate for Halloween. CHEAP AND EASY!!! I'm thinkin'. He's already got a hat, a patch, the swords...

All he needs is a vest and maybe a red and white striped sash!

So I head to Jo-Ann's thinking for once I'll attempt a sewing project. I find a pattern for a pirate costume. It's $17.99. WHAT THE...?!?!?! It's a PATTERN! I still have to do ALL THE WORK!!

Needless to say, I didn't buy it.

A few days later, discouraged, I head into Old Navy for something else and find a pirate costume. It's $24.99 and it's the cutest thing you've ever seen.

We still have it and Max still sports it on a bi-weekly basis.

In fact, we still have ALL of the costumes we've purchased at Old Navy over the years. Most were purchased on sale after Halloween (A few for as little as $5) but they've been the best quality, cutest, softest costumes I've ever purchased.

Sammy the Monkey and Gabey the Lion were two of my favorites, but Max's pirate costume has gotten by far the most use! (I have a really cute Froggy costume saved that'll fit Gabey perfectly this year...YAY!)

Thank you, Old Navy, for providing adorable, well designed, good quality costumes!!!

(Except for maybe the Elephant costumes. They might need a re-design as it was pointed out to me that they are slightly, um..., phallic in nature. Other than that though, you're doing GREAT!)

All the rest of you, since I'm here and you're there, do me a favor and buy your kids an Old Navy costume this year!

Happy Halloween!!!

*Of course you all realize I'm exaggerating. Candy is OBVIOUSLY the best part of Halloween...!

ING Direct, I love you... (Bank of America, I HATE you...)

2008-09-17T08:21:00.001+09:00

This morning I found the following letter in my in-box. Now, usually, I don't pay much attention to "official" e-mails, but today I read the whole thing. And it just reminded me, again, how much I love this company.

I believe we first heard about ING from friends when we were still living in San Francisco. A "virtual" bank was an entirely new concept to us, but we thought it sounded pretty cool. Then, the friend sent us an invitation to join. We were offered $25 just for opening a savings account. (He got $15 for signing us up.) Yep, that's right. They gave us FREE MONEY for opening an account...as opposed to demanding a minimum balance like some places. (I HATE you Bank of America. H-A-T-E!)

Anyway, we realized that they paid much higher interest than who we were currently using, and we've been loyal customers ever since...slowly transferring more an more of our business to them. We've never had a single complaint. Not only that, I actually like calling customer service when I have a question because a really nice native english speaker always answers the phone and says "Hi! How can I save you money today?"

If you haven't yet, I highly recommend that you check out ING. And let me know if you want an invitation to join...I can always use an extra 15 bucks!

Dear Emily,
Customer Number: XXXXXXX000

As we enter the final few months of 2008, I want to thank you for your continued confidence in ING DIRECT. Over 700,000 new Savers have joined us so far this year strengthening the bank and their own financial footing through our savings, home mortgage and ShareBuilder investment accounts. Despite a challenging economic climate, our Customer base is 7 million strong and growing.

The consequences of the mortgage meltdown on financial institutions and individuals continue to erode many Americans' dreams. We will continue to stress the right way to achieve home ownership – buying only as much house as you can afford and paying off your mortgage as fast as possible. In return for good credit and prioritizing home investment, ING DIRECT mortgage Customers are rewarded with exceptional rates and a transparent, direct administration process. Rather than selling your mortgage to another bank or investor the minute you get it, we keep your mortgage and service it here. Doing so gives us flexibility to find innovative solutions to help Customers keep their homes during unexpected financial downturns.

While we don’t have an Orange crystal ball, we do expect the economy to remain fragile through 2009. The best course of action for our Customers is to be disciplined: avoid splurging; identify and cut out unnecessary expenses and save for what's essential; and hedge against those tough times. We can all benefit by developing good spending habits: confront - and cut up - credit cards; use your home as a savings vehicle - not as an ATM; and establish and contribute regularly to an IRA or 401(k).

In this difficult financial environment, we work tirelessly to safeguard your deposits, mortgages and investments. Importantly, your deposits are FDIC-insured according to its limits and your investments are SIPC-protected. Our security processes are the best in the business and are in place to protect your savings from those with bad intentions. While we are constantly vigilant, we need your help. Keep passwords to yourself. Never give personal information through an email. And always install both the latest antivirus and anti-malware software on your home computer.

Thank you for your continued trust in
ING DIRECT. We will not waver in our promise to provide you with great value, service, security and convenience.

Arkadi Kuhlmann
CEO of Savings

Cargo Pants and Why I Hate Them

2008-08-19T21:21:00.000+09:00

An Open Letter to THE MAN (Or Woman. Whatever.)

Dear Designers and Manufacturers of Clothing for Male Children of All Ages, (DaMoCfMCoAA)

Can you PLEASE stop making Cargo Pants? I mean, SERIOUSLY! I can't take it anymore!

I know you think there needn't be any variety in the Boy Clothing Department (aka The Rack of Clothing on the Edge of the Girl Department). I know you think that the two brands of identical Cargo Pants offered at Target and Wal-Mart (the only two places I shop) should be adequate.
But let me tell you something...

I HATE THEM!

Here is what I hate about them...

THE POCKETS!!!

Those blasted 58 pockets!

They hang open, look messy, collect EXCESSIVE amounts of dirt and sand (which is redistributed all over my house), they're bulky, inefficient, and MOST OF ALL...
they prevent me from being able to fold the pants flat.

And if there is one thing I hate, it's crappily folded clothing that doesn't fit nicely in our limited drawer space!!!SO PLEASE! Enough with the cargo pants! Simple 5-pocket jeans and/or shorts will be just fine!

And feel free to sew the pockets closed. If my son needs to carry something, I'll get him a man-purse.

Sincerely,
Emily W.

The Sneaky Chef - First Try Recipe Review

2008-05-20T10:48:00.003+09:00

***update: 10/03/08 I just got an e-mail requesting the use of this very review in Missy Chase Lapine's new third cookbook! If they use it, I get a FREE signed copy of her new book! I LOVE blogging!!!***

A few days ago I tried my first "sneaky" recipe from my new cookbook, "The Sneaky Chef" by Missy Lapine*.
We had two little boys over to play so I thought I'd slack off and make Mac n' Cheese for DINNER. (Doug wasn't home and I wasn't about to battle 4 boys without help.)

I looked doubtfully at the cookbook thinking it couldn't help me without a separate trip to the store, but was pleasantly surprised!

There were actually a few suggestions for improving boxed Mac and Cheese! The first was to add 2-4 Tablespoons of "White Bean Puree" along with the regular cheese sauce package and just make it as directed.
I looked up the recipe for "White Bean Puree" thinking it would be hard to make or I wouldn't have the ingredients.

It said to mix a can of white beans (in a food processor if you've got one) with few tablespoons of water. That's it!

Easy enough! I keep canned beans in the pantry for Fae's Taco Stuff so that was no problem. I blended them. I added a few scant tablespoons to the Kraft (which I have never ever ever deluded myself into thinking was healthy) and I served it.

The kids loved it. They had no idea it was any different. But they got fiber, protein, whatchmacallit, and (probably) some vitamin whatever. And they didn't even blink.

So I'm sold. I'm a believer.

If I never try another recipe, it'll be worth keeping this book around! (Don't worry Claudia. I'll try more than one recipe.)

I always knew beans really were a magical fruit!
Hooray for the Sneaky Chef!!!

*I am not getting paid by anyone to promote this cookbook, but if you send me a check I'll HAPPILY promote it EVEN MORE!!!

Baby Jamz

2008-03-11T11:04:00.001+09:00

***This review was quoted on the website PRWeek! Which means I've been "published". Which means I'm famous now.***

Awhile ago my sister-in-law Laura got me this sweet new gig with a company called "Team Mom". Every once in awhile, they're gonna send me a kid-related product or toy for FREE and I'll review it on my blog. It's pretty much a win/win situation for everyone. (Did I mention I get stuff for FREE?!?) Well, I got my first box from Team Mom and it was sorta like Christmas.

The first product I've been asked to review is the...*drumroll please*Baby Jamz Jammin' Microphone and the BabyJamz Nursery Rhyme CD.This is a new hip-hop toy line created by the Familia Knowles. The songs on the c.d. are old stand-bys like "This Old Man" and "Mary Had a Little Lamb" but hip-hop-funkified.
I have only three words to describe it: Fresh to Death!

Now, being more of an 80's fan myself, I admit I would have preferred a toy synthesizer which played kid versions of "Just Can't Get Enough" and "Oh l'Amour" but we can't always get what we want. (But we get what we need.)

So what did the boys think? Before we even got the microphone out of the package, both Max and Sam were fighting over it and getting their hip-hop groove on. The mic amplifies your voice but also plays songs and lets you record your voice and play it back. It's the shizzle!

Once the C.D. was pumping the dance party began. Max was poppin'some SERIOUS moves. Arms were flying, heads rocking, and hips, um...gyrating? It was quite a sight.

If you love hip-hop and want to get your kids to get their groove on, you gotta get you some of this action in the hizzle.

For rizzle.

Oh no I di'nt.

Oh yes I did.

(If you DON'T love hip-hop, you'd be better off jamming bamboo shoots under your finger nails.)

(I missed Max's most SWEET dance moves and he couldn't be bothered to recreate them...but you get the idea.)

Oh yeah! You can get the goods at Wal-Mart!

Peace Out!