It’s easy to be a brand evangelist (ambassador? what are we calling it these days? How ’bout “this is is something cool you need to know about”?) for something that you truly love. When the wiifit came out I was all about it but as the kids say “that is so last year” and it IS. This XBOX blows anything else out on the market out of the water. It is just that freakin cool and cause I am your friend, and I don’t want you to be pulling your hair out trying to snipe a last minute ebay bid on it a week before Christmas consider this your heads up…..Not going to repost my whole review. You can go read it on BeTweenTalk. Just don’t say I didn’t warn you if you have XBOX heads like I do.

Disclosure: yes, this is a compensated relationship, yes, I really, really think this rocks my socks

I am no longer hosting a weekly linky because there is a much better place to promote your giveaways. You can promote them on the Mom It Forward Forums anytime for free. You do have to register once, but it is quick, easy and free and there are lots of benefits to take a minute to get registered-like exclusive giveaways and blogger opportunities for forum members in addition to the awesome linky love.

I rarely write reviews on this blog but I am writing this one because EVERYWHERE I go wearing my Sketchers Shape Ups women stop and ask me if they are worth it.

I bought mine as a New Years Day present to myself and planned to write a review on them because I know so many people are curious: at $100 plus a pop, do they work? I held off writing the review this long because I wanted to give them a fair shot.

So, do they work?

Yes and no. If I wear them to the mall or Costco I do notice my calves are a little sore the next day which tells me they are doing something. I never felt any difference in my thighs, butt or abs as the ads claim. And I haven’t lost any weight simply by wearing them and walking around normally.

They ARE super comfy. Once you get used to them it feels like walking on air. They were a little weird to get used to. I kept feeling like I was going to roll an ankle but I never did.

I did learn not to wear them on a treadmill. Just too fast to get the kind of step needed in for them. Also, they are not the greatest in snow or icy conditions (duh, I know, but I live in Denver so you never know what the day may bring)

They are cute and stylish (at least in my opinion) and people do notice them.

I didn’t notice any change in my posture but I did notice that it changed the way I walk even when I am not in them (so is that a change in posture?). The shoes force you to walk heel to toe like you would on the beach. I absolutely catch myself doing that now more.

So do I recommend them?

IF $110 is not that big of a deal for you to spend on shoes than I say sure. But if it is, you can more than live without these things. I will continue to wear mine around during errands and such but more because I like how comfy they are and if I am going to do the walking anyway, why not? I have already spent the money.

UGH! I am getting sick. I knew it would happen. Every time my body goes through major stress it is followed by a bout with something. Today I woke up with a really sore throat and a cough that sounds like a barking seal. Great, we promised the kids we would go skiing tomorrow—-which as you all know means me sitting in the lodge watching movies, doing some posting and doing the VERY important job of holding a table for lunch.

Don’t feel too sorry for me though. I have some very cool movies to entertain me tomorrow. I am not ashamed to admit they are all lighthearted, silly and yes, maybe a little young for me but a little fun is the perfect RX for me right now (oh, make sure you read to the bottom, there may be a reward in it for you!)

THE SIMPSONS: SEASON 20

I love the Simpsons. I seriously do. There is something so comforting about the fact that Bart never grows up and their family never changes. 20 Years??? Seriously??? I remember when this was ground breaking stuff. This DVD (also available in Blu-Ray) covers 21 episodes from 2008-2009. Let’s see…that is about 10 1/2 hours of laughs for me!

10 THINGS I HATE ABOUT YOU: VOLUME ONE

Based on the movie 10 Things I Hate About You. I just recently reviewed the movie was Heath Ledger so I am looking forward to seeing how the TV series shapes up. Teenage drama at its best? I am a closet fan of Secret Life of the American Teenager so I am betting this is going to be one I like as well.

MAKE IT OR BREAK IT: VOLUME ONE (EXTENDED EDITION)

Story line direct from Walt Disney Studios Home Entertainment:

How far will they go to achieve their ultimate dream? Experience the rivalry and romance of four teenage girls on their path to Olympic gold in the original ABC Family series that has fans and critics cheering all across the nation. “You’ll flip for…Make It Or Break It,” raves David Hinkley of the New York Daily News.

Who will rank #1 at Nationals and what will it take to get there? Viewers will flip for this engaging series chronicling the triumphs and heartbreaks as close friends balance their lives as high school students with the intense world of competitive gymnastics. Fans can relive the series that raises the bar on family drama, complete with a never-before-seen extended episode, and go behind the scenes to discover what it takes to perform such amazing stunts—only on DVD!

I HAVE FREE REDBOX CODES FOR YOU

That would not be cool of me to talk about all the movies I have to watch without offering you a chance too, would it? Redbox has graciously given me some free rental codes for you to use. I recently discovered Redbox while driving to Las Vegas in October. I know, I must live in a hole to not use it before. Great way to rent movies for $.99 and you can return them anywhere which makes it the ultimate road trip tool for me

The codes are unique, one time codes so I will give one away to the first ten people to comment. I will email you the codes so make sure that you fill your email addy in the little box that only I see! Tell me what you want to rent and the code is yours

*oops forgot my ever, all important FTC disclaimer. Yes, I was compensated by the respective parties mentioned above and you know what is even more shocking??? Micheal Jordan got PAID to wear Nike shoes….shhhh, don’t tell the FTC!

I have a lot of newish readers so I wanted to make you all aware that I have a great linky post for to list your giveaways or enter others. You can post to it anytime but a lot of people list on Thursday here.

Happy Thursday…

Oh my! I am such a slacker! A few weeks ago (ok, maybe more than a few) I received another AWESOME package from Steve Spangler Science full of goodies from their holiday gift guide.

Here is what was in my box when I opened it:

Galileo Thermometer & Barometer

I absolutely, positively love this. We have it set up in the living room. It came with great instructions on how to set it up. The kids are having a lot of fun comparing this to the digital weather station we have. I was really excited about it because we have long called Carter our little barometer as the weather change often sets off a shunt headache for him. We are using this to compare the changes with his headaches. Plus, it just looks so cool!

Mentos Geyser Tube

Steve also sent me over the new depth charge for the mentos geyser as well as the traditional release contraption he first came out with. We had a lot of fun with both but prefer the new depth charge one. It essentially sinks the mentos to the bottom for the explosion to start.

Air Burst Rockets

Incredibly high shooting rocket. It can fly 600 feet in the air. Need I say more? If there is a more perfect toy for boys, I don’t what it would be. We had to take it to the park around the corner. I didn’t get video of my kiddos with it but this one from the boys at Steve’s office is pretty amazing:

Boom Splat Kablooey – Klutz Book

This one is under the tree. Shhhh…….

Disclosure: As noted Steve Spangler Science provided me with these products to review at no charge. I do truly, truly love Steve Spangler Science which is why I write about them as I often as I do:)

Hurray! You know we have a big Disney fan in this house and since we moved to Denver, Disney on Ice is as close as we have come to our beloved characters. I love Disney on Ice. It is such a wonderfully magically little break in our lives.

Mom Central and the Feld Family Activators are again giving me a rock your socks discount code to share with you all! The coupon code will again be MOM — four tickets for $44 for Monday-Friday matinee shows, and $4 off Friday night and weekend shows; any additional weekday tickets are still priced at $11.

For those of you with Princess fans this show has something special: Arrive up to one hour early to tour the display of gorgeous gowns and meet a real princess! This is free to all ticket holders!

Rev up for non-stop fun with four of your favorite Disney stories at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy. Thrill to high-speed stunts as Lightning McQueen, Mater and the crew of Disney/Pixar’s CARS race across the ice. Dive into The Little Mermaid’s enchanting undersea kingdom and experience the ‘Circle of Life’ with The Lion King. Then enter into the magical world of Pixie Hollow with Tinker Bell and all her fairy friends as they make their world premiere on ice! From wheels to waves, Pride Lands to pixie dust, your family’s favorite Disney moments come to life at Disney On Ice presents Worlds of Fantasy with dazzling skating, special effects and beloved characters certain to create a lifetime of memories.

I am able to give away a family 4 pack of tickets for opening night to one of you lucky Denver area readers! Want them?

Prize: 4 pack of tickets for opening night. You will need to claim at box office will call with a photo ID.

How to Win: Just leave me a comment telling me why this would be a special family event for you.

Contest Ends: Thursday, November 26th, 10 AM MST. Winner will be contacted via email. I MUST be able to get a hold of you to ensure your tickets are delivered to will call within 24 hours of contest end

The Rules:

Disney On Ice Giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

Promotion is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age or older as of November 19, 2009 except employees and their immediate families of Chaotic Communications, LLC .

Void where prohibited. All federal, state and local laws apply. All taxes are the sole responsibility of winners.

Sponsor is not responsible  for any technical problems, malfunctions of any telephone lines, computer systems, servers, providers, hardware/software, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmission or any combination thereof. If, in the Judging Agency’s opinion, there is any suspected or actual evidence of tampering with any portion of the sweepstakes, or if technical difficulties compromise the integrity of the sweepstakes, the Judging Agency reserve the right to modify the sweepstakes in a manner deemed appropriate by the Judging Agency, in its sole discretion. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of the Judging Agency.

JUDGING: Chaotic Communications, LLC (”Judging Agency”) will choose a winner based on a random drawing of all qualifying comments.   Agency reserves the right to disqualify any entry that, in the sole opinion of the judges, refers, depicts or in any way reflects negatively upon the sponsor, the promotion or any other person or entity.

SPONSOR:

Feld Family Activators through Mom Central

Disclosure: Feld Family Activators provided me with a family four pack of tickets to this event.

Winner was Fiona. Thanks for playing!

OK, just because I am thankful for each and everyone of you that take time out of your crazy lives to come see what is happening in mine, I am going to run a giveaway for 4 movie tickets!

General Mills has an awesome promotion going on right now that they want you to know about for movie cash: Starting in November, you can receive a free movie ticket when you purchase two specially marked packages of General Mills´ Cereals. After purchasing two cereals, visit generalmills.com/moviecashto enter the code found inside each box of cereal and print your free movie certificate good for admission to any movie.

Participating brands include select sizes of: Honey Nut Cheerios, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Lucky Charms, Trix and Reese´s Peanut Butter Puffs.

To find a participating theater near you, log onto
http://emoviecash.com/dis_locator/.

Prize: “Movie Moment” prize pack that includes 4 e-movie cash certificates ($12 each) and one (1) free coupon for a General Mills cereal.

How to Win: Just leave me a comment telling me which movie your family is anxious to see this holiday season. We are looking forward to using our tickets on Old Dogs.

Contest Ends: Sunday, November 29th, 10 PM MST. Winner will be contacted via email.

The Rules:

Movie Moments Giveaway

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY

Promotion is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age or older as of November 19, 2009 except employees and their immediate families of Chaotic Communications, LLC .

Void where prohibited. All federal, state and local laws apply. All taxes are the sole responsibility of winners.

Sponsor and Judging Agency are not responsible  for any technical problems, malfunctions of any telephone lines, computer systems, servers, providers, hardware/software, lost or unavailable network connections or failed, incomplete, garbled or delayed computer transmission or any combination thereof. If, in the Judging Agency’s opinion, there is any suspected or actual evidence of tampering with any portion of the sweepstakes, or if technical difficulties compromise the integrity of the sweepstakes, the Judging Agency reserve the right to modify the sweepstakes in a manner deemed appropriate by the Judging Agency, in its sole discretion. By participating in this promotion, entrants agree to be bound by the Official Rules and the decisions of the Judging Agency.

JUDGING: Chaotic Communications, LLC (”Judging Agency”) will choose a winner based on a random drawing (utilizing random.org) of all qualifying comments.   Agency reserves the right to disqualify any entry that, in the sole opinion of the judges, refers, depicts or in any way reflects negatively upon the sponsor, the promotion or any other person or entity.

SPONSOR:

General Mills through MyBlogSpark

Disclosure: General Mills provided me with the free coupon, information, and prize pack through MyBlogSpark as well as providing the prize pack to the winner of this contest.

*Winner was Lolli. Thanks for playing everyone

A few weeks ago the boys and I were poking around Borders and we spied some new science kits from Mythbusters. We all love Mythbusters in this family. It is one of the first shows that I recommend to homeschool families, especially ones with boys. It is no secret that I am a science geek but the messaging in Mythbusters is what I truly love. The show promotes the message that it is not only OK to make mistakes in science, but sometimes it is preferred. So many of our inventions have come from ‘mistakes’. But in a world where kids are constantly drilled the ‘right’ answer I fear we have created a generation of kids afraid to make mistakes. Public schools don’t have time to let kids figure things out on their own, so when they do have ‘science’ they have to make sure that the kids get the ‘right’ answer all wrapped up in a 45 minute class period. Which of course, usually means spoon feeding them the answers. This is where we, as homeschoolers, have a real opportunity to change things for our kids. We can let them wonder, ponder, try, fail, leave it, come back to it, and try again as much as we like. It is precisely this reason that I love Mythbusters for showing kids that the way real scientists work. But, yet, I digress off on another tangent….

OK, so even with my love of Mythbusters, I was not about to shell $19.99 for a kit. So, I filed it away as something fun to look at later, when they went on sale! I was surprised that week when I got an email from Marie at Team Mom Media asking if she could send me one to review (funny how the universe does things like that) and I readily jumped.

She sent us the Weird World of Water kit. This is what the kit contains:


The kit contains most things you need for the experiments. The boys wanted to do this one:


which is essentially a bottle rocket but they were sad to find out I didn’t have any baking soda in the house. They settled on creating a vortex. I have done this one plenty of times in the classroom and surprised they had never done it in public school. It is so easy to do. You just take two 2-liter bottles and connect them together. You use a fancy little screw cap that comes in the kit (or you can buy for $5 at any teaching store).  I have even heard tale that duct taping them together real tight works. This is the effect of putting momentum on the top bottle (giving it a little swirl)

The boys were fascinated with it and kept it going for a while putting in glitter and then beads that came in the kit.

I promised them that I would go get baking soda so they can do the pantry rocket soon. So, would I recommend this? Yes! With the caveat that I think the price point is too high. The book is the best part of it and does a wonderful job explaining the concepts in true Mythbusters style. $9.99-$14.99 is probably a better price point so if you can find it on sale, go for it! I know Target, Walmart and ToysRUs are selling it as well as Borders. The age range of my boys was just about right (11 and 13). It is made for kids 9 and up. Just be sure to have baking soda on hand….

I wanted to let you know about a great scholarship program going on at Wendy’s. With the economy the way it is, we can all use all the help we can get to pay for college.

High school seniors who have a 3.0 average or higher, participate in a school-sponsored sport and contribute to their community can apply at www.WendysHeisman.com, or a high school educator, guidance counselor, or coach can nominate them. As a little reward, the first 41,100 applicants will receive a free Wendy’s gift card in amounts ranging from $5 to $50. One male and one female from each high school will win the award and continue on in competition for state and national awards. Twelve national finalists will participate in Heisman Weekend festivities during an all-expenses-paid trip Dec. 11-13 to New York City. ESPN2 will feature all 12 national finalists during the Wendy’s High School Heisman Awards Ceremony, which airs Dec. 13. The Wendy’s High School Heisman website will display the names of all applicants and individual school winners on October 22, 2009.

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Wendy’s and received a gift certificate to giveaway and to thank me for taking the time to participate. As part of the tour I received an extra $20 to giveaway to a luck reader. So, here is how the giveaway will work:

REQUIRED Initial Entry: Just leave a comment below telling me that you would like to win a Wendy’s gift card.

Optional Bonus Entries: If you already do these, that counts too, just tell me in separate comments:

* Receive 1 Entry for following @chaotic_barb on Twitter (Leave your Twitter ID.)

* Receive 1 Entry for adding me to your blog roll (leave a link to where)

* Receive 1 Entry by Faving me on Mom Faves (Leave your Mom Faves ID)

* Receive 1 Entry – (You may do this one time per day) for tweeting about this giveaway. Copy and paste this —–>@chaotic_barb has a great giveaway going on $20 Wendy’s giftcard from @momcentral http://bit.ly/3NDYC8

*Receive 1 Entry-Add to Technorati Favorites (leave your ID)

*Bookmark the http://elementaryspirits.com on delicious

*Subscribe to my feed

Please leave a separate comment for each entry. Must be 18 years of age or older. We reserve the right to remove any entry from this giveaway that doesn’t have the requested information. This giveaway ends Oct 14, 2009 11:59 pm EST. Please allow up to 4 weeks to receive your item. If the winner does not respond within 48 hours another winner will be chosen.