I had the opportunity to review the Glade Fragrance Mist and Glade Oil Diffuser.

The Oil Diffuser seemed to be “not my cup of tea” – although it does look nice sitting on the piano with Cap…

It was too strong when I first opened it, and I had to keep moving it further and further from the couch to keep from getting a headache – but that may just be me, with my headache propensity.

By the next day, that overwhelming scent was gone. Now, in fact, I don’t smell ANYTHING in the Living Room – only if I walk over and sniff the diffuser (which still has plenty of oil in it, and smells quite strong if you DO sniff it). Ah, well.

The Fragrance Mist, on the other hand, we enjoyed. It gives a nice burst of scent, which does a good job of neutralizing (rather than covering up) other odors. It doesn’t last too long, but you wouldn’t really expect it to.

See for yourself!

Right now, you can get coupons for $2 off the Fragrance Mist and $4 off the Oil Diffuser!

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After doing several past costume reviews for the kids, I figured it was about time for me to do one myself!

I chose this “Plus Greek Goddess White & Blue Costume” from Plus Size Costume Super Center.

It was pretty difficult finding something to review, actually. While they have a large inventory of costumes, most of them seem to be of the “sexy” variety – which I find both unflattering on a woman my size, and of course immodest.

So I thought this looked like something moderately sensible, and from the photo and description I thought that with a few simple alterations I could make it something fun.

The reality was somewhat disappointing, leading to the fact that there is no photo of me in said costume gracing this review.

The fabric was very thin, so the costume could not be worn without a slip. It is also not structured on top, so could not be worn without supportive garments there – and from the design that would be tricky to accomplish.

The “drapes” were smaller than they seemed to be described, so my plan of tacking them in a couple of places to make a sort of draped sleeve effect was not workable. The blue dyed portion was also substantially smaller than the photo shows, which none of us thought was an improvement.

Although this costume may end up being reconstituted into something totally different one day, for today, I’m just calling it a total loss.

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Lots of giveaways going on in the world… From me, and from others.

Here are a few worth mentioning:

• As For My House is participating in the blog-hopping Carry Me Please! giveaway, winner’s pick of an Ergo or Pikkolo baby carrier. Ends 5/26.
• Simply Stacie is giving away a Keurig B70 Platinum Brewing System ($169 Value!).
• Dear Crissy has a giveaway running for a KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

And we’ll be doing a fun children’s book giveaway over at As For My House next week, so stay turned!

Image from fathergeek.com, with appreciation.

One of my favorite sites, now that we have an i-Thing in the house, is giving away 4 brand new iPad 2′s!

Just head over to Smart Apps for Kids and enter using the handy-dandy Rafflecoptor form.

If you are a new “Like”-er of Smart Apps for Kids on Facebook, please leave a comment on the giveaway post letting them know that I referred you, then leave a comment here letting me know – I’d sure appreciate the extra “referral” entries!

Good luck!

My kids really enjoy dressing up, so I was happy to have another opportunity to review a costume from WholesaleCostumeClub.com.

Jewel has had some challenges when they decide to play pirates, since we only have accessories, and none of her clothes seem to lend themselves to that.

Then came the “Girls’ Deluxe Caribbean Pirate Costume”

In addition to a fun dress that’s part “pirate” and part “princess dressy”, it includes the fun accessories – armbands with pink laces, and a sparkly pink bandanna (the sword and boots are hers).

Now they can dress up for adventure on the high seas together… In style!

It’s a great time of year to pick up a costume just for fun. Head over and check out all the fun options; you can also follow Wholesale Costume Club on Twitter, to keep up with all their deals.

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It’s been quite a while since I had any news to report about Goldster, although the comments have continued to pour in on my two previous posts:

Goldster, You’re Fired
Goldster Follow Up

I have had a couple of back-and-forth emails with the BBB, as well as the Attorney General’s office there, about my complaint, but nothing that really warranted a blog post.

Today’s Inbox surprise, though, was of a different caliber entirely.

It was from the BBB, but contained a “response from the owner of the business”. The letter read, in part:

Dear Valued Customer,

We are aware of a payment issue regarding the jewelry that you mailed to us. We also wanted to assure you that although you may have experienced a lengthy delay, we would like you to know that we are taking quick action to resolve your issue. Attached is an official claim form, that we kindly ask that you fill out and send back to us with as much detailed information as possible. The more documentation and details you can provide, the quicker the claim process will go. Please complete and return the form if 1) you have not yet received payment, or 2) if you have returned your original payment, and have not received a new check. *Please note that returning the claims form and documentation via the email option will result in a faster resolution time. Thank you.

**Please note this is a standard notice sent to all customers, please disregard if you have already completed and returned a claims form.
Please disregard this email and claims form if you have already redeemed payment for your gold, or a refund check.

It goes on to make reference to the notion that they’re cleaning house “as they wrap up their operation,” and asserts that you may make a claim whether or not you have any concrete documentation of your gold’s value.

I did, in the end, get my gold back, as described in my previous post, so this doesn’t apply to me.

But I hope all the many unhappy commenters will make sure to contact the BBB (email nbrewerton @ bbbwestflorida.org) or Goldster if they haven’t gotten this already, and apply for just compensation.

Calling all military folks!

Head on over to the SargesList Blog, and enter their Operation Sweetheart sweepstakes.

If you’re together in CONUS, you win a dinner date (up to $150). If your Valentine is deployed, they’ll ship out a special Deployment Cake to let them know you care.

Enjoy!

And check out SaresList while you’re there, if you’re not already familiar with it… Something like craigslist, but created especially for the military community.

And who doesn’t need that, right?

Head on over to Life in a Shoe, and enter to win a “Cansolidator Pantry Plus” organizer from Shelf Reliance. (Ends December 9th)

Or, you know, don’t go enter, since that makes my odds better!

Aw, I’m just kidding, go ahead…

As you have probably noticed, we’re talking a lot about a more whole food, traditional diet, both here and over at As For My House.

One of the foundational books on getting back to this way of eating is the cookbook (but so much more!) Nourishing Traditions.

What better way to check it out than to WIN IT! And better still, you can win one copy for yourself, plus a second copy to give away as a Christmas present.

Just head over to the wonderful blog Butter Believer, and enter the drawing – ends on Dec. 17th.

Good luck!

I like to include photos with our family Christmas letter, but that has always left me with a bit of a dilemma.

Naturally, everyone doesn’t look quite as life-like in black and white, but the cost of printing a lot of copies out in color really adds up. And, of course, printed on paper is not as nice as a photo in the first place.

One solution I’ve used in the past, and I’m in the process of ordering again, is Christmas photo cards from Shutterfly – sent alone, or with the text letter, depending on the recipient.

And of course, even beyond Christmas cards (or other greeting cards), Shutterfly is a really simple way to make gorgeous photo gifts of all kinds.

We’re currently designing Nick’s photo graduation announcements. They don’t have the 2012 graphics up yet, but since Nick had his Senior Portraits done, it’s fun to see them laid out.

What do you think?

Okay, but those aren’t until Spring. Here’s the Christmas Cards I’m working on:

Stationery card

View the entire collection of cards.

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