buzzoole code Socially Connected Consulting: December 2010

Create. Engage. Grow Your Business

Thursday, December 30, 2010

Brownies as a gift? Yes!

I was surprised when I received this little box from our relatives in NYC. They sent us brownies from the American Brownie Company. These are not just any old brownies, but they are gourmet brownies. They sent us the 20 Gourmet Coffee Lovers Bite Size Tower Gift Pack. There are 5 flavors in the pack including Dark Chocolate Brownie, Night and Day Brownie, German Chocolate Brownie, White Chocolate Walnut Blondie Brownie, and Chocolate Peanut Butter Brownie. The brownies are yummy and moist. They are cut into little squares so they are bite size. Don't let the bite size fool you into eating more than you should. One square a 2oz serving can be between 190 & 220 calories! Yeah, I was shocked when I read that because I had just eaten 2 of them! But if you want to get a gift for a chocolate lover I suggest you check out American Brownie Company's website. http://www.americanbrownieco.com/

Review of the Day: Mark Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Gloss

If you have read my blog before you know I love lipstick and lip gloss. Several days ago I reviewed Dolce & Gabbana's lip gloss which I highly recommend, but I know it's a bit on the pricey side. So, I received a sample of Mark's Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Gloss and I have to tell you that it is stiff competition for the D&G lip gloss. It retails for 6.00 which is not a lot for a quality lip gloss. It goes on very smooth and keeps your lips moist for hours. I noticed a few hours later it looked like I had just applied it. Also, there's a slight minty flavor to it. It's not an overpowering minty flavor. The color is a pink called Girly Girl, but I think it looks great with any skin tone. It does come in several other shades. If you want a sexy pouty look to your lips I suggest you try this lip gloss. And there's a special offer going on right now:

FREE mark hook up connector with purchase of ANY 2 mark hook up products!

Lip Fix! FREE mark Juice Gems Squeeze On Lip Gloss (a $6.50 value!) with an $18 purchase on select items!

And FREE shipping for orders of $35 or more just enter MARKFS35 at checkout.

The new year is about to begin. You owe it to yourself to get a new look, but you don't have to spend a lot of money to look fabulous with Mark. Check out the website at http://kmerriwether.mymarkstore.com/
Lipgloss

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Give thanks and get organized for the new year with Expressionery.com!

So all of the gifts have been unwrapped. You probably received some great gifts and would like to thank your family and/or friends. You would like to send them a lovely personalized thank you card. Check out some of the thank you cards at Expressionery.com. They have some wonderful designs to suit every personality. And if you're like me the new year is always a good excuse to get organized. Expressionery.com has all sorts of things to help you get organized in the new year. From calendars, stationery, mailing labels to recipe cards and journals. You can also design your own stationery. Their website is easy to navigate and they are having a sale of 60% off on already reduced items. Here's the website http://www.expressionery.com/index.aspx

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Review of the Day: Duran Duran-All You Need Is Now

First of all let me tell you that I am a Duranie. I have been a Duran Duran fan since 1982. Yes, I was 2 years old then.(just kidding)Anyway, as a fan I have been anxiously awaiting the release of this record since the last one 'Red Carpet Massacre.' Especially since Mark Ronson co-produced the record with Duran.

My opinions are strictly from a fan's point of view. I'm not a musician so I cannot get into the technical aspects of anything. This album became available by download from iTunes on 12/21/10, but I have had a copy for a few weeks now. It's only available on iTunes. The physical release of the cd will be in late February 2011.

The first track is the title track 'All You Need Is Now.' I like that this is the title track because it's up-tempo and grabs you immediately. As usual Duran know how to make a good dance record. The video is excellent with shots of the band now and a nostalgic look back to the 80s.

Track 2 is 'Blame The Machines.' Another great dance track. It has a very techno feel. I found myself dancing to it much like I would have danced to it in the 80s. It has newscaster Nina Hossain doing the speaking part in the song.

Track 3 is 'Being Followed.' It sounds like it could be part of the soundtrack for a western, but with a disco track over it. The song is quite current because of Twitter and camera phones being everywhere. Someone is always watching what we do.

Track 4 is 'Leave The Light On.' This song is slow, atmospheric in tone. The lyrics are really beautiful. Makes me wonder who Simon was thinking of when he wrote this song.

Track 5 is 'Safe(In the Heat of the Moment).' This song begins with a rap from Scissor Sisters' Ana Matronic. The song is very catchy. This song was actually the first song from the cd I was drawn to except of course for the title track. It sounds like it could have been on any of Duran's albums in the 80s. A dance record that doesn't sound like anything else on the radio currently.

Track 6 is 'Girl Panic.' Fast paced song. Simon in the chorus sounds quite panicked like he's being chased by a bunch of girls. The guitar played by Dom Brown sounds very reminiscent of former member Andy Taylor.

Track 7 is 'The Man Who Stole a Leopard.' This is my favorite track. Kelis provides vocals on this track. This song could have easily been on the Rio record. The beginning reminds me of 'The Chauffeur.' Beautiful strings and Simon's haunting vocal throughout the song "Don't spill my secret" makes this song perfection. Once again Nina Hossain is featured on this track. She delivers a fake news story at the end about the man and his leopard.

Track 8 is 'Runaway, Runaway.' Guitar heavy track. Andy would have loved to play on this song. Really like Roger's drumming on this song. It drives the whole track.

Tracks 9&10 are 'Mediterranea' & 'Before the Rain.' Both songs are slow tracks. Beautifully written and performed. Simon's vocals sound strong on both tracks.

I have to say I can really tell they took their time with this record. Duran Duran are fantastic musicians. They are seriously underrated. Simon's lyrics have never been better. This is the first record since The Wedding Album that I can say I like every song. This is truely a record for the fans. Mark Ronson is a true fan and has done an amazing job with the production along with Duran Duran. 'All You Need Is Now' is available exclusively through iTunes.
http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/all-you-need-is-now/id410358702

Duran Duran are: Simon LeBon-Vocals, Nick Rhodes-Keyboards, John Taylor-Bass and Roger Taylor-Drums.

Wysi Wipes!

Ok, I was sent a sample of Wysi Wipes. My son and I were fascinated to see these little 2cm disk in the little green pouch. These little disks turn into biodegradable 9x10 inch wipes. They're a cross between a paper towel and a wash cloth. What you do is just put the disk under water, just a tablespoon will do. Unroll and volia you have a cloth. This is great especially for moms. I know I always need something to wipe my kids' faces. The little packs that were sent to me have 2 disks each. The cloth is very gentle on the skin. They are 100% natural, contain no alcohol, nothing has been added. It doesn't even have a scent. The towels are disposable, but can be reused. They are very durable and can be used in many different ways. Here's a website where you can learn more http://www.canawipe.com/about.html

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Sunday, December 19, 2010

Last Minute Christmas Gift Ideas

It's crunch time folks. Sometimes it's hard to figure out what to give that special someone or if you have received a gift from someone and you didn't get one for them. Here are some last minute gift ideas. First I'm going to recommend any of Philosophy's bath products. Especially the holiday products. My favorite is the Gingerbread Man Foaming Bath and shower gel.http://www.philosophy.com/christmas/gingerbread-man-shower-gel-2010-product It comes in a really cute box and it smells exactly like gingerbread. That's a good thing if you like gingerbread like I do. It lathers up well, but rinses off easily. You are just left soft wonderful smelling skin.

Blockbuster has a digital gift cards. Go to http://www.blockbuster.com/gifts. The cards are good in stores and online at Blockbuster.com.

Macy's has FREE GIFT with $78 Calvin Klein Euphoria Women's Fragrance Purchase! The gift is a gourmet box of chocolates! Yum! And Macy's has free shipping until Monday. http://www.macys.com/

I love Amazon as you can see by my website;-) Amazon gift cards make a great gift because Amazon sells almost everything. Go to Amazon.com.

If none of these gift ideas interest you there's a site called http://www.lastminute-giftideas.com/ They have all sorts of ideas for last minute gifts and they even break them down into catagories like Best Friend or Boss.

Good luck with your Christmas shopping and happy Christmas!

Friday, December 17, 2010

Review of the Day: Dolce and Gabbana The Lip Gloss

My favorite thing to wear is lip gloss or lipstick. I can't leave the house without something on my lips. I was sent a sample of the Dolce and Gabbana lip gloss. I was so excited when I saw the package. When I opened it I was disappointed because it's a bright pink color called Baby. I really wanted to try it. So, I put it on. With my skin tone it doesn't work. What I did notice is that it's very lightweight. You don't feel it on your lips at all. Also, it's not sticky. I decided to try it over one of my other lipsticks. It gave the lipstick a shine and made my lips look dewy. Which is a good thing;-) So, I highly recommend Dolce and Gabbana's lip gloss. They come in many other beautiful colors. I think I might try the Dahlia. http://www.dolcegabbanamakeup.com/en/lips/ultra-shine-lipgloss/

Thursday, December 16, 2010

Review of the Day: John Frieda Full Repair

My hair lately hasn't had any body, fullness and just looks drab. So, I decided to try yet another hair product. I saw that John Frieda has a new line of products to help repair overworked hair like mine. When I was younger I could do anything to my hair and it wouldn't hurt it at all. This year I put highlights in my hair in addition to the perm. Then in October I dyed my hair again. I think the older I get the more fragile the hair becomes. There were several products in this line. There was a shampoo, conditioner, a product specifically for flyaway hair, something that looked like a mousse and the product I bought which was the Perfect Ends Deep Infusion. On the bottle it says that it revives overworked hair. The product was 10.99 so I decided to give it a try.

I have to say this product changed my hair immediately. When I was blow drying it I noticed that my hair had a shine to it. It was fuller and when it was dry it looked much more healthy. It's very soft and actually has some body to it. I was able to style it today instead of just putting it in a ponytail. I'm so happy with this product I'm going to get the shampoo and conditioner next. http://www.johnfrieda.com/news_and_offers/whatsnew.asp

UPDATE 1/27/11: I bought the shampoo, conditioner and Root Lift Foam. I love all of the products in this line. My hair is looking healthier each time I use it. The foam is not like the mousse I remember when I was a teenager. It's light, not sticky and doesn't make your hair hard at all. I highly recommend the John Frieda Full Repair line.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

17 Gifts That Don't Cost a Thing

There's a lot of pressure this time of year to get the perfect gift for your loved ones. I have a friend who is currently unemployed and she has told me she cannot by gifts for anyone this year. I read this article about gifts that don't cost a thing. They have some really good ideas. I have to say I will probably try a few myself because I wasn't able to buy for as many people as usual this year. And remember it's the thought that counts. 17 Gifts That Don't Cost a Thing

Thursday, December 2, 2010

Christmas Traditions-The Cinnamon Bear

I love old time radio shows. For the past 28 years I have listened to the 'Those Were The Days' radio show. It's hosted by Steve Darnall, but it's original host and creator is Chuck Schaden. Mr. Schaden had a tradition every year to play a radio show called 'The Cinnamon Bear.' It was originally broadcast in 1937. 'The Cinnamon Bear' is about a brother and sister, Jimmy and Judy. They are putting up the Christmas tree with their mom. They soon discover that the star, the silver star that goes on top of the tree is missing. Judy and Jimmy meet a little stuffed bear Paddy O'Cinnamon. He attempts to help Judy and Jimmy locate the silver star. Judy, Jimmy and Cinnamon Bear go on a 26 episode adventure on the Root Beer Ocean through the Looking Glass Valley. Along the way they meet characters called Crazy Quilt Dragon and the Inkaboos.

My mom listened to the Cinnamon Bear. I listened to it as a kid and now thanks to cds my kids now listen to it. It's a family tradition that I hope my kids will pass to their kids. There are a few places online where you can hear 'The Cinnamon Bear.' Here's one I found http://radiolovers.com/pages/cinnamonbear.htm.I believe Steve Darnell is continuing Chuck Schaden's tradition. Those Were The Days comes on every Saturday from 1-5pmcst on WDCB.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Simple ways to transition from 9 to 5 to Glam

The holiday party season is upon us now. Many of us would just like to go straight from work without stopping at home to change. Or, make simple changes at work that don't have you carrying around bags of clothes. Watching WGN Morning News today I saw this segment. It gives you some really simple ideas on how to change your look from 9 to 5 to a holiday party look. One thing I really didn't consider especially living in bitterly cold Chicago is wearing an open toe shoe past October. Also the clothes and accessories are affordable.