Gallery Direct Photo to Canvas Upload

February 24, 2012 by Melissa

We got the chance to continue our Blogger Ambassador-ship with Gallery Direct for 2012. One of the first things we got to do for the New Year was re-visit their custom photo upload, photo to canvas feature. In case you don’t remember from last Father’s Day I ordered this awesome canvas of Rob and the kids. It’s one of my favorite pictures of them; it’s from our Carnival Cruise Family Vacation of 2010.

This time around I wanted to do something a bit more special and sentimental. Since I’m usually the one behind the camera there aren’t many pictures of Rob and I that actually look good. We lucked out this past Thanksgiving and Sabreena was able to snag this gem; never mind it was 1 out of 32. I knew it had to be displayed. I had it printed as a 5X7 photo and it sits in a frame on the bookshelf but I knew it needed something grander. Now it’s printed on canvas and sits at the top of the steps on the 3rd floor.

This time I had it done in black and white, I like the effect it brings to this mostly candid shot. Gallery Direct hasn’t let me down yet. Our house has never looked so put together. I didn’t realize how much warmer and lived in a home could feel with art and larger scale photo up in the wall.

Don’t forget that your prints aren’t limited to traditional art or photos. Gallery Direct has a HUGE selection of stock images in their Photo Vault to choose from. If you have a specific theme or want to commemorate a special place make sure to search for the image that best shows it off. Remember though there is no better way to display your best memories than with a personal, custom Photo Upload.

stock photo, photo vault, gallery direct

just a couple options to choose from in the photo vault

Gallery Direct guarantees their work 100% against defect and personal satisfaction. Hang your picture, see how it fits into your style and decor and if you aren’t happy simply return it.

Monster Trucks = Awesome Time

February 23, 2012 by Melissa

Shaun and I are HUGE Monster Jam fans and will be attending a show this Saturday in Baltimore, MD.

Shaun and I went to two shows last year, one in Philly at Lincoln Financial Field and the other one was in Baltimore, MD at the M&T Bank stadium. The show this Saturday is going to be very different for Shaun and I because this show is inside. Yup you heard me right inside. The two shows we went to last year were in pro football stadiums and those shows were loud even though they were outside so I can only imagine how loud the show is going to be inside.

I do have ear plugs for Shaun and I but I might have to upgrade to headphone like grass cutters wear. I want to make sure we have the proper ear protection because those monster trucks are going to rock the place and I would like to be able to hear once I leave.

Shaun and I In Baltimore with Monster Mutt Dalmatian driver Candice Jolly

I am super excited for the show on Saturday and I know Shaun and I are going to have an awesome time.

This is Me and Shaun’s favorite truck – Lucas Oil Crusader

I was thinking about taking Shaun to Vegas for the World Finals on 3/23 and 3/24 but airfare was super expensive. Maybe one day the World Finals will be closer to the east coast and Shaun and I will be go but a least we live in between Philadelphia and Baltimore so we can see twice as many show.

Click HERE for show times, locations and tickets.

Have you ever been to a Monster Jam show? If so what did you think? If not you should look to go ASAP!

Ball Parks Don’t Make Good CornDogs

February 22, 2012 by Melissa

Since our kids are literally spitting distance from their grandparents front door my parents like to keep their home stocked with certain things for those times we just stop by. Hot Dogs are on that list. This past weekend my mom and dad did their duty as babysitters since Rob and I had somewhere to go. Typically dinner with the kids involved a trip to Red Robin, take-out pizza or spaghetti & meatballs. This week I thought it would be the perfect time for Shae to hit up Pop-Pop for homemade corndogs. For some strange reason Shae’s been asking ME to make corn dogs. I don’t have a fryer but my dad does, of course.

The meal prep itself was fun. The kids helped with the measuring and mixing and then let Pop-Pop work his magic. While the corndogs tasted good they didn’t hold up well. We used Ball Park Angus Beef Franks-Bun Length. I blame the juiciness of the dog for the sliding off of the crust; that’s not really a bad thing though when you think about it. Ball Park Angus Beef Franks are perfect for the grill and that’s how we’ll continue to eat them.

Whether you keep the fridge stocked for the kids or for the unexpected guest Ball Park Franks are a must for everyone. Combined with other grill and bbq staples you have a full meal that is sure to please any palate. We all have our own recipes that include Ball Park Franks. Share yours with us, maybe we’ll try some.

“This is a sponsored post. Ball Park product and additional incentives were provided to me. All opinions stated are my own.”

Experience with Emerilware Cookware

February 15, 2012 by Melissa

Rob and I don’t typically celebrate Valentine’s Day so when the conversation came up what I wanted I said nothing; in fact just last week we had a mini shopping spree for new kitchen “stuff”. I said I got all my gifts last week, I know I know so very un-romantic but it’s what I really wanted.

Apparently we are really tough on our skillets and sauté pans so we upgraded to Emerilware Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware. We purchased a 10-piece set, the double burner griddle and received a 12” skillet for free (in-store special). I like little touches like the pour spouts on the saucepans. Rob instantly mentioned the mess we make when pouring the caramel sauce for monkey bread, it goes everywhere. The straining lids are a great touch too for those times when you just need to drain and put right back into the pan.

We had some problems with lids being bent right out of the box but Bed Bath and Beyond handled it without issue and gave us new lids.
So far I’ve been really impressed with the quality and non-stickness of these pans. We eat a lot of egg whites hate to add excess fat to the pan, I find that the finish on these pans allow for none to very little oil or butter.
If you’re in the market for new pots and pans and the thought of stainless steel scares you like it does me then this is a great set that doesn’t have to set you back a mortgage payment. Cleaning is easy and the trick to keeping them in good condition is starting off with low to medium heat instead of cranking it on high.

I think this good experience would guide me to other Emeril products like the Stainless Steel Fryer or Bread Maker.

Cattiva Cosmetics Anniversary Shopping Spree Sweepstakes

February 2, 2012 by Melissa

To celebrate 4 years of fashion forward, long lasting, natural cosmetics that are actually good for your skin CATTIVA Cosmetics is treating one lucky winner to a $500 SHOPPING SPREE and two runner up winners to a $150 SHOPPING SPREE.

Entering is simple; Like CATTIVA Cosmetics on Facebook, join their VIP mailing list and follow on Twitter. This contest ends March 5th 2012. Winners will be chosen randomly.

If you want to shop now just use code LOOKMOM to get a FREE eyeliner ($20 value) with any purchase over $24. Can’t be used with any other code, and this code is good til 03/15/2012.

Being a Beauty Ambassador for CATTIVA Cosmetics gives me the opportunity to try out new products and share my experience with you. This month I received the Tutto Giorno Mineral Quad Eye Shadow is Capri. I was a bit nervous about this particular color combination. I don’t tend to wear such dark shades, I’m not your typical smokey eye kinda girl as it usually ends up being too heavy for my day to day adventures. But I went scouring YouTube for some tutorials and found out something, the trick is to blend the darks in with some lights.

Here is the daytime look I came up with eye using 3 of the colors from Capri (silver, taupe, black) and a brown/taupe shade that I already own. For a date night or girls night out I would add the silver for some added sparkle.

capri cattiva cosmetics daytime smokey eye

using Capri Mineral Eyeshadow Quad-Cattiva Cosmetics

I was impressed with the staying power it had too. I applied this look late morning and at bedtime it was still looking good. My only problem is I don’t have a way to store the shadows for now. The eyeshadows and foundations all fit into the glitzy crystal compact but they don’t come with one, not even a simple, smaller one for storage and transport.

So far I’ve really like my Cattiva Cosmetics reviews. The colors have all been very complementary for my skin and the packaging is luxurious. I look forward to see what next month has in store.

Keep Your Computer Safe With McAfee

January 15, 2012 by Melissa

Protecting your computer is essential from cyber attacks and surfing the internet unprotected is a no no so if you are looking for full computer protection give McAfee Total Protection a try. Recently we had the opportunity to review McAfee Total Protection and so far I am very happy with this product.

Many people spend a lot of time searching for the best tech deals when they buy a computer, but often give security little thought.

Over the years I have tried just about every Anti-Virus software that has been on the market and I am being honest when I say that McAfee is the most versatile by far.

McAfee Total Protection provides a TON of features and benefits such as:

Wireless network protect – McAfee Home Network Defense allows you to share your wireless network with others but allows you to block them from seeing passwords and personal files on your PC.
Parental Controls – Allows you to limit online time as well as lets you use age based rules and adjustable categories so that you can block inappropriate sites.
Protects against Viruses and Malware – provides complete Anti-Virus, Anti-Spyware, and Anti-Malware protection along with real time safeguards as well as a two way firewall to provide an extra layer of security.

mcafee-total-protection-2012-lowest-price

A few new features that I think are really cool are:

USB and Removable Drive Scan – Scans these devices for viruses and stops them before they get transferred to your computer.
Pre-Install Scan – This may be one of the features I love best. A lot of people get an Anti-Virus program once their computer already has a virus so this feature works to remove infections while the software is being installed.

There are so many features that if I described them all here it would be a three hour blog post. To read about all of the features as well as system requirements click HERE!!!!!

We have been using McAfee Total Protection for about a month or so on all four of our laptops and have had zero viruses. Even Melinda who with our old Anti-Virus program seemed to get a new virus every month has been 100% virus free and the kid’s laptop has been clean as well.

If you are in need of an Anit-Virus program be sure to check out McAfee Total Protection.

Spruce Up Your Walls with Familiar Faces

January 11, 2012 by Melissa

Gallery Direct, those guys that have been beautifying my home all year, are back with a CRAZY sale. You know all of those pictures you took over the holidays or the ones that you keep looking at from your summer vacation? Now is the time to get them on your walls in the most gorgeous way.

75% off Photo Canvas Prints till 2/1/2012

use promo code photo75 to get 75% off today

While we have 3 kids our walls and shelves are filled with pictures of them already. This time around I’m thinking of putting a great picture of me and Rob on the wall. It isn’t too often that we get great pictures of us especially framed. I think this is a great opportunity to celebrate US instead of the kiddos.

tanned and fresh with no side effects from the sun

Upload your favorite photo, old or new, for instant art to complement any room in your home or office. Don’t forget to use promo code photo75 for the 75% discount. Offer ends 2/1/2012 so hurry.

Dickies, More than Workwear

January 10, 2012 by Melissa

This winter we were approached by Dickies offering to clothe our entire family. When Rob first mentioned this to me I just gave him a look. I really didn’t feel like wearing work pants and a frumpy flannel and I was sure Sabreena wouldn’t be too thrilled either. He told me that they were sure we would all find something we like and to just give them a chance.

After taking a look at their online catalog I was surprised to find such a variety of outerwear and casual clothing for women. Jeans were a must for Sabreena and I figured I would go the same route. We both chose a slim fit boot cut jean and our regular size but had to exchange for smaller sizes. The updated jeans were a much better fit in the waist but not really a super slim fit. It seems every time Sabreena wears hers I ask what jeans she is wearing. There is something about them that looks really good on her that I always notice.

I also got a pink and brown plaid shirt. This winter I’ve purchased 2 plaid shirts and this one definitely has a better fit; it’s made to look good on a woman. I like that it has snap closure front and pockets. The material is thinner than flannel but softer than a poplin shirt. It’s withstanding laundry quite well; getting comfier each time.

Rob got a pair of straight leg jeans. I think they look awesome on him. His whole outfit in fact is one of favorites. It’s simple but suits him perfectly; black thermal long sleeve shirt and dark wash jeans. Shaun and Shae got clothing that is more school related. Shaun lives in jeans and sweats so I opted for a pair of double knee pants. I knew due to its construction the pants would hold up to bike riding, hill rolling, playground climbing and the rest of things that 8 year old boys do.

Shae’s outfit was something I thought would come in handy for the holidays that just passed. Black slim fit pants and a cranberry colored button down sweater. The 1st pair of pants we chose was too big in the waist, legs and length. We went down 2 sizes and the waist is still too big. I’m surprised at the sizing issue we dealt with. My kids aren’t little so I’m quite surprised that some of things we received were sized too big.

Sabreena and I received Sanded Duck Hooded Jackets. They are lined and thick and warm; perfect for early morning waiting at the bus stop or late runs to the convenience store. Shae, Shaun and Rob got lighter weight jackets, more appropriate for fall and spring. Shaun especially loves his Eisenhower Jacket because it looks just like his Uncle Matt’s who works as a mechanic.

Overall we’ve been greatly impressed with the styles from Dickies. It was very different from what I expected and I’m glad I gave them a chance. Besides for some sizing issues which won’t be an issue if you shop in a brick and mortar store the clothing fits well and is well made.

Droid Razr By Motorola – Best Phone I’ve Ever Owned

January 4, 2012 by Melissa

I recently became a Motorola Insider which means I get access to new Motorola products and a few weeks back I received the Droid Razr by Motorola. Now I want to start this review by telling you that Melinda says that I hate every phone that I have ever owned but she is 100% wrong this time.

To me the Razr is the fastest phone that I have ever owned plus it is 4G which is pretty awesome. The Razr is powered by a Dual-Core 1.2GHz , Dual-Channel RAM Processor that runs the 2.3.5 Gingerbread Android platform which is Android 4.0 (Ice Cream Sandwich) upgradeable. The Razr has an awesome 8MP rear facing camera and a 1.3MP front facing imager with 720p HD video capture. It also comes with 16 GB of internal memory; 16 GB microSD card pre-installed (Black model only).

So far I am about 3 weeks into using my new phone and so far I love it. A cool feature of the Droid Razr by Motorola is Smart Action. Smart Action can make tasks easier by automating actions you do every day. Here are a few examples of what Smart Action can do for you:

Sleep – Turns off ringer when you go to bed.
Morning – Automatically launches the news each morning.
Workout – Plays music when you use headphones.
Local Discovery – Launches Social Location every night to help you discover new things around you.

These are just a few things that Smart Action helps you with. Another really cool feature I just stumbled upon is Motocast Remote Access. Motocast allows you to stream and sync music and photos from your computer to your phone. All you have to do is plug your phone into your computer via a USB cable to setup an initial account and after that you are in business. This is a fairly new feature for me so I am still testing it but so far it is pretty awesome.

I am being 100% serious and honest when I tell you that the Droid Razr by Motorola is the BEST phone that I have ever owned. It is extremely fast and processes every task that I throw at it with no problem. The display is large (which I really like believe it or not) at 4.3-inches and is Super AMOLED which makes the display look so vivid and alive. The battery life is awesome and on a day where I use the phone heavy for Facebook, Twitter and surfing the internet I get about 10-12 hours on the battery. My old phone would crap out after 4-5 hours no matter how much I used it.

I am sure there are so many more features that I am leaving out because most likely I haven’t stumbled upon them yet but it you are looking for a new phone and into tech stuff like I am click HERE for full details on the Razr.

Phineas and Ferb Best Live Tour Ever

January 3, 2012 by Melissa

Phineas and Ferb is one of OUR favorite shows. We watch it as a family, recite lines, sing songs and often discuss the legality of having a pet platypus (it’s illegal by the way). Somehow we managed to squeeze in some fun right before the holidays with the kids; Phineas and Ferb, The Best Live Tour Ever.

The whole family headed down to Baltimore’s Lyric Opera House where we surprised the kids with tickets to Phineas and Ferb: Best Live Tour Ever. We kept it a secret because we knew they would drive us insane with a countdown to the show every 18 minutes. We got there early enough to get the giggles and freak outs out of their system, get our seats and grab some snacks. There was a preshow of trivia and songs which got the entire audience excited for the upcoming show. The Lyric Opera House itself was a fantastic venue, not a bad seat in the house from what I could tell.

Phineas and Ferb; The Best Live Tour Ever was so much fun, more fun that we’ve had all together in a long time. The show is about entire gang’s LAST DAY OF SUMMER and how they are going to spend it. The songs and dancing were energetic and the costumes and props were top notch. I didn’t know what to expect for costumes considering Phineas and Ferb aren’t normal looking kids; the triangle head and purple hair and all. Or course there is another story going on in the background; Agent P and Dr Doofenschmirtz battle again.

The tour itself is still out and I highly suggest getting a show in if it stops in your city.

75% off Photo Canvas Prints till 2/1/2012

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