This Full House Reviews

Theme Party Ideas: Kodak Single Use Cameras Tackle the Colors of the Rainbow.

Being a mother of 4 children, and having planned my fair share of celebrations, I feel it's safe for me to say that they really do grow up so fast.  It seems like only yesterday, thinking on it now, and I remember a time - although, it seems so very long ago - when I was much more organized!

What happened?

4 baptisms, 10 graduations, 14 Halloweens, Christmases, Easters and any other celebration that required me to bathe and dress them, you know, nice...um...and don't forget...the chronological blowing out of the candles on 38 birthday cakes...THAT'S WHAT!

When I think of all the film we MUST have developed over the years...PHEW!...I think it's about time someone else take their pictures, yes?

Pretty much the whole reason I jumped on reviewing Kodak's new Single Use Camera - okay, so it was more like a leaning deep into my mailbox and smiling broadly - still.  The idea of not having to futz around with batteries, flashes and simply having to place a few cameras around a table...well, it makes me wish I had somewhere to go.  A birthday party, wedding, or something.

Riiiiight.

Did I mention that we're...uh...broke and that Christmas is just around the corner?

No matter - the kids are smart and my husband Garth (not his real name) and I...ugh...well, we're rooting for scholarships - I was, however, pleased to able to capture my children preparing for our This Full House Ghosting Adventures and share of few of the product features with you:

• Available exclusively for purchase through the KODAK Store (click here) beginning in October, 2007.

• Sold in 10-pack increments at a price of $79.50.

• Includes Kodak's 800-speed film providing unbeatable clarity and sharpness resulting in high quality points.

• Bright, sophisticated new looks and an easy-to-use design.

• Fun, reliable alternative when an expensive camera isn't available.

Since, my digital/video camera is not, you know, working and both batteries are appropriately dead for Halloween!

Here's Thing One, insisting that (at 13) she's too old for trick-or-treating and trying to convince me that her interest in the art of Chinese Tatooing is only temporary.  Notice the clarity in colors and how truly purple their room really is.

No, that's NOT really Thing Two's hair - although, she really DOES want to dye it...GULP...black - she's going out as a Goth Bride, tomorrow.  I know.  But, the kid is 11, an honors student and what can I do...besides, you know, ask that you pray for me?

Mini-Me is 6 and...well, as multi-faceted as our den is...apparently...and are your eyeballs burning, yet?

Good - then, you can see just how bright, bold and beautiful this shot is and perhaps consider turning a blind eye to whatever in the world is going on with my 8 year-old son!

No matter - you can request your photos on a cd and can burn edit your photos however you like - the kids and I had fun filling up the entire roll with such silliness and are the envy of parents, everywhere.

No, not really.  But, with Kodak's Recycling Program, I was happy to hear that we can at least all go a little green:

Kodak recycles - at least 80% of this camera by weight will be reused or recycled when your photofinisher returns it to Kodak.

Oh, and pink...too:

The KODAK Store is committed to help in the fight against breast cancer.  To do our part, we're donating 10% (with a Guaranteed Minimum Donation of $15,000) to the Susan G. Komen for the Cure for every item purchased from the KODAK Store's exclusive Go Pink! Collection.

You can visit the rest of our pictures, here and perhaps consider KODAK for your future celebration and/or holiday needs!


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Blog Carnival: Review Bloggers - 6th Edition

Welcome to the October 29, 2007 Edition of The Review Bloggers Carnival.

It's no secret. I like getting stuff. I like writing about the stuff that we like and perhaps make my family's life a little easier. Especially, if it works!

Or, I haven't managed to break it...YET!

Do you have a review blog - or, perhaps found a product (or, service) that you really, really like and you're aching to share with the rest of the blogosphere - then, you may be interested to learn that the Review Bloggers Carnival has come to This Full House!

Clean off a chair and come on in - mi casa, y su casa - as we canvas the blogosphere and share together in the ultimate consumer experience....window shopping!

What's Hot?

Doris Chua presents Get Funky with Your Laptop Bag posted at DorisGoShopping.com.

 

It's A Good Thing

Jenny presents MomAgenda posted at the so called me.

Great Gifts

Doris Chua presents Get Near to Nature posted at DorisGoShopping.com.

Music and Media

Blue skelton presents Legally Blonde the Musical posted at Blue Skelton Publications, saying:

"Here is my review of Legally Blonde the Musical"

[Editor's Note:  Though, the blogger did NOT actually see the musical (as of publication) I decided to post submission, as it discusses the blogger's thoughts on movies moving to musicals on stage.]

Travel

Rickey Henderson presents Rickey's Vegas Odyssey posted at Riding with Rickey, saying:

"My review of Las Vegas. Enjoy!"

 

[Editor's Note:  Rickey (unlike, yours truly) is a consummate traveler and posts very amusing accounts of his trips. This post, in particular, has some terrific photos that are definitely a "must see!"]

Websites

Toni Tiu presents Have you been poked lately? posted at Wifely Steps, saying:

"I write about Facebook and how I think its applications make for fantastic interactivity and help in building better relationships!"

That concludes the 6th Edition of Review Bloggers Carnival - thank you ALL so much for your terrific submissions, this month - you can submit your blog article to the next edition (deadline is November 11, 2007)  using our carnival submission form and reviewing our submission guidelines.

Go ahead, it's easy - past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page - just write about the things you like and share it with the rest of us!

Happy Reviewing!

Front Load Washer Odor: Don't Get Mad, Start Affresh!

It's no secret, I do NOT like doing the laundry -- although, I do LOVE my fancy schmancy high efficiency washer and dryer -- because, 4 kids (+) not enough hours in the day (=) way 2 much laundry!

Then, life happens and I forget.

"Dang it, there's ANOTHER sour load in the washer!"

Apparently, I'm not the only in need of a little laundry prayer:

"Clearly, I do not need two appliances in my house that remind me on a daily basis that not only am I losing my memory and hand-eye coordination, but that God laughs at those with "a plan"."
[via: CWMoms Blog]

There isn't a day, that goes by, when I don't feel like I'm running around in circles and funny how...STILL...nothing seems to get done...or, work right...EVUH...except the "touch up" button on my new washer and dryer, bless its little motorized heart!

"Phew, but it smells nasty in the playroom!"

Go figure...our machines seem to be very...um...efficient.

"All brands of HE washing machines have the potential for mold and mildew stains if not properly cleaned on a regular basis.  To ensure maximum performance, appliance manufacturers recommend a monthly maintenance and cleaning routine.  Many cleaning products currently on the market with ingredients such as bleach adequately maintain the washer, but results may vary and are not always consistent."

Layman terms:  propping the door open helps...cleaning your washer every now and again would be better.

Swell, add it to the list, I say.

"Try this washer cleaner, instead!"

The nice lady in the email, said:

"Using Affresh cleaner is fast and simple - add the tablet to your washer tub and run a normal or "clean wash" cycle once a month.  This routine maintenance will keep the inside of your washer sparkling clean and fresh smelling."

Yes, it did - only one tablet, this time - and (even after 2 weeks) my washer still smells good.  I know and yes, I just checked and even with ANOTHER wet load waiting for the dryer.  No lie and go figure!

Don't believe me, you can try it for yourself.

Affresh washer cleaner can be purchased at www.affresh.com beginning September 25, 2007 and until December 31, 2007, Whirlpool will offer FREE SHIPPING on all online Affresh brand orders.

[Enter promo code:  AFFSH2]

Additionally, the product will be available at national retailers this fall.

[MSRP of $6.99 for a package of three tablets]

© 2007 This Full House Gone Shopping

What's Up With The Tip Jar?

In here? Yes. You mean, here? Yep. Now? Yes. Are you wed-dee? Uh-huh. Wed-dee? Um…go ahead! In here? Just, DROP IT…um…good job, Sweetie!

I explained to the cashier - poor thing looked a little scared and kept backing up, the whole time - as Mini-me and I were dropping off a donation to RMHC, for The Big MoFo Delurk.

What is this "delurk" I speak of:

In honor of Mofo Delurk Day - saw it over at Pinks and Blues and brainchild of the immensely brilliant Schmutzie - each edition to our Tip Jar will be donated to the Ronald McDonald House!

Thank you all very much for participating and helping me show my kids that, yes, mommy CAN open her wallet and spend $$ on something other than milk, eggs, bread and fabric softener.

Because...it nice to be able to do something right, for change.

Blog Carnival: Review Bloggers - 5th Edition

It's no secret. I like getting stuff. I like writing about the stuff that we like and perhaps make my family's life a little easier. Especially, if it works!

Or, I haven't managed to break it...YET!

Do you have a review blog - or, perhaps found a product (or, service) that you really, really like and you're aching to share with the rest of the blogosphere - then, you may be interested to learn that the Review Bloggers Carnival has come to This Full House!

Clean off a chair and come on in - mi casa, y su casa - as we canvas the blogosphere and share together in the ultimate consumer experience....window shopping!

What's Hot?

Tiffany Washko presents Deceptively Delicious - Hide the Veggies! posted at Natural Family Living Blog.

Contributing to the Consumer Experience

chencho_rico presents The Problem With Halo 3 posted at The Problem With..., saying:

"This is an honest(finally....) look at "the most anticipated game ever" HALO 3."

Jenny presents Babysitter Memo Tile posted at the so called me.

Electronics

chencho_rico presents The Problem With iPhone posted at The Problem With..., saying:

"I take a look at the over-hyped and over advertised, Apple iPhone. Will it stand up to its reputation? See for yourself."

Dustin presents The Revolutionary Flick--it System in Skate for the Xbox 360. posted at A PC Gamer in a Xbox World, saying:

"This article reviews the game Skate for Xbox 360 and talks about the way the controller is handled for it."

It's A Good Thing

Jenny presents Bambina Ballerina posted at the so called me.

Services for the Saavy Consumer

 

Anthony presents www.VistaPrint.com, A Story of Superior Customer Service posted at The Lives and Times... of Anthony McCune.

Michael@TSM presents Fall TSM Travel Writing Contest: Win $125! posted at Traveling Stories Magazine.

Tips & Tricks Online

 

Sutocu presents Adding Streaming Video on Your Website posted at Your Website Profit.

Marco Richter presents Effective use of the Internet posted at Work From Home Concepts.

 

That concludes the 5th Edition of Review Bloggers Carnival - thank you ALL so much for such wonderful submissions, this month - you can submit your blog article to the next edition (deadline is October 28, 2007)  using our carnival submission form and reviewing our submission guidelines.

 

Go ahead, it's easy - past posts and future hosts can be found on our blog carnival index page - just write about the things you like and share it with the rest of us!

Happy Reviewing!

Technorati tags:

review bloggers, blog carnival.

Dawn Simple Pleasures: De-stinks the sink and makes my husband look pretty, too!

My husband and I have been married for 17 years and - although, we do make a concerted effort to share the responsibility of raising 4 children and killer dust bunnies - it takes a lot of hard work to keep This Full House of smelly socks and dirty dishes, clean.

Seeing, as I do most of the housework - not to mention, having accumulated our fair share of unusable stuff - but, that's another story.

With that said, we both have learned to believe that completing the simplest chores has become the greatest expression of love.

For instance, the four most important words in our marriage ARE:

"I'll do the dishes!"

Typically, said when the dishwashers full and we've still got some fish to fry.

Garth (not his real name) bought home this mofo-fish yesterday and I wasn't happy - I know, it's not like he's seeing another woman behind my back, still - because, I had just cleaned the house and you're probably wondering just what in the heck does this have to with trying out a new dish detergent, yes?

You see, I know about Dawn and - as you can see, we were almost out - so, I grabbed the sample bottle of Dawn Simple Pleasures I'd received and thought our household would be the perfect venue to really put their NEW product to the test:

• Delivers the grease fighting power of Dawn while fighting odors lurking in your kitchen

• Keeps your kitchen smelling clean and fresh, long after you've washed the dishes

• Is a great addition to your sink with its newly designed bottle

I have to admit, Dawn's new look is pretty - those are tiny little beads there, on the bottom - and the air freshener really did the trick in helping the kitchen smell, you know, much better and a lot less like fish.

Dawn Simple Pleasures comes in three fresh scents:

Water Lilly & Jasmine
Apple & Pear
Lemon & Tangerine

Just, don't peel off the sticker and inhale too deeply [cough] like I did!

In my opinion, Dawn Simple Pleasures does NOT stink - in fact, the Water Lilly & Jasmine smells lot prettier than I thought and is quite the little multi-tasker - grab one off the shelf and try it yourself!

Your nose - not to mention, flocks of ducks - will definitely notice the difference.

Nature Valley: The Nut Lovers Energy Bar With A Heart of Pink!

Raising four children in a busy house filled with schedules, reminders and yellow sticky notes posted on nearly every surface - free of dust bunnies and stickable, I mean - we are a family on the run and total snack enthusiasts!

With that said, having received two boxes of Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch to try, my enthusiasm was about to increase, exponentially!

Containing only six ingredients, each Nature Valley Roasted Nut Crunch Bar contains 7 grams of protein, 2 grams of fiber and no cholesterol and is the first brand to unveil nationally a "real nut bar."!

I received two choices - almond crunch, or peanut crunch - which is a good thing, because my two oldest like peanut and my two youngest prefer almond.

Me?

Unfortunately, I'll eat anything - especially, if I'm hungry enough - but, the slightly sweet flavor of the crunchy nuts made this a very satisfying snack. It travels well - fits in my purse AND jeans pocket - and doesn't crumb, like some other energy bars tend to, while I'm having breakfast...I mean...driving the car.

Sadly, they're ALL gone.

General Mills has always been a family favorite - my kids' schools have been collecting Box Tops, for years - but, this just makes me want to break out in little pink hearts:

"In addition to donating $2 million to Susan G. Komen for the Cure, General Mills, along with the help of TV personality and comedian Ellen DeGeneres, is introducing PinkTogether.com an ever-growing online community of support and hope that brings together those touched by breast cancer."

This is where people touched by breast cancer are invited to share their stories.

"Recognizing that it’s through the collective effort of many that together we will make a difference in the fight against breast cancer, General Mills will donate $1 for every story shared on PinkTogether.com, up to $100,000, through October 31, 2007. This is in addition to the original $2 million donation to Susan G. Komen for the Cure."

Healthy products manufactured by a Top Ten Company (via:  Working Mother) makes General Mills our new Full House Favorite - welcome to the family!

[Suggested retail price:  $3.39 for a 7.2 oz. box containing 6 bars.]