Build-a-Bear Workshop Game for Nintendo Wii WINNER!!

Boy oh boy, y'all really want this game! Well okay, let's see who the winner is!


CONGRATULATIONS TO....

Annie !!!

Annie said...

I really like the bear that Raven Symone designed!

Thanks so much!

Annie please be sure to email me back with your mailing address within 72 hours.

Thank you to everyone who entered! Watch for more new and exciting Giveaways soon!

LAST Call for Build-a-Bear Wii Game!

Today is the LAST DAY for the Build-a-Bear Workshop: A Friend Fur All Seasons game for Nintendo Wii so don't miss out! Entries close at 7pm CST so there is still time to be sure you have filled out the Maximum number of Entries! We will then pull the winner tonight!






Wii Game+Giveaway

How DOES one Build a Bear? (Wii Game Review & GIVEAWAY)

Okay all you Moms out there - would you please call your kiddos to the screen for a minute? You can go do your nails or have a bon bon while I chat with them for a minute, okay?:) Thanks!

Hey gang -

Do you have a Wii or games for a Wii on your list for Santa? Well, let me tell you about something else you might want to add - a new game for the Wii from The Game Factory called Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons.

Here is a description from The Game Factory about it~

Your furry friend is invited to a great party on Palace Island by Bearemy and Pawlette. In order to cross the sea and reach the party, Bearemy and Pawlette offer you the FriendShip. Explore new islands on the way and take time to meet and interact with the furry friends that live there. They love playing games too, so on each island you get to play mini games, help them out, and find the puzzle pieces needed to recreate the map that will lead you to the next island. Finally you reach Palace Island where a big party awaits you! A Friend Fur All Seasons is a highly interactive and trans-generational adventure and party game in the true Build-A-Bear spirit! Let your imagination guide you as you board the FriendShip and set out to have fun with your new virtual furry friends…

Sound good? Great! You go add it now while I talk to Mom again. Thanks!

Your little friends there are probably adding a fun new game for the Wii called Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons.

Designed for ages 3 and up, it is rated 'E' for everyone with a dash of comical mischief thrown in for good measure.

The game is currently available, and has been for a few weeks. You can rush right over and buy one on Amazon.com, at Walmart, Target, Gamespot and most other game retailers for around $39.99, just to make Santa look good.

Of course, what your kiddos do not know is that I have the ability, thanks to Family Review Network , The Game Factory , to give one of these away! That would help ol' Santa out, now wouldn't it?

Well, before I move on to the giveaway, The Game Factory, Build-A-Bear Workshop and Wii have teamed up to help raise money for someting really cool. The Game Factory is auctioning off celebrity Build-A-Bear Workshop creations to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Southern California. What a great idea! The Ronald McDonald House Charities have been providing comfort and care to children in need of medical care, and their families, for more than 30 years. Between Nov. 23rd and Dec. 5th, you can do some shopping for a wonderful gift by bidding on one-of-a-kind bears designed by Kevin, Nick and Joe Jonas, James Gandolfini, Melissa Joan Hart, Tori Spelling and more! Along with the celebrity-designed bear, each auction comes with a copy of the new Build-A-Bear Wii game!

To win a copy of the Build-A-Bear Workshop® A Friend Fur All Seasons for the Nintendo Wii

This Giveaway is now closed and we are no longer accepting entries. Watch for the winner to be drawn shortly!

How to enter:
Go visit The Game Factory and check out all of their other games.

Come back here and leave a comment telling us another game they have that you or a family member might like.

Want to earn extra entries?

Subscribe to our updates - 1 extra entry
Visit the eBay celebrity auctions & tell me which of the adorable bears you like the best - 1 extra entry
Blog about this giveaway with links back here AND to The Game Factory (all links must be clickable) - 5 extra entries

Please be sure to leave separate comments for EACH additional entry.

Giveaway ends on Sunday, December 7th at 7pm central time and is open to the US and Canada.

Build-a-Bear+Wii

A Little Canasta Anyone? Review

Canasta anyone? You know, I have always heard of Canasta but never played it until just recently while Brett and I went away for the weekend. See, we love games and when the Family Review Network gave me the chance to try Canasta Hand & Foot card game by Marina Games, well, I could not pass up the chance.

The game is intended for four players working in teams of two. Since there were only two of us, it required a little ingenuity on our parts but it worked out just fine. We both read over the directions several times, to make sure we both fully understood the game. Thankfully, the instructions were very detailed and quite clear. We thought it was kind of an 'UNO-meets-Poker' kind of game and eventually decided we were ready to start.

The game came with 4 decks of cards, which should give you a clue right off that this is no ordinary and simple game. Hand and Foot Canasta is called "Hand and Foot" because each player is dealt two sets of cards. One is the "hand", which is played first, and the other is the "foot", which is played when the hand has been used up. The game is designed for four rounds. When you are done with each round you tally up the scores and start the next round. The cards are marked with their point value so adding up the scores was not all that taxing. After the four rounds are completed, the team with the most points then wins.

Now, remember how I said it required a little ingenuity for the two of us to play a game designed for 4 players divided into two teams? Well, meet our imaginary teammates, George and Julie. (They had to have names or we would have gone crazy talking to ourselves!) The game went on so long that we only played the four rounds and then called it quits. The first round was hysterical. We were still trying to figure out the game and who did what when so we had to keep stopping and rereading the directions. Eventually we figured it out and Brett and 'George' won the first round.

The second round was much smoother and lots of fun. We began to develop a little skill and made better choices as to what we laid down when. That round went to the girls - ha!

The third round was a little slow and somewhat tedious. It was then that we discovered just how long one little game of Canasta could go on! Eventually though, Julie and I won.

We decided to go ahead and play the forth and final round to to finish out the game - that and Brett did not want to be the loser! :) This round was probably the most fun of all since we were getting tired and were both getting silly. While Brett and George one the round, we opted not to add up the points because we were happy just having played the game together and isn't that the point of games after all (Please say yes because that is what we are trying to pound into our eldest daughter's head!).

We will most certainly play Canasta Hand & Foot game by Marina Games again - maybe during our annual New Year's Games. We did agree that this is much too complex a game to introduce to our daughter at ages almost 5 and 7. Guess that's why the recommended ages are for people 8 and up, huh?:)

So What Do I Say?
The cards come in a nice sturdy box which fits all four decks of cards perfectly as well as the instructions. It is small enough that it is perfect for trips like ours where luggage space is minimal. Just make sure you have plenty of room and lots of time.:)

I would absolutely tell card game lovers to consider buying Marina Games' Hand and Foot Canasta. As I said before, it is not a game to immediately jump right into and start playing - directions and rules are required. Once you do have it figured out thought, it is plenty of fun. You can practice math skills with it so it is ideal for older kids too, just l;eave the small ones under 8 out of it.

Canasta Hand & Foot is available for purchase via Marina Games or direct from Amazon for about $9.99.

Thanks to Family Review Network and Marina Games for making this review possible!

Because It's Christmas began Nov. 10th on my blog, 3 P's in a Pod and you won't want to miss a minute!

Marina+Games

Trivial Pursuits: The Complete Idiots Guide to Fun FAQ's Review

I love to play games, and so does the rest of my family so we have a wide variety of them. We have plenty of games that we can play with young children plus a few left over from our Newlywed years including Trivial Pursuit. Brett and I are fairly evenly matched on trivia...it's the subject matter that makes the difference.

He doesn't know it but I now have a leg-up on him for the next time we get to play! hehehe See, as a part of the The Complete Idiot’s Guide books I am reading and reviewing for you, I’ve been boning up on my trivia thanks to The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fun FAQs by Sandy Wood and Kara Kovalchik.

For instance, I now know that the original terminus points for the Orient Express were Paris, France and Istanbul, Turkey. Take that Benbridge scholars! :)

But what about you? How about the answers to:

• What is the only Lucky Charms marshmallow that has not changed since the cereal's introduction?
• What is the real first name of golf phenom Tiger Woods?
• What do TV characters Ernie Douglass(My Three Sons), Bamm-Bamm Rubble (The Flintstones), and Webster Long (Webster) have in common?
• What word for a socially inept person was coined by Dr. Suess in his book If I Ran the Zoo?

And if you know the answers to all of those, you ARE good! Those answers and more can be found right there in the book.

What DO I Say?
Seriously, it was a lot to fun to read. Because it is simply a listing of facts, it is a fast read as well. The scope of the trivia was quite broad - from Sports to Babies to History to TV to Food and more. I cannot imagine anyone not being entertained by The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fun FAQs and you learn a lot in the process. A great gift again, for the hard to buy for crowd.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Fun FAQs was released in May of 2008 and retails for about $12.95. Pick up a copy at either Penguin Books online or a book retailer near you.

Win your very own copy HERE as part of the Book Giveaway Carnival!

This review was made possible in part thanks to the Family Review Network.



Because It's Christmas begins Nov. 10th on my blog, 3 P's in a Pod and you won't want to miss a minute!

Fun+FAQ's

Get Down to Brass Tack with The Complete Idiots Guide to Weird Word Origins - Review

Ever wondered what a Kit and Caboodle really is? How about Gobbledygook? And why on earth would anyone really 'Eat Crow'?

These fun colloquialisms and more are all lined out for you in The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Weird Word Origins by language expert Paul McFedries. This book provides answers to questions we have often wondered about but never have known who to ask.

For instance, have you ever thought about the fact that "Having your work cut out for you" is in reality, backwards? I mean having it 'cut out' for you would actually make your work easier, not harder, right? Well, I had never really thought about it until I read this book. Just think, in no time you will be the life of the party and a prime candidate for Jeopardy!

Paul McFedries is the president of Logophilia Limited (Latin for “the love of words”), and has written more than three dozen books that have sold over two million copies worldwide. He also runs the Word Spy mailing list and website (wordspy.com), which are devoted to the study of new words and phrases and have been featured in major publications such as Wired and The Wall Street Journal.

What Do I Say?
This is indeed a fun book to read. Filled from the first page to the last, he has selected words, ideas and phrases that will enlighten even the most studious of readers. While I myself would be just as likely (if not moreso) to look some of these words up on the computer, certainly reading it will make you just that much more well rounded and knowledgeable about the world in which we live. This would be a great gift for hard to shop for men, students, and business people alike.

The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Weird Word Origins was just release in August of 2008 and retails for around $14.95. It may be purchased at Penguin Books or many booksellers near you.

Win your very own copy HERE as part of the Book Giveaway Carnival!

This review was made possible in part thanks to the Family Review Network.



Because It's Christmas begins Nov. 10th on my blog, 3 P's in a Pod and you won't want to miss a minute!

Word+Origins

*Yawn* The Complete Idiots Guide to Fighting Fatigue

Look up any Mom and you will often find the word 'FATIGUE' written all over her face, with good reason. It piles up on you, day after day, week after week and playing catch-up is, well, difficult.

Well, the answers you need are in The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Fighting Fatigue. Written by healthcare professional and scientific researcher Nadine Saubers, she explores the common causes of fatigue—both physical and emotional—and shares the most effective ways to prevent and combat this seemingly universal condition. Now who couldn't benefit from some of that I ask you, hmm?

The book is written in an easy to ready format and language with lots of example and definitions when needed. The book includes information on:

• How to recognize the warning signs of systemic fatigue or serious physical conditions that may require medical treatment
• Lifestyle issues such as stress, anxiety, depression, and over extension that can cause fatigue
• Lifestyle solutions such as proper diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep, time management, and time off
• Real-world tactics for making small changes that can make a big difference in energy level
• A full range of alternative therapies such as acupuncture, yoga, and dietary supplements that can help when
lifestyle solutions aren’t enough

The author is someone who knows her stuff. Nadine Saubers, R.N., B.S.N., is a registered nurse with degrees in science and parish nursing, the newest healthcare designation in professional nursing, which integrates traditional and alternative medicine to promote health and wellness. She is a specialist in the study and treatment of fatigue related illnesses from fibromyalgia, hepatitis C, and chronic fatigue syndrome to adrenal fatigue caused by stress and anxiety. The author resides in Chula Vista, CA.

What Do I Say?

I say that if fatigue is something you have considered to be a stumbling block in your life, for whatever the reason, then The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Fighting Fatigue is a great book for you. It reads fast, without undue repetition and she really makes you think. As she is making you think however, Nurse Saubers provides you with small, do-able recommendations, perfect for getting you moving in the right direction.

Newly released in August of 2008, it is available at Penguin Books and/or your local bookseller and retails for $16.95.

This review was made possible in part thanks to the Family Review Network.

Because It's Christmas begins Nov. 10th on my blog, 3 P's in a Pod and you won't want to miss a minute!

Fatigue+Book

Complete Idiots Guide to Photography Essentials Winners Announcement

And the winner of a copy of Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography Essentials is...

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

6

Timestamp: 2008-11-04 01:43:59 UTC

Audrey

Congratulations!
So email me back at 3girlzmama@gmail.com before Thursday so I can get you your prize!

Thanks for playing everyone! I love seeing how many of you are scrapbookers too! Watch for my Sakura review and Giveaway later this week!!




Because It's Christmas begins Nov. 10th on my blog, 3 P's in a Pod and you won't want to miss a minute!

Giveaway+Winner

Why Don't You Pick a PakNak and Put it on Your Backpack! (PakNak Review)

Betcha can't say that 10 times fast -Why Don't You Pick a PakNak and Put it on Your Backpack.

But you can check out PakNak and see how cute their little critters are and enjoy the little bit of happy that they bring!

You are not familiar with Pak Nak? Well let me help you out then.
Pak Naks are rubbery, 3-D, interchangeable charms created by two energetic, creative moms, two cups of tea, two husbands, three children, two cats, one dog and one dream to start a business. They decided they wanted to providing wholesome, age appropriate designs to school-aged children by taking pins, patches, stickers and clip-on charms to a whole new level using Velcro ® material. As they say, PakNak ® sticks to fun!.

When I first heard about the me, I will be honest, I really did not see the point of them. I mean, they were cute but why? Then we were sent some cool PakNak's as seen to the right and my opinion changed. The girls immediately fell in love with Kyla Jane, Manfred, Ginger, and Mona and could not wait until we could put them on their backpacks. They are so clever. Each critter has their own personality, complete with a list of favorite foods, best friends, favorite activities, and where they call home. They even come with trading cards!

Each charm is super easy to attach and since the self-adhesive, flexible, weatherproof designs stand up to tough kids and tough play, the sky's the limit as to what they can be adhered to. Seriously, they can be stuck on lamps, lunch boxes, shelves, boxes, you name it!

And there's tons to do on Pak Nak's web site alone including downloading the entire Pak Nak character coloring book and getting addicted to the Nak-Land Game.

Are you sold? Well I hope so because we sure are! And the folks at PakNak are kindly offering my amazing readers a 10% of any purchase you make(see code below). How cool is that? What? I didn't tell you where to buy them yet? You're right!

PakNak's can be purchased for about $3.99 each online at the site or at one of several specialty shops in the Pacific Northwest.

I'm thinking these would be a fabulous stocking stuffer...how 'bout you?;)

Enter discount code PAK10 for 10% off your total purchase.

Be sure to check out my other blog, 3 P's in a Pod...You just NEVER know What Might Happen There!!
PakNak+Children

Complete Idiots Guide to Backyard Adventures : A Review

When Kailani over at Family Review Network asked if I was interested in reviewing any of the new books being released at Penguin as part of the Complete Idiot's Guide series, I sent her a list of 6 that sounded interesting, thinking I might be sent one or possibly two to review. Instead, Penguin graciously sent me ALL SIX TITLES! lol and before I knew it, well, I had a whole lot o' readin' to do. Well, I am finished with them now and ready to tell you what I learned! In fact, I am even going to give away a couple while I am at it so sit down, buckle up and get ready to learn all about Backyard Adventures, Photography Essentials, Weird Word Origins, Snack Cakes, Fighting Fatigue, and Fun FAQ's!

A Complete Idiot's Guide to Backyard Adventures

...Also known as Fun in your own backyard!

This book could not have been published at a better time. With the Economy being like it is , more and more families are avoiding the large, costly fvacations and opting for the home-based Stay-cation.
The Complete Idiot’s Guide® to Backyard Adventures is a perfect guide to get those creative juices flowing and allow you to come up with family activities that will still be one for them memory books while keeping the wallet intact. In here you will find ideas about:

• Traditional backyard adventures—insect safaris, treasure hunts, and backyard botany
• Individualized sports camps—from golf to tennis to basketball and more
• A personalized artist’s colony that lets the writers and rock stars in the family shine
• Block parties, pet parades, and ice cream socials that get the whole neighborhood together
• Tips for searching for history in your own hometown
• Hometown vacations that the entire family can plan and enjoy together

Written by Nancy Worrell who is an author, an artist, and a designer of personal, home decorating, and gift projects. She is the mother of three grown daughters and the grandmother of four. She spent much of her life in the rural South, where she and her family spent a lot of their time creating their own adventures.

You will learn how to go on a Walkabout, how to organize and hold a Pet Parade, read the history behind the ancient art of making paper and receive the instructions you need to accomplish it plus how to create your own Training Camp among other great treats. In the back of the book, Nancy lists all sorts of holidays to celebrate, from the traditional to the fanciful, allowing you an occasion to do just about anything.

Home School Parent, Full-time Parent, Part-time Parent, Grand Parent or even Babysitter will find page after page of fun and creative ideas. The book itself is paperback and an enjoyable 154 pages long so you will not get lost in page after page of tired old ideas and theories.

Released in May of 2008, A Complete Idiot's Guide to Backyard Adventures could be just what you need to add extra pizazz to that next family activity. ISBN: 9781592577576 and retailing for $12.95, it can be purchased at Amazon or many bookstores near you.

Be sure to check out my other blog, 3 P's in a Pod!
Family+Adventures

Complete Idiots Guide to Photography Essentials

This is the second book in my review of six new titles in the Complete Idiot's Guide series including Backyard Adventures, Photography Essentials, Weird Word Origins, Snack Cakes, Fighting Fatigue, and Fun FAQ's! Read along with me on this fun variety of topics while I give you my two bits on them as well as a giveaway or two! Enjoy!

A Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography Essentials

Also known as how to be Picture perfect!

I love to take pictures. Really, I do. And I have learned a secret that works for me. Want to know what it is? Use a digital camera and take a zillion or more shots because it is a numbers game...sooner or later, you will end up with some really great shots!

Wait...what? You wanted something a little more scientific than that? Well, then A Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography Essentials is just what you need. See, most of us are not highly skilled photographers..I have just shown you that I am not.:) But these days, you can buy a good camera that will produce high quality images without having to break the bank IF you know what to do with your camera.
A Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography Essentials was written by professional photographer Mark Jenkinson who happily shares tips and tricks for:

• • Understanding all aspects of the features and controls on a digital or film camera and how they affect the nature and quality of photo images
• • Making the best use of manual, aperture priority, and shutter priority settings on the camera
• • Shooting moving objects
• • Getting great, defined shots in bright light or nighttime settings
• • Adjusting depth of field to zoom in on objects in sharp focus and blurring the background to emphasize the subject
• • Improving composition and lighting

Mark has had an estimated 30,000 photographs published in virtually every major magazine in the world and has had photography exhibitions at major market galleries and art institutes across the country. Currently, Jenkinson teaches photography at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts and works in the areas of editorial, corporate, and advertising photography. He has won numerous awards for photography, including the Meade, AR 100, and Society of Publication Design awards for corporate and editorial photography.

Mark has gone out of his way to make this book helpful and understandable to even the most novice of us. His writing style is clear and concise, with plenty of graphics to demonstrate what he means. On page after page, he provides a specialized Pro Tip to educate you as you go. He gives you the basics on the science behind how a camera works (which I found incredibly helpful) and helps you see your place in the event you are trying to photograph. It made so much sense! He even gives you tips on editing your images after the fact, how to adjust for moving objects, even tips on storing your images once you are pleased with the outcome.

I really felt like I was in a photography class, I learned so much. Again being paperback and only 200 and some pages long with loads of pictures, it was really an easy read. Released in May of 2008, A Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography Essentials will hopefully provide you with as much helpful and friendly knowledge as it did me., allowing me to go beyond my previously mentioned technique and capture the moment in just a few shots.

The book usually retails for $24.95 and can be found at Amazon as well as your local bookseller.

~~-------------------------~~

Win a Copy Here!

The Prize: A copy of A Complete Idiot's Guide to Photography Essentials

How You Can Win:
Leave me a comment here letting me know what you like to do with your photos. That's it!

Would like to up the odds of winning?

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry. Please leave a separate comment for each one.

• Subscribe to my feed.
• Add me to your Technorati Favorites and I will do the same in return.
  
• Mention this giveaway and Book Week on your blog with a link back here.
• Place my button in your sidebar.

This giveaway is open to US addresses only. Good luck!

Who is eligible:

You must have a US mailing address. You don't have to be a blogger to win, just supply a valid e-mail address. Make sure to leave me that email address though because if I cannot get a hold of you, you cannot win!

When the giveaway ends:

The giveaway will run now through October 27th at Noon CST. I'll pick the winner using Random.org as soon as possible after that. You may choose to check for your nickname at Prizey.Fetch, a cool site that compiles winners in one convenient place:

Winners will have 3 days to reply before another winner is selected.

Bonne Chance!!

Be sure to check out my other blog, 3 P's in a Pod!
Photography+Book

I Don't Need Another Hero...I've Got TINA!!

Those of you who know me know that I am a country music lover, heart and soul. Always have been and most likely always will be. But since you are my friends (I can call you my friends, right?) I am going to let you in on a little secret...

I really like Tina Turner.

See, I not only like her music but I simply like her. She is in a very small, select class of top music divas that I admire for how they have succeeded in life and the ability they have to be their own person, no matter what.

Well, Ms. Turner has just come out with a brand new release...TINA! Tina's new CD is a new collection of some of her previous hits as well as a couple of brand new ones.

The 18-Track CD TINA includes:

Steamy Windows
River Deep Mountain High [different version on digital release]
Better Be Good To Me
The Acid Queen [different version on digital release]
What You Get Is What You See
What’s Love Got To Do With It
Private Dancer
We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)
I Don't Wanna Fight
Let's Stay Together (live at Amsterdam Arena, 1996) [CD release debut]
I Can’t Stand The Rain (live at Amsterdam Arena, 1996)
Goldeneye
Addicted To Love (live at Camden Palace, London, 1986)
The Best (live at Wembley Arena, London, 2000) [CD release debut]
Proud Mary (1993 Version)
Nutbush City Limits
and the BONUS TRACKS
It Would Be A Crime [NEW track, exclusive to this release]
I'm Ready [NEW track, exclusive to this release]

Not only is it a compilation of many of her top hits, but I love that I can have all of my favorite Tina Turner song's on a single disk, taking up less space in my van.

Many of the songs on the CD are live, so you are able to feel as though you are actually at a concert with her. Not coincidentally, TINA! is a companion to Turner's North America "Tina" Tour. The Tour started in early October and continues on in the following venues:

October 2008
19, 20 - San Jose, CA - HP Pavilion
22 - Sacramento, CA - ARCO Arena
24 - Phoenix, AZ - Jobing.com Arena
30 - Miami, FL - American Airlines Arena

November 2008
2 - Fort Lauderdale, FL - BankAtlantic Center
5 - Orlando, FL - Amway Arena
9 - Atlanta, GA - Philips Arena
13 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre
16, 17 - Boston, MA - TD Banknorth Garden
23 - Washington, DC - Verizon Center
26, 27 - Newark, NJ - Prudential Center

December 2008
3, 4 - Uniondale, NY - Nassau Coliseum
6 - Hartford, CT - XL Center
8 - Montreal, Quebec - Bell Centre
12 - Toronto, Ontario - Air Canada Centre

For the latest tour news and other updates, please visit Turner’s official "Tina" tour Website: http://www.tinaturnerlive.com/.

And If you Hurry, You Can Possibly Get your copy for FREE here!

So if you are a Tina Turner fan in any way, shape or form, check out her latest release!


Thanks so much to Family Review Network and Tina! for this great review opportunity!

Be sure to check out my other blog, 3 P's in a Pod!
Tina+Turner

Can YOU Picture IT!

Bills, bills, bills...junk, junk, junk...bor---ing.

You know what I am talking about - The Mail. But move over boring because here comes PictureItPostage! PictureItPostage lets you create real U.S. postage with your own photo, or children's artwork. What a great idea for Christmas for those hard to buy for people on your list!

Simply upload your photo to PictureItPostage, create your postage design and your customized postage will arrive in a seven to 10 business days. PictureItPostage offers a large "canvas" on which to print your postage photo. Your picture, logo or illustration will be printed so that it measures 1-1/2" x 1-3/16". The total size of PictureItPostage™ is 2-1/2" x 1-9/16". These are great to use on baby announcements, engagements, holidays and graduations.

I had the chance to order some from PictureItPostage so that I could know what I was talking about so, of course, I wanted to order some with a picture of my 3 P's. Problem was, when I got ready to order them, I could not decide which ones to order....

or this

....so, like any good shopping mama, I ORDERED BOTH!(one compliments of the company and one on my own.:) So what do you think?? Definate keepers in my book! Would I order from PictureItPostage again? You bet!

So mark another great product down on your list of thinkgs that 3 P's Mama Says... is GREAT!!

Oh and being they want to have some fun, beginning Oct. 1 and going into the holidays PictureItPostage is having a PictureItPostage "Get Real" Photo contest. They want to see the best of the worst when it comes to photos so be sure to.

They have a newsletter they send out as well and in this month's edition, they gave the following tips for great Halloween photos:

Three great photo tips to make yours unforgettable:
• Shoot at dusk when the lighting is spookiest
• Throw a costume party and catch your subjects in ghastly group shots
• Get down to children's heights-they'll look more frightful!

Good luck and have a Frightfully Fabulous Halloween!

Thanks to Family Review Network for this review opportunity.

Be sure to check out my other blog, 3 P's in a Pod!
PictureItPostage+Stamps

Why Be Boring? Be Unique! Review & GIVEAWAY: Unique Skins

Grey. Blah. Ugh. Yes, that was how I USED to feel about the exterior of my laptop. Not any more!! Let me introduce you to a very cool product called Unique Skins.

Here is the basic concept:Here is how they arrive:

And here is the end result!And yes, it WAS that easy.

Here is what I Found:

The skins are pre-cut vinyl that you place over your existing device giving it a whole new look. They have tons to choose from and you can even upload your own jpeg. And laptops are not all you can change. You can order custom vinyl skins for game consoles, iPods, mobile phones, MP3 players, and more. The skins are a Cast vinyl made by 3M™ called Controltac™with Comply. This provides a higher gloss and non-visible air release channels for bubble free application. Other features of this high end material include pressure activation, slideability and repositionability for really fast and easy applications. The vinyl doesn't discolor and won't shrink over time. They conform easily to just about any curve and last 7-9 years.

Here is What I Liked:

I especially love that you can order pre-made designs, personalize those designs, add your own design, save them, delete them, and start all over again. Check out was so easy and my package arrived super fast. Adhering it to my computer was a snap...even a non-technical soul could do it and no, all you worry warts, it won't harm your electonics! I want to order oh, about a dozen more!

Here Is What I Didn't Like:
When I tried to order my skin initially, I was using Firefox and had lots of trouble getting pages to open. Once I switched to IE (grumble, grumble), it worked like a charm.

Here Is What I Say:

This was a fun thing that I could do FOR ME. Yes, it has a practical application as it does protect my device but I could make it look however I wanted it to. In my case, I need serenity. Thus, mine reminds me, when it is shut to just "Breathe".

I would encourage you to certainly consider one for yourself as well as any of those hard to buy for male types. You know, Christmas is coming up and this would be a great gift. Prices range from $6 to $25 depending on the skin and the shipping charges are quite reasonable.

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Those kinds souls over at Unique Skins have generously donated 3 - $15 gift codes for some lucky winners.

Here's the GIVEAWAY scoop:

This Contest is now closed. Watch for the Winner to be announced Soon!! Be sure to subscribe to my blog so you won't miss a thing!!

The Prize:

Three random winners will receive a $15 Unique Skin gift code.

How you can win:

• Visit Unique Skins, jot down (1) which device you’d like to put a custom vinyl skin on and (2) what design or photo you’d put on it, then leave a comment here with that info by 11:59pm, September 19th
• I will choose three random winners and post it on September 19th

To earn more entries, you may do one or all of the following. Each one counts as an extra entry. Please leave a separate comment for each one.

• Blog about this giveaway
• Subscribing to Unique Skins’ email news
• Subscribe to my feed or reader
• Add me to your Technorati Favorites and I will do the same in return.
  
• Twitter, Stumble or Digg this post. (You may do all 3 but it only counts for 1 extra entry)
  
• Place my button in your sidebar.

Be sure to leave an additional comment for each extra entry to make sure you’re entered correctly.

Who is eligible:

You must have a US mailing address. You don't have to be a blogger to win, just supply a valid e-mail address. Make sure to leave me that email address though because if I cannot get a hold of you, you cannot win!

When the giveaway ends:

The giveaway will run now through Sept. 19th at 11:59pm CST. I'll pick the winner using Random.org as soon as possible after that. You may choose to check for your nickname at Prizey.Fetch, a new site that compiles winners in one convenient place:



Bonne Chance!!

Be sure to check out my other blog, 3 P's in a Pod!
Unique+Skins