Lowes holds free kids Build and Grow clinics once a month on Saturday at 10 am until 11 am. They just wrapped up the last two clinics for 2015. November was a Pullback Racecar and December was a Holiday Train. 

The Lowe's Build and Grow calendar will show you the next two clinics and allow you to register your child for them.

If you'd like to see the clinics coming up after the next two, you'll need to visit the Lowe's Build and Grow calendar after the first one on the list is over.

Lowes Build and Grow Clinic Schedule

We have not been able to get our family to one yet but this year is the year to do exactly that. I went to their website and currently, they are in the process of performing some maintenance, as the site informs.

“In the next few weeks, we will be launching an all new Build and Grow website! Check back soon to see the new look and features! Please note that once the site goes live you will need to create a new account to register for the upcoming projects." SamiCone.com's website says. 

I was unable to find that information and instead, encountered a friendly image telling me that they are performing some maintenance and will be back soon.


Lowes Build and Grow Clinic

Personalized Letter from Santa

Personalize your child's Christmas and send them a personalized letter from Santa and an autographed photo.

This reminds me of a time when I was younger, somewhere around 8 to 10 years old and my parents had called me into the room to tell me that I had a phone call. I was surprised because I never got phone calls. When I took the call, it was Santa on the other end of the phone. It was just a recording but at that age, it really was magical for me.

This really is a nice way to personalize a child's Christmas and I am sure that they will remember it years from now.

Turley Publications is sending this personalized gift for $9.95. Just cut out the coupon, fill in your information and enclose your payment. They do warn that quantities are limited.

Merry Christmas and Enjoy!

Colossal Groove - Mistress @ The Webster, Hartford, CT

A short video of Colossal Groove playing in the Battle of the Bands at The Webster in Hartford, CT on Saturday, March 15. I was taking this video for the band and was not able to record the full song or anymore after that because I was unaware that they did not want anyone recording. After one of the security guards came over tell me that, I had to turn it off. Plans are in the works to get more videos for Colossal Groove. In the meantime, enjoy this video.

Mistress - Colossal Groove - 3/15/2014 - The Webster - Hartford,... http://t.co/A6IshcuT2H
— Jeanne T. (@tooheymomster) March 18, 2014

Road Side Margaritas

Road Side Margaritas

by Jeanné M. Tatro

On my way home from school yesterday, I was thinking of waiting until I got closer to my town to get an iced coffee from Dunkin Donuts, but the weather was so nice and I was thirsty and couldn't wait. While driving, I was thinking that I would stop at the first Convenience store and buy a Root Beer. After finally making that decision, there was an ice cream cart on the side of the road set up in the Juncos and Cavey resteraunt parking lot. I was going to drive past it, but while sitting at the red light, I noticed a sign that said Pina Coladas. Suddenly, I couldn't resist it and was curious. So I decided to stop by and get one.

While talking to the person on duty, I found out that it was Alvin Woods, from Alvin's All-Natural Ice Cream which was developed at STCC's Technology park back in late 1999, early 2000. They were able to develop it and get it into some area supermarkets like BigY and Stop and Shop. He tried to compete with some major brands and it was unsuccessful, so in 2007, they tried the Open Air Ice Cream Concept in the Springfield Area, since the market was open for that idea. 

“We just opened another location in Forest Park at the X. We now have 2 locations. We sell fresh pina coladas, tropical sorbets and all-Natural Ice Cream. Everything is made from scratch. Everything is basically organic, it just doesn't have the organic label. Hopefully we can penetrate the market and establish a home base here in Springfield and continue STCC's Entrepeneurial Institute's success rate.” said Alvin.

“Being in the service community, selling a world class product, speaks for itself. Once they taste it, they love it. The price is family-friendly, especially in this particular neighborhood. I think we have a successful model that we can grow on.” Alvin added.

Odaliz Breton has been aware of Alvin's Ice Cream for about three or four weeks now and was at the location ordering when he told me that he likes it because “it's addictive. It keeps him coming back. It's feels natural, it feels like a natural taste. It's local.”

FDA Examines Level Of Arsenic In Apple Juice

NPR: FDA Examines Level Of Arsenic In Apple Juice

The Food and Drug Administration is considering tightening restrictions for the levels of arsenic allowed in apple juice after consumer groups pushed the agency to crack down on the contaminant.

Studies show that apple juice has generally low levels of arsenic, and the government says it is safe to drink. But consumer advocates say the FDA is allowing too much of the chemical — which is sometimes natural, sometimes man made — into apple juices favored by thirsty kids.

There is little consensus on whether these low levels could eventually be harmful, especially to children. Michael Taylor, FDA's deputy commissioner for foods, said Wednesday the agency has already stepped up testing and research on arsenic in apple and other juices and is seriously considering lowering the FDA's so-called "level of concern" for the contaminant.

"We continue to think that apple juice is generally safe based on the fact that the vast majority of samples are very low," Taylor said. "But we want to minimize these exposures as much as we possibly can."

Arsenic is naturally present in water, air, food and soil in the two forms — organic and inorganic. According to the FDA, organic arsenic passes through the body quickly and is essentially harmless. Inorganic arsenic — the type found in pesticides — can be toxic and may pose a cancer risk if consumed at high levels or over a long period.

The FDA uses 23 parts per billion as a guide to judge whether apple juice is contaminated. The agency has the authority to seize apple juice that exceeds those levels, though it has never done so.

Consumer groups say the FDA's level is too high and isn't enforced with enough urgency. Consumers Union, publisher of Consumer Reports, released a study on Wednesday calling for the levels to be as low as 3 parts per billion. The Environmental Protection Agency has set levels for drinking water — it's consumed at much greater quantities than apple juice — at 10 parts per billion.

The Consumer Reports study showed that nine of 88 samples of apple juice taken from grocery stores had more arsenic than the EPA's standard for drinking water. But none of the samples exceeded the FDA's standards for inorganic, or man-made, arsenic.

Urvashi Rangan of the Consumers Union says the group has been in talks with the FDA on the issue and is encouraged by the discussion. Another advocacy group, Food and Water Watch, has lobbied the agency on the issue, and Dr. Mehmet Oz has highlighted the issue on his nationally syndicated daytime show.

"We look at apple and grape juice as a poster child for arsenic in the food supply in general," Rangan said. "Chronic low-level exposure of carcinogen is something we should be concerned about."

Molly Kile, a professor at Oregon State University who has studied arsenic for a decade, says more research is needed to determine whether arsenic levels in juice are a problem.

"It is unclear at this point whether or not the arsenic found in apple juice is safe or unsafe," she said. "And really the question is what do these low levels exposure of arsenic mean in terms of health and children's health?"

So what is the parent of a juice-drinking toddler to do?

All of the experts — including the government and the consumer advocates — agree that drinking small amounts of apple juice isn't harmful. The concern is over the effects of drinking large amounts of juice over long periods of time. Parents with a real concern about arsenic should try to diversify the brands of juice they buy in case one brand tends to have more chemical exposure, Consumers Union says.

Another point of agreement is that children under 6 shouldn't be drinking much juice anyway because it's high in calories. Health experts say children under 6 shouldn't drink any more than 6 ounces of juice a day — about the size of a juice box. Infants under 6 months shouldn't drink any juice at all.

Gail Charnley of the Juice Products Association says the industry regularly tests arsenic levels and will follow the FDA's lead.

"Of course parents have concerns but they should know that the juice producers are committed to safety," she said. "Producers have children who drink juice too."

Oz has said he would still serve juice to his own children, though he strongly believes the government isn't doing enough.

"The absolute safest level for arsenic in your food is zero," he said Wednesday while acknowledging "that is impossible to achieve."

Family Dollar Coupon: $5.00 off $25!

Are you heading to Family Dollar?? Take along this new Family Dollar Coupon for $5.00 off your $25 purchase! {valid 11/20 – 11/22}

Then…

• Grab these additional Family Dollar Coupons!
• Check out the Family Dollar Weekly Ad!
• Get familiar with the Family Dollar Coupon Policy!
• Match Coupons with the Family Dollar Weekly Ad using The Frugal Girls Coupon Database!

Child Hunger Ends Here

Child hunger ends here...a monetary donation will be made, enabling one meal to be secured by Feeding America on behalf of local food banks through 8/31/11.

Crystal Beaudry's Birthday Wish

Crystal Beaudry's Birthday Wish
“I'm turning 30 on October 14th and I want to To require an automatic Amber Alert be issued for any child under 12 years old missing 5 hours or more”

WHY I CARE ABOUT THIS CAUSE:
Because I know what it is like not to have your child with you. I use to say to myself how I would love just 5 minutes to myseld, now i ask for 5 minutes with her. She was not kidnapped but taken from me from her father and now I wish I had her here with me I love you Brittany.

I'm asking for $10 or whatever you can afford!

National Suit Drive - Men's Wearhouse

At Men's Wearhouse, we know that not being dressed appropriately can affect employment opportunities. Although we donate millions of dollars of our slow-moving merchandise, we are not able to provide professional attire for many men across the nation. That's why we have started hosting an annual National Suit Drive during the month of September. We partner with over 200 nonprofit organizations across the country to distribute the gently used, professional clothing items we collect to men transitioning into the workforce. For many of these men in crisis, the clothing they receive will give them a first confident step towards a second chance, while the nonprofit services provided will help transform them on their road to self-sufficiency. We are confident that the impact made by helping these men become independent will positively affect their families and their communities. In order to assist the thousands of men that are unemployed at this time, we also partner with businesses and community organizations by encouraging their employees and members to donate their gently used professional clothing. Members of Congress and the American League of Lobbyists kick off the spirit of giving the suits off their backs at the Annual Capitol PurSuit Drive event on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. Learn more about ourcommunity partner relationships. Participate in our National Suit Drive and donate your clothing. If you are a nonprofit or know of a nonprofit organization that would be interested in receiving clothing from the Suit Drive, click here.

Where to get School Uniforms, Locally!

Magic Wings Butterly Conservatory & Gardens

A place I have still not visited...

Warm Your Body and Soul

Our 8,000-square foot conservatory is home to nearly
4,000 free-flying butterflies from all over the world!

http://www.magicwings.com/

Shared via AddThis

Build Your Savings - Tax Credits

On February 17, 2009, the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 was signed into law. The act includes payroll tax cuts, the First Time Homebuyer credit, provisions for state rebate programs for the purchase of energy-efficient appliances and tax credits for energy-efficient improvements to existing homes. The information provided herein is provided for reference purposes only and should not be interpreted or relied upon as tax advice. Consult with a qualified tax advisor to discuss your ability to claim and qualify for benefits under the programs.

What Is the Energy-Efficient Tax Credit for Existing Homes?

Beginning January 1, 2009 through December 31, 2010, when you purchase qualifying energy-efficient items from categories such as doors, windows, skylights and insulation, you may be eligible to claim a tax credit of up to 30% off the purchase price on your 2009 or 2010 tax return (up to $1,500). A qualified tax advisor should be consulted to determine eligibility.

What Items Qualify?

Products from among the following categories may qualify* :

• Exterior windows and skylights
• Storm windows
• Exterior doors
• Storm doors
• Metal roofs
• Asphalt roofs
• Insulation
• Natural gas, oil, and propane water heaters
• Pellet stoves

View All Eligible Products

*See www.energystar.gov for more information about qualified products. Not all ENERGY STAR® products qualify for a tax credit. Qualifying products may cost much more than standard products.

State-Specific Appliance Rebates

Check with your local utility company or click to visit the ENERGY STAR Rebate Finder website to find out if you qualify for a rebate on your ENERGY STAR appliances.

For more information on any of the topics above, consult with a qualified tax advisor. He or she can help you determine your eligibility for any of the credits or rebates, as well as how much you may receive. You may also visit the ENERGY STAR website for more information.http://www.energystar.gov

**Receive a year-end summary of items purchased on your Lowe's Consumer Credit Card that Lowe's identifies as "Tax Credit Eligible." The year-end summary is not intended as tax advice. The year-end summary may not include eligible Special Order purchases. You should retain and review all of your receipts. Visit Lowes.com/BuildYourSavings for a list of eligible products and additional Energy Tax Credit Program information. GE Money Bank and its affiliates do not provide tax, accounting or legal advice to third parties. Accordingly, any discussion of U.S. tax matters contained herein is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, for the purpose of avoiding U.S. tax-related penalties. Accordingly, parties should seek advice based on their own particular circumstances from an independent tax advisor.

Notes:

• Keep your receipts and other documentation to provide to your tax advisor. Be sure to consult with a qualified tax advisor to discuss your ability to claim and qualify for benefits under the programs.
• You may need to provide a Manufacturer’s Certification and/or product labels containing U-factor/Solar Heat Gain Coefficient if applicable.

Men's Wearhouse buys troubled Filene's Basement

After more than 9 hours of intense bidding, Men's Wearhouse salvaged Filene's Basement tonight from bankruptcy, paying more than $60 million for the 100-year-old chain, according to a Basement official with knowlege of the deal.

The Texas men's suit chain, which plans to keep about 20 of the Basement's 25 shops, including the flagship in Downtown Crossing,
toppled rival Syms and a New York retail real estate firm in the bidding war.

"The Filene's Basement brand will remain," said the Basement official.

The fierce interest in Filene's Basement, famed for its Running of the Brides event, is unusual for a retail industry which has been plagued by numerous liquidations in recent months. Filene's Basement officials say the brand's strong reputation and offprice strategy made it an attractive opportunity.

The winning bid, which must be approved on Wednesday by a bankruptcy court judge, is nearly three times the opening offer of $22 million from Crown Acquisitions. Last month, New York retail real estate firm Crown Acquisitions, in a joint bid with the Chetrit Group, made a "stalking horse" bid to buy 17 of the Basement's 25 shops.

Staples: They have what we need...for "the flu"

It seems everyone these days are ca$$hing in on the Swine Flu Virus Epidemic. Shawn was saying the day before yesterday that CVS was selling those breathing masks that painters use for around $5.00. And now, Staples has this ad right on their homepage.

Staples is now advertising that they have what you need to protect yourself from The Flu. Really? Seriously? Since when did an office supply store become a pharmacy? And by the way, did you notice how they said "Protect yourself from "the flu""? There is a difference from "the flu" and "The Swine Flu"...did you notice how they are capitalizing on "the flu" but didn't Capitalize "The Flu"? {:o)

Gotta love marketing!!

I am thankful everyone I know has not caught any of the flu's.

Inside Edition - Real Estate Infomercial Investigation - John Beck

If you are up late for any reason, you have probably seen these John Clark Infomercials. I have gone to bed with them on because that is the only thing on tv. (We have basic cable - $5.00 cable tv plan.) I remember thinking how great it sounded and what if it was really true? My husband never likes infomercials and thinks that they are all scams. I am beginning to think that he may be right. (Don't tell him I said that.)

And then it gets me thinking, what if there are infomercials that are really true, no gimmick. John Clark very well may have screwed up the integrity of everyone else's business. Because of this, people will always beware...thanks to all the snakes out there.

I am thankful that I don't have the money to invest in something like this because if I did, I may have been one of those unfortunate people that got caught in his scam.

I found it very interesting that Inside Edition's Video showed what the house REALLY looked like and interviewed the people who fixed them up. They said that the houses DID cost that much, but they were un-inhabitable. It costed the buyers 3 times the amount they paid for the house to fix it to make it inhabitable and look like the pictures the infomercial shows.

I also love that they went and interviewed the owners. The infomercial states that the cost of the houses was the amount they owed on the back taxes and the houses were up for foreclosure. When Inside Edition interviewed the owners, they said that was NOT true. They did NOT lose their house to foreclosure at all.

One woman they interviewed said that she paid her taxes, but the city had applied her taxes to the wrong property, the city's fault. They fixed the problem and she did NOT lose her house. She sold her house on her own, it did NOT foreclose.

It's funny (not really) how you can stretch the truth and twist it for your own benefit. It is awful and dishonest. Why lie?

I will be honest, though. I have seen the infomercial many times and they did a great job explaining how it was possible to buy a beautiful house for under $600. I guess next time, I will be better off just turning the tv off.

Thank you so much to Inside Edition for uncovering this story/scam. You have saved one person - ME!

The moral of this story; Buyer Beware, If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is, Don't believe everything you see/hear, Turn the Boob Tube OFF!

Real Estate Infomercial Investigation:

ORIGINAL AIRDATE: 4/28/2009

On his infomercial John Beck talks about a two story home purchased at a tax sale for only $521.56. However, what the infomercial didn't show was what this beautiful home used to look like. After ten long years and more than $100,000 in renovations, the home's current owner has transformed the once "uninhabitable" home. Also featured in John Beck's infomercial was a home he claimed was lost after the homeowner neglected to pay $329 in back taxes. However, Beverly Glover, the homeowner, never actually lost posession of her home. She ultimately sold it herself for $158,000. Dawn Zuvic and Lani Mapleson say they have each paid more than $10,000 for Beck's tutoring and have had no real estate success. Gary Hewitt, one of the owners of the infomercial and Mentoring of America says, "We help people. We are a legitimate company."

"You're about to learn how you can start buying homes like these for just a few hundred dollars," says the announcer at the start of real estate guru John Beck’s infomercial. The infomercial airs morning, noon and night all across the country. In it, Beck says if you send him just $39.95 he'll teach you how to buy beautiful homes for next to nothing. According to Beck, buyers can get incredible deals when people fail to pay their property taxes and the houses are auctioned off by the government. The hostess in the infomercial says, "We could not be telling you about it on national television if it was not true." INSIDE EDITION’s Senior Investigative Correspondent Matt Meagher went to Oklahoma where every house featured in the infomercial is located. There, with just a little digging, Meagher discovered, how Beck misleads viewers about the homes featured in the infomercial. On his infomercial Beck boasts about how a big two story home was purchased at a tax foreclosure sale for only $521.56. However, INSIDE EDITION learned that it actually cost three times as much, which would still be an amazing deal. But what Beck didn't show is what the home really looked like when it was purchased. It was completely dilapidated and took ten years and more than $100,000 for the current owner to make it look as good as it did in the infomercial. The current homeowner tells INSIDE EDITION the house was “pretty much…uninhabitable” when he purchased it. Also featured on the infomercial is another dazzling house that Beck says was actually purchased for less than $100. But, that’s not true. County records show it was acquired for more that $2,200 and was a falling down piece of junk at auction. It took four years and $40,000 to fix up. Beverly Glover was shocked when INSIDE EDITION showed her the infomercial. The infomercial implied that she lost her home because of just $329 in back taxes. Glover says, “That's a lie.” In the infomercial, Beck claims "[Glover’s home] was purchased free and clear for only $329.90." However, she actually never lost possession of her home. A clerical error had applied her tax payment to the wrong property. The mistake was corrected and she never left her home until she sold it for $158,000. Butch Freeman has been treasurer of Oklahoma County, Oklahoma for 16 years. He says he has never seen homes that look like the ones in the infomercial ever sell for pennies on the dollar as Beck claims. Freeman says that not one of the homes featured in the infomercial has sold for the price John Beck has quoted them at. As many as 15,000 people a week cough up nearly $40 for Beck’s instructional DVDs and booklets. But that's just the beginning. Everyone who responds to the infomercial soon gets a call from a telemarketer at a company called Mentoring of America. It's owned by the same people who own the John Beck infomercial and several others like it. This is where the company makes the real money. Telemarketers follow a script that says the potential buyer is being considered for a select team that will be trained by John Beck himself, but that’s baloney. The telemarketers urge people to put up to $15,000 on their credit cards to pay for private over-the-phone tutoring, and say they’re almost certain to make that money back in just a few months Dawn Zuvic of Mississippi and Lani Maplesden from California both say they fell for the pitch. “I know that there's always money to be made in real estate,” Maplesden tells INSIDE EDITION. Zuvic says, “I was always hoping that eventually that I would be able to be make a good living at it.” They each paid more than $10,000 for the tutoring and have had no success. “It makes me cry a lot,” laughs Maplesden. “I'm still paying on the bills.” Dawn Zuvic says her mentor talked her into buying a tiny piece of land in Pennsylvania at what was supposed to be a huge discount. But, INSIDE EDITION found property records showing the land had been bought for only $585 and then sold to Zuvic for more than $2,595 only five months later. That wasn't a discount, it was more than a 300% markup! The land was sold to Dawn Zuvic by none other than John Beck himself! She's never been able to resell the land and has now had to take a second job as a waitress. Zuvic tells INSIDE EDITION, “I felt like, like I was taken.” Bill Mitchell of the Better Business Bureau in Southern California says John Beck's infomercial has generated hundreds of complaints and the company has received an “F” rating. “Their real business is selling blue sky, hot air,” Mitchell says. John Beck wouldn't talk with INSIDE EDITION, but INSIDE EDITION’s Matt Meagher caught up with Gary Hewitt, one of the owners of the infomercial and Mentoring of America. When Meagher asked Hewitt if his companies were ripping people off, he replied, “Absolutely not. We help people. We're a legitimate company.” When Meagher asked how his companies helped people, Hewitt responded, “Why are you confronting me like this?!” He says that Mentoring of America is not a scam. “It is not [a scam]. First, first of all...you have your facts wrong.” His attorney later supplied INSIDE EDITION with a list of 13 people who said they had a good experience with the program, earning between $550-$39,600. But Lani Maplesden isn't convinced. She's $20,000 in debt and in danger of losing her home. She says if she could talk to John Beck, she’d ask him, “How can you sleep at night? Do you have any conscience at all?” The company says they dispute the Better Business Bureau's ratings system and claim they work to resolve consumer complaints. As far as the houses, they say Beck never states in the infomercial that the homes were in the condition shown when purchased.

The Story of Mother's Day

The Story of Mother's Day

The earliest Mother's Day celebrations can be traced back to the spring celebrations of ancient Greece in honor of Rhea, the Mother of the Gods. During the 1600's, England celebrated a day called "Mothering Sunday". Celebrated on the 4th Sunday of Lent (the 40 day period leading up to Easter*), "Mothering Sunday" honored the mothers of England.

During this time many of the England's poor worked as servants for the wealthy. As most jobs were located far from their homes, the servants would live at the houses of their employers.

On Mothering Sunday the servants would have the day off and were encouraged to return home and spend the day with their mothers. A special cake, called the mothering cake, was often brought along to provide a festive touch.

As Christianity spread throughout Europe, the celebration changed to honor the "Mother Church" - the spiritual power that gave them life and protected them from harm.

Over time the church festival blended with the Mothering Sunday Celebration. People began honoring their mothers as well as the church.

In the United States, Mother's Day was first suggested in 1872 by Julia Ward Howe (who wrote the words to the Battle Hymn of the Republic) as a day dedicated to peace. Ms. How would hold organized Mother's Day meetings in Boston, Massachusetts every year.

In 1907, Ana Jarvis, from Philadelphia, began a campaign to establish a national Mother's Day.

Ms. Jarvis persuaded her mother's church in Grafton, West Virginia to celebrate Mother's Day on the second anniversary of her mother's death, the 2nd Sunday of May. By the next year, Mother's Day was also celebrated in Philadelphia.

Ms. Jarvis and her supporters began to write to ministers, businessmen and politicians in their quest to establish a national Mother's Day. It was successful as by 1911, Mother's Day was celebrated in almost every state.

President Woodrow Wilson, in 1914, made the official announcement proclaiming Mother's Day as a national holiday that was to be held each year on the 2nd Sunday of May.

While many countries of the world celebrate their own Mother's Day at different times throughout the year, there are some countries such as Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Austrailia and Belgium, which also celebrate Mother's Day on the second Sunday of May.

Enjoy Mother's Day French Toast Recipe

Happy Mother's Day!!

My Coke Rewards For Schools; Donate your My Coke Rewards!

My Coke Rewards For Schools

These days, our schools need all the support we can give them. Schools can collect points through donations from My Coke Reward members within the school community and will have a unique catlogue of rewards available only to school accounts.

Coca-Cola helps students to learn and grow stronger in all aspects of life. find your school, donate your My Coke Reward points and empower your favorite students to do, learn and discover more every day.

How does the program work?

Everytime you enjoy a Coca-Cola product, you can help enrich the education of children. Donate your My Coke Rewards points to the participating public or private K-12 school of your choice, and help schools get items they need to facilitate a well-rounded education for students.

To participate in the program, a designated School Account Manager must register their school at My Coke Rewards.

The School Account Manager can check the status of the account, change account information, and browse or redeem points for rewards exclusively for schools.

Schools can choose from creative supplies, athletic equipments, textbooks and many other rewards that allow children to learn and excel.

To donate, simply collect and enter codes from participating Coca-Cola products, then select the school(s) of your choice to donate the points. 

If you're not already a My Coke Rewards member, it's fast and easy to join. Join us in enhancing the educational experience of students.

As you can see, we went back to Best Buy and exchanged the Dynex webcam for an HP webcam. I am pretty satisfied with it. I am by no means a movie producer and would not need all the fancy/technical things that come with some of them. I wanted one that was easy to use and had some flexibility as far as features go and of course, a good price. It turned out that this HP webcam was actually $10 cheaper than the Best Buy Dynex generic one...so again, Discount Diva does it again! :O)

Although, I noticed that their website says the Dynex webcam is $39.99, which is what we paid in the store, but the HP webcam on their website says $83.99. I would set myself into a coma if we paid that...

We paid $30.00!! How Fanatically Frugal is that!

And now introducing our first video starring my TooheyBugs; Daniela, mostly and Jacob!

Daniela singing to her new Kid's Bop cd that came with her Happy Meal at McDonald's; Delilah and Girls Just Want To Have Fun.

How Dealicious! Free Turbo Shot in your Iced Coffee

We got a yummy Iced Coffee yesterday at Dunkin Donuts and if you really know me, then you know that I couldn't pass up something FREE. So, I did it. I got the Free Turbo Shot in my Iced Coffee and it was definately a nice treat. I was already needing to get my second wind and was beginning a headache, which I figure was due to lack of coffee in my system and the long week from driving back and forth from Springfield to Warren and vice versa, helping my sister babysit my nephew while she went into labor for 3 days and then helping her when she got home from the hospital with the new baby and my nephew. This was definately a nice treat and a perfect pick me up. Jeanne runs on Dunkin Donuts!

Playboy: The Mansion Soundtrack to Feature More than 40 Emerging Artists, 83 Tracks and a Local Tie to Western Massachusetts

Playboy: The Mansion Soundtrack to Feature More than 40 Emerging Artists, 83 Tracks and a Local Tie to Western Massachusetts

How cool is this? I don't know why, but I just got so excited and happy hearing about this and then found out that one of the studios is located locally. I thought it was so cool, I just had to share it!
BTW, the soundtrack is so wickedly awesome and good!

Playboy: The Mansion Soundtrack to Feature More than 40 Emerging Artists, 83 Tracks
Press Release

SCOTTSDALE, AZ - DECEMBER 16, 2004 - Hip Interactive's (TSX:HP) wholly-owned subsidiary, ARUSH Publishing, in conjunction with Groove Games, today announced that the highly anticipated multi-platform video game release, "Playboy: The Mansion," will feature a diverse soundtrack including music from more than 40 artists. Players can select from eight different stations ranging from hip-hop to rock to house music, setting the mood at their virtual "Playboy Mansion." Developed by Cyberlore Studios for the PlayStation2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox video game system from Microsoft and PC systems, "Playboy: The Mansion" is rated M for Mature by the ESRB, and is slated to launch in January 2005.

Emerging bands such as Start Trouble, The Wylde Bunch, The Rosenbergs, Aquavibe and Sugarcult have songs featured in "Playboy: The Mansion," as well as established artists including Petey Pablo, Felix Da House Cat, All-American Rejects and Sander Kleinenberg. In the game, players can purchase stereos and select music for different areas of the virtual Playboy Mansion. The soundtrack not only will allow players to customize their experience, but also serves a gameplay purpose by entertaining guests, and in turn, keeping the party going.

"With 'Playboy: The Mansion,' you can create the ultimate virtual party, and as the best hosts like Hef know, a party isn't a party without great music," said Jim Perkins, president of ARUSH Publishing. "We're thrilled to showcase music from amazing up-and-coming artists, and think there is something for everyone, with rock, punk, hip-hop, and even flamenco music available on your Playboy Mansion's radio."

Songs from the game's INgrooves radio station, which features dance and house music, will be featured on a CD release mixed by DJ Felix Da House Cat, and released in retail stores and on the Internet in January 2005.

Artists Featured in "Playboy: The Mansion" Include:

Petey Pablo; All-American Rejects; Sugarcult; The Rosenbergs; Start Trouble; Wylde Bunch; Aquavibe; Felix Da House Cat; Sander Kleinenberg, featuring Miss Bunty; Swollen Members; J. Boogie's Dubtronic Science; F.I.L.T.H.E.E. Immigrants; Armand Van Helden; Autopilot; Blue Van; Bob Berg; DJ Sneak; Dolla Skills; Eastern Sun and John Kelly; DJ Excess; Imperial Assassins, featuring Judge D; Jimmy Bruno; Jimmy Grand; Joey DeFrancesco; Like Minds; Matthew Skutnik; Michael Tello; Out, Out; People Under The Stairs; Poncho Sanchez; Prince Charming; Ray Roc; Reflekt, featuring Deline Bass; Silvertide; Simply Jeff; Sweatshop Union; The Moontrane Conductors; Toadstyle; Tony C And The Truth; Tricia Muldrow; and Young Rome.

To download a sample track from the "Playboy: The Mansion" soundtrack, please visit http://www.playhef.com/downloads/Aquavibe_4AM.mp3

About Playboy Enterprises, Inc.

Playboy Enterprises is a brand-driven, international multimedia entertainment company that publishes editions of Playboy magazine around the world; operates Playboy and Spice television networks and distributes programming via home video and DVD globally; licenses the Playboy and Spice trademarks internationally for a range of consumer products and services; and operates Playboy.com, a leading men's lifestyle and entertainment Web site.

About Cyberlore Studios

Based in Northampton, Massachusetts, Cyberlore Studios, Inc. has been creating great, award-winning games for over a decade. Cyberlore's mission is to create games that focus on providing fun and innovative play. The company also values its employees, offering them an open, healthy and fun workplace along with great benefits. For more information about Cyberlore Studios and their games, please visit their website at www.cyberlore.com.

About Groove Games

Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Groove Games is a global publisher of interactive entertainment software. Groove partners with leading developers to deliver great games for avid gamers everywhere. Currently Groove is publishing Digital Extremes' cutting-edge new first-person action game, "Pariah" as well as co-publishing the highly anticipated multi-platform game, "Playboy: The Mansion." For more information visit http://www.groovegames.com/.

About ARUSH Publishing

Based in Scottsdale, Ariz., ARUSH Publishing, a wholly owned subsidiary of Hip Interactive Corp., is a worldwide publisher of interactive entertainment software for personal computers and advanced entertainment consoles. ARUSH publishes PC and console video games for sale in retail outlets and on the Internet. The Company's current projects include Playboy: The Mansion and Fear Factor: Unleashed. For more information, please visit http://www.arushgames.com/.

About Hip Interactive

Hip Interactive (www.hipinteractive.com) is a leading provider of electronic entertainment products, including PC and video games, movies, video arcade games, and proprietary games, branded as Hip Games, and accessories, branded as Hip Gear. The Company distributes all first party products, including Sony, Microsoft and Nintendo hardware, software and accessories, as well as third party licensed video game software. With offices across North America and in Europe, Hip uses its distribution business to leverage into higher margin, higher growth areas of the electronic entertainment industry, such as licensing, publishing and its proprietary games and accessories. Hip Interactive trades on The Toronto Stock Exchange under the trading symbol "HP".

About Xbox

Xbox (http://www.xbox.com) is the video game system from Microsoft that brings people together for the most exhilarating game and entertainment experiences. Xbox delivers an expansive collection of breakthrough games, powerful hardware and the unified Xbox Live online service. The new tagline, "it's good to play together," captures the spirit of Xbox as the social hub of the new digital entertainment lifestyle. Xbox is now available in North America, Europe and Australia.

Xbox is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.



Full Soundtrack List<-Flamenco Fusion-1. CIN / Matthew Skutnik2. Fading Memories / Matthew Skutnik3. Going Home / Matthew Skutnik4. Gypsy / Matthew Skutnik5. Into The Night / Matthew Skutnik6. Mexy / Matthew Skutnik7. Nice Guitar / Matthew Skutnik8. Rumble / Matthew Skutnik9. Samba / Matthew Skutnik10. Springtime / Matthew Skutnik11. Sweet / Matthew Skutnik12. What If? / Matthew Skutnik_____________________________________________________________________________-Hip Hop-1. 4 A.M. / Aquavibe2. Day By Day / Imperial Assasins, featuring Judge D3. Dvision / Aquavibe4. Find Us / F.I.L.T.H.E.E. Immigrants5. Last Day Of School / Wylde Bunch6. L.U.S.T., The Remix / Aquavibe7. Mansion / Imperial Assasins, featuring Judge D8. Too Hot / Swollen Members9. Up From The Ground / Sweatshop Union10. Vibrate / Petey Pablo11. Wha Cha Doin Tonight / Young Rome_____________________________________________________________________________-Rock-1. Ain't Coming Home / Silvertide2. Champagne / Sugarcult3. Chemical / Start Trouble4. Crockett And Tubbs / The Rosenbergs5. Department Store Girl / The Rosenbergs6. Little Bit More / Tony C And The Truth7. Nighttime Lover / The Rosenbergs8. Non Stop / Start Trouble9. Playboy Mansion / Prince Charming10. Swing, Swing / All- American Rejects11. Throw The Covers / Start Trouble12. Word From The Bird / Blue Van_____________________________________________________________________________-INGROOVES-1. Barrio Beats / Michael Tello2. Do Me What I Do / Felix Da House Cat3. Drumbox / People Under The Stairs4. Fly Away Love / Armand Van Helden5. Jangle Kisses For You / Ray Roc6. Moodswing / Simply Jeff7. Need To Be Loved / Reflekt, featuring Deline Bass8. Playa Love / Eastern Sun and John Kelly9. Prescribe / Autopilot10. Trb / Autopilot11. Wickeddy Beats / DJ Sneak12. Work To Do / Sander Kleinenberg, featuring Miss_____________________________________________________________________________-Jazz-1. Blue Goo / Bob Berg2. Funk 'n Benny / Jimmy Bruno3. Get it All / Joey DeFrancesco4. Goodfellas / Joey DeFrancesco5. Hypertension / Jimmy Bruno6. Into The Blue Light / Jimmy Bruno7. Jammin' In The Basement / Joey DeFrancesco8. Moon Pie / Poncho Sanchez9. On Time / Poncho Sanchez10. SoHo Sole / Bob Berg_____________________________________________________________________________-Industrial-1. Admire The Question (Naive Mix 2) / Out Out2. Ampex, My Ampex / Out Out3. Antidote Serum / Out Out4. Blanc Says / Out Out5. Forestry For The Theives / Out Out6. Futile Abortive And Barren / Out Out7. Learning English In NYC / Out Out8. Never Tell Ram Produce / Out Out9. No. 5 United / Out Out10. Pointed Fingers / Out Out11. Rot Wither and Worsen / Out Out_____________________________________________________________________________-StylasWars-1. Another One / Toadstyle2. Blocks / Tricia Muldrow3. Grimy / Toadstyle4. It's Gonna Land / Excess5. Lally / Excess6. Life Is / Dolla Skills7. Show And I Shall See / Excess8. UG (Undiscovered Gems) / Like Minds9. Up Jump / Dolla Skills_____________________________________________________________________________-Techno-1. Bossaroca / The Moontrane Conductors2. Deep In The Cut / J. Boogie's Dubtronic Science3. La Playa / J. Boogie's Dubtronic Science4. LeSengre / J. Googie's Dubtronic Science5. Never The Sun / The Moontrane Conductors----------------------------------------------------------------------------------Enjoy!