Showing posts with label one2one network. Show all posts
Showing posts with label one2one network. Show all posts

Sunday, November 13, 2016

Jazz Loves Disney....And So Do I !

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This is a sponsored post through partnership with One2One Network, Disney Music and Verve. Opinions are mine. 

I recently had the opportunity to review the album "Jazz Loves Disney". It was perfect for me since we  are huge Disney fans. 

The first thing most people think of when it comes to Disney (well, after Mickey Mouse) are the parks and the rides. But for me, it's also the music. Every attraction has a theme song increasingly tied into the movies. 

To say that we are Disney fans is an understatement. We've been to the parks for so many of the special occasions in our life starting with our honeymoon, to  childhood trips with our son including while dropping him off at college and then celebrating his graduation. Most recently we celebrated our 25th Anniversary there.  

On roadtrips there and back, Disney music was  part of our travels. When not there? We've celebrated birthdays and other occasions with Disney music. One of my favorite memories is from when our son was little and we staged Disney parades marching  to Disney music throughout our house. 

You get the picture of why I jumped at the chance  to review this album. This is Disney for grown ups. These are some of the classic Disney songs done in mellow and memorable ways that will have you humming or singing when you're not thinking about it. Not in that eyes glazed over because your kids want to listen to things over and over ( been there, done that and no offense to some Disney tunes but you know what I mean!) but because you enjoy the music. 

You can download from iTunes or Amazon and here is the full track listing: 

Track Listing:
1.  Jamie Cullum – "Everybody Wants To Be A Cat" – from The Aristocats
2.  Melody Gardot – "He’s A Tramp" – from Lady And The Tramp
3.  Stacey Kent – "Bibbidi Bobbodo Boo" (French version) – from Cinderella
4.  Gregory Porter – "When You Wish Upon A Star" – from Pinocchio  
5.  China Moses – "Why Don’t You Do Right" – from Who Framed Roger Rabbit?
6.  Raphaël Gualazzi – "I Wanna Be Like You" – from The Jungle Book
7.  The Rob Mounsey Orchestra – "A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes" – from Cinderella
8.  Hugh Coltman – "You’ve Got A Friend In Me" – from Toy Story
9.  Anne Sila – "Let It Go" – from Frozen
10.  Melody Gardot & Raphaël Gualazzi – "The Bare Necessities" – from The Jungle Book
11.  Laika – "Once Upon A Dream" – from Sleeping Beauty
12.  Nikki Yanofsky -"Someday My Prince Will Come" – from Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs
13. The Hot Sardines – I Wanna Be Like You (French & English version) – from The Jungle Book (US release only)
I didn't think anyone could sing "Let It Go" from "Frozen" as well as Idina Menzel, but Anne Sila's rendition is wonderful. I  also love Melody Gardot's "He's a Tramp" from "Lady and the Tramp" but honestly, there isn't a song on here I didn't enjoy. 

This quote from Stacey Kent who did "Bibbidi Bobbidi Boo" sums things up for me: 
The song BIBBIDI BOBBIDI BOO, speaks to the child in us all, that still believes - or would like to believe - that we can do magic. As we grow up, we are at the risk of losing that sense of possibility but music has always had the power to transform the world and make it a better place; If that’s not magic, what is?”
I need a little magic in my life right now and for me, nobody does that better than Disney.




Saturday, April 13, 2013

I Took the Strong Moms Empowerment Pledge and a Printable


I took the StrongMoms Empowerment pledge because I believe in supporting the decisions moms make. Visit www.strongmomsempower.com and pledge to empower moms today!
This is an uncompensated post through my affiliation with One2OneNetwork. Opinions expressed here, as usual,  are my own.

I know... this is not a craft or chocolate post. But in addition to being addicted to crafts and chocolate, I'm addicted to being a mom. Maybe not something that my 20 year old son would want to hear but he already knows it's an affliction for which there is no cure and I think he's pretty OK with it. No College Boy, I am not trying to convince you to be Facebook friends. I Twitter stalk you instead mwah!

So why am I writing this? Because even though my son is technically an adult, I'll be a mom forever. And one thing I know after having been a mom for 20 years is that moms need to empower and support other moms. Mr. Chocolate has been an extraordinary parenting partner, but sometimes "It's a mom thing".

I had my son during what I think was the height of "the Mommy wars" , a term I always loathed. I was never at war with another mother. The moms I've been fortunate enough to know throughout my trip down "mommy-hood lane" took a practical approach to motherhood. How do we all make this work for all of us? What's right for my family? Some of us stayed home. Some of us didn't. Some of us had plans change and rugs pulled out from under us.  None of us were better or worse than each other. We did what was right for us and left the judging to Judge Judy and the other wearers of black robes.

It seemed that this false narrative (and I believe manufactured) competition had dissipated but there was a recent online re-hashing of it when one mom judged another mom for being on her phone while at the park with kids yada yada yada and round things went again.  I'm not going to get into that here.

I think why I've been so happy blogging is because I've met even more moms who don't have a rigid "there is a right and wrong way to be a mom". I mean other than not letting your kids play with sharp knives and matches or forgetting them on top of the car kind of wrong. 

I've met moms who blog as an escape, as a full time business, as a side job, ( and some dads too!) and my experience has been overwhelmingly positive and supportive and clearly all of these mompreneurs have their kids best interests at the forefront of their minds.  If the so called "mommy wars" are still going on, I am grateful I don't see that in my online interactions.

Life isn't perfect for any of us, but it's so much easier when we're there for each other instead of at each other don't you think? So that's why I am writing this post and why I took the "Strong Moms Empowerment Pledge" . I want to thank every mom who's been there for me throughout my time as a mom. From The Mumster (aka my mom) real life besties with whom I survived the teen years, to those of you whom I may never meet face to face. Moms rock and we need to support each other!

If you want to take the Strong Moms Empowerment pledge and / or show your support for moms you can go here: Strong Moms Empower.

Oh and for all you moms , I made a printable too:

MOMtacular

Click to bring to full resolution; right click to save as.

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

Gain Hawaiian Aloha! Can A Scent Trigger A Memory?

I primarily do product reviews for things that are related to crafts, chocolate, creating stuff etc. but I recently had an opportunity through my affiliation with One to One Network  to review Gain’s new premium collection.  I knew immediately which scent I wanted to try!



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Aloha. I love that word but more than that I love the spirit of Aloha…something I’ve felt each time I’ve been lucky enough to visit Hawaii. Each time I visit Hawaii, I remember to slow down, live in the moment, relax. Hawaii holds so many special memories for me. My honeymoon, anniversaries, the first big boy trip with our son, and um it’s HAWAII!

What intrigued me about this campaign (and yes, this is a sponsored post but the opinions are all mine) was a prompt about whether scents can trigger a memory.  That is SO true for me. I think even more than pictures, scents bring memories to life for me.


I’ve been introspective lately. Maybe because my son’s growing up (how is it possible he’s done with his first year of college already?)  or just because. I’d been thinking about Hawaii lately too.


Definitely because I would love to be sitting on a beach drinking a lava flow or a pina colada. From a pineapple. With the island breezes and warm ocean waves lapping at my feet. And oh yeah, back to reality!


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Gain has a new line of detergents one of which is, you guessed it…Hawaiian themed. I figured if I can’t go there, I can bring Hawaii here! They also have scents like Sunflower and Sunshine, Butterfly Kiss and others but they totally had me at Hawaiian Aloha.

The first things I washed with my Hawaiian Aloha were my bathroom rugs and towels. The smell is subtle enough to linger on the laundry without being overpowering and when I smell my towels ( don’t judge!) I get that scent memory of being in Hawaii.

Just enough of the tropical scent that brings back memories of sitting by the pool with my little guy ( now 6’3 and in college) on his first trip and his excitement over Hawaiian Shaved Ice, or sitting by the salt water pool watching Mr. Chocolate snorkel.

The mix of the plumeria in the leis, the ocean, the sand. Yes sand has a smell! At least to me it does. It just kind of brought all of those together.

So since I won’t be going to Hawaii in the near future, I figured I can relive the times I have been there and have great smelling laundry. Win Win. Thanks , I mean “Mahalo” Gain!



Wednesday, June 1, 2011

Eating On The Run...Ritz Crackerfuls

I've been running back and forth to Michaels a lot ( ok a lot more than I usually do) lately trying to get ready for graduation. I'm sure normal people just have a dinner or something and don't feel the need to have coordinated scrapbooks, cards, favors, decorations etc. But we are CRAFTERS and I'm rarely accused of being normal.

Needless to say with all that back and forth I'm not always eating properly. So when I had a chance through my affiliation with One2One Network to try Ritz Crackerfuls, I jumped at it. If you aren't familiar with these they look like this :

and can be found in the cracker section of your grocery store. I usually keep a protein bar in the car and these are the same size . Multigrain crackers with cheese and high in fiber which is always a good thing! Tasty, portable, and sigh, even I have to admit, better for you than a chocolate bar. OK eat BEFORE the chocolate bar :)  They are available in four flavors: Classic Cheddar, Four Cheese, Garlic Herb, and Cheddar Bacon. Certainly not a meal replacement and everyone should eat according to their own health needs, but for me these are a great snack on the run. To Michaels. Or other places! 

While this was a sponsored post through my affiliation with One2One Network, the opinions are my own. 

Sunday, April 10, 2011

Let’s Talk Dirt: Home Ec-101

Through my affiliation with One2One Network, from time to time I get the opportunity to participate in projects, reviews etc. I had one such opportunity to review a new book called “Home Ec-101: Skills For Everyday Living” by blogger and author Heather Solos.


Heather blogs at http://www.home-ec101.com/ where she covers real every day skills for real everyday people. What made me excited about reviewing this book was the description of it being perfect for a variety of people including new college grads. While I’m not quite there, I hope to have one of those in four years ( FOUR mister…did you hear that?!) but he will be moving out this fall and quasi living on his own.

We think we’ve made sure he won’t be the roommate who has science experiments growing under the bed, but it’s never too soon to start preparing  your child not to move back home with you and live on their own after you’ve put them through college please oh please let that happen!

What I loved about this book, in addition to Heather’s biting wit and snarky style, is the way she’s broken down household realities into manageable chunks. There are four sections, divided into several chapters each:
  • Clean It
  • Wash It
  • Fix It
  • Cook It
She takes you through each section starting with the basics of each, infusing reality and humor throughout. For example before you get started in the “Clean It” section, you need to take the following oath:
I solemnly swear to always read the label, test in an
inconspicuous area, not feed the mogwai* after midnight,
and never mix chemicals without research.
(The mogwai comment refers to the movie Gremlins). Scattered throughout the book are “ Dear Home Ec-101” letters and answers. I really hope my son doesn’t have to deal with this one from the Clean It section in a dorm or future apartment: 
Dear Home-Ec 101,
What is the best way to clean diarrhea off of carpet? I’ll spare you the exact details, but let’s just say it’s pretty heinous.

Signed,
Poopy in Peewauket
I highlighted that one to show that there’s no cleaning question she doesn’t tackle!

In the Wash It section, I plan to have my son memorize chapter 9:
Odors: Rolling Down the Window Is Not Always an Option
Teenage boys SMELL. I only have one but I’m pretty sure he’s going to have a roommate. Double the smelly. Fortunately, we have taught him how to do laundry and he generally manages to remember before the underwear runs out. Usually. But still…he’s going to read this chapter!

The Fix It section is great for anyone from renters to new or veteran homeowners. When you’re just starting out you do not want to spend money you barely have on pricey service calls. Heather provides great tips on basic handy-person skills along with checklists of things every home should have. There are chapters on appliances, plumbing, repairing floors and walls ( “Throw Rugs And Posters Only Go So Far”) you name it. I haven't put the "D" in "DIY" as much as I'd like to, and there's ample information on that.

Finally, there’s the Cook It section ,because after you’ve done all that cleaning, washing and fixing, you’re going to be hungry! From terminology to utensils to reading and understanding a recipe, it’s all there starting with the chapter: “Burned Water? There’s Hope Yet”.  Heather sums it up this way:
While most young adults have a metabolism that can handle a diet of pizza and Mountain Dew, there comes a time when broccoli is a welcomed addition,and your colon will thank you.
There’s also great information I wish I’d had when we first got married about how to PROPERLY care for all those nice utensils and gadgets you tend to get as wedding presents. Let’s just say “live and learn”.

Whether you’re single, newly married, just starting out or continuing to learn how to do things, this book covers it all. It’s available from both amazon.com and barnesandnoble.com and I think I am going to include it in what I know will be a series of college graduation and wedding gifts in my future!

I was provided with a copy of "Home Ec-101" to review but the opinions expressed are my own. 

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

The "Community" of Misfit Toys

We interrupt our irregularly scheduled craft, chocolate, and Christmas tree obession to tell you not to miss tomorrow's episode of the NBC comedy "Community". Some of us bloggers got a sneak peek at it because of our affiliation with "One2One Network" . I won't give away any secrets but it was definitely a cute and fun Christmas episode. It was done in "claymation" which reminded me of all the Rankin/Bass specials I loved growing up ( OK still)  like "Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer", "Santa Claus Is Coming To Town" etc. although the humor of "Community"  is definitely more adult. But at its core, this episode fits right in with the things we all try to remember at Christmas while staying true to the show's quirky nature and characters. You can get a sneak peek at the sneak peek ( not the whole epi) here:



If you're not familiar with NBC's "Community," it's a  comedy series about a band of misfits (hence the title) who attend fictional Greendale Community College. 

At the center of the group is Jeff Winger (Joel McHale, "The Soup"), a fast-talking lawyer whose degree has been revoked. With some help from his fellow classmates, Winger forms a study group that eventually learns more about themselves than their course work.  It also features Pierce (Chevy Chase), a man whose life experience has brought him infinite wisdom but isn't always the most tactful or contemporary in his views; Gillian Jacobs ("The Book of Daniel") as Britta, the 20-something dropout with something to prove; Yvette Nicole Brown ("Rules of Engagement") as Shirley, a sassy middle-aged divorcée; Danny Pudi ("Greek") as Abed, a pop culture junkie; Alison Brie ("Mad Men") as Annie, a high-strung perfectionist; Donald Glover ("30 Rock") as Troy, a former high school football star trying to find his way, and Ken Jeong ("The Hangover") as Señor Chang.

Generally I'm more of a drama girl but Thus nights we watch the NBC comedy lineup that includes Community, 30 Rock and The Office. 
This episode combines "Community's" irreverant snark ( right up my alley) with ageless stories of friendship. In "Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas", watch as my favorite character (Abed) searches for the meaning of Christmas with a little help from his friends.

Monday, October 18, 2010

KT Tunstall Interrupts Our Regularly Scheduled Artsy Blogging

But in a totally good way ! I don't do many review type things on my blog but once in a while I will have the opportunity to because of my affiliation with One2One Network. One such, was a chance to receive and review KT Tunstall's new CD: "Tiger Suit". If you aren't familiar with her by name, you may recognize some of her Grammy nominated hits such as: Black Horse and the Cherry Tree, Suddenly I See,Other Side of the World or Hold On.  The first single from Tiger Suit: "Fade Like A Shadow" is already a top 20 hit!


If you like a blend of bluesy pop, good lyrics, danceable ( which if you have a teenager, you are NOT allowed to be caught doing with  their friends around) and a great voice, this is definitely a CD to check out. I listened to it during my long drive to "Junk Salvation" on Saturday and it put me in a great mood for some funky junkin' :) More on that to come but back to KT. To put it in terms I think we all relate to, I would describe her as musical "Anthropologie".  Contemporary, stylish, fun, funky. 

 We now return you to the regular programming of "what was she thinking" artsy-fartsy stuff.



Monday, July 12, 2010

Mmmmmmm Milanos!

Check out this new flavor of Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies! There's a contest that ends July 25 where you can enter to win a BUSHEL of these! A. Bushel.

Grand Prize is a “bushel” (case) of irresistibly delectable new Strawberry Milano® cookies!  You could be one of 1,000 winners!  This sweepstakes is open to Milano fans only, click the “Like” button on the Facebook Page before entering.  

 And, you can go here to get a coupon for a $.55 coupon immediately : Get a coupon for 55¢ off Strawberry Milano cookies here


Disclaimer: I am a member of One2One Network through whom I received this widget.

Thursday, June 3, 2010

Great Site, Great Ideas and a GREAT Giveaway!

Before I started my own blog, one of the places I lurked a lot was The DIY Dish . It's a wonderland of ideas run by twin sisters Kim and Kris who also have a web tv show.

About Kim and Kris:

As former elementary school teachers (they even taught in the SAME 4th grade classroom for many years!) they have always enjoyed sharing and teaching. In 2006, Kim started the popular DIY website, www.YouCanMakeThis.com. Two years later, Kris began managing the 2nd “sister site”, www.SWAKembroidery.com. And in 2009, a 3rd DIY website was added to the mix: www.YouCanQuiltThis.com.
Whether it be sewing, crafting, scrapbooking, quilting, embroidery, family projects, and more, you’ll enjoy watching The DIY Dish and participating too!

Their current episode ( they'll have a revised summer schedule ) has some projects that would make awesome Father's Day, graduation, birthday, or wedding gifts, or just to make because we make stuff!

Episode 11: Photos that Pop! Plus, Fabric-Covered Canvases


 

Because we all need another excuse to go to the hardware store :)


But the best part (even though the project ideas are pretty awesome) is that the sponsor of their show has a GIVEAWAY that no craft minded creative person I know would want to pass up a chance to enter. Check this out:

GIVEAWAY TIME!         One2One Network and YouCanMakeThis.com are giving away5 prize packages that include a $50 gift card to Michaels Crafts Stores and a $50 bundle to YouCanMakeThis.com. This giveaway is open to viewers world-wide, 18 years and older. (void where prohibited) Giveaway is open until June 7, 2010.
1.  Watch Episode 11 of “The DIY Dish” and leave a comment on their blog. Easy!
2.  Share this with others! Tell a friend, embed the video on your blog, tweet about it, share it with your friends, sewing, or craft groups…you name it! Let them know  on their blog and you have another entry.
3.  US and Canadian residents have a 3rd entry by going over to One2One Network and signing up for this free program to review products and services. Let them know on the blog and you have another entry. If you are already a part of One2One Network, they'd love to hear from you, too!  *Note: If you are a Canadian resident wishing to join One2One Network, simply email them at Contact@One2OneNetwork.com and they will put you into the system.


I'm not affiliated with any of the sites mentioned here and you don't have to be in order to enter. I am however thinking about joining One2One. Good luck!