tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-41937999245211295482024-03-13T11:34:05.573-07:00Makes Quads HappyProduct Reviews from a Mom of QuadrupletsThe Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.comBlogger19125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-53604865821610205652010-03-10T08:57:00.001-08:002010-03-10T08:57:12.251-08:00Not A “Moment” Too Soon<p align="left"><script language="javascript" type="text/javascript" src="http://ads.blogherads.com/reviews/sprint3/7.js"></script></p> <p align="left"><font size="1">This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Sprint</font></p> <p><font size="3">I was once under the impression that data phones were for 3 types of people: business leaders, techies, and snobs. Although I would have loved to get my hands on one, I couldn’t justify a data plan + snazzy phone for my SAHM <em>(Stay at Home Mom)</em> status.  Nor did I know that data phones offer so many helpful applications and organizational tools for motherhood.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/S5fPWWgMvtI/AAAAAAAADLM/KgiI2hn08R8/s1600-h/samsungmoment6.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="samsung-moment" border="0" alt="samsung-moment" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/S5fPXB5MG_I/AAAAAAAADLQ/x5tc_sK5IBE/samsungmoment_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="267" height="217" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">Thanks to an opportunity via BlogHer, I’ve been able to try out a <strong>Samsung Moment</strong>.  It’s a touchscreen phone loaded with Google Android applications including Google Talk <em>(instant messenger),</em> Google maps <em>(with navigational capabilities),</em> Gmail, etc. </font></p> <p><font size="3">So how has my Samsung Moment helped me as a mom? </font></p> <p><font size="3">A variety of ways…</font></p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Recipes</strong> in the kitchen without having to print a hard copy or look out of a cookbook</font></p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Pictures</strong> on the go and easy to share.  It takes better pictures than my first point and shoot camera. <em>(3.2 megapixel)</em> </font></p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Calendars</strong> - I’m able to sync my husband and my personal and set up reminders for the event at the interval I choose <em>(1 day before, 15 minutes before, etc.)</em></font></p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Navigationa</strong>l turn by turn directions and maps. <em>(Lifesaver!)</em></font></p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Weather</strong> Forecast/Current Conditions for Any Location </font></p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Bible</strong> – multiple versions, subject look up </font> </p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Toddler Lock</strong></font> – <font size="3">Allows the kids to “play” with the phone without causing any damage, all while they play with shapes/colors/music</font></p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Pandora</strong> – Streaming music based on your own preferences <em>(Because good tunes can make your day.)</em> </font></p> <p><font size="3">~ <strong>Connections</strong> – text messaging with a slide-out Qwerty keyboard, Twitter Applications, Internet, and very clear voice quality <em>(you can’t tell it’s a cell phone)</em></font></p> <p><em><font size="3">And when in a real bind <a href="http://www.murraycrew.blogspot.com/"><u>entertaining the quads</u></a> there’s Mickey Mouse Clubhouse on the SprintTV application.</font></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/S5fPXz1burI/AAAAAAAADLU/Bk_HxcyDSLY/s1600-h/DSC_5792c3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_5792c" border="0" alt="DSC_5792c" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/S5fPYesPvTI/AAAAAAAADLY/CUpov5hQgn8/DSC_5792c_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="332" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/S5fPZKwc_KI/AAAAAAAADLc/aaxqhsWlGxo/s1600-h/DSC_5802c3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_5802c" border="0" alt="DSC_5802c" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/S5fPZzYXuFI/AAAAAAAADLg/U9kihF0Kvmg/DSC_5802c_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="500" height="333" /></a> </p> <p><font size="3">The only real downside to my new Moment? Battery Life. <em>(Which I hear is the downfall of ALL data phones.)</em> I have to charge it everyday or more if I use it continuously. I’ve recently discovered that using wireless over the 3G and a task killer application helps reserve battery life. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Overall, I’m super pleased with the capabilities and connection perks that come with a Smartphone. And it all happened not a “Moment” too soon! </font></p> <p><font size="3">Here’s a MOMENT you don’t want to miss! </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>How would you like a chance to win a <font size="4">$300Visa Gift Card</font>?</strong> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Sure! We all would!</em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Just leave a comment with a way to contact you <em>(email, blog link, twitter handle)</em> answering this question:</strong></font></p> <p><strong><em><font color="#000080" size="4">How would the Sprint Now Network™ help keep you connected and organized?</font></em></strong></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"><u>Official Contest Dates:</u> 3/9/2010-3/31/2010</font></p> <p><font size="3"><b>Please see the official rules here</b>: </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.blogher.com/sprint-4g-reviews-official-rules"><font size="3">http://www.blogher.com/sprint-4g-reviews-official-rules</font></a></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Also, head on over to the </em></font><a href=" http://www.blogher.com/sprint-4g-reviews?Reviewer7" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font size="3"><em>BlogHer.com special offers page</em></font></a><font size="3"><em> to check out 6 more awesome reviews and chances to win!</em> </font><font size="3"> </font></p> <p></p> <p><a href="http://www.blogher.com/sprint-4g-reviews-official-rules"><font size="3"></font></a></p> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-top-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/244/C0A55368203FFF459E0EB46C5135CA3C.png" /></a> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com366tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-44181722797194823872009-10-04T18:22:00.001-07:002009-10-04T18:27:39.916-07:00Is It Any Wonder?<p><font size="3">This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Wonder®</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SslKVJa5X1I/AAAAAAAACto/fkMdXsUpyzg/s1600-h/wonderbread4.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="wonderbread" border="0" alt="wonderbread" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SslKVp5R7mI/AAAAAAAACts/0fVetsTTl8Y/wonderbread_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="144" height="200" /></font></a><font size="3">Kids need calcium, we all know that.  Getting kids to DIGEST the calcium is often the issue.  Thankfully our boys are milk drinkers, but did you know that just two slices of Wonder® Bread have as much calcium as an 8 ounce glass of milk?  Bonus, my boys LOVE their bread!  (Especially if it has peanut butter and jelly between the slices!) </font></p> <p><font size="3">And nothing beats that soft classic taste of Wonder®. Check out the </font><a href="http://www.wonderbread.com/#/products/white_breads/classic_white " rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font size="3">Official Wonder® website</font></a><font size="3"> for more! </font></p> <p><font size="3">Here’s how our family prefers to digest our calcium: </font></p> <p> </p> <p></p> <p></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/7h04OJ8HIbw&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/7h04OJ8HIbw&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> <p><font size="3"><strong><em>Is it any wonder</em></strong> <strong><em>that kids prefer the great taste of Wonder® over the alternatives?</em></strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>You can win a</strong> <strong>$100 Visa gift card and a year’s supply of Wonder bread <em>(that’s 52 coupons for one free loaf of Wonder® Classic White or Wonder® Classic White Sandwich bread)</em> by leaving a comment telling your favorite way to eat your Wonder® bread.</strong>  <em>Do you like it toasted? With BLT in between the slices? French toast, perhaps?</em> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>The contest runs from 10/5/09-11/4/09.</em> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Important: Please Make sure that the email address you leave is correct!</font></p> <p><font size="3" face="Arial">Rules:</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="3" face="Arial">No duplicate comments. </font></li> <li><font size="3" face="Arial">You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments. </font></li> <li><font size="3" face="Arial">You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments. </font></li> <li><font size="3" face="Arial">This giveaway is open to US-residents, aged 18 and over </font></li> <li><font size="3" face="Arial">Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail. </font></li> <li><font size="3" face="Arial">You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. </font></li> <li><font size="3" face="Arial">Please see the official rules here: </font><a href="http://www.blogher.com/wonder-sweepstakes-official-rules " rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font size="3" face="Arial">Official Rules</font></a><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></li> </ul> <strong><font size="3">Be sure to<u> </u></font></strong><a href="http://www.blogher.com/special-offer-wonder-bread?reviewer1" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font color="#000080" size="3"><strong><u>Check out other Wonder® taste-test results - you've got 6 chances to win $100 and a year’s supply of bread.</u></strong></font></a><font color="#800080">  </font>  <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-top-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/244/C0A55368203FFF459E0EB46C5135CA3C.png" /></a> </p> <p> <a href="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/click_nx.ads/blogher.org/wonderbread_review_1/1[randomNo]@x11" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.ads/blogher.org/wonderbread_review_1/1[randomNo]@x11" /> </a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com192tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-7126353095383869222009-09-16T13:24:00.001-07:002009-10-15T21:20:43.810-07:00HomeGoods Has THE Goods<p><em><span style="font-size: 85%"><font size="3">This is a compensated review from BlogHer and HomeGoods</font></span></em></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJLZeYKkI/AAAAAAAACl4/8bjeMCl67Tw/s1600-h/homegoodsicon5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="homegoodsicon" border="0" alt="homegoodsicon" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJL6re3cI/AAAAAAAACl8/zc-LSbpUKr4/homegoodsicon_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="254" height="76" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">I literally jumped around, clapped, and squealed when I found out that I had been chosen to do a review for HomeGoods. And when I found out that I had a $500 gift card to makeover our home, I was stoked! Trust me, $500 goes a LONG LONG way at HomeGoods, because their prices are so affordable! <em>(Think 3 carts completely FULL!)</em> The average price for the items in my cart was $10! However, don’t think that a cheap price equals cheap look and quality. Their products are designer names for 1/3 of the cost! HomeGoods has THE GOODS!</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">You can find accessories and decor for whatever your style might me. The store is filled with Contemporary, Cultural, Country, and Classical inspirations. <em>(Or you can go for a cookie cutter/mixed look, which tends to be my personal style.)</em> </font></span><a href="http://openhouse.homegoods.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">Check out Open House - HomeGoods' blog "for anyone that loves their home"</font></span></a><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"> for ideas and inspiration. </font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">Before my HomeGoods shopping extravaganza, our home was going for the “minimalist” look: our walls were bare, end tables with nothing on them, lots of empty space, and lots of improvising. For example, we were using a hamper as a end table in our bedroom. With some TLC from HomeGoods, our house has went through quite a transformation. I’m in love with every purchase and the new look for our home. </font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJMPkcy5I/AAAAAAAACmA/w5Mq4c59CLQ/s1600-h/sunny1.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="sunny" border="0" alt="sunny" align="left" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJMpWQ5NI/AAAAAAAACmE/ng1Nkv5HmZs/sunny_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="101" height="101" /></font></a><strong><font size="3">Sunshine for HomeGoods:</font></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><font size="3"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 100%">~Price/Affordability</span> </font></li> <li><font size="3"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 100%">~Unique Selections</span> </font></li> <li><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 100%">~Quality of Items</span> </font></li> <li><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 100%">~Wide Variety from Kitchen to Furniture to Home Decor</span> </font></li> </ul> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"></font></span></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJM2Uf0uI/AAAAAAAACmI/ck18DFh7Y-0/s1600-h/partly_cloudy1.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; border-left-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" title="partly_cloudy" border="0" alt="partly_cloudy" align="left" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJNf5ac-I/AAAAAAAACmM/eoqI7cFuNl8/partly_cloudy_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="101" height="101" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"><strong>Partly Cloudy for HomeGoods:</strong> </font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">~Aisles Difficult to Maneuver with Shopping Cart</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><em><font size="3"></font></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><em><font size="3"></font></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"></font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"></font></span></p> <p><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong><span style="font-size: 100%">Enough words, the proof is in the pictures!</span></strong></span> </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <table style="width: auto"><tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/-qqgWhfgDw1e27kyDC8iuA?feat=embedwebsite"><font size="3"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nhJKWmpqlkQ/SqRqireMh5I/AAAAAAAAG6E/y6-4HWITQ7g/s400/None.jpg" width="500" height="340" /></font></a></td> </tr> <tr><font size="3"></font></tr> </tbody></table> <table style="width: auto"><tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/tFFoFWCAp6rCcVnnmPW9gw?feat=embedwebsite"><font size="3"><img src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_nhJKWmpqlkQ/SqRqjiMWdRI/AAAAAAAAG6k/QiyawEiZtk8/s400/None.jpg" width="500" height="340" /></font></a></td> </tr> <tr><font size="3"></font></tr> </tbody></table> <table style="width: auto"><tbody> <tr> <td><a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/sSBfoMmmY0LlvcyLzdh24A?feat=embedwebsite"><font size="3"><img src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_nhJKWmpqlkQ/SqRqqaAFtxI/AAAAAAAAG60/0cksdHc9GMQ/s400/None.jpg" /></font></a></td> </tr> </tbody></table> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJN3p2l2I/AAAAAAAACmQ/dR7pDTuog_o/s1600-h/DSC_3587c5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_3587c" border="0" alt="DSC_3587c" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJOtzwCqI/AAAAAAAACmU/om_2_M8PGyE/DSC_3587c_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337" /></font></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><em><font size="3">Rocking Chairs $39.99</font></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJPVMVjhI/AAAAAAAACmY/7qNyk2J3j7M/s1600-h/DSC_3574c2.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_3574c" border="0" alt="DSC_3574c" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJP0oL3BI/AAAAAAAACmc/sHp7M0Mm_6I/DSC_3574c_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="336" /></font></a></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><em><font size="3">Frame $12.99</font></em></span></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJQZ3IciI/AAAAAAAACmg/tVfUfBOIk0I/s1600-h/DSC_3549c2.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_3549c" border="0" alt="DSC_3549c" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJRDccmmI/AAAAAAAACmk/iIUxnTu3Svo/DSC_3549c_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"><em>Table Runner $12.99, “Because Two People Fell in Love” $3.99, Dinnerware $12.99, Kitchen Aid Pan $16.99</em> </font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong><font size="3">More Accessories/Wall Hangings:</font></strong></span></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJR2l-eWI/AAAAAAAACmo/3S0ZHSC90DU/s1600-h/CIMG2477c7.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="CIMG2477c" border="0" alt="CIMG2477c" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJSRV7ZQI/AAAAAAAACms/JZha0OfU7dU/CIMG2477c_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="190" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJS1IY04I/AAAAAAAACmw/jA3Yr7sD32o/s1600-h/CIMG2484c6.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="CIMG2484c" border="0" alt="CIMG2484c" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJTTwlsnI/AAAAAAAACm0/lnebOGUtbBs/CIMG2484c_thumb4.jpg?imgmax=800" width="264" height="190" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJTx6K2wI/AAAAAAAACm4/0VNGrsGgVRI/s1600-h/DSC_3563c2.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_3563c" border="0" alt="DSC_3563c" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJUQtdjMI/AAAAAAAACm8/8Dj-iSmGtOk/DSC_3563c_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="337" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJU6vs40I/AAAAAAAACnA/8yJ8s1iZmxQ/s1600-h/DSC_3534c5.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_3534c" border="0" alt="DSC_3534c" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJVNOFtyI/AAAAAAAACnE/kk2JbNPPZso/DSC_3534c_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="225" height="336" /></font></a><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJWBbjrEI/AAAAAAAACnI/cc3P0nvlnxw/s1600-h/DSC_3565c2.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="DSC_3565c" border="0" alt="DSC_3565c" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJWodFPPI/AAAAAAAACnM/eJvjgo3SJj8/DSC_3565c_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="337" /></font></a></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">And here’s our biggest HomeGoods transformation, our Home Office:</font></span></p> <object width="500" height="375"><param name="allowfullscreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><param name="movie" value="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6494512&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1"><embed src="http://vimeo.com/moogaloop.swf?clip_id=6494512&server=vimeo.com&show_title=0&show_byline=0&show_portrait=0&color=00ADEF&fullscreen=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowfullscreen="true" allowscriptaccess="always" width="500" height="375"></embed></object> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"></font></span></p> <p><font size="3"><span style="font-size: 100%">A</span><span style="font-size: 100%">nd now to the<strong> BEST</strong> part! HomeGoods and BlogHer are giving <strong>YOU</strong> the opportunity to win a $100 gift card to HomeGoods! </span></font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong><font size="3">To enter take the </font></strong></span><a href="http://www.homegoods.com/stylescope" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong><font size="3">StyleScope Quiz</font></strong></span></a><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"><strong> and tell me what your style is in the comments below or you may leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below.</strong> </font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">It’s a fun quiz and it’s really insightful. Here’s my personal results: <em>(They NAILED it!)</em></font></span></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJXEcxTNI/AAAAAAAACnQ/hT5_JCHaCmU/s1600-h/homegoodsresults4.jpg"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" title="homegoods results" border="0" alt="homegoods results" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SrFJXparIrI/AAAAAAAACnU/w5QLy0XxIUg/homegoodsresults_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="550" height="262" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"><strong>The contest will begin at September 14th and will end October 14th</strong>.</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"><em>(<strong>Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.)</strong></em> </font></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">Rules:</font></span></strong></p> <ul> <li><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">No duplicate comments. </font></span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments. </font></span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments. </font></span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">This giveaway is open to US residents, aged 18 and over </font></span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">Winners will be selected via </font></span><a href="http://www.random.org/integers/"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">random draw</font></span></a><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">, and will notified by e-mail. </font></span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected. </font></span></li> <li><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">Please see the official rules </font></span><a href="http://www.blogher.com/homegoods-reviews-and-sweepstakes?reviewer4"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">here</font></span></a><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">. </font></span></li> </ul> <p><a href="http://www.blogher.com/homegoods-reviews-and-sweepstakes?reviewer4" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em><font size="3">Check out what the rest of the BlogHer Reviewers found at HomeGoods - you've got 8 chances to win a $100 HomeGoods gift card.</font></em></span></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3">A heartfelt thank you to the wonderful people at BlogHer and HomeGoods for this wonderful opportunity! </font></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><font size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px !important; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-top-width: 0px !important; border-bottom-width: 0px !important; border-left-width: 0px !important" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54487/244/C0A55368203FFF459E0EB46C5135CA3C.png" /></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><span style="font-family: t; font-size: 100%"><em><font size="3">Don’t forget you can find more on those “priceless quadruplets” over at </font></em></span><a href="http://www.4tunate.net/"><span style="font-family: t; font-size: 100%"><em><strong><u><font size="3">www.4tunate.net</font></u></strong></em></span></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><a href="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/click_nx.ads/blogher.org/tjx_review_4/1[randomNo]@x11" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.ads/blogher.org/tjx_review_4/1[randomNo]@x11" /> </a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com459tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-58200517478193151332009-07-25T20:45:00.001-07:002009-07-25T20:46:59.477-07:00Making Water My BFF Again W2D5<p><font size="3"><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmvRQvu0UyI/AAAAAAAACWM/cZo8EfIeZCA/s1600-h/crystal%20light%20pitcher%5B10%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="crystal light pitcher" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmvRQ4pIcyI/AAAAAAAACWQ/-eXPdN-wstQ/crystal%20light%20pitcher_thumb%5B8%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="150" height="156" /></a></font> Today I'm wrapping up my postings for the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/91593/?CL8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crystal Light Water Way Challenge</a>, but I believe "<em>this is the start of a beautiful <strong>re-friendship</strong></em>".</font></p> <p><font size="3">Here's my re-cap on this journey, the sunshine and clouds: </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong><font size="3"><strong><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="sunny" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmvRRI2ujFI/AAAAAAAACWU/WiTZGu1veAM/sunny%5B7%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="63" height="63" /></strong></font> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Makes Mama Happy:</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3">~On the Go Packets <em>(convenient, easy to transport, quick to make)</em></font></p> <p><font size="3">                ~Variety of Flavors </font></p> <p><font size="3">                ~Value (<em>especially by using 1/2 the packet)</em></font></p> <p><font size="3">                ~Overall Taste</font></p> <p><font size="3">                ~Health Benefits <em>(hydration, skin, hair, etc.)</em> </font></p> <p><strong><strong><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmvRRXPK5VI/AAAAAAAACWY/VovaIJ91c40/s1600-h/stormy%5B12%5D.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="stormy" align="left" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmvRRjwQFNI/AAAAAAAACWc/VqsFr5ZmZTU/stormy_thumb%5B10%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="86" height="86" /></a></font></strong></strong></strong><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Makes Mama Not So Happy:</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3">~The Red Food Dye <em>(It stains; it leaves your teeth filmy; it isn't necessary for flavor)</em>  </font></p> <p><font size="3">                     ~Some of the flavors are too sweet and bold for my liking </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">Overall, Crystal Light is something that has helped me get back to BFF status with Water, and I feel good making a healthy, delicious change! This is not the end, fellow water swiggers!  Keep on refilling those water bottles and encouraging one another! Let's keep Water our BF <strong>FOREVER</strong>!  </font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-61607074159643750862009-07-23T21:11:00.001-07:002009-07-23T21:11:37.458-07:00Making Water My BFF Again W2D4<p><font size="3">Making Water more appealing is a great motivator for increasing my intake.  I think that's the great advantage to Crystal Light.  It switches up things a bit;  Adds flavor and a little tang to the same-old same-old without adding the calories. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Some other ways I like to kick my water up a notch:</em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>~Adding Fresh Fruit: Lemons, Oranges, Lime</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>~Drinking it Slushy</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>~Mixing Crystal Light Flavors to Try Even More Combinations</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>~Changing My Water Bottle Design</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3">The BlogHer Conference begins tomorrow.... I hope there are plenty of bathroom stalls to keep up with my water bingeing!</font></p> <p></p> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-23346202544571208192009-07-22T20:15:00.001-07:002009-07-22T20:15:35.918-07:00Making Water My BFF Again W2D3<p><font size="3">There's nothing better on a hot day than an iced beverage to quench your thirst. </font></p> <p><font size="3">Here's my favorite way to drink a Crystal Light beverage: <strong>SLUSHY!!!!</strong>  </font></p> <p><font size="3">If you mix your Crystal Light On the Go Packet into your water bottle and place it in the freezer for around 30 minutes, you get a 1/2 frozen treat!  I'm sure you could make some sort of similar frozen drink in your blender, but this is mess-free easiness!  </font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>You really should try it sometime</em>....<strong>Like NOW! </strong> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Has anyone tried the Crystal Light Popsicles?  I'm guessing they might taste just as delicious!</font>  </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmfVy7h5x-I/AAAAAAAACWA/AlEZ-5ai3fE/s1600-h/4181crystallightfrozenpops2%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" border="0" alt="4181crystallightfrozenpops2" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmfV1e7QD_I/AAAAAAAACWE/KvxqvMKxg2A/4181crystallightfrozenpops2_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="184" height="136" /></a> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-3791671808533519962009-07-21T17:42:00.001-07:002009-07-21T17:42:45.831-07:00Making Water My BFF Again W2D2<p><font size="3"><strong>How does stress affect your overall daily health?</strong>  </font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Do you find your indulging in unhealthy snacks?  </em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Chocolate, perhaps?</em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Carbonated beverages? </em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Getting less sleep? </em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Not making time to work out?</em>  </font></p> <p><font size="3">This week I've been frantically packing <a href="http://murraycrew.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-taking-my-quadruplets-to-blogher.html">for our trip to BlogHer '09</a>, and it's been a greater challenge to meet my goals.  I've drank less water <em>(even though I'm super thirsty)</em> and I haven't worked out yet this week.  Urgh!  </font></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmZggpIr5JI/AAAAAAAACVs/mK2L0uOXCqI/s1600-h/blogherbutton%5B3%5D.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><a href="http://murraycrew.blogspot.com/2009/07/i-taking-my-quadruplets-to-blogher.html"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" border="0" alt="blogherbutton" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmZghR-mWSI/AAAAAAAACVw/27QjQE9P5E0/blogherbutton%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="154" height="154" /></a></font></a><font size="3"> </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>I better get to chuggin' if I want Water to be my BFF by the end of the week!</strong></font>   </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-91243544240604159342009-07-20T19:30:00.001-07:002009-07-20T19:30:21.535-07:00Making Water My BFF Again W2D1<p><font size="3">Week #2 of the <a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/91593/?CL8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crystal Light Water Way Challenge</a> has commenced!  </font></p> <p><font size="3">Let's recap <a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w1d1.html">last week's goals</a>: </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>*Drink 6-8 glasses of Water/Crystal Light Beverage daily</strong></font></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>*Work out 3x a week</strong></font></p> <p><strong></strong></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>*Drink no more than 2 carbonated/caffeinated beverages per week</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>With the ultimate goal, of making Water my BFF Again!</em> </font></p> <p><font size="3">I'm happy to report that I came very close to attaining my goals for the week. I might have fallen short on my water intake one or two days, but I most definitely increased my overall water intake. When I craved a brown fizzy beverage, I substituted it for a Crystal Light fruity beverage, and it really has been a delicious change.</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmUoOqa4R3I/AAAAAAAACVY/MaASH_NgWrA/s1600-h/crystallight2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="crystal light" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmUoOzaooZI/AAAAAAAACVc/oNnzPzcI0kQ/crystallight_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="154" /></a> </p> <p><font size="3">I'm really craving water more, and it's become less of an effort to meet my 6 glass minimum.  For this week, I'm planning on continuing my Week 1 goals, but bumping my intake up to the 8 glasses a day, instead of the 6 minimum. </font></p> <p><font size="3"><em><strong>How are you doing on your individual health goals?  What tweaks are you making to your goals?  </strong></em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em><strong>I look forward to hearing about your progress!</strong></em> </font></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-59599794372908949312009-07-17T21:14:00.001-07:002009-07-17T21:14:59.646-07:00Making Water My BFF Again W1D5<p><font size="3">Variety is the spice of life, when it comes to Crystal Light Flavors. A week has passed on my <a href="http://deliciouschange.glam.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Crystal Light Water Way Challenge</a>, and I haven't even come close to exhausting my options!</font>   </p> <p><font size="3">This isn't your mama's Crystal Light Lemonade.  We're talking thirst quenching fun fruit flavors and teas. </font></p> <p><font size="3">So far these varieties have made it in my top 3: </font></p> <blockquote> <p><font size="3">Wild Strawberry         Pomegranate Lemonade             Fruit Punch</font></p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmFMDrLxrTI/AAAAAAAACU8/CxFLsIkCsaI/s1600-h/crystllightws3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="crystl light ws" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmFMELQb45I/AAAAAAAACVA/7a0DA76VdXA/crystllightws_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="164" /></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmFMFIEV85I/AAAAAAAACVE/yGWUQ_XKtNs/s1600-h/crystallightpl7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="crystal light pl" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmFMG5tAYRI/AAAAAAAACVI/zOk5_qvqhZ4/crystallightpl_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="164" /></a> <font size="3"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmFMKv8likI/AAAAAAAACVM/vxnyCCiBWNo/s1600-h/crystallightfp2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="crystal light fp" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SmFMPMSIHuI/AAAAAAAACVQ/YpKLGFaNV6g/crystallightfp_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="164" /></a></font></p> <p><font size="3">I'm a BIG fan of the On The Go Packets, because...Well, it's summer and I'm ON THE GO with these <a href="http://www.murraycrew.blogspot.com/"><strong><u>four little rascals</u></strong></a>! </font></p> <p><font size="3">The Wild Strawberry has an energy boost <em>(aka Caffeine)</em> and a boost of flavor to go with...</font></p> <p><font size="3">The Pomegranate Lemonade <em>(my all time favorite so far)</em> is refreshing and nourishes the skin with vitamins, minerals, and lutein...</font></p> <p><font size="3">And Fruit Punch has a sweet classic flavor; introduced to me by <a href="http://reviewsbysuz.blogspot.com/"><strong>Suz</strong></a> on our <a href="http://murraycrew.blogspot.com/2009/06/quad-couples-reunion-chicago.html"><u><strong>Chicago trip</strong></u></a>.  I've been addicted ever since!  </font></p> <p><font size="3">This weekend I'm planning on taking the ice teas for a sip. =) </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong><em>What are YOUR Favorite Flavors?</em></strong> </font></p> <p></p> <a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-37385856701292441302009-07-16T19:28:00.001-07:002009-07-16T19:28:01.745-07:00Making Water My BFF Again W1D4<p><em>(This is a Compensated Review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge.)</em></p> <p><font size="3"><em><strong>Self-control. </strong></em></font><font size="3"><em><strong>Will power. </strong></em></font><font size="3"><em><strong>Discipline. </strong></em></font><font size="3"><em><strong>Constraint.</strong></em></font></p> <p><font size="3"><em><strong>Strength. </strong></em></font><font size="3"><em><strong>Abstinence. </strong></em></font><font size="3"><em><strong>Self-denial.</strong></em></font> </p> <p>______________________</p> <p><font size="3">That's what it took when I was faced with this lovely aisle in the grocery store last night:</font></p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl_hrfg4GpI/AAAAAAAACUs/inBC7f_ABDU/s1600-h/popaisletxt3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="popaisletxt" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl_hsHSLKSI/AAAAAAAACUw/YT5bFd6i0o4/popaisletxt_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="504" height="379" /></a> </p> <p><font size="3"><em>It was hard to leave you behind, Sweet Cherry. How I longed to have you weighing down my cart and awkwardly hoisting you up for the grocery check out clerk to scan, but it's meant to be.  You belong on the shelf. And I belong with H2O. I'm moving on...</em></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-23786872636646670962009-07-15T18:52:00.001-07:002009-07-15T18:52:44.296-07:00Making Water My BFF Again W1D3<p><font size="3"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl6H51GUfEI/AAAAAAAACUE/Kfn60l8yHlE/s1600-h/Crsytallite_box3.jpg"><font size="3"></font></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl6H51GUfEI/AAAAAAAACUE/Kfn60l8yHlE/s1600-h/Crsytallite_box3.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Crsytallite_box" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl6H6kOeX9I/AAAAAAAACUM/UaHz_Gr08Vo/Crsytallite_box_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="244" /></a></a></a>If you follow our blog, </font><a href="http://murraycrew.blogspot.com/"><strong><u><font size="3">4tunate</font></u></strong></a><font size="3">, you know that I'm all about getting more bang for your buck!  So how do I make Crystal Light On the Go packets stretch further?  I use 1/2 a packet per water bottle. </font><font size="3"></font></p> <p><font size="3">In my opinion, it's a more refreshing, lighter flavor for 1/2 the price.  I noticed today that this option is even suggested on the directions.  <em>Guess I wasn't the first one to come up with the idea!</em>  </font></p> <p><font size="3">So far, I'm achieving the <a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w1d1.html"><u>goals I've set</u></a> for this challenge.  Three days in and I'm making a conscious effort to drink more water, and I think I even tell a difference in my energy level from staying better hydrated.</font><font size="3">  </font></p> <p><font size="3">It's not too late to join us in making a deliciously healthy change this week!  There's strength in numbers!  <strong><em>Won't you join over 50 of us in at the </em></strong><a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/91593/?CL8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><u><strong><em>Crystal Light Water Way Challenge Group</em></strong></u></a><em><strong> over at BlogHer?</strong> </em></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a> </p> <p><font size="3"> </font></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-68561632227037839002009-07-14T18:52:00.001-07:002009-07-14T18:52:53.635-07:00Making Water My BFF Again: W1D2<p><em>(This is a Compensated Review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge.)</em></p> <p><font size="3">Water Bottles. </font></p> <p><font size="3">They come in an array of shapes, sizes, materials, colors, and lid variations.  </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl02cNeRyvI/AAAAAAAACTg/9w-pn1tKZm4/s1600-h/kirklandbottledwater4.jpg"><font color="#333333" size="3"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="kirkland-bottled-water" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl02choPCFI/AAAAAAAACTk/E4uaGAC0588/kirklandbottledwater_thumb2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="124" height="185" /></font></a><font size="3">When I'm drinking just plain ole water, I'm partial to a disposable ice cold water bottle.  Most often Kirkland's brand.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">But when I'm adding a flavor, such as Crystal Light  Pomegranate Lemonade, I prefer <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl02c2zRulI/AAAAAAAACTo/SDWJQIy7QkE/s1600-h/DSC_2729c%5B2%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_2729c" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl02dInI13I/AAAAAAAACTs/Poki-znlbzg/DSC_2729c_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="164" height="244" /></a>my stainless steal water bottle with tap water. I like it because it keeps my H2O cold for an extended time, and it's reusable. Plus, it's cute and screams <strong>"DRINK ME!" "DRINK ME!", </strong>which is just what I need in my quest to become BFFs with my favorite liquid again!</font> </p> <p><strong><font size="3"><em>What happens to be your hydration weapon of choice?</em></font></strong> </p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-32716591131292840502009-07-13T19:10:00.001-07:002009-07-13T19:10:41.227-07:00Making Water My BFF Again: W1D1<p><em>(This is a Compensated Review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge.)</em></p> <p><font size="3">A challenge isn't a real challenge without goals.  Not sure about you, but I often make unrealistic goals for myself that lead to failure. For instance: </font></p> <p><em><font size="2">I will work out every day this week. </font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2">I will answer every email in my inbox today. </font></em></p> <p><font size="3"><font size="2"><em>I will clean my oven, fridge, and cabinets during nap time</em>.</font>  </font></p> <p><font size="3"><font size="2"><em>I will never drink a Cherry Coke again.</em></font> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Yep, I'm a glutton for punishment.  </font></p> <p><font size="3">In an effort to make these next two weeks into a lasting healthy change, I want to make REALISTIC goals that motivate, rather than overwhelm.</font>  </p> <p><font size="3">Here's what I've come up with so far: <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SlvpD6Q1XWI/AAAAAAAACTY/NKkwDv2Mgvc/s1600-h/waterbottles7.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="waterbottles" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SlvpFUHm8vI/AAAAAAAACTc/JtavkKTa6DY/waterbottles_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="180" height="234" /></a></font></p> <p><font color="#ff8000" size="3"><strong>* I will drink 6-8 glasses of water or Crystal light beverage each day.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff8000"></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#ff8000" size="3"></font></strong></p> <p><font color="#ff8000" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff8000" size="3"><strong>* I will only allow a carbonated beverage as a "treat", no more than 2x a week.</strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff8000"></font></p> <p><strong><font color="#ff8000" size="3"></font></strong></p> <p><font color="#ff8000" size="3"><strong></strong></font></p> <p><font color="#ff8000" size="3"><strong>* I will </strong></font><font size="3"><strong><font color="#ff8000">work out 3x a week.</font></strong> </font></p> <p></p> <p><font size="3">Seems attainable...Now on to divide and conquer!!!!!</font>  </p> <p><font size="3"><em>What are some of your own goals for healthier living?  How do you make sure you set attainable goals?  How do you hold yourself accountable on a daily basis?</em>  </font></p> <p><font size="3"><strong>Leave me a comment here or join us for this discussion over at the </strong><a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/91593/?CL8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong>BlogHer Crystal Light Water Way Challenge Group</strong></a><strong>!</strong></font></p> <p><font size="3"></font></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-51038156487829475082009-07-12T17:36:00.001-07:002009-07-25T20:53:39.935-07:00Making Water My BFF Again<p><em>(This is a Compensated Review from BlogHer and Crystal Light Water Way Challenge.)<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SlqBoYCVCaI/AAAAAAAACTE/L5BcYHcrmSg/s1600-h/sonic4.png"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="sonic" align="right" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SlqBpAHd27I/AAAAAAAACTI/GqEMfjb1V0c/sonic_thumb4.png?imgmax=800" width="151" height="195" /></a></em></p> <p><b><font size="2">Water and Jen go waaaaaay back.  Like all the way back to High School when I realized I was highly addicted to Mountain Dew and quit caffeine cold turkey.  We've got history.  While everyone around me sipped on their sodas and javas, I guzzled my H2O. Needless to say, giving up caffeine for the duration of the  </font><a href="http://murraycrew.blogspot.com/search/label/pregnancy"><font size="2">pregnancy</font></a><font size="2"> wasn't a huge sacrifice.  However, I developed a serious craving for a Cherry Coke, <em>specifically a fountain Cherry Coke with little cublets of ice. </em>  </font></b></p> <p><b><font size="2">Unfortunately, this craving continued well past delivery, and since I've fallen back into the "Carbonated Caffeinated Consumers of America Club".  </font></b></p> <p><strong><font size="2"><em>Hi.  My name is Jen. I'm a wasted calorie liquid drinker.</em> </font></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><font size="2"><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SlqBpyaIZeI/AAAAAAAACTM/r1w3vWKkKAg/s1600-h/crystallight2.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="crystal light" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SlqBqC7Z9OI/AAAAAAAACTQ/GIExi_DIg30/crystallight_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="244" height="154" /></a> </font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="2">So when I heard that Crystal Light was challenging some bloggers to make a delicious change, I signed my name on the dotted line!  A challenge is just what I needed to get my BFF status back with my H2O. I'm sure my body will thank me for it in the next few weeks.  Besides, hydration is a must for keeping up with </font><font size="2"><a href="http://murraycrew.blogspot.com/">these 4 little two year olds</a> this summer! </font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="2">So check back here each day for the next two weeks as I take part in the Crystal Light Water Way Challenge.  I'd LOVE to have some of YOU join me over at </font><font size="2">BlogHer's Water Way Challenge</font> <font size="2"> Group. </font><font size="2">We can share ideas and encourage one another in making this healthy change! Just follow this </font></strong><a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/91593/?CL8" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font size="2"><strong>Link to the sponsor</strong></font></a><font size="2"><strong>. </strong></font></p> <p><font size="2"><strong>Also, you can take a <a href="http://deliciouschange.glam.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Water Assessment</a> and get your own widget by registering at the Water Way Challenge Site and see how you measure up! </strong></font></p> <p><embed height="309" name="waterwidget" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" align="middle" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" width="338" src="http://deliciouschange.glam.com/wp-content/themes/deliciouschange/images/waterway/waterwidget 12april09 _installation.swf" quality="high" flashvars="&callpath=http://deliciouschange.glam.com/waterwaypull//?a=a&savepath=http://deliciouschange.glam.com/waterwaysave//?a=a&u=7048" bgcolor="#ffffff" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="false" wmode="transparent" /></p> <p><font size="2"><strong>For more information see the </strong></font><a href=" http://brands.kraftfoods.com/CrystalLight/home1.htm" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font size="2"><strong>Crystal Light Official Site.</strong></font></a><font size="2"><strong> </strong></font></p> <p><font size="2"><strong><font size="3"><em>Goodbye, Cola.  Hello, Crystal.</em></font></strong> </font></p> <p><font size="2">---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</font></p> <p><strong><font size="3">Recaps:</font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w1d1.html"><u>Day 1 Week 1</u></a>          <a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w2d1.html"><u>Day 1 Week 2</u></a></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w1d2.html"><u>Day 2 Week 1</u></a>          <a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w2d2.html"><u>Day 2 Week 2</u></a></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w1d3.html"><u>Day 3 Week 1</u></a>          <a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w2d3.html"><u>Day 3 Week 2</u></a></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w1d4.html"><u>Day 4 Week 1</u></a>          <a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w2d4.html"><u>Day 4 Week 2</u></a></font></strong></p> <p><strong><font size="3"><a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w1d5.html"><u>Day 5 Week 1</u></a>          <a href="http://makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/2009/07/making-water-my-bff-again-w2d5.html"><u>Day 5 Week 2</u></a></font></strong></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a></p> <p><a href="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/click_nx.ads/blogher.org/crystallight_review_8/1[randomNo]@x11" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.ads/blogher.org/crystallight_review_8/1[randomNo]@x11" /> </a></p> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"> </a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-19762247083800740082009-06-14T18:45:00.001-07:002009-07-16T12:22:35.479-07:00Because It's the "Smart" Thing to Do...<p>____________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl998PbrU1I/AAAAAAAACUQ/Ih3QyA4QIcs/s1600-h/smartfoodrandom%5B3%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" border="0" alt="smartfoodrandom" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sl998huQhsI/AAAAAAAACUU/EX4ESQSmvBE/smartfoodrandom_thumb%5B1%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="304" height="223" /></a> </p> <p><font size="3">Congratulations, Nelsby!  You were comment #310, which makes you a winner!  </font></p> <p><font size="3">The contest is now closed, but stay tuned for more <a href="http://www.makesquadshappy.blogspot.com/"><u>great reviews/giveaways</u></a>!</font> </p> <p>_______________________________________________________________________________________________</p> <p> </p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWnrWLKrSI/AAAAAAAACO0/HvA24QefwHs/s1600-h/DSC_2390ccopy8.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_2390c copy" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWnr7PO12I/AAAAAAAACO4/Ux5rsRBvxhI/DSC_2390ccopy_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="238" /></a></p> <p><font size="2"><em>This is a compensated review from BlogHer and SmartFood.</em></font></p> <p> <font size="3">Have you tried the new SmartFood delightful snacks yet?  They are simply scrumptious...and you want to know the best part?  They are delicious AND healthy.  How many times do those two words actually fit in the same sentence? SmartFood is the snack for women who want to indulge without feeling guilty. We've got enough guilt to deal with on a daily basis without adding food into the mix, <em>right ladies?</em> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Now before you write me off for calling Cranberry Almond, Honey Multigrain, and Chocolate Cookie Carmel Pecan popcorn clusters "healthy", let's look at the nutritional facts together.  <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWnsd6jsfI/AAAAAAAACO8/ajMTRV-IfpQ/s1600-h/smartfoodnutritionallabel5.gif"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="smartfood nutritional label" align="right" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWnstXWi-I/AAAAAAAACPA/MczYjX1fsPw/smartfoodnutritionallabel_thumb3.gif?imgmax=800" width="379" height="463" /></a> </font></p> <p><font size="3">Here's the label from my personal favorite, Cookie Caramel Pecan:</font> </p> <p><font size="3">* 2g of fat</font></p> <p><font size="3">* 120 calories</font></p> <p><font size="3">* 5 grams of fiber (21%)</font></p> <p><font size="3">* 200mg of calcium (20%)</font></p> <p><font size="3">* No MSG</font></p> <p><font size="3">All in one whole package!</font></p> <p><font size="3">Fiber and calcium something we chicks can't get enough of!    </font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>Who knew nutrition could taste like caramel corn with chocolate?</em>  </font></p> <p><font size="3">SmartFood is the perfect hold-me-over for any woman.  Working, Student, Mom, or Retired, we're all on the go.  SmartFood grab and go packets make a having a sensible snack an easy option for once! </font></p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntYen3AI/AAAAAAAACUg/ubvrO4P7PoU/s1600-h/DSC_2371c10.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntkMTuRI/AAAAAAAACPI/loGbSimpM3s/s1600-h/smartfoodavitar3.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntYen3AI/AAAAAAAACUg/ubvrO4P7PoU/s1600-h/DSC_2371c10.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntkMTuRI/AAAAAAAACPI/loGbSimpM3s/s1600-h/smartfoodavitar3.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntYen3AI/AAAAAAAACUg/ubvrO4P7PoU/s1600-h/DSC_2371c10.jpg"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_2371c" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWnus-3YyI/AAAAAAAACPY/BmFBUnD5JzY/DSC_2371c_thumb5.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="239" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntYen3AI/AAAAAAAACUg/ubvrO4P7PoU/s1600-h/DSC_2371c10.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntkMTuRI/AAAAAAAACPI/loGbSimpM3s/s1600-h/smartfoodavitar3.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntYen3AI/AAAAAAAACUg/ubvrO4P7PoU/s1600-h/DSC_2371c10.jpg"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWntYen3AI/AAAAAAAACUg/ubvrO4P7PoU/s1600-h/DSC_2371c10.jpg"></a></a></a></a></a></a></p> <p><font size="3">"Girls Night In" may never be the same again! </font></p> <a href=" http://awomansworld.com/" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font size="3">Check out the Women's World Website for more information on SmartFood and other great snacks.</font></a> <p> <font size="3">The brilliant people from <a href="<a href=" rel="nofollow" target="_blank" http:="http:" awomansworld.com="awomansworld.com" ?="?"><font color="#333333">SmartFood</font></a> want to give you a <strong>$100 dollar Visa Gift Card</strong>, which you can win by simply leaving a comment answering, <strong><em>"How do you celebrate Girls Night In?"</em></strong> or leave me a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. </font><font size="3">The contest will begin at 9:00 a.m. (PST) June 15 and will end 5:00 p.m. (PST) July 15, 2009.  </font></p> <p><font size="3"><em>*Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.</em></font>  </p> <p><font size="3">Rules:</font></p> <ul> <li><font size="3"><strong>No duplicate comments.</strong></font> </li> <li><font size="3"><strong>You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.</strong></font> </li> <li><font size="3"><strong>You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.</strong></font> </li> <li><font size="3"><strong>This giveaway is open to US residents, 18 years of age or older</strong></font> </li> <li><font size="3"><strong>Winners will be selected via </strong><a href="http://www.random.org/integers/"><strong>random draw</strong></a><strong>, and will notified by e-mail.</strong></font> </li> <li><font size="3"><strong>You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.</strong></font> </li> <li><font size="3"><strong>Please see the official rules here: </strong></font><a href=" http://www.blogher.com/smartfood-official-rules" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font size="3"><strong>Official Rules</strong></font></a> </li> </ul> <a href="http://www.blogher.com/special-offer-smartfood?SmartFood3" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><font size="3"><strong>Visit the BlogHer Special offers page for 7 more chances to win!</strong></font></a> <p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a></p> <p><font size="3" face="Verdana"><strong><em>(You can follow Jen and her Quadruplet Boys on her main blog, </em><a href="http://murraycrew.blogspot.com/"><em>4tunate</em></a><em>: </em></strong></font><font size="3" face="Verdana"><strong><em><a href="http://www.murraycrew.blogspot.com">www.murraycrew.blogspot.com</a>)</em></strong></font></p> <p> <a href="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/click_nx.ads/blogher.org/Smartfood_review_3/1[randomNo]@x11" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.ads/blogher.org/Smartfood_review_3/1[randomNo]@x11" /> </a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com315tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-41957432697498575592009-05-10T11:49:00.001-07:002009-06-14T19:23:42.789-07:00Father's Day Shopping in a SNAP!<p><font size="2" face="Arial"><em>Step Right Up, Step Right Up!  We've got ourselves a winner!  </em></font></p> <p><em><font size="2" face="Arial">I PROMISE TO GOODNESS THIS IS NOT RIGGED, but Mr. Random Integer Generator selected commenter #6, a fellow Quad Mama, <a href="http://cochranquads.blogspot.com/">Sanda Cochran</a>!</font></em></p> <p></p> <dt> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWwq1GMAFI/AAAAAAAACPc/ibJHs_hfY7Q/s1600-h/random%236%5B6%5D.jpg"><img style="border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px" border="0" alt="random#6" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SjWwrQj4lnI/AAAAAAAACPg/OXVQ7OeBYsc/random%236_thumb%5B4%5D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="379" height="270" /></a> </p> </dt> <p><em><font size="2" face="Arial"></font></em></p> <p><em><font size="2" face="Arial"> Check your email and contact me as soon as possible for your <strong>$50 Snapfish Gift Card!</strong> </font></em></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><em>--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</em></font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><em><strong>COMMENTS CLOSED</strong></em></font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><em>-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------</em></font></p> <p><font size="2" face="Arial"><em>This is a compensated review from BlogHer and Snapfish.</em></font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/87047?Snapfish4"><font size="3" face="Arial">BlogHer</font></a> <a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/87047?Snapfish4"><font size="3" face="Arial">and </font></a></span><a href="http://www.snapfish.com/bhdadsday"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Snapfish</font></span></a><font size="3"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 100%"> recently offered me the opportunity to review their website and products for Father's Day. I was thrilled to do so for a couple of reasons:</span> </font></font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">1. I <strong>LOVE</strong> photography, so a site specializing in gifts that showcase photos - <strong>PERFECT</strong>!</font></span></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Arial"><span>2. I'm such a procrastinator when it comes to holidays such as Father's Day. It sneaks up on me EVERY SINGLE YEAR. Head's up <strong>Father's Day is June 21st</strong>, so now's the time to start planning! One stop shopping - all the better!</span> </font></font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3"><font face="Arial">When I'm picking out a gift for the one I love, I want that gift to hold significance. I'm not satisfied with a traditional Father's Day tie, grill tools, or a pointless (in my feminine opinion) gadget. Regardless of the price, I want my gift to be <strong>valued. </strong></font></font></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.snapfish.com/bhdadsday"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Snapfish</font></span></a><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"> offers a wide assortment of these memorable gifts; Over 100 unique, customizable gifts, in fact! Take a look at a few of my favorite personalized creations, perfect for DAD:</font></span></p> <p><a href="http://www.snapfish.com/"><span style="color: #333333; font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="snapfish" align="right" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SgchnZKSchI/AAAAAAAACGA/T8PDKPtqSlo/snapfish2.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="233" /></font></span></a></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">> </font></span></strong><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/gifts/product=desk-organizer"><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Desk Organizer</font></span></strong></a><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></span></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">> </font></span></strong><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/gifts/product=photojewelry-keyring"><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Photo Key Chain</font></span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">> </font></span></strong><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/gifts/product=golftowel"><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Golf Towel</font></span></strong></a></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">> </font></span></strong><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/gifts/product=frostedstein"><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Frosted Stein</font></span></strong></a><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></span></strong></p> <p><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">> </font></span></strong><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/storenewphotobooks"><strong><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Photo Books</font></span></strong></a></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">These gifts are a "snap" to make, most in a 3 step process, that make the even non-tech savvy smile. I was honestly shocked at how quickly my pictures uploaded to their site. You can create gifts in a matter of minutes, and </font></span><a href="http://www.snapfish.com/bhdadsday"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Snapfish</font></span></a><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"> offers easy cropping and editing tools to make your creations even more top notch! It's no wonder they are "the number one online photo service, with more than 60 million members in 20 countries and 2 billion unique photos stored online".</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">The honest to goodness hardest part of placing my order was the decision making! After clicking through a jillion choices, I opted for these 3 selections: a </font><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/storecards2"><font size="3" face="Arial">photo panel</font></a>, <font size="3" face="Arial">a <a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/storecards2">photo greeting card</a>, and a <a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/storenotebooks ">journal lined notebook</a>.</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-family: ari; font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">Here's an even better look at each of my lovely selections:</font></span></p> <p align="center"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sgchn90M9ZI/AAAAAAAACGE/k5mS6f0LCS8/s1600-h/DSC_183315.jpg"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1833-1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SgchoNqdQTI/AAAAAAAACGI/AfGh0vi-JSw/DSC_18331_thumb3.jpg?imgmax=800" width="454" height="303" /></font></a><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: ari; font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">It's pretty rare to have any pictures of "just me" anymore, so I created a 5x7 <a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/storecards2">photo greeting card</a> for Brad to frame for his office.  You can even personalize the inscription on the back...but I'll spare you the gushy gushy! </font></span></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sgcho0peqNI/AAAAAAAACGM/Me4ZJKoM08o/s1600-h/DSC_18343.jpg"><span style="font-family: ari; color: #333333; font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1834" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SgchpTmhpSI/AAAAAAAACGQ/7mckPQhFIq4/DSC_1834_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="354" height="237" /></font></span></a><span style="font-family: ari; font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 100%"><font size="3">I CAN however share with you the message inside this journal-lined </font><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/storenotebooks"><font size="3">notebook</font></a><font size="3">. (That's Henry and Clark holding each other's sweet hands, by the way.) The inscription inside reads: </font></span></p> <blockquote> <p align="center"><span style="font-family: aria; font-size: 85%"><strong><font size="4" face="Arial">Daddy, Thank you for Holding our Hands AND our Hearts. </font></strong></span></p> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: aria; font-size: 85%"><font size="4" face="Arial"></font></span></strong></p> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%"><font size="4"></font></span></strong> </p> <p align="center"><strong><span style="font-family: arial; font-size: 85%"><font size="4">Father's Day 2009</font></span></strong></p> </blockquote> <p align="left"><span style="font-family: ari; font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/storecards2"></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sgchp5PfnqI/AAAAAAAACGU/GDv6_2c5CmU/s1600-h/DSC_18383.jpg"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1838" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SgchqPMp4JI/AAAAAAAACGY/ue8X_7Ejvz8/DSC_1838_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></font></a><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></span></p> <p align="left"><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">My final and <strong>FAVORITE</strong> selection is this 8x10 wood </font><a href="http://www1.snapfish.com/gifts/product=photo-panels"><font size="3" face="Arial">photo panel</font></a><font size="3" face="Arial">. This is one of the best products </font><a href="http://www.snapfish.com/bhdadsday"><font size="3" face="Arial">Snapfish</font></a><font size="3"><font face="Arial"> offers! It exceeded my expectations for both quality and price at only $14.99. Have you seen </font></font><a href="http://www.murraycrew.blogspot.com/"><font size="3" face="Arial">4 finer looking gentlemen</font></a><font size="3" face="Arial">? We're not waiting until June to put this on display!</font></span><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></p> <p align="left"><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/SgchqowtfFI/AAAAAAAACGc/TA1ybJwuJRo/s1600-h/DSC_18403.jpg"><font size="3" face="Arial"><img style="border-right-width: 0px; border-top-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; border-left-width: 0px" border="0" alt="DSC_1840" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/_FNkirGDuL-c/Sgchq6q_zdI/AAAAAAAACGg/ScVtRYIZWqM/DSC_1840_thumb1.jpg?imgmax=800" width="404" height="271" /></font></a><font size="3" face="Arial"> </font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">In fact, I couldn't contain myself from revealing the gifts I designed for my favorite guy on the planet a tad early. His reactions were just what I was hoping for! He too was impressed with the overall caliber of these gifts, which is a true compliment coming from a graphics major! </font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">=========================================================================</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">I know you must be chompin' at the bit to create your own <strong>one-of-kind</strong> masterpieces, so how does a <strong>$50 gift card</strong> sound to get you started? </font></span></p> <p><font size="3"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 100%">Believe me, there's lots of goodies in this price range to choose from! </span><span style="font-size: 100%">Listen up for multiple ways you can enter this fabulous giveaway!</span></font></font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="3" face="Arial">To enter, leave me a comment below or leave a link to your own blog post and share:</font></span></p> <h2>"What's your favorite photographed memory of</h2> <h2>your dad?"</h2> <p><font size="4"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 100%"><em>Perhaps it's your wedding, graduation, learning to ride your bike, a vacation....I can't wait to hear all your great entries!!!!</em> </span><span style="font-size: 100%"></span></font></font></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="4" face="Arial">The contest will begin at 9:00am (PST) <strong>May 11, 2009</strong> and ends 5:00pm (PST) <strong>June 13, 2009</strong>.</font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><font size="4" face="Arial">***Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.*** </font></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong><font size="4" face="Arial">Rules:</font></strong></span></p> <ul> <li><font size="4"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong>No duplicate comments.</strong></span> </font></font></li> <li><font size="4"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong>You may receive an additional entry by linking on twitter and leaving a link in the comments.</strong></span> </font></font></li> <li><font size="4"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong>You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.</strong></span> </font></font></li> <li><font size="4"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong>This giveaway is open to US Residents only, age 18 or older.</strong></span> </font></font></li> <li><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong><font size="4" face="Arial">Winners will be selected via </font><a href="http://www.random.org/integers/"><font size="4" face="Arial">random draw</font></a><font size="4" face="Arial">, and will notified by e-mail.</font></strong></span><font size="4" face="Arial"> </font></li> <li><font size="4"><font face="Arial"><span style="font-size: 100%"><strong>You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.</strong></span> </font></font></li> </ul> <p><em><span style="font-size: 85%"><font size="3" face="Arial">(</font></span></em><a href="http://www.blogher.com/hp-snapfish-fathers-day-sweepstakes-official-rules"><em><span style="font-size: 85%"><font size="3" face="Arial">HERE'S</font></span></em></a><em><span style="font-size: 85%"><font size="3" face="Arial"> where you'll find the Official Rules.)</font></span></em></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><em><font size="4" face="Arial">There are a total of 57 ways to win...Check out the <a href=" http://www.blogher.com/node/87047?Snapfish4"><u>BlogHer Round-up Page</u></a> for all the details! </font></em></span></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"><em><font size="4" face="Arial">  </font><strong><a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/87047?Snapfish4"><font size="4" face="Arial"><img style="border-bottom-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none; background: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; border-left-style: none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></font></a><font size="4" face="Arial"> </font></strong></em></span></p> <p><font size="4"><font face="Arial"><strong><span style="font-family: iskoola pota; font-size: 85%">To Read More About Jen and Her Quad Boys Check Out: </span></strong><strong><span style="font-family: iskoola pota; font-size: 85%"><a href="http://www.murraycrew.blogspot.com/"><u>www.murraycrew.blogspot.com</u></a></span></strong></font></font><u> </u></p> <p><span style="font-size: 100%"></span></p> <p><a href="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/click_nx.ads/blogher.org/HPSnapfish_Review_4/1[randomNo]@x11" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.ads/blogher.org/HPSnapfish_Review_4/1[randomNo]@x11" /> </a></p> The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com164tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-86351395072023513252009-02-08T12:00:00.000-08:002009-02-22T20:27:26.066-08:00Freedom to Live Wirelessly<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyzX8grL1ZcTaNA26muwLo5SX3lN1ABijtPcbM2_Z7xjBXEZ3w6KkSymH-tA3E7G8epaFJ9J6Lmr9tNBKiLJuE2-hrtLcbSrQ52dIACgNqGjuC7W4C87Lu-McH5GpfkN6j8AtX7U6iphG/s1600-h/random%23.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5305840286526788146" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 228px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZyzX8grL1ZcTaNA26muwLo5SX3lN1ABijtPcbM2_Z7xjBXEZ3w6KkSymH-tA3E7G8epaFJ9J6Lmr9tNBKiLJuE2-hrtLcbSrQ52dIACgNqGjuC7W4C87Lu-McH5GpfkN6j8AtX7U6iphG/s320/random%23.jpg" border="0" /></a> Congratulations to Lindsey. Comment #74 out of 595 entries! Lindsey just became a mama for the 2nd time, so I think she'll put this fabulous printer to work soon! Thanks for your wonderful entries.<br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHLcrT6gNFmeI1P33pfx33UGlbkaH5_fw-J85agrKNJtMEWb8tgGHk5GiIOtfKXF7hjcuWr62NsYWTnRSGFvIGpJBuQbxKwIFFG83PXg7cBZsIxvDaJSZcQMHjPZFahwFTJqXDZaeZd-Xj/s1600-h/random%23.jpg"></a><br /><br /><div><span style="color:#cc0000;">---CONTEST CLOSED---<img src="http://oascentral.blogher.org/RealMedia/ads/adstream_nx.ads/blogher.org/hp_review_7/1[randomNo]@x11" border="0" /></span><br /><br />I couldn't hide my giddiness from the delivery man who showed up at my door with one of these:<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300159432115876514" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 196px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgIIs1FEg-N7IxsUTFrSOv2r9oxnx60JaGZYE7v7aAQsAGdCmPyFPrvf2uvAMWBtpQbUao_X_cKXsS92O8gkFHvY_u9IatwzpK7Ar1KucU8gwtcu_zQVKk88S6OdZHAEvBupt06-Yp94qeR/s320/printer.jpg" border="0" />It's HP's latest and greatest: The Wireless HP Photosmart C6380 All-in-One that I'm reviewing for the fine people over at <a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/67292?HP7">BlogHer</a>. Never have I owned such a lovely piece of machinery! I could hardly wait to open the box and start to play! Neither could the boys...</p><br /><br /><p align="center"><br /><br /><br /><iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwOiy8WJtJHsAE9EUB0S2ofVnkOPxF7k6PtvCAJGCPAP5XYlsxcYzBhAsnig7Xi19tfN4SDgbKPkgh93NoXzw' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></p>Opening and setting up became a family event.<br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p align="left"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300166790863189938" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 229px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrvHELt7QKUqELRyZ-0YK0OWYPECtUAYlq8ceKV1lAuWodxV6KkgGMsQ4kN1QDk9G97MGDhpsbdlXK2IzxIiExR314-rVKcxjsUsvGmc1trAsRP21p-SOwzjyqZyjyVqhEqHZc3eH2A3H2/s320/hpprinterpic.jpg" border="0" /></p><br />Set-up went off without a hitch and without a wire. It's a toss up on what I love most about this printer - it's wireless feature or it's amazing photo printing quality.<br /><br />On one hand, the wireless capability is life-changing. I don't know about you, but if printing means transporting my labtop to the printer, hooking up the cords from the printer to the labtop, waiting on it to print, and then disconnecting the messy cords, it's hardly worth the energy. Well, that and the fact that my printer was from 1992 and pretty much lacks any sort of functionality other than dust collecting. Now I can hit "Print" from anywhere in our house, and pick it up at my convieniece. If only groceries could magically appear out the tray, we'd be <strong>SET</strong>!<br /><br />As for the photo quality, it's unbelievable. It far exceeded my expectations with it's streak-free, crisp, vivid prints. For those of you who follow my blog at <a href="http://murraycrew.blogspot.com/">4tunate</a>, you know how much I adore photography. In the past getting my photos from my computer to printed form was a rare event. I think many of us find this as digital's biggest drawback. However, in a matter of minutes I had a stack of pictures printed and ready for display (while still in my pajamas, I might add). Talk about making life easier!<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300188859182148610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 254px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEii0CPjrVy9y1zgSMTHaAK4gwR-Db_GM2rjiKOSZRETQLq7A5BSq1NXzj5Lnhrbl_dGegbf_PyeoaQu4IZPFd-fUqztr44yFqLz7UqBD5uKMMdNHEtJrz4ak1f42-uVeai66hL8ElZ79_zR/s320/DSC_1090c.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br /><br /><br /><p>The Wireless HP Photosmart C6380 All-in-One Printer, also features a scanner. Bonus! Plus, it has it's own photo tray and letter tray, so you don't even have to get up from your comfy spot to switch out the paper. If you need more proof of its convienient features, need I mention that you can edit and print directly from your camera's memory card? Freedom without <strike>strings</strike> wires! </p><br /><br /><p>Check out more specific details over at <a href="http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/wireless/?jumpid=ex_r602_blogher">HP</a>. </p><br /><br /><p>HP also has a <a href="http://www.hp.com/hho/hp_create/?jumpid=ex_11260_us/en/hho/IPG/ipg20_cpt_direct">Creative Studio</a>, where you can make cards, calendars, crafts, scrapbook pages, stationary and even Valentine's Day goodies. I made this calendar for our fridge in 5 minutes tops! </p><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5300196604212423858" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 256px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCzgwvduxadjoSLmtkDgWjic5TjrE939KI0Gjegg_io4D3m0g4i9D3GJybyNdY-FA7OTfdj5IycxzaJgX5Ka4lGPIt2h6nzE65cjG_0g3Ge9CFF8CELCqwqSVTZJZ4ufMvIAJurMiPofuw/s320/calendarhp.jpg" border="0" /><br />The creative possibilities are endless! </p><br /><br /><p><strong>The BEST part of this review is that I get to share this lovely piece of machinery! That's right, </strong><a href="http://www.hp.com/united-states/campaigns/wireless/?jumpid=ex_r602_blogher"><strong>HP</strong></a><strong> is generously giving one of these away to a lucky commenter! Here's how you can make your life easier too:<em> (Read carefully 'cuz I want you to WIN!!!) </em></strong></p><br /><br /><p>To enter, leave me a comment <strong>w/ your email address</strong> and answer the question:</p><br /><br /><p><strong><em><span style="color:#cc0000;">How would the HP Photosmart give you Freedom Without Wires?</span></em></strong> </p><br /><br /><p>You can also leave a link to your post on your own blog in the comments below. </p><br /><br /><p>The contest will begin at <strong><span style="color:#cc0000;">12:00 a.m. (PST) on Monday, February 9th, and will end Sunday, February 16th at 11:59 p.m (PST).</span></strong> Make sure that the e-mail address you leave is correct.<br /></p><br /><br /><br /><p><strong>Rules:<br />~No duplicate comments.<br />~This giveaway is open to U.S. residents.<br />~Winners will be selected via <a href="http://www.random.org/integers/">random draw</a>, and will notified by e-mail.<br />~You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected</strong></p><br /><br /><p><em>Check out the </em><a href="http://www.blogher.com/node/67292?HP5"><em>BlogHer Round-up</em></a><em> page for an additional chances at winning. There 8 giveaways in all!</em> </p></div></div>The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com592tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-27158435397374062072008-11-10T10:32:00.000-08:002008-11-12T10:26:11.558-08:00Linden Street, Welcome to My Street!Being on a "quadruplet budget" leaves little $$$ for home furnishings, so when given the opportunity to review the finest, hipest, classiest line of home decor at <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/">JcPenney</a>, we willingly consented with open arms and an empty shopping cart. Immediately I jumped on the <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/">JcPenney website</a> to check out the variety of home furnishings that would be offered in store and online in the Linden Street line. I fell in love with the warm colors and textures that compliment the decorating style of our home.<br /><br />With so many choices and great products, I knew that we would have no problem spending the gracious $500 gift card thanks to <a href="http://www.blogher.com/">BlogHer</a> and <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/">JcPenney</a>. Who wouldn't? We could have easily spent another $500 picking out Christmas gifts for family and friends! From the furniture, to linens, to accessories, to tableware; Linden Street offers trendy, yet classic pieces that coordinate with anyone's home decor. On top of that, we were extremely pleased with the quality of products. Fluffy thick towels, high thread count sheets, unique designs, and solid pieces of furniture were all part of our shopping experience. Check out the video to see for yourselves, and to witness my sheer giddiness at all the selection!<br /><p><br /><object height="344" width="425"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/-DY4O5gkRBQ&hl=en&fs=1"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/-DY4O5gkRBQ&hl=en&fs=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object><br /><p><br /><br />Over the summer we were able to purchase a bigger space for our growing family. Understandably, the priority over furnishings became square footage. Although our house excels at functionality, it has lacked the coziness of a home. By adding the Linden Street items that we were able to purchase, our house has become more of a HOME. We were able to turn a room full of boxes into an inviting guest room. A neutral bathroom got a spiced with a splash of color and warmth. Our master bath became a retreat complete with towels and accessories. We feel more settled and comfortable in our new surroundings.<br /><br />We'd like to squeeze all the "folks" at <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/">JCPenney</a> and <a href="http://www.blogher.com/">BlogHer</a> for assisting us in converting our house into a home for our family. The shopping date was most definitely an enjoyable experience and the items looked even better in our home than on the shelves. I HIGHLY encourage you to take a look at the Linden Street line at your local <a href="http://www.jcpenney.com/">JCPenney</a>. You're home too will become a cozier place to live as you welcome Linden Street to Your Street! </p><p>Oh, and check out what other great finds that my fellow blogger buddies found over at BlogHer:</p><p><a href="http://www.blogher.com/enter-jcpenney-linden-street-weekly-sweepstakes" target="_blank">http://www.blogher.com/enter-jcpenney-linden-street-weekly-sweepstakes</a></p><p></p><br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-RIGHT: medium none; BORDER-TOP: medium none; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-LEFT: medium none; BORDER-BOTTOM: medium none" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" /></a><br /></p>The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com15tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4193799924521129548.post-22010723237096200742008-10-20T17:40:00.000-07:002008-10-29T17:29:14.228-07:00My Window Of Escape...Life after quadruplets certainly leaves less room for leisure time, but breaks are a necessity, even if they are in 5 minute increments. Taking a breather allows me to momentarily escape the chaos and high volume of the day and think of something other than dirty sippy cups, floors, onesies, and bottoms! Sitting still, although it makes a wonderful picture, is not something we are accustom to in our home.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5259402011260023682" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; CURSOR: hand; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPq8KTm81tOpj5HvOiCalErahcDx6JPZQD0NmvXHGTucXwo1qn1IijSWl2GI-QW3X16lfc2GWlnUG7RlioRyhVyZvg1Bg_ZInCuLB8pF1XDu6Q2xI90CImMCXZePjbHeWQIPl_J_R2GSZO/s320/DSC_0066c.jpg" border="0" /><br />My fellow Americans, let us not be denied the right to escape reality for a few minutes of our busy day! Some may call this procrastination, wasting time, unproductivity, but I call it "positive reinforcement". After a morning of changing 8-10 diapers, serving 2 meals, breaking up 20 toy fights, kissing 3 boo-boos, taking a 2 mile stroller walk, and tucking in 4 precious boys for their nap, I am more than overdue for a BREAK! Taking a few minutes to veg with my laptop is my reward for surviving yet another morning!<br /><br /><a id="idcw" title="Games.com" href="http://www.games.com/">Games.com</a> provides some great "positive reinforcement" with their wide selection of games. In fact, <a id="dywe" title="BlogHer" href="http://www.blogher.com/">BlogHer</a> and <a id="iid4" title="Games.com" href="http://www.games.com/">Games.com</a> recently asked me to try my hand at solitaire, bingo, and slots for a paid review. I was joined by thousands of others who shared my need for a breather and could even interact with them via chat during the game session. I chose to just watch the conversation, but there were some serious competitors in the Bingo Room. Playing the slots made me wonder why people ever spend REAL money on those metal eating monsters. It kills me to watch my "play" money fade with each spin. The solitaire was familiar and relaxing. However, Bingo was my personal favorite. The graphics were clever and the game was quite enjoyable. The little old man who's the caller is more than adorable. I'll be paying him another visit soon.<br /><br />I find that a game or two of solitaire, hearts, or the occasional bingo, helps me to recharge for the next round. I disappear briefly into a quiet retreat of mental escape. I just have to keep my "BINGO" call to a muffled shout, because nap time is a gift that I'm not willing to sacrifice!<br /><br />But don't just take my word for it...check out the <a href="http://www.blogher.com">BlogHer</a> for all the buzz about <a href="http://www.games.com/">games.com</a>. Click this link for all the great reviews:<br /> <a href="http://www.blogher.com/blogher-reviewers-escape-games-com" target="_blank">http://www.blogher.com/blogher-reviewers-escape-games-com</a><br /><br />Enjoy your Escape!<br /><p><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com" target="_blank"><img src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/54486/86/761180666647DCD3F5E1046E64B8525C.png" style="border: none; background: transparent;"/></a>The Murray Crewhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17084188688122422434noreply@blogger.com1