Disney's Cinderella Diamond Edition Blu-Ray & DVD

Being a baby boomer has its perks. It means I was around in the fifties and sixties when classics like Disney's CINDERELLA came out. But back then, we had to go to the theater to watch it.

And oh, what a magical experience!

To tell the truth, I haven't watched CINDERELLA since then. But it is still vivid in my memory...the cute little mice creating a dress for Cinderella, the Wicked Stepmother, the Fairy Godmother, the glass slipper and pumpkin coach, and of course the Handsome Prince!

All stuff of fairy tales and all embedded in my memory, even fifty years later. "Bibbidy-Bobbity-Boo" is still a magic word.

So imagine my delight when I was given the chance to review Disney's Diamond Edition of CINDERELLA on Blu-Ray & DVD! It was like revisiting old friends I haven't seen since childhood, only the quality was ever so much better than I remembered.

This digitally restored picture and sound Diamond Edition came out on October 2nd, and let me tell you, this is definitely a movie you'll want to add to your family's collection. Or even if you're a single baby boomer like me, how nice to be able to go back and relive one of the most magical moments I can remember.

The Blu-Ray version even has lots of extras only available in this Diamond Edition. Bonus material also includes "The Real Fairy Godmother", the incredible true story of Mary Alice O'Conner who was the inspiration for the character of the Fairy Godmother, "Bibbidi-Bobbidi-You", a second screen personalized digital storybook, and more! Plus there's "Tangled Ever After", an animated short based on the "Tangled" movie, which was just adorable!

Do yourself a favor and pick up this Diamond Edition of CINDERELLA today! It includes both Blu-Ray and DVD versions. And there are lots of fun activities at Disney's webpage. Check these out!

#getunreal UNjunk the candy jar!

I remember reading somewhere that Halloween is the holiday that Americans decorate for the most. Yep. Seems that most people will decorate more for Halloween than they do for Christmas! Even adults get into the Halloween spirit with costume parties. UNREAL!

Guess there's a soft spot in all our hearts for scary masks, jack-o'-lanterns, witch hats, ghosts and goblins, black cats...and CANDY!

What would Halloween be without trick-or-treaters and CANDY!

But if you're a responsible adult, you know that too much of the good stuff can be a bad thing for children (and, hey, even for adults with a sweet tooth!). You'd love to allow them to have all the candy they want, at least for this one day out of the year. But we all know that most commercial candy is chock-full of bad stuff. Stuff that's not good for you at all. And of course too much sugar.

So it is with great pleasure that I introduce you to UNREAL candy! What? A new candy? We don't really need yet another candy brand, do we?

Well, yes.... yes, we do. Especially when that new brand is producing candy that tastes as good or better than those other name brands, yet has:

NO corn syrup
NO partially hydrogenated oil
NO artificial ingredients
NO GMOs
NO preservatives
and a lower glycemic index with 40% LESS SUGAR!

Wow! UNREAL candy is... well... unreal!

And the taste? Absolutely delicious! You really can't tell that you're eating healthier-for-you candy. To me, it tastes more natural, like homemade even. It's also not quite as sweet, since there's so much less sugar used. But it's still candy. Oh yes indeedy, and wow, it's goooood!!!

Last Saturday I invited some friends over to try Unreal candy. Since Halloween is right around the corner, the time is perfect for finding out about this new candy brand and how much better for you it is than those other commercial brands.

My guests and their children got to try all the varieties of Unreal candy, and even got to take home gift bags of candy for snacking later! Unreal provided the candy and gift bags and info sheets; all I had to do was invite some folks over to try it.

And, um, you know, who's going to turn down a candy party? Duh! :D

Most of the children were small, so we played some simple games using Unreal candy as prizes. But the most interesting thing we did was a blind taste test - pitting Unreal against those other national brands.

Guess what? Unreal won all the blind taste tests HANDS DOWN! Just goes to show that candy doesn't have to be overly sweet and full of junk to taste good! Children of all ages will love Unreal...and you'll feel better about allowing them to eat candy that's actually better for them.

Try Unreal for yourself. It's available at just about every major retailer now, wherever you normally buy candy. And this Halloween, don't forget to stock up on Unreal candy for those trick-or-treaters. You'll feel oh so much better about what you're handing out, as well as what your own children or grandchildren come home with.

Happy Halloween!

Spouse Got The House great products for divorced friends! {review}

It's sad but true that so many marriages end in divorce nowadays. People make mistakes. People change. A partner may no longer fill your needs. "Til death do us part" doesn't mean what it used to mean. Now it just means til the death of our marriage parts us.

I've been married (and divorced) twice so I have personal experience with how traumatic the break-up can be. Most likely each of us knows someone who has been through divorce, sometimes nasty, sometimes amicable, but always stressful.

That's why I was delighted to find an online shop called Spouse Got The House that specializes in gifts and novelties that help ease the transition and add humor to a very "down" situation.

As their website says:

Unique Products and Gifts

for Divorce Survivors.

We don’t think divorce is a taboo topic. Our branded products help dispel the negative stigma of divorce by starting conversations. They symbolize acceptance and encourage new beginnings. Perfect for divorce parties, as thoughtful gifts or even for yourself. Can our products change someone’s life? Just maybe.

Now that's an attitude I like!

The products at Spouse Got The House are designed to break the taboo of talking about divorce, in the belief that encouraging conversation about divorce helps the healing process. There is a growing trend of divorce parties and celebrations, and Spouse Got The House products fit right in.

Take a look at some of the goodies they offer:

Women's t-shirt only $20.00

3-pack of Koozies only $8.00

Tote bag only $15.00

16 oz. coffee mug only $10.00

And wouldn't this terrific pink tool kit make a great divorce party gift at only $35.00!

Spouse Got The House is the brainchild of a husband and wife team who were also each divorced from previous marriages and felt a special bond because of their shared experiences. They believe that using their branded products helps open the door for conversation about a once-taboo subject, thereby opening the door for healing and putting things into perspective.

I got to try some of their branded products for myself and was instantly impressed with the quality. I took some pictures, but my camera hasn't been making the best photos lately so I'll also show the product from their website (which is a heck of a lot clearer!).

First, this wonderful pink cap would look terrific this summer whenever you need some sun protection! 100% garment-washed cotton twill with tuck-away leather back strap with antiqued brass buckle and grommet - only $20.00

I love this double-wick candle in "Island Breeze" scent. Only $16.00 for a 10 oz. spa-quality soy candle!

This 16 oz. Lavender Bath Soak will help soothe away divorce stress. Only $12.00!

And I really LOVE this key ring! At only $10.00 it makes a great gift!

This is just a sample of the great products you'll find at Spouse Got The House. I hope you'll take a look and bookmark them for whenever you need a gift for a divorce party or a newly-divorced friend or family member. Or even for yourself!

{Disclosure: I received products gratis in order to facilitate my review. No monetary consideration was involved and my opinions are my own.}

"Be The Ball" with BTB sunglasses {review}

Spring has sprung and summer is just around the corner. Are you planning a lot of outdoor activities this summer? You'll probably be thinking about a new pair of sunshades. I've got just the place for you to begin your search!

Into running? Take a look at these running sunglasses from BTB. You know the importance of not only protecting your eyes from harmful UVA and UVB rays, but think also about ventilation, wind blockage, and aerodynamics, plus they allow better peripheral vision, they fit snugly without being too tight, and won't bounce around while you run.

Play golf? These golf sunglasses are for you! The half-frames are specially designed to increase your vision range with accuracy and clarity. Also perfect for driving. BTB has got you covered!

I got the chance to try a pair of BTB ("Be the Ball") sunglasses for myself. I'm not a runner, but I ride my bicycle for recreation and exercise and needed a good pair of sunglasses that would fit snugly, allow ventilation, and keep my vision cool and sharp.

I received the BTB 540 pair shown in the top image. I can't tell you how much I LOVE them! Not only do they fit great, but look stylish and fashionable as well. I wear them while cycling and just for everyday use too. You can instantly tell a difference when you put them on. Even the brightest, hottest summer day suddenly feels cool and shady when wearing these shades.

My camera isn't the greatest at taking clear photos, plus I had to use the flash which as you can see washes out colors and even changes colors when too much light hits the objects. But I think you can at least tell that these are quality sunglasses, shipped to you in a protective box, and encased in a protective storage sleeve. At only $39.95, these are definitely worth the price. Comparable sunglasses would be $100 or more.

And BTB offers free standard shipping on all orders over $49! So take a look at their products. I'm sure you'll agree that the quality is superb and the prices unbeatable. You'll be sporting a new pair of shades this summer. Why not "Be The Ball"? BTB will look good on you!

{Disclaimer: I received a product gratis to facilitate this review. No monetary consideration was involved and my opinions are my own.}

PXSupply.com - your source for Military Gear, Apparel & Souvenirs {review}

Remember back when shopping at an Army Surplus store was all the rage? Well, guess what? Military-style apparel and accessories are back in fashion! Only now you don't have to shop in person, you can do it online!

If you're looking for quality rugged authentic military apparel and gear, look no further than the best army navy store PXSupply.com. PXSupply in Millington, Tennessee (just outside of Memphis) has a wide range of gear suitable for just about anyone on your gift list--including yourself!

Of course I had to take a look at the items for women...and found a great variety of terrific bargains.

I particularly like this WOMEN'S CITY CAMO RAGLAN T-SHIRT. And at only $11.95, it's a bargain. (and FREE SHIPPING!!)

How about this t-shirt for a proud Marines mom? $12.49 and FREE SHIPPING!

Or this cute t-shirt proudly proclaiming your love! $12.95 and FREE SHIPPING!

PXSupply has tees and tanks, fatigues, jackets, sweats, shorts, you name it. And that's just for women. They have tons of gear for men as well. If you need a gift for the military man or woman in your life, take a look at PXSupply.com first. I know you'll find something just perfect, at a very good price, and most items include free shipping. Can't beat that with a stick!

I wanted to try something and see for myself the quality and value that PXSupply.com offers. So they sent me the PISTOL BELT BLACK VINTAGE BAG.

I love love LOVE it!! Not only is it stylish, but it's the perfect size. Plus it has an adjustable shoulder strap that you can also hide if you prefer the hand straps instead. It's roomy on the inside with extra pockets for stashing your stuff. Best of all it just looks tough while still being a fashionable handbag. And rugged! It's made of super strong canvas material, and the workmanship on the metal grommets and hardware are indeed quality. You can't beat the price at $24.95. And... yep, you guessed it!...FREE SHIPPING!

I love shopping online, but sometimes a bargain isn't a bargain after you factor in shipping and handling charges. That's not the case with PXSupply.com - almost all their items are shipped free in the USA. I really love that perk. Makes it easier to know what I'm spending ahead of time when I shop online.

Here are some more pics of the bag, but remember the bag is solid dark black as in the above picture, not the washed-out charcoal gray my photos would have you believe. I have to use the camera flash to get good pictures, but the flash always washes out the color. So just use my photos as a guide to what the bag looks like, but remember it will be deep black when you get it.

(this one in particular looks so gray, but the bag color is black, so don't let my photos dissuade you!)

Need combat boots? Look no further. It would take me all day to list the great products available at PXSupply.com. The products are true quality and tremendous value for the money. Take a look for yourself!

{Disclaimer: I received a product gratis in order to facilitate my review. No monetary consideration was received and my opinions are my own.}

Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle Squares = chocolate heaven! {review}

Did you get chocolates for Valentine's Day? No? Me neither. :(

But that's okay. Really, it is. Because I'd probably have been given some off-brand that just didn't make my taste buds tingle.

Chocolate is chocolate, you say? No way! There are certain brands of chocolate that are just miles above the rest.

Ghirardelli Chocolate, for example.

Oh yeah.... Ghirardelli makes some of the BEST chocolate ever to tempt my taste buds!

And now they have a new addition to their fabulous line of products that just makes me want to purr like a kitten.

Introducing new Ghirardelli Milk & Truffle Squares!

This is one decidedly delicious treat. Rich slow-melting milk and dark chocolate surrounds a sumptuous truffle filling. The mix of milk and dark chocolate and the creamy chocolate truffle filling just melts on your tongue and satisfies not just a chocolate craving but the desire for something decadent and gourmet.

I've always loved the variety of Ghirardelli Squares, and appreciate that they are individually wrapped so you can eat as many or as few as you desire. But these new Milk & Truffle Squares are going to the top of my favorites list. They are THAT good!!

Try some today. You can find them at Target, Supercenters, and Walgreens nationwide. At a retail price of $3.75 per bag, this is one chocolate indulgence you can purchase for yourself.

And you don't have to wait for Valentine's Day. :)

(Disclosure: I was provided a product sample via my membership with She Speaks to help facilitate this review. However my opinions are my own and I received no monetary compensation.)

MacVoil for your hair AND skin! {review}

I love long hair. Always have. It's a lot of trouble, I must admit. Takes forever to dry, and then styling takes forever too. But the few times I've cut it and tried a shorter hairdo, I hated it. Wanted my long hair back. So I just get it trimmed now and then, but basically I have always had and hopefully will always have long hair, several inches past my shoulders.

I love the versatility of long hair. Love being able to wear a ponytail, or braids, or curl it and fluff it out, or just straight and healthy-looking. So many ways to wear long hair.

But long hair does take a beating that shorter hairstyles do not. If you have short hair, you probably get it trimmed a lot more often to maintain your cut. So any damaged hair is trimmed away. With longer hair, the damage is more significant because it's been a process of time, and my hair certainly shows the damage.

My hair is also naturally wavy, almost curly in fact. But that leads to frizz, and I HATE frizz!! My hair will curl easily, but I really have to put the heat to it to tame the frizz by smoothing the cuticle.

That's why I was very interested in trying a new product called MacVoil. This extraordinary combination of Macademia oil, Moroccan Argan oil and Cypress oil really helps tame the frizzies and makes my hair so soft and manageable I can hardly believe it. Oh, and it's also great for your skin! If you're like me, the winter months really take a toll not just on your hair but your skin too. I rubbed some of this oil on my hands and the "alligator skin" virtually disappeared. It's non-greasy too, which is a blessing if you consider all the "oils" in MacVoil!

MACVOIL™ is an ultra light therapeutic treatment for all hair types. Moisturizes, nourishes, and detangles for frizz-free, smooth, shiny hair. MACVOIL™ Oil with UV protection extends the life of color-treated hair, reduces drying time by 35% and rejuvenates dry/brittle hair back to health. Great for skin, scalp, nails, and cuticles.

I wanted to take some pictures to show you the dramatic difference in my long hair before and after using MacVoil, but no one was available to help take the photos and I never have any luck taking pics of myself in a mirror. :) So you'll just have to take my word for it.... THIS STUFF WORKS GREAT!!

And it doesn't take a lot. I simply poured some MacVoil in my palm about the size of a quarter, then rubbed my palms together and gently smoothed it into the bottom part of my hair. I didn't use it up close to the crown or scalp, since my long hair generally tends to weigh down top hair anyway, but next time I may try massaging it into my scalp as well since the oils in the product are so beneficial to skin and scalp.

My hair was instantly and noticeably softer. And yes, it took a lot less time to dry than normal. That's a big plus for me, especially on workday mornings when I'm already rushed for time! My hair was so easy to comb too. The oils act as a detangler, and I noticed I didn't yank out nearly as many hairs as I usually do when combing after shampooing.

But the best part to me was how easily I was able to smooth the hair cuticle with heat styling tools to eliminate frizzing. Huzzah! It works! My hair was soft, straight, yet still bouncy and vibrant. Just the way I like it!

This is definitely a product you want to try for yourself if you have trouble with damaged hair. Dry, frizzy, lifeless hair instantly responds to this intensive treatment without becoming oily in the process. I'm so used to thinking of something like baby oil when I hear the word "oil" in regards to hair and skin products. But macadamia oil, Moroccan argan oil, and cypress oil are nothing like baby oil. They are lightweight and easily absorbed into hair and skin, leaving a non-greasy feeling.

I'm sold! I will be adding MacVoil to my hair routine. You should give it a try, even if you don't have long hair. I think you'll be suitably impressed, just like I was. :)

The Essential Oils collection is just one of the product lines that MacVoil carries. They also have an anti-aging hair line of products and a Keratin Smoothing Treatment system that can last up to three months! These are professional salon quality products. You can find out more about MacVoil products at their website here: http://macvoil.com

(Disclosure: I was provided a product to help facilitate this review. However my opinions are my own and I received no monetary compensation.)