I used to think that photography was all about the camera. While that is mostly true, the equipment…the lenses, external flashes, tripods, SD cards, and editing software are also very important in achieving beautiful, memorable photos.

A few weeks ago, I reviewed KODAK’s new EASYSHARE camera.  If you are not ready to invest a lot of money in an SLR camera, I highly recommend this point and shoot camera.  The photos, particularly the ones taken outside, exceeded my expectations.  At 14 megapixels, it exceeds that of my SLR (impressive!).

As part of my review, I received an Eye-Fi wireless memory card. I opted to review the card separately, because while it can be used with KODAK’s EASYSHARE camera, it can also be used with any camera.  Have you ever taken a photo and wanted to share it right away with friends and family? Now you can! The memory card stores media and fits into cameras, like a conventional SDHC card.  With built-in Wi-Fi, you can easily transfer photos and videos to your smartphone, tablet, or computer.

Setup simply involves inserting the card AND the USB reader that comes with it into your computer.  Select your Wi-Fi network (you can add up to 32), the folder where you’d like photos to be transferred to, and the online sharing site (from 25) you prefer.  Insert the card into your camera, take a photo, and when your camera is within range of a network you’ve selected, photos and videos will be transferred to the folder and sharing site you specified during set-up.

The Eye-Fi card is compatible with a TON of different cameras (over 1,000) including my SLR! With 4GB of memory you can store up to 2,000 photos! I believe that capacity is much more than the card I currently have in my camera.  For more ways the card can help you stay organized and connected, just visit their website.

Disclosure: I participate in the Walmart Moms program and am compensated for my time and honest opinions.

I am one of those moms that has had to pump with both children.  My son didn’t take a bottle until he was six months old and my daughter has taken less than a handful of bottles in her 2 months of life.  But with both children, I started pumping within the first week of their births to ensure I established a sufficient supply for that day in the future when I would go back to work.  I don’t like pumping.  I don’t know many women who do.  But…it is what allowed my son to receive breast milk for 15 months of his life.

I could write several posts on the subject of pumping.  But one of the most important initial steps is to find a pump that allows you to express milk comfortably and efficiently.  Here are some questions that will get you started on the path to finding that pump that “fits.”

What is the reason for pumping?  If you are exclusively breastfeeding your baby, an expensive pump isn’t necessary for the occasional bottle when you’re away.  On the contrary, if you work outside of the home and you’re pumping to give your baby breast milk while you’re away, you’ll want a quality, efficient pump. Your reason for pumping will also influence whether or not you require a single or a double pump, manual or electric.

If you’re still uncertain as the type of pump that would work best for you and your baby, you can take this online quiz.

As a first time mom, I had a lot of anxiety about leaving my son for the occasional night out with my husband or my girlfriends.  As I mentioned above, my son didn’t take a bottle until he was 6 months old…and that was because he didn’t have a choice.  I was so concerned about him preferring a bottle to nursing, that I waited too late to introduce a bottle.  For many women, expressing milk gives them the freedom to have just a little time to themselves (something I greatly cherish…as rare as it is).  Last weekend my husband and I went out on our first date night and we celebrated Valentine’s Day last night sans children.  Over the next few weeks I have a spa night scheduled and a girl’s night out.  I’m able to do this because my daughter drinks expressed breast milk from a bottle.

I recently had an opportunity to test out Evenflo’s Comfort Select Performance Dual Auto-Cycling Beast Pump.  This lightweight and compact dual electric breast pump, designed for occasional use, is comfortable and easy to use.   If you’ve ever shopped for breast pump, then you know that they range in price from approximately $30 upwards to nearly $400.  This double pump retails for $69.99 and I found it on Amazon for approximately $45!  Before I talk about my experience with the pump, here are the specs (from the site):

All components, including milk storage bottles are BPA-free and contain less than 0.01% phthalates.

Improved breast pump cycle time for more effective milk expression.

Improved vacuum performance at all settings between minimum and maximum.

Regulated power adapter ensures consistency in breast pump performance.

Dual motors for better production allowing individual settings.

I like to try to see how far I can get before reading a manual when I’m testing out products.  It gives me an initial sense of how easy or difficult the process is.  While it feels like there are a lot of parts, it’s very easy to set up (after I sterilized everything).  Two things with regards to set up are worth mentioning.  First, the soft horns that the pump comes with are for smaller women and provide a custom fit.  I started using them but quickly realized that it was uncomfortable to use them.  I would love this option for larger women.  Second, make sure the overflow valve is in correctly.  I noticed that when I was pumping, one side had decreased suction.  I quickly figured out that I had installed it incorrectly on one side.

I was very impressed with the performance of the pump.  Here are some of the things I like about it:

• I was able to express about 6 ounces (combined) of milk in 15 minutes (impressive).
• It really is “comfortable.” The interesting thing about the pump is that I couldn’t really feel it like I can with other pumps I’ve used.
• I like how compact and lightweight the pump is.  It comes with a small black tote which houses the pump, the parts, and ice packs.  No one would ever know there was a breast pump housed inside.
• It’s extremely affordable.  I don’t think you could get a more affordable double-pump for the price.
• There is an option to use batteries (when you don’t have access to an outlet)
• I can single or double pump
• The vacuum is adjustable to simulate your baby’s suckling pressure

There are a few things I think could be improved with the pump:

• It’s louder than I’m accustomed to.
• The motors attach to each pump unit which makes them a bit heavy for my hands, particularly since a pumping session can last 15-20 minutes.
• I have not figured out how to get the pump units to pump simultaneously.  Each unit has it’s own power button and I haven’t been coordinated to turn them both on at the same time.
• There are a lot of parts to keep track of.
• I’m not certain if there is a hands-free option.
• The pump only uses a single phase technology which makes it difficult to initiate that first milk let-down.

Overall, I’m very impressed Evenflo’s Comfort Select Breast Pump.  It’s an affordable option for moms who want the flexibility to provide milk for their babies while they are away.

Today is Valentine’s Day.  Here are some tips from Evenflo on securing some “me” time:

·         Make a date with Dad or a night-on-the town with the girls

·         Schedule some time for yoga, a massage, or a pedicure to reconnect with yourself

·         Look for ways to engage in the holidays, from a community tree lighting to attending a cookie exchange

·         Schedule a solo holiday shopping trip

Win It! One of you will win the exact same breast pump.  Simply leave me a comment with your Valentine’s Day plans and a feature from the pump that you like.  Comments will close on March 1, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

Thank you Disneyland, for making me feel like a princess today.  I hope each and every one of you (especially you moms) enjoy this special day.

We still have several more weeks of winter (sigh!) and much of the country has been blanketed with snow.  One of my favorite things to do, particularly when it’s cold, is snuggle up on the couch with my husband and our kidlets.  Very often the upstairs will be much warmer than the downstairs (something related to heat rising…ha!) and it’s a balance trying to achieve warmth in our house.  Since my husband is almost never cold, we must outfit ourselves in warm blankets.

Lately we’ve been curling up on the couch with the Nuddle (nap + cuddle + Nuddle), “an innovative, ultra-plus cuddling blanket,  designed to be beautiful, warm, comfortable and functional.”  My first impression was that it is SUPER soft and cozy…I wanted to snuggle up with it right away…oh…I did!

Yes…this is my son’s.  But I won’t tell if you don’t!

I should note that we received the Kid’s version.  It’s so roomy I can wear it (but only when my son goes to sleep).  What’s neat about this blanket is that it is made with a foot pocket (to keep those tootsies warm), outer hand pouch, and openings to keep your hands free.  It’s double-sided and made from 100% polyester (and did I mention how SOFT and fluffy it is?).  Nuddle offers adult, kid, and baby versions of their blankets (which attach to the stroller).  The blanket is beautiful and comes in a variety of colors (which vary depending on whether you get the adult, kid, or baby version).

The Kid’s version retails for $48 and is available in 3 different colors.

Win It! One of you will win a Kid’s Nuddle. Simply leave me a comment with a feature you like and the color you’d choose.  Comments will close on February 26, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  A product sample was provided to facilitate this review.

Earlier this week, I was invited to attend a Social Media Party at Divine Desserts, a local cupcake shop in our area.  From my above tweet, you can see how excited I was.  For some unknown reason, this gem of a cupcake shop was sitting right here in my community and I didn’t even know it.

Weird lighting…

Lovin’ the Kitchen Aid Mixers!

Divine Desserts specializes in cupcakes (I counted 25 flavors!) but also offers gourmet cookies, muffin tops, frosting shots (all kinds of YUM!), and specialty cakes.  They bake their cupcakes fresh daily and had several of their most popular flavors baked especially for us.

The cupcakes taste as good as they look. The secret?  I’m not sure…but I think it helps that they use real Madagascar-Bourbon Vanilla.  I know it sounds cliche, but my favorite variety was the Red Velvet.  In general I just adore Red Velvet cupcakes and theirs was a perfect creamy blend of cream cheese and moist cake.  Their Cookie Dough With Buttercream Frosting came in a close second!  I think I tried 5 of their delicious flavors.  Guess I’ll be going back for more!  Check out their promo, featured on Greers OC!

Cupcakes retail for $3.00 and they’re worth every penny!  Their flavors change daily so be sure to follow them on Twitter and Facebook to stay up to date!  For more information, just visit their site.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  But I did sample some DELICIOUS cupcakes to facilitate this review!

My husband and I don’t eat out often, but when we do, the food must be superb.  One of our favorite seafood restaurants is McCormick & Schmick’s…and this weekend they’re celebrating Valentine’s Day with a fabulously romantic menu. From Friday through Sunday, McCormick & Schmick’s is offering dinner, flowers, and personalized notes in one place.  Any guest who makes a reservation for Valentine’s Day can request to have roses delivered to the table on arrival for dinner (to be included on the dinner bill or billed separately).  The price and arrangement may vary, but each restaurant will offer roses.  In addition to this service, guests will have the opportunity to have a personalized message included on their dinner menu or a personalized note card on their table.

Doesn’t this menu sound fantastic?  It’s only available through the weekend!

Set The Mood

Pan Fried Oysters Rockefeller-Style

On a bed of anise-flavored creamy spinach, glazed with hollandaise

8.95

Create The Perfect Pair

Soup or Mixed Green Salad

Choose Filet Mignon or Lobster Tail

and

Choose a Crab Cake, Grilled Filet of Salmon or Skewer of Shrimp

Seasonal Vegetables

29.95

Delectable Desserts

Sweetheart’s Crème Brulée

Chocolate Silk Pie

6.95 each

For more information regarding their Valentine’s Concierge Service, call or visit your local restaurant.

Win It! One of you will win a $25 Gift Card to McCormick & Schmick’s (please note that it will not arrive in time for Valentine’s Day but you could surely use it another time).  Simply leave me a comment with your Valentine’s Day plans and a menu item you’d like to try from their site.  Comments will close on February 25, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post. The giveaway prize was supplied by the company.

Today, my son and I made “Love Bug” Cinnamon Pancakes, a recipe I received courtesy of McCormick (the company specializing in spices, herbs,and seasonings).  If you’re looking for a unique and creative way to spend Valentine’s Day, check out McCormick’s holiday-themed recipes and craft ideas.  They offer adorable ideas for making Valentine’s Day a “Red Letter Day.”

This year, we’ll have both kids with us, so we could use a little inspiration to make it fun for all of us. McCormick’s food colors and flavor extracts are perfect for baking AND crafting.  If you and your child are planning on bringing treats to school, consider adding a splash of color to the frosting with McCormick’s Red Food Color.  Depending on how many drops you add, you could have frosting (or batter for that matter) in shades of pink or red.  If you’re looking to give cakes or cupcakes some texture, you could tint toppings such as shredded coconut or sugar.  Be sure to add a special note to any baked item to make it personal.

Here is the recipe for the pancakes we made this morning (Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to cut the pancakes for a special touch):

“Love Bug” Cinnamon Pancakes

Spiced Syrup: Mix 1 cup pancake syrup, 1 teaspoon McCormick® Pure Vanilla Extract and 1/4 teaspoon McCormick® Ground Cinnamon or Pumpkin Pie Spice in microwavable bowl or measuring cup. Microwave on HIGH 1 to 2 minutes or until warm, stirring once.

You can also top pancakes with strawberries, raspberries, cherries or dried cranberries to give them a bit of color!

McCormick’s food colors can also be used for art projects. Here are three craft ideas, courtesy of McCormick:

Water Colors:

Combine 1 Tbsp. white vinegar with 2 tsp. baking soda.  Slowly add 1 Tbsp. cornstarch and 1/4 cup glycerin.  Pour 1 inch of the mixture into 6-8 paper cups and let dry overnight.  Once dry, add McCormick Red Food Color, making sure to use a lot as the color isn’t as deep when it dries.  To use, dip a paint brush into some water, then into the homemade paint (it’s eco-friendly too).

Rainbow Dough:

Combine 1 1/2 cups flour, 1 cup salt, 1 cup water, and 1/4 cup McCormick Cream of Tartar and 20 drops of McCormick Red Food Color in a medium saucepan.  Cook over medium heat, stirring constantly for 5 minutes.  Cool on wax paper, then knead slightly until dough is smooth.  Use heart-shaped cookie cutters to create personalized valentine’s.  Store in airtight container.

For more recipes and tips on making Valentine’s Day a Red Letter Day, just visit McCormick!  I highly suggest checking out their Red Velvet Cupcake recipe (YUM!).

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples and tips were provided to facilitate this review.

If you grew up with them, like I did, then you’re familiar with their fun love-themed sayings.  I didn’t know this, but for the last 145 years (crazy!) they’ve kept the same colors, flavors, packaging, and sayings.  Now, for the first time, all of the above features are new!  Initially, I wasn’t sure how I felt about that.  I mean…Sweethearts Candies are like this familiar tradition.  I had an opportunity to try them out which brought me back to my childhood.

The first thing I noticed was the bright blue hearts (the flavor is Blue Raspberry).  They’re tart and I’m not certain I’m crazy about them but they do add some color and brightness to the package (and part of their character is just that).  The remaining flavors are Green Apple, Strawberry (my favorite), Lemon, Grape, and Orange.  Most of them are softer than I remember (which is a good thing!) but I did find several harder versions (mostly in the pink for some reason).  The company went away from pastels towards more vibrant shades and I like the aesthetic appeal.

The American public voted on the new 2010 Sweethearts Candies sayings and the top choices were “Tweet Me,” and “Text Me.”  Unfortunately, it was hard to read several of the sayings (and we have consumed several boxes).  It’s not a HUGE deal but since this is what gives the candies character, I’d love to see them improve on their printing.

And since we’re living in a digital age, Sweethearts Candies created it’s own iPhone application to help you create a personalized virtual box of Sweethearts Candies to share with loved ones.  I don’t have an iPhone, so unfortunately I wasn’t able to test this application out.

One of the most interesting facts I read was that the candies have been used in classrooms to help children learn to read.  I’m not certain how I feel about that…

Sweethearts Candies also changed their packaging.  It’s highly reminiscent of their previous packaging…just modernized.

I can’t help but associate Sweethearts Candies with Valentine’s Day.  I’m not crazy about ALL of the flavors but I do like many of them.

Sweethearts Candies also offers Original, Chocolate, Hispanic, and Sugar-Free versions.

I did not receive compensation for this post.  Product samples were provided, courtesy of the company.

This giveaway is now closed. Thanks for stopping by. The winner is Amber. A HUGE Congratulations to her!

Last fall, I introduced you to HP’s latest Web-connected printer, which offers one-touch, wireless, on-demand access to free, popular Web content via HP Print Apps (applications) on the HP App Studio. This printer allows you go gain access to craft projects, coupons, recipes, and more.  While I don’t have this particular printer, I can tell you that it’s very beneficial to have a printer that does more than just print.  For example, rather than going to your local store to purchase a card with a pre-written message, you can create your own card (with photos if you’d like!).  Perhaps you want to give your loved one a book of “love” coupons…you can do it with this printer.

Just in time for Valentine’s Day, the new HP Creative Studio App offers Valentine’s Day printables including cards, crafts, and romantic stationery. You can also find free Valentine’s Day projects directly on the HP Creative Studio (I LOVE that site) including calendars, t-shirt decals, gift bags, and kid-friendly Valentine’s Day creations including stickers, coloring pages and finger puppets.  And to ensure your printing needs are taken care of, HP offers their original printing supplies including original HP 564 XL color, black, cyan, magenta, yellow and XL photo black inkjet cartridges and Advanced Photo Paper.  HP’s printing supplies consistently deliver cost-effective, high-quality prints that are made to last.

This printer is really more than just a printer.  I highly recommend checking out my previous write-up and their website for more information.

Win It! One of you will win an HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web printer and a full set of original HP printing supplies to help you print and share your special memories (valued at $500)! Simply leave me a comment with one feature (from the site) that you like about the printer.  Comments will close on February 17, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  This giveaway was sponsored by HP.

Last week, Fox Searchlight released Amelia on DVD.  This romantic drama stars Richard Gere and Hilary Swank, and just might make for a cozy Valentine’s Day movie!  Here is a bit more about the movie, from the site:

Experience the romance, struggle and triumph of legendary aviatrix Amelia Earhart as she chases love and lives her dreams in Amelia.  Hailed as “The Queen of the Air,” Amelia boldly flew into the annals of history with her solo flight across the Atlantic Ocean. Bound by ambition and love, her enduring marriage to George Putnam could not be broken by her determination to fly, or a secret passionate affair. Equal parts gripping drama, stirring romance and epic adventure, Amelia will take your breath away and send your spirit soaring!

The movie was JUST released on DVD so be sure to come back for my review.  It’s available now on DVD and Blu-Ray. 

Win It! Five of you will win a copy of Amelia on DVD.  Simply leave me a topic-related comment.  Comments will close on February 24, 2010 at 11:59 PM PST.  One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

Want an extra entry? Do any or all of the following and receive an extra entry for each one.

Be sure to leave me a separate comment for each additional entry.

Follow me on Twitter AND tweet about the contest.

Subscribe to my feed via email or reader.

Blog about this giveaway. It doesn’t have to be a separate post. Just include a blurb about it when you blog about other giveaways.

Click on one of the very cute buttons below and digg, stumble, fav, etc. Just let me know what you did in the comments!

I did not receive compensation for this post.  I received the DVD, courtesy of the company to facilitate this review.