Saturday, December 31, 2011

Syke or Sike, or Psych? Either way- I'm on one.

Fooled ya.
I thought I was back, and I had every intention on being back, however I am so sick with the flu, and I have had a miserable past few days. I have basically slept the past 4 days away. As I type right now- I am literally coughing my freaking head off. I thought that I had a cold, and was feeling better.. so I let the hubby talk me in to making what he called a "short" trip (100+ mi) to pick up a car from a Carmax in a neighboring big city that was non-transferable. The car that we had cost us an arm and a leg, in payments and gas.
Carmax has always been good to us, and I love how they are no-haggle.  (No- this is not a sponsored post, just my honest opinion.)
We went to a Nissan dealership and they screwed us around for hours and it was so frustrating. See, we were interested in trading my Enclave for the more gas savvy Cube. A quick search online of the local Nissan Dealerships showed that none had any on the lots. So we thought we'd call a few, just in case they hadn't updated their sites. We called Coggins on Atlantic and they said that while they didn't have one on their lot, but could get one from one of their neighboring lots. Apparently they own more than just a Nissan dealership and intended on bringing one for us to see. We drive a good ways to get there, and nope. They see my interest in the Juke, and suddenly they "can't get a Cube til next year". I tell them, OK, well next year is in a few days.... Then one salesman remarks to my husband how "sorry he feels for him".
Great way to sell a car right? 
http://www.nissanusa.com/juke/

The Juke was an amazing car and I test drove it. While the rear end of it is not so appealing to me, the inside is immaculate. I love the styling and details. Driving it also impressed me, because it was Turbo-Charged and drove like a dream. We ultimately decided though, that being a first year released model, it wouldn't be the best purchase decision, since 1st year models usually have the most defects and issues, which are later fixed in following years. Especially since it was almost as costly as the Enclave and wouldn't save us money-- which was kind of the point. But boy did I like it. The Juke claims to get 27/32 mpg, which if it's true; is very impressive. However- upon reading the Edmunds reviews of the car, one reviewer who bought it said "What was Nissan smoking when they based that assumption that that was accurate mileage for that car?" Stating that they only got 20. In addition, I know one reviewer said only if you drive like a grandma, and leave the car in Economy Mode, and NEVER switch to Turbo, and even then, you cant get the numbers Nissan states. But kind-of close. I know I can't drive like that. While 20 mpg is better than my Enclave's 15, still not nearly as impressive as the 27/31 the Cube gets.. and on our way back home, I got the Cube up to 33+ mpg.
Back to Coggins....
Then, as we are about to walk out, the Nissan Cube they brought us in on the pretense of showing us, they told us they couldn't get til "next year" then, "in about 3 months", they can suddenly "have on the lot tomorrow for us to see".
This is why I love Carmax. No haggle, none of this, "let me go talk to my boss" it's just silly how car dealerships will try to treat you. All of our cars have come from Carmax, but they have very few Cube's right now. Cube must be a pretty good car, since no-one is wanting to trade them in. The reviewers I have read of it the owners are passionate about them, and enjoy driving them immensely. I am not used to driving a 4 cylinder anymore, but if it saves us money- then great! I kinda feel like I am driving a go-cart, because of the way it takes so long to shift and how it sounds while driving. When in idle you can't tell its running, but on the interstate (as the reviewers on Edmunds only real complaint of the Cube was) it has a lot of wind noise, probably because of it's square & not-so-aerodynamic design.

We ended up deciding to take the 100mi + drive to pick up the closest Cube from them since for some reason it was non-transferable. So long story short, we take this drive with me sick, getting sicker by the day, and stay overnight and come back and since then I have gotten worse and worse. Perhaps all these holiday travelers bringing in sicknesses that different areas aren't yet immune to?

Because 'tis the season right? 

I know it's New Year, but the last thing I plan on doing is getting drunk and partying. Ugh. FML. So Happy New Year to you guys, and remember to use Germ EX!  very Happy New Year!

Tuesday, December 27, 2011

I'm baaaacckkk



Hey guys!
Had to take a break because the hubby came home from an EIGHTY FIVE DAY deployment. But things are now back on schedule and you should be seeing regular posts about interesting products soon! So how was everyone's holiday? Great I hope! I was just glad to have him home on time for it. If it would've been a couple of days later.. he would've missed it! Thank goodness that didn't happen, but even if it did, we would have just celebrated it later.
So you may be wondering, what giveaways do I have lined up for you? 


In this order...

  • Nutrisystem Scheduled Post
  • EdenFantasys Scheduled Post
  • Rock N Learn KIDS Educational Dvds!  (Giveaway)
  • Tropical Traditions Raw Organic Honey  (Giveaway)
  • Intima Kegal Exerciser  (review)
  • ProblemSolvers.com 50$ GC  (Giveaway)
  • Nutrisystem Scheduled Post
  • Nano Style Jewelry Necklace  (50$ Coupon Code off 95$ purchase Giveaway)
  • Fisher Price Loving Family RV  (Giveaway)
  • Harvey Prince Submariner Perfume   (Giveaway)
  • Kudzoom 25$ GC  (Giveaway)
  • Flat Iron Experts Babyliss Hot Rollers  (review)
  • Alvin & the Chipmunks Chipwrecked Nintendo DS  (review)
  • Jockey Sports bra and one full-sized Purex Crystals Tropical Splash   (Giveaway) 
  • BabyLegs Grab Bag  (Giveaway)
    • Nerf Digital Camera/Camcorder  (review)
  • Nutrisystem Scheduled Post
  • EdenFantasys Scheduled Post
  • Nutrisystem Scheduled Post

  • Of course youll be seeing more posts from my sponsors like Nutrisystem! So hope you guys are excited and got your engines geared up! I got the flag waving, see you guys later tonight! ~Xo!~
Good Luck to those who will enter!
Thanks, and happy new year!

Monday, December 26, 2011

J & J money saving coupon bundle


Hope you’re staying sane during the busy holiday season!
I know you blog readers always want to keep their families looking great and staying healthy – starting January 8, you can take care of America when you take of your own families – and wallets – with Johnson & Johnson Healthy Essentials.  Look for the Healthy Essentials savings pack in your Sunday paper January 8, and for each coupon redeemed through January 15, Johnson & Johnson will donate one meal to FEEDING AMERICA®, up to one million meals!

The Johnson and Johnson Healthy Essentials savings pack includes $190 in coupons and rebates on your family’s favorite brands including: AVEENO®, NEUTROGENA®, LISTERINE®, Johnson’s®, Splenda®, BAND-AID®, OneTouch®, VIACTIV®, RoC®, REMBRANDT®, VISINE®,  DESITIN®, NEOSPORIN®, LUBRIDERM®, BENGAY®, STAYFREE®, CAREFREE®, CORTAID®, and REACH®.  Coupons can also be downloaded via www.healthyessentials.com(link not live until January 6)

coming out soon! DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX IN THEATERS MARCH 2, 2012



Download the holiday postcard here

DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX IN THEATERS MARCH 2, 2012


Website:                     http://www.theloraxmovie.com
Facebook:                   http://www.facebook.com/theloraxmovie
YouTube:                    www.youtube.com/theloraxmovie
Twitter:                      http://twitter.com/#!/thelorax

Genre:                         3D-CGI feature                        
Cast:                           Danny DeVito, Zac Efron, Ed Helms, Taylor Swift, Rob Riggle and Betty White
Directed by:                Chris Renaud
Co-Director:               Kyle Balda
Written by:                 Cinco Paul & Ken Daurio
Produced by:              Chris Meledandri, Janet Healy
Executive Producers:Audrey Geisel, Cinco Paul, Ken Daurio

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the 3D-CG feature Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax, an adaptation of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.


Danny DeVito will lend his vocal talents to the iconic title character of the Lorax, while Ed Helms will voice the enigmatic Once-ler. Also bringing their talents to the film are global superstars Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic youth who searches for the Lorax, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted’s dreams. Rob Riggle will play financial king O’Hare, and beloved actress Betty White will portray Ted’s wise Grammy Norma.


Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax is the third feature created by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me, Hop).

The trailer:

2012 Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures Slate


In this blog post, you will read about these 11 movies:


Beauty and the Beast 3D
THE SECRET WORLD OF ARRIETTY
JOHN CARTER 
CHIMPANZEE
MARVEL’S THE AVENGERS
BRAVE  3D
THE ODD LIFE OF TIMOTHY GREEN
Finding Nemo 3D
FRANKENWEENIE
Wreck-it Ralph
OZ THE GREAT AND POWERFUL






BEAUTY AND THE BEAST (In Disney Digital 3D™)

January 13, 2012

Download the .zip coloring sheets

Genre:                                      Animation
Rating:                                      G         
Release Date:                           January 13, 2012

Voice Cast:                               Paige O’Hara, Robby Benson, Richard White, Jerry Orbach, David Ogden Stiers,
Angela Lansbury, Bradley Pierce, Rex Everhart, Jesse Corti, Hal Smith,
JoAnne Worley
Directors:                                  Gary Trousdale and Kirk Wise
Producer:                                  Don Hahn
Executive Producer:                  Howard Ashman
Screenplay by:                          Linda Woolverton

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ magical classic “Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to the Disney classic with stunning new 3D imagery. The film captures the fantastic journey of Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), a bright and beautiful young woman who’s taken prisoner by a hideous beast (voice of Robby Benson) in his castle. Despite her precarious situation, Belle befriends the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock, among others—and ultimately learns to see beneath the Beast’s exterior to discover the heart and soul of a prince. 

Featuring unforgettable music by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, and an enormously talented vocal ensemble, “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to receive a Best Picture nomination from the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences.

Notes:
·         The film was nominated for six Academy Awards®, winning Oscars® for Best Song, by the renowned Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, and Best Original Score (Menken).
·         “Beauty and the Beast” was the first animated feature to cross the $100 million plateau in its initial release.
  • Alan Menken has been nominated by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences 15 times with seven wins.  Prior to his death in 1991, Howard Ashman received six Oscar® nominations with two wins.
  • Three years after the film’s debut, “Beauty and the Beast” hit Broadway. The musical opened at the Palace Theatre and ran in New York for 5,464 performances between 1994 and 2007, becoming the eighth-longest running production. It has played in 13 countries and 115 cities and continues to enchant audiences worldwide.


Walt Disney Animation Studios’ magical classic “Beauty and the Beast” returns to the big screen in Disney Digital 3D™, introducing a whole new generation to Belle (voice of Paige O’Hara), the Beast (voice of Robby Benson) and the castle’s enchanted staff—a teapot, a candelabra and a mantel clock.

Up next  in theaters is ..
(click Read More! )

Saturday, December 24, 2011

$80 Worth of Amazon Gift Cards Giveaway! Locomotion of Giving. ***CLOSED!!!***

Locomotion of Giving is finally here! 




There will be THREE winners.

Here are the prizes:
1st Prize- $50 USD Amazon Gift Card
2nd Prize- $20 USD Amazon Gift Card
3rd Prize: $10 USD Gift Card

The rules are plain and simple; do as many of the entries as you want.
These entries will be HEAVILY moderated.
You may grab the button and tweet for MANY extra entries, after you complete all the tasks. If you cannot complete all tasks, you wont be able to earn credit. Please don't attempt to cheat.
Grab only the button above, the Locomotion of Giving "cherry" button.
If you do not leave a link in the extra info box to the button you cannot win.


Wednesday, December 21, 2011

#nsnation - You asked, they answered! Q & A w/ Meredith B.


BLOGGER QUESTIONS:

Answered by: Meredith Bandy, Public relations Manager at Nutrisystem with the consultation of mary gregg r.d., Director of nutrition and dietary services



·            100% would recommend as it provides a nutritious well-balanced meal plan that meets the Dietary Guidelines
·                              It’s shipped to your home for convenient delivery. Don’t have to do as much cooking or grocery shopping.
·                              If you don’t need to lose weight but you want to use the Nutrisystem Program, you would add-in a few additional grocery foods to increase your calories. To determine what to add, we advise contacting our counseling staff to determine the best program for you.


·         Nutrisystem provides a protein and fiber-rich meal plan, which keeps you feeling fuller longer. In addition to our satisfying entrees and snacks, you can add unlimited vegetables, along with fruit and whole grains which will satisfy your appetite. 
·         On the Nutrisystem, you eat small meals throughout the day – this way you never have to go long periods without eating and you will not be tempted to eat the wrong thing.
·         With Nutrisystem SUCCESS, we introduced an optimized nutrition profile with added protein in the form of protein shakes (4 flavors: chocolate, vanilla, coffee & strawberry).  These high-protein shakes help to keep your appetite under control longer.





·            At Nutrisystem, we offer our Core Program of ready-to-go foods (pantry meals) as well as our Select program which includes fresh-frozen and ready-to-go foods.  We also have a Weekends Off program and a la carte options.
·         You do not have to order Select, our fresh-frozen & pantry ready meal combination program.  You can stick with the Core program if you desire.
·         Once you reach goal, we offer maintenance and transition plans that utilize our At Home Tool Kit, which includes various tools such as the Low-GI Cookbook, Nutrisystem Edition.
·          We do have an online tracker available (also available in hard copy which is included in the program meal planner). To access our complimentary online tools and support, please go to nutrisystem.com and click in the upper left hand corner “Join for Free.” Sign-up and then you’ll have access J
·         In addition, with Nutrisystem you can connect, share and track anywhere with applications for the iPhone, Android & Blackberry





·                              Please know that almost all foods today are processed in some way, whether its milk, bread, juice, cookies, ice cream etc. Being processed doesn’t necessarily means it’s unhealthy – it’s all about the ingredients and how they are prepared
·            All ingredients utilized in our Nutrisystem entrees are GRAS – generally recognized as safe



·         At Nutrisystem we are always brainstorming and developing new products based on the feedback/suggestions we receive from our customers
·         We also provide complimentary online support and tools (via nutrisystem.com, Nutrisystem Twitter & Nutrisystem Facebook), where we have message boards and recipe centers to teach customers how to “change up” a Nutrisystem meal to keep it interesting, while simultaneously still adhering to the program guidelines




·            Our new Chef’s Table Collection  - part of our fresh-frozen meal offerings
·         Entrees include Citrus Barbeque Glazed Pork, Whole Wheat Ricotta Crepes, Steak Tagliata, Arroz Con Pollo and Moroccan Inspired Chicken.
·         Created by our esteemed Celebrity Chef Culinary Council to develop this exclusive line of Chef’s Table dinner entrees using a patented new microwaveable steamer bag technology. These signature dishes carry the name of the Chef who created the recipe.  Presently, the Celebrity Chef Culinary Council includes: Kent Rathbun, Michael Solomonov, Mark Estee, Carmen Gonzalez and Tony Mantuano.


1.   Does Nutisystem offer Gluten free products?
·         Currently, we do not offer Gluten free products

2.   I'm thinking of trying Nutrisystem out but before I pay for a supply do they offer a sample trial?
·         Yes, we have many options under a la carte ordering 
·         Online you can view sampler packages under a la carte options, as well as order items you may want to try before ordering the entire program. You can order online or by calling one of our call center representatives
3.   How is Nutrisystem different from Weight Watchers?
·         With Nutrisystem there is no counting points, attending meetings or going to weigh-ins
·         Nutrisystem also offers 7-day a week complimentary support from our Counseling team either online and over the phone. We also have registered dietitians on staff to help with support.
·         On Nutrisystem we also offer free shipping on auto-delivery.  The food is shipped right to your door for convenient home delivery.

4.   Does Nutrisystem have drinks if so what kind?
·         With the launch of our SUCCESS program, we introduced an optimized nutrition profile which includes whey protein shakes – available in 4 flavors: chocolate, vanilla, strawberry and coffee. Each SUCCESS order comes with the protein shakes, as well as a Nutrisystem shaker bottle for the protein shakes

5. Is Nutrisystem carried in grocery stores or is it only through mail order offered?
·         Nutrisystem is offered online at nutrisystem.com, as well as by phone via the Nutrisystem call center.


6.   I have a friend who has diabetes, would Nutrisystem be a good option or diabetes friendly?
·         Yes, Nutrisystem D, our diabetic program for people with diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes
·         Nutrisystem proudly supports the American Diabetes Association in its movement to Stop DiabetesTM, as well as to help in increasing awareness of the correlation between weight loss and improvements in diabetes control


7.  How many different meal options are available?
·         At Nutrisystem, we have over 130 meal options which include gourmet fresh-frozen meals, as well as convenient pantry-ready meals.
·         In addition to the meal options, we also have the following Nutrisystem Programs: Women, Men, Diabetic (for men and women with diabetes who want to lose weight and manage their diabetes), Silver (for older adults) & Vegetarian



·         Breakfast à    Blueberry muffin   (pantry ready);     Breakfast burrito (frozen)
·                              Lunch à     Fudge Graham Bar  (pantry ready);     Margherita Pizza   (frozen)
·                              Dinner à     Thick Crust Pizza  (pantry ready);     Turkey Pepperoni Pizza   (frozen)
·         Dessert à     Chocolately Nougat Bar with Peanuts and Caramel   (pantry ready);     Creamy Fudge Bar   (frozen)







  • ·         On Nutrisystem, you add-in fresh vegetables, fruits and other grocery additions. The foods we recommend as add-ins are low GI foods.









·         Pantry ready meals (aka shelf stable) and frozen don’t have to be high in carbs, sodium and preservatives.
·         All of our meals are customized and designed to adhere to the Nutrisystem program guidelines for optimized nutrition during losing weight.
·         In regard to recommending our program for someone with high BP, yes, we definitely would recommend it. Weight loss has been shown to improve health and lower blood pressure. If you know someone who wants to lose weight, but has high BP or any medical condition, we advise consulting one’s doctor before starting.  We can customize the menu for anyone with specific dietary restrictions, such as low sodium.




Additional Questions by blogger Casey Colette of Locomotion of Expressions:

Answered by: Meredith Bandy,  Public Relations Manager at Nutrisystem

#1 - How long have you worked for Nutrisystem, and what is your favorite part about it?
·         I have been at Nutrisystem for about 4 years
·         I love everything about it, but especially having the opportunity to work with such a great team in helping to improve the lives of so many. Being able to work with success stories every day like you, whether it’s for our blogger program or pitching stories for the media or working with success stories for special events, you all make me smile each day and inspire me.


#2 - What is your favorite food item in each category of the Nutrisystem food, Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner and Dessert/Snack.
·         This is a tough one because losing weight and getting healthy never tasted so good! But, I’ll do my best to narrow it down as best as I can. My favorites are:

-          Breakfast à Golden French Toast (fresh-frozen), Chewy Chocolate Chip Granola Bar (pantry ready) & our new Chocolate Frosted Donut (pantry ready)

-          Lunch à Roasted Vegetable Pizza (fresh frozen), Magherita Pizza (fresh frozen) & Chocolate Peanut Butter Lunch Bar (pantry ready)


-          Dinner à Spinach Stuffed Shells (fresh frozen), Butternut Squash Ravioli (fresh frozen – part of our new Chef’s Table Collection), Moroccan Inspired Chicken (fresh frozen – part of our new Chef’s Table Collection),  & Vegetable Lasagna (pantry ready)

-          Dessert/Snack à Chewy Peanut Bar (new- pantry ready) , Buttered Popcorn (pantry ready), Peppermint Cookie Patty (pantry ready), Ice Cream Sandwich (fresh frozen) & Orange Crème Bar (fresh frozen)



#3 - What is your one fitness tip and diet advice for staying slender?

-          I have a few J

-          It’s all about learning what foods are good & nutritious for you, as well as not depriving yourself of the foods you love. While on program you get to eat the foods you love while losing weight, but when out and about, you may come across a food you just have to have -- my best advice with that is everything in moderation. Share with your family and have a couple bites. Lastly, it’s all about being active. It doesn’t mean you have to participate in a marathon, but add in small various physical activities throughout the day – a lot of little things add up to a great benefit ( for example: take the stairs instead of the elevator; when at a store park farther away from the entrance so you get a little walk in; during a work break go on a little walk with your co-workers – the possibilities are endless!)



#4 - Have you met any of the Celebrities that endorse the brand? Have any funny stories you'd share about that?

-          I have had the pleasure to work with all of our celebrity success stories, but there are no funny stories to tell. What we have to always remember is that they are real people too, who decided to make the change to get healthy and lose weight with Nutrisystem -- just like you. Whether you are a celebrity or not, we’re just so happy to have everyone be a part of our Nutrisystem family.


 That's all the questions we came up with for the interview submission period. If you have any more, feel free to ask on any of my blog posts and I will try to give you an answer from them the next week. my Nutrisystem posts are the beginning of each week, no later than Wednesday. Please follow my progress with Nutrisystem, and challenge yourself to be a better you everyday! If you have questions for me about my experiences I would love to answer them! if you have questions about Nutrisystem that you want to ask  Meredith Bandy on Twitter, shoot her a DM!
Thanks for reading this, please stay tuned for next weeks weigh in/progress check!
~Xo!~


Want to lose weight and get healthy on Nutrisystem? Join today by calling Phone: 1-888-853-4689 or by visiting 
http://www.nutrisystem.com/nsblog.


 *Disclaimer*  I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” The opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own. Your experience with the product may differ from mine.