Christmas Has Come and Gone

I can hardly believe that Christmas is over, it seems to have come and gone so fast. 

Since I am out of work this year, my husband and I decided to forgo exchanging gifts between each other and just focus on our daughter.  Our daughter did secretly get her daddy a gift and it seems Santa thought I was a good girl this year and brought me a beautiful bracelet.


One of the thing I did miss this year was all of the great chocolate gifts that my co-workers would bring me.  No one really likes HR but at Christmas a few of them were appreciative of all I did for them over the year and would bring me treats (they all know how much of a sweet tooth I have). 
Despite being unemployed, this year was the most exciting Christmas Season that I have had in a long time. 

Wiggle Bean will be two next month (where did the time go?) so everything Christmas was new to her.  She couldn't get enough of the lights and decorations.  We had to go down the Christmas aisles in every store we went to and she would get so excited.  On one visit to Kohl's we were walking by the decoration section and loudly exclaims, "WOW, Christmas Tree".  It was a very pretty white tree full of red decorations.  I asked her if she liked it and her response was a resounding "I LOVE IT".  There was a lady in the section (I could tell she was listening without trying to look like she was listening) and she just started laughing out loud. 

It was so fun to see how excited she got about everything, she loved decorating the tree so much that we decorated a smaller tree for her room and she decorated the tree at two of her grandparents houses.

We took her to Wyoming for a quick Pre-Christmas visit with Grandma and Grandpa. She got to enjoy the snow and loved it.  She was so adorable in her snow suit and I was thrilled to actually get to use it.

Goodbye Christmas, and hello 2011.  I look forward to what the new year brings.  I hope to find a job soon but I am loving being a Stay at Home Mom, it a ton of fun!

Are You Pair Savvy? How to pair Cheese and Wine.

Are you Pair Savvy?  I'll tell you now that I am not.  I have always wanted to know how to pair wine (or beer) with different foods and cheeses. 

Well guess what, they have an App for that! and just in time for all the holiday parties.

Pair Savvy is a user-friendly application that works on both iPhone and Android devices and allows users to search by cheese, wine or beer varieties based on personal preference. California cheesemakers make more than 250 varieties and styles of Real California Cheese, everything from bandage wrapped Cheddar to award-winning Brie.

Here’s how it works: 
Download Pair Savvy to your mobile device and you can select by cheese, wine or beer. If you don't have a compatible mobile device, users can still use the Pair Savvy site to find savvy pairings.

Pair Savvy will come up with a pairing that has a list of suggested cheeses, California cheesemakers and brand names they can purchase at retail.  So cool!

Some pairings even suggest fruit accompaniments, which is great when putting together a cheese plate or display.  Users can also save pairings and rate the pairings they have tried.  There’s even a “Surprise Pairing” option for the more daring at heart. 

This fun app is available for free download, just in time for holiday events.  A beautiful, perfectly paired selection of cheeses and beverages will make you the most celebrated host or hostess and the favorite guest at every party you attend. 

Real California Cheese Pair Savvy is available today to most smart phone users through their mobile browser.

For the iPhone:  Visit the App Store, search for “Pair Savvy” then download for free (available soon).

For Android users: Visit the Android Marketplace, search for “Pair Savvy” then download for free.

Better yet, Pair Savvy is linked to Real California Milk so the app will update automatically with no need to download future updated versions. 

Dairy products – including cheese – made with California milk can be identified by the Real California Milk and Real California Cheese seal, which certifies that the products are made exclusively with milk produced on California dairy farms.  Ninety-nine percent of California dairy farms are family-owned. California produces more fluid milk, butter, ice cream, yogurt and nonfat dry milk than any other state. The state is the second-largest producer of cheese, which is available nationally under the Real California Cheese seal.

** Disclaimer: I am sharing this information thanks to my membership at One2One Network.  No monetary compensation was received but I was entered into a prize drawing for posting the information**

COCA-COLA® DONATES $120,000 TO TOYS FOR TOTS TO HELP OPEN HAPPINESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

What’s Santa Claus like? He’s just like us:

Toys For Tots needs your help to put thousands of gifts in the hands of childrens and teens this holiday season. Coca-Cola is making it easier by asking people to donate their My Coke Rewards points to help generate gifts for underprivileged kids.

COCA-COLA® DONATES $120,000 TO TOYS FOR TOTS TO HELP OPEN HAPPINESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON

My Coke Rewards Toys For Tots Gift Drive to Provide Thousands of
Presents for Underprivileged Kids

Festive Holiday Events in Eight Cities to Feature
Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan and Additional Donations to Toys For Tots

Also in the Spirit of Giving, More Than Three Million Mini-Cans of Free
Coca-Cola Products to Be Delivered to Homes Across The Country 

ATLANTA, Dec. 8, 2010 -- Ho Ho Ho. ‘Tis the season for giving! Coca-Cola is making it easy for people to help others have a Merry Christmas with a national online gift drive benefitting Toys for Tots.  From now through December 31, Coca-Cola is spreading happiness by asking people to donate their My Coke Rewards points at www.mcr.com/holiday, to help generate gifts for underprivileged kids. The goal is to raise five million My Coke Rewards points, which would enable Toys for Tots to put thousands of gifts in the hands of children and teens. In addition, Coca-Cola is donating $120,000 to Toys for Tots which will be divided among eight cities across America.

“Coca-Cola has been an uplifting and magical part of the holiday season for decades, just like Toys For Tots,” said Stuart Kronauge, Vice President, Coca-Cola Trademark Brands, Coca-Cola North America. “With our My Coke Rewards points donation drive, we’re offering people a simple way to support Toys For Tots and celebrate the spirit of giving.  Through the generosity of My Coke Rewards members, together we’ll help make the holidays special for families in need.”

Participating is easy for anyone, anywhere.  Registered My Coke Rewards members can donate their points to Toys for Tots by entering codes found on 13 participating Coca-Cola products at www.mycokerewards.com.  As the donations accumulate, Toys for Tots will be able to redeem them for gifts such as toys, skateboard helmets and basketballs.

 “Coca-Cola’s holiday program is an essential partner in helping us achieve our goal to help families across the country,” said Lt. General Pete Osman, President and Chief Executive Officer, Marine Toys for Tots Foundation. “By giving people a simple opportunity to donate their My Coke Rewards points, they can provide thousands of less fortunate children and teens with a chance to open some much-needed happiness this holiday season.”

Coca-Cola Spreads Holiday Cheer with Special Events in Eight Cities

In addition to the My Coke Rewards gift drive, Coca-Cola is kicking off the fourth year of its partnership with Toys For Tots with an eight-city toy drive linked to the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan tour.  The Caravan is made up of five semi-trucks brilliantly illuminated with 25,000 twinkling lights, designed to create a festive wonderland for children and adults alike.  At each Caravan stop/toy drive, Coca-Cola will donate $15,000 to the local Toys For Tots organization, for a total donation of $120,000.  Toy drives/Caravan stops will take place in Los Angeles, Washington, D.C., El Paso, New York City, Atlanta, San Jose, Pittsburgh and Chicago.  The program highlights Coca-Cola's annual effort to spread cheer and bring families together for the holidays. To find the nearest location where the Coca-Cola Caravan will be, please visit
http://holidaycaravantour.com/

My Coke Rewards is the Homepage for Holiday Cheer

People visiting mycokerewards.com will find easy holiday recipes created by celebrity chefs, e-cards to send to family and friends and great gift ideas, in addition to the Toys For Tots point donation program.  Until the end of the year, My Coke Rewards members can instantly win prizes from Coca-Cola and Sony that encourage active family fun like the new PlayStation® Move motion controller. Two lucky winners per hour will win a PlayStation Move motion controller bundle and a game of their choice.  In addition, two grand-prize winners each day will be awarded a PlayStation® 3 system, a PlayStation Move motion controller bundle and a game of their choice.

Thousands to Enjoy Free Coca-Cola Products

In December, Coca-Cola is making special stops at thousands of homes across the country to spread a little holiday cheer with free Coca-Cola products. Approximately 3.1 mini-cans of Coca-Cola, Diet Coke and Coca-Cola Zero will be distributed to random households by street teams traveling in specially wrapped vans. The effort is part of the “Happy Holidays! Have A Coke On Us” program, which runs through the end of the year.

New Coca-Cola Holiday Commercial Features “Snow Globe” Theme

Refreshing a tradition of engaging holiday campaigns, Coca-Cola introduced a new, global holiday television commercial which will air in more than 90 countries around the world. The commercial, entitled “Snow Globe,” features iconic Coca-Cola holiday imagery including Santa Claus, the Coca-Cola Holiday Caravan trucks and the Coca-Cola Polar Bear, as well as a new song, “Shake Up Christmas,” written and performed by Grammy Award-winning band

Train.  The spot features vignettes which show people who are separated from friends and family at the holidays. As the ad progresses, it’s revealed that the people are characters inside a snow globe which sits on Santa’s desk.  While taking a break to enjoy a Coca-Cola, Santa gently tilts the snow globe, creating a chain of events which reunites the lonely individuals with loved ones.

Festive Holiday Packaging on Store Shelves

PlayStation Move motion controller bundles and PlayStation 3 systems.

The Iconic Coca-Cola Santa

In 1931, Haddon Sundblom was commissioned by Coca-Cola to illustrate the image of Santa Claus for a magazine advertising campaign.  His distinctive interpretation of St. Nick depicted a merry gentleman with rosy cheeks, a fluffy white beard and a red outfit with a large black belt. Since that time, the Coca-Cola Santa has become one of the most universal images of the jolly old elf, making Coca-Cola’s connection to Christmas recognizable around the world.

About The Marine Corps Toys for Tots Foundation

Toys for Tots, a 63 year national charitable program run by the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve, provides happiness and hope to economically disadvantaged children during each Christmas holiday season. The toys, books and other gifts collected and distributed by the Marines offer these children recognition, confidence and a positive memory for a lifetime. It is such experiences that help children become responsible citizens and caring members of their

community. Last year the Marine Corps fulfilled the holiday hopes and dreams of 7.4 million less fortunate children in nearly 700 communities nationwide. For more information, visit www.toysfortots.org.

About My Coke Rewards

With almost 15 million registered members, www.mycokerewards.com is one of the top consumer packaged goods loyalty websites and the number one beverage website in the U.S.  My Coke Rewards helps consumers find lots of little and big things that put a smile on their face every time they enjoy a Coca-Cola product. Consumers may join My Coke Rewards by going online and setting up a rewards account at www.mycokerewards.com.  Members then accumulate points by entering the My Coke Rewards codes found under the cap or on the inside flap of fridge packs of any of the hundreds of participating products in a variety of brands and sizes. My Coke Rewards codes may also be found on bonus offers on cups, scratch cards and coupons. Members then easily redeem rewards for great prizes and gifts, enter sweepstakes or donate points to their local school, favorite charity or cause. Since its inception in 2006, My Coke Rewards members have entered more than 1 billion codes from participating brands.

About The Coca-Cola Company

The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE: KO) is the world's largest beverage company, refreshing consumers with more than 500 sparkling and still brands. Together with Coca-Cola, recognized as the world's most valuable brand, the Company's portfolio includes 14 billion dollar brands, including Diet Coke, Fanta, Sprite, Coca-Cola Zero, vitaminwater, Powerade, Minute Maid, Simply and Georgia Coffee. Globally, we are the No. 1 provider of sparkling beverages, juices and juice drinks and ready-to-drink teas and coffees. Through the world's largest beverage distribution system, consumers in more than 200 countries enjoy the Company's beverages at a rate of 1.6 billion servings a day. With an enduring commitment to building sustainable communities, our Company is focused on initiatives that protect the environment, conserve resources and enhance the economic development of the communities where we operate. For more information about our Company, please visit our website at
www.thecoca-colacompany.com 

Finally a Flash Sale Group For Outdoor Enthusiasts!

By now, I am sure you have all seen and joined (if not, feel free to use my links) many of the flash sale groups where they offer quick (24-72 hours usually) sales where you can save up to 70% on merchandise.

There are so many that I could spend all day looking at the great sales.  Here are some of my favorites!

For men's and women's fashion and accessories there is Envius, Swirl, HauteLook, Editors' Closet, Beyond the Rack, Ideeli, GILT Group (also has children's, home and travel), and Ivory Trunk. 

For children's clothing and toys I like Zulily, Totsy, LilLuxe and The Mini Social. 

There are even flash sales for wine and food at Wine Shopper, and Invino

Don't forget the Local Sales Sites like Groupon, myEzDeal, and Living Social (they give you 5 Deal Bucks for signing up!) where you can purchase steeply discounted products from local retailers.

I clearly shop to much!!!

With all of these sale sites, outdoor enthusiasts have been overlooked.  Until now!

The Clymb is a private sale network that will give you access to insider pricing from an amazing group of outdoor brands. If you climb, hike, run, ride, paddle or ski, you’re gonna love this. The Clymb will hook you up with deep discounts, usually 50-70% off retail, on gear from a different leading brand each week. Each brand’s product is available for 3 days only or until it’s sold out. Membership is free and by invite only. Want to join?  Click HERE!!!

Still Need To Get Your Holiday Do? Check Out Today'd myEZdeal!

You deserve to be spoiled! 

$49 for your choice of beauty treatment at Chameleon Salon ($99 value and BOTH choices include haircut and style)

Choose between 2 relaxing treatments to restore shine and health to your hair!

 ..This ezdeal includes:
Get ready to be spoiled...
You know you deserve it!
Choose between:

A Clear Shine or Color Glaze

or

A Tea Tree Sugar Scrub Treatment

But that's not all!
Both options include:
A scalp massage, haircut, blow-dry style and shine irons

Located at
7015 N. Greenley Avenue
Portland, OR 97217..
Email: chameleonsalonnw@yahoo.com
Phone: (888)231-2774
Website: www.ChameleonNW.com

Other EZdeals for today: (more coming soon!)

Nashville, TN: $15 for an assortment of a Dozen Cupcakes at Sparkle Cupcake Company (Value $30)

Click Here To Check Out Today's EZdeal

Colic and Gas in Newborns

With my daughter's second birthday coming up next month, I can not believe that two years has gone by so fast.  Lately I am finding myself looking at photos and thinking about the early days. 

Before she was born my husband and I discussed how we both were concerned with the amounts of chemicals in foods and bath products.  We decided that we would feed her as much natural and organic food as possible and would use bath products that contained as few ingredients as possible with a strong desire to have them be natural. 

I consider myself lucky that I never had to experience a baby with colic.  My sister on the other hand was not so lucky, she told me all about how colic in newborns causes sleepless nights (for both her and her son), uncontrollable crying, and terrible stomach pain.  She felt helpless and at a loss for how to make her son feel better.  I am not sure how she did it, I could not imaging feeling helpless and unable to stop my child's pain. 

I might have been lucky when it came to colic but I was not as lucky when it came to gas.  My daughter liked to eat fast and not matter how much I tried, I could not always get her to burp.  I tried the popular gas drops that were on the market but they must not have agreed with her.  She spit them up both times I gave them to her (so I stopped using them).  I wish I knew (at the time) of a natural way to cure newborn gas pain.  

At my newborn mommy and me classes, I often heard the other mom's talking about something called Gripe water but I never really knew what it was.  I looked it up and it sounded like a great product but I was not thrilled with it not being FDA approved.  Most gripe water products on the market are classified as dietary supplements.  Did you know that dietary supplements require no safety testing and that claims made by their manufacturers are rarely founded. 



*** brought to you by your friends at http://www.coliccalm.com/ ***

Give Back with GiveBack.org

Shopping online this season?  Why not have a percentage of your purchases go towards charity. 

What is GiveBack? 

GiveBack is a site where you can create your own personal giving foundation. 

You can donate money to your own foundation and get an immediate tax deduction and you can fund your account by shopping at any of GiveBack's hundreds or retailers through your GiveBack link and a percentage of your purchase (up to 15%) will go directly into your GiveBack account.

Then, you get the satisfaction of donating your GiveBack funds to any charity registered in the U.S. be it a large national charity or a local organization in your community.  

Over Thirty Mommy's thoughts and experience
I am delighted to have found Giveback.org.  I enjoy shopping very much but with a little one in tow, I find it difficult to get out and get it all done with out interrupting nap time or lunch time.  Online shopping has always been one of my favorite past times, I might even shop online now more than in the store.

Now that we are a one income family, we do not have as much disposable income so our charitable donations have gone down a little bit but this is a great was for us to have a percentage of the purchases I would already be making go towards the charities of my choosing.

This feature might be my favorite, I can put together my list of foundations to support and dictate where my money goes.

Signing up for my account was fast and easy, took less than 5 minutes and I picked a couple of great charities that are local and important to me.   You even get $5 from Serena Williams & MISSION when you start your GiveBack Foundation.

***I was not paid to feature this post!  By posting about this contest, I will be entered in a drawing for a giveaway thanks to One2OneNetwork.com ***

Do You Know "America's Most Amazingly Energized Woman"?

This holiday season, the makers of Centrum® multivitamins and Molly Shannon are in search of “America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman” and they want your help!

In celebration of women who live life and love to the fullest by staying healthy and energized, even during the busiest time of the year, Centrum® is kicking off a new contest.

Visit LoveFeelingHealthy.com to nominate yourself or someone special in your life.  Tell them your secret to maintaining healthy energy levels so you can enjoy the great things the holiday season brings – including friends and family time, giving gifts, hosting parties, and so much more!

Participants are asked to submit 300 words or less that explains how you (or who you nominate) does it all. Nominations are being accepted until January 3, 2011 (12pm EST).  Contest open to US residents only.

Five finalists will be selected and then, from January 17-31, 2011, the public can cast their votes for who should be coined “America’s Most Amazingly Energized Woman.”

 

PRIZING

• Grand Prize: $3,000 XPERIENCE DAYS Gift Certificate.
• Four (4) Runner-Up Prizes: $400 XPERIENCE DAYS Gift Certificate
  

XPERIENCE DAYS offers thousands of unique gift experiences nationwide.

Sweepstakes Rules & Regulations Here.

Achieve better health during the holiday season! Download a $3 coupon for Centrum® Women’s or Centrum® Men’s.


***I was not paid to feature this post!  By posting about this contest, I will be entered in a drawing for a giveaway of  Visa GC's thanks to One2OneNetwork.com on behalf of Centrum.***

2010 Holiday Gift Guide Winners List

Winners are usually posted on the Winners Page but since there are so many Holiday Gift Guide contests that ended last night, I decided to put them all in a special Holiday Gift Guide Winner post.

I hope you all had fun and enjoyed the 2010 Over Thirty Mommy Holiday Gift Guide.  I had a blast and learned some new things that will help me improve and make next year's gift guide bigger and better.

Merry Christmas to all and congratulations to all the winners.  A special thank you to all my gift guide sponsors.


____________________________________________________________________________
MoBeam Numi Key (5 winners)

Congratulations to:  weeblet

Congratulations to:  Traci Fritz

Congratulations to:  Kristin

Congratulations to: lewalk

Congratulations to:  weeblet Weeblet was kind enought to pass on winning a second MoBeam Numi key and a new winner was drawn. 

Congratulations to: Shellie & Brutus




____________________________________________________________________________
Shenzhen Ceramic Knives

 congratulations to: ezmerelda
____________________________________________________________________________
Brodie & The Yeti

Congratulations to: James Coyne

Congratulations to: Jessica
____________________________________________________________________________
Galloping Minds

Congratulations to:  Anonymous

Congratulations to:   lewalk

Congratulations to:   DianaT (Your Email is not showing in your blogger profile so I have no way to email you!!!) Please contact me!!!!!

 Congratulations to: twinmomoftwins

Congratulations to:   Tylerpants
____________________________________________________________________________
Barefoot Books

Congratulations to:  Deb K
____________________________________________________________________________
EZ Sox

Congratulations to:  Momma Lyngheim

____________________________________________________________________________
miYim Good Earth Fairy Doll

 Congratulations to: Teegan Briggs
____________________________________________________________________________
Elephantito Boutique Clothing $100 Gift Certificate

Congratulations to:  Nancy

____________________________________________________________________________
Zuvo 150 Water Filtration System

Congratulations to: Betty C

____________________________________________________________________________
Maclaren Volo Stroller

 Congratulations to: Tylerpants
____________________________________________________________________________
George Foreman Healthy Cooking Evolve Grill

Congratulations to: Michele P.










Congratulations to all my 2010 Holiday Gift Guide winners, emails have gone out to all except DianaT (no email in entry).  Please contact me ASAP and I will forward info to the sponsor so that there might be a chance to get your prizes in time for Christmas.

NBC's "Community" Stop-Motion Animated Christmas Episode

NBC's "Community," is a comedy series about a band of misfits who attend Greendale Community College.  It is only fitting that since they are "misfits", they created an animated holiday special.

The Community holiday special, Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas, will air on Thursday December 9th at 8 pm EST/ 7pm CST.  

The episode is rated TV-PG ( I only noticed one scene that was adult oriented but it was quick and obscure enough that young children would not understand it) However, since it is based around a show for older viewers, it would probably not be understood by young children.

 

About the episode

Abed has lost the meaning of Christmas and has delusions that they are all now stop animated.  When Abed's fixation on Christmas goes a little too far, the school threatens to expel him.  His friends rally together to help him by and enlisting the help of Professor Duncan. The group undergoes hypnosis to explore Abed's winter wonderland and soon unravel the truth behind Abed’s delusions. 

Over Thirty Mommy's thoughts

I have a fondness for stop motion and this episode was really cute.  It was interesting to see a Christmas special not geared towards children.  It was refreshing to have a holiday special help reiterate the real meaning of Christmas.  

With out giving to much away, here is what I came away with from Abed's Uncontrollable Christmas.  I have not had the chance to see the Community yet (but will be looking for it on demand so that I can catch up) but I did not feel that I was left out of the episode since I was not a regular viewer.  I really like stop animation so I had a goof feeling about the special going in to it.  It all starts with Abed waking up and losing the meaning of Christmas, this causes him to realize that they are all in stop animation but no one else notices.  He starts singing and jumping on cars until he is tazed.  The school wanted to expel him so his friends tricked him into seeing a therapist who tells Abed that he is The Christmas Wizard and that they are going to do Christmas-Nosi.  They all go to Planet Abed and his Winter Wonderland.  All of his friends get changed into Christmas characters, Jeff-in-the-Box, Britta Bot, Baby Shirley (which she was not thrilled about), Annie Ballerina, Troy Soldier, and Teddy Bear.  When each of his friends inhibits his growth, they are expelled from Planet Abed by the Christmas Terradactyl.  After the Wizard has a bad memory from his childhood, he quits helping Abed and becomes negative.  Two of Abed's friends fight off the Negative Christmas Wizard and help him escape to find the meaning of Christmas on his own (well not totally).  He continues on to find a package containing the meaning of Christmas and opens it to find ... (HA, you thought I was going to tell you!  no way).  He then loses hope and turns to ice when the negative Christmas Wizard returns and reveals why Abed lost the meaning of Christmas but all of his friends return to save him and fight off the Wizard with Magic Christmas Weapons that blast the Wizard with snow balls.  Abed eventually thaws out and has an epiphany revealing the real meaning of Christmas, which is ....... (If I didn't tell you what was in the box, why would I tell you what the real meaning of Christmas is!) 


Are you one of those people that can't wait until Christmas and have to peek early (I admit it, I am a huge peeker!) Well if you are, here you go!





Want to find out what was in the box or what the meaning of Christmas is?  Watch NBS tonight Thursday December 9th at 8 pm EST/ 7pm CST. 




***Disclaimer: I was not paid any monetary compensation for posting about the NBC Community Holiday Special.  I took part in a campaign through One2One Network, for my participation, I will be entered to win a prize.***

Dremel Multi-Max Oscilating Tool Review and Giveaway (and helpful tips!)

I admit it, I am a woman that knows very little about the tools my husband is always putting on his Christmas wish list.  If you are anything like me, you stand in the middle of the tool aisle with a blank stare on your face and a glazed look in your eye until a wonderful sales person comes to your rescue.

Now that I am a stay at home mom, I have been working on little projects around the house and learning a little more about tools but I am still at a loss for anything more than a drill, hammer, screwdrivers or other simple tools.  Now that is not to say I have not attempted to or needed to use some other item in his tool collection.

The Dremel Multi-Max is one of those tools that might even make it to the top of my Christmas list (better yet, I will sneak it on hubby's list and swipe it).  Yep a tool on my list!   The Multi-Max oscillating tool offers the power and freedom to take your Multi-Max anywhere. It can take on a variety of projects that involve repair, remodeling, or restoration. The Multi-Max can be used for cutting, grinding, sanding, scraping and grout removal.  Many of which I have done (I assume the hard way) over the past few months, this tool would have been so handy.

I am not a big fan of power tools, they startle me when they start up with such force no matter how much I try to prepare myself for it (kind of like opening a can of Pillsbury biscuits, I know it is going to pop but it gets me every time).  The cordless Dremel Multi-Max offers a soft-start feature that minimizes abrupt starts and provides a feeling of control as the tool ramps up to the desired speed, as well as an electric break that stops the tool’s oscillation immediately when it is turned off.  Don't you hate it when you are using a cordless tool and the battery just dies on you?  The Dremel Multi-Max features an on-tool battery fuel gauge that allows you to keep track of battery life while working.

Decoding the Oscillating Aisle (copy provided by sponsor)

Everyone – from your favorite tool blog to your local home improvement store – seems to be buzzing about oscillating tools these days. But what exactly are oscillating tools, and how can shoppers figure out if they need one and which one is best for their needs?

Ask yourself the following questions, and be sure you know each of the answers, before making a purchase to ensure you find the best solution for your needs:

- What are oscillating tools?

Oscillating tools are compact, yet full-featured multi-tasking tools designed for a wide range of home projects, especially repair, restoration, installation, remodeling and renovation work. A variety of blades attach to the tip of the tool and oscillate from side to side at high speeds in a small arc so that the blades appear to be vibrating.

- What can oscillating tools do?

By switching out the blade, oscillating tools can be used to tackle a wide variety of applications and materials, including wood, laminates, metal, grout, adhesives and drywall. Many people know that oscillating tools cut and sand. What they might not know is that they can be used for so much more, including grinding, scraping, flush cutting, plunge cutting, caulk removal, grout removal and more.

- Why would I need an oscillating tool?

Users find that oscillating tools often accomplish what other tools in their toolboxes can’t, and many times turn typically time-consuming projects into ones that are much more manageable. For example, oscillating tools allow users to make cuts in tight spaces. They turn the process of installing new flooring into an easy job: Using a scraping blade, power scrape tacky flooring adhesive to remove existing flooring. Then, cut rolls of carpet in manageable pieces with a cutting blade. Flush-cut baseboards to install new tile flooring with a wood cutting blade.

Additional common applications include removing tile grout and tub adhesive, sanding down old wooden furniture, removing rust, grinding out thin set beneath a tile, cutting drywall to install an electrical outlet or cutting an old pipe flush to a wall.

-How much do I need to spend on an oscillating tool?

Oscillating tools have a wide range of price tags, from $70 all the way up to $400. You should consider several factors in determining how much you should spend on an oscillating tool:

-          How will you be using the tool?

If you are planning to use an oscillating tool frequently in a professional setting, you will need to opt for a tool that offers the highest level of performance. Typically, these tools have the highest price tags. The homeowner planning to use an oscillating tool for work around the house can find all the features he or she needs in a tool priced around $100 - $150, such as the Dremel Multi-Max, which comes in a corded or cordless variety. While less expensive tools can also be used for home improvement tasks, they offer far less versatility and range of use.

-          What tool features are important to you?

Users who want to get the most versatility out of their oscillating tool should opt for one with variable speed. Most tools on the low end of the price scale only offer a single speed. Other nice features to have include: electronic feedback, so the tool maintains a constant speed under pressure, and an electronic brake, which stops the tool immediately when it is turned off. 

             

-Are accessories compatible between systems?

Typically, oscillating tools are not compatible with all brands of oscillating accessories. There is some crossover between brands, so check packaging before you buy to confirm which accessories will work with the tool you select. However, oscillating tool manufacturers are continually working to increase the versatility of their oscillating tool systems. The Dremel brand recently introduced a new Dremel Multi-Max Universal Adapter, which allows users of all brands of oscillating tools to utilize the brand’s patented Quick Fit oscillating accessories. Quick Fit accessories cut the time it takes to change oscillating accessories in half, compared to the time competitive systems require.

For more information on oscillating tool systems, visit www.dremel.com.

Top Five Money-Saving Winter Projects (visit here for details on completing each project)

1. Create a festive, wooden door hanging: Avoid annual holiday decoration costs by making your own personalized door hanging out of sturdy wood to withstand yearly wear and tear. 

2.  Install a humidifier: As dry, winter air settles in, you can keep the air in your home moist by installing a whole-house humidifier. Adding moisture to the air ensures your house will hold heat longer, reducing utility costs. 

3. Make a wine rack: Wine racks make great holiday gifts – especially when they’re handmade, one-of-a-kind and easy for the gift giver to make. 

4.  Replace window glazing: A little preparation before winter weather rolls in can keep your utility costs low as you turn the heat up. Replacing old window glazing is a simple way to reduce drafts that can increase heating costs.

5. Insulate light switches and door frames: Another way to reduce heating costs is to insulate drafty light switches and door frames with expandable foam insulation. On existing walls, select a minimal-expanding foam insulation to prevent any distortion of the frame or wall due to over expansion of the foam. 

Looking for more great projects to do with your Dremel tools, check out their projects and community section

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Giveaway ends midnight PST on December 19th

**Disclaimer: I was not paid in any form of cash for this posting.   I will receive a Dremel Multi-Max tool for the purpose of this review .  This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the.**