Wednesday, October 31, 2012

I Was A What For Halloween?



Happy Halloween!!
 
Me In My New Banana Costume I Won From Del Monte!  What A Great Surprise This Was!  Thanks So Much Del Monte!!  I'm Giving It A Thumbs Up!  It Came Today Just In Time For Halloween!  I Love Del Monte Bananas!


Tuesday, October 30, 2012

Chris Mann Roads CD Review





Chris Mann Roads CD Review

If you're looking for a great gift this holiday season I would recommend this new Chris Mann Roads CD, which was just released today.   Chris was a finalist on the hit show "The Voice" where he captured the hearts of millions and drew the respect of Christina Aguilera and Cee Lo.   When the series ended Chris had two songs on the iTunes Top 10 Pop Singles Chart! 

I listened to this wonderful CD and let me tell you, Chris is awesome!  I really enjoyed his pure and clear voice.  All the songs were wonderful, and my favorites were Always On My Mind and Need You Now.  The listing for all the songs on the Chris Mann Roads CD are as follows:

Road
Need You Now
Cuore
The Blower's Daughter
My Way
Unless You Mean It
Always On My Mind
On A Night Like THis
Ave Maria
Falling
Viva La Vida


Once again, I would highly recommend the new CD Roads by Chris Mann, and am sure I'll be listening to it time and again!  Chris' voice is so soothing and is one you will want to hear over and over. You can purchase your own copy of the album on iTunes and on Amazon.



Don't wait and get yours now for a great Christmas gift!   You won't be disappointed!



Disclosure:  This is a review post from One2One Network. I was provided with a copy of the album and I am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated are my own.











Mums We Transplanted This Spring

Fallen Leaves

Monday, October 29, 2012

Moon Glowing



Glowing Moon Amid The Dark Blue Sky
I took this picture the other night and it reminds me of a night for trick-or-treating (or for werewolves like you see in the old movies).  The moon is so perfectly round and looks like it is just sitting there amongst the nearly leafless trees.  The sky is a beautiful kind of teal color instead of the usual baby blue color you see during the day.  It looks like the moon is glowing, and I found out that there was a song called Moonglow in the 1930's.  We live in an awesome and amazing world that God has created for us!

 

Friday, October 26, 2012



 Favorite Fragrances


To me, wearing a fragrance is part of getting dressed to go out.  When I'm wearing a favorite perfume of mine it makes me feel good about myself.  Even when I was a little girl, perfumes were something I really liked.   One Christmas my Aunt Gertie gave me a gift set with perfume and dusting powder in it.  I really loved that gift because it was something that was special to me.  She must have liked things like that also. 

Growing up, I always saw commercials for Chanel No. 5 and thought it must be really good.  I never purchased any for myself because it was too expensive for me,  but when I started dating my husband I hinted to get it for a gift.   He got me a nice bottle of Chanel No. 5 and it was so great.  When it was gone I even kept the bottle for quite a while.  I haven't  gotten any since but still love the scent! 

Quite a few years ago I was working at my church and a lady had some great scent on.  I commented how I really liked it and she told me it was Estee Lauder's Beautiful.  Well, Beautiful  is one of my favorite perfumes now.  The last few Christmases I have gotten a gift set with the extra lotion you get with it, although last Christmas my husband forgot to get some Beautiful for me.  I then had to go shopping and bought it for myself.  Looks like I'll need another gift set soon!  Maybe I should just go and buy it myself!  I'd really like another bottle of Chanel No. 5 also!  It's been quite a few years and I still remember the wonderful scent.


These are my 100% my own opinions and I was not paid or compensated for this post.

Wednesday, October 24, 2012

Banana Costume!

I am so excited because I found out that I won a banana costume from a well known company!   No,  I haven't dressed up for Halloween for a number of years but when I get the costume it will be a day to dress up like a banana!  Hopefully it will be delivered before Halloween which I didn't even realize was next week already.  

When your kids get older you don't really get as excited about Halloween like when they were little ones.  It sure is a fun holiday for a lot of people.  We don't get any kids coming to our house because we live on a dead end street. One year we did get a few kids which was surprising.  My husband gave them each a quarter which they really seemed to like more than the candy.  
Clip Art Credit: Phillip Martin 

When my kids did go trick-or-treating we would all go as a family.  If it was cooler, I would drive the car and my husband would walk with the kids till they would get tired or too cold.  When we would get home, the kids would dump out their candy and sort it into piles. They would separate the candy bars, suckers, bubble gum and the like into their own pile. It seems like yesterday but the years do go by fast.

Does your family go trick-or-treating or celebrate Halloween?   Do you have any Halloween traditions?


Tuesday, October 23, 2012

Santa Candle Warmer and Kick Ass Coffee Winners!

The winner of the Santa Candle Warmer and Wax Melts is....................Entry #3571Tamar S.

The winner of the Kicking Horse Kick Ass Coffee is..............................Entry #2Paul W.

I have emailed winners and they have 48 hours to respond or new winners will be chosen!

Thanks to all who entered!!!

Saturday, October 20, 2012

UGLee Pen the Ergonomic Pen Review and Giveaway


I use pens for doing crosswords puzzles, making grocery lists, and when I want to write a letter occasionally. Lots of pens are just uncomfortable to use and don't help my carpal tunnel syndrome. Using pens that don't feel right when you are writing makes it very annoying, also sometimes painful.  Recently I had the pleasure of trying the UGLee Pen and it is quite a unique pen! It is so comfortable when you are writing a letter or just making a list.  The UGLee Pen ergonomic pen is great for anyone who has pain or discomfort when writing.  It's also great for students or if you just write a lot.
UgLee Pens I Received To Review

The UGLee Pen is a revolutionary ergonomic pen that is designed, created and used by a real physician. This Doctor-inspired grip pen is redefining the way people view pens and writing.  The shape of the UGLee Pen as well as the detailed contours are made to follow the anatomy of your hand.  You don't have to grip the pen because it grips you.

I was very impressed by the UgLee Pens I received.  They gripped my fingers easily and I was able to write without any pain or pressure.  The ink was smooth and didn't clog up either.  I would recommend the ergonomic UgLee Pen to anyone!

GIVEAWAY:  If you would like to enter to win a 3 pack of UgLee Pens for yourself please enter the Rafflecopter below.  Contest ends11/6/2012.  Age 18 years or older living in the U.S. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.



I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

My Purex Plus Oxi Review and Giveaway! 3 Winners!!

Excited is the word to describe me when I  received my Purex plus Oxi Laundry Detergent to review!  I wash clothes every day and with a family of five always have some clothes that need that extra cleaning power.  For example, yesterday my husband dripped chocolate ice cream on his shirt.  On top of that, one of my sons delivered his newspapers in the rain and got his socks and pants rather muddy.  I need a brand that has the power to get out these type of stains and more!




 Purex plus Oxi Laundry Detergent to the rescue!  Purex plus Oxi Laundry Detergent is Purex's most powerful liquid detergent.  The three stain-fighting enzymes in Purex plus Oxi each work against different types of stains for the most Purex stain-fighting power you can get.  It also has a wonderful scent called Fresh Morning Burst which smells so great on my clothes!

Purex plus Oxi really did the job in cleaning my husband's ice cream off his shirt!. I put some Purex plus Oxi on the stain and let it sit for a while then scrubbed it before washing.  Also it thoroughly cleaning my son's muddy clothes!  Purex plux Oxi works against over 101 different stains!  I was very impressed with this awesome product and will continue to purchase it in the future.
  
Purex also has a sweepstakes going now.  Click here to enter.  It goes till 11/16. The Prize winner will receive $1,000 in the form of a check or gift card and a (1) year supply of Purex plus Oxi detergent in the form of 10 “Free Coupons” valued at up to $6.00 per coupon.

Purex also have another sweepstakes going on now till 11/9.  You can win a Whirlpool Washer and Dryer.  To enter for this sweepstakes click here.
  
GIVEAWAY:  If you would like to win a coupon for a free bottle of Purex plus Oxi for yourself please enter the Rafflecopter form below!  There will be three winners!!  Age 18 years or older living in the U.S. only. Ends Nov. 6, 2012.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation.




Friday, October 19, 2012

Win a Whirlpool Washer & Dryer from Purex

There will be one (1) Prize. The Prize winner will receive a 4.3 cu. ft. Whirlpool Duet® Steam Front Load Washer with Precision Dispense Ultra, a 7.4 cu. ft. Whirlpool Duet® Steam Electric Dryer with Advanced Moisture Sensing and pedestals. Prize includes delivery and set in place only. Installation and removal of old appliances are not included.

If you would like to enter to win this fantastic prize you are asked to "Like" Purex before you can enter. The sweepstakes is hosted as a Facebook fangateThis giveaway is from 10/15 to 11/9.
Facebook Sweepstakes Link:  https://www.facebook.com/purex/app_452142488162998


Disclosure:  I received above information from Purex.

Thursday, October 18, 2012

Color Among the Stones

We have some stones around our bushes and I noticed the colorful fall leaves lying on them.  Also  notice the tiny green plant growing between the stones.  I don't know if it is a weed or a flower plant.    It doesn't take much space for something green to pop up in the soil! 

Wednesday, October 17, 2012

Signs That Summer Is Over and Fall Is Here

This picture is behind our garage.  It's kind of a sign that summer is over for good.  The old wheelbarrow is leaning against some old bricks. It was my mother-in-law's wheelbarrow and my husband uses it occasionally in the yard. That grill is our old one and doesn't have a new home yet.  We were given a "new" used grill from my brother who got a new one for himself and gave us his old one.  It's just sitting there in a pile of leaves beside a hazel nut bush.  By the way, we never got any hazel nuts this year because the squirrels got them all before we couldYou see them scurrying around people's yards burying the nuts they collect.  Fall is here and next we'll see some of that white stuff (snow)!  I hope it doesn't come too soon though.  I love fall, the colors, and the cooler weather. 

Tuesday, October 16, 2012

The Creepy Crawling Tomatoes

My husband planted a couple of tomato plants in front of our house this spring.  He did this because something (a rabbit or rabbits I think) chewed off  a dozen plants the day after they were planted in our garden behind the house.  This tomato plant has crawled right through the railing and is on the porch and steps.  There are still some green tomatoes so I guess we'll let it there for a while, as long as the weather lasts.  

I only got about 20 quart jars of tomatoes canned this year.  Last year was the best year ever and I canned around 64 quart jars.  This year we had an abundance of rabbits in the neighborhood.  Even the neighbors commented how many there wereOh well, the little critters have to eat too.   It must have been a good year for rabbits, but not for our tomatoes in the garden.

Winner of Dark Shadows Blu-Ray Combo Pack Giveaway

The winner is.......................................Entry #587  Margaret E.
Congrats Margaret!  I have sent an email to Margaret already!  
Thanks to all  who entered!!

Sunday, October 14, 2012

Madelaine Chocolate Giveaway Winner!

The winner of the Madelaine Chocolates Giveaway is.......................Entry #310    Shelly E.
Congrats Shelly!!  Thanks to all who entered!  I have emailed Shelly and she has already responded!

Friday, October 12, 2012

Dark Shadows Blu-Ray Combo Pack Giveaway

Warner Bros. Pictures is proud to announce the release of Dark Shadows on DVD and Blu-Ray October 2nd 2012; along with the Dark Shadows Blog App! From the incredible mind of Tim Burton comes the hit film Dark Shadows, based on the classic television series! Barnabas Collins (Johnny Depp) has been trapped for two centuries by an evil witch (Eva Green) who just happens to be an ex lover. Barnabas now has to struggle with the ever changing 1970s and save his families business! With an all star cast that includes Michelle Pfeiffer, Helena Bonham Carter, Chloe Grace Moretz, Jonny Lee Miller and more, Dark Shadows will be sure to whet your appetite for fun. Take the Are You Creepy Enough Quiz! Do your friends refer to you as a Child of the Night or do you shiver at the thought of a creepy crawly? Take the Are You Creepy Enough quiz to find out. Barnabas’ Terror Trivia! Are you a Barnabas buff? Take the 3 truths and a lie trivia all about Barnabas Collins and you can unlock clips and downloads from Dark Shadows. Dark Shadows Horror-Scope! Whether you are a Virgo Vampire or a Transylvanian Taurus, you can get your custom hauntified Horror-Scope. Giveaway: Enter the Rafflecopter form below to win a Dark Shadows Blu-Ray Combo Pack! Ages 18 years or older living in the U.S. only. a Rafflecopter giveaway I received no compensation or product for this giveaway and am hosting this giveaway in promotion of the Warner Bros. Home Entertainment release of the film DARK SHADOWS.

Wednesday, October 10, 2012

Special Beatles Chrsitmas Gift I Bought Already

My 23 year old daughter likes the Beatles as I do. Who doesn't like the Beatles!  Their music is something I never get tired of.   Do you remember "She Loves You", "Yesterday",  "Eleanor Rigby", "Yellow Submarine"?   That was classic music.  I found this vintage Beatles pillow at an estate sale recently and thought I would get it for her for Christmas.  I don't know if she saw it in my bedroom where I had it in a bag.  Anyways, she didn't say anything so hopefully it will be a surprise.  It's an original pillow and is a little aged but I'm sure she will like it.  The pillow also  has the original tag attached and has their signatures on the bottom.  Too bad their not original signatures.  That would really be awesome!

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

Breakfast A Big Meal Or Not?

Breakfast is usually not a big meal for a lot of people because everyone is usually in a rush to get to school or work.  There are some families who may have a big breakfast, but in my home my adult kids and husband  are never that hungry in the morning.  We have a bowl of cereal, piece of toast, or a granola bar.  I also have to have a couple cups of coffee.  My husband usually just has an English muffin.  When I go out to eat occasionally a treat for me is to have a strawberry waffle or an omelette.  That's more of a lunch for me.

Did you know that breakfast means to break the fasting period of the prior night?  I was curious where the word originated from and had to look it up.  Nutritionists say breakfast is the most important meal of the day so I guess a bowl of cereal is better than nothing.  I do have problem with eating late at night, especially with the junk food, even though I know it's bad.  That's probably why I'm not that hungry in the morning. It's hard to break that habit of eating late at night. 

Does your family have a big breakfast or just a bowl of cereal like me?  Let me know in a comment if you would like to.  I'd love to know what other families normally have for breakfast.

Saturday, October 6, 2012

Kicking Horse Kick Ass Coffee Review and Giveaway

Every morning I have to have a cup of coffee or two to start my day and get me going.  I am always anxious to try out new coffees and recently found out about an awesome coffee company called Kicking Horse Coffee. Kicking Horse Coffee is manufactured in Canada and is a Fair Trade company also.  All of their coffees are 100% shade grown Arabica beans.   If you love coffee and haven't tried Kicking Horse Coffee,  you're missing out.  The name Kicking Horse Coffee says it all!  I was graciously sent a can of Kick Ass Coffee for review purposes.  Kick Ass  is a great mix of Indonesian and Central American beans. It sure gave me a little kick when I had a couple of cups of the tasty beverage.

Kick Ass is whole bean coffee that is very dark, rich and flavorful, with a wonderful aroma.  I was very impressed with the quality of this coffee.  If you like something a little milder Kicking Horse Coffee  has light and medium coffees,so there is a wide variety for whatever type you are looking for.   Kicking Horse Coffee also has tea, chocolate, mugs and stuff, and gift sets!
Kicking Horse Coffee is available at retailers throughout Canada and the US, on their  Online Store as well as on .Amazon.com.  You can also check them out on  Facebook and Twitter, and sign up for their newsletter to keep you up to date on their latest happenings.

GIVEAWAY:  To enter to win a can of Kicking Horse Coffee for yourself please a comment below what type of coffee you would like to drink from Kicking Horse Coffee.  This giveaway is open to U.S. and Canada residents age 18 years or older.  Ends Oct. 23, 2012.  Please enter the Rafflecopter below for more entries.


 a Rafflecopter giveaway


 


FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

I am not responsible for delivery of prize.  Prize will be sent by sponsor.



Friday, October 5, 2012

Candle Warmers Review and Giveaway

It's fall and the time of year when I love to enjoy the scent of candles in my home. Lots of people love to burn candles and enjoy the different fragrances.  The cooler air and staying inside more makes it cozy to have a candle glowing.  A burning candle can also be very dangerous.  Did you know that candles are a leading cause of home fires?  They are especially dangerous when you have little children or pets that could knock them over when you're not around.  Fire Prevention Week is October 7th through the 13th.  They recommend using flameless candles which is a great idea and so much more safer.  A great company that sells flameless candles is Candle WarmersCandle Warmers take pride on Going Flameless and practicing Candle-Sense!

Santa Candle Warmer and Wax Melts I Received To Review
Here is some information from Candle Warmers website:


Candle Warmers Etc. was established on the principle of safe candle use. Founder Bart Kennington brought the first plate-style warmer to market in 2001 after a neighbor's house was destroyed by a candle-sparked fire.

Our "Practice Candle-sense, Go Flameless" public awareness initiative is aimed at increasing the consumer's understanding for how to safely enjoy candles and we offer the following candle safety information, tips, and resources. 

In addition to our candle warming plates, lamps, and lanterns, we also manufacture a line of candles under the Jamie Clair brand name. We passionately believe in perpetuating the enjoyment of candles–safely!

Here are some more favorites of mine from Candle Warmers: 

 

Faith, Family, Friends
I graciously received a beautiful Santa Candle Warmers recently and am so delighted with it.  The Santa is so cute and it came with two different scented Wax Melts called Winter White and Under the Mistletoe.  You don't have to worry about a flame or anything starting on fire with this awesome Candle Warmer because all you do is plug it in.  You break pieces off the scented wax melts and place it in the top of the Santa.  There is a switch to turn off and on with the cord attached, and it gives off a soft warm glow. All Candle Warmers products are UL or ETL approved also.  I tried the Winter White scent and within minutes there was a wonderful aroma which enveloped the room and throughout my home.  I didn't have to stay in the room and worry about something catching on fire with this unique product.  Also it is cleaner than regular candles that you burn.  There is no soot and indoor air pollution with Candle Warmers.

I thoroughly enjoy my new Santa Candle Warmer and highly recommend this company!  My Santa Candle Warmer will be very decorative and festive this holiday season. Christmas will be here before you know it and it's not too early to start thinking about gifts.   Candle Warmers has a wide variety for any one and have a Fall 2012 Catalog to check out all their wonderful products.  For people who prefer a regular candle with a wick they also have Jamie Clair Wicked Candles that are hand poured using the finest lead-free wicks, waxes and fragrance oils.

GIVEAWAY: The awesome folks at Candle Warmers are giving the readers of Gloria's Bits and Pieces a chance to win a beautiful Santa Candle Warmer for themselves, along with the wax melts.  Age 18 years or older living in the U.S.  Giveaway ends Oct. 23, 2012. Check out their website and leave a comment here which other Candle Warmer you would love to have.  That is the first entry.  For more entries please enter the Rafflecopter below. 



FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. 

I am not responsible for delivery of prize.  Prize will be sent by sponsor.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

Crunchmaster Crackers Giveaway Winner

The winner of the Crunchmaster Crackers Giveaway is....................Entry #2302  Lorrie R.
I have already emailed Lorrie and she has responded!  Thanks to all who entered!


Wednesday, October 3, 2012

Fall Cleaning and Washing Windows

I remember my mom always washed her windows in the Fall and Spring.  All the windows had to be taken apart and she got the ladder out and a pail of warm water.  She put vinegar in the water also and used an old rag to wash the windows.  Mom still does it like this but not very often, since she can't climb ladders too well anymore and is getting older.

There are various ways you can wash windows.  Some people use ammonia and water, or spray window cleaner.  Then I've heard of using newspapers crumbled up to wipe them after washing them.  To get in the corners where you can't get a rag or paper towel, etc. I've used a cotton swab.  It works pretty well to get that built up dirt out.  Most of the time I just use the spray window cleaner.  While I'm writing this I'm looking at my dirty windows and thinking I should clean them pretty soon.  I don't think most people do Spring and Fall cleaning like years ago.  Most women don't have the time and times have changed.