Holiday Crunch from Truly Custom Cakery

Yum. Yum. Yum... and one more yum for good measure. Yesterday my mail lady dropped off the tastiest treat that I have had in a long time- it was a tin of Holiday Crunch made by Truly Custom Cakery (for you local readers, this is a Philly suburb based company!!).

Ranging from $2-$25, Holiday Crunch is the most succulent blend of salty and sweet. The mix includes popcorn, pecans, and almonds that are coated with caramel toffee and drizzled with dark chocolate.

Holiday Crunch is perfect to give as a gift or to put out on your dessert table. It's that one dessert that all of your guests will ask you over and over again where you bought it!

Available from: Truly Custom Cakery

Santa's Classic Gift Set: Bell to Accompany The Polar Express

Every year at Christmas time I look forward to reading The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg.

It is my very favorite children's book of all time, and I am thrilled that I will be able to share it with Lily Bean as she grows up.

If you are familiar with the story, you will definitely want to check out Santa's Classic Gift Set to accompany the book. Complete with leather from a reindeer harness and a velvet storage bag, this beautiful bell will no doubt help your family BELIEVE.

Price: $31.49

Available from: Magical Bells

magicJack- The Perfect Gift to Keep in Touch!

Okay! You are going to LOVE this! Today's product up for review combines several things that I am crazy about: saving money, convenience, technology, and communication. They are most definitely my favorite features to look for in a great product.

Kiss your hundred dollar monthly phone bills goodbye, because with magicJack, they are things of the past. You may have seen the infomercials for magicJack... I have seen them several times, and was always curious as to how well it really worked. Here's a breakdown of how simple this product is.

magicJack is a small USB device. One end of it plugs directly into your computer's USB port. On the other end is a port to plug your regular old phone into. After you plug the magicJack into your computer, you will be prompted to set up your account. You are assigned a home phone number (over 200 area codes to choose from) and you can even set up 911 dialing. Here is mine plugged in and ready to go:

Basically what happens is the magicJack uses your internet connection and turns it into a phone line. Your phone is plugged into the Magic Jack, and can make and receive outgoing calls. I got mine installed in a matter of minutes and tested it out by calling Biker Bob and my neighbor. The clarity of the line was nice and clear. I just can't get over how simple this is!

magicJack isn't going to replace your cell phone. However, it could absolutely replace your land line or serve as a cheap alternative to a second traditional land line. I have talked to family and friends about how they use magicJack, and they had these great suggestions:

• Land line for the kids to use
• Great to take when traveling
• Perfect for vacation homes
• Good to have on hand if your cell phone dies
• Really awesome for members of the military or our families stationed overseas
• Used by college students studying abroad

The possibilities are really endless. Plus, with magicJack you get many of the same features that you enjoy on a land line, including voicemail, call waiting, and caller ID!

So, yes, it sounds great- but what's the catch? There really is none. Get this- the magicJack is only $40. And then it is $20/year. DID YOU HEAR ME? $20 a year!!!!! For unlimited phone use! That's $1.67/month. WOW!

I am so super excited to share with you- that you can actually get a free trial of magicJack just by heading over to their website! So what do you really have to lose? This would make such a thoughtful gift for just about anyone on your list.

Sherpa Chair

How many times have you been out and about at some event or another, and wished that you had a chair? Or what if you are at a sporting event and try sitting on the bleachers- ouch! My back would be screaming by the end without having any support to lean up against. How many times have you wanted to bring a chair with you, but you simply run out of hands to carry one?

The solution= The Sherpa Chair!

The Sherpa Chair is one of those products that takes every comfort you could desire and presents them in a fantastic package. It is definitely a problem solver!

Features:

• Easy to carry (has straps and a handle)- you can even wear it like a backpack!
• Spacious pouch is attached for carrying whatever you need
• Effortless to set up- takes seconds!
• Weighs just 5 pounds
• Has an attached cup holder
• Easy to store (I will definitely be keeping mine in my trunk!)

We have used our Sherpa Chair for a couple of different events so far- a family party and a Halloween parade! It worked perfectly and was a time, space, and back saver!

Price: $29.99

Colors: Red, Forest Green, Camouflage

Available from SherpaChair.com.

Blurb.com Photo Books

Sometimes memories are so precious, only the highest quality method of preserving them will do. That is the case with Blurb.com. I have tried many company's photobooks. Most have been okay, some have had less than quality printing. Blurb Books and their quality can be summed up in one word: stunning.

In what was an extremely hard task, I chose my very favorite pictures that Caitlin Domanico has taken of Lily Bean throughout her first year of life. I used them to put together a Large Landscape book. Blurb was kind enough to give me a credit to put towards part of my book price.

One thing that I really like about Blurb is that you design your book using their easy to use software. After downloading the software onto your computer, you create the book offline. It's very user friendly (an amateur should have no problem using it) and there are various templates and page layouts to choose from. You can choose a book jacket or have your images printed directly on the cover.

Once you're finished creating and reviewing your book, you simply upload it (well, the software uploads it) back to Blurb.com. You then order your book, and within about a week, it's delivered to your door! Books start at just $12.95 for a 7x7 inch square hardback book.

Start creating your own Blurb Book today! (They also offer gift certificates- what a cool gift for just about anyone on your list!)

Onionhead Products for Teaching Children to Express Emotions

Onionhead is no stranger to me. As a special education teacher, I was quite familiar with their wonderful line of products.

Onionhead products focus on teaching children (and teens and adults) how to identify with what they are feeling. Through picture communication, their products use adorable onion characters to explain different emotions.

The Children's A-Z Deck of Feeling Cards and Feeling Dictionary help children to personalize their feelings and learn how to express themselves in an appropriate and effective manner.

Children choose a card from the deck. They write or talk about why they feel they got that card, and how it makes them feel. Then they go to the corresponding story in the Feelings Dictionary and read how Onionhead handled that problem or feeling.

Ages: Any

Price: $27.75

Buy Onionhead Feeling Cards and Dictionary now!

The Onionhead Magnet Set is another tool to use with children who have difficulty expressing their feelings and emotions.

Each magnet features a cute little onion who represents an emotion.

Children can use the magnets to identify with the emotion they want to feel. This tool will open lines of communication between children and caregivers.

Age: 3+

Price: $19.95

Buy Onionhead Magnet Set now!

Fundex Electronic A to Z Game

The Fundex Electronic A to Z will provide hours of entertainment, whether you'd on a long car ride or just relaxing at home. This electronic 2 player game presents you with a question and your job is to try to come up with the most answers- one answer for every letter of the alphabet!

Game features: built-in score keeping, lights and sound, card storage, team or individual game play.

Requires: 3 AA batteries (not included)

Price: $22.60

Ages: 8+

Buy Electronic A to Z now!

NERF NFL Vortex Mega Howler Football

Now you can play ball, and show off your team pride all at once! The NERF NFL Vortex Mega Howler Football is the farthest flying of all footballs!

The three-fin tail provides long distance aerodynamics and finger grips to help you get a sold grasp.

As the ball sails through the air it makes a loud whistling sound! So fun!

Choose from the following teams: Pittsburgh Steelers, Green Bay Packers, New England Patriots, New York Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and Indianapolis Colts.

Price: $14.99

Ages: 5+

Buy NERF NFL Vortex Mega Howler now for $14.99.

NERF Weather Blitz All Conditions Football

Pretty much the only way that I will join in a football catch is if it's a NERF ball. For me, they're just so much easier to grip, and they definitely don't hurt as much if I miss the ball and get bonked on the head. :)

The NERF Weather Blitz All Conditions Football is the perfect solution to those rainy or snowy days when you're out playing ball and it does nothing but slip away!

This ball features NERF brand's advanced foam technology- a weather-resistant super-grip skin and finger grips that increase your throwing control. Now you can play football in just about any weather condition!

Price: $12.99

Ages: 6+

Buy the NERF Weather Blitz All Conditions Football now!

Tasty Treats from Edible Gifts Plus!

Sometimes it's hard to know what kind of gift to send a friend, co-worker, or loved one. You want to send something that he or she will appreciate, but it kind be mindboggling to sift through the thousands of choices online.

Look no further! There are some incredibly tasty (and super affordable!) treats available at Edible Gifts Plus! Pictured to the left are their fortune cookies, which come in all sorts of different themes- you can even have your very own custom message placed inside!

Edible Gifts Plus has yummy concoctions for pretty much any occasion and any person you might be shopping for. Cookies, cakes, chocolate dipped oreos, dipped fruit, Rice Krispie treats, and so much more!

Confession: Edible Gifts Plus sent some of their caramel dipped fortune cookies for Lily Bean's 1st birthday party. They were so good that my guests inhaled them before I even had a chance to try ONE!!!!! I had to hunt down several of the guilty cookie eaters and ask them if they had enjoyed the cookies- a big YES from all involved!

Coffee Bean Direct: Coffee Lover's Basket

If you know me, then you know that I am all about quality coffee. I would definitely classify myself as a coffee aficionado- I enjoy the taste, the smell, the simple pleasure in enjoying a well-brewed cup. I am always up for trying a new brand of coffee, and I am so glad I had the opportunity to try the Colombian blend from Coffee Bean Direct. YUM! It had such a good, smooth flavor- not bitter, just right.

Do you have a coffee lover on your holiday gift list?

If so, consider purchasing the medium Coffee Lover's Basket from Coffee Bean Direct!

This super cute basket includes the following:

• Three 1lb Bags of Fresh Ground Coffee
• A 12oz Package of Chocolate Covered Espresso Beans
• One Package of Cookies
• Six Assorted Biscotti
• Two Coffee Bean Direct Coffee Mugs

For just $49.95, you really can't go wrong with this basket- it's perfect for anyone on your list from friends to co-workers to family!


Visit Coffee Bean Direct today!

Coffee Bean Direct provided me with the product reviewed above free of charge. I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review, besides receiving free product.

EA SPORTS Active for Wii

Oh YEAH! I was so completely PSYCHED when I got the chance to review the new cutting-edge fitness program for the Nintendo Wii.

EA SPORTS Active packs quite a punch into such a small box! Inside you'll find: the game disc, leg band, resistance band, and hand straps.

It was easy enough to set up- basically you use the Wii remote connected to the nunchuck for the majority of the workouts. The nunchuck slides right into the leg band and its sensors collect data on your lower body movement! If you happen to have a Wii balance board, EA SPORTS Active also gives you the opportunity to incorporate it into your workout if you'd like to.
I have to say, I could not believe what a workout this game was! I have heard from others that it is intense- I was seriously sweating in about 6 minutes! Biker Bob & Lily Bean found it pretty entertaining. :p

EA SPORTS Active has so many fun features and activities to explore! After only a few times using it, I had gone for several runs, kickboxed, done squats & bicep curls... plus a whole bunch of other stuff!

One of my favorite features is the 30 Day Challenge. You can actually have this game record and track your progress over 30 days- it offers a custom workout just for you over the duration!

The best part is, I have only just tapped into everything that this game has to offer! "Dancing, inline skating, tennis and volleyball are just a few of the more than 25 exercises and activities that combine fitness and fun in an EA SPORTS Active workout. This is the kind of game that your entire family will enjoy and benefit from!"

I can't WAIT to explore EA SPORTS Active more and continue on with my own 30 day challenge!

Want your own copy of EA SPORTS Active? You can purchase this game at stores all over the place (Walmart, Target, Best Buy, etc.). The average selling price is $59.95. You can save a few dollars by taking advantage of the special promo in the EA STORE- it's on sale for $52.99.

Yep, Lily Bean wanted to give EA SPORTS Active a go as well! I told her that as soon as she starts walking without hanging on to furniture, she's got a deal! :)

EA SPORTS provided me with the product reviewed above free of charge. I was not paid or compensated in any way for this review, besides receiving free product.

Keurig Platinum Gourmet Single Cup Brewing System

The day that these packages arrived at my door, I had a feeling that life as I knew it was about to get exponentially better. I was right.

Allow me to introduce you to the Keurig Platinum Brewing System. This machine revolutionizes the act of making coffee. I never thought that I would get excited to make a cup of coffee or hot chocolate. I thought wrong.

Simply put, the Keurig Platinum Brewer takes the guesswork, measuring, and frustration out of brewing a cup of coffee. It brews one mug (or travel mug) at a time, ensuring that each and every delightful beverage that you make is sheer perfection- the temperature, the strength, the flavor. Coffee is brewed in less than 1 minute from start to finish, so whether you're late for work or about to read the Sunday paper, there is always time to make a fresh cup of coffee.

Carrying around a fussy infant and desperately need a coffee fix? The Keurig is so simple to operate, you can hold the baby in one arm and make a cup of coffee with the other- for real!

Coffee, iced coffee, hot chocolate, hot tea, iced tea, hot water... all are possible in no time flat.

Some of the Keurig's fantastic features include:

• 5 cup sizes (6 oz, 8 oz, 10 oz, 12 oz, and 4 oz for iced beverage)
• Removable 60 oz reservoir
• Fully programmable features
• Blue Backlit Display
• Quiet Brew (TM) Technology
• Award Winning Design

Want to see what I love the most about my Keurig? Watch the video here:


At $169.99, the Keurig Platinum is THE perfect gift, hand's down!