Rave and Review

Photo Gifts from Rite Aid

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 46

With a Rite Aid store literally walking distance from my father’s house and from my husband’s work, I end up going there quite a few times over the course of a year.  While I have used their pharmacy service and bought toiletries and seasonal items there numerous times {including a whole station wagon full of popcorn tins for my dear grandma}, I have never used their photo services before.

I certainly didn’t know that they carried a whole list of photo items that range from blankets to wall art, or how much I would love their finished products.  While they have a good range of in-store services, they also have a website that you can go to where you can add your images to just about any photo gift you can imagine.  These ship to store products are all created by Fujifilm and then sent to the store for pick up. 

Because I just had a baby and was feeling like there should be at least one picture of him up on my walls, I decided to order an 11x14 brush stroke canvas piece this holiday season.  Taking my favorite tiny toes picture and uploading it to the site was easy, and then I simply selected the picture I wanted and chose which gift to print it on. 

Once it was in my “cart” online, I could then use their photo editing tools to adjust colors, brightness, contrast and sharpness.  If you want to modify the placement of the image on your photo gift, you can choose to override it by checking which type of cropping you want.  Then you are able to move the image around on the canvas and get it just the way you want it.

Even though it doesn’t show you a preview of the brush stroke effect on the site, I was able to get a fairly good idea by using the photo editing function to zoom in.  Then, when it arrived and I saw how beautiful the brush stroke canvas was in person, I could see why there wasn’t a good preview of the final product on the site.  Because the brush stroke effect is added to the canvas at the lab, showing it in the preview might be more misleading than helpful.  Hopefully in the future there will be a better way to preview the different effects completely before ordering, but in the meantime it’s great to know that the finished product does look substantially better than the image you see on the site. 

I spoke with Rite Aid’s website tech support a few times during my ordering process because I was having a hard time ordering a different product from their site, and they were really grateful for the feedback I provided to them.  They even checked back in with me afterwards and let me know that they were working on the site again and making it as user-friendly as possible so that anyone could order their photo gifts online.  Although they weren’t able to fix the error on the site to allow me to order the other product I had my eye on, I was very excited to see my canvas print. 

Once my canvas was in transit, I got an email letting me know it would be available for pickup in-store in 5-7 days.  In 7 days exactly I got a phone call from my local Rite Aid letting me know it was in.  The great thing about picking it up in-store was that it gave me a great chance to check out their selection of holiday gift sets that are great for gift exchanges and office presents.  I got some really good deals for the secret Santa exchanges and even some stocking stuffers for hubby and the kiddos.

The Rite Aid employees were all really helpful and they even had my canvas waiting for me when I checked out.  Even though they were busy at the time, the woman who rang me up commented on how beautiful the canvas was.  And, it really is beautiful.  The brush stroke effect is very tastefully done and still retains the photo-like sharpness and beauty that I love, but it also adds a little bit of artistic flair to the finished piece.  The details and depth of the canvas in person are really beautiful and something I will treasure forever.    

If you are looking for photo gifts that you can pick up same day or have shipped to the store like the Brush Stroke Canvas, you can start out at Rite Aid online.  It will give you creative ideas for displaying and enjoying your digital images as well as great gift ideas.  From parents to grandparents or even for yourself, there’s a great photo gift waiting for you!

Visit http://www.riteaid.com/ or go directly to their photo site.

A big thank you to Rite Aid for the canvas review sample.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

PlasmaCar Ride-On {Review & Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 45

There are many things children outgrow very fast in the first few years of life, such as clothes, shoes, and baby toys, but I really believe that there are some things that should last for years.  For instance, ride on toys.

In just a short amount of time our family has gone through such a surprising number of ride on toys that it's hard to keep track.  Since most riding toys are designed for a very specific age group, you have to buy them carefully and plan just right to make sure your child will be able to use them during the right season.  If you guess wrong, or if you buy too late, you are often left with a very small window in which your child can make use of it.

This is why I love companies like PlaSmart that create toys that kids can use forever.  The PlasmaCar was my first introduction to this great company and immediately I was sold on the fact that toddlers and grownups alike could master this unique toy in no time flat.

Because it is constructed of a sturdy ABS plastic that can handle quite a bit of weight (220 lbs) and because operating it really couldn't be any easier, just about anyone can ride it.  In fact, the first time my newly two year old daughter hopped on one, she knew instinctively what to do to make it go. 

The movement of the PlasmaCar is unlike anything I have ever seen.  Instead of batteries, pedals, motors, or feet, the PlasmaCar works by wiggling the steering wheel from side to side which propels the car forward.  Using the principles of inertia and friction mixed with a little bit of magic, the PlasmaCar is 100% kid-powered goodness. 

  Once your child gets the hang of the Plasma Car, they will be cruising right away.  Because you only have to control the steering wheel, and don’t have to master pedals, brakes, and balance, it really is a great riding toy to start a kid off on.  And, since the movement of the PlasmaCar is so unique, it also makes it a great toy for older kids to ride on and master going forward as well as in reverse.

The PlasmaCar Ride-On Toy is 100% parent-approved: it requires no batteries, is nearly silent in operation, and it’s a great way to burn off energy.  It is rated for both indoors and out and can be ridden over just about any smooth or semi-smooth surface easily, and can last for decades, all of which makes it very rave-worthy! 

Find out more at: http://www.plasmacar.com/ and watch a PLASMA CAR Video {here}

Price: $69.95 and has an assembled size of 31" x 14" x 16".  It is recommended for ages 3 years and up

Worried you won't be able to order one in time?  Check out their store finder guide on their site to see where you can pick on up in-store near you!

 
One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Plasma Car of their very own!

To Enter: Simply visit Plasma Car and comment below with something you learned about the company

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) "Like" PlaSmart on Facebook (just leave FB name in comment)

3) Tweet about this Giveaway using @raveandreview and @PlaSmart with the link to this post (url) after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button or logo in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On January 24th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US and Canadian Addresses.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to: #117  Steve S said... I voted, R&R was #6

A big thank you to PlaSmart for providing the sample for review as well as offering a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Roxio Creator 2011 {Review & Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 44

When we were at Sundance this year, 3D cameras, TVs and games were the main focus of many parties we went to.  Because our group held two filmmakers and a photographer, we spent a good deal of time talking to the creators of the newest technology.  What we found out was that many of these video cameras and still cameras cost more than my car and owning one wasn't likely to happen anytime soon.

Although I have owned an old stereo camera before, I have never actually owned a working 3D camera of any kind.  While some might say my camera collection is already complete, I had always held out hope I could create awesome 3D images and videos some day.

Roxio recognized this was probably the case for a lot of people and has now updated their Creator 2011 Media Suite to include 3D capabilities for both video and still images.  The really cool thing is that they don’t require you to use any specific cameras or equipment to get the 3D experience.  The software is smart enough to turn your normal everyday pictures and video into incredible 3D images after the footage is shot.  Or, if you want to shoot pictures specifically for 3D viewing you just follow the simple instructions for shooting specific left and right images and then meld them together into one shot to get the most depth possible.

The best part is all this technology is incredibly easy to use.  The process for creating your 3D image is basically as simple as choosing an image and telling the program to go for it, and within seconds you have the new image.  From there you can fine tune it by moving the right or left images closer or farther apart or rotating them to make sure it lines up properly.  While it is great to have the ability to make these adjustments, they were unnecessary in all the pictures I converted.

This ease of use continues through the rest of the Creator Media Suite where you are able to edit, copy and convert photos, music, videos and more.  With each different task there are easy to follow instructions as well as video tutorials that make every process simple and easy to do.  Knowing that these instructions are available throughout the whole project makes it a lot easier to jump in and really get creative, which will in turn make you happier with the finished product. 

What makes me truly happy with Roxio Creator is the fact that I can do everything I could possibly need to do with all my digital media without having to purchase and learn multiple programs.  As much as we love the new 3D option that was added in this new version, there are a bunch of other upgrades in the 2011 Roxio Creator that are perfect for digital sharing such as Facebook and YouTube uploading and the ability to stabilize hand held video shots, a feature I love because I can’t remember the last time I used a tripod. 

Speaking of video, do you have old VHS tapes just sitting around?  By adding the VHS to DVD hardware to your Roxio Creator program you can easily digitize your old VHS tapes, records and cassette tapes.  The VHS to DVD converter consists of an adapter that converts one of your USB ports into an RCA input so you can connect your old analog player directly to your computer.  From there you can edit and manipulate your music or videos just like the newest digital version and convert them to DVDs or convert them for playing on your iPod or other mp3 player. 

There are quite a few other video and photo editing software programs on the market, but I’ve never seen one that was so complete.   In addition to all the basic editing functions, Roxio Creator also adds so many cool features that no one else has.  As someone who is taking a whole lot of video these days and sharing them online (see my Flip SlideHD review) you can see why I am absolutely loving having all my editing tools in one place and all the extras the Roxio Creator Suite adds!

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Roxio Creator 2011 {ARV $99}! 

To Enter: Simply visit Roxio and tell me another product you would love to try

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this giveaway using @raveandreview and @RoxioProducts with the link to this post (http://bit.ly/fS0SpK) after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com and Roxio homepage (2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

4) Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On January 28th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses only.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to: #137 ohkeeka said...I'm an email subscriber (2)
A big thank you to Roxio for providing a sample suite for review as well as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Twister Hoopla for Family Game Night!

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 43

A little over a month ago I caught an Ellen DeGeneres show and was laughing as her audience members played a game that involved contestants holding various colored rings with different parts of their bodies.  Much like the beloved Twister floor game of my youth, the game required contestants to contort their bodies to compete and the result was a hilarious tangle of limbs.  While the game was reminiscent of Twister, there was one huge difference - there was no mat required.  

When I heard that this game they were playing was the new Twister Hoopla and that it could be bought at various retailers near me, I was really excited.  But then when I found out that there were 5 different ways that you could play that range from hoop toss to more of an old-school Twister rendition, I knew it was perfect for my10 year old niece this Christmas.

Game 1 is the game Ellen played where your bodies are used to hold the rings in place and the last team standing wins.  Game 2 is a ring toss, but the twist is that you use your hands and feet to catch.  Game 3 is a race to make it to the finish line with colored rings in hand.  Game 4 is an updated version of the traditional TWISTER game: you just scatter the rings and then call out the moves and the last one standing wins.  Game 5 is even trickier as you reach for rings, hang on to your TWISTER “T” and try to stay on your feet. 

Like traditional Twister, Twister Hoopla is a great party game and can be played both indoors or out.  And, also like the original Twister, you want to make sure the people you’re playing with are good, close friends because in just minutes you will be very well acquainted. 

Includes 2 spinners, 16 TWISTER HOOPLA rings, 4 TWISTER “T”s and the official TWISTER HOOPLA game guide.

Some minor assembly required.  For 2 to 4 players ages 6 and up

Buy Twister Hoopla at the Hasbro Toy Shop and learn more about how to plan your own Family Fun Night!  You can also connect with them on Facebook.

A big thank you to Hasbro Games for sending the Twister Hoopla for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Tollytots Disney Princess Carriage Playset

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 43

You probably remember my Disney Tangled Rapunzel doll giveaway a few weeks back when I talked about Tollytots awesome Disney Princess toys.  Hopefully you’ve already made your way over to try and win one of the two Tangled Princess dolls, but if not, you can click {here} to try and win.  If you’ve been entering already you know that Tollytots has more than just adorable princess dolls, they also carry some seriously cool doll accessories as well, like strollers, vanities and even princess carriages.

We got to check out the Disney Carriage Doll Playset this December and see how magical princess playtime could be.  Modeled after Cinderella’s pumpkin coach that whisked her away to the ball, the princess carriage playset has two different ways to play.  When closed it is a ride fit for a princess, complete with curtained windows and large plastic fixed wheels, but when open it reveals a canopied bed, a mirrored vanity, a wardrobe chest and even a working light!   

The Disney Carriage Doll Playset is now home to just about every doll we own under 15”, regardless of royal background.  With little touches that I appreciate like a removable blanket on the bed, curtains to tie back, and even hangers for storing extra clothing, it really is the perfect house for a little girl. 

When it’s not in use, it can be closed easily by folding up the legs of the vanity and then swinging closed the sides of the carriage.  The great thing is that when stored it still looks adorable and it hides all the little pieces and princesses inside.  Although the carriage wheels don’t roll like I imagined they would, I really wouldn’t want kids leaning on the carriage to push it along, either, so I’m actually quite happy it’s stationary.  A little bit of imagination and it's easy to imagine your doll rolling up to the palace steps for the grand ball - no pumpkin required!

Now my daughter races to the Disney Carriage Playset as soon as she wakes up and has told me repeatedly that she needs a princess to live in this grand palace.  If you have a little princess you’re buying for, I would recommend checking out the Tollytots line of princesses and accessories that would make any girl’s eyes light up this Christmas.

Price: The Princess Carriage Playcenter is currently available at Toys R Us online and for in store pickup for $59.99

http://www.tollytots.com/

A big thank you to Tolly Tots for sending the Disney Carriage Playset for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Pure Dark Chocolates {Cutting Board and Chipper Pure Dark Slab Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 42

When I think of the holidays I am immediately reminded of the tastiest tradition ever – a gift wrapped hunk of chocolate that you can break off pieces of and enjoy for the weeks around Christmas and New Years. 

The funny thing is the tradition was started by a bank I’ve worked with for the past decade and now is something I look forward to every year.  While I really enjoy the chocolate bar sent by the bank, it admittedly is not the best quality chocolate.  If only it was polite to suggest upgrading to Pure Dark, I absolutely would. 


Pure Dark is all about giving you the purest and simplest chocolate possible, making it a far cry from the over-processed bars you find on most snack aisle shelves.  Using a premium blend of beans that are chosen for the most unique and intense flavor possible, it showcases the deep taste of the cocoa pod.  It is then handcrafted in small batches to ensure the best possible taste. 

Whether you prefer your chocolate pure and simple or you like all the accoutrements, you are bound to find a favorite amongst their line.  You can choose between SLABS of Pure Dark over an inch thick (with or without nibs), BARKS (with or without nuts, fruits, or nibs), bite sized ROUNDS that are dusted with flavor, Pure Dark covered FRUITS & NUTS, or their signature NIBS. 

Even though I have never fancied myself a dark chocolate fan and certainly wouldn’t consider myself a connoisseur, after trying Pure Dark Chocolates, I think I might be turning into one.  Whereas other dark chocolates seem really bitter to me, Pure Dark is just the right mix of sweet and rich chocolate flavor. 

My husband, who was already a huge dark chocolate fan, really loved the Pure Dark and said it was one of the best chocolates he has ever had.  Even our toddler thought they were so delicious that she claimed a piece for herself and then helped herself to half of mine when I wasn’t looking.  

Now that I’ve gotten a chance to try out a sample size of Pure Dark, I will definitely be purchasing some for gifts and parties in the future.  With beautiful gift packs for any occasion, party-sized slabs for get-togethers, or smaller oz. packages for stocking stuffers, Pure Dark has you covered.  

You can buy online at http://www.puredark.com/ or you can shop locally by using their store finder service to locate the nearest retailer.  

One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a Pure Dark Signature Cutting Board and Chipper {ARV $95}!  Serve a simple chocolate course when entertaining with their signature 11" X 12.5" cutting board, 9" chipper and a 7.5 oz Pure Dark Slab, 70% 

To Enter: Simply visit Pure Dark and tell me another product you would love to try

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) Tweet about this giveaway using @raveandreview with the link to this post (http://bit.ly/haAAmL) after following (daily Tweet, just post link here)

3) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com and Pure Dark homepage (2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

4) Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website  (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

5) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

6) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

7) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On January 12th at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses only.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you to all who entered and congratulations to:

#409 John Darrow said...I Subscribe to Rave and Review - entry 2 John at darrows dot us
A big thank you to Pure Dark for providing a sample size for review as well as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

SparkleBee Hello Kitty Table Lamp Review

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 41

When I was young my sister and I were more than a little into Hello Kitty.  I had a Hello Kitty sticker set, a nightlight, and a few plush dolls on my bed as well as clothing glaore, and was forever begging my mom to drive me to the one mall near us that had a Sanrio, an entire store devoted to Hello Kitty and her pals.

If I had seen this adorable SparkleBee Hello Kitty Table Lamp during any of those trips, I would have immediately added it to my wishlist.  Not only would it have been a welcome replacement for my old teddy bear lamp, it would have looked adorable on my nightstand. 

With its deep pink Hello Kitty printed lampshade and matching base all the way to the adorable hard plastic Hello Kitty resting on top, it’s easy to see why any girl would love it.  The table lamp comes with a mock pull cord to give it a retro feel and can be turned on or off directly on the base, making it much easier for younger children and easily accessible from either side of the lamp.  It also has some really practical features like a padded base and an easy to change lightbulb access that doesn’t require removal of the shade.     

Although I don’t think I can talk my husband into a set of these for our room, my daughter was a very easy sell and she excitedly made a spot next to her “big girl bed” for it this past month.  Since then she has told everyone she knows about her brand new kitty lamp and was thrilled when she got a pair of sheets to match, thus verifying that she is a huge fan of Hello Kitty like I am.   

Marino Andriani LLC understands the fact that no girl can resist an adorable Hello Kitty accessory and has designed a full line of products that are not only adorable and fun for all ages, they are also {mostly} practical as well.  Marino Andriani is the largest licensee of Hello Kitty products in the world and has items ranging from laptop cases to MP3 Players to iPod covers, showing that they understand what girls these days really want.

Visit www.sparklebee.com and see all their awesome products for any girl on your list and check out their great interactive features as well, like their page where you can vote on which designs you want to see!  You can also connect with @sparklebee on twitter and visit them on Facebook to keep up to date on all product releases.

Price: The Hello Kitty Table Lamp retails for $39.99 and you can it at Target or on Amazon

A big thank you to Sparklebee for sending their Hello Kitty Table Lamp for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Last-Minute Gifts from ThinkGeek

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 40

Do you have a husband who's gorgeous and strapping but has a tendency to be a little bit geeky?  You can admit it, you did just call him strapping.  Even guys with only a slight inclination towards geekiness have a tendency to swoon over the ThinkGeek catalog for hours at a time, which makes it a safe bet for gifts {including last minute ones} for just about anyone.

I've talked about ThinkGeek before and its wide variety of gifts for the absolutely impossible to buy for, but now I've got a whole bunch of suggestions for the guy in your life.  Whether he's your husband, your brother, or the guy who shares a cubicle wall with you, you can bet there is something at ThinkGeek that he would adore.

 I’ve shopped at ThinkGeek for the past few holidays for just about everyone on my list and bought a wide variety of gifts in that time.  From great office gifts like the ever popular Annoy-a-Tron (hubby) and the Phantom Keystroker V2 (aunt) to techy gadgets like the flip-out keyboard iPhone case (cousin) to the Retro Handset (also hubby), there’s really no end to the awesomeness that is ThinkGeek. 

Our novelty item of the year is one that my husband has had on his list for years now, and that is a remote control helicopter.  But, because ThinkGeek can’t just stop at “cool”, they have taken the helicopter to the next level and added a miniature spy camera inside the R/C Hoverspy.  Yes, a camera INSIDE a remote control helicopter that actually flies.  Seriously, does it get cooler than that? 

We are still getting the hang of the ThinkGeek-invented Hoverspy Video Cam R/C Copter, but even moving up on the learning curve has been a ton of fun.  With its full control remote which allows you to move up/down, left/right, forward/backward as well as controlling the start and stop recording on the camera, there is plenty to keep you busy mastering the miracle of flight.  Whereas other toys might be abandoned mere months after opening, I know the Hoverspy is going to be a huge hit here at Rave Central for years. 

We started off only being able to fly backwards, and then we sent it on a nose dive off the kitchen island, and then we accidentally crashed it into the pink n’ girly corner that houses my daughter’s baby dolls and each time we thought “there’s no way it’s going to survive that”.  But it did, and is still going strong, showing that even though it may look dainty, is sure isn’t flimsy.  

As much as ThinkGeek is heralded for their off-the-wall gifts and novelty items you can’t find anywhere else, they also make a huge selection of extremely practical gifts like the Coffee Cup Power Inverter or the PowerMonkey that are pretty awesome.  I got the Coffee Cup Power Inverter for my husband last year and we use it all the time in the car because it fits perfectly in the Jetta cupholders.  This is great when it’s in use as well as when we’re storing it because it doesn’t roll around in the car.

New to our practical collection this year is the pocket sized PowerMonkey which is an emergency charger that is 10 times more powerful than a conventional battery and can be used on just about anything you own that needs charging.  It has an amazing 1 year standby charge and even comes 60% pre-charged which means you can use it right out of the package!  The PowerMonkey kit contains a huge variety of charging tips {including one for your iPhone/iPod, a mini USB, and a standard USB amongst other connectors}, a universal mains charger that will work in over 150 countries, and a handy carrying pouch.

The PowerMonkey paired with the Coffee Cup Power Inverter basically ensures that our gadgets and gizmos will never run out of juice no matter where we are.  Whether it’s an overnight backpacking trip, an impromptu photo session, or it’s merely to make sure my blackberry and hubby’s iPhone are charged at all times, the PowerMonkey is worth its weight in gold.  It’s the perfect gift to give your spouse/children/parents so they can never claim they couldn’t call because their phone died.  Truly the gift that keeps on giving!

There is still a few days left for Christmas orders from the ThinkGeek catalog, but you really need to act fast if you want it here before the holidays.  From stocking stuffers to large presents, ThinkGeek really does have it all for every guy on your list and has AWESOME customer service to boot.  But, the really superb thing is that just by shopping there you seem a little bit cooler… which just might make up for the fact that you actually use the word superb.

P.S. ThinkGeek allows you to create a wishlist and save it on their site, which is great for those who have a hard time remembering all the things their spouse mentions they would love throughout the year - just enter it in on the site and you can just shop by the wishlist come holiday time.  Better yet is that you can actually LOOK UP other people's wishlists just by entering in their email addresses!

Visit http://www.thinkgeek.com/ to start shopping {or wishlisting} today!

A huge thank you to ThinkGeek for just being awesome... and for sending us a few items to review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this very Rave Review!

Flip SlideHD Video Camera: The Ultimate Holiday Gift

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 39

There used to be two types of parents - those who were always lamenting that they wished they had taken more video of their children, and those who missed being part of all their children's milestones because they were always behind the camera.  The new era of handheld video recorders has gone a long way in solving both of these dilemmas, and none more recognizably than the Flip Video Cam.

By revolutionizing the simplicity in which you can capture video, it makes it easier than ever to preserve all these precious memories forever.  Starting with its pocket or purse sized design, the Flip SlideHD is so easy to carry with you that you actually will.  That, combined with its one button ease of use that allows you to literally press and shoot means that anyone can do it easily. 

Its amazing portability and the fact that you can shoot handheld video without having to watch the action remotely through a viewfinder means that everyone will want to use it, and means a great deal more of those important milestones will be captured forever.  Imagine capturing all those adorable or hilarious videos of your family and friends while feeling like part of the action and less like the hired film crew. 

Better yet is that the Flip Cam is much less obtrusive than other video cameras, which allows you to interact with your child naturally and not have the whole mood of the room change as soon as the camera comes out.  We all know what it’s like when you see your children doing that adorable thing and you run to get your camera ready only to return and find the moment has passed and now your child is much more interested in your new toy.  The Flip solves that by being easier to keep with you, thus you are able to quickly grab it to capture video naturally, without always having to ask for a “do over”.   

For anyone that has resisted getting a handheld video recorder because they are worried about the quality of the videos they will take, you will be happy to note that they have really come a long way in very short amount of time. They now shoot videos that are not only high quality, they are also in High Definition, which makes them superior in image quality to our flip-out screen recorder -  as well as far better quality than the video camera I grew up with that is roughly the size of a small suitcase.

This great image quality of the Slide HD makes it possible to bring your Flip Videos successfully to the big screen.  By purchasing an additional HDMI cable, you can simply plug your Flip into your TV’s HDMI input and enjoy them immediately, even on the day they were taken. 

Even better than watching when you get home is that you can actually watch videos seconds after they were taken with the new Flip SlideHD.  By utilizing a screen that slides out and plays your newly shot videos across the length of the Flip, it gives you a much larger screen than other handheld video cameras.  This slide out touch screen allows you to immediately watch your footage and even to share with the video subject, a feature that my daughter is absolutely in love with because she loves watching videos of her and her friends.   

Now that you've carried the Flip with you and captured all this beautiful footage and replayed it over and over on the slide-out screen, the last step is to share the masterpieces you've created with loved ones on the other side of town or on the other side of the world.  I’m all about ease of use when it comes to electronics, so I love that the Flip Video SlideHD does away with big and bulky tapes that you then have to convert to digital video in order to share it with friends and family. 

Since the Flip is all-digital and designed to work directly with computers, it streamlines the downloading process and eliminates the need for converters, special programs, or even cables and cords.  You simply plug the built-in USB drive into your computer and download your video simply and easily.  Better yet is that the Flip video software is included directly on the recorder, with no need for CDs or internet downloads.  The Flip Slide HD also makes it incredibly simple to post video via YouTube, Facebook and more as well as making it easy to share right away with your loved ones. 
(here's a low-light video I shot of all the kidlets at a recent holiday gathering)

The past few years I have spent a lot of time researching handheld video recorders to find the best one for me and have made no secret of the fact that I have lusted over a Flip Video ever since they hit the market.  Although it just about killed me to wait and continue to use our big and bulky video camera, I can definitely say that it made me appreciate the ease of use and portability of the Flip cam even more. 

Gone are the days of debating whether you want to cart around the video camera only to be stuck behind it all day; now with the Flip you can capture video naturally and enjoy it right away! 

Go to http://www.theflip.com/ or click {here} to find the perfect Flip for you!

A big thank you to Flip Video for making all my dreams come true this holiday season and sending a SlideHD for review.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.

Weider X-Factor Gym from Hayneedle.com {$100 Giveaway}

Ultimate Holiday Gift Guide: Day 38

I know the holidays are still over a week away, but like most of you, I’m already thinking of the fast approaching New Year and figuring out what my resolution for 2011 will be.  While I have never been one for a formal New Year’s resolution, every year I like to challenge myself and hopefully see some positive changes at the end of each year.
 
One of those changes I would like to make in 2011 is to get in better shape.  I’m not hoping for six-pack abs or anything, but with two growing children to cart around, I could certainly use some more endurance and muscle mass to get me through the day.

Since neither a gym membership nor a spare bedroom for fitness equipment is likely to happen now that our family size has doubled in the span of two years, I knew I needed to find a compact and inexpensive workout solution.  But, even though I don’t have a large space designated for working out, I still really wanted to avoid workout equipment that is flimsy and a waste of time and money.

When I found Hayneedle and browsed through their strength training equipment section, I was incredibly excited.  Not only do they have a huge selection of equipment that you just don’t see everywhere, they also have a great easy to navigate website that can help you narrow down items in your price range, and in our case, within our space limitations. 

After searching and comparing various home gyms on the Hayneedle site, I ran across the Weider X-Factor door mounted gym and was more than intrigued.  I had heard of doorway gyms in the past, but the fact that I heard of Weider before and that a reputable site like Hayneedle stocked them made me far less nervous about ordering something that was so far out of my comfort zone. 

The X-Factor honestly seemed pretty genius the more I thought about it and I got more and more excited for my package to get here so I could get a head start on my New Year’s resolution.  Once it arrived, we tore into it and examined the X-Factor contents.  I was happy to see that it comes with everything you need to get started (except a door, of course), and includes an awesome exercise chart to hang on a wall or door, 6 workout DVDs, and a nutrition guide, all of which are great for someone like me that is just starting out.  

The X Factor consists of 6 sturdy bands, 2 handles, 2 ankle straps, and 4 connection clips.  It comes basically assembled and all that is needed to start your workout is to stretch the bands into an X formation to all four corners of a door.  It will work best on a door that has good clearance on the bottom and at least a little bit on the top for the unit to slide over it easily.  It is also a good idea if you can find a door that opens out, which will allow you to use the door jamb as an extra support.   

Within minutes we had the X-Factor Gym set up in our living room on a closet door and then we started up a DVD to check it out.  Immediately upon setting it up we were impressed by the quality as well as the design.  Really, the more I played with it and realized how many different ways you could use it, the more genius it seemed.  Even though it is based on a pretty basic idea of resistance bands, it’s the execution of the Weider X Factor that makes it rave-worthy.

With the X Factor you don’t need to find a place to store big and bulky weights or have to change the weights frequently while you work out.  Since the X-Factor works by merely clipping your handle or strap to the resistance band of your choice, changing the amount of resistance or your point of connection takes mere seconds.  It’s this flexibility that gives you the ability to do an insane amount of different exercises and easily switch between them during the course of your workout. 

I must admit that when I was first looking at the Weider XFactor on the Hayneedle site, I had no idea how cool this system really was.  I was absolutely shocked when I got to try it out this past month and realized how completely versatile and expandable the system is.  With varying amounts of resistance from 15lbs all the way to 210 lbs, it can really be used by both beginners as well as experienced weight trainers and can mimic just about any strength training exercise you can imagine.   

Also rave-worthy is the smoothness of the resistance band workout that makes it ideal for just about anyone.  Instead of the jerkiness of typical weightlifting, the resistance band workout allows you to use more fluid motions, which reduces impact on your joints and decreases the possibility of injury.

I am so excited to use the Weider X-Factor Gym throughout 2011 and really make the most of the space we have.  With a different DVD to watch nearly every day of the week and a quick start poster that allows you to exercise literally any time you find a free minute, it’s going to make my 2011 goal that much easier for me. 

Quite honestly if it wasn’t for seeing the X-Factor on the Hayneedle site surrounded by the biggest names in home gyms and workout equipment, I don’t think I would have ever tried a doorway mounted gym.  Just knowing that if I had opened the package to find a cheap piece of junk that I could have used Hayneedle’s No Hassle Return Guarantee made me really confident in my purchase.  This piece of mind allowed me to try a product I might have otherwise missed out on but now am really happy I gave a chance. 

Wanna know something else that’s cool?  It’s FREE SHIPPING Day on the Hayneedle site today – as in right now.  Just visit http://www.hayneedle.com/ and enter FREESHIPDAY at checkout before 11:59 EST and ship all your packages for free.  How cool is that?!  

Price: $94.99

 One lucky Rave and Review reader will win a $100 gift card to use at any of the 200 Specialty Hayneedle Stores!

To Enter: Simply visit Hayneedle and tell me what you would spend your gift card on

 And, as always, there are extra entries available!

1) Subscribe to Rave and Review, top of right sidebar (2 extra entries, must be verified to count)

2) "Like" Hayneedle on Facebook or follow the Hayneedle Blog (1 extra entry for each)

3) Tweet about this giveaway using @raveandreview and @Hayneedle with the link to this post (url) after following us both (daily Tweet, just post link here)

4) Blog about this Giveaway with links back to this post as well as the www.raveandreview.com homepage (2 extra entries, just post the URL where I can find your writeup)

5) Place my button in your sidebar on your blog or website  (2 extra entries, must have an active link to R&R)

6) Comment love.  Enter any of my other Giveaways and/or comment on any non-giveaway post!

7) Email love.  Share this Giveaway with friends and family via email and cc Leanne (at)raveandreview (dot) com (I will never, ever contact your email recipients)

8) Vote for Rave and Review on Top Baby Blogs, logo in right sidebar (daily entry, just tell me what rank R&R has)

On January 31st at 11:59pm PST a winner will be drawn, announced here and notified via email.  Winner will have 48 hours to contact me or a new winner will be chosen.  Giveaway open to US Addresses only.

Winner, winner!  This giveaway is now closed.  Thank you for all who entered and congrats to: #259 Heather H. said... Voted for you today (#6) 12/26

A big thank you to Hayneedle for providing the X Factor Gym for review as well as a giveaway to our fabulous readers.  All opinions are 100% ours and no form of monetary compensation was received in exchange for this Rave Review.