APRA International Fragrance Company

APRA International Fragrance Company

Perfumes and fragrances are one of those products that can be found on wish lists every Christmas.  I have a mother, sister, sister-in-law and a teenage niece that all have fragrances on their wish lists. 

These new APRA fragrances will make great gifts and wonderful stocking stuffers for the girls/women on your shopping list.

About APRA:

Apra International LLC. is a leading fragrance company known for creating high-quality, affordably priced celebrity/designer fragrances. By introducing up and coming celebrity fragrances at affordable prices, Apra plans to carve out a piece of mass market fragrance sales by giving its consumer base something that the other leading market fragrance companies cannot offer due to their competitor’s inefficient cost structure.

  Just launched at Target stores for the affordable price of $5.99 each, these 5 high quality body sprays are inspired by the cult of self-expressive body art and spun into a modern collection that celebrates individuality and personal style

Targeted to a young, hip, trendy audience, lightly fragranced body sprays have become a popular everyday beauty/grooming essential for both sexes. Used after showering or as a pick-me-up during the day, these body sprays refresh and revive the senses, with just the right amount of scent. The Tattooed by Inky collection offers 5 distinctive scents---two men’s, two women’s, and one unisex. The women’s scents are subtle and evocative; the men’s are appropriately brisk and masculine; and the freshness of the unisex version appeals to both genders.

·         MONKEY BUSINESS (male) - for the smart, funny, no-nonsense guy with a lovable bad boy streak. Has a bold blend of leather, lavender, pepper and sandalwood.

·         DRAKO (male) - for the strong, enigmatic and fiery guy with an elemental blend of spices, musk and precious woods.

·         A MI AMOR (female) - vividly captures all your loving feelings of passion and romance with a complex blend of white florals, vanilla and amber.

·         SUDDEN FREEDOM (female) – for the confident, vibrant and independent woman who reaches for the stars and inspires others to do the same. A fresh and feminine bouquet of aquatic florals, pink jasmine and warm rosewood, this scent innately captures your charismatic spirit and style.

·         KOI (unisex) – for the easy going, colorful personality and affectionate nature who also has a resilient strength and courage of convictions. An intricate blend of radiant citrus, ginger and the warmth of patchouli, Koi shows off your many sides.

Jordin Sparks’ First Ever Fragrance

“Because of You”

This October, Grammy nominated platinum recording artist and Broadway star, Jordin Sparks, is unveiling her first ever fragrance line with the fruity floriental scent titled, “Because of You”- thoughtfully named by Sparks to pay tribute to her fans that have helped her to achieve her dreams. Scents have always inspired memories and captured adventures for Jordin and she hopes to create new experiences for her fans through her new attainable, yet sumptuous scent. With her fans at the forefront of her mind, Jordin will release this high quality fragrance at an affordable price that is available for sale across the United States. Jordin has always been an avid fan of fragrances and was highly involved in the creation of her new, signature scent with award winning Perfumers, to ensure that it would be unique and represent her young and vibrant personality and embrace her creative force.

Fragrance Assortment and Suggested Retail Prices:

•      2.5 fl oz Eau de Parfum Spray - $17.95

•      On the Go Mini Gift Set - $6.95

o    .2 fl oz Eau de Parfum Spray

o    1.65 oz Moisturizing Body Lotion

•      Fragrance Luxuries Gift Set - $19.95

o    2.5 fl oz Eau de Parfum Spray

o    3.4 oz Moisturizing Body Lotion

o    .21 fl oz Eau de Parfum Spray

Availability: Kmart, Walmart, Sears stores, Dots stores, Rainbow stores and www.jordinsparksbeauty.com

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts

I have a collection of fragrances that I rarely wear any more since my husband is sensitive to them. So I am always on the look out for fragrances and body sprays that have a lighter scent to them.  The new Tattooed fragrance sprays are light and not too overbearing like some that I have smelled (whew, if you have ever walked into a department store perfume department, you know exactly what I mean!).  Not to mention that awesome designs of the spray bottles. How awesome are they!  I want to purchase these just for the cool bottles.  It is also great that they have scents designed for men. 

When it comes to scents, I prefer a fruit based scent over a flowery scent.  I am just not a flowery kind of gal but I know many people that are.  This makes the Jordin Sparks perfume perfect since it is both fruit and flower based.  I also think it is fantastic that it is affordable, it is hard to find celebrity lines of anything that come at reasonable prices.

STAY TUNED, I MIGHT BE ADDING A GIVEAWAY TO THIS POST SOON!!!

**Disclaimer: products.**   

Christmas Dinner for Less

Christmas Dinner for Less

Cooking Christmas dinner does not have to hurt your wallet especially if you are just coming off from cooking Thanksgiving dinner. Saving on Christmas dinner is not difficult or time consuming, it is just about taking advantage of coupons, sales and discounts that retailers, grocery stores and manufacturers are offering you.

Get Organized
At least 3 weeks before the dinner, start putting together your menu. Make a list of the ingredients you are going to need. Being organized from the beginning will allow you to take advantage of the following tips. So, make your list and check it twice.

Look for the Sales
Two to three weeks before the Holiday, grocery stores and retailers who now sell groceries, will put on sales on the ingredients most used in Holiday dinners. The best way to look up these sales is through their weekly ads. Grocery stores release them on Wednesdays and retailers release them on Sunday. If you are not currently subscribed to your local newspaper purchase it on those days or look up the store's ads online. Non-perishable ingredients can be purchased two weeks out and perishable items should still be purchased in a timely manner, but not at the last minute.

Check for Discounts
Now that you are organized and know what the current sales are, it's time to look for the discounts. Discounts will take place on top of the sales. Grocery stores and retailers will offer discounts for those who purchase items in bulk. If you know that yes indeed you will be able to go through 10 cans of broth either for Christmas dinner or at some point before the expiration date on the cans, now is the time to buy and save.

Coupons
Coupons are your best friend. If you are still not subscribed to your local newspaper, now is the time to consider doing so. Just subscribing to your Sunday edition will allow you to always stay up to date on what coupons are being released every Sunday. You can find coupons for the ingredients you will need for your Christmas dinner. Coupon savings are savings that add up easily and quickly, just clip and tuck them in your wallet so that you don't forget them on your next shopping trip. You can also find coupons on your favorite retailers website as well as on the manufacturer's website. Just click and print.



If All Else Fails
Now, if you did just come off cooking Thanksgiving dinner and are committed to providing Christmas as well, don't forget that you have the option of having dinner cooked for you. Most grocery stores and restaurants now sells Holiday meals with all the trimmings. Not only will you save money, but you will also save time in the kitchen. These Holiday meals just require reheating.

Yes, you can cook Christmas dinner for less by getting organized, taking advantage of sales, discounts and coupons. If all else fails, you can always purchase a Holiday meal that saves money and time.


As a couponer, Mary Blanchard knows the ins and outs of the best deals. She has found many of her best deals on the Coupon Croc, check them out and see why she recommends them.

Photo credits: 11.05.2010 by Lori L. Stalteri/flickr; Mel #123 (Sunday) by dmdonahoo/flickr; Cooking by Jason Ippolito/flickr

Isotoner SmarTouch Gloves (giveaway)

Isotoner SmarTouch Gloves (giveaway)

With smarTouch® gloves from ISOTONER®, you can operate handheld touchscreen devices while wearing gloves. They are compatible with most touchscreen devices including smartphones, mp3 players, ATM's, gas pumps and GPS devices.

• The thumb and index finger are embroidered with conductive thread that conveys an electrical impulse to the touchscreen. This unique patent pending construction gives these gloves exceptional performance, allowing for pinpoint accuracy.
• Signature stretch materials provide superior fit and flexibility
• The non-slip palm improves grip
• Water repellent

THROW YOUR MISFIT INTO THE MIX

VIEW AND VOTE OR ENTER NOW

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts:
I have worn Isotoner gloves for many years, they are always comfortable and stylish.  I love wearing gloves, even though it does not get that cold here where I live.  My only complaint is that it is difficult to use my touch screen smartphone with gloves on.  That is now a problem of the past!  I recently took a trip to Amsterdam and brought my new Isotoner SmarTouch gloves with me.  Thankfully the weather was dry but it was chilly and foggy most days.  Did I let that stop me and Wiggle Bean from becoming masters of the tram and jetting all over town to visit all the sights and scenes of the great city?  NO!  We were on the go non stop and since I am directionally challenged, I relied heavily on my smartphone (with downloaded Amsterdam app!) to guide me around the city.  We bundled up in our coats, hats, scarves and gloves and were off so see all we could in the few short days we had to explore. With my SmarTouch gloves I was able to use my phone without having to take them off.  It was fantastic!  The gloves has sensors in both the pointer finger and the thumb and a non slip grip on the palms (great feature since I am know for being clumsy and drop things on a regular basis)


Where to Purchase:
Isotoner SmarTouch gloves can be purchased at many retailers across the country.

Xbox Kinect: Alvin and the Chipmunks Chipwrecked

ALVIN AND THE CHIPMUNKS™: CHIPWRECKED VIDEO GAME NOW AVAILABLE ON KINECT FOR XBOX 360, Wii AND NINTENDO DS!

Dance Along with Your Favorite Chipmunks and Chipettes in this Exciting Musical Adventure

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is a full-body motion-based dance experience on Kinect for Xbox 360 and Wii™ that is fun for all ages. Players can choose to dance to multiple routines as their favorite ‘Munk (Alvin, Simon, and Theodore) or Chipette (Brittany, Eleanor, and Jeanette), while earning more points if they can dance on the beat.  In addition, players who fill their “Munk Power” meter are then able to perform ultra-cool dance moves that electrify the crowd.  

The game is based on the forthcoming Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked movie in theaters December 16th, which finds the trio vacationing aboard a luxury cruise liner until they become ‘chipwrecked’ on a remote island. The Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked video game continues the story with an around-the-world journey that has the ‘Munks visiting six tropical locations inspired by the movie. While dancing as the playable Chipmunks or The Chipettes, players perform more than 50 different dance moves to excite the crowd while rocking out to 30 of the greatest Chipmunk tunes that all generations can enjoy together.

Dance along with Alvin and The Chipmunks in this motion-based experience (Kinect and Wii) that lets you perform for the crowd as one of your favorite Chipmunks or sassy Chipettes. Dance to classic Chipmunk hits as you play in environments right from the big screen. Unleash your "Munk Power" to perform ultra-cool dance moves while following an exciting story based on the movie. Get the party started in the exciting musical adventure that is Alvin and The Chipmunks: Chipwrecked!

Features

• Everyone's favorite musical acts, Alvin and The Chipmunks and The Chipettes, are back! Choose any of the six Chipmunks--Alvin, Simon, Theodore, Brittany, Jeanette and Eleanor--as playable characters.
• Perform 50 different dance moves by following the moves on the screen in time to the beat; the closer to the beat you perform the move, the more points you will earn.
• Rock out to 30 of the greatest Chipmunk tunes as you entertain roaring crowds.
• Perform fantastic dance moves to increase your score by filling up your "Munk Power" meter.
• Customize your Munks choosing across four categories including shirts, hats, glasses and bling!
• Journey around the world on a cruise ship visiting 6 tropical locations inspired by the movie including: Jungle, Docks, Cabin, Jungle Tree House, Tiki Club and International Music Award Stage.
• Experience the movie in Story Mode where stages are inspired by the film with short cutscenes.
• Jump right into the action and play any songs in Freeplay Mode.
• Earn instant feedback after good performances with special effects including fireworks and dancing fish.
• Team up with a friend and have a dance party to earn the highest score in two player Co-Op mode.
• Earn different types of trophies based on your performance and put them on display.

Alvin and the Chipmunks: Chipwrecked is rated E10+ and now available on Kinect for Xbox 360 for a suggested retail price of $39.99, and on Wii™ and Nintendo DS™ for a suggested retail price of $29.99.

**Disclaimer: I was not paid any form of cash for this posting.   I received free product for the purpose of this posting..  This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the products.**   

 

Light Strike by WowWee

I don't know about all of you but I am tired for looking for (and stepping on) tiny orange bullets from other toys that children play with.  It seems they are always getting lost and then you have to buy more.  Between all of my siblings, we have 8 children (there are 4 more on my husbands side).  Of all of those there are only 2 girls, so Wiggle Bean has a strong boy influence to her toy selections.  She love to play along with them when they are playing "Shoot em' ups" but she is not quite strong enough to load and activate most of the guns.

Light Strike tagging system brings pretend gun play to a whole new level. 

About Light Strike:
Light Strike brings video-game action into the real world—live and in color. Assault Strikers and Strikers are customizable with built-in weapon features and add-on attachments that give players a tactical advantage. Conquer individual challenges, play one-on-one tournaments or create up to 4 teams of unlimited players for free-for-all or Capture the Flag battles.  Interactive light and sound effects put you in the middle of the fight.

It’s action at the speed of light™.

The Light Strike set consists of three assault Strikers, two hand gun type Strikers, four striker attachments to enhance your game play and four different types of targets. 

It is fun for the whole family and can be played both indoors and outside for year round fun and enjoyment.

I know a couple nephews that will be super excited to find a full range of Light Strike strikers, attachments and targets under the tree this Christmas.

Where to Purchase:
Light Strike products can be found at Target and Walmart stores across the country

**Disclaimer: I was not paid any form of cash for this posting.   I received free product for the purpose of this posting..  This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the products.**   

Newmark Learning Parent Involvement Kits (Giveaway)

Newmark Learning Parent Involvement Kits

Education is very important to my husband and myself.  We try to teach our daughter everything we can and make everything into a learning experience.  We were both thrilled and apprehensive when her care center asked if we would like to move her to the preschool class at only 2 1/2.  

We try to be involved as much as possible in her learning, we sit down as a family to do our weekly "homework", we read books together every night and read/practice with our Newmark Around the Clock Science Parent Involvement Kit.

About Newmark Learning:

At Newmark Learning, we know that teachers have many standards to address and many kinds of learners to support. That's why our number one goal is to bring you tools and strategies that are easy to use, reflect state curriculum standards, and are based on research-proven strategies. Whether you need whole-group lessons, small-group reading texts, intervention resources, or learning center activities, you'll find them here.

Our family has developed resources and provided professional development to educators for decades. We know that teachers have one of the most important and challenging jobs, and that's why we are committed to supporting you with the highest-quality resources. 

About the Parent Involvement Kits: 

Around the Clock Parent Involvement Kits are perfect to encourage a strong home-school connection and get parents and caregivers involved in building a solid literacy foundation for their children. Four kits offer everything parents need to support students' early reading skills at home. Each kit includes 8 Rising Readers leveled books, Parent Guide: Reading Begins at Home, and My Personal Journal.

Over Thirty Mommy's Thoughts:

We have the Science Early reading kit.  It includes 8 leveled books a parent guide and a reading journal to record your progress.

The kits are designed for children ages PreK-2nd grade.  We have found that there are a few of the books that are a bit over Wiggle's head but she does still like us to read them with her.  She likes to "read" us the I can Move and What Lives at the Pond books.  It is more "reading" the pictures but that is something.

Little Tikes Cupcake Kitchen (Giveaway)

Little Tikes Cupcake Kitchen

For her first Christmas Wiggle Bean received a little tikes kitchen.  She was 11 months then and absolutely loved it.  She is almost 3 now and still plays with her kitchen on a regular basis.  This year she will have the most adorable little tikes Cupcake Kitchen under the tree for her Christmas morning.

 About the little tikes Cupcake Kitchen:

Your preschoolers will love this kitchen with sugary sweet styling, just the right size for them.  They can whip up a variety of fun imaginative cupcakes just like best pastry chefs around.    

Features:    • Knob for stove burners makes "clicking" sound
    • Real working drawer and oven doors
    • Storage space for plates and accessories

    • Accessories included:
         * 1 each: Cupcake tray, Pot with lid, Spatula
         * 2 each: Plates, Forks, Knives, Spoons, Spice   shakers
         * 4-Cupcakes

The little tikes Cupcake Kitchen won the 2011 Dr. Toy-Best Picks for Children’s Products award.

 

Free Shipping!* Offer ends December 26, 2011 11:59pm PST or while supplies last. Free shipping valid for 48 contiguous US states.

Twister Mania on Kinect for Xbox 360

 

Who didn't love playing twister as a kid?  I know I did.  I love that plastic mat with the colored circles and the cardboard spinner board.  It was a ton of fun and a game that got you up and off the couch. 

My daughter is just shy of 3 and she has been getting more and more interested in playing games.  We have a Wii but she was having issues with holding and using the controller so we recently purchased a Kinect for out XBox 360.  We have been watching for games that we think she will be able and interested in playing.

 

Twister™ Mania, the outrageously fast-paced physically fun game inspired by the global phenomenon Twister®, is now available. Twister™ Mania encourages you to use your body as the game piece in this unique Kinect exclusive title that challenges you to twist yourself in thousands of different ways.

Twister™ Mania combines the colorful, expressive and cooperative gameplay of the original Twister® board game and updates it for the digital generation. This light-hearted game supports up to eight players with deep gameplay across three game modes offering 16 variations and over 1,800 shapes to play! Don’t hold back as you move your body to match your opponent’s silhouette, knock down blocks against the clock and fill in thousands of crazy shapes of all sizes and themes!

Kick start the party by choosing from 3 main game modes:

• Party Play: Twirl the virtual spinner and advance around the Twister^® mat with up to four teams of two in Party Play, a metagame that combines all game challenges.
• Play It All: Try your hand at every game challenge from start to finish in this campaign mode for the overachievers.
• Quick Play: Jump right in and directly select any of the 16 ways to play and difficulty level for a quick challenge.

Twist, contort, duck and bend through four high-energy game challenges that each feature a range of four variations (total of 16 ways to play) to keep the action unique and challenging:

• Shape Frenzy: Mimic the shape (there are over 1800!) that appears on screen and earn points based on how well you fill its silhouette.
• Twist & Fit: Avoid the wall and fit your silhouette through cutouts coming at you on a moving wall. Score points by passing through a wall without touching a thing; the more wall you hit the lower your score.
• Break It Down: Work your way through a stack of colored blocks by assuming their form. When a shape is removed, the wall above will begin to crumble.
• Spot On: Challenge up to three players (or four teams of two) in a game of contortion H-O-R-S-E. Create a shape and see if your friends can match it.

Twister™ Mania on Kinect for Xbox 360 is available on store for the suggested retail price of $49.99.

 **Disclaimer: I was not paid any form of cash for this posting.   I received free product for the purpose of this posting..  This is solely the opinion of Over Thirty Mommy. Other people may have different experiences with the products.**