Marina Games Take-Out

Thanksgiving evening after all the eating was done and we all had watched way too much football. We decided to put on some Christmas music and have some quality family time. I suggested we play Take-Out.

I read the instructions and it seemed simple enough. First you roll all the red dice. Then you roll the 2 white dice. You have to roll a number with the white dice that you see on any of the red dice. Let's say you roll a 3 and a 6 that equals 9. So you look for 9 on the red dice. If you find it you take that red dice out. Or, if you see a red dice with no number on it you can use that one for any number. You roll the white dice until you don't have any of the numbers on the red dice. If you have any red dice left you add them together and then add that number to 50. Everyone starts out with 50 points. So, that means if you have a 10, 6 and 3 left over that's 19. Add that to 50 and you have 69 as your score. The first person to reach 150 is out.

My kids who are 7 and 4 enjoyed this game a lot. They've asked to play it every night since then. I had a lot of fun playing it too. My dad who is 68 played several games with us as well. So, it's a wonderful fun family game for all ages. It's a fun way to teach math to your children. My youngest loves to add the numbers together. I highly recommend this game!
http://www.marinagames.com/takeout/takeout.html

Fall Favorites 2011

Well, I haven't been posting much. I've been busy with the kids and moving to this new house. Now we are planning another move and I've been stressed out. But I do have some favorite things I would like to share with you at this time.

Last year my favorite thing to wear on my head was a newsboy hat. This year it's a fedora. I found a really cute one at target. http://www.target.com/p/Mossimo-Supply-Co-Paper-Woven-Fedora-Olive/-/A-13408527#?lnk=sc_qi_detailimage

As I've told you before Fall is my favorite time of year. I love for my house to smell good, because we no longer have the windows open to get fresh air inside. I really like Airwick's Apple & Shimmering Spice Scented Oil. Mixture of apples and spices makes the house smell like there's an apple pie baking all the time. http://www.airwick.us/

I'm always looking for ways to lose weight. I have found a protein shake that comes in many different flavors and is delish. It's called Fit Frappe and it's made by Big Train. I received a free sample from them a couple of months ago. I replace one meal a day with the Fit Frappe. My favorite is the vanilla. You know how sometimes vanilla tastes bland. This vanilla is really bold in flavor. I like to mix it with fruit juice. My favorite way to mix it is with another one of my Fall faves So Delicious Coconut Milk. http://www.sodeliciousdairyfree.com/ They make other drinks mixes as well. Check them out! http://www.bigtrain.com/

I love coffee and a new favorite creamer by Coffee Mate is their White Chocolate Caramel Latte. So delicious you can taste each flavor and they go so well together. http://www.coffee-mate.com/default.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1

When I'm not making my own coffee at home I sometimes go to Caribou Coffee. They have a Vanilla White Chocolate Mocha that is to die for. I had it with skim milk and non-fat whipped cream and you would never know you were drinking a low fat coffee. http://www.cariboucoffee.com/

Submitting Ads

If you would like to place an ad on my website or have me review a product please contact Kelly at chidiva68@gmail.com. If it hasn't been approved it will be deleted. Thank you.

Groove Parlor: RIP Nick Ashford - rare video clips

Groove Parlor: RIP Nick Ashford - rare video clips: our condolences to Mrs. Valerie & the extended Ashford/Simpson families. what can i say... whether listening to one of their co-penned hits...

Get great deals at Dealavue.com!

Dealavue.com is a Chicago site that offers 50 to 90 percent off of Chicago's finest restaurants, salons, children activities and much more. They have 600 or more offers up at a time. These offers can stay up for months. So, you can take advantage of them at your convenience. Right now when you sign up with Dealavue.com you get $5 off your first purchase by using the promo code"REVIEW".

I was asked by Dealavue.com if I wanted to host a giveaway. After reviewing their website I said absolutely! So many great deals and the website is very easy to use. Some of my favorite deals are in Health and Beauty. Dealavue.com is giving away $25 worth of Dealavue dollars.

To enter:
Leave a comment telling me the best deal you ever received, where you would love to see a deal at, why you should win or anything else you feel like saying!
Must complete above entry first but to receive extra points towards winning $25 worth of Dealavue Dollars:
"Like” Dealavue.com on Facebook & tell them The Elements of Review sent you
(1 point)
Post on Facebook about this giveaway (please leave a link to it in your comment)(1 point)
Blog about this giveaway (please leave a link to it in your comment) (2 points)
Tweet about this giveaway - please include @YourTwitterHandle and @Dealavue (2 points)

The giveaway ends June 30, 2011 at 12:00am CST. The winner will be picked at random and will be notified by e-mail. The winner will have 48 hours to respond.

Giveaway is closed. No entries. No winner.

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Enjoyed your blog, interested in connecting!

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Glee: Loser Like Me - ad

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New Maybelline SuperStay 24 2-Step Lipcolor Review & Giveaway

I received a free sample of New Maybelline SuperStay 24 2-Step Lipcolor from BzzAgent. I decided the best time to test it was during a recent trip to New Orleans. While sightseeing I wouldn't have to to re-apply lip color. This lip color stayed on my lips the entire time while eating my way through New Orleans. Every time we were about to leave a restaurant I would look at my lips to see if I needed to re-apply the lip color and I didn't. At the end of the day I removed it with regular face cleanser and water.

It's called a 2-Step Lipcolor because the first step is to put on the long lasting base coat. The second step is to put on the moisturizing top coat balm. The base coat has a long applicator to make application simple. It comes in 30 colors divided into reds, plums, pinks and naturals. I've seen Maybelline SuperStay 24 Lipcolor in drugstores for the suggested price of 9.99. Learn more at Maybelline.com. I'm giving way 1 New Maybelline SuperStay 24 2-Step Lipcolor to 3 lucky winners.

Mandatory Entry: Tell me what is your favorite lipstick or lip color at the moment in the comments box.

Extra Entries: Follow me on Twitter @dancingvalentin (2 entries) and put your Twitter name in the comments box.
"Like" me on Facebook (3 entries) and let me know you've done so in the comments box.
Follow my blog (4 entries) Let me know that you are following my blog in the comment box.

Giveaway ends April 30, 2011 at Midnight CST. Giveaway is open to residents of the US and Canada. Winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Giveaway is now closed. Congrats to uk7ss@yahoo.com!*

Marzetti Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip Review & Giveaway!

I received a coupon for a free Otria Veggie Dip from BzzAgent. The only way to describe this dip is yum! I'm making a garden pasta salad with it right now and I can't stop dipping vegetables in this dip and eating it. No double dipping of course;-)Not only is it delicious, but it's also very good for you. It contains Omega 3 and is only 60 calories per serving. This is a great way to eat more veggies! There are several flavors including Cucumber Dill Feta, Chipotle Cheese, Spinach Artichoke, Garden Herb and Salsa Cilantro. Learn more at www.Marzetti.com/Otria It was located in the produce section for 3.99 at the store where I bought it. The recipe I made is included in the recipe book I'm giving away.

Garden Pasta Salad:

Marzetti Ingredients
One (8 oz) container Otria® Garden Herb Ranch Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip

Other Ingredients
1/4 cup chopped parsley
1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
1 tbsp olive oil
4 large portabella mushrooms, gills removed
8 oz whole wheat penne pasta, cooked
6 oz broccolini, cut into 1 inch pieces and blanched (substitute broccoli florets if desired)
1 medium zucchini, sliced
One (15 oz) can white beans, drained
3/4 cup pitted and sliced green olives
1/4 cup chopped fresh basil


Preparation:
Heat oil in a grill pan on medium high heat. Add mushrooms and cook until they are tender, about 3 to 5 minutes, turning them once during the cooking process. Transfer mushrooms to a cutting broad and cool slightly. Slice mushrooms into bite size pieces.

In a large bowl, combine pasta with remaining ingredients and Marzetti Otria Garden Herb Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Salad is best served immediately after it is prepared.

Giveaway:

Five lucky winners will receive a Marzetti Otria Recipe Book and a coupon for $2.00 off on one Marzetti Otria Greek Yogurt Veggie Dip.

Mandatory entry: Follow me on Twitter @dancingvalentin Leave your Twitter name in the comment box below. If you already follow me let me know.


Extra Entries:
"Like" me on Facebook. (3 extra entries)Let me know you did so in the comment box below.
Follow my blog (3 extra entries) Let me know you did so in the comment box. If you are already following my blog let me know. That's it! Simple!


Giveaway Ends April 30, 2011 at Midnight CST. It's open to residents of the US and Canada. Winners will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond.

*Giveaway is now closed. No entries, no winners.*

Don't Throw Those Coupons Away! A guide for moms.

The economic downturn has affected many of us. I find myself using coupons a lot more than in the past. I go through the paper every week while making out the grocery list. If something is too expensive I won't buy it then. I will wait until I have a coupon for it.

I will be giving a away a coupon guide called 'Don't Throw Those Coupons Away!' by Kristin L. Peoples. This guide addresses everything from getting organized to strategy to rebates. It's all about helping us save money and using coupons wisely in this tough economy. You may think that it's just clipping out coupons, but there are many more ways to save money that you may not have considered. This is a resource that all moms must have.


MANDATORY entry is for you to become a fan of Coupon Scribbles on Facebook.
http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/pages/Coupon-Scribbles/292295875924

Other entries: Follow my blog (1 extra entry)
Follow me on Twitter @dancingvalentin (1 extra entry)

Tell me which entry you've completed in the comments area.

The giveaway ends 3/31/11 at Midnight CST. It's open to residents in the US. The winner will be notified by email and will have 48 hours to respond.




***Giveaway is closed. No winners***

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Spike Gourmet Natural Seasonings

I received samples of Spike Gourmet Natural Seasonings http://www.modernfearn.com/index_files/Page390.htm a couple of months ago and I've been using them in all of my cooking the last few months. These seasonings were created by acclaimed nutritionist Gayelord Hauser in 1925. The products are made with all natural ingredients. I'm always on a low calorie diet and sometimes that means sacrificing flavor. I'm happy to say that there are so many varieties of seasonings it was easy to me make some of my favorite low calorie dishes taste even better. I use them in stews, casseroles, on chicken, fish and my favorite thing to do is to put the Garlic Magic, Onion Magic and Original Gourmet flavors on sweet potato fries with olive oil. Yum!

I'm giving away 4 Spike Gourmet Natural Seasonings. They are the full size bottles. The bottles have not been opened. I will be giving away the Lemon Pepper, Tenderizer Magic, Vegit Magic and the Vege-Sal Magic. This is my first giveaway so it will be very simple.

Giveaway Rules:
REQUIRED ENTRY is to follow my blog and comment below what you will make with your Spike Seasonings.

Additional entries
-Follow me on Twitter @dancingvalentin (leave username) (1 entry)
-Like my blog on Facebook (1 entry)

Contest ends March 31, 2011 and is open to US and Canada. The winner will be announced on this blog and notified by e-mail. The winner will have 72 hours to respond.

***Giveaway is closed. No winners***

Shakeology...The Workouts!

I received 2 free workouts with my first shipment of Shakeology because I signed up for the Home Direct program. Which means I will receive an automatic shipment every month.

I received The 30 minute and The 50 minute workouts. Both workouts are a combination of strength training and cardio. The 30 minute is a little easier than The 50, but both are challenging. The instructor Tania Ante Baron is energetic and motivating.

According to the plan if you replace one meal a day with Shakeology, eat healthy and exercise at least 3 times a week with the Shakeology workouts you can drop 10 pounds and 2 inches from your waist in 90 days.

They suggest you start off with The 30 for 2 times a week and The 50 once a week and work your way up to doing The 50 3 times per week. It seems like a reasonable plan. I will do these workouts in conjunction with what I do already and hope to get even better results. Want to join me? If you're curious about Shakeology I would like to send you a FREE sample. If you have any questions about this or any of the Beachbody products please leave a comment below or send me an e-mail at chidiva68@gmail.com.

Shop online for discounts at Become.com

Just checked out this website Become.com. From automotive, to health and beauty to toys. You name it and Become.com has it! They offer price comparison for all of their products. That makes it easy to shop online for products and great discounts. The website is very easy to navigate and there are so many sections I'm sure you will find exactly what you need.

Need help trying to choose a gift for your valentine? They have gifts and shopping tips for that person who just doesn't know what to buy. There is an Editors Picks section that helps take the guesswork out of shopping. Become.com also has a shopping blog with tips like how to get rid of bed bugs or how to get rid of pet odors from your home. You can also suggest products for review. You can follow Become.com on Twitter and Facebook.

Check out some of the products they have listed below.

cheap nike soccer indoor shoes: http://sports-and-outdoors.become.com/soccer/cheap-nike-soccer-shoes

#32 plastic sausage stuffing tube http://home-and-garden.become.com/sausage-stuffer-tube

1 quart plastic pitchers: http://home-and-garden.become.com/qt-acrylic-plastic-pitchers

My new diet! Shakeology!

Ok, I have decided to try a new diet. I have seen some other people be really successful with it and I figure I should give it a try. Instead of going with the normal meal replacement drink like Slim-Fast I will be using Shakeology. Shakeology is a Beachbody product. It comes from the people that make P90X (Get ripped in 90 days) and Hip Hop Abs. Basically this drink is better than any meal replacement shake that's on the market right now. It has a ton of vitamins, antioxidants, super fruits, healthy oils. All in this 140 calorie drink. I've tried a the chocolate and the greenberry. I like them both, but I like the chocolate better. I've been mixing the chocolate with soy milk and the greenberry with juice, but you can use water.

I find that the shakes keep me full. I sometimes forget to eat lunch. Beachbody says if you replace a meal everyday with Shakeology you will lose weight, gain energy, mental clarity and also improve your skin and hair. Some people have even gotten off medications after starting Shakeology. I figure it's a good investment because instead of getting something unhealthy for breakfast or lunch. Or buying a latte for the same price or less I can have this healthy shake and feel good about what I'm putting into my body. You can also use as it as a post workout drink too!
Check out the website: http://myshakeology.com/Chigirl68 to learn more!

For a FREE SAMPLE of Shakeology send an e-mail to chidiva68@gmail.com. There is no obligation. Just give it a try;-)

Update 2/4/11: Just got my 2 free workout DVDs that I receive with the Home Direct Shakeology program. I will be reviewing these DVDs this weekend. Stay tuned for my review! So far I'm loving the program. Lost 8 pounds last month. I like that I can make the shake how I want it by adding soy milk, coconut water, fruit whatever. What are you waiting for?! Give it a try!

Coco-Zen Chocolate Sugar Body Polish

My skin in the winter get really dry. Sometimes moisturizing is not enough. You have to remove the dead skin cells by exfoliation. Now some people think that's just for your face, but you need to exfoliate the skin over the entire body. I received a sample of Coco-Zen Chocolate Sugar Body Polish. Coco-Zen is a company that makes chocolate goodies with organic and Fair Trade Certified chocolate. They also make the body polish that contains, sugar, chocolate and oils including coconut oil. It smells good enough to eat. You rub it gently on wet skin. After you rinse it off you have soft,smooth skin that smells like chocolate. Immediately after rinsing it off I noticed I didn't need to apply moisturizer. My skin was soft and smelling good for hours. http://stores.homestead.com/CocoZen/StoreFront.bok

Florida's Natural

Received a coupon to try Florida's Natural for free. I'm not really a juice drinker. My kids love to drink it. But with cold and flu season I think it couldn't hurt to have some more vitamin C. I have been having a glass of Florida's Natural everyday. It tastes great. I've added it to smoothies for the kids. It's a nice way to get a little fruit and vitamin C in my diet. http://www.floridasnatural.com/

Physique 57 Workout Kit 3 Disc Set With Ball and Pump (2009)

This is a 3 disc DVD set and it comes with a ball and a pump. The first DVD I did was the Express 30 Minute Full Body Workout. It's a full body workout you can do in 30 minutes. You need very little equipment. Just the ball, a chair and exercise mat. It's lead by Tanya Becker a creator of Physique 57. This workout to me was like the Bar Method on steroids. There wasn't any jumping around, but my heart rate was elevated and I was sweating like crazy. During the lower body portion of the workout she said "Squeeze the cellulite out!" That's just what it felt like I was doing. By the end of the segment my legs felt like Jello. I loved it!

Next was the Arm & Abs Booster 30 Minute Workout. This is an express workout just for the arms and abs, but you also get an inner thigh workout as well. It's lead by Master Instructor Shelly Knight. This workout uses the playground ball a lot more than the previous workout during the floor exercises. While doing the ab exercises to cinch your waist you easily get an inner thigh and leg workout. Shelly's teaching style is described as upbeat on the back of the DVD. That it is! Sometimes it seems like she doesn't take a breath while talking. We go from one exercise to the other without taking a break. The 30 minutes go by quickly. Even during the mat work while laying down I was sweating up a storm.

Finally the last disc is the Full 57 Minute Workout. Which is just the exercises from the other DVDs in one. It's lead by Tanya Becker. I think every muscle in the body is worked on during this workout. At the end I felt sore all over. The program promises that you will see results within 8 workouts. I plan to do these DVDs at least 3 times a week. It's a highly effective, challenging workout. One line that Tanya Becker says from the DVD is "How you workout is how you want to design your body."

Update 2/3/11: I've been using the workout kit at least 3 times a week. I'm really happy with the results. I've lost inches off my waist and hips. My arms and inner thighs are tighter. Working out 3 days a week has been good. I might boost it up to 4.

Update: 4/22/12-Doing this workout for the 1st time in a long time for my 30 Day No Repeat Part Deux Challenge and wondering why I ever stopped doing it.  Amazed at how my heart rate stayed high for most of the workout which means not only was I toning but also burning fat.  I did the Classic Full Body Workout this morning and burned 314 calories;-)



And they have released since I bought the first set a new set that I will definitely get soon!

Gerber Graduates

I received samples of Gerber Graduates for Preschoolers Cereal Twists, Fruit Twists and Juice Treats. The Fruit Twists and Juice Treats are both great sources of vitamin C. The Fruit Twists have a 1/2 fruit serving per twist. The Fruit and Cereal Twists have no artificial flavors or sweeteners. The Cereal Twists are a great source of iron, zinc, vitamin E and five B vitamins for growth and development.

These snacks are excellent for preschoolers. Both my school age child and my preschooler liked everything. I tried them myself and I have to say I really liked the Juice Treats. The Fruit Twists are available in Apple/Strawberry and Grape/Cherry Berry. The Cereal Twists are available in Strawberry/Blueberry, Raspberry/Vanilla and Banana/Peach. The Juice Treats are available in Fruit Medley and Tropical.

Review of the Day: Bob Harper's Body Rev Cardio Conditioning

This workout is from his Inside Out Method Series. The first one I tried was the Pure Burn Super Strength. That workout blew me away. It was so intense and it bought me to my knees. This one was a good cardio workout with squat jumps, jump rope, jumping jacks, walk-outs etc. There was a move called the Scorpion Push-up that I could barely get through. You could see the people behind him struggle as well through out the workout. He uses the isometric holds like in Pure Burn. My heart rate was elevated much of the workout.

The only thing I didn't like about the workout were the arm swings with the weights. I don't mind using weights in a cardio workout, but there were too many swings. I found myself getting bored and frustrated. The music I did like. Lots of guitar to get you pumped and motivated.

There is an sdditional 25 minute Butt and Balance workout. It's a good lower body workout. Good if you need something that's quick and effective. I find Bob is fun to work out with. He challenges you to work harder, go lower, do better. That's why I will continue to try his workouts.

Syntrax Fyre Weight Loss Supplement

Losing weight has always been an issue for me. I usually just work out and try to eat right to lose weight. I was sent samples of Syntrax Fyre. This supplement is all natural and it's supposed to help you lose weight. The suggested dosage is 1-2 capsules 30-60 minutes before a meal one to three times daily. I was sent enough for 5 days.

The ingredients are all natural including Coffee Bean and Green Tea Leaf Extract to increase metabolism. Velvet Bean Extract increases testosterone
and reduces inflammation. Ginger Root Extract contains thermogenic compounds and reduces body fat. I started off by taking 2 before dinner. I immediately felt the thermogenic effect. I felt really warm, but I found 2 capsules to be too much because I felt a bit jittery and anxious. Also, I had difficulty falling asleep. So, the next night I tried one capsule before dinner. That worked a lot better. I didn't get the jittery feeling, but I still had difficulty falling asleep.

I decided to take one capsule before lunch. That was the best. I had energy in the afternoon. I wasn't thinking about eating. And I was able to fall asleep easily at night. I don't know if I took enough to make a difference. I did lose weight this week, but I did change my eating habits and worked out more. As a woman I wouldn't take this supplement for a long period of time because of the Velvet Bean Extract that increases testosterone. This is just my opinion on the samples sent to me. Please check with your Dr. before deciding to take any weight loss supplement.
http://www.bestpricenutrition.com/Syntrax-Fyre-120-Caps.html - Syntrax Fyre

http://www.bestpricenutrition.com/Syntrax.html - Syntrax

Garnier Nutritioniste Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller

I have been waking up extremely early for my part-time job the past couple of years. I've noticed that I have developed under-eye circles. I was in Walgreen's yesterday and saw that the Garnier Skin Renew Anti-Dark Circle Roller was on sale for 10.99. They only had one left and it was the sheer tint. It says it is good for most skin tones so I decided to buy it. The Anti-Dark Circle Roller contains Caffeine Gel, lemon essence and mineral pigments. Garnier states that dark circles and shadows will be corrected and diminished. And that in one week your eyes will look brighter.

I tried it immediately when I got home. The pigment was really light. Similar to what was on the box. I rolled it under my eyes and rubbed it in a bit. I was amazed. The dark circles were gone, my eyes looked brighter and I looked younger. So, I was extremely happy with my purchase. I don't wear foundation everyday, but it still looked great under my eyes without foundation over it.

Tae Bo-Celebrity Fit Cardio (2007)

Tae Bo has been a part of my life since 1999. This is one of my favorite Tae Bo workouts. As usual Billy is encouraging and his enthusiasm makes you want to work hard for him. This workout has a lot of the signature Tae Bo moves. Some of the combinations are different than in previous workouts. The music is good and I find myself dancing in between the exercises. But there's not a lot of time between each move. One of the things I like about Billy's workouts is that the workout goes by very quickly. This is one workout where he is actually aware of the count and the sets are pretty even on both sides of the body. It's a full body workout that's not tough, but you will work up a sweat.