WOW i just won a macbookpro for $46 http://ping.fm/beXdd =D

Review of Costume Discounters

Are you ready for Halloween? Well man I am now! I got lucky and received a free costume from Costume Discounters to review on my blog and I love the costume I selected and received quickly.

I chose the Deluxe Flower Child Hippie dress below and fell in love with it the minute I opened the package. I was a little apprehensive, for I am a bit of a bigger lady, not fat, just pleasingly plump, :), and was wondering if choosing one of the plus sized costumes offered by Costume Discounters would be a wise move. It turns out that it was a very wise decision, for the dress fits me perfectly!

I grew up in the late 60s and early 70s, so this dress is almost NOT like a costume for me, lol! In fact, I can remember wearing dresses quite similar to this one back in the day, but I am not sure I wore shoes at all. Just looking at this dress brings back a feeling of calmness and serenity, and reminds me of my poetry and peace loving days as a teenager. What a different world we live in now, or I'm just different. Maybe wearing this great costume on Halloween will bring back some of that old magic.

Check out the great sales they have going on at Costume Discounters now, just in time to get your costume before Halloween. They have costumes for kids and adults, lingerie, brand name costumes like Disney, decorations, and all the Halloween accessories you will need for your costume, your kid's costume, or your party. Costume Discounters has costumes for all occasions, not just Halloween!

Review of ARIZONA WAY OUT WEST & WACKY

I was privileged to be supplied a free copy of the children's activity book, ARIZONA WAY OUT WEST & WACKY to review. What a wonderful book! Written by multi-award winning co-authors, Conrad J. Storad & Lynda Exley, this awesome activity, humorous history, and fun facts book about Arizona will educate and keep your kid busy for hours and hours.

Affectionately known as AZ WOWW, ARIZONA WAY OUT WEST & WACKY was designated an official Centennial Legacy Project by the Arizona Historical Advisory Commission, as authorized by the Arizona Legislature. That's a huge honor for any book, but especially a children's activity book. The book is awesome, and it is so easy to see how much time, effort and thought went into creating ARIZONA WAY OUT WEST & WACKY, (AZ WOWW.) Realizing that it would take much more than amusing writing and interesting facts about Arizona to hold a child's attention, the creative team-which are all made up of Arizona residents- added word searches, crossword puzzles, coloring pages, recipes, crafts and more to the book.

My review copy of the book is totally great, but the finished product coming out very soon is a perfect bound, 8 1/2 X 11, glossy cover, high quality paperback book. Published by Five Star Publications, AZ WOWW will be distributed through Ingram, Baker & Taylor, Pacific Four Sales, Amazon.com, Walmart.com, Target.com, and indiebound.org. To learn more about ARIZONA WAY OUT WEST AND WACKY and to order your advance copy, visit the work in progress website, Arizona Way Out West & Wacky, or Five Star Publications.

Review of Flushy, Trashy and Sinky--Natural House Products

As a person who is really trying to make a point of using only natural products, I was very happy to have received a month's supply of three Natural House products, Flushy, Trashy and Sinky. I love the cute names, but don't let that fool you when it comes to the jobs these natural household cleaning products work!

Flushy is for the toilet, sinky is for the sink, and trash is of course for the trash can. With flushy you just drop one of the packets in the toilet and watch as it breaks apart, foams and does a great job of cleaning your toilet the natural way, with products that won't harm either your toilet or the environment. It works like a charm!

I used Sinky in my kitchen sink, have actually used it twice in the last few weeks, and I can almost feel it cleaning my pipes with no guilt for me from using harm chemicals, nor worry about these dangerous chemicals harming my family or pets.

Trashy is a spray that you use on your trash can, both inside and out. I was amazed at this natural home cleaning product, for when I sprayed it on the outside of my dirty white kitchen trash can, it began cleaning before I even used a sponge to help out!

The image below gives a great visual of how the products work:

You can also watch this YouTube video to learn more about Natural House plant-based products and how they do such a great, environmentally friendly job removing dirt and germs without harming your family!



Overall I was delighted with these natural household cleaning products and look forward to soon giving away a month's supply to one of my lucky readers here at Reviewer Gone Mad!

If you are interested in purchasing Natural House products, visit this link to their online store, or you can buy Natural House products at Amazon.com.

You can also follow Natural House on Facebook and Twitter. Right now there are several blogs holding giveaways of Natural House products. One is Leslie Loves Veggies. Be sure to sign up for the giveaway on Leslie's blog before 10/12/2011, and check back for our giveaway of a month's supply of Sinky, Flushy, and Trashy very soon!

Review: Complete Idiot's Guide to American History VS. US History for Dummies

I received copies of both books in order to compare them and write this review. No monetary compensation was received and a positive review was not required. The views and opinions expressed are 100% my own.

From the book:

American history is one of those subjects that students frequently labor over and can seem like a random collection of names, dates, and events. Understood as a collective biography and free of the cheerleading found in many text books, the fully updated fifth edition of The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to American History explains the changing tides in America's most pivotal periods.

• From a seasoned author and researcher
• The most current and comprehensive series title on American history
• Heightened interest right now in the question of how America got where we are-a question that can only be answered by an understanding of history
About the Author
Alan Axelrod, Ph.D., has nearly 20 years of history book writing expertise and is the author of The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to the American Revolution, The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to the Civil War, Second Edition and The Complete Idiot's Guide(r) to World War I. He is now the president of the Ian Samuel Group, Inc., a research and writing firm.

From the book:

Filled with fascinating trivia and lore not found in textbooks. People, places, and dates with a dash of fun — history will never be the same! Don't know much about history? Don't worry! With this friendly reference, you can bone up on all those facts you missed in history class — and have a good time in the bargain. From the Revolution to the Civil War, from the Great Depression to the Cold War, this is history the way it ought to be — fresh, memorable, and fun.

Discover how to: Astound friends with fun facts about the Founding Fathers Understand terms like "Manifest Destiny" Get a grip on the legacy of slavery Impress your family with Civil War lore Put current events in historical context.
The Dummies Way™ Explanations in plain English "Get in, get out" information Icons and other navigational aids Tear-out cheat sheet Top ten lists A dash of humor and fun.


I took the challenge of comparing the above two books and these are my conclusions:

Each book had its strong points. For instance, The Complete Idiot's Guide to American History was really much more interesting as a piece of reading material. My husband, who is quite the history buff and whose opinion I sought, even stated that he was much more drawn in by the writing of this book as opposed to the other.

However, I was much more impressed with the total layout of US History for Dummies. It was easier for me personally to navigate through.

Both books were thorough and worth having.

For me readers, I have a 50% off coupon code for any book from Idiot's Guides.com.
The coupon code is CIGBlog11 and allows for 50% off of one order of regularly priced books from www.idiotsguides.com. The discount is effective immediately and runs through October 31.

A great euphonious in every box

Review of Straight Talk Cell Phone Service

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of Straight Talk for SocialSpark. All opinions are 100% mine.

As a current customer of Straight Talk this is going to be an easy review to write. I was sold on Straight Talk, Hook, line and sinker from the very beginning of using the service. For one thing, the great Motorola phone that I got, free, with my monthly cell phone service is an awesome phone with a camera, mp3 player, web access and blue tooth capability. Did I mention it was free? 

I just learned that now there is also Android on Straight Talk, which sweetens the pot even more!

For a taste of what real Straight Talk customers have to say, check out this YouTube video:

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There is no contract with Straight Talk, and no credit check. For $45 a month I get unlimited, nationwide service with connectivity that is awesome. I can Call a friend in New York from Texas and never have the call dropped, not once has it happened. 

Straight talk offers also free activation and even reactivation. There are no termination fees. 

In conclusion, there is not a cell phone service that I could recommend more highly. 

Review of Comfort Zone

Pet behavior problems, such as urine marking in cats and excessive barking or chewing in dogs, are frequently caused by fear or stress. Developed and recommended by veterinarians, Comfort Zone® products are clinically proven* to help control destructive behavior in cats and dogs.

Like all animals, cats and dogs secrete pheromones. Research has shown that certain pheromones can help an animal cope with these fears or stress-related issues. Comfort Zone® products mimic these pheromones to help control your pet's behavior and make him feel more secure in his environment.

Review of Comparison Shopping Site, Canada Post

Don't let the name of this great comparison shopping site, Canada Post, fool you, fellow Americans! The extremely advanced data analyzing technology of Canada Post finds the best deals for both Canadians and Americans, for both offline and online shops and retailers. There are several features of Canada Post that sets it apart from other comparison shopping sites. For one thing, with each item you research you will discover the price history of the product, cross-border shopping comparisons-complete with shipping and any other duty fees--and even user reviews of the product so you can make a totally informed decision before purchasing the item you are interested in.

When I visited Canada Post I was specifically interested in finding deals on books. Little did I know I would spend at least an hour just checking out all the great features of Canada Post. As an online retailer myself I was tickled to discover that you can list your products on the site and only pay per click when a visitor actually visits your site, and this system is a whole lot cheaper to use than Adwords.

Overall, I really love Canada post and found some great deals on books. The only thing I didn't care for was the fact that I am not a Canadian resident, so I couldn't enter the $1000 Visa card giveaway they are having every week through Sept. 21st! :(

Review of MY FOOLISH HEART Susan May Warren

When you enter the worlds created by RITA Award winning writer Susan May Warren, you know you are in for a big fat treat. MY FOOLISH HEART is no exception. I was particularly able to relate to the main character, Isadora Presley, who was almost agoraphobic, (afraid to leave the house) after being involved in a terrible accident. I too was in an accident when I was younger and have struggled with panic attacks and driving-related anxiety for many years. I understand the feeling of not wanting to chance reaching beyond your comfort zone.

Issy, as she's called by her family and friends, is the host of a radio show called My Foolish Heart. As the voice of the lovelorn, Issy dispenses advice even though she herself has no romance in her own life. The town of Deep Haven would be surprised to learn this.

However, all of that changes for Isadora when she connects with a lonely male listener. Little does Issy realize, this perfect man for her lives right next door!

A lighthearted, fun and romantic summer read, MY FOOLISH HEART is definitely worth indulging yourself in. Susan May Warren has a way of touching her readers with her sweet and common sense characters, great plots, and beautiful landscapes.

Juppy Baby Walker Review

I was fortunate enough to receive a free Juppy Baby Walker to try out and review here on my blog. I have to say, this invention has saved my back, that's for sure! The Juppy baby walker allows you to help your child learn to walk without bending, grappling, or worrying about falling, for either you are your child.

This product is easily washable and small enough to take with you anywhere! The Juppy has a panel that wraps around your baby and between their legs for stability. One size fits all babies. I really recommend the Juppy Baby Walker to any mom of a child who is determined to try walking! Your baby is going to walk and walk faster and more easily with the Juppy, and you won't have to strain!

To learn more about the Juppy Walker, follow them on Twitter, like them on Facebook, and the Product Review/Giveaway Link.

Watch this great video to see the Juppy Walker in action:

Become.com Finds the Best Deals for You

Don't you just love shopping sites that do the research for you? Boy I do. Why research online for hours to find the best price when you can go to one site whose job it is to find the best prices on a product and list the sites where you find them? That's just crazy! With the hectic schedules most of us have, time is the most precious commodity of all. A comparison shopping site saves us both time and money. No Brainer!

I was weary of the shopping sites I have been using, so I did some research and discovered my new favorite. It's called Become.Com. Actually, I had in mind a specific item when I began my research-women pool shoes. I knew I would be able to find them on sale now that summer is ending, but when I found Become.com and was able to find a great price in minutes, I was so happy I wanted to break out the champagne! Especially after I snooped around and found one of the items which will be on my Christmas wish list this year, a gorgeous pair of distressed leather cowboy boots from Shepler's. This Texas gal will be stepping out! I would be them now but I want my hubby to have the honor.:)

After a little more venturing around the site, I was delighted to find a girls high top shoe for my granddaughter that she will fall in love with. Those I am ordering now! You won't believe the price I got them for by using this shopping site.

Celebrate, my ladies! Become.com is going to be your new favorite too.

Review of OXO Candela

I gotta tell you, I have found a product that I cannot help but share! As a product reviewer I was lucky enough to receive a set of OXO Candelas to try and report on here on my blog. OXO Candelas are the best thing since sliced bread!

OXO Candelas are flameless candles. But they are so much more than that. These gorgeous tours of light are a beautiful accent to your home decor. How do they work, you asked? So did I when I first heard about them. They are really simple to use. The candelas come with a charging base that you plug in. You set them on the charger, charge them up for about 14 hours to begin with, to get the juices flowing, then set them wherever you like in your home. I have been using mine as a nightlight in the bathroom and the kitchen. I place them in their spots in each room right before I got to bed. Now, when we have to go to the bathroom or into the kitchen, it is not necessary to turn on any lights. Look at the electricity we are saving, not to mention the ability not to wake up others in the house.

OXO has many other types of candelas too, such as nightlights for the kids room, state-of-the-art cooking supplies, gardening tools, laundry supplies and other great products for your home.

Take a minute to learn about OXO and read their fascinating story.

You really must get some of these. And what a wonderful Christmas gift OXO Candelas would be!

This is the video I made about OXO Candelas on ExpoTV.



I received a free product to review for this post as a Buzz Agent.

Review of ADOPTED ED by Darren Maddern

My granddaughters love books, and they love for me to read to them. They are only 3 and4, but are precocious and smart. So I ordered a copy of the children’s book, ADOPTED ED, by Dareen Maddern, as part of an ongoing crusade to make sure Lucy and Edy become educated about all kinds of different people, places and things.

I never realized when I sat down to read ADOPTED ED that it would be such a well thought-out, sensitive and delightfully illustrated book.  Darren Maddern does a great job of explaining adoption to kids in a way that they can understand, but he goes far beyond that as he also shows the dark emotions and sometimes negative experiences that can unfortunately be a part of being adopted and how to handle them.

One thing I really was impressed by was the fact that the mom in the story is a woman of color, and the father Caucasian. This simple, smart move on the illustrator’s part, (the book is illustrated by Erin Fusco) helps enrich the story, moving it beyond not only the boundaries of convention but of color.

If you have an adopted child I would highly suggest this book, ADOPTED ED. You will enjoy it and so will your chosen child!

Book Review-Curiosities of the Civil War by Webb Garrison

As my first book to review from Book Sneeze, I was so very impressed with CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR by Webb Garrison. For one thing, the jacket of the book is splendid! I have CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR displayed in my kitchen, which is decorated with antiques and oddities I have collected over the years, creating a trip back in time all by itself, so having CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR by Webb Garrison, with is gorgeous, old-fashioned cover sitting on top of my antique dresser in the entry way to my kitchen feels just like serendipity.

What’s inside the book certainly doesn’t disappoint either. You can tell right away that Webb Garrison spent many long hours researching CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR, and reports his findings in mighty detail. There are so many things, oddities, outrageous happenings, secret stuff the Civil War history books have never revealed, within the pages of this book. I would recommend CURIOSITIES OF THE CIVIL WAR to anyone who is curious about what happened behind the lines of the Civil War, and to those who enjoy displaying beautiful books in their collection.

The Perfect Cell Phone for Freelance Writers

As freelance writers we often need to hold phone interviews for articles we write, but long distance rates have always worried me with each interview, for I could hear the $$s adding up as the conversation drew on and on. Now, as a Real NET10 customer, I no longer have to stress or even concern myself with the length of my phone interviews. 

However, unlimited nationwide calling is just one of the great features, although a huge one of course, that Net10 offers. With the Unlimited Plan you get all the minutes you want monthly, plus unlimited text and data, for $50 a month. The beauty of this is there are no credit checks or contracts. Net10 also offers alternative plans, such as Pay-as-you-go, or even 200 text for $15 a month. And you can switch between plans as desired with no fee or penalties. 

As if that wasn’t enough of a great cell phone service, the phones available from Net10 are FREE! When you sign up you will get a brand name phone, such as Motorola, Nokia, or Samsung, for instance, with camera, video recorder, and blue tooth and mobile web capability. If you want a more sophisticated phone they start as low as $60. 

Apple iPod Touch Review: Is The 4th Generation Worth The Money?

The Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation is the latest in the line of these top of the range MP3 players. Each generation has introduced new features to expand and improve on this multifunctional device. But just what does the 4th generation have to offer customers, both new and old?

Features Of The Apple iPod Touch 4th Generation

Here's a pick of the main features of Apple's latest iPod Touch:

* 110 x 59 x 7.2mm,

* Weighs 101g,

* Front facing and rear facing camera,

* PowerVR SGX 535 graphics,

* Wi-Fi, USB 2.0 and Bluetooth connectivity,

* Comes in 8GB, 32GB or 64GB versions,

* 960 x 640px, LED backlit display,

* 40 hours audio battery life,

* 7 hours video battery life,

* Ability to run multiple apps at the same time,

* Opportunity to buy a huge range of apps (and games) for various features.

iPod Touch 3rd Generation Vs. 4th Generation

Looking to upgrade? Then it's important to understand what's changed and what hasn't when it comes to the iPod Touch.

First things first, the screen has been given an upgrade and features the same detail as the iPhone 4. It now features a brand new Retina Display, and the resolution has jumped from 320 x 480 to  960 x 640px. This will be 
an important upgrade to people who like to watch videos or play games on the iPod Touch.

I Love Skechers Shape-Ups!

Toning sneakers have been around for a few years now, but it's only in the last year or so that their popularity has really soared. Although there are many brands on the market, Skechers Women's Shape-Ups Toners are still the most popular and are selling in huge numbers everywhere! But are they worth spending your hard-earned cash on?

Features of Skechers Women's Shape-Ups Toners

These are specially designed sneakers that promise to help you tone up faster, to burn more calories, and improve your posture. Some of the main features include:

* Antibacterial sock liner to increase breathability and avoid moisture build up,

* A "kinetic wedge" in the sole that rocks back and forth to force your muscles to work harder as you walk,

* Rubber tread to maximize traction.

* Available in traditional sneaker style with lace up front, and in a wide range of colors.

* Designed for extreme comfort while walking, with lower impact on the joints.

How Do Skechers Women's Shape-Ups Toners Work?

Prest 23-Quart Pressure Cooker/Canner Review

The Presto 1781 23-Quart Aluminum Pressure Cooker/Canner is a high quality device that allows you to use it both as a large pressure cooker and as a pressure canner for a range of ingredients - especially low-acid foods, where pressure canning is the only safe method to use according to the USDA. This product has been selling in huge numbers and is one of the best selling kitchen cookware products of its kind. But is it worth the price tag?

What To Look For In A Pressure Cooker And Pressure Canner

* Aluminum Vs. Steel: The former heats up well and costs less, but steel will last longer.

* Size: All pressure cookers need extra space for steam to build up, which you should factor into your decision.

* Pressure regulator: Different cookers have different ways of indicating the current pressure and keeping the pressure within a certain range.

* Safety: Pressure can be dangerous, so it's wise to choose a cooker/canner with inbuilt protection.

* Warranty: It's recommended to look for a 10 year+ warranty.

* Cooking Rack: Choosing cookers with a cooking rack will allow you to cook things above the water.

* Handles: Larger pressure cookers will need handles on both sides to help you move them easily.

Review of Garmin Foreruner 305 GPS Receiver

When it comes to GPS gadgets for runners, Garmin is one of the most well known and popular brands out there. This watch boasts a huge range of features beyond just basic tracking, especially when connected to your computer for detailed statistics. But does it really live up to the hype?

Features Of The Garmin Forerunner 305 GPS Receiver With Heart Rate Monitor

* High-sensitivity GPS receiver designed to look like a watch,

* Can be used for running, walking, cycling, cross-country skiing and windsurfing,

* Weighs 2.72 ounces,

* Measures heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned,

* Extra features include Auto Pause, Auto Lap and Auto Scroll,

* 1,000 lap memory,

* 1.3 x 0.8 inches display,

* Waterproof,

* Battery life of up to 10 hours,

* Strong signal reception,

* Training Center software for detailed analysis,

* Data can be analyzed with Motionbased for online mapping and route sharing,

* 1 year warranty.

Weber Portable Propane Gas Grill-Review

The Weber 586002 Q 320 Portable Outdoor Propane Gas Grill is designed as a long term investment for your home. It's been carefully crafted for quality, and its cooking area allows for 18 burgers, 36 hot dogs, or two whole chickens at a time.


For those who want a high quality grill that will last a long time, with consistent cooking temperatures and an easy set up, that's suitable for family cooking, how does it live up to its claims?


Features Of The Weber 586002 Q 320 Portable Outdoor Propane Gas Grill


* Comes with two stainless steel burners,
* Electronic ignition,
* Measures 22 x 36.5 x 55.5 inches with the lid open and tables folded down,
* Input of 21,700 BTU-per-hour,
* Infinite-control burner valves,
* Cast-aluminum body,
* 462 square inches of cooking space, and a 69 square inch warming rack,
* 5 year warranty,
* Uses a standard 20-pound propane tank,
* 2 folding worktables with hooks for BBQ tools,
* Comes with recipe booklet and stationary cart.


Benefits Of The Weber 586002 Q 320 Portable Outdoor Propane Gas Grill


This grill has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from customers, with an average rating of 4.6 out of 5 stars (across just under 200 reviews) on Amazon.com.


Many of the customer reviews have commented on just how easy the grill is to light, with its electronic ignition, and that it heats up well to become a great cooking platform. Another point of praise is that the Q 320 leaves perfect grill lines on the meat, enhancing the flavor and the overall grilling experience.





The cast iron grill surface is also a major benefit. It has been split into two to make for a large cooking area that's also easier to take apart and clean when you need to. And the gaps between the grates are small enough to prevent most foods slipping through.


The grill is ]extremely easy to set up, even for one person setting it up alone. The general consensus from customers who have bought and used the grill is that it's a very well thought out design that's suitable for family use. Weber have also responded to many of the feature requests of their older models by adding in a warming shelf and electronic ignition. 


Drawbacks Of The Weber 586002 Q 320 Portable Outdoor Propane Gas Grill


Unlike previous Weber models, the Weber Q 320 doesn't make use of any flavor bars to help replicate that smoky flavor that a charcoal grill leaves behind. While this may be a drawback to some customers, many have commented that it doesn't make any difference to flavor, and the benefits of using a gas grill far outweigh any drawbacks.


Some customers have commented negatively on the use of plastic for areas of the grill such as the side tables, legs and handle.


Depending on the type of grills you're used to, the price may put you off. However, for a well-designed grill a few hundred dollars isn't much to pay, especially when you consider the rate at which you'd have to replace cheaper, lower quality gas grills. And the Weber 586002 Q 320 Portable Outdoor Propane Gas Grill is one of the most highly rated within its price band.

Wii Fit Plus w/Balance Board-Review

Fitness games were relatively unheard of before the Wii Fit came along and changed everything. With its revolutionary balance board, Nintendo somehow managed to combine video games with getting fit! Since then, Wii Fit has been enhanced and added to with the release of Wii Fit Plus. But is it worth your time, money and effort?


What Do You Get With The Wii Fit Plus With Balance Board?


If you never bought the original Wii Fit and balance board then this is the package to get! You'll get the game along with the revolutionary balance board that brought so many people into the new world of fitness gaming.


Some of the features of this package include:
* The balance board that can measure your movements and weight,
* The new improved Wii Fit Plus game,
* Four game categories: Aerobic, Balance, Yoga and Strength,
* Work with a personal trainer as you learn how to perform each exercise,
* As you improve and play for longer you'll unlock new activities or increase the number of reps for each exercise,
* Wii Fit Plus brings several new features such as routines and specific areas of focus (see below).


How Does Wii Fit Plus Compare To The Original Wii Fit?


If you already have the original Wii Fit then you can get the upgrade simply by buying the software on its own without the balance board. This game does include the original content of the Wii Fit, but adds a whole other level of gameplay. Some of the new features include mixing and matching strength and yoga activities, and flowing exercises together seamlessly for an effective daily workout routine. 

Guide to Buying Cookware

You may think that buying new pots and pans is a straightforward process, but if you do you must not have been to your local kitchen supply store for a while. Modern kitchen supply and department stores offer a large variety of pots and pans made from different materials, in many different styles, and with ranges of durability and storability. It would be wise before you invest a significant amount of money in a new set of pots and pans to do some comparative shopping at different types of outlets.

One of your main considerations when buying new pots and pans should be what materials are used in their manufacturing. A thicker form of anodized aluminum or stainless steel is often used to produce high-end cookware, as opposed to the cheaper forms used to produce less expensive pots and pans you would find at a discount store. There is no need to invest in the heaviest gauge aluminum for average cooking, but you would do well to avoid the thinnest pots and pans. If they dent easily that means they can also be easily penetrated. Bottom-heavy pots and pans, cookware made from the thicker forms of anodized aluminum or stainless steel will resist a kitchen accident much better than their thin metal equivalents.

You may want to buy one or two pieces at a time if you are really serious about investing in quality cookware. For example, if you need a new non-stick frying pan consider your cooking habits and invest in the pan size that matches it best. You may find that you are more satisfied with a ten inch skillet for general cooking than an eight inch or 12 inch skillet.

A Buyer's Guide to Precious Gems on Ebay

To make sure that you do not get cheated out of your hard earned money when purchasing a diamond or other gemstone on eBay, there are several ways to make sure that you are buying a real, not faux or simulated, gemstone. Before bidding on any precious gem on eBay you need to understand how the value of gemstones is determined. When considering a diamond, remember the four Cs: carat, clarity, color, and cut.

Carat is the weight of the diamond. The larger the diamond the more expensive per carat it will be. And remember that carat is about the weight, not size or diameter, of the diamond. Clarity means the size and number of traces of non-crystallized carbon in a diamond. The larger these traces and the more numerous they are the less valuable the diamond is. Diamond color grades begin with D and go through the alphabet. D graded stones shine the most and very valuable. A D grade diamond is virtually colorless. The closer the diamond is to being colorless the more rare and valuable it is.

The cut of a diamond is judged by how it refracts and reflects light; a well-cut diamond will seem brighter.

To find the diamond that fits your price range, it really amounts to finding a happy medium between the 4Cs, then deciding which factors are the most important to you. I suggest also making sure that the diamond you are considering buying has a certificate. A certified diamond is graded on the four traits I mentioned above. There will also be particulars about the diamond that are unique to it. A certificate can make you feel much more confident when deciding to purchase a diamond from a seller on eBay.

THE SAVAGE GARDEN by Mark Mills

I just finished reading "The Savage Garden" by Mark Mills. I have to say that I am sad to have seen the book end, always a sign of a great book for me. When I selected this book at the library I did what I always do before deciding to try an author I haven't previously read. I check out the blurbs on the back of the book jacket and read the synopsis on the inside of the book flap. 

What instantly sold me was 1. the story line. 2. the fact that The Los Angeles Times said Mark Mills had "an incredible voice." As a writer and avid reader voice means a lot to me. If you aren't aware of what voice actually means, it's the personality that comes through the writing, the way the author turns a phrase to create a mood or a scene, to present a character. Each author has a unique voice, and let me tell you, The Los Angeles Times was right, Mark Mills' is incredible.

Review of FitFlop Women's Toning Flip Flop

First came the toning sneakers, now come the toning flip flops for summer! And the FitFlop brand are taking the world by storm right now. But how does the FitFlop Women's Toning Flip Flop really "shape up" when you look at the evidence?

What To Look For In Toning Flip Flops

1) Style: The premise behind the FitFlop is that you will benefit more from everyday activities like walking. This doesn't mean you want to look like you're kitted out to go to the gym all day every day, though, so you want your toning flip flops to look stylish.

2) Comfort: Next, your toning flip flops have to be comfortable. If not, you're not going to wear them, and you're not going to benefit!

3) Fitness Benefits: The main point of these flip flops is that they need to be well designed to help you improve your fitness.

Features Of The FitFlop Women's Toning Flip Flop

* Styles: FitFlops come in a huge number of styles including metallic leather, sequins, suede and rhinestones.
* Color: Each style can be purchased in a variety of different colors.
* Sizes: FitFlops are available in US sizes 5-11.
* Design: They are made with EVA foam to create a "destabilizing effect".
* Benefits: They can help to improve leg, calf and gluteal muscle activity and posture.

Review of Apple iPod Classic (7th Generation)

Although there have been many other brands of MP3 player, the Apple iPod Classic was the only one that got people using the brand name as a general description for the type of device! Now into its 7th generation, what kind of features can you expect from this famous and popular gadget?

Features Of The Apple iPod Classic

* Comes in black or white,
* 160GB storage capacity for 40,000 songs, 25,000 photos or 200 hours of video,
* 36 hour battery life for music playback,
* Up to 6 hour battery life for video playback,
* Fast 2 hour charge,
* 2.5 inch color LCD display with LED backlight,
* 320x240 resolution,
* Supports a variety of files including AAC, MP3, MP3 VBR, Audible, AIFF, Apple Lossless, WAV, MP4, MOV, M4V and more,
* Aluminum and stainless steel enclosure,
* Weighs just 4.9 ounces,
* 3.5mm headphone jack,
* Requires iTunes on either Windows or Mac.

Pros Of The Apple iPod Classic

There's no denying that the iPod has become a style accessory, whether you like it or not. When you buy the Apple iPod Classic you'll be getting the classic look of the gadget along with those unmistakable white earphones. The sleek design also means that it can easily fit in your jacket pocket for when you're out and about.

Top Ten Web Hosts with Reviews and Features Listed

If you are getting ready to host your own website online you really, really need to check out what host you are going with and research them. Getting a substandard host for your website is no less than a nightmare. Some are down half the time, others have no technical support to speak of. There can be a myriad of problems you could run in to if you do not do your homework.

Thankfully, Web Hosting Geeks has this great review, listing their picks for the top ten web hosts, complete with price, features, and user reviews. You will probably be surprised to find that the most popular hosts are not in the top five, although I guess it's good they made the list, at least. 

Price of course is one of your main concerns, but by no means let it be your first. Remember, you get what you pay for. This can often be especially true when it comes to hosting your website. 

Book Review-The Liquid City by Curtis Hopfenbeck

ONLINE BOOK TOUR
The Liquid City
Author: Curtis J Hopfenbeck
Category: Crime

About the Book: Shadoe Kilbourne is the consummate intellectual assassin, with an impressive arsenal of both wit and weaponry at his disposal. As Seattle’s most successful nightclub owner and restaurateur; he is also a man of great resource, humor and humanity. His lethal charms and deadly ideologies are a devastating double-edged sword; brandished at will to put the bad guys in their place and get the good girls back to his.

Driven by vengeance, derived from a painful and poignant past we can only speculate on, his ties to the highest echelons and lowest corridors of humanity also make him the perfect middleman for those who seek to solicit his fervor and favor in the hunt for his brand of justice, both inside and outside of the law.

About the Author:“My passion and impetus to write has been in existence since birth. I pursued adolescence in the shadow of Ian Fleming’s ‘Bond’; survived my teens in the company of John D. MacDonald’s ‘McGee’; and grew to adulthood under the guidance of Robert B. Parker’s ‘Spenser’.

My infatuation with literature’s lethal lotharios, including Spade and Marlowe, is as innate as it is undeniable, and is much of not only who I’ve become, but of who I’ve come to encapsulate within my writings. I hope I have done my predecessor’s proud, and that the legends will continue to mentor and wax immortal within my written prose and pages. Please enjoy, for it is truly a writers only silent ovation!”

Author’s Website

Ab Circle Pro-Review

When I first saw the Ab Circle Pro on a commercial on TV, I thought it looked really neat, but I didn't think it would give that great of a work out. In fact, it looked more like fun that work. Don't get me wrong; I am all about having fun, but when it comes to working out I believe in working up a good sweat and pushing your body to the max. Then after reading so many rave reviews about the product it started to get my attention.

Below I have listed 3 reasons why the Ab Circle Pro is so effective. It might look like a toy, but it can burn calories like you wouldn't believe.

#1: It targets the core in every way.

Most ab machines only work out the very center of your abdominal muscles. This is fine if you only want a tiny 6 pack with no definition, but if you really want to work your entire core and sculpt your ab muscles you need to work the sides of the abs as well. This machine might as well be called the Oblique Circle as well because it burns those muscles on your sides where many people have "love-handles".

Facebook's Cafe World Game-Cheats and Tips

Guest post by Phillip Richards

You will find some Cafe World cheats and tips on this page for dominating the other players on Facebook. A lot of people who spend time on this game will be looking for cheats to get ahead. Here are some short cuts you will want to know about and there is also a Cafe World cheats guide that will blow you away.

Cafe World was created by Zanga and can be played on Facebook, but it is not just a short lived restaurant game. You will learn administration and people skills while playing the game, but if you just want to get ahead quickly there are some cheats you will want to know about.

If you want to get the waiter to automatically serve the customers you can block them behind the counters. This alone will save lots of time and frustration.

The XBox 360 Kinect

There has been a ton of hype about the new Xbox 360 Kinect which was formerly known as Project Natal. With the new debut of this device by Microsoft many people are wondering where they can get one and what the price will be. The price really depends on where you buy it and what kind of deal you can get.

There are all kinds of Xbox games that will work with this new Kinect system and one of my favorites has been the racing games. You can even get other people involved by helping to change a tire in the pit stops. The trivia games have also been a huge hit by allowing up to 4 people to play at the same time and the system will recognize each of their faces. With both voice recognition and facial recognition the Kinect has been blowing away the competition.

With the Nintendo Wii becoming so popular it was not long before both Sony and Microsoft came up with their own devices that got the gaming users more involved with entire body motions. PlayStation has already come up with a version of the Wii controllers, but Microsoft decided to go in an entirely different direction by getting rid of the controller completely. Having no controller really opens up an entire realm of gaming opportunities, not to mention that you will not have to worry about batteries going bad.

You will be able to find the Xbox 360 Kinect at stores like Gamestop, BestBuy or Eb Games, but some online stores will have it as well. Buying from Amazon or Ebay will give you even better prices, but when you buy anything from these places after the Kinect has just come out you will probably pay a premium. If you are willing to be patient you can get a better price, but if you want to be the first on the block to have it then you will have to be prepared to pay a premium.

Best Identity Theft Products on the Market

There is little doubt that every person using banking services or internet services is at threat of being an identity theft victim. It is not a risk one can avoid solely by precaution, although that is one of the biggest solutions.

In addition to this, there are now several identity theft products available in the market today.
An identity theft product must be weighed according to the security it provides against the identity theft likelihood. Its features must ensure that the product timely and effectively monitors fraudulent activities. Moreover, it must be enabled to provide effective recovery assistance in-case identity theft actually takes place. 

Review of Nintendo 3DS

Since the Nintendo DS was first introduced in 2004, this portable games console has gone from strength to strength. Popular with children and adults of all ages, it lets people take a huge range of games with them on the go. And its latest incarnation, the Nintendo 3DS, has pushed the boundaries of gaming by bringing users 3D games without the need to wear glasses!

Nintendo 3DS Features

The new Nintendo 3DS is available in the colors "Cosmic Black" and "Aqua Blue" and comes with the following new 3D features:

* 3D pictures without the need to wear glasses,

* 3D depth slider to let you decide how much 3D you want,

* Plays 3D games,

* Lets you take 3D pictures,

* Parental controls to restrict 3D mode for children aged 6 and under,

* Wireless connection with SpotPassTM and StreetPassTM to allow you to connect with other Nintendo 3DS users.

You'll also notice:

* New inputs: motion sensor, gyro sensor and Circle Pad,

* Adjustable stylus,

* 6 AR cards that the 3DS can read and translate to in-game items,

* AC adapter now comes with a charging cradle,

* Preinstalled software: Face RaidersTM, Nintendo 3DS Sound, download service to purchase more games,

* SD card slot (the 3DS comes with a 2GB memory card),

* Internal and external cameras,

* Wi-Fi access.