PhotoWorks, an American Greetings Corp. (NYSE: AM) company, has re-launched its Web site with a fresh look, enhanced navigation, and great new products. The popular site makes it easy for shoppers to personalize and create unique, high quality cards, books, calendars and other gifts with their favorite digital photos.

Consumers come to the site looking to capture a moment in time, and create a beautiful gift to commemorate it.  The great product variety that shoppers have come to expect from PhotoWorks is uniquely accentuated with the creativity of American Greetings artists, and now new tools and a strategic re-organization make finding that perfect gift as simple as ever.

“Our consumers are looking for an easy way to make something that is truly unique, and the combination of American Greetings creativity and the personal touch of consumer’s favorite photos offers the perfect solution,” said Sally Babcock, senior vice president and general manager at PhotoWorks. “Now with the updates we have made, browsing for and creating these memorable gifts is even easier, and more enjoyable.”

These updates required the skills of a cross-functional team willing to think outside the box to come up with solutions that would really enhance the experience for shoppers. To ensure success, the team utilized a variety of initiatives including usability testing, customer feedback, and an analysis of industry best practices to determine where improvements where needed.

Specific updates include improved navigation, a new search function to make finding products a snap, easier access to help, more robust merchandising to guide product selection, faster uploads, simplified photo sharing, streamlined ordering and much more.

In addition to the fresh look and increased efficiency, the site also features creative new products for shoppers to enjoy.  With the holiday season right around the corner, original photo gifts are being introduced that are perfect for any recipient. Highlights include an exclusive collection of Papyrus photo cards, featuring elegant designs from the popular greeting card brand, along with new photo books, calendars, holiday cards, coffee mugs, mouse pads, cutting boards and more

There are times in our lives where we need a gift to be dynamic and unique. A run-of-the-mill shirt, picture frame or gift card just will not do. You need “WOW”! That is when you need PhotoWorks by American Greetings.

With, literally, 100’s of options you will find the perfect gift…for your loved one and for yourself! I know that I did.

I had a blast and spend a long time at the PhotoWorks site as I created different books prints, cards and gifts with pictures of my family.  PhotoWorks allows the user to create gorgeous photo books in sizes from 4″x4″ all the way up to 12″x12″…plus they have the new and sensational Photo Works Studio which is the newest and easiest way to create beautiful photo books. Combining your photos with American Greetings creativity to create personal works of art.

Deciding on the size of the book is probably your easiest step. You have numerous options for the book cover, the background, the layout pattern and on and on. YOU could create a specific masterpiece for each member of your family. Think of the gift ideas!

If you aren’t really into creating a PhotoWorks book….you could easily place your favorite photo on a mug, purse, blanket, t-shirt, calendar or mouse pad!  I created two beautiful mugs that I am going to put in the IE Twins’ Easter Basket. Each mug has a personal photo, one with their daddy and one with their sister. Nothing says “Special” like your own mug for yummy  hot chocolate.

I have snapped 1000’s of pictures since the twins were born 6 years ago…but very few have been printed…with the affordable pricing at PhotoWorks…my living rooms walls will not be bare much longer. Prints start as low as .09 cents!

Easter is the next big Holiday on the calendar…imagine the surprise when instead of a bag of chocolate eggs you present your loved ones with a beautiful gift from PhotoWorks!

Giveaway Opportunity Provided by M80 and American Greetings Photoworks
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

Whether you are a die-hard environmentalist or you just love how “cute” reusable bags are…you are going to love Envirosax!

Using recyclable bags is the “in” thing right now. You see them everywhere.  You can pick them up at the .99 stores and at Nordstroms.   They are becoming the norm for the modern family and shopper.

Envirosax sent the IE Twins a fun set of Retro Kitchen Graphics bags to share with their subscribers on Twin Kitchen.   The set had three great bags (Yellow, Pink and Teal)…of course you know I had to snag one. You can see why the twin love the Envirosax and find out about their yummy Cupcake Cone recipe right “here”.

I love the great designs, colors and schemes with the Envirosax recyclable bags. They easily fold up into a little pouch that you can slip into your purse, pack pack or even coat pocket. They are created from hardy material that hold up to 44lbs.  Think about that? That’s just a few pounds less then what my six  year old daughters weigh!

Envirosax are great for  shopping but also for carrying books home from the library, toys up and down the stairs, home work to do or grade, party supplies….the list is endless.

Envirosax are fashionable and functional….awww…my favorite bag has quickly become Envirosax!

Lightweight polyester, portable, waterproof, and weighing just 1.4oz each, these groovy bags are available individually or as a series of 5 contained within a handy pouch. With reinforced seams, each surprisingly large bag can hold a weight the equivalent of two supermarket plastic bags.

The Graphic Series pouch is a great way of buying all 5 bags in a series at once. The pouch is small enough to fit into a handbag or the glove compartment of a car. No more excuses for leaving your reusable bags at home!

Our philosophy

The philosophy of Envirosax® is to help create a better future for our planet by spreading the environmental message through colour and script using the Envirosax® eco-friendly reusable bag as the vehicle.

Envirosax is proud to help protect the environment for tomorrow’s generation by providing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable shopping bags that have caused so much damage to the environment worldwide. Envirosax bags are lightweight, portable, waterproof and each one holds the equivalent of two supermarket plastic bags thanks to reinforced seams.

We believe in environmental sustainability. Plastic bags clog drains and cause flooding. They pollute rivers and streams, killing animals and destroying plantlife. They take years to photodegrade and have a very short life span. Envirosax provide a compelling alternative to the plastic bags which are doing so much damage to our planet.

Envirosax donates a percentage of its sales to charities and non-profit organisations dedicated to the preservation of the environment.

Review Opportunity Provided by EnviroSax.com
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

In our family we have two amazing celebrations right around the corner, Mother’s Day and Father’s Day. Yes, I know most schools and public offices don’t get the days off but really they should! For the last couple of Years Mother’s Day has been a huge event in my family. We invite Aunts, Grandmothers, Moms, God Mothers and Cousins over to celebrate together. One huge celebration and one huge event. Pretty Awesome!

Since my dad passed away…Father’s Day has become a little more subdued the Mother’s day…generally the twins and I take my husband out to eat and to celebrate how awesome a Dad and Father he is.  I never ever want to take this day away from my husband because  he deserves it and a 100 more just like it.

Have you ever loved, respected, cherished or treasured someone so much that mere words just don’t explain it? Well, that’s how we feel about my the IE Daddy and because of that I was thrilled to review the DIY Successories!

Gorgeous artwork and photography, easy to follow steps and the end result…a masterpiece. In a few easy steps you can create a gift that will not have an equal. It will be unique, beautiful and a breathtaking memory to last forever.

Simply pick your picture from the large assortment of gallery photographs, select your size (wall or desk) and then add your matting, frame and inspirational quote. You can even customize your piece with a personal message.

Anyone can pick up a tie at your local men’s clothing store. “Best Dad” mugs are fun but a dime a dozen! Tell him you love him, need him and think he is great! Swing on over DIY Successories and find the perfect gift that let him know how much he really means to you!

Feet in Hands

Review Opportunity Provided by Orca Comunications and DIY Successories
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.
*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

There are legends in the world and then their are “legends”!! If you are a women of almost any age then I am confident you know Tupperware. I truly believe that almost every women in the US has either held or attended a Tupperware Party.

I remember being a little girl and attending parties with my mom….where I begged for the cool Tupperware glasses and toys.  Now my girls go with me and beg for cookie cutters and sandwich containers. It was an honor and pleasure to create a review for the Tupperware brand.

I was sent the Quick Chef , the Quick Shake Container , the Stuffables Mini Set and the Flat Out 4 Cup Container set.

Wow, when the IE Twins and I opened our package it was like a Tupperware dream. An amazing assortment of items to try and review. Each one of them  extremely useful and quality Tupperware.

The twins were instantly attracted to the Quick Shake! A simple concept in a convenient container…perfect for making shakes, diet drinks, marinades and dressing…and of course, chocolate milk! The twins were able to create a yummy chocolate milk treat and save the rest for later with the chill seal. Simply snap the chill seal in place and save the rest for later. Confident that it is spill proof in your refrigerator. The Quick Shake has a 2 cup capacity (500 ML) so it was generous enough so the twins could create one drink each for the both of them in one bottle.

My husband found his favorite to be the Quick Chef. My husband is the Chef in our family and he was completely enamoured with the Quick Chef. The stainless steel blade was great for his “famous” peach salsa and helped to chop up left over chicken and steak for his Pepper Jack Quesadillas!  While he was on vacation he treated us to fluffy omelets and used the Quick Chef with the paddle attachment.  I really thought all the Tupperware was for me!! Obviously I was wrong.

I did manage to snag the Stuffables Mini Set and Flat Out 4 Cup container…I have been guarding them with my life. We had family and friends over for Super Bowl Sunday and we used the Mini Set and Flat Out set as container for chips, dips and snacks. At the end of the night, I just popped the lids on and was able to save leftovers….careful that no one took them home!  My Tupperware that is…not the food, lol.

I loved the Stuffables Mini set because the lids expand to offer you more room to “Stuff” your favorite foods!! Have you ever NOT had enough room for whatever it is you wanted to save? Now, you don’t have to worry at all! The Mini set and the Super Set both come in the color Lime Aid. The Mini set has a 1, 2 and 3 cup holder while the Super set has the 4, 6 and 8 cup. I plan to get the Super Set soon.

The Flat Out 4 Cup Container set was flat out fabulous! The bowls actually collapse for storage!! How extremely cool is that? The greatest thing! They are dishwasher safe and can actually be washed flat!! The lips snap on tight and secure. These have quickly become my favorite containers for storing food and leftovers!  I loved that they were easy to store and easy to wash. Perfect!

Listen…I just don’t think you can ever go wrong with anything from Tupperware. Everything I have ever purchased in addition the amazing products I received to review were beyond my expectations.

Tupperware offers quality products, excellent home parties and a phenomenal name brand you can trust.

After 60 years of meeting ever-evolving consumer demands, Tupperware continues to create innovative and surprising solutions for the kitchen and home that feature up-to-the-minute, beautiful designs that are fun to have around. Tupperware products have been recognized and acquired by many of the world’s finest art museums and industrial design collections. Just as Earl Tupper’s early plastic products revolutionized food storage and preparation, today’s Tupperware products continue to enhance lifestyles by offering ingenious design, quality construction, and a lifetime warranty.

Tupperware is one of the most trusted names in housewares. We offer the highest quality products, with the finest design features to meet your special needs. Whether it’s getting a good, hot meal on the table at the end of a busy day, toting a nutritious lunch to work, or taking time to learn a new baking secret with your children — Tupperware makes it all possible.

Quick Chef:

A few quick turns are all it takes to chop vegetables and mix almost any recipe!

• Quick-and-easy alternative to electric food processors
• A single turn of the handle rotates blade or paddle whisk four times, saving time and effort
• Stainless steel blade effortlessly chops fruits and vegetables
• Paddle whisk quickly whips or mixes cream, salad dressings and dips
• Funnel attachment incorporates oil into mayonnaise, pesto sauce or salad dressing
• Non-skid base prevents sliding
• Includes recipes for Simply Salsa or Mango Salsa
• – Enhanced Quality Guarantee
• Chili

  
  

Stuffables Mini-Set

Award-winning solutions expand your food storage options!

Popular, award-winning containers now in three new sizes perfect for little leftovers.

No need to fuss over which size container to use. Odd-shaped or bulky foods are no match for these innovative wonders. Flexible seal expands, allowing for storage of any shape food.

• Includes one each: 1-cup/250 mL, 2-cup/500 mL, 3-cup/750 mL.
• Containers are microwave safe (remove seals).
• Now in Lime Aid.
• Complete your set with our Stuffables® Super Set.Stuffables® Containers received the prestigious “Good Buy” award from Good Housekeeping-given each year to a select group of products heralded for their innovative problem-solving designs-the remarkable FlatOut!™ Containers are another Good Buy Award winner.

Quick Shake Container:

A Marvelous Mixer for Dressings, Drinks, and Marinades!

No matter what you’re mixing, you’re just a shake away with this instant two-cup blender! The removable blending insert ensures quick, thorough mixing of virtually any ingredients: diet drinks, smoothies, milkshakes, marinades, salad dressings, scrambled eggs, pudding, and more! Perfectly shaped for the palm of your hand, this miraculous mixing machine features standard and metric measurements and Chili Seal with pouring spout. 4 1/8″Dia. x 8″H. 2-cup capacity (500 mL).

Flat Out 4 Cup Container Set

Award-winning containers go from flat to 4 cups in seconds!

Save space in your refrigerator, freezer, kitchen, handbag or briefcase with this award winning, innovative 2 Pc. Set.

• Adjustable containers collapse and flatten for space-saving storage, then expand to keep foods fresh at home or on the go.
• 4-cup/950 mL containers adjust to a 2¾ or 1¾-cup container for smaller capacities.
• Virtually airtight and liquid-tight seals offer superior storage for the pantry, fridge or freezer.
• Containers can be washed flat in dishwasher.
• Not intended for use in microwave ovens.
• Orange Peel

How to seal your FlatOut!™ Container:
Support the underside of the container’s rim with your fingers as you apply the seal. Start at one point with your thumbs and apply gentle pressure around the seal’s edge until the container is completely sealed.

Good Housekeeping “Good Buy” award winner and one of Fortune Magazine’s “25 Best Products of the Year”.

Review Opportunity Provided by Tupperware and MaloneyFox
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.

*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

Remington Men’s Flex and Pivot Triple Foil Shaver

Remington’s F-5790 electric foil shaver features an exclusive triple foil with Pivot and Flex Technology and titanium coated blades. This electric shave is rechargeable and provides a three position slide up trimmer and a 60 minute cordless run time. Clean-up is easy with this washable shaver that also feature wet/dry technology.

Features:

• Neck Pivots freely Close, comfortable shave in 1/3 the time.
• Rechargeable Cordless and Corded Razor.
• 3 Flexing Foils adjust to your face, chin & jawline.
• 3 Position Trimmer for sideburn trimming and hard to cut hairs.
• Battery Fuel Gauge shave time indicator.
• Auto World-Wide Voltage.
• Titanium Coated Foils Strong, long-lasting, durable.
• 60 Minute Runtime for 20 Days of Shaving.
• Rinseable Design cleans quickly and easily under the faucet.
• 5 Min. Quick Charge -Battery fully charges in 2 hours.
  
  With a durable, rugged design, this is more than the average electric shaver; Remington’s new foil shavers are the tools that every man will want and – even better – be able to afford.  The Pivot & Flex foil shaver is available in three different models ranging from $34.99 to $54.99. The F-4790 (MSRP: $44.99) is featured to the right and can be purchased at mass retailers nationwide and remingtonproducts.com.

One Lucky IE Mommy Friends will *WIN* a Remington Pivot and Flex Shaver F-5790

To Enter:

1. Mandatory Entry: Tell me who would received this great gift of a Remington Shaver?
2. Follow IE Mommy on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter to win the Remington Shaver Giveaway @iemommy http://www.theiemommy.com/2010/02/11/Remington Pivot and Flex Shaver
3. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
4. Friend the IE Mommy on Facebook

Contest Ends – February 21st!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by  Remington
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.

*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

Raise your hand if you like gum? By most accounts…everyone should have their hand up.  Our fascination with gum starts when we are very little.  Our craving for that sticky, sweet, sugary pink gum that will blow the largest bubbles generally is the beginning of our love affair with gum.  Of course, as you get older your tastes become more refined and that is where Dentyne Gum creates a lasting impression.

Thanks to the artwork inspired by Anthony Yankovic Dentyne Gum has taken the “idea” of chewing gum to an entire, new, elite level!

I have never carried so many packs of gum in my purse until I had children. But really, who likes a piece of gum that’s been at the bottom of “mom’s” purse? Crumpled, half-opened and yuck describes what happens to most gum packages if left in a purse or backpack.

That doesn’t have to happen any longer with the ultra cool design of the the Dentyne New Limited Edition Designer Bottles. There is cool and then there are the Dentyne Designer Bottles.

Created by Anthony Yankovic they are definite showstoppers and conversation starters. The cup is the perfect size to fit into your car’s drink holder. The durable container and flip top lid make it a dream come true for your purse or backpack and the flavors? Always Dentyne Fresh. You can choose either Peppermint, Spearmint and Arctic Chill in 12 different designs.

Gum has always been cool…but now it’s uber cool with the amazing designs, phenomenal packaging and the always delicious Dentyne flavors.

Don’t you want to be cool?

Dentyne® is a must-have socializing essential that allows socially addicted consumers to practice safe breath for the confidence to make a close connection instantly.

Dentyne® premium badge edition bottles, a first in the U.S. gum category, come in twelve bold, badgy, limited edition designs for three flavors: Peppermint, Spearmint and Arctic Chill .  See all the designs “here”.

The bottles, designed by artist Anthony Yankovic, are especially appealing to young adults who love socializing.  Anthony previously produced limited edition designs for trend and badge-driven categories like Apparel, Skateboard and Snowboards.

One Lucky IE Mommy Friends will *WIN* Anthony Yankovic  inspired Dentyne

To Enter:

1. Mandatory Entry: Tell me your opinion on the bottles and artwork. How would you get together/socialize to share your bottles of gum?
2. Follow DentyneGum on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter to win the Dentyne Gum Giveaway @iemommy @dentynegum http://www.theiemommy.com/2010/02/06/dentyne-gum
3. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
4. Friend the IE Mommy on Facebook
5. Follow IE Mommy on Twitter
   

Contest Ends – February 16th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by Dentyne Gum
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.

*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website

Well, I had a wonderful surprise with this review. I am not TONE DEAF! Imagine that? lol

We were able to review the Music Ace Deluxe and I truly believe it is a program that can benefit the entire family.

Music Ace Deluxe provides instruction, games, progress results and a doodle pad where you can create your own music.

All my life I have loved to sing but have wondered if I am hearing the tones correctly…well, I am proud to say that I am! Now, that might not seem to be a big deal to you but to a person who was raised with a father who could sing, play the guitar, keyboard and accordion…well, it was important!

I have long had a love for the piano and can not play a key so it was exciting to learn the different notes, symbols and sounds of the piano from the Music Ace Deluxe program.

When you install the program you have room to list everyone in your family as a student. As the program and lessons progress the Music Ace Deluxe will keep track of each person’s progress.   Maestro Max (who has a great accent) will instruct you on and within your lesson. Once it is completed you can go to the next one and so on.

The graphics are bright and colorful which will engage the younger children. Explanations  presented by Maestro Max are easy to understand and follow even for my 6 year olds.

My only suggestion is to purchase a compatible piano keyboard. You can learn the program and interact with the games with a computer keyboard…but in my opinion a piano keyboard would allow the lessons to flow even more smoothly.

Starting with the fundamentals the Music Ace Deluxe and Maestro Max take you on a journey which will enlighten and educate you to the world of music. For instances I never knew there was an other clef then this one: but thanks to one simple lesson I have learned that there is also a bass clef that looks like this: . For those of you that are musically inclined, gifted and talented that might be a no brainer but for me…that was a big deal.

For my daughters…it is a wonderful start and introduction into the world of music. As parents…don’t we want to share and expose our children to various subjects and arts? I know that I do. Music Ace Deluxe allowed our family to dip into the beauty of music without the intimidation.

Music Ace Deluxe™ combines 36 of the highly-engaging music lessons from the award-winning Music Ace and Music Ace 2 products into a single, carefully sequenced product.

Designed by music education professionals, Music Ace Deluxe is a comprehensive series of music lessons and games that teach beginning music students of all ages the basics of music theory, rhythm, pitch, note reading, listening, and the keyboard. No previous musical experience or instrument is required.

Under the guidance of animated tutor Maestro Max, students are led through a carefully sequenced series of music lessons. Used alone or as a complement to traditional music lessons, this program will challenge, engage and motivate music students and help them succeed by mastering important music concepts and skills.

Music Ace Deluxe also includes the creative Music Doodle Pad that allows beginners to easily compose and hear their own musical creations. The Music Doodle Pad alone provides many hours of fun and learning.

This program will challenge, engage and motivate music students and help them succeed by mastering important music concepts and skills.

• Easy to use, self-paced learning
• Complements traditional music instruction
• Appropriate for students of any instrument
• Create and play your own music
• Compatible with General MIDI keyboards (keyboard optional)
• Tracks progress of 10 users

One Lucky IE Mommy Friend will *WIN* the Music Ace Deluxe

To Enter:

1. Mandatory Entry: Sign Up for the FREE Demo at Music Ace Deluxe
   
2. Follow IE Momm on Twitter and tweet RT – Enter to win the Music Ace Giveaway @iemommy http://www.theiemommy.com/2010/02/01/music-ace-deluxe-giveaway
3. Join the IE Mommy Mailing List
4. Friend the IE Mommy on Facebook

Contest Ends – February 14th!

Open to the U.S. Only

Review Opportunity Provided by Music Ace Deluxe
Opinions are strictly those of the Blog Owner.

*Information obtained from Press Release and/or website