YooHoo & Friends Review & GIVEAWAY!

The brand new site for Aurora's best selling brand, YooHoo & Friends, is here. Aurora created YooHoo & Friends to teach children about animals (many endangered) and the environment from which they came...it makes learning fun for them too www.yoohoofriends.com
 
The press release below goes into detail about the revamped site and the "Design YooHoo's Next Friend Contest."

Aurora Launches New YooHoo & Friends Web Site
Coincides With Design Next YooHoo & Friends Contest

Toy and gift manufacturer Aurora World Inc. http://www.auroragift.com has launched a brand new web site for its best selling brand, YooHoo & Friends. The free, interactive virtual world at http://www.yoohoofriends.com  requires no activation code and is targeted to children 5 to 12 years old. At the web site, visitors can learn about real animals and their environment, play games, send e-cards, download wallpapers, calendars and coloring sheets, as well as adopt and raise YooHoo & Friends. Additionally, “Design YooHoo’s Next Friend Contest” entries are being accepted now; the contest http://yoohoo.auroraworld.com/tmp/community/free/color_design.aspx  runs through May 31st. http://www.yoohoofriends.com

“We are really happy with the new web site, which is now compatible with multiple browsers. Most importantly, we developed the site to make learning about the world’s animals fun and entertaining,” says Michael Kessler, SVP of Sales. He adds, “The site is packed with quizzes and maps about animals, a ‘My Room’ section for taking care of your pet; a ‘Playground’ with animations and more than 15 games; as well as a fun zone http://yoohoo.auroraworld.com/tmp/community/index.aspx  for downloads, e-cards and keeping an eye on what’s happening with all the YooHoo & Friends.”

http://yoohoo.auroraworld.com/tmp/community/free/color_design.aspx The “Design YooHoo’s Next Friend Contest” encourages children to submit drawings http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=199159&id=288690457999 of who they think YooHoo’s (the original character from YooHoo & Friends) next friend should be. Every entry, such as the “pouch rat” is posted on the Facebook fan page. Three winners will receive various prizes including plush toys from the YooHoo & Friends line. Winners are chosen based on creativity (50%), colors (30%) and choice of animal (20%) and will be notified by June 15, 2010. Aurora encourages fans of the brand to join them on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/yoohoofanpage and Twitter http://www.twitter.com/yoohoofriends to see the submission and be the first to get updated on product news, events, and freebies.

Aurora is committed to providing a safe Internet environment for kids and will never distribute personal information to third parties. The website is COPPA (Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act) compliant. For more information, please visit http://www.yoohoofriends.com, email mailto:info@auroragift.com, or call 1-888-287-6722.

About Aurora
Aurora World, Inc. www.auroragift.com is a leading manufacturer and supplier of high quality, competitively priced plush toys and gifts. Aurora’s name reflects its extensive product lines and growing influence in the worldwide marketplace, as well as its international manufacturing, R&D and distribution resources. Founded in 1992, the U.S. company has ascended quickly to become a respected leader in the world’s toy and gift industry. Aurora created one of the nation’s best selling plush lines - YooHoo & Friends™ - and its corresponding free, interactive web site http://www.yoohoofriends.com, appealing to young children and tweens alike. The company sells its products via a wide variety of retailers including major zoos, high-end toy stores such as Learning Express, top gift chains such as Hallmark and Claire’s as well as hospital gift shops, fine florists, candy stores and gift/stationery stores worldwide. 

http://facebook.com/Yoohoofriends
http://twitter.com/yoohoofriends
http://yoohoofriends.wordpress.com

-Courtesy of Aurora World, Inc. 
  

 ***

I was delighted when presented with the opportunity to review Aurora's YooHoo & Friends collection. I knew my daughter would love the line!

We received two YooHoo & Friends plush product samples. The YooHoo & Friends plush toys come in various sizes, 5 inch, 8 inch, and 24 inch. Some of the plush toys make their own unique sound when you press their tummy. 

The two we received were both 5 inch toys that have sound makers in the tummy. Both are original YooHoo's, one in yellow, and one in blue. 

My daughter and her friends love the YooHoo toys! I love that YooHoo & Friends also has their own free online game for 5-12 year olds. You don't even need a game piece to play! Thanks so much to Aurora for the delightful samples.


* I received two samples to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that Aurora is giving away one random 5 inch YooHoo & Friends plush toy to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention who you'd like to win this toy for. 

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
  
• Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)  
• Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
  
• Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
  
• Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
• Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
•  Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
  
• Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 10, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

 www.prizey.net

NaBloPoMo: Aloha Friday #5

Today's post is inspired by An Island Life blog. Just post a random question on your blog. You can link your post to the McLinky on An Island Life's blog. Its a good way to find new bloggy friends!

What are your favorite TV Shows? Why? Found anything good lately?

I love to DVR my favorite TV shows or watch them On Demand. My favorite shows are on HBO & Showtime. They have no commercials and don't bleep out the curse words. LOL! My favorite show lately is a re-discovery. Nurse Jackie. Its a 30-minute series on Showtime on Monday nights. I watched a bit of the first season but didnt get into it. Then one day I was bored and watched the whole first season On Demand, before the second series premiered. I loved it! Now I am enjoying watching the second season. Nurse Jackie is a nurse (obviously) and struggles with pill addiction, cheating on her husband, while doing good deeds in her everyday life. She is portrayed by the wife from the Sopranos. Forgot her name.

Another fave thats always been a fave is United States of Tara, which is currently also in its second season on Showtime, following Nurse Jackie on Monday nights. It is written by Diablo Cody (Juno) and is about a mom who has multiple personality disorder and her struggles with that. 30 minute show. Love it!

True Blood is another fave and if you haven't seen an episode, your living under a rock. Its on HBO and the third season premieres this June. They are currently re-airing the second season and some bonus shorts will be aired starting this coming Sunday following the re-aired episodes. You can purchase the first season on DVD and the second season will be coming to DVD this month. The green light has already been given to tape a fourth season. The series is loosely based on the books The Sookie Stackhouse Novels/Southern Vampire Mysteries by Charlaine Harris. I have read the first book (excellent) and there are 9 books in all. The first book was published about 10 years ago. The series rovolves around the main character Sookie Stackhouse (Anna Paquin) and her vampire boyfriend Bill Compton (Stephen Moyer) and the fictional Louisiana town Bon Temps and its colorful inhabitants. It is a 1 hour show.

Another fave is The Vampire Diaries on the CW and it is one of the only non-cable series I watch. The first season is currently wrapping up on the network. The series is loosely based on the books of the same name by L. J. Smith (L. Jane Smith). The first 4 books were published in the early 1990's and three additional books have been published in 2009, 2010, and the last will be published March 2011. The story is centered around the main character Elena Gilbert (Nina Dobrev), her vampire boyfriend Stephen Salvatore (Paul Wesley), his vampire brother Damon Salvatore (Ian Somerhalder) and the creepy town of Mystic Falls.

Big Love is another fave on HBO, they just wrapped up the 4th season. The show is based on a fictional polygamist family in Utah. The main character Bill is a businessman and has three wives, and tons of children. The show is full of drama and keeps you on your toes!

Last but not least is Dexter, a long time favorite on Showtime. The 4th season wrapped up last fall/winter. The show is based on Dexter, a man who murders murderers. He's kind of a Robin Hood of sorts... of killers. (SPOILER ALERT) Last season his wife was murdered and I am looking forward to next season. It will be interesting to see what direction Dexter's life takes, as he had just become a new father. 

Wow I didn't think I would write so much! What are your favorite TV shows??

Spiced Book Giveaway Winners!

And the winners of the Spiced by Dalia Jurgensen Book Giveaway are... Comments # 39 & 4, Yona Williams and OutnumberedMama. Congrats to the winners! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to everyone who followed, posted, and entered this giveaway!

Yona Williams said... I'm a Google Connect Friend. Email: yona(at)pricelesswriters.com

OutnumberedMama said... I already follow you on twitter @1outnumberedmom
polsen11atcomcastdotnet

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

39 4 

Timestamp: 2010-04-29 22:26:36 UTC

Mother's Day Prize Pack Review & GIVEAWAY!

As we quickly approach Mother’s Day season, I’d like to introduce my readers to variety of beauty and fitness products that will help moms relieve some stress and get the pampering they deserve!

There is more information about each product below.  All of the products can be purchased online on their respective Web sites.

For Moms with Limited time for Relaxation:

Clearly Beautiful: Launched in March 2010, Clearly Beautiful is an all natural skin rejuvenation line that contains exclusive formulas in the form of masks and serums to combine effective ingredients with pure plant collagen delivery system.  Active ingredients in the products work to transform the skin by nourishing the epidermal layer and penetrating deeply into the skin to aid in increased collagen production, cell renewal and total skin hydration.  Clearly Beautiful products provide immediate smoothing and firming of the skin to revive, restore and rejuvenate each layer.  With continual use on the face, neck and hands, the skin will experience optimal hydration, the pores will be dramatically reduced and wrinkles will vanish. Products include Collagen Eye Masks, Hand Masks, Facial Masks and Neck Masks. For more information, please visit www.ClearlyBeautiful.net.  

For Moms on the Go:

Hit the Deck:  PowerHouse Hit The Deck™ is a scientifically designed fitness program that tones the body while burning off stress hormones and can be used for adapting to stress.  The portable and easy-to-use fitness program can be done anywhere, anytime and does not require any fitness equipment.  The device condones weight loss, improves sleep and energy and facilities in stress management.  PowerHouse Hit The Deck™ provides the appropriate intensity for the results desired whether new to exercising or advanced.  For more information please visit: www.PowerHousePerformanceCoaching.com

To Help Moms Tame their Kids’ Unruly Tresses:

Le Baby: Le Baby hair gel is a styling gel free of harsh chemicals meant to define wispy curls and tackle unruly after-nap hair. While the concept of baby hairstyling products might seem a little child-beauty-pageant to some, for many moms and dads it’s a must-have diaper bag accessory.  From taming those wild fly-aways to smoothing frizzies, Le Baby hair gel works on all hair types and is hypoallergenic for sensitive skin. Whatever your child’s hair type, Le Baby will make combing and styling a cinch. The unique formulas leave hair shiny, healthy looking and more manageable.  For more information, please visit: www.lebabyinc.com

-Courtesy of KMR Communications

***

I was very excited when presented with the opportunity to review a Mother's Day prize pack including Le Baby Hair Gel, Powerhouse Hit the Deck, and Clearly Beautiful.

One of my favorite items is the Powerhouse Hit the Deck. With Powerhouse Hit the Deck you can practice Fitness & Vitality, Anytime, Anywhere.  Included are an Interval Timer & 35 Cards. The system helps you lost weight, improve fitness, increase energy, manage stress and improve the quality of your sleep. 

There are 5 warm up cards and 3 sets of 10 cards with exercises on them. There are easy, intermediate, and expert sets of cards. A usual workout consists of using you interval timer, warm up cards, a set of 10 exercise cards, then a cool down with the same 5 warm up cards. You do each warm up/cool down card for a minute each, then you do the 10 exercise cards for 30-40 seconds each. Then cool down when your done. You can increase the length of time you do the exercise cards as you go along and customize your workout picking and choosing which cards you like best from the three sets. 

I found the exercises fun and easy to follow, the workout comes out to about 20 minutes if you follow the method above. I have been doing the workouts in the evenings after my daughter goes to bed and I have been sleeping better and feeling more accomplished!

Le Baby Hair Gel is one of my favorite hair gels made for children. After my daughter takes a bath, I brush her hair and put gel in it. I then use a hair dryer to dry her hair and the gel helps to keep her hair style smooth. Le Baby Hair Gel is chemical-free, fragrance-free, and is best for babies, children, and anyone with sensitive skin. 

Clearly Beautiful is a first of its kind Collagen Mask for the face and under the eyes. With Clearly Beautiful you can revive, restore, and rejuvenate skin without going to drastic measures. Pure plant collagen helps restore your skin to its optimally hydrated best. A uniquely formulated collagen delivery system infuses your quenched skin with a fusion of Natural Plant DNA, Hyaluronic Acid, Epidermal Growth Factor, Peptides, Vitamin E, and other all natural ingredients. 

With Clearly Beautiful you will see an immediate difference in your skin. Your skin will be hydrated, nourished, lifted, and will feel smoother. 

* I received the above products to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

***

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that KMR Communications is giving away the Clearly Beautiful Facial and Eye Mask and Le Baby Hair Gel to one 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention who'd you'd like to win this Mother's Day prize for. 

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
  
• Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)  
• Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
  
• Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
  
• Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
• Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
•  Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
  
• Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 9, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

 

NaBloPoMo: Vintage Recipe Thursday

French Vanilla Ice Cream

1/2 cup sugar
4 egg yolks
2 cups scalded milk
2 cups whipping cream
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla

Mix the sugar with the egg yolks and beat until thick. Pour in the scalded milk slowly, beating with a wire whisk. Boil until slightly thickened. Cool and strain; add cream, salt and vanilla. Freeze.

Ginger Ice Cream 

To French Vanilla Ice Cream: Add 1/2 cup crystallized ginger diced fine.

Peanut Brittle Ice Cream

Use French Vanilla Ice Cream Recipe: Omit the sugar and add 1/2 pound of peanut brittle rolled out into crumbs.

Coffee Burnt-Almond Ice Cream

To French Vanilla Ice Cream: Add 1 cup finely chopped toasted almonds and 2 tablespoons instant coffee.

-Courtesy of Helen Corbitt's Cook-Book, 1957

Pamper Mom This Mother's Day Contest - Massage Chair Giveaway

If anyone deserves a massage, it’s YOU Mom, wouldn’t you agree? How would you like a chance to win your very own Human Touch iJoy-2310 Massage Chair?! Just imagine a deep, sensual, relaxing massage every night for FREE.

This Mother’s Day, Human Touch is committed to making life a little easier for one lucky Mom!  

Human Touch®, the U.S. market leader of innovative massage chairs, Perfect Chair® Recliners, and other wellness solutions, is running a “Pamper Mom This Mother’s Day” contest and are accepting entries now until May 5^th!

We are offering a free Human Touch iJoy-2310 Massage Chair ($599 value) to the most deserving Mom. To participate, we are asking each individual to submit an entry, 150 words or less, describing why their Mom, Spouse/Partner (who is a mom of course!) deserves this great giveaway. Moms are also encouraged to submit an entry for themselves! 

All information can be found here: http://blog.humantouch.com/2010/04/26/enter-to-win-mom-a-human-touch-massage-chair-for-mothers-day

www.twitter.com/htfeelbetter

www.facebook.com/htfeelbetter

Mom Central Mother's Day Gift Guide

Check out the Mom Central Mother's Day Gift Guide!

Three of the exciting giveaways include:

See's Candies: See's Candies' variety of mouth-watering sweets will satisfy any taste preference. Give Mom the gift of indulgence with the new line of chocolates from the Keepsake Collection. Featuring both classic flavors as well as the new Strawberry Truffle, this line perfectly coincides with Mother's Day with pink, yellow and orange designs brightening up the boxes.

"L'Occitane Experience" Vivabox: Luckily for gift-givers (and receivers!) everywhere, Vivabox has revamped the traditional gift card with their gift box packages. Packaged by theme, each Vivabox includes gift items to use or taste as well as a gift card. With themes ranging from "Spa Beauty" to "Gourmet to your Door" and "Bar-B-Que," Vivabox offers gift card packages catering to the hobbies and interests of both men and women.

Shark Cordless: Sometimes pulling out the big vacuum can be a pain in the neck…literally. Not only does carrying the weight cause stress on your body, but the constant bending and pushing to get into nooks and crannies can be time consuming. Help make cleaning easier for Mom with the Shark Cordless Floor and Carpet Cleaner, or better yet, offer to help with the chores yourself.

www.MomCentral.com

*I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central. Mom Central entered my name in a random drawing to win a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Yoplait Greek 'Nourish Your Inner Goddess' Review & GIVEAWAY!

With 12 grams of protein -- twice that found in leading yogurts-- new Yoplait Greek nourishes from the inside out. Available in four delicious flavors, Strawberry, Blueberry, Honey Vanilla and Plain, the brand´s newest offering has a unique thick and creamy texture with the unmatched taste expected of Yoplait.

To celebrate its new Greek yogurt and to encourage women to nourish their inner goddess, Yoplait has teamed up with actress Izabella Miko, who plays Greek Goddess Athena in the epic adventure new Warner Bros. Pictures´ and Legendary Pictures´ film "Clash of the Titans," in theatres April 2 in 3D.

My readers can visit http://www.youtube.com and check out the trailer for the "Clash of the Titans" movie today.Or check out the embedded video below!

In addition, my readers can also visit
http://bricks.coupons.com to download a coupon* and save $0.30 on one cup of new Yoplait Greek today!

*This coupon offer for a free cup of Yoplait Greek yogurt is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota, and Tennessee.

*The VIP coupons, gift pack, information and additional gift pack to give away were all given to me by Yoplait and MyBlogSpark.

***

I was excited when presented with the opportunity to review Yoplait Greek yogurt as I am a yogurt lover. I have been eating yogurt since childhood and love the benefits of eating it. Yogurt has good bacteria in it that helps keep your digestive system healthy.

Yoplait Greek yogurt is a new line of Yoplait yogurt made in the greek style. It tastes great and even though it is fat free, it tastes very decadent because of the straining process used to make greek style yogurt. I tried the Honey Vanilla yogurt and it was delicious. It would taste great mixed with some fresh fruit and granola. I also bought the Strawberry Yoplait Greek but haven't tried it yet. There are two other flavors in the line, Blueberry and Plain. My husband loves Blueberry everything so I know he would love Yoplait Greek in Blueberry. The Yoplait Greek Plain would be great in recipes or for making Tzatziki, a greek cucumber dip. I love the fresh taste of Yoplait Greek and would recommend you try one of the many flavors!

I also received a 'Nourish Your Inner Goddess' Gift Pack, complete with towel, slippers, and bath accessories which have helped me have a much better home 'spa' experience. Thanks Yoplait & MyBlogSpark!

Win It!

 

I'm happy to announce that I have a 'Nourish Your Inner Goddess' Prize Pack complete with two coupons for free Yoplait Greek yogurt, towel, slippers, and bath accessories to give away to one (1) 512 Kidz blog reader!

Main entry: (A must!) Just leave a comment with email on this post to be entered to win. Feel free to mention which flavor Yoplait Greek yogurt you'd like try most (Honey Vanilla, Strawberry, Blueberry, or Plain) or how you get in touch with your 'Inner Goddess'.

Extra Entries: (Leave a separate comment for each)

• Follow me publicly (you MUST follow publicly for this entry to count) on Google Friend Connect (located on sidebar)
• Follow me on Twitter (leave your twitter screen name in your comment)
  
• Tweet this giveaway (leave the link in your comment every time you tweet, you can do this daily)  
• Subscribe to 512 Kidz via RSS or reader (located on sidebar)
  
• Blog this giveaway (leave the link)
  
• Add 512 Kidz to your link list/blogroll (leave your blog url)
• Comment on any 512 Kidz blog post (meaningful comments please) and let me know which one (non giveaway posts)
•  Enter any of my other current giveaways (if applicable, current giveaways found on 'Current Giveaways' tab at top of the page) and let me know which one
  
• Vote for 512 Kidz on Top Baby Blogs! Just click the button below, and leave me a comment letting me know you did. Just click and your done!

Giveaway ends May 8, 2010 at 11:59 pm CST. Winner chosen using Random.org. Winner will be posted on this blog and will be emailed. Winner has 72 hours from Winner announcement to reply to claim prize. Open to USA.

www.prizey.net

NaBloPoMo: Wordless Wednesday/Sepia Scenes

This was taken at the park when my daughter was about 2 yrs old.

LashFood Giveaway Winner!

And the lucky winner of the LashFood Triple Threat Combo Giveaway is... Comment #34, Christian Kay. Congrats to the winner! I will be emailing you shortly. Thanks to all who entered, followed, and posted this giveaway!

Christian Kay said... I would LOVE to win!! I have had a lot of trouble with my lashes ever since I used Cover Girl's Lash Blast mascara which caused my lashes to become brittle and fall out. I let Cover Girl know, but they didn't seem to care. They did send me a coupon for another tube though, gee thanks :)

ckbruce(at)rocketmail(dot)com

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

34 

Timestamp: 2010-04-28 18:11:10 UTC

NaBloPoMo: Tasty Tuesday

I had wings for dinner and one of my favorite ways to eat them is grilled. Thought you guys might enjoy a yummy Grilled Buffalo Wings recipe for Tasty Tuesday.

Grilled Buffalo Wings

Prep Time:
15 Min

Cook Time:
50 Min

Ready In:
1 Hr 5 Min

Servings

Original Recipe Yield 8 servings

Ingredients

• 3 pounds chicken wings, separated at joints, tips discarded
• 1 cup Louisiana-style hot sauce
• 1 (12 fluid ounce) can or bottle cola-flavored carbonated beverage
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce

Directions

1. Preheat a grill to medium heat.
2. In a large pot, mix together the hot sauce, cola, cayenne pepper, black pepper and soy sauce. Add the wings to the sauce - frozen is okay. Place the pot to one side of the grill, so the sauce comes to a simmer.
3. Use tongs to fish wings out of the sauce, and place them on the grill for 8 to 10 minutes. Then return to the sauce to simmer. Repeat this process for about 50 minutes. The sauce will thicken. When the chicken is tender and pulls easily off of the bone, you have two options. You can dip one last time and serve for sloppy style wings, or serve right off the grill for dryer wings. 

Nutritional Information

 Amount Per Serving  Calories: 129 | Total Fat: 7.3g | Cholesterol: 30mg

-Courtesy of http://www.allrecipes.com

Good, Better, Best Wines Book/Guide Review

As much as Americans love the finer things, 90% of the wines bought in America are popular big brands that cost less than $15 a bottle—yet no one has ever compared them, until now. In Good, Better, Best Wines, a new book launched this week, wine expert Carolyn Evans Hammond ranks the most popular big brand wines by grape variety and price point, up to $15 per bottle. This book is particularly timely given America is drinking more wine than ever and is poised to become the world’s biggest wine consumer by 2012 according to The International Wine and Spirit Record.

In Good, Better, Best Wines readers will find:
•    The good, better and best big name wines under $5, $8, $11 and $15, for each major grape variety
•    Hundreds of bottle images, for easy recognition on the shelf
•    Jargon-free tasting notes 
•    Perfect party wine recommendations for specific occasions
•    Trade secrets for getting the most out of each bottle

And because Good, Better, Best Wines focuses on the best-selling wines in the United States—think names like Beringer, Barefoot, Kendall-Jackson and Woodbridge—they’ll be stocked at the local store.  These are the most widely available wines in America.

About the Author:
Carolyn Evans Hammond is an accomplished wine writer whose articles have appeared in such eminent magazines as Decanter and Wine & Spirit International in the United Kingdom, as well as Maclean’s, Taste, and Tidings in Canada.  Her first book, 1000 Best Wine Secrets, earned critical acclaim and international distribution.  She also issues a newsletter, runs a wine club, conducts seminars, and publishes a blog on her website—http://www.wine-tribune.com.  She holds the Diploma from the Wine & Spirit Education Trust and a BA from York University. 
To learn more about Carolyn and her new book Good, Better, Best Wines, view her book trailer at http://www.wine-tribune.com

To watch the one-minute book trailer, click here: http://www.wine-tribune.com.

Good, Better, Best Wines, A No-Nonsense Guide to Popular Wines
Carolyn Evans Hammond
April 2010, $12.95
ISBN: 978-1-59257-977-8
Alpha Books

-Courtesy of Alpha Books

 ***

I was pleased when presented with the opportunity to review the book Good, Better, Best Wines: A No-Nonsense Guide to Popular Wines by Carolyn Evans Hammond. I am a big wine fan, though I don't drink very often, it is my alcoholic drink of choice. My mom's love of wine rubbed off on me. 

Good, Better, Best Wines is a guide to popular North American wines priced under $15 a bottle. Bottles of wine under $15 are the most popular so that is why they are the focus of this book. There are sub-categories; Under $5, $8, $11, and $15. The only wines featured in the book that are priced higher are dessert wines. 

Hammond writes with wit throughout the book. I felt as though she was here reading the words of the book to me, her style is so natural. In the book you can find images of the bottles of wines featured so they are easier to find when shopping. 

The book ia broken down into categories such as Chardonnays, Pinot Grigios, Saunignon Blancs, Merlots and so forth. Then the best of each price range is shown. There are other categories such as 'Other Great Whites', 'Other Great Reds', and 'Good Deals at Super Low Prices'.

This book is the first guide to cover popular American wines. With America poised to become the world's biggest wine consumer by 2012, this book is a necessity! It's easy to use, you can take it to the store with you and use the easy to read guide to find the best wine for whatever your price range. 

Thanks Alpha Books for the review copy!

*I received a copy of GBBW to facilitate my candid and honest review. No other form of compensation was or will be given. All personal views are my own!

NaBloPoMo: Tuesday's Tip Jar

I got the idea for today's post - Tuesday's Tip Jar - from Blog Mommas. The idea is to give your best mom tip! It can be anything really. Home, family, or parenting related and beyond. 

 

My tip is really one of the only tips I know. Its a cleaning tip I learned from my boss when I worked on a home and business cleaning crew about 5 yrs ago. Its a tip for cleaning the microwave. Hopefully I haven't posted this before!

Just get a lemon and cut it in half. Squeeze some of the juice into a microwave safe bowl with a bit of water in it-maybe an inch or so of water. Then put the squeezed lemon half in the bowl of water and microwave it- up to 5 minutes. 

Heating the lemon gets all the gunk off the walls of your microwave and its safe too! Just wipe off the inside of microwave with a warm damp cloth and your done. No harsh chemicals required.