Busy Mom Reviews

As a mother with 3 kids, all in sports, I love me some Febreeze.

I was sent a sample of Febreeze To Go, and, I have to say it's a great idea. It's regular Febreeze in a TSA compliant (at the moment) 2.8 travel size, and, it's great to take along in your suitcase to remove travel-funky smells, to keep in a gym bag, or to keep in the car after loading up on Krystals (trust me, even if you're not from the South, neutralizing that is a good thing).

It retails for around $2.00 a bottle, and, is available where you get the regular sized Febreze.

Try it out!

Eat Better America is a free web site designed to provide useful recipes, nutrition, and fitness advice for an overall healthier lifestyle.

It's a creation of General Mills, and, experts take an entertaining approach to presenting insight into a healthier lifestyle. It features recipes, fitness information, coupons, a free newsletter, and more.

Cascade Complete is a new formula designed to dissolve tough food particles so there is no need to prewash dishes before you load them up in the dishwasher.

As a matter of fact, they believe so much in their product that I was sent a bottle of Cascade Complete as well as a bottle of a competing product, Electrosol to compare the two.

The Cascade was thicker than the Electrosol, and, it really did get some of the tougher, un-rinsed dishes clean. There were a couple of "failures" with especially caked on food, but, even then, the dishes came out in batter shape than they did with other products.

Overall, there has been a huge decrease in the need to rinse or rewash dishes. As a bonus, the dishes seem to look better without clouds or spots, even the plastic storage containers!

I'll buy this one again, try it out yourself, I think you'll like it.

From Academy Award®-winning director Brad Bird (The Incredibles) and the amazing storytellers at Pixar Animation Studios (Finding Nemo, Cars) comes RATATOUILLE, this year’s most original comedy about one of the most unlikely friendship's imaginable.

A rat named Remy (Patton Oswalt) dares to dream the impossible dream of becoming a gourmet chef in a five-star French restaurant.

Undeterred by the obvious problem of trying to make it in the world's most rodent-phobic profession, not to mention his family's urgings to be satisfied with the usual trash-heap lifestyle, Remy's fantasies are filled with flambés and sautés.

When circumstances literally drop Remy into the Parisian restaurant made famous by his culinary hero, Auguste Gusteau (Brad Garrett), Remy finds the one thing he needs, a friend to believe in him: the restaurant's shy, outcast garbage boy named Linguini (Lou Romano).

Remy and Linguini form the most improbable partnership that will turn Paris upside down, leading them both on an incredible journey of comical twists, emotional turns and the most unlikely of triumphs, which they could never have imagined without each other.

Ratatouille came out on DVD with exciting bonus features, on November 6, 2007, get yours today, it will make a great holiday gift!

Dude. You gotta try these.

Ferrero Rondnoir dark chocolates are combination of a dark chocolate cream surrounding a "black pearl" of fine dark chocolate, within a delicate, crisp wafer topped with crunchy dark chocolate morsels.

Seriously. Get thee to the store and get some of these.

Until then, you can send a personalized snow globe greeting at the Share Something Sweet website and benefit Share Our Strength, one of the nation's leading organizations working to end childhood hunger in America.

Did you know Best Buy sells appliances?

They sell a range of over 3,000 name brand products from stainless steel refrigerators and dishwashers to top-of-the-line stovetops and ovens.

To help consumers navigate the limitless options of today’s appliances, Best Buy’s Certified Appliance Specialists offer first-hand experience and knowledge.

Be sure to catch the videos (has sound) from the Blue Shirts offering tips on the latest trends in kitchen appliances, how to save money and the environment and easy ways to upgrade your home:

The Eco-Conscious Home and
Easy Ways to Remodel Your Kitchen

They even have a Kitchen & Laundry Design Center where you can create a 3D picture of the ideal kitchen, laundry room or even wet bar.

I've always wanted to try the Senseo Coffee maker since I've heard good things about them, so, I jumped at the chance when I was offered one for review.

The Senseo is a single serve coffee maker that uses coffee "pods" to make a fresh, cup of gourmet coffee. It only works with the pods, so, you'll want to make sure you have plenty on hand.

One thing you have to remember is that a "cup" of coffee has gotten bigger over the years, so, in order to make a size that you usually drink at home, you'll need to use 2 pods at a time.

I first thought the Senseo coffee was kind of weak, but, then I remembered I've been drinking Mexican espresso that will put hair on your neighbor's chest, so, I realized that it is actually normal coffee, and, it's pretty good!

It was easy to use once I read the directions. Be sure to flush it out like the directions say before the first use.

I have really enjoyed it, and, I think it would be especially good for someone who lives alone, and, may not want to make a whole pot of coffee for one person. I may get my dad one for that reason.

Go here for a survey and a chance to get a Senseo Coffee Machine, bag of coffee pods & storage canister, as well as five $20-off a machine purchase cards to pass along to others.

I was sent a Tigi Bed Head Light Me Up!™ 1875-Watt Pulsating Dryer for review.

It's a lot of words for a hair dryer, but, it's a good one.

While I'm not entirely sure what ionic is supposed to do to my hair, I really like it.

It has fiber optic heat indicators that change color according to the heat setting. OK, and, it's flashy and shiny, too!

At a powerful 1875 watts, it's got settings for different combinations of heat and power, and, there's a pulsating setting that gives your hair extra volume. My hair doesn't have much volume any way you look at it, but, it did seem to give it a little lift.

It also dried my hair very fast, always a plus on hectic weekday mornings.

I've seen it at Target, and, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and, online retailers for $49.99 (US).

I was invited to an exclusive Best Buy Reward Zone event in the Edgewood neighborhood in Atlanta, GA on November 11, 2007.

Best Buy has a points reward program called Reward Zone, and, the good people at Best Buy invited me to a party to celebrate it (disclosure: my expenses were paid, and, they didn't request that I write anything specific about it).

I arrived in the evening as the store was closing, and, a line of hard-core Wii enthusiasts:

were lined up outside discussing store navigational strategies to acquire one of the 30 units Best Buy had on hand for this after hours Reward Zone sale.

I was greeted by the manager, Marshall Bronson:

who welcomed me in to watch the preparation for the festivities of the evening.

The store was abuzz with excitement as everyone was straightening and vacuuming to get things ready for the guests outside.

Under the watchful eye of the security force:

the employees really got into it It was a fun atmosphere, and, they even held a little pep rally to get everyone fired up. The district manager was even there, ready for action.

The big moment finally arrive, and, the doors opened. But, unlike some Black Friday sales shoppers, this crowd was orderly and calm:

There was much shopping had by all, with sales and door prizes all evening.

The Wii table ("Wii", not "wee". It was a full sized table) was even calm and orderly as people double checked that the ticket they got really enabled them to buy the coveted game system. "You mean all I need is this piece of paper? I can shop now without worrying about it?":

Man, I really, really, really want a Wii, but, cannot justify the purchase since it is worth more than my geriatric television. The television that will not die.

Anyway, I looked at nearly everything there, wishing I could have one of each. I spent at lot of time looking at cameras, and, the staff was very knowledgeable, there. I was impressed.

Everyone was so nice and welcoming, and, I really enjoyed my visit. I also came home with my wallet a little lighter as did most everyone in attendance.

You can join the Reward Zone program for free, and, make one qualifying purchase a year to keep your membership. You earn 1 point for nearly every $1 you spend at Best Buy or BestBuy.com.

Every time you earn 250 points, you get a $5 reward certificate to use in participating stores., so check it out today and start saving.

If you're in the Atlanta, GA area, Best Buy #896 in Edgewood rocks!

Nail-Aid Fingernail Treatments are an innovative line of nail care treatment products.

These treatments deliver “Beautiful Nails with No Toxic Chemicals”, the first nail treatment brand to be 100% free of toxic chemicals.

Nail Aid products include and they are 100% guaranteed.

Common nail problems include: thinning, chipping, yellowing, artificial nail damage, ragged cuticles, broken nails, and, slow drying manicures, and, Nail-Aid has products to address them all.

I was sent samples of the Clear Liquid Bandage, Cuticle Cure, Grow Tougher and Brush-On Wrap for review.

It was a good choice on the part of the company as I have horrible fingernails. They aren't deformed or anything, they're just oddly shaped, and, soft. I can't grow nice nails to save my life.

I really like all the products, my cuticles aren't usually a problem, but, they're looking good, lately. But, they best part is that my nails really are stronger, there is much less breaking and tearing, and, they have actually grown.

The products stay on well, no annoying peeling every time you turn around, and, it stands up to normal hand wear and tear.

People love Nail-Aid proucts, you should really check them out.

The company is especially proud of their values: to promote women’s health, oppose animal testing, support women’s rights and protect the environment.

2006’s holiday box office hit, Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause, stars funnymen Tim Allen—reprising his role as Scott Calvin, a regular guy turned Kris Kringle—and Martin Short, portraying the icily calculating and sneaky Jack Frost is out on DVD on 2007!

This third installment of the successful Disney holiday family franchise pits Scott and Jack against one another in a battle for executive control over Christmas, resulting in a sack full of laughs and some Holiday magic.

Santa Clause 3: The Escape Clause DVD bonus features include the all-new “Christmas Carol-Oke,” a Christmas caroling guide for the entire family, the “Greatest Time of Year” music video performed by teen pop singing sisters Aly & A.J., “The Making of The Santa Clause 3” featurette and a hysterical new blooper reel.

The Blu-ray High-Def bonus features include all of the DVD bonus features, plus Movie Showcase and the interactive feature “Deck The Halls: The Virtual Holiday Decorator,” which lets you customize your own virtual living room for the holidays.

I love the Santa Clause Movies, and, this one was a lot of fun, the kids loved it, too.

*or, how my already marginal photography skills are even worse at 4am.

I had so much fun at the Best Buy Reward Zone event in the Edgewood neighborhood in Atlanta a couple of weeks ago, I went back for Black Friday (disclosure: my expenses were paid, and, they didn't request that I write anything specific about it).

Since I was just a couple of hours away, I drove to Atlanta from our Thanksgiving celebration, and, checked into the Sheraton, where, luckily, I didn't use any of the glasses.

After some mindless Internet surfing (yeah, me. Who knew?) I went to bed, since, I was due at Best Buy at 4am.

And, as one might suspect, 3:30 in the morning came awfully early.

I got ready, and, tried to attain some semblance of coherence, but, I think the hotel staff doubted my efforts, and, thought I had been up all night drinking.

(Note to self: check mirror more thoroughly next time)

I acquired brain fluid, and, got on the road:

When I got to Best Buy a little after 4 (shut up), the line was already down the sidewalk and around the building.

I parked and beat a hasty path to the front door to explain myself to the security guard because the $200 computer seekers in line take said line very seriously, and, I didn't want to be mistaken for a line jumper.

People were jovial for the most part, but, I did witness a little controversy when some guy joined his friends in line, and, the line neighbors took great exception to that.

Turns out I had nothing to worry about because everyone was expecting me, and, I was greeted with choruses of, "Our blogger's here!"

Many of them had been there since 2am, so, suddenly I felt like I got to sleep late. However, I do wish I had figured out that Caribou Coffee had opened at 4:30am.

Despite the early hour, everyone was so excited, it was kind of contagious. Several employees told me they had worked the sale for several years, and, looked forward to it. They were out in the cold interacting with the customers, and, having a good time.

However, I'm still glad I wasn't the employee who had to tell everyone when all the computer vouchers had been handed out.

I decided to see what made the customers in line come out so early to brave the cold and the lines, and, the answer was nearly unanimous, "the great deals".

Well, except for the guy who was last in line when I was out there. I asked him why he was there, and, he replied, "My family made me."

The lovely lady who was first in line had gotten there at 9:30 the night before, and, she was very clear she was there to get a $400 laptop. I asked her if it was going to be a gift, or, if she was going to keep it.

She just smiled, and, said it was a gift.

The employees scurried around getting everything ready, and, going over the plans to get everyone in an out. TV cameras were there, and, reporters getting ready for "live from the scene" shots.

As the big moment got closer, a staff meeting/pep rally was called to go over last minute plans:

But, first, everyone went rushing outside to give a cheer to the customers in line:

All the employees seemed genuinely fired up, but, I'm not sure what would happen to them if they weren't. I wouldn't want to take my chances, no telling what the punishment would be for lack of enthusiam, he's kinda big (kidding):

Traffic flow details were well thought out, and, everyone was ready for the big moment (my very first You Tube video, I might add):

There were lots of people, but, everyone was orderly, and, ready to go get their computers, and, $2.99 DVDs.

People sure like them some DVDs. There were two girls who, between them, had a basket full of probably 50 or 60 of them.

I was amazed at how there were employees there to help at every turn, yet, they weren't at all intrusive.

Like every store on Friday, the lines were long, but, thanks to some great planning, they moved fairly quickly.

There were some great deals, I got a few things myself, but, am kicking myself for not getting the $119 TomTom One LE GPS unit. I talked myself out of it, and, now I sure wish I hadn't.

Anyway, Best Buy store #896 in the Edgewood neighborhood in Atlanta, GA is the place to be. Do stop in, and, do your shopping there if you are in the area, it's a great group of knowledgeable people who enjoy what they do.

And, be sure to shop the Best Buy Cyber Monday Sale TODAY!

Shopping for holiday cards or birth announcements?

Be sure to check out Tiny Prints, they have some great papers and cards.

While you're there, use the Tiny Prints Coupon Code "busymomreader" to get 10% off your order!

Because, much to my childrens' chagrin, I loves me some Soulja Boy (I am so busting out my moves when I chaperone the Jr. High Christmas dance in a week), I was excited to see Now 26 in the stores.

The 20 hits on NOW That’s What I Call Party Hits!, selected and sequenced to keep every celebration jumping from start to finish, include MIMS’ “This Is Why I’m Hot,” Chris Brown’s “Run It!,” Kanye West featuring Jamie Foxx’s “Gold Digger,” Chingy’s “Right Thurr,” Amerie’s “1 Thing,” Nelly Furtado featuring Timbaland’s “Promiscuous,” Rihanna’s “SOS,” Missy Elliott’s “Get Ur Freak On,” and many more.

Full list:
1. Soulja Boy - Crank That
2. The Way I Are - Timbaland
3. Lovestoned - Justin Timberlake
4. Shut Up & Drive - Rihanna
5. Wall To Wall - Chris Brown
6. Beautiful Girls - Sean Kingston
7. Can't Tell Me Nothing - Kanye West
8. Make Me Better - Fabolous
9. Bed - J. Holliday
10. Cyclone - Baby Bash/T-Pain
11. Big Girls Don't Cry - Fergie
12. Who Knew? - Pink
13. When I'm Gone - Avril Lavigne
14. Pictures Of You - The Last Goodnight
15. Hey There Delilah - Plain White T's
16. Over You - Daughtry
17. Rockstar - Nickelback
18. Never Too Late - Three Days Grace
19. First Time - Lifehouse
20. I Don't Wanna Be In Love - Good Charlotte

I like most of the songs, and, I'm old.

If you are the parent of a teen, the NOW CDs are a good way to keep in touch with current musics, and, you may even find some new favorites of your own.