Silkki's Reviews: October 2013

Movember: Help Us Change the Face of Men's Health

I’m a proud Movember Mo Sista. Help me change the face of men’s health by donating at my Mo Space. United we Mo.

A Mo Sista is a woman who supports the power of the Mo, essentially doing everything a Mo Bro does, except without the Mo. She is dedicated to supporting the Mo Bros in her life throughout their moustache-growing journey. At Movember we acknowledge the Mo Sistahood and celebrate their role as men’s health advocates.

Mo Sistas stand for change, just like Mo Bros. While not expected to grow a moustache, a Mo Sista can lead by example in other ways by encouraging men to know more about their HEALTH, hosting or attending a MOVE event and actively enlisting the men in their lives to join Gen Mo.

Movember: Help Us Change the Face of Men's Health

I’m a proud Movember Mo Sista. Help me change the face of men’s health by donating at my Mo Space. United we Mo.

Blood of the Werewolf “Classic Monsters meet Classic Gameplay”

Blood of the Werewolf “Classic Monsters meet Classic Gameplay”

Take a trip down memory lane, in the vein of classic platformers like Metroid and Castlevania, Blood of the Werewolf is a love letter to games of the past. This trailer shows off some of the intense platforming action in both human and werewolf form. Take the fight to iconic movie monsters like Dracula, Frankenstein and The Mummy – all to save your son Nikolai!

Blood of the Werewolf is a recently released game and is available on Steam!

Currently on sale 20% off, through Nov 4, 2013

A Day in the Life of Slender Man Trailer

A Day in the Life of Slender Man

Take a trip behind the scenes to see exactly what Slender Man does all day, before he stalks the darkness abducting children. Also, Peter Dinklage.

Slender: The Arrival “Steam Launch Trailer”

Slender: The Arrival “Steam Launch Trailer”

Relive the terror all over again, in this updated and extended version of Slender: The Arrival. Explore the newly added prologue, offering new information and insights about Kate’s disappearance. Seek out the answers, and keep your sanity – if you can.

Slender: The Arrival is a newly released game, now available on Steam.

Until Nov 4th, 2013 you can get 20% off

Haunted: Ten Tales of Ghosts eBook Review

Product Description:

Exciting, spooky and scary stories for everyone, edited by Rayne Hall.

Ten authors spin creepy yarns, each with a different writing style and a different way of telling a story. Allow these fantasy and horror stories to haunt you, and see which story resonates most with you.

MY REVIEW:

Do you believe in Ghosts? In my house there is an agreement to disagree. My husband is a firm believer in the supernatural while I'm not so much, but I'd more say that I'm undecided. My husband believes that he had a ghost in his house growing up, apparently an angry one who would move things and "literally throw things across the room". Maybe this spirit just didn't like my mother-in-law... could be!! But on a more serious note, I don't know if I believe, maybe they exist and then maybe they don't. Anything is possible right?

In this book Rayne Hall has once again chosen 10 stories written by other authors and included them in this book. I like some of the tails better than others but I like them all a little bit. I love the prospect of the supernatural and I like to keep my options open, you know, just in case! I really enjoyed the very first story, I actually read that one twice. I had a feeling as I was reading it that he was not actually a ghost but that it was his wife who somehow had passed away leaving him miserable and not grieving very well. Which is something we all do differently and I could see myself just like this man if it were my husband who passed. My existence would be confusing at the time, especially if my children were old enough and I didn't have to take care of them anymore, if they didn't depend on me, I would definitely lose touch with reality. I'm not sure how I would handle that loss, I guess I would hope to have support from family and friends and make it through. The loss of a loved one is never easy, I tend to lock my feelings out and not really mourn well but I am not sure I could do that with my husband. I have told him before that I want to go first, I don't want to live without him, and then I'll come back and haunt him, oh so see I guess I must believe!

I really enjoyed these stories, as I've said before Rayne has the ability to group some good short stories together in these books for readers to enjoy. The writers have different ideas of ghosts and how they come to be in their stories. Very creative stories from different viewpoints, giving a little bit of ghostly variety. I think this would make a good read for those who enjoy a little scary ghost tale, although, I didn't really feel any were scary but they did make me wonder what if it did happen in real life, how would I react? Good stories, great talent. Keep up the good work Rayne!!

~~I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.~~

ORC ATTACK: FLATULENT REBELLION GETS GREENLIT ON STEAM

ORC ATTACK: FLATULENT REBELLION GETS GREENLIT ON STEAM; NEW TRAILER SPOTLIGHTS CO-OP MODE

Casual Brothers and Reverb Publishing invite players to kick off their Halloween celebration with the ultimate co-op party game that was recently Greenlit on Steam, Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion. Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion is a 1-4 player cooperative gas-and-slash action game that is available now on the Xbox Live® online entertainment network from Microsoft and PlayStation®Network in North America and Europe and is coming soon to Steam.

“We are thrilled about being Greenlit and couldn’t have done it without the help of our awesome fans,” said Nacho Sanchez, co-developer, Casual Brothers. “Being Greenlit on Steam is going to allow all players to enjoy the humorous and gassy world of Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion.”

Fart or die in this gas-and-slash action game, where fun-loving Orcs battle pollution spreading Humans in a humorous fantasy setting. Orcs have become victims of brutal Human expansion, as they are carelessly poisoning the environment. Now, four trained Orc heroes are retaliating with a not-so-silent yet very deadly plan. In either single-player or up to four-player co-op, gamers will take on the role of Orcs, each wielding a unique gaseous ability, and then take the fight to the Humans in a stinky, fart-filled romp.

Developed by Casual Brothers, Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion is rated T and is available now for download on Xbox Live and PlayStation Network and is coming soon to Steam. For more information on Orc Attack: Flatulent Rebellion, please follow them on Twitter and “like” them on Facebook or visit their website

Shoulder Buddies Review

Product Description:

Shoulder Buddies are adorable, wearable characters that come with "Smart Cards" that share valuable life lessons. Kids love to collect and wear their Shoulder Buddies, while learning about the great messages that come with them!

Each Shoulder Buddy figurine is approximately 4 inches high with fuzzy fluffle hair and 1.5 inches wide. Contains inaccessible magnets. The Magical Coin is a covered metallic coin that attracts to the magnet. Manufactured under license by The Bridge Direct. Each sold separately, subject to availability. Colors and styles may vary as we continue to modify and improve our products. Made in China. The Bridge Direct products are safety tested and comply with ASTM F963. Ages 4 and up.

MY REVIEW:

Oh my goodness, these are adorable little creatures. My children love them. They make me think of that old "devil and angel on your shoulder" mind you these are all angels of course, each with it's on "Smart Card" full of life lessons for your child to learn and grow from. Little Miss B loved the one that we got, she wore her everyday, which was great but then she started chewing on the "coin" so I had to take it away from her. I'm not sure why she chewed on it, she knows better but she did it just the same.

Harmony became my review buddy. If I had a review do I would wear her on my shoulder, yes they're great for adults too, and when I was writing my review, or reading a product of whatever it was that I was doing she would be there on my shoulder to remind me not to get distracted, although she was a little bit of a distraction herself, I me she's so cute and I enjoyed petting her hair. Some times I would forget she was there until turning to the side and then she would scare me a little. Felt a little silly at times.

My son was having difficulties in school with listening so I suggested he take Harmony for a reminder to be good but I changed my mind when I realized he would spend more time paying attention to her than his teacher so we didn't end up allowing that to happen, but around the house the kids would wear her on their shoulders, or other parts of their clothing once they figured out that she was removable and they could put her anywhere they wanted. Often the coin would be in a pocket and Harmony would be scaling the side of my children.

The magnet is strong, it stayed in place through heavy sweaters which surprised me, and the only time she "fell" was when Little Miss B was fidgeting with the coin on her shoulder, some kids just can't leave cute toys alone, I tell you, I just don't get it, heehehe. I think Shoulder Buddies are get playmates for children with imagination, never all dull moment in my house with Harmony around, even Lu enjoys playing with her and doing things while she sits on her shoulder. If you have a young child in your life who still likes to physically "play" with things not just sit down in front of the TV with a video game this would be a fantastic little friend for them. We will be getting more, four children and one Harmony, not enough. I think for Little Miss B we will be getting a Hello Kitty Shoulder Buddy though, I think she'll love that one most as she's on a huge Hello Kitty love fest right now.

For more information on products available and to stay up to date on new things you can check out their website, Like them and Follow them. And check this out, they do School Fundraising!

~~I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.~~

Balislanka eBook Review

Product Description:

Rick Rivoire has two desires: to protect his country from outside threats, and to purge it of the tyranny that plagues it from within. After saving an isolated mining town from the ruthless necromaner Lucan, he dares to dream of fulfilling both goals.

But the cities are becoming unstable. Religious persecution brings bouts of madness that grow steadily bloodier and more frequent. All about him, Rick's old friends are attacked by fresh, determined enemies. Chaos reigns in the streets of the capital.

Moreover, there are worrisome signs that the town of Jendreaux may not be out of danger after all. Necromancers do come back with distressing regularity, and Lucan is no exception. Rick must put Lucan down once and for all, before an army of walking dead overruns the countryside.

Rick returns to Jendreaux on his own. There is no sign of its soldiers or townspeople. Can he find them? Are they alive? And if they're not alive --- can he beat them?

Even if Lucan can be defeated --- what then? Can Rick find a fledgling rebellion to aid, or join? Or will he have to start one on his own?

MY REVIEW:

John Blackport does it again, this is the third in the Talan Revolt series. I absolutely adore his writing. Getting myself easily lost in a world of spells, Ogres, undead creatures, death, war, the sex and the violence. This book is a great read, with an imagination it is easy to "see" the things as they are playing out in the story. Watching the interactions of Rick and the other rainguns, the pikeman and the other characters throughout the book is quite and enjoyable experience for me, I wish I was there among it all but safe. I really enjoy following the life of Rick, he is a fantastic main character to travel this wonderful journey with. It's really nice to read a creative story, the sex, the violence, the spells and magic make this story intriguing to me. As I really enjoy the creativity that goes into fictional stories. I enjoy getting lost in a world of "things that could never happen, could they?" Rick is a great man, I know he is but he's told to do things and he follows orders, like any good raingun would. There is a war going on and he is a soldier like any other, well except the magic powers to cast spells, of course. Rick is met by an old enemy in this book, Lucan, who he must destroy before undead creatures take over. In a battle to protect all that Rick cares for he must concur Lucan, among others.

I think this book is a fantastic addition to the Talan Revolt and that anyone who has read the first two in the series will not be disappointed at all with this third installation. John Blackport has a great ability to suck the reader into this mystical world and does not disappoint. I would recommend this book to any fantasy reader, any fiction reader who likes a little magic with their morning coffee. It really is a fantastic read, it's hard to put down as it sucks you in, the thoughts of this book, as well as the others, linger on throughout the day, drawing you into it's world. Great read.

~~I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.~~

Switching Petfood for Sure

I wanted to share this review with anyone who may not have read it. This is a review that I wrote on Silkki's Reviews for a product I received as a BzzAgent. My cats absolutely loved it, they devoured every last morsel and when they were done I honestly believe they were mad at me that it was gone. Huh.

Pet Food
Made with purpose

From quality North American ingredients backed by our 'No Bad Anything' promise, to our unique small-batch production for superior control, every bag we craft represents an unwavering attention to quality and an ongoing commitment to natural, wholesome nutrition.

Living well is a choice we make for ourselves and our pets.

Nutrience for Cats
Discover the line that suits your lifestyle

Nutrience Natural:
Providing your pet with a healthy lifestyle begins with what you put in the bowl!
A complete and balanced meal made of wholesome ingredients to support a healthy and active lifestyle. Nutrience Natural is a complete and balanced meal of fresh meats, fish, low-glycemic carbohydrates, healthy fats, whole fruits, vegetables and botanicals – a combination that will nourish your pet to play, be fit and stay active

Nutrience Grain Free:
The optimal blend for all breeds and life stages!
The optimal blend for all breeds and lifestages. Nutrience Grain Free is also ideal for pets with food sensitivities or pet owners who prefer to feed their pet a grain free diet.
More closely mimicking a carnivore's ancestral diet, Nutrience Grain Free offers all the same nutritious qualities of Nutrience Natural, but without the grain. Fresh meats and fish are combined with healthy fats, fruits, vegetables and botanicals, while grains are replaced with low-glycemic lentils and sweet potatoes. It's a great substitute for pets with certain food sensitivities, and an excellent choice for pets with a particularly active lifestyle or for pet owners who simply prefer to feed their pets a grain free diet.

For more information on this food visit Nutrience

MY REVIEW:
I think my cats have a new favorite food!! When I received the Nutrience Grain Free and the Nutrience Natural cat foods in the mail I decided that Nessy Kitty was going to be the test kitty for the Nutrience Grain Free and Lightning McKitty was going to be the test kitty for the Nutrience Natural. Well, that quickly changed as my curiosity got the better of me, as it often does.
I took a serving platter that's usually used for our summer gatherings and decided that I would pour a little bit of both foods onto the one plate along either end of it. My goal was to see if either of my kitties had a preference. Well, Lightning was first up and she didn't really care, she ate a little bit of one and then a little bit of the other. So, when I thought she'd had enough I went upstairs to get Nessy, who had no idea there was such a delicious dinner waiting for her downstairs.
I thought she was going to eat the plate, I wish I was kidding. I swear, I can only imagine the reaction she had to be comparable to a poor kitty who hadn't had something to eat in months, she devoured the crunchy morsels like they were soft, I'm not even sure if she chewed them. Watching my baby girl eat this food made me feel like a terrible kitty mommy. Let me tell you first, there is ALWAYS food out for my cats, likely more than they need, it's actually in a plastic bucket and it's always full. The reason I felt terrible is because I realized at that moment that the food I have been giving my furry babies was not acceptable, they probably only eat it so they don't starve.
I truly believe their is something lacking in their current diet with the "other" food, I mean, why else would my kitty have gone all cat crazy ravaging the cat food like she did?
There was no preference given to either food they liked them just the same. So, I got more curious and decided to pour it into their tub of food and see what happened. They ate it, of course. It was on top and I thought to myself that was kind of silly, I'm not learning anything about which they'd prefer, they are eating what's first to be found. So, I mixed it, literally took the platter and inserted it into the tub of cat food and I *wished* it around, like an old washing machine while it does the laundry, until you could no more see the Nutrience cat food. "That'll stop them" was my thought. Well, holy cow, what a smart couple of kitties I have. They pawed through the tub to find the Nutrience, I went through the tub today and their is not one little crumb to be found, but still about 4kg of the "other" stuff.
I am very happy and extremely thankful that I was chosen to do this review, it has changed the way I think of "pet" food. Some companies get it and some don't. These are just pets, they are our family and they deserve great food like Nutrience. Keep watch for coupons and when you find them buy this food, if you can afford to without the coupons by this food.

I give this product 2 out of 2 thumbs up!!

~~I received the product mentioned above for free in exchange for my written review of my honest opinion because I'm a BzzAgent. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers~~

NetiRinse™ By the Maker of HydraSense®

After all these years using tissues and medication, what have you got? A full wastepaper basket, a full medicine cabinet and a full nasal passage!? Why not try something new? Clear nasal obstruction with NEW 2-in-1 NetiRinse™ by the maker of hydraSense®:

The curved nozzle is designed to for the traditional “Gentle Gravity” technique while the bottle offers the option for the “Squeeze” technique to thoroughly irrigate the sinuses
Ensures a better fit with your nostril thanks to the Ergonomic ComfortSeal™ Nasal Tip for preferred performance
Equipped with the VaryFlow™ collar that allows you to adjust between 1 and 3 drops for gentle and normal flow intensity
NetiRinse™ provides ready-to-mix soothing salt formula similar to the original hydraSense solution which is sourced in Saint-Malo, France, where the tides are the second strongest in the world, creating ocean water that’s truly rich in minerals

MY REVIEW:

I received this product because I'm a BzzAgent and although it was not a requirement of the campaign I wanted to share with you our experience, and by our I mean my husband's. You see I couldn't do it, I just couldn't bring myself to do it. Totally a mental issue, no not as in I'm crazy and couldn't do it although maybe I am, but I just couldn't wrap my head around it. The process makes me very uncomfortable. You're placing a plastic nozzle in one nostril to allow the saline solution to flow through that nostril and around into the other and then out. You do this to both nostrils and then you're done. You can do it daily for an everyday wash or you can do it when your sick to get all the mucus and gunk out of your nose. Don't get me wrong, it works, I made my husband do it because the product needed to be tested. It was sent to "us" to be tested and it was going to be tested. See what I did there, Silkki's Reviews became an 'us'.

So, my husband being the wonderful loving man that he is knew that I had to give a review and because I pride myself on honest reviews I couldn't just wing it. He took one for the team and headed to the bathroom sink with the saline solution that I had mixed for myself in the NetiRinse bottle. At first it didn't work well for him and then all of a sudden the juices started flooding, pouring more like it. I was grossed out but intrigued at the same time. He used the gravity method and just allowed the solution to travel the nose canals and back out and did it ever come out. He said at first there was a pressure behind it and when he was done with his rinse he said that it didn't feel any different. I was a little saddened. I mean, was that really for nothing? After about five minutes or so he approached me, his face lite up, it was almost like he had a great revelation I was not expecting it to be about the NetiRinse but it was. He told me that his nose literally felt "clear" and he felt that he was actually breathing better, I was so happy for both him and the success of the product. I am really thrilled that he's found a nose cleaner, as I chuckle in writing that. I really am happy this product worked for him and that he felt relief when all was said and done.

We will definitely be keeping a this around. You can daily clean or wash out your cold so it's definitely worth having in the house. With four children I want to limit their risk of being sick as much as possible so hopefully clean noses with help with that.

Have a great day everyone and good luck this cold and flu season, if you need some help with your runny, stuffy, nose give this stuff a try.

~~I received the product mentioned above for free in exchange for my written review of my honest opinion because I'm a BzzAgent. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers~~

Happy Wednesday

For me Wednesday is generally a dreaded day. My husband goes to work at 4 in the morning and doesn't come home until 11:30 at night. I wake up and do the usual things, get the three oldest off to school and enjoy the day lazing about with Little Miss B. Although today I kept a little busier than usual, I have a listing Vacant Lot listing expiring on Friday so I had to get the paperwork ready to go on that to extend the listing. There is another agent's client coming to look at it in the beginning of November which is nice, hopefully he'll buy it. He's coming from Pennsylvania and this is his second trip to see it so that right there sounds promising. Hopefully they put in an offer. It's a beautiful lot right on the Rideau Waterway, 222 acres of water out your front do to play with... who wouldn't love that? Well, I guess people who are afraid of water may have issues with it.

The kids wanted pizza for dinner tonight, which I'm fine with because that's something that can easily be saved for when my sailor gets home tonight and then he can eat dinner. The main reason I don't like Wednesdays is the lack of seeing my husband but at the same time I guess I should use this time for some quiet time, I usually end up doing most of my "testing" on these nights, while the kids are sleeping and he's away with work. I don't mind that part too much, then I get my stuff done without taking away from him. Don't get me wrong he loved taking part in American Horror Story: Asylum and my oldest daughter enjoyed watching Bones: Season 8 with me, but when it comes to reading there really isn't much "together" we can do. He doesn't like to read and I can't really pay attention to what he's doing and my book at the same time. So for that reason I guess I do like Wednesdays. It's can be my bittersweet day.

Tonight I am going to be doing some studying because I have an exam on Saturday and I need to be prepared for it. I remembered when I started doing this career training just why I didn't like school... ugh. And some reviews need to be posted tonight as well so I have a busy evening.

I will try to get back tonight but I can't make any promises, I have 1000 multiple choice questions to go through as well as a huge text book. Oh the joys. Take care everyone, happy Wednesday!

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: The Scorpion Sting

Kung Fu Panda: Legends of Awesomeness: The Scorpion Sting
Get ready for more high-kicking action and fur-flying fun in this awesome animated TV series based on the Academy Award®-Nominated hit movie Kung Fu Panda*! He may not be your typical warrior, but Po packs an arsenal of martial arts skills as big as his heart...and his stomach. Always ready to fight for what’s right, Po and the Furious Five—Tigress, Monkey, Mantis, Crane and Viper—face exotic dangers at every turn, including a pair of magic shoes with an evil “sole,” and Scorpion, one of the sharpest villains in all the land!
*2008, Animated Feature Film

More than two hours of adventure including:
● Scorpion's Sting
● Crane On A Wire
● Love Stings
● Kung Shoes
● Owl Be Back
● Qilin Time
● Monkey in the Middle

“Scorpion Maze” App (available for download on iOS and Android devices):
The adventure continues with the interactive online game, “Scorpion Maze!” Fans will play as Po avoiding the Scorpion while trying to collect the Sun Orchids and Shifu's Secret Power Scroll in this fast-paced and addictive arcade-style game. Each DVD set comes with a unique code allowing fans to join the action, unlock power-ups and find exclusive downloads. Do you have what it takes to defeat the Scorpion?

MY REVIEW:

This will make a wonderful addition to anyone's Kung Fu Panda collection. My children love it, I love it. We are huge fans of Kung Fu Panda, who doesn't love Po? He is amazing, I can't help but see Jack Black when watching this movie. He make Po so much more than a 290 pound cute rolly, polly panda bear. I always enjoy watching these shows with my children, they teach my children so much and I really enjoy the humor that Po brings to the table. As with the last series of Legends of Awesomeness, I really think anyone could learn something from this TV series. The Great Dragon Warrior is hard to take seriously sometimes, like with the Owl, he's just goofing around and somehow things would out. I guess that's just how he is, a very wise Panda hidden in a foolish body. He knows how to get the things done that need to be done but at the same time he doesn't always do it conventionally. He's loyal and loving and he stands behind his friends even when others don't. He sees the good in creatures when others just see flaws. Po is a good guy with a great heart and I'm very happy my children enjoy his humor.

I don't think this compilation of shows will disappoint those who like Kung Fu Panda.

~~I received the movie mentioned above for free for my written review of my honest opinion. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers~~

Crocktoberfest ENDS OCT 31 AT NOON CST

ENTER HERE

5 Things You Didn't Know You Could Make in the...

If there was a kitchen appliance that was more misunderstood than the microwave, you'd be hard-pressed to find it. To give you an example of what we mean, The Joy of Cooking , a go-to cookbook for American cuisine, calls the experience of cooking in a microwave an "inadequate response to great expectations." While the microwave will never replace the stove or oven in terms of bringing out a depth of flavor in foods, believe it or not, it's capable of a lot more than heating up TV...Read More

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Four Layer Caramel Crunch Nougat Brownies

~Four Layer Caramel Crunch Nougat Brownies~

Prep Time: 50 Minutes

Chill Time: 2 Hours

Bake Time: 15 Minutes

Oven Temp: 350F

Makes: Approximately 64 Brownies

Ingredients:

3 Ounces Coarsely Chopped Unsweetened Chocolate

1/2 Cup Butter

2 1/4 Cups Sugar

2 Eggs

1 Teaspoon Vanilla

2/3 Cup All Purpose Flour

1/4 Teaspoon Baking Soda

1 1/2 14-Ounce Packages Vanilla Caramels (68 Caramels)

2/3 Cup Evaporated Milk

1 Tablespoon Water

1 1/2 Cups Crisp Rice Cereal

1/3 Cup Butter

1 7-Ounce Jar Marshmallow Creme

1/4 Cup Creamy Peanut Butter

1 12-Ounce Package Semisweet Chocolate Pieces

1/3 Cup Whipping Cream

3 Tablespoons Butter

Step One:

In a medium saucepan cook and stir unsweetened chocolate with 1/2 a cup of butter over low heat until melted and smooth then let it cool slightly. Meanwhile, preheat oven to 350F. Line a 13 x 9 x 2 inch baking pan with foil, extending the foil over the edges of the pan. Grease foil then set the pan to the side.

Step Two:

For brownie layer, stir 1 cup of the sugar into chocolate mixture. Add eggs, one at a time, beating just until combined. Stir in Vanilla. Stir in flour and baking soda just until combined. Spread batter evenly into prepared baking pan. Bake for 15 to 17 minutes or until edges start to pull away from sides of pan. Cool on wire rack.

Step Three:

For caramel layer, in a large microwave safe bowl combine caramels, 2 tablespoons of evaporated milk, and the water. Microwave on high (100% power) for 2 1/2-3 minutes or until caramels are melted (microwave times may vary as they all heat differently), stirring every 30 seconds. Stir in Cereal. Spread caramel mixture over brownie layer, spread to edges. Place pan in freezer while preparing the nougat layer.

Step Four:

For nougat layer, in a medium saucepan combine the remaining 1 1/4 cups of sugar, the remaining evaporated milk and the 1/3 cup butter. Bring to a boil over medium/high heat, stirring constantly; reduce heat to medium. Boil at a moderate, steady rate, without stirring, for 10 minutes. Place marshmallow creme and peanut butter in a large heat proof bowl. Remove cooked mixture from heat. Gradually whisk mixture into marshmallow creme and peanut butter until combined. Pour marshmallow mixture over caramel layer, spreading to edges. Place pan in freezer while preparing chocolate layer.

Step Five:

For chocolate layer, in a small saucepan cook and stir semisweet chocolate pieces, whipping cream and 3 tablespoons of butter over low heat until melted and smooth. Pour chocolate mixture over nougat layer, spreading to edges. Cover loosely and chill for 2 hours. Using the edges of the foil, lift uncut brownies out of pan and cut into bars.

Storage:

Place brownies in a single layer in an airtight container and cover. Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**This is not my personal recipe**

Disney Fans Pre-Order Disney Classics Box Set NOW!!

Pre-Order Disney Classics Box Set TODAY!

We've all enjoyed watching Disney movies and singing along to all the wonderful songs. I know when I was younger I had memorized every word of the Lion King, when the songs came on I just belted them out at the top of my lungs. I was a fantastic singer and I knew it, really I wasn't but shhh don't tell anyone. My mom even bought me the Lion King music tape (as in a cassette tape) and I enjoyed singing to it in the car. If I ever had doubt of my parents love I can just look back at all the out of tune singing they endured over the years and I'll know they loved me a whole lot. I mean, I find it hard to listen to my children sing sometimes and it's very difficult not to say "you're out of tune" "the words are all wrong" but I see their happy faces in my rear view mirror and I remember my own experience and that's what childhood is all about. Driving your parents nuts in the small confines of a 7 passenger Minivan when they have no choice but to enjoy your wonderful melodies. With all these memories I'm reliving I think I will be getting this Box Set for sure. I mean, if I have to listen to my own children sing I would rather hear the sounds of beautiful Disney Music that will bring on many wonderful memories of movies than have to listen to the junk on the radio nowadays that the kids like. Yep, Disney Music is much better for sure.

No one has mastered to art of childhood quite like Disney, the movies, the music and more. I truly enjoy watching Disney movies with my children, dancing around the living room singing the songs that we all love so much. What better gift to give them then to get this box set? Which releases November 12th but you can pre-order until November 11th at Amazon and bring home the magic of Disney music? I get really excited just thinking about this Disney Classics Box Set. The songs are great for children and their developing minds, they aren't just music they are Disney Magic. This box set consists of four volumes of the collection: Disney Modern Classics, Disney Timeless Classics, Disney Theme Park Classics and Disney Television Classics. Bringing favorite musical moments to fans of all generations, including my own, and I look forward to singing and dancing to all these songs with my children. Making new memories for them to have when they are older have children of their own.

Hey, check this out... Disney Hits a Capella Medley... with over a combined 100+ million views, Alex G and Peter perform covers of songs using only the sounds of their voices. The music video debuted on Alex G’s YouTube Channel, garnering over 568,000 views in less than 24 hours.

For more information on Walt Disney Records’ releases,
please visit Disney Music, become a fan at Facebook or Twitter

I am participating in a blog post campaign from One2One Network and Walt Disney Records. All opinions are my own.

Story of My Life... Featuring... Nintendo News

Well I received this FANTASTIC news from Nintendo today... See photo above, and the photo is a link to the website if you'd like to go there and see what's all the hype... So, as much as I love Nintendo this news, even though it is fantastic, really makes me ANGRY... GRRRR... I just bought My Little Man and Little Miss B each a Nintendo DS because My Boo and Lu both have 3DS, even though they don't use the 3d part they still have them because some games are only available for that system (of course, just another way to get money right). So, back to me being angry. I just bought these things, they cost me more than this "new" system and the young two can't play the 3DS games, when we go to the store they always want the games that can't be played in their systems, because they're the cool games. And now THIS comes out. Something that would allow them to play the games with the big girls, the 3DS games.

It's nice that Nintendo got smart and realized not everyone likes the idea of the 3D system, I for one wish I never got them because they cost so much (at the time) and the kids never use that function. The novelty quickly wore off I'm so happy they figured it out and they made a system compatible with both games without the 3D function. Now if they could make one that accepting of 3DS, the regular DS games and the Game Boy Advance games that would be fantastic. I hate that we have lonely games that will never be played again because the system broke and you can't buy it anymore, and even if you could you would then have a new system with virtually no games since they don't make the games anymore. I get that times change and we evolve and the systems do too but really... not everyone has the money to keep up with the "tech" evaluation and it would be nice if at least one company saw that and understood it and stopped wiping out all of "last season's product" just because something new came along. The people who are suffering are the children these games are supposed to be made for. Those children who's parents live pay cheque to pay cheque and who can't afford all the latest "fads". Some kids nowadays are just plain mean and they are very material and put too much interest into what they have that other kids don't. SLOW DOWN and let the little guys catch up.

We bought our first hand held system when it was on clearance, all the games were as well, I think I got the games for $2 or $3 in the bargain bin at Walmart, that's all I could afford, and while all my daughter's friends had DS systems she had a Gameboy Advance... woohoo we're moving up in the world. But not fast enough because they made quick work of that and now you can't find any of those games. I believe, don't hold it against me if I'm wrong, but I think the system I later bought My Boo was a DS system that would use both DS games AND the Advance games, thank you for that smart work as well Nintendo, but alas those are few and far between now, you can't even buy them any more I don't think. So, here I sit, hoarding some Advance games hoping one day a system will pop up on Kijiji that I can get second hand, for a pretty penny, that with my luck won't work. But I like the games better. Technology is advancing and the games are getting less fun (for me anyway). I bought My Little Man a Sonic Game the other day and the damn thing doesn't work. It's busted or I'm just plan dumb because it won't get off of Demo, no matter what we do. I was so frustrated had I not set it down I would have thrown it out the van window. Yes, I bought it on the go one day when we were out shopping, was a great idea at the time, again, it was $5.

Maybe Nintendo will be nice and "gift" us two of these new toys... how fantastic would that be?? I mean I do spend a ton of money on their stuff.... Ya, I didn't think they would either. Looks like we'll be saving up for these so that my kids can FINALLY all play together. I'm so happy that will be the end result. But by the time I can afford these there will be the next best thing out there, which I don't really care about, we don't buy the latest and greatest (because we just can't afford to, I have children to feed). What I do care about is that usually with the newest comes the end of the old games. Playstation is worse for that, it's stupid you can't play PS2 games in the PS3... and now they are coming out with the PS4 ugh!! Oh well, I don't need to worry, as much as I loved my PS3 there was a manufacturer defect with it and because of that it doesn't work so I'm out of luck, it was too "old" when I realized what the issue was and now there is nothing that can be done because it fell out of warranty. Story of my life. Anyway, if you have kids and want to play the 3DS games without the effects of the 3D I would totally recommend getting this new system. If you can afford it.

New From Nintendo... kind of disappointed...

UGH, Cold and Flu Season, How I Dislike You

It's that time of year again, the radio is mentioning getting your free Flu shot at health clinics in Ontario and the kids are coming home with runny noses, oh what fun. No one enjoys this time of year, no one wants their children to be ill. But for me and my family Flu Season brings on an uncontrollable anxiety that I personally just can't seem to get passed.

  It all started 5 years ago this coming February. My Little Man was five months and two days old when the longest two weeks of my life began. We knew he had a cold, he wasn't holding anything down so we took him to the hospital for a check up, they looked said he was sick and sent us home. We took him back a couple of days later to one of the hospitals in the nearest city and we waited. My husband in the waiting room with our daughters (they were waiting for my mother to come get the girls) and I was in the emergency department with my son. This time his vitals weren't doing well and they were going to send us to the other hospital. I didn't want to but I had to leave him to tell my husband, it was only a few steps away and I'd be right back. Unfortunately, in order to do that I had to walk through the doors of the department, the doors that latch and LOCK behind you. I told my husband "they're sending us to KGH in ambulance, drive over and we'll meet you there". I buzzed and buzzed on that door for what seemed like 15 minutes, I could see nurses and doctors scurrying like little mice trying to find the cheese in a maze and finally someone buzzed me in. I ran when I realized they were scurrying to my baby. My little boy, I never should have left him, I felt HORRIBLE. Nothing will ever compare to that feeling, I am his mom and I should have been there for him, I still feel guilty to this day that I wasn't there. They lost his vitals that's what all the commotion was. For a split second my baby lay without any air, and an extremely low heartbeat, nothing was there, it is an image I will never forget. Finally everything was going okay the buzzers from the machines hooked to him stopped buzzing, the doctors and nurses thinned out and eventually left. Then they put us on an ambulance bed and took us away, on the way to the other hospital they lost his vitals again, I try to tell myself it was just a bump in the road and the pulse meter fell off or slipped a little and that's what caused it. That is what the ambulance attendant told me at the time but that is not what I remember him saying to the doctor upon arrival at the hospital. The second hospital checked him over again took a sample of his nose discharge and sent us home once again. As a mom of a son who lost all stats twice that really pissed me off, not to mention the fact that he throw up right as we were walking out the door. All over my husband, it was gross. But hey at least it wasn't me.

We weren't gone long and we took him back in to the hospital. This time we were admitted and there we lay, my son and I in the corner room on the fourth floor of the hospital. At this time I didn't really know what was going on, we were in quarantine and the doctors and nurses came in wearing removable plastic robes over their scrubs. I often wondered "do they really think that does anything?" I mean come on, he's sick, with an airborne illness, your plastic backwards robe isn't going to make it so you don't get whatever this is on your clothing. But whatever.

  One of my best friends works at the hospital and at this time we didn't have any fun electronics, but she did so every day when she was at work she would bring me her iPod and I would play games while watching my poor baby laying in the hospital bed without movement. It was like it was just his body there he was hooked up to oxygen to prevent brain damage and even with that being provided it was barely above the "warning" level. He wouldn't wear the mask when they put it on he would wiggle and scream and squirm away from it so they took the mask off and just let the tube pointing towards his nose. He wasn't getting all the oxygen it was putting out but he was getting enough. I barely ate, I didn't sleep unless someone from our family came to see him then I would try to grab a little bit of sleep. It was usually interrupted by a doctor, they have timing like waitresses when you just put food in your mouth and they come to see if everything is alright. They did put tubes in his nose for oxygen and they worked well enough when he wasn't very mobile, he didn't have the energy to move it. Thank goodness.

The chair was unbelievably uncomfortable, my back hurt, but it was the closest I could get to him, although on many occasions I thought of jumping in the bed to be beside him.  But I didn't want to make things worse for him.  They did give me a cot but I couldn't be that far from him, although my husband used it when he came to visit us. I guess he wasn't getting much sleep at home. So I got to watch both my boys sleeping. My parents kept our oldest daughters for the whole week, I'm very thankful for my parents. My husband had to work but he came and checked on us every day, hoping for any improvement. Things always get worse before they get better. I prayed to God multiple times over the course of that week. We were in the hospital for five days before things started going up, thank you God. On the fifth day the attending doctor came to check on him, he was awake and smiling, even giggly. They wheeled in a hospital crib and I was thrilled to see that. They switched him from the bed because he had life in him again and they were worried that he'd roll off the bed. On this day, despite my obvious joy I was angered by that attending doctor. Mind you, had he told me at the beginning of our stay what he told me that day I would have been very angry. He came in with students, he wanted to show them my sick baby but to his surprise he was getting better. He actually said he was surprised, he told me that my son had Influenza A and that it was the leading strain of the virus that kills more elderly and infants every year than any other. I don't know if that's true anymore but it didn't get my baby and I'm very thankful for that. It was hell living there for a week, I was very tired when I got home, with my baby boy. We got everything we could to disinfect every area of where he would be so he didn't get sick again.

Here we are five years later and my son just celebrated his 5th birthday and is happy and healthy, BUT he's home sick today from school, he has a cough and he doesn't look good. I've given him some Tylenol Cold and Flu, now I wait. Watching him, making sure he doesn't lose too much color, his hands and feet remain pink and don't turn too pale and eventually purple. Everyone gets sick, but I almost lost my boy and I cannot imagine my life without him so I may be overly cautious but at least he's home with me where he should be instead of at school spreading some sickness. I know it's difficult to keep kids home when they are sick but I am lucky enough that I can do that. I have the ability to keep him home with me and I do, all of them, but I may baby him a little more when he's sick than I do the girls.

I pray to God every day that Children and their families suffer no more. One day I hope that will be true but in reality there will likely always be pain and suffering, but I hope that it is bearable. My heart goes out to those who are sick. My experience was one that I would rather forget but every year at this time it comes sneaking up on us and I am fearful of my children getting terribly sick. And I worry, as parents often do for their children.

Thanks for reading everyone. I wish you all a great day. Enjoy life and try not to get sick. Remember, wash your hands, use sanitizer and try to stay home if you can to prevent others from getting sick. Have a great Tuesday everyone.

Freelance Writing Guide eBook Review

Product Description:

Freelance Writing Guide: What to Expect in Your First Year as a Freelance Writer is a resourceful book that informs readers what they can expect during the first year of a freelance writing career. The information is presented honestly and directly, covering everything the author experienced in her first year as a freelance writer in an informational and insightful manner.

MY REVIEW:

I really like Christine Rice, I have read a few of her books so far and I'm really enjoying her want to help others. Giving guidance in subjects that she's had experience, such as this one. Which she has definitely had some experience. I have really enjoyed this book. Learning what it takes to be a writer, learning through the guidance of someone who's done it before, while it's not always easy to take advice, some times it's really difficult but if you want to succeed you need to be able to learn from those who've already done it.

I have liked reading this book and because my daughter wants to be a writer I think this will be a valuable tool for her as well. One day, when she's ready, this book will help her see what it's been like for this particular author, it will help her learn some things she may not have otherwise thought of
, avenues she may not have thought to explore. Like the websites Christine mentions, I had no idea there were so many places where you could write or apply to write, as the case may be. I think this will be a valuable resource for my daughter as she begins that journey. I truly believe that having some "help", some wisdom from people who've already done whatever it is you want to do gives you an advantage over those who just want to "make it on their own". People want to learn on their own what works and what doesn't but what if you could save yourself years, months even if it's only days, wouldn't you rather learn some lessons from someone else and save yourself that time? I mean come on... Someone has already traveled this road that you're on and now they're wanting, willing and able to help you... wouldn't you want that help? I know I would.

I suggest if you've wanted to pursue a career in writing then you should grab yourself a copy of this book and read it. Enjoy the experiences of the author and start writing. Learn and flourish in the glory of being one step further ahead than someone else was when they started.

Thanks again Christine. This is fantastic.

~~I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.~~

My NOT-So-Ordinary Life eBook Review

Product Description:

My Not-So-Ordinary Life is an autobiography that tells the author’s life story up to age 28. The book reminisces about her innocent times in childhood, reveals the difficult experiences she faced in adolescence, and shows how she persevered and changed her life as an adult. The final message of the book is: Life will have its ups and downs but, ultimately, you will be okay, and maybe even good, in the end.

MY REVIEW:

Where to begin, there are so many freakishly familiar things between the words contained in this story and my own life, it was very weird to read. I have often thought to myself, "if I were to write my story out would it be interesting, would people read it?" I am so happy that I got the opportunity to read this autobiography, it was very nice to go into the mind and life of the author and see what she'd experienced growing up. Of course, with most things we compare our lives to that of movies or stories, even some music we can find things that are very close to how we feel, what we've gone through, etc etc.

I really enjoyed this story, not only because we both love ski-ball but because it's really nice to get to know people, even if you'll never really know them. I really enjoy knowing how "real" people's lives are. There is something more thrilling about non-fiction books than there is about watching a fictional movie on television. I would much rather "see" the visions in my own mind of how people lived than watch actors on TV. Especially this book, it was very nice to read something that was like my own life. I enjoyed knowing that I wasn't the only one who didn't find their place in elementary school, I know many people feel that way and have experienced it but it's different when you're actually reading about it, there is some sort of relief knowing you're not alone, and this person turned out fine too. I mean look at her, she's an author, publishing many books, all of which, the ones I've read so far I have been able to relate to in one way or another, all of which I have liked, and know I can understand even more as to why that might be. I love the memories shared in this book. The circle in the sand/gravel while waiting for the bus, I can see that, completely envision her and her bff doing that. Stories like that are the ones that I like the best. I do love feeling a part of the story but there is something even more wonderful about watching it play out in front of you as if you were looking out the front window watching them wait for the bus.

We move on to the teen year and through them I can relate and then I'm not as similar at the same time. It's hard to explain but I really like that she was open enough to let us into her teen years and all that was present through that them. I really find this autobiography to be a worthwhile read. To see into the life of this author is nice, to read about the struggles and the trials and tribulation that she faced. This is a wonderfully detailed journey through the life of Christine Rice and her journey to discovering who she is and what she wanted to be. We all have issues with finding out what we want to do, many travel down different paths before realizing that is not what is meant for them. It is an unfortunate truth about human life, we aren't born knowing what we want to do and where we want to go, we need to discover it. Not all things that we think are best for us really are. We may not like what mom and dad have to tell us but it's sometimes true. We really wish that we were right, that we know it all, we know what's best for us not our parents. Rebellion is something that most teens do, I didn't really, not that I can recall. I didn't need to. My parents were great, I was the younger of two and I was for the most part "the good one". Don't get me wrong my brother was the best and worst brother I have, he was great some days but we had our issues, things weren't always as they are now and even now we rarely see each other. But in this book, Christine mentions many things that she's experienced, love, heartache, partying, finding herself, different careers, jobs, and more, she has life a life most cannot comprehend. I admire her for making her choices, for deciding what she wanted to do regardless of what her parents wanted, for her self discovery... it takes a lot for someone to put it out there, she's a fantastic writer and I really enjoy reading her work, this is just another book to add to that list. I really do think she's done a great job, considering what she's gone through, all the choices she's made, I think she's doing wonderful and she needs to write more. She should be happy knowing that her work will be read by many and that her story will be read and known by many. I really enjoyed this book, I loved getting to know the author, feeling that I would get along with her in real life, seeing the life she's lived, I really like her.

This story is a great read, if you would like to get to know Christine Rice then I would suggest you grab a copy of this and get lost in the life she's lived. Written at 28, this story is a little behind of where she is, I'd like to know what she's done in the years since, but I'm assuming they have been spent writing the rest of her work. Helping give guidance to some on different subjects as well as helping guide some writers with their craft.

If you're interest in finding out more about Christine please grab yourself a copy of this book and enjoy learning the depths of what brought her to where she is today. I hope her college work is finish and I can already see (read) that she's doing wonder work. Good luck Christine, thank you for allowing this look into your life.

~~I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.~~