InvitationBox.com: It's Just So Inviting!  A Review and Giveaway!

Talk about one-stop shopping!  InvitationBox.com not only has every type of invitation you may possible need, but a whole host of other great products as well.

Everything from Personalized Stationary Items to Collegiate Gifts to Moving Announcements is available at InvitationBox.com.

For this review, I choose a Taoism Custom Stamper

How cool is this?

I tend to do quite a bit of mailing for a hobby of mine and really hated those little peel off return address labels that just looked so sloppy.  No more!  I can also use it on my books and tons of other things to discreetly mark them so they can be returned if borrowed or lost.  I love that it has its own little holder and that it dries almost as soon as I apply the stamp.  Best of all, InvitationBox.com states that this one stamp is good for between 10,000 and 14,000 impressions!  I know it will last a long time - much longer then traditional self-inking stamps.  There are hundreds of designs to choose from and you can make the stamp as personal as you like.  Take a look at the selection here.

The best part of this review is that InvitationBox.com is offering you, my dear readers, a $25 Gift Certificate to use any way you wish on their site!  Note: Code MUST be used by August 31, 2010 or it will expire!

(1) You MUST be a Google Friend Connect follower of my blog ( this will be verified)


AND

(2) You MUST follow InvitationBox on Twitter (let them know I sent you!)

BOTH (1) and (2) MUST be done for your initial entry! Leave me ONE comment stating that both items were completed and make sure your Twitter name is provided within your comment.

If you already follow my blog and/or follow InvitationBox on Twitter, please just let me know in that mandatory first comment as well.

If you want additional entries:

(3) Follow me on Twitter

(4) Tweet about this giveaway ( leave one comment with a link to your tweet)

(5) Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment with a link to your post and link back to this give-a-way post as well!

(6) Subscribe to my blog via email

(7) Go to InvitationBox.com and tell me what you would order if you win!


Give-a-way to run until 11:59 pm EST on August 10, 2010. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Email will be sent to winner with a response needed within 72 hours of winning email with shipping information. If winner does not respond to email, an alternate winner will be chosen. Good only within the continental USA. Make sure you leave a contact email within your post or check to make sure that I can email you via your blogger profile.



Disclaimer: InvitationBox.com provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Scandle-liciously Amazing! My Review of the Scandle Body Massage Candle!

Boy, I love blogging sometimes!  It allows me to discover awesome products like the Scandle Body Massage line of products.

This is definitely one of my favorites so far!   I had the opportunity to try the Travel Candle in the Hummingbird scent and both I, and my boyfriend, absolutely loved both the scent and the feel of this product.

This is what Scandle has to say about this product:

"Scandle Essentials Travel Candle


Experience the ultimate spa massage with the aromatherapy effects of our Scandle Essentials with pure essential oils. Scandle is in a square lightweight tin for easy application. Silicone band can be removed after use and used as an eco-wrist band reminder to "Reduce. Reuse. Recycle." Burn time 15-30 hours."

The Scandle website also has a very well written Q&A section that really explains how these candles work and why they are so different then other massage candles.  I thought it would be useful to highlight some of the more interesting ones"

Q: What makes The Scandle different than some of the other "massage candles" on the market?


A: The Scandle was created because we noticed that several massage candles on the market were only made of soy wax. Soy wax, even when melted is very heavy and doesn't give you the feel that massage oil should have. Also, it doesn't have any of the oils to help moisturize and promote healthy skin. Our candles are so much more than Soy Wax with a Wick...we like to think of it as Lotion with a Wick! Scandles are made with FDA approved ingredients and are everything you'd expect from a skin healthy lotion with the added ambiance and aroma of a spa candle.

Q: How is your product packaged?

A: Because we believe that appearance is everything, we have taken special time and care to package this product in a way that is visually appealing, functional, but (more importantly) sustainably. Our 10oz candle is packaged in refillable/reusable ceramic canisters with a pour spout. Our 4oz travel tin is packaged in a lightweight square tin made from recycled materials and comes with a silicone band for safer application and can be worn as a stylish bracelet after product use!

Q: How Can You Tell When A Massage Candle is Made Mostly of Soy Wax?

A: How does it feel on your skin? When you put the oil on your skin, does it feel greasy and heavy? If it does and the skin does not absorb it and creates a greasy film on top of the skin...then it is mostly soy wax.

Does it have color? If it does, then it more than likely has some sort of a wax product in it for the color to adhere to. Dyes for candles are much more powerful dyes and have not been tested for the skin, because they were made for candles not lotion. It takes much more dye to color a candle than to color lotion. At these concentrated levels you may experience some skin irritation.

Did you know that Vitamin E is a naturally occurring element of soy wax? So, if the massage candle lists no other ingredients other than Vitamin E...chances are that the product contains mostly or only soy wax.

What is the wick made of? Soy Wax requires a higher temperature to melt than our candles. Therefore, soy wax candles often require a wick with a zinc core to get the wax hot enough to melt, which can often emit toxins into the air. Since our candles melt at 2 degrees above body temperature, we do not require a zinc wick and utilize an earth friendly cotton wick. If you wanted to, you could even scoop some out in a solid state and use your body temperature to melt it.

Does it have to be heated before being used? Again, since soy wax requires a higher temperature to melt, some massage candles containing predominantly soy wax will recommend that you microwave them before burning them to pre-melt the soy wax. Our candles will burn till the very last drop without any pre-heating!

Finally, how much does it cost? If the candle is fairly cheap...say an 8oz candle in the $10-$15 range (retail), then it is probably mostly made of wax because wax is a cheaper ingredient than soy butter, shea butter, jojoba, aloe, etc.

Q: Does the Scandle hurt when you put it on?

A: Unless you put your finger or other body part directly in the flame, the Scandle is ouch-less and actually feels quite nice. By using cosmetic grade soy oil rather than traditional waxes, such as paraffin or beeswax, we are able to offer a candle in which amounts of the safe, comfortable, and warmed oil can be directly massaged into the skin , leaving the skin smooth, soft, and pleasantly scented. Hypo-Allergenic.

Q: How do I use a Scandle Lotion Candle?

A: Simply light the Scandle (we recommend for about 30 minutes or until the candle melts to the container's edge so that the candle will continue to burn evenly with every use). Then, extinguish the flame and apply a small amount on to desired area (we recommend a quarter size to start). When done, allow the candle to cool..the liquid will re-congeal to a solid state permitting additional applications.
If you would rather not burn your Scandle, you can also scoop a little out using a spoon and simply rub it directly on your skin!

Q: What are some uses for the Scandle?

A: You can light the Scandle like any other candle and burn it for ambiance, aromatherapy, and fragrance or you can use the liquid as a body moisturizer, massage lotion, as a cuticle treatment for manicures and pedicures.



Watch the video to see it in action!
 
Can you tell I love the Scandle?  Check out the different fragrances as well here.
 
Check out their Blog, Like then on Facebook, and follow them on Twitter!
 
 
Disclaimer: I received a sample of this product in order to review it but it in no way influenced my opinion or obligated me any way with regards to this post.
 

Could it be? Yes, it could. Something's coming, something good,


If You can wait! Something's coming, I know what it is -


And it is gonna be GREAT!!!

Tony in West Side Story said it best when he sang those lines.  He knew how it feels when you anticipate something really big on the horizon....something you know is gonna be big if you just have a little patience and wait for it.

My " Something's Coming" is the launch of OpenSky in just under two weeks!  I know it's gonna be good..good for me, good for you, good for the bloggy world in general. 

What's OpenSky ?  So glad you asked! It's a whole new way of doing business on the internet..one without pressure or come ons, where the items I feature in my store are hand-picked with my readers in mind, and  my readers can shop without ever having to leave " It's Really Only a Purple World".  I will have the ability to work with hundreds of suppliers to bring my readers the best of the best!

Whats even better is that in this partnership with OpenSky,  your purchases will arrive on-time, each  purchase will be guaranteed  and you have 365 days to return it if you’re unhappy for any reason. It's all good...I trust you!  How many places on the internet have been able to say that to you recently?

You can check them out on Facebook, take a look at their blog, or go directly to their website!

Yes Tony...you were so right!  Something IS Coming...and that something is OpenSky!

And She Welcomed Me With Open Arms.....I Visit Sarah at Camp!

My daughter, Sarah is away all summer working at sleep away camp as a counselor.  I have been so lonely without her...really!  This past Sunday was visiting day and I was so excited to see her, but worried that was not missing me since she has been busy being on her own.

Boy, was I happily wrong!  She was waiting for me on the front porch on her bunk, in her "Staff" shirt and when she saw me she came running towards me with open arms!  I think that will now be my most favorite moment from this whole summer. ( Go ahead...Smile...I know you want to do it!)

We had a good day and the moment passed too soon for my tastes but the memories of her arms around me and the smile on her face before she realized it was " not cool" to be so excited will carry me through the next month until she comes home.

Can anyone out there relate?  Do share!  I love comments!

Youthful Trends Caffeinated Makeup Primer: Helping To Keep Me Looking My Best!

I had heard about using makeup primers a few years ago.  They are  "used to help set your makeup and reduce the appearance of lines while absorbing oils and binding makeup to the skin."  But my complaint was always that they caused my skin to feel greasy and made my face feel "heavier", especially once my makeup was applied.

For the last month I have been using Youthful Trends Caffeinated Makeup Primer and I absolutely love it!  One of the most unique things about this primer is that it is applied via a non-aerosol pump which allows me to apply it without using anything else.  It feels cool on the skin and I immediately noticed that my skin felt tighter and refreshed.  My liquid based makeup was easier then ever to apply and I was able to achieve an even coat without effort.  I also noticed that my makeup lasted longer with Youthful Trends Caffeinated Makeup Primer then with any of the other " big named" brands of makeup primer that I had used in the past.

This is what Youthful Trends has to say about this great primer:

"Youthful Trend Makeup Primer is the world's first caffeinated primer with 100% natural ingredients. Makeup primers are all the rage these days, and they are used to help set your makeup and reduce the appearance of lines while absorbing oils and binding makeup to the skin. Unlike sticky primers and serums, this water based spray dries evenly while hydrating skin and tightening lines. Our spray also helps pores breathe and keeps makeup looking beautiful all day long. It also reduces facial sweating and protects skin from UV damage. This proprietary formula outperforms all other makeup primers and one bottle lasts for many months. It's fantastic stuff works for all skin types and colors, as well as all types of makeup including mineral powders, creams and liquids. Supercharge your makeup regimen today for flawless beauty with the world's first caffeinated skin primer. "


•For All Skin Types

•For All Skin Colors

•Tightens Skin & Pores

•Reduces Facial Sweating

•Works With Any Makeup

When you go to buy this ( and I know you will want to buy this primer) use the code " SHEBLOGS" to get 25% off this product!  This is an amazing deal!

While you are there, make sure to check out their selection of makeup and skin care products.  Let me know what you think!


Disclosure: In order to write this review, I was provided with a sample of this product.  All opinions are mine and it is no way influenced anything in this post.

Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach: A Review and Give-A-Way!

It is no secret that I have major bloggy love for Tropical Traditions.  I have been disappointed with any of their products and they are used all over my house ( and a few of my friends, from what I hear:)

Today I have the opportunity to tell you all about Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach.  As I have asthma and severe allergies, bleach is one product that never fails to aggravate me and burn my throat.  I am happy to report that utilizing the power of bleach to keep my home clean is no longer an issue thanks to this great product!

"Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach is a safe and effective alternative to chlorine based products and it can be used in many applications in and around the home. It is based on sodium percarbonate which uses oxygen for destaining and deodorizing. Oxygen Bleach is safe to use at all temperatures, on most washable fabrics, and all colors, in hard or soft water, and is compatible with other household cleaners. Also, it produces no harmful by-products which negatively affect the environment. Unlike chlorine bleach, which can merely cover up a stain, Tropical Traditions Oxygen Bleach attacks and breaks down organic stains to totally remove them from the garment"

Check out all the ways to use this versatile product straight from the folks over at Tropical Traditions:

Laundry

In the laundry Oxygen Bleach is used to destain, deodorize, and whiten. It is very effective as a laundry presoak for heavily stained articles. For light soils add 1 ounce of Oxygen Bleach with your laundry detergent per load. For moderate soils use 2 ounces and for heavily soiled articles use 4 ounces.


To whiten and deodorize diapers add 4-6 ounces of Oxygen Bleach into the soak cycle. Soak in hot water for at least 30 minutes, or overnight, then complete wash cycle.


For whitening old linens and yellowed window shears, deodorizing and cleaning tennis shoes, or to get rid of yellow armpit stains on shirts: soak in 2 ounces of Oxygen Bleach per gallon of water for at least one hour, or overnight, then rinse.


Kitchen


For stained plastic ware, dishes, dish rags and dish towels add 1-2 ounces of Oxygen Bleach to the container to be cleaned or to the dishwater and soak for at least 15 minutes.


To keep your drains and disposals clear and smelling fresh add 1 ounce of Oxygen Bleach in 8 ounces of hot water and allow solution to sit in drain overnight.


Bathroom

For septic systems add 4 ounces of Oxygen Bleach to toilet and flush into the septic system twice a week.


For toilets add 3 ounces of Oxygen Bleach, wait 15 minutes then scrub.


For shower curtains soak in one ounce of Oxygen Bleach per gallon of hot water; for mildew stains soak overnight.


For bathtub and shower use make a paste of Oxygen Bleach with hot water, scrub with a cloth or sponge, wait 15 minutes then rinse or use.


Yard

For deodorizing garbage cans add 1/2 ounce of Oxygen Bleach per gallon of water and let soak.


For lawn furniture add 2 ounces of Oxygen Bleach to hot water, scrub, wait 15 minutes, then rinse.


For all weather carpeting add 4 ounces of Oxygen Bleach to a gallon of warm water scrub with a stiff broom, wait 20 minutes then rinse.


Household

To destain and deodorize carpets add one ounce of Oxygen Bleach per gallon of carpet shampoo prior to cleaning.


To remove mold and mildew from carpeting add 2-4 ounces of Oxygen Bleach per gallon of hot water, apply generously to stain, wait 10 minutes, then vacuum with extractor.


For acoustic tiles add 6 ounces of Oxygen Bleach per gallon of hot water, spray on tiles, wait 15 minutes then rinse.


For mops add 3 ounces of Oxygen Bleach to a gallon of hot water, soak overnight then rinse.


For mildew removal or to clean baseboards or basement floors after water damage from flooding add 4 ounces of Oxygen Bleach to a gallon of hot water, scrub surface, wait 30 minutes then rinse. Oxygen Bleach is safe for use in a closed environment.


To clean and deodorize cat litter boxes soak them in 3 ounces of Oxygen Bleach per gallon of water for 20 minutes then rinse.


For urine, feces, or vomit stains on carpets or upholstery, add one teaspoon of Oxygen Bleach to 8 ounces of water, wipe onto stain, wait 10 minutes then rinse.


Camping

To clean and deodorize coolers add 2 ounces of Oxygen Bleach per gallon of hot water, soak for 20 minutes, then rinse.


For boat sails, cushions, ropes, camping gear, tents, tarps, etc. add 4 of Oxygen Bleach ounces per gallon of hot water soak for 30 minutes then rinse.


Wood Decks

Oxygen Bleach is excellent for cleaning and restoring wood decks. It removes organic stains from leaf stains to BBQ grease, removes mold and mildew as well as sun faded and discolored wood layers. Makes your deck look almost new!!! It doesn’t harm your plants, grass, or landscaping in any way!


To clean your deck first remove any loose soils or other matter. Dissolve 6 ounces of Oxygen Bleach Destainer and Deodorizer in a gallon of hot water (generally takes about 5 minutes). Apply to wet deck.


For railings a hand pump sprayer does a really excellent job. Wait 10-15 minutes. Scrub with a stiff broom or brush, then rinse. Oxygen Bleach is not suitable for use with silk or wool.

Crazy, huh?  I dissolved some of the powder in water, put it in a clean sprayer, and have used it on my shower and tub as a daily cleaner - no streaks, no mildew, and I am not gasping for air every time it is used.

 If that is not a good enough recommendation for this great product, I don't know what is!

Even better is that a little bit goes a long way and the powdered form allows you to use it as a paste as well; It becomes not only really useful but really economical as well.

Want to win some for your very own?  I thought so!  Here's what you have to do!

(1) You MUST be a Google Friend Connect follower of my blog ( this will be verified)


AND

(2) You MUST subscribe to the Tropical Traditions email Sales Newsletter via this link!

BOTH (1) and (2) MUST be done for your initial entry! Leave me ONE comment stating that both items were completed and make sure the email address that you subscribed to the newsletter with is provided within your comment.

If you already subscribe to either/or/both please just let me know in that mandatory first comment as well.

If you want additional entries:

(3) Follow me on Twitter

(4) Follow Tropical Traditions on Twitter

(5) Tweet about this giveaway ( leave one comment with a link to your tweet)

(6) Go to the Tropical Traditions website, check out the coconut recipes, and let me know which one looks yummy to you!

(7) Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment with a link to your post and link back to this give-a-way post as well!

(8) Subscribe to my blog via email

Give-a-way to run until 11:59 pm EST on August 1, 2010. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Email will be sent to winner with a response needed within 72 hours of winning email with shipping information. If winner does not respond to email, an alternate winner will be chosen. Good only within the continental USA. Make sure you leave a contact email within your post or check to make sure that I can email you via your blogger profile.


Disclaimer: Tropical Traditions provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

If You Love Blog Giveaways You're Gonna Love This New Website!

Just a quick heads up about a new-to-me website that seems to be a search engine targeted to finding the newest and coolest blog giveaways, much like the ones you find here on It's Really Only a Purple World.

It's called Giveaway Scout  and this is what they have to say about the services that they provide:

"Welcome to Giveaway Scout - All blog giveaways, contests and sweepstakes in one place. Giveaway Scout - All blog giveaways, contests and sweepstakes in one place brings you the latest giveaway promotions with products ranging from coupons and samples to high value jewelry and electronics. Giveaways have become extremely popular in recent years and thousands of blogs offer them on a regular basis. Giveaway Scout scans a large number of giveaway blogs and updates every hour with the latest offers.


Since giveaway contests usually expire quite quickly, we offer an automated update service that informs you by email when a new giveaway in your chosen category is discovered.

We hope you enjoy Giveaway Scout - All blog giveaways, contests and sweepstakes in one place and would love to hear your suggestions and comments through our contact form or Facebook fan page.

The Giveaway Scout - All blog giveaways, contests and sweepstakes in one place team"
 
Check out Giveaway Scout and let me know what you think!

Making It Personal: Shutterfly Does It Right!!

Shutterfly has been doing what they do best since 1999!  Wow - that was before I even purchased my first computer and long before the whole idea of photo sharing and storage even made sense to most people.

I guess that means they have lots of experience being the caretakers of your precious digital memories, doesn't it? 

I never really took the time to see all that Shutterfly really offers, but I am so glad that I did!

Take a look at what they have to say about what they do best...

Who we are

In a snapshot, Shutterfly makes it fun and easy to be thoughtful and creative with your memories.


Sure, we deliver award-winning prints from your digital camera right to your door. But delivering prints is just one thing we do. From start to finish, we make it easy to enhance, share and store your digital photos. We also make memory-keeping and gift-giving easy with our personalized Photo Books, Greeting Cards, and dozens of photo gifts suitable for any occasion.

How we’re different
Our single-minded focus on helping you enhance, organize and store your digital photography allows us to provide the highest quality products for you, our customer. We’re confident this is the reason we’re the number-one choice of professional photographers and the proud recipient of many industry awards.

More benefits you’ll enjoy only at Shutterfly:
Free online photo storage: Shutterfly has never deleted a photo.

Free online photo sharing: Your friends and family can view pictures you want to share without having to log in or sign up. They just click on a link in your email and instantly view a slideshow of your newest memories.

Free photo software: Shutterfly Studio lets you easily organize, edit and share your growing picture collections directly from your desktop. Plus quickly add your favorites to Shutterfly and order prints.

Photo borders: Enhance your prints for free with more than 400 colorful, festive and seasonal borders that range from new baby to birthday, wedding to so much more. You can even add personalized captions.

Back-of-print messaging: Every photo you order from Shutterfly can be personalized for free with a short message on the reverse side. This ensures that you and future generations will always remember the who, what and where of special times.

More then you realized too, huh?

It seems I can take those "So adorable, I wish the whole world could see 'em" photos and put them on everything from birth announcements ( who can resist adorable baby pictures?) to save the date cards and everything in-between!

With Shutterfly, it really is personal!




Disclosure: As part of my reward for writing this post Sheblogs.org working with Shutterfly is providing me with a code for using on the Shutterfly website.  It in no way influenced the content of this blog post.

Any Time is the Right Time to Enjoy The Taste of S'mores!

The Mom Bloggers Club asked me to write about when the best time to enjoy S'mores is; how could I tell them that ANY time is the right time when it comes to Hershey's Chocolate, Honey Maid Graham crackers, and Kraft marshmallows!

Personally, the best time for my family is when we are grilling outdoors; it puts a fun end to a great meal and let's everyone ooh and ahh over the gooey taste.

Take a look at SmoresSmiles for a chance to win some great prizes as well as learn all that there is to know about S'mores!

Disclosure: This post is in response to a challenge from Mom Bloggers Club that includes a reward from the brands featured.  it is no way shaped my review or opinion.

Ten Tips for Ensuring a Healthy, Safe and Successful School Year!

Can you believe it?  Is it possible?  Yes, I am afraid it is time.  Time to start thinking about Back To School and all the things that go with thinking and planning for a successful school year.

Twittermoms recently asked bloggers to come up with a Top 10 List of Back To School safety tips for the upcoming year.  It didn't take me long to come up with the following:

(1) Take care of health screenings now - time for that physical, yearly dental exam, and eye exam.  Bottom line is if medical issues are not taken care of at the beginning, they will only be a problem later on.  As a mater of fact, Airwear’s, an eco-friendly eyewear company and sponsor of this topical post, is hosting an essay contest at http://www.lightersafergreener.com/. Airwear and TwitterMom, Beth Aldrich, are sponsoring an essay contest for consumers, encouraging parents and care-givers to share how they plan to help their kids live a healthy, safe and successful school year. Families can submit their thoughts by visiting LighterSaferGreener.com.  One grand prize winner will be awarded $1,000, while 10 first prize winners will receive vouchers for Airwear lenses valued up to $400

(2) Review school bus safety rules with your children, no matter how old they are - it never fails; at the start of every school year there is always a new story about a child that gets injured because they failed to follow basic school bus safety guidelines.

(3) Make sure that your child gets a good, healthy start to their day and chooses wisely in their school cafeteria.   Encourage fresh fruits and vegetables, and discourage grazing or snacking that interferes with a nutritious meal.

(4) Establish a quiet, safe, comfortable place in your home for your child to do their homework.  TVs or computers in the background just serve as a distraction and can frustrate an already stressed out child.

(5) Make sure your child knows his/her address, phone number, and emergency contact information.  If they are too young to memorize it, write it inside of their backpack or school bag. 

(6) Establish clear ground rules for computer and/or cell phone use, especially in older children.  Install filters on every computer and disable web cams or password protect them in advance.

(7) Make sure your child has a good, sturdy backpack that fits correctly to prevent damage to their back and neck.  If books are too heavy, purchase one that has wheels to make it easier and safer to transport.

(8) Encourage your child to communicate with you openly and develop a plan if your child feels threatened by another child or adult while at school.  Review good touches/bad touches with younger children as well as what is acceptable behavior with their peers.

(9) Make sure your child understands ways to keep themselves from catching whatever illness might be making the rounds of your community.  Review hand washing and make sure they understand to see a nurse immediately if they don't feel good.

(10) Especially for younger children, remove or cut short any drawstrings that are too long, especially around their neck area.

What are some of your tips to ensure a safe and healthy school year for your children?

I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Airwear blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, visit http://airwear.twittermoms.com/about.

Did Someone Say Bling?  Chunky Bling - It's A Beautiful Thing!

Happened to get the head's up on a great website for affordable bling called Chunky Bling.  Of course, I was immediately drawn to this purple ring - but while there I discovered lots of other cool items!

Like these bead watches you can build yourself...you  pick out the band and face and they have tons to choose from.

Or this really current Chunky Jewelry...great accessories for those summer beach parties!

They have bead bracelets in a ton of colors to match any outfit...

I especially love the mother's bracelets - which you also build yourself!

They even have charm necklaces....yep, you can build these to suit you as well!  Even cooler, they are interchangeable..just like the watches.

Take a look at Chunky Bling and let me know what catches your eye!

Vote for my outfit in the Create Your Own TangerSTYLE Contest!

Looking for some votes!  Please click and vote for me! 

Thanks!

Pump Me Away: A Review of The Inflatable Tilt Master From Eden Fantasys!

Let me start this review by saying that - Man! This is a real pain to blow up!  It needs to be inflated and does not come with it's own pump, which is a major drawback for me.  I only had a hand pump for balloons to use and it took forever!  There is no way that I can see myself deflating/inflating this thing on a regular basis, so if it is spontaneity you are looking for, look elsewhere!

The other major drawback is the velvet-like material that covers it.  Although sexy and nice to the touch, it picks up lint like the devil and I am still struggling with a way to clean it effectively.  There were no instructions that I noticed in the package that I received.

As far as using it, however, I can see many possibilities.  The box itself shows a variety of positions and I am sure those of use with active imaginations can find a whole lot more!  There are two rubber coated handles on the bottom/sides of the TiltMaster that lend itself to a variety of uses as well.

As it is filled with air, it has a "bounce" to it, so take that into consideration when using it.  Once inflated, I was surprised that it held it's air as well as it did. 

You can also turn it over and use it as a wedge which just increases its versatility.  And there is nothing about it that screams " I am a sex toy" so it is a safe bet to leave it out in the open and ready to use when you need it.

Here's what Eden Fantasys has to say about this product:

"Sex is fun – back pain the next day is not. Enter the Inflatable tilt master to save the day. Discreet and nondescript when deflated for storage, it inflates to an impressive 22" x 22" x 38". A half-moon shape, it features comfortable gripping handles on both sides to keep your rhythm going. Many positional possibilities become apparent when you play with the tilt master – doggie style is a lot more comfortable, oral sex no longer means neck pains, and the rocking design means less strain on moving hips. Velvety soft black coating feels luxurious against your skin. Though it takes a few minutes to inflate, the wait is certainly worth it; if you’re anxious to play, an air pump might come in handy to get the action started sooner. Can accommodate up to 300 pounds, comes with a blindfold and a small tube of latex sealer for repairs."


Product code: PD217500.


Design / Craftsmanship / Material


Material:Pvc .Color:Black .Length:38" .Height:22" .Weight:2 lb ..Other


Texture:Velvety
Special Features:Inflatable
 
The bottom line: Great for positioning, horrible to inflate.....If you order this, make sure you have access to an air pump as the description states!

$55.99Inflatable tilt master Position pillow by Pipedream Material: PVC Safety: Buy from EdenFantasys

This product was provided free of charge to the reviewer.

Disclosure: Eden Fantasys provided me with product to review but all opinions expressed are my own and I was under no obligation to post.

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

A Summer of Savings: A Great Time to Experience the WNBA!

Heads up, my dear readers.  I have just received some really good information about discounts for your favorite WBNA Teams.  Check it out:

Just go to TicketMaster.com/wnba and enter the promo code WNBABLOG and experience the exciting, affordable and family-friendly entertainment of the WNBA!


Just click on the WNBA team names below to be directed to that team's deal page (if applicable).

Check out the Fan Experience links for info on special events and theme nights.

Atlanta Dream

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBADreamTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBADreamO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2ODreamFans

Atlanta Dream Ticket Discount: 20%-40% per ticket depending on the price range:

$10 tickets for $8; $19 tickets for $12; $25 tickets for $15; $55 tickets for $30; $60 tickets for $35

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Chicago Sky

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBASkyTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBASkyO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OSkyFans

Chicago Sky Ticket Discount: Save up to 27% off tickets

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Connecticut Sun

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBASunTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBASunO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OSunFans

Connecticut Sun Ticket Discount: $21 tickets for $14
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Indiana Fever

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBAFeverTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBAFeverO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OFeverFans

Indiana Fever Ticket Discount: Buy 1 ticket and get 1 ticket of equal value free on $23 or higher priced ticket
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Los Angeles Sparks

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBASparksTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBASparksO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OSparksFans

Los Angeles Sparks Ticket Discount: Get 20% off $36 tickets
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Minnesota Lynx

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBALynxTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBALynxO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OLynxFans

Minnesota Lynx Ticket Discount: $45 tickets for $30, $30 tickets for $15
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New York Liberty

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBALibertyTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBALibertyO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OLibertyFans

New York Liberty Ticket Discount: Get 20% off tickets plus enjoy free popcorn and soda. Park for just $10 near The Garden.
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Phoenix Mercury

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBAMercuryTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBAMercuryO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OMercuryFans

Phoenix Mercury Ticket Discount: 60% off tickets
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San Antonio Silver Stars

Ticket Discount: http://bit.ly/WNBAStarsTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBAStarsO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OSilverStarsFans

San Antonio Silver Stars Ticket Discount: Save up to 40% off regularly priced tickets
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Seattle Storm

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBAStormTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBAStormO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OStormFans

Seattle Storm Ticket Discount: Save up to 40% off regularly priced tickets
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Tulsa Shock

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBAShockTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBAShockO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OShockFans

Tulsa Shock Ticket Discount: $39 tickets for $20; $31 tickets for $15; $21 tickets for $10

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Washington Mystics

Ticket Link: http://bit.ly/WNBAMysticsTix

Website: http://bit.ly/WNBAMysticsO2O

Fan Experience: http://bit.ly/O2OMysticsFans

Washington MysticsTicket Discount: Get $60 tickets for $35 and $30 seats for $15

Keep up to date on all the WNBA happenings on Twitter, Facebook and YouTube

Thanks to the One2One Network for providing this information!


Disclosure: Although no compensation was received for this post, One2One Network has entered me into a prize drawing in appreciation for writing it..

The move that I talked about in my previous post has been cancelled.  Yes, I am very dissapointed...almost heartbroken.  I had already packed up my livng room.  I am not sure of the reason but I have a sneaky feeling it has to do with what religion I am ( and no, it is only a suspicion...I cannot prove it).

If anyone knows of a 2 bedroom apartment for rent in Rockland County, please let me know.  It's a long shot, but hey...you never know.

Just wanted to keep things current and relevant.

And Away We Go!  I Pack The Boxes....

After searching for quite awhile, I have finally found an apartment which looks like it will fill my requirements of being affordable, bright, roomy, clean, with a place to put my washer and dryer. 

As I start the rather arduous process of packing I have begun to realize how much stuff I have accumulated since I moved into my present abode about 12 years ago.

Did I say 12 years?  Wow....A rather large chunk of my life ( and Sarah's life too) has been spent here and as I find long forgotten mementos the memories, both good and not so good come flooding back to me.

I will keep you guys updated with my progress and if there are any sponsors out there wanting to help with the move and furnishing my new apartment I welcome your help in exchange for blatant promotion! 

Any tips or tricks for moving successfully are also very appreciated....

Stay tuned for moving updates!

Brugo Mug: A New On-The-Go Solution: Review and Giveaway

I am an on-the-go coffee drinker; I buy my coffee in my local bagel shop and drink it as I drive to work.  The biggest problem is that the coffee is always way too hot, which often results in a bunch of curse words and a sore tongue!

Well, my dear readers, that will be a thing of the past!  Introducing The Bruno Mug - a patented 2 oz/25 ml Temperature Control Chamber giving you sip by sip satisfaction at the perfect temperature.

You might be wondering right now how that actually works!  Check this out:

■3-position drink mode selector - "Lock, Sip, Tip & Cool" - allowing you perfect taste and temperature control whether you need a bolt of caffeine or prefer to linger over your coffee ritual


■16oz / 450ml capacity cup size - a large cup

■Non-slip bottom keeping your coffee where you put it

■Ergonomic grip for maximum comfort

■13 stylish colors

■Stainless Steel and Chrome accents

■Fits all cup holders

Just Tip...

And Sip.....

Liquid quickly enters BRUGO's patented Temperature Control Chamber.

It's instantly adjusted to the perfect temperature, while the remaining coffee stays hottest and most aromatic

Use these quick tips when sipping to get a Perfect Degree of Taste from BRUGO.

■IMPORTANT: Tighten the lid until the small hash marks on the front of the cup and the lid are aligned.

■In the “tip and cool” position, tip the mug directly away from you for 2 seconds at about a 45-degree angle.

■The “tip and cool” setting is designed to work best when the mug is completely full. Once the mug is 3⁄4 or less full, use the “sip” setting. By this time the coffee in the main chamber should have reached a palatable temperature.

■Tip your BRUGO Travel Mug away from you for a few seconds to move your hot brew from the lower chamber to the patented Temperature Control Chamber. Swill with a "brandy" motion to cool that sip to the Perfect Temperature. The longer the motion, the cooler the sip.

■The BRUGO Mug is not designed to be stored upside down.

So, I bet you are asking how you can win one?

1) You MUST be a Google Friend Connect follower of my blog ( this will be verified)


AND

(2) You MUST comment on which mug/color you would choose from the Brugo Website.

BOTH (1) and (2) MUST be done for your initial entry! Leave me ONE comment stating that both items were completed

If you already subscribe to my blog please just let me know in that mandatory first comment as well.

If you want additional entries:

(3) Follow me on Twitter

(4) Tweet about this giveaway ( leave one comment with a link to your tweet)

(5) Subscribe to my site via Feedburner ( look on the side of my blog for the place to leave your email address)

6) Blog about this giveaway and leave me a comment with a link to your post and link back to this give-a-way post as well!

(7) Like Brugo Mugs on Facebook and post to the wall that you were sent there by It's Really Only a Purple World



Give-a-way to run until 11:59 pm EST on July 25th, 2010. Winner will be chosen via Random.org. Email will be sent to winner with a response needed within 72 hours of winning email with shipping information. If winner does not respond to email, an alternate winner will be chosen. Good only within the continental USA. Make sure you leave a contact email within your post or check to make sure that I can email you via your blogger profile.


Disclaimer: Brugo Mugs provided me with a free sample of this product to review, and I was under no obligation to review it if I so chose. Nor was I under any obligation to write a positive review or sponsor a product giveaway in return for the free product.

Happy 200th Post! 

I went to my blog today to write up a review and giveaway and I noticed that I had hit 200 posts!  Wow!   Didn't even realize it.  I am proud!  Here's to 200 more by year's end!

Quick question: Does this mean I get presents????

Here a Zhu, There a Zhu, Everywhere A Zhu-Zhu! A Review of Kung Zhu: The Newest Zhu-Zhu Sets!

Take a look at my good friend Bryson, keeping himself busy with the new Kung Zhu Warriors! Between the hamsters, battle arena, and battle armor he has pretty much taken over the living room!

I love how it all fits together and is limited only by his imagination.  Finally a toy that he can play with more then a few minutes without getting bored. 

He really took the time to organize and think through the set-up.  And he can link it up with any of the other Zhu-Zhu products that he already has.  One can never get enough Zhu-Zhu ( or so they tell me)!!!

Even his cousin Shayleigh trued to sneak in some play time when Bryson wasn't looking..proving that little girls love Kung Zhu too!!
Did you know that they are also going on tour this summer?  Check out their website to get the scoop on where they will be!

You might even see my friend Bryson trying to do the Zhu-Zhu dance!!

Go here to keep up with Zhu-Zhu on Facebook; Go here to follow them on Twitter.



Disclosure: MomSelect provided product in order to facilitate this review but all opinions are my own and I was under no obligation whatsoever.

I Am Better Then Ever!!!!

Yes, this is a post where I will tell you about a cool contest on Facebook for Dove GoFresh.  It is a cool contest.

As part of my job in posting this I am supposed to tell you how I am Better Then Ever myself.  Great timing as I just put a deposit down on an apartment in a much better part of town and it is a much healthier place to live because of my allergies ( I currently live in a very run down mobile home which has seen better days and is falling down around me as I write this).

I am very scared about the fact that the rent will be higher and I have to go through ten years of junk I have accumulated.  The worst part is that I have no one to help me.  I will get through it.  But this move represents a new phase of my life and in a lot of ways a new beginning for both me and my daughter, Sarah.

(Insert kind words of support here if you want to!)

So here's the part where I tell you more about the contest:

Better Than Ever Facebook Photo Contest

Dove® gofresh™ just got better with a boost of NutriumMoisture™. Now we’re asking: What in your life is better than ever? Visit the Dove® gofresh™ tab on Facebook and enter the "Better Than Ever" photo contest!

Submit a “before” photo and a “now” photo in one of the categories below and tell us how your life is better than ever for your chance to win a spa weekend getaway, cash prizes and more!


Choose from these categories:

Play: Have you gone from bunking up in hostels to staying in quality hotels? Have your vacations gone from spring break to lifetime adventures with family and friends? Tell us how you’ve enhanced your passions.

Love: Did you exchange a burn-out boyfriend for a loving man? College parties for dinner parties? Show us how your relationships have evolved.

Live: You used to microwave mac n’ cheese but now you cook meals made from scratch. You used to share an apartment but now you’re decorating your own pad. Show us how your living has gone from surviving to stylin’.

Style: Have you upgraded your hairstyle? Traded trucker hats for ballet flats? Show us how you’ve come into your own when it comes to style.

Come back to see my progress on the move! 


Disclosure: I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Dove® gofresh™ blogging program, making me eligible to get a $25 gift card and some product. For more information on how you can participate, click here

I Am One Follower Away From 500!  Wow!!!

It has been alot of hard work and many, many hours but I am almost at an unbelievable 500 Google Friend Connect Followers!

Just saying....THANKS To All My Dear Readers and Followers!!!

Happy Independence Day!!!  Have a Great July 4th!

I am in Smoothie Heaven!  My Review of CSN Stores 12 Speed Glass Jar Blender!


Originally submitted at CSN Stores

Features:

• Stainless steel ice crushing blade
• 450 Watts
• 5-Cup break resistant, and dishwasher safe glass jar
• All-Metal Drive Power system
• 12-Speed blender

The Oster brand represents a strong ...

12-Speed Glass Jar Blender in Black

Great for making my smoothies!

By Madamerkf from Pomona, NY on 7/3/2010

5out of 5

Pros: Precise Control, Good Pitcher, Powerful, Stable, Easy To Clean
Best Uses: Large Kitchen, Crushing Ice, Cooking, Drinks, Small Kitchen
Describe Yourself: Casual Cook

I am a smoothie lover and this powerful little beauty really does a great job! It has a multitude of settings, a quiet motor, and an easy to use interface. Cleaning was also a breeze!

(legalese)