pensieve.me

Tiny things are actually big things in disguise

I love receiving Christmas cards.  

The ones that include a letter detailing The Wonderful Lives of the senders?  Well, if I'm honest, those are the ones I used to mock but now look most forward to. Having moved away from our hometown seven years ago and never living in the same town as family since I got married, Christmas cards are the avenue I travel to see family and friends (but mainly their children) grow up.

But I'm not so great at sending them.

The past two years I let the busyness of the holidays keep me from sending cards; well, that and (probably more so) uncooperative, picture-taking children--otherwise perfectly delightful and keepable--who make it sport to torture me while I try to capture a decent shot of the three of them AT THE SAME TIME!  Imagine that?

I started trying last Spring.

Anyways....enter Tiny Prints to my rescue.  

I met their marketing associate, Jessica Rosenberg, at Type-A Mom Conference and she asked me if I'd be interested in reviewing their Christmas cards.  As implied, I didn't do what I needed to do in order to have Christmas cards made and mailed, but then it hit me--why not create a New Year's card to serve the same purpose?  

Jessica gave me the green light and I was thrilled with our result; with complete confidence, I've quickly become a Tiny Prints cheerleader for a host of reasons:

• Excellent customer service.
• A product line that includes greeting cards, birth announcements, party invitations and business cards.
• Extensive design choice with personalization.
• A fair price range, beginning with basic, economical choices to more elaborate designs.
• The option on some of their designs to have cards addressed and mailed.  (I took advantage of this feature and the upside is now I have an online data base of addresses, easily accessed for future use.)
• A unique URL where you can upload up to 50 additional photographs to share with your family and friends (The URL is imprinted on your cards!).

And, as a marketer to the core, I love their logo (a tiny elephant)...and especially the why of their logo:

(from their packaging)

The Tiny Prints elephant inspires us to help
transform life's little moments into lasting impressions.
 Because, you see, what we really believe is this:
 the tiny things are actually the big things in disguise.

(and, from their website)

He's big, yet gentle.
He's social and loves his family.
He trumpets when happy.
And most of all, he never forgets.

* * * * * *

Just in time for Valentine's Day, check out their promotions!

 

BIG thanks to Tiny Prints for taking tender loving care of my complimentary card order.  They earned high praise and whole-hearted endorsement from me, and although they didn't pay me extra to say nice things, I'm happy that's all I CAN say based on experience!

 

 

First beauty, now fashion...?!

Just because I'm not a niche beauty blogger doesn't mean I can't write about it; it's because I didn't already know everything about health and beauty that I agreed to sign on as a writer for Therapon's newly launched site.  Well, that and the company's interest in exploring inner beauty, the foundation for all things external.  

Well it happened again, but instead of writing about beauty, I'm tackling fashion!  

Nobody puts PENSIEVE Baby in a corner!

I can't remember now which came first--a conversation volleyed on Twitter or reading "How to Wear Leggings...If You're Over 40" on BlogHer.  The post piqued my curiosity.   What I recall from our twitversation was a lot of women lacking courage and confidence to wear leggings and Ree Drummond extolling the virtues of Yummie Tummie leggings.  

Using 140 characters or less, Ree introduced me to Yummie Tummie, and because I've developed Yuckie Tummie, I thought they could help me.  So I wrote 'em.  

To my delight, they immediately wrote back!

They offered to send me a pair of leggings in exchange for me writing about 'em, which both thrilled me (a chance to try 'em before I buy 'em!) and made me a little nervous (what if I didn't like 'em?).  

I didn't have to worry long because as soon as I started shimmying them up, I knew they were gonna live up to their billing.  The one negative thing I'll say is IT'S NO FUN TO SHIMMY LEGGINGS up and over calves, thighs, hips and yuckie-tummie, but somehow, remarkably, once you get them on, they're comfortable!  How the heck is that possible?  

I wanted to go out and buy a cute chunky sweater or tunic to wear with them or one of those darling dresses I saw on the BlogHer post, but instead here are a few pictures of options I've already got in my closet--

A fun, long shirt that gets bulky with jeans but slims down with sleek leggings underneath.  Black boots extend a nice, slimming line...right?

 

I stole this dress from my daughter's closet, and I can promise you, without the "help" Yummie Tummie leggings provide, there's no way I could've worn it!  A funky scarf and Mary Janes and I felt like I was a kid again.  

 

Next, I went for a dressier monochromatic look; black is slimming to begin with, but from top to bottom it's one nice, continuous line.  I could've worn boots but I like a little color peeking out of my shoes.

Last, I was inspired by the ARTIC-FRICKIN'-TUNDRA that lies outside my cozy house--baby, it's COLD outside!  On a day temps dropped to single digits, I slipped on my Yummie Tummie leggings, surprisingly easily slid my jeans over them, and never got cold when I was running errands!  The leggings fit almost like second skin, so I didn't have the Abominable Snowman thing going on in spite of layers.  

 

Are you already a fan of Yummie Tummie?  What piece(s) do you have...or want for Christmas?  Do you have a pair or two of leggings?  How do you wear them?  I'd love to hear your fashion advice!

 

This post is part of a style series sponsored by Yummie Tummie and Clever Girls Collective. I received a complimentary pair of leggings, and compensation for writing the post. All of the views expressed in this post are my own.

The pictures don't do it justice.... {AMPLIF∙eye Lash & Brow Fortifier ~ Review & Giveaway!}

** Congratulations to Paige #21, who was the THIRD number I got from Random Integer Generator, but the FIRST person who actually followed my SIMPLE requirement for entry!  The first two people have NO idea what they're missing!!  (Yes, I'm a stickler for detail, especially when a contest is as simple as this!!!)**

A few months ago I was contacted by Xtreme Lashes to see if I might be interested in trying AMPLIF∙eye Lash & Brow Fortifier, a new product by Jo Mousselli designed to "grow longer, thicker, darker, more plentiful lashes...without the risk of Rx side effects."  I'm a natural skeptic when it comes to product hype, but because I have pitifully sparse eyelashes I figured I had nothing to lose and potentially eyelashes to gain.

Researching the product and watching a video describing AMPLIF∙eye, I discovered:

• AMPLIF∙eye is the strongest, side-effect free, peptide-based product proven to grow lashes (peptids are amino acids, the basic building blocks of hair and lashes).
• The peptides penetrate the lash line and into the lash follicle to stimulate hair growth and strengthen the root structure.
• Its formula is based on a potent complex of peptides, vitamins and nourishng extracts.

In contrast to a well-known prescription brand that I'll choose not to name out of courtesy, AMPLIF∙eye does not rely on the hormone prostaglandin to stimulate growth. 

A few weeks into using it morning and night, I began to see a difference; my lashes were fuller and longer.  The results weren't extreme but they were definitely perceptible.  It was much more obvious when I applied mascara--then there was a dramatic difference.  The biggest compliment I received?  When Angela, our Face2Face make-up artist extraordinaire asked me if I had been using [the well-known prescription brand] lash fortifier!  You can use AMPLIF∙eye on thinning eyebrows, too, but as I've already established with excessively generous, caterpillar eyebrows I have no need for that!

AMPLIF∙eye's offical launch is next week (that's why you haven't heard about it yet--this is cutting edge, people!!) and you have a chance to win a full-size sample valued at $119!  All you need to do is comment to this post telling me about your favorite beauty discovery. 

Fine print:

• Giveaway runs through Friday, December 10 @ noon EST.
• Xtreme Lashes will deliver anywhere--no geographical restrictions!
• After you comment your favorite beauty discovery, you may gain additional entries by Tweeting or Facebooking about the giveaway; just link the specific URL from your tweet/FB status in a separate comment.

 

Insider's tip:  If you follow XtremeLashes on Twitter and/or Like them on Facebook, I bet you'll have opportunities for additional product giveaways. 

{For the record, do you have any idea how painful it is for me to post these pictures of me without make-up???  Believe me, black and white is doing you a favor!}

Before ~

 

After ~

Thanks to Xtreme Lashes for providing me a complimentary sample; nothing makes me happier than to be able to speak favorably on a product's behalf when it delivers what it promises!

He croons, I swoon {ENTER to win your own copy of "Your Songs" by Harry Connick, Jr.}

Harry Connick, Jr. has a voice that penetrates marrow.  Velvety and scrumptious and as easy on the ears as he is on the eyes, Harry always leaves you wanting more.

When One2One Network extended the opportunity for me to review his latest release "Your Songs,"as a long-time fan I immediately jumped.  The icing on the cake is one of my lucky readers will receive a copy, too!

Much like Rod Stewart accomplished with his Great American Songbook Collection, Connick breathes new life into the Standards Baby Boomers already know, and introduces Big Band sound to a younger generation; in some cases he's borrowing "signature songs for iconoic performers"--Elvis, Nat King Cole, Frank Sinatra--and spinning them with his style and grace; he honors them in so doing.

My favorites?  All the Way and Smile, but wanna know what most impresses me about Harry Connick, Jr.?  He uses his celebrity to give back to others.  After witnessing the destruction of Gulf Coast hurricanes, he, along with Branford Marsalis, imagined the Musicians Village; rather than me explain, it's worth your time to click the link to learn more.  You'll be heartened.

Interested in winning a copy of "Your Songs"?  To enter, visit Harry's Facebook page and Fan him if you haven't already (be sure to leave a comment below letting me know you did).  If you aren't on Facebook, visit his official website and comment something you learned about him.  You can earn additional entries by tweeting about the giveaway and linking to this post, stumbling it, and honestly, however else you're inclined to promote the giveaway and comment an extra chance to win ;).  I'm pretty easy that way (but remember, the more separate comments you leave, the more you tip Random Integer Generator in your favor!).

Curious about the whole track list?  For your convenience:

All The Way (Frank Sinatra), Just The Way You Are (Billy Joel), Can’t Help Falling In Love With You (Elvis Presley), And I Love Her (The Beatles), (They Long To Be) Close To You (The Carpenters), Besame Mucho, The Way You Look Tonight, First Time Ever I Saw Your Face (Roberta Flack), Your Song (Elton John), Some Enchanted Evening, And I Love You So (Don McLean), Who Can I Turn To? (Tony Bennett), Smile (Charlie Chaplin), Mona Lisa (Nat King Cole)

STILL want more Harry?  How 'bout a behind the scenes look at ‘Making of’ the album:  http://bit.ly/HCJrVideo

It's not about me. It's about YOU.

I'm chanting the title of this post right now; trying to maintain a healthy and cheerful perspective a) that my readers will benefit, and b) it's really just a few extra minutes of work.

Because I have BlogHer ads posted in my sidebar (which I am seriously re-thinking at the moment), I cannot review a product valued at over $40 on PENSIEVE'S main page.  My options are to create a stand-alone blog or code a page without ads.

In other words, I HAVE to create a stand-alone blog because I have no coding abilities.

If you have people in your home you'd like to protect from the potential of online "dangers", PLEASE check out my post "Safety first, even online. Especially online."  It's about a new option offered by Norton, and it's something I completely endorse. 

I'm stunned when I talk to friends who a) have children, and b) are married who have nothing protecting their computers.  It's not even a matter of trusting your children or husband to "do the right thing"--with the savviness of online SCUM, it's too easy for them to hit an adult or questionable site without even trying.

Please do yourself and your family a favor, and find out if Norton's Online Family is for you.

And for those of you willing to check out the new blog of mine, "Show & Tell & Give & Take"?  Later this afternoon I'll be giving away an iPod Touch!  GET!  OUT!!  I reallyREALLY hope **YOU** come away the winner!! 

Easy (Fe)breze(y)

Recently, I had opportunity to sample several Febreze products:

• Febreze  Décor Collection ~ The bottle is touted to be attractive enough to blend in with your home decor, but for me I think that selling point is a bit silly.  It's not unattractive, but because the liquid is cloudy, the image on the back of the bottle is hard to see.  In terms of function, it's a light scent that smells nice, but I wouldn't go to the extra expense of buying this line (not sure if it's the same price or more).

Febreze Fabric Refresher ~ Does its job nicely. Easy-on-your-trigger finger, a fine mist spray that quickly dissipates into the air, and a light, lingering freshness that doesn't reek of "air freshener".  I was thankful to have received the "Lavender Vanilla and Comfort" scent--based on names, I'm sure it's my favorite.  I'm keeping the bottle in our kitchen, where it's close to all the places we "live".  Whereas I can't see myself purchasing from the Décor Collection, I can see buying this again when ours is gone.

• Febreze to Go, Extra Strength ~ If you carry a large purse (or briefcase), this is a wonderful thing to have on hand.  I've stayed in hotel rooms before that had an "odor" to them--not unclean, just not "good" (and then there was our D.C. trip, see #8).  Oh, how I wish I would have had a bottle of Febreze to Go!  Compact, extra strength--just the thing you need when you're somewhere that could use refreshing. 

My kids all play sports, and though I hadn't thought about it before I received the samples, I think a good use of Febreze will be to spray inside their shoes. 

How have you used it in imaginative ways?  If you've never tried it, click here for coupons by snail or email* and here for a ton of P&G products.

Tiny disclaimer:  I didn't click through myself to get the email coupon; it "looks" okay, but as always, be careful when giving out personal info.

Free cake, anyone?

After my Golden Sponge Cake review this morning, I got an email from my "Weight Watcher people".  Looks like they're up for a few of you to kiss and tell enjoy their low-calorie, low-fat, cream-filled snack cakes. 

If you're interested in receiving a coupon to sample these for FREE, comment me VIA HAIKU something...anything...having to do with dieting and dessert.  Should make for some fun(ny) poetry. 

I'll choose five readers (presuming there are that many entries) in the morning to receive the freebie coupons. 

Five-seven-five in case you forgot the rules of Haiku  :).

Three bites, no guilt

Weight Watchers reps contacted me recently to determine my interest in sampling their Golden Sponge Cakes, and I said, "What?  So you think I'm fat?!!" and they didn't comment so I didn't press it. 

I don't really want to know what they think of my rear in "these pants", anyway.

Far be it for me to turn down a Twinkie or anything closely resembling one, so I said "Sure." 

(And this is where I'm not loving the "honesty police" who lives inside me, because I have to say....)  My overall impression?  Let's look at the GOOD things:

• 1 point under Weight Watchers exchange values
• 80 calories, 25 of those fat
• They satisfy a taste for something sweet.

The not-so-good things?

They aren't Twinkies or Ding-Dongs and there IS a difference (not sure if the extra calories are worth it).

A funny aside:  My daughter tried one and liked the way it tingled her tongue.  I have no idea what that means, but she thought it was cool, like it was magic or something.

Soooo, if you won't a low-calorie, low-fat, tongue-tingling snack cake?  Go buy Weight Watchers Golden Sponge Cakes TODAY.  Tell 'em I sent you (but they'll have no idea who I am) :).

Everybody's NUTS! Wahoo! A weekend give-away!

It has been a treat sampling products over the past several months for review, and last week I received the funnest package to date:

Doesn't it just make you smile?  I open this big ol' box and a cock-eyed pistachio was grinning at me bigger than Wonderland's Cheshire Cat!

In a nutshell (**snicker**), Everybody's NUTS! are a FABULOUS choice for snackin' because:

• They offer a variety of flavors (Roasted & Salted, Roasted No Salt, European Roast & Salt & Pepper)
• They're a good source of fiber & are heart healthy
• They have a cool guarantee:  100% of their nuts will be open.  If you find a closed nut in your package, send it to 'em (along with proof of purchase) and they'll send you a FREE box of nuts
• The most important thing?  They're delicious, high-quality pistachios--it's not a stretch to say they're the BEST pistachios I've ever tasted!

Bonuses? 

• FABULOUS, fun, interactive website (though links to their on-line store weren't working when I tried 'em).
• Excellent packaging including using recycled materials with explaining why they do so, "...because Everybody's NUTS! loves trees.

And guess what?  I have an "Everybody's NUTS!" prize pack to give away--a sample of their pistachios, and a tee shirt and cap like the ones pictured above.  IF I can get my (teenage kids???) to part company with Stach-the-stuffed-wonder-nut, I'll throw that in, too (wish I was kidding on that one, but I'm not...).  All you have to do to win is scroll down my front page, read a post you haven't yet, and comment HERE your thoughts (my personal favorites are "Trapeze", "Is it Obvious?" and "A Twinkling").

Trust me, you'll want to win...these things are good enough to eat!

;)

They're FRESH, not fried or French, but very Oooo la la!

More often than I'd like to admit to myself or to you, when my kids were young, I often relied on the "kid's meal" for an easy, inexpensive lunch option.  I don't know if they THRILLED to these happy meals because they tasted good or because a prize awaited them when they were done, but they always managed to eat every bite.  In my convoluted way of thinking, I'd order a kid's meal, too, and because the portions were smaller and I'd get a Diet Coke or Pepsi, it was "diet food" for me. 

Talk about self-delusion.

Either way, with over 200,000 restaurants and a $120 billion industry, fast food IS a way of life for many...but rarely is it healthy.

In steps Burger King to try to change all that.

Last week, my kids and I received samples of Burger King's new apple fries.  Apple fries?  I knew in advance this was supposed to be a healthy alternative to French fries in their kids meals, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out how FRIED FRUIT was healthy.

Duh...THEY'RE NOT FRIED!  The apples are sliced to look like fries.

We were skeptical--how could packaged apples taste fresh?

Remarkably, they were DELICIOUS.  They were accompanied by low-fat caramel dipping sauce, but all of us preferred them sans sauce.  The slices were firm, sweet...and exceeded our collective expectation. 

If my kids were pre-schoolers again, this is a choice I'd make FOR them when ordering--they wouldn't have the option of French fries.  Mama could have her fried potato fix, and they'd be none the wiser 'cause they resemble each other.  If I was having an intellectual debate on this, I might argue this Great Deception, but for the sake of a simple product review?  They're good...the apple fries are a better choice when you need to get kids' meals on the run. 

If you'd like to win a $10 Burger King gift card so you can sample them on your own?  Subscribe to or bookmark PENSIEVE, then visit next week during Bloggy Giveaways and you might just be able to try them for free (I already awarded one giftcard during last week's BlogHop '08)!