Tackle Your Cleaning

I don’t like to clean! Unfortunately I have to, or my house would be a pigsty. So, I am always looking for cleaning products that help me do my job quickly and efficiently. It’s a good thing that we have companies like Black and Decker and Haan who invent easier ways for us to tackle our cleaning!  I have two reviews below.  What’s your favorite new toy to clean with?

The Black and Decker Pivot Floor Vacuum is a cordless swivel vacuum. It arrived in three parts that clicked together easily. I put in on the charge base to charge and tested it out a few hours later. The power is impressive for a smaller vacuum. It picked up everything on my carpets with no problem. I only had to go over one carpet area twice.  It was my thicker rug in my kitchen. I ran it upstairs and down and it didn’t run out of charge. It is very easy to empty, just turn the cylinder handle, open, and empty. It folds up easily and sits in the stand to charge.  It is small enough to sit in an easy place to grab when I need it. My only disappointment is that it does not really pivot. I was expecting a ball type joint where the head attached, but it does go under tables and beds easily. It is surprisingly a bit heavy to lift too. If you need a cordless for small jobs, this is the one for you.  You can purchase the Pivot Vacuum at Target, Walmart and Amazon for $96.88.

The HAAN FS-20 floor steam cleaners incorporates cutting-edge technology, easy maneuverability and powerful 212°F steam for quick, chemical-free cleaning in your home. Standard package includes includes FS-20 Steam Cleaner, 2 washable microfiber pads, measuring cup, protective floor pad, and a carpet tray to sanitize carpet. It kills household germs and allergens, including: 99.99% of dust mites, e.coli virus and salmonella bacterium.

The HAAN FS-20 Steam Mop utilizes steam to remove tough grease, dirt and grime. Steam is nature’s purest and most powerful cleaner for safely cleaning all hard floor surfaces in your home without harsh chemicals, thus being perfectly ecological. It cleans your tile, hardwood, linoleum and vinyl floors.  Use only regular water or distilled/purified water if the tap water in your area is very hard. It is recommended to clean the water tank once a month to eliminate calcium deposits. Add three ounces of water to the tank and shake to loosen any deposits. Immediately empty the water into a sink. Do not use vinegar or other substances in the water tank.

First I filled up the steam mop with no trouble, it is nice and lightweight and heated up within 5 minutes or less. When it started letting out steam it was ready to go. It has a Velcro floor pad that cleans it. I used it on my kitchen floor, which is hardwood. It picked up the black sneaker marks easily, as well as the crusted food left behind. I had to go over those areas just a couple times and the rest of the floor looked shiny and clean. Best of all there was no chemical smell. I am amazed that using just steamed tap water can clean this well. I was always taught to use vinegar and water and scrub on your hands and knees. I definitely prefer this.  The floor pad was nice and large, and re-usable.  The ergonomic handle makes it easy to use.  You can purchase The Hann Steam Mop at www.haanclean.com, Amazon and other retailers for $89.99.

The LuxurEco Giveaway

Going green has never been more important.The Luxureco develops luxury products combining Eco and luxury with bed and bath amenities. They make products that are the ultimate in luxury. They are Eco-friendly, earth sustaining, and 100% biodegradable home and fashion items including bamboo towels, blankets, bathrobes, slippers, spa wraps and sheets. My first thought about towels and robes made from Bamboo was that it sounds like it would be scratchy.  I was so surprised at how soft and comfy the material is. The bamboo robe feels as soft as cashmere and the bamboo slippers are light and comfy. Apparently bamboo makes the products much more absorbent than cotton and the antibacterial qualities in these products are an added bonus. You can purchase their products at their website www.theluxureco.com. The LuxurEco proudly supports EarthShare.

The generous company of The LuxurEco wants to give one reader their own set of slippers and a bamboo shower curtain. The shower curtain is antibacterial, so you will never deal with a smelly curtain! HOORAY!

TO ENTER: VISIT THE LUXURECO WEBSITE, AND CLICK THE REGISTER TO WIN BUTTON AT THE TOP, REGISTER, AND COMMENT BACK HERE THAT YOU DID.

ANOTHER ENTRY: STUMBLE THIS CONTEST, TWITTER(FOLLOW AND TWEET,(HEART BUTTONS BELOW) OR SUBSCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER OR BLOG. (IN SIDEBARS) LET ME KNOW LINKS

ANOTHER ENTRY: GRAB MY BUTTONS AND LET ME KNOW LINKS

THIS CONTEST WILL END MARCH 13TH AND RANDOM.ORG WILL CHOOSE THE WINNER. U.S. AND CANADA ONLY PLEASE. PLEASE RESPOND WITHIN 48 HOURS OR YOU WILL FORFEIT THE PRIZE AND I WILL RE-DRAW ANOTHER WINNER. GOOD LUCK AND I’M EXCITED FOR THIS GIVEAWAY! MARK YOUR CALENDERS FOR THE BOOK GIVEAWAY CARNIVAL MARCH 2ND-8TH!

Enter to Win a Pierre Cardin Diamond Watch

Pure Heat Styling Tools Review

Pure Heat Tools is the first eco-friendly styling line.  Pure Heat Tools are designed using recycled components, water soluble inks, reduced packaging and energy saving technology. The hair tools provide women with beautiful hair while making a minimal footprint on our soil. The collection includes a hair dryer, flat iron, cordless flat iron, wet-to-dry iron, 3-in-1 curling iron and a 3-in-1 crimper.

I was thrilled to review the hair dryer and the flat iron for review. The Pure Heat Breeze works amazing! It has three heat settings from cold, medium and warm. You can also run the speed settings from low to high. I have to say, it dried my hair much faster and my hair turned out smoother then any other dryer I have ever used. Not kidding! I really like the unique handle, it is curved and very comfortable to hold. The dryer is pretty quiet too.  Best bonus of all, the dryer is emitting lower levels of EMF’s which have a lesser effect on human health and the environment(from website.)

The Pure Heat Earthstik is also extremely well made. It works just as well as my Chi flat iron. It has adjustable heat settings that you can control the exact temperature. It takes less than a minute to heat up. The cord is swiveled and make the iron easier to use.  The ceramic plates are Tourmaline and 1 inch wide by 31/2 and lightweight.   I did notice how shiny my hair looked after using it.  The only thing I noticed different is it has more of a smell than my Chi. For that reason, I am grading it a B instead of an A. I am completely satisfied with Pure Heat products and would highly recommend them.  You can purchase them online at Pure Heat Tools Website.

In addition to their eco-friendly hair appliances, Pure Heat has partnered with EarthShare in a commitment to make this a better planet for everyone. Pure Heat will donate a percentage from the sale of every product to the EarthShare organization. Earth Share supports a nationwide network of America’s leading non-profit environmental and conservation organizations, and works to promote environmental awareness and charitable giving through workplace giving campaigns. For more information about Pure Heat Tools visit www.pureheattools.com or call 866-644-8241. Pure Heat invites everyone to join us in our quest to making this world more environmentally conscious.

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AT&T Bluetooth Phone Review

I have been testing out the AT&T DECT 6.0 phone for about a month now and I am thrilled with it. We have to buy a new phone every year, because we usually buy a non name-brand that is on sale to save money. I always wonder if you get what you pay for with brand name phones, such as A T & T, and so far I have been very satisfied with this phone.

PRODUCT DESCRIPTION (from website)

The phone is a dual-handset that is the first cordless phone system to combine Bluetooth connectivity with proprietary DECT 6.0 antenna technology. This system allows users to connect a Bluetooth-enabled cell phone to the base unit for making and receiving cellular calls on the home phone system. Taking a cellular call on the home phone system enables users to roam throughout the house with peace-of-mind that calls won’t be dropped or missed due to poor cell phone reception.

MY REVIEW

Setup was easy. Connecting to the cell phone was a matter of pressing the blue tooth button on the AT&T phone, and then telling my cell phone to look for the AT&T phone. The cell phone remains connected to the AT&T phone. It disconnects when I leave the house, and automatically reconnects when I return. I have made several calls and the sound quality has been excellent. It hasn’t dropped the connection(so far.)

Making a cell phone call is just like making a land line call. You just enter the number, or select a number from the internal phone book, and press the “celluar” button. You hear a couple of beeps, the handset connects with the cell phone, and the call is dialed.

I want to make sure you know that you can only connect to one cell phone at a time. If your husband wants to pair his cell for the weekend you would have to do a reconnect, but it isn’t that difficult to do. If you are looking for a blue tooth enable phone to connect two cell phones or more at once, then this phone wouldn’t be the right fit for you.

I think the sleek and smaller design is very comfortable to carry around and use. The volume hasn’t been a problem. It will store missed calls numbers and times and the main base has an answering machine. I have left the phones off of the base for over three days and they have remained charged. The price is very reasonable, especially if it lasts a few years. Hopefully it will. I would highly recommend it.

Psi Bands Giveaway

I suffered horribly from morning sickness during both of my pregnancies. Boy, do I wish I knew about Psi Bands then. Psi Bands (pronounced “Sigh Bands”) are drug-free wrist bands for the relief of nausea due to morning sickness (pregnancy), motion sickness/travel, chemotherapy, and anesthesia. They are FDA-cleared and safe to use.

Psi Bands may be worn on an as needed basis (up to 48 continuous hours) at the first sign of nausea. They may also be worn up to 5 minutes before traveling or surgery. The response to acupressure is individual. While some experience relief within minutes, others notice changes in hours or subsequent days.

They would work perfectly for an active traveler, an expectant mom or someone undergoing medical procedures, A bonus is they are so cute and stylish. There are five styles to choose from. Psi Bands can be re-used and I thought they were very comfortable. I also think the price is very affordable and reasonable.

Where To Buy:
You can purchase Psi Bands on Amazon.com and for a complete list of retailers in store and online check the Psi Bands website.

THE GENEROUS LADIES FROM PSI BANDS WANT TO GIVE ONE OF YOU A SET OF PSI BANDS IN ANY COLOR! YEAH!

TO ENTER: VISIT THE PSI BAND WEBSITE, SIGN UP FOR THEIR NEWSLETTER, FIND TWO THINGS ABOUT PSI BANDS NOT COVERED IN MY REVIEW AND REPORT BACK TO ME IN A COMMENT.

ANOTHER ENTRY: STUMBLE THIS CONTEST, TWITTER(FOLLOW AND TWEET,(HEART BUTTONS BELOW) OR SUBCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER OR BLOG. (IN SIDEBARS) LET ME KNOW LINKS

ANOTHER ENTRY: GRAB MY BUTTONS AND LET ME KNOW LINKS

THIS CONTEST WILL END MARCH 6TH AND RANDOM.ORG WILL CHOOSE THE WINNER. U.S. ONLY PLEASE. PLEASE RESPOND WITHIN 48 HOURS OR YOU WILL FORFEIT THE PRIZE AND I WILL RE-DRAW ANOTHER WINNER. GOOD LUCK AND I’M EXCITED FOR THIS GIVEAWAY! MARK YOUR CALENDERS FOR THE BOOK GIVEAWAY CARNIVAL MARCH 2ND-8TH!

Are You There God? I Got My Period.

Product Description(PUBLISHER)

MY LITTLE RED BOOK is an anthology of stories about first periods, collected from women of all ages from around the world. The accounts range from light-hearted (the editor got hers while water skiing in a yellow bathing suit) to heart-stopping (a first period discovered just as one girl was about to be strip-searched by the Nazis). The contributors include well-known women writers (Meg Cabot, Erica Jong, Gloria Steinem, Cecily von Ziegesar), alongside today’s teens. And while the authors differ in race, faith, or cultural background, their stories share a common bond: they are all accessible, deeply honest, and highly informative. Whatever a girl experiences or expects, she’ll find stories that speak to her thoughts and feelings.

Hardcover: 240 pages

Publisher: Twelve

Date: February 26th

THEMES

My REVIEW

I don’t have a daughter, but if I did I would definitely share this book with her at the appropriate age. My Little Red Book is not just for young girls. It is a trip down memory lane and a feeling of connection to each story, whether the story is from 1941 or 2008.  Each chapter is short and narrated by a different woman. You can read a list of some of the contributors above and by clicking here. You should look just to read the titles of the chapters, they are hilarious. Every woman will find a story that they completely relate to. I don’t know how many of you have read “Are you there God it’s me Margaret” by Judy Blume, but it was a defining book for me, as books often are. Kate Zeimans funny and touching story about how Judy Blume’s book affected her.  Their is a also a terrific website www.mylittleredbook.net. Women and girls can share their stories, look for additional resources and watch the Period Dance. (I posted it below) You will laugh, cry and enjoy this trip down memory lane.

THE PERIOD DANCE(love it!)

Pineapple Express Oscar Short (Video)

If you enjoy movies then you will enjoy this short comedy skit from the 2009 Oscars.  Judd Apatow directed Seth Rogan and James Franco playing their Pineapple Express characters.  Very funny, especially when their reactions to the serious Oscar movies, The Reader and Doubt. Video is below.

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Sensei Weight Loss Review

I lost eight pounds last month!   Woo ho! What helped me lose the weight was the opportunity to review the Sensei Weight Loss Website. I was given a free month long trial to give them feedback on my thoughts about the site. I have to say, it was easy to use and if you have the willpower to lose the weight, Sensei can help.  Sensei advocates healthy balanced meals and exercise.  What is the most helpful are the menu plans that are e-mailed to you every week. You can set up the program to send them to your cell phone and computer e-mail. The plans are pretty simple and you can change them anytime if you get tired of one. They offer three basic meal plans, Mediterranean, Sense able and Sense able Carb Plan.  Your days are based around three meals and a snack, and you’re supposed to specify the time which you eat these on weekdays and at the weekend. On the website, you just click on “My Day” and there is the list for each meal, with recipes and tips. I signed up for the “budget Friendly Plan.” They will then pick foods that are affordable. You can see an example of my daily meal plan below.

Monday

8:00 AM – Breakfast : Fruit smoothie 1.0 Each Yogurt (100 calorie portion) (100.0 Cals) 0.5 Cup Milk 1% low fat (52.0 Cals) 0.5 Cup Canned fruit in juice (77.0 Cals) 1.0 Tablespoon Nuts (51.0 Cals) 12:00 PM – Lunch : Frozen meal w salad 1.0 Each Frozen meal (260-300 calories, <11g fat) (280.0 Cals) 2.0 Cup Tossed vegetable salad w/o dressing (45.0 Cals) 1.0 Tablespoon Low fat/fat free salad dressing (15-25 cal/Tbsp) (26.0 Cals) 5:00 PM – Dinner : Pasta ‘n beans 0.5 Cup Beans, cooked or canned (110.0 Cals) 0.5 Cup Cooked pasta, rice or couscous (100.0 Cals) 2.0 Tablespoon Shredded reduced fat cheese (70-90cal/1oz=1/4c) (41.0 Cals) 3.0 Cup Salad greens (24.0 Cals) 2.0 Tablespoon Vinaigrette salad dressing (35-45 cal/Tbsp) (90.0 Cals) 1.0 Cup Fresh fruit, cut up (70.0 Cals) 8:00 PM – Snack : Berries 1.5 Cup Frozen berries (120.0 Cals)

The other appealing aspect is the exercise plan. You set up what day and what type of exercise for the week and they will send you reminders. You can change the time length and type of exercise as you progress.

You can sign up for a seven day trial for free to see if it’s for you, and you don’t need to enter your credit card to do it. The site charges for monthly membership ($15/month online membership, $20/month “anywhere” membership.) I do think this is an affordable plan and  just like any other healthy weight loss plan,  Sensei would be a great resource if if you are serious about weight loss and getting healthy.  The messages to your phone are a cool bonus.

To enroll in Sensei For Weight Loss™ or for additional information, visit www.sensei.com. iPhone and iPod Touch users can download the Sensei for Weight Loss application at www.itunes.com/appstore/. Once consumers download the free application,they can enroll in Sensei for Weight Loss via the Web.  For more information you can watch this cute commercial

Win i Phone Pogo Sketch

If you have an i phone or a Mac book, then you may like the Pogo Sketch from Ten One Design.  It is light and nicely designed and works great as a stylus for them. It is perfect to use when your fingers just don’t do the trick, or you have to wear gloves in the winter. It also has a clip so you won’t lose it.  Additional use is as a drawing utensil with the track pad on a Mac Book. It is not a substitute for a good drawing tablet, but at 14.99 you can’t complain. Ten One Design has additional i phone accessories available from their website.

I happen to have a Pogo Sketch from Ten One Design to send to one winner! Cool!

TO ENTER: LEAVE ME A COMMENT ABOUT WHY YOU WANT TO WIN.

ANOTHER ENTRY: STUMBLE THIS CONTEST, TWITTER(FOLLOW AND TWEET,(HEART BUTTONS BELOW) OR SUBCRIBE TO MY NEWSLETTER OR BLOG. (IN SIDEBARS) LET ME KNOW LINKS

ANOTHER ENTRY: GRAB MY BUTTONS AND LET ME KNOW LEAVE THE LINK

THIS CONTEST WILL END MARCH 1ST AND RANDOM.ORG WILL CHOOSE THE WINNER. U.S. ONLY PLEASE. PLEASE RESPOND WITHIN 48 HOURS OR YOU WILL FORFEIT THE PRIZE AND I WILL RE-DRAW ANOTHER WINNER. GOOD LUCK EVERYONE!  MARK YOUR CALENDERS FOR THE BOOK GIVEAWAY CARNIVAL MARCH 2ND-8TH!

Weekly Book Links

Want to win a “Slanket” and see cute pictures while your entering? Hey Lady is giving away one! It’s much more comfortable that that “ other one.” I’m going to win anyway. LOL

The inspiration behind Shakesphere’s Sonnets is explored in The Sonnets by Warwick Thomas. Did Devourer of Books like the book? Click here to find out?

Beth Fish Reads will make you hungry for the essays of this classic book of essays from the contributor of Gourmet Magazine.I love Historical fiction, and My Friend Amy reviewed Winter In Madrid by C.J. Sanson. Did she give it a five?

Martas Meanderings review of this book was “It’s going on my list of favorite books of all time! You better head over to see what book she is talking about! I love the cover.

Adriana Trigiani is a terrific author and Bermudaonion has a review of her latest Very Valentine. Go see if it lives up to her other books.

I am so impressed with the cake that Wendi’s Book Corner made from reading Confetti Cakes For Kids. This book looks so great and you have to go see that cake!

Write For a Reader has a great interview questions so we can get to know her better. What do you think her favorite song is?

Fake book jackets for movies. Clever or Cruddy?

Eating books could seriously damage your health.

Presenting Lenore has an amazing post for new book bloggers with TONS of information.

Maw Books is celebrating Black History Month. This book is a must read any month.

Finally if you have a YA book review, I need to hear from you! I am hosting the Bookworms Carnival in March. Please e-mail me your links to bookroomreviews@hotmail.com by February 27^th. The Carnival will be March 14^th.

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