Dad of Divas' Reviews: December 2014

Tuesday, December 30, 2014

Book Post - Little Miss Sure Shot: Annie Oakley's World

Little Miss Sure Shot: Annie Oakley's World
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About the Book
Annie Oakley wasn’t a tomboy, but a rather prim and religious woman with a loving 50-year marriage. She was intent on appearing young, and when challenged by a younger woman performer, had publicists change her birth date to make herself younger. Blessed with long chestnut hair, she was horrified when her hair turned white literally overnight following a serious railroad accident.

These are among the true events and insights woven into Jeffrey Marshall’s historical novel about the legendary sharpshooter, Little Miss Sure Shot: Annie Oakley’s World (CreateSpace; May 2014; Paperback $8.95; eBook $3.95). The novel looks episodically at her amazing life, imagining many events and settings through conversations, meetings with famous figures such as P.T. Barnum, Queen Victoria and Thomas Edison, and places Annie could have seen and experienced.

Much of Little Miss Sure Shot is focused on Annie’s starring role in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, which catapulted her to international fame in the late 1880s. Buffalo Bill Cody himself is an important figure in the novel – but far more central is Annie’s husband and manager of 50 years, Frank Butler. Their loving marriage was far and away the most important relationship in Annie’s life – and very unlike the depiction of their courtship in the musical Annie Get Your Gun.

Born poor on the Ohio frontier on the cusp of the Civil War, Annie never had a formal education but thrived on the grace of her prodigious shooting talent. Oakley’s legend lives on to this day, even though the height of her fame goes back well over a century. She maintained her amazing shooting skills even into the last years of her life, and like Amelia Earhart, was a woman ahead of her time – competing and making an indelible mark in a field dominated by men. The novel explores and celebrates Annie’s skill, some of the records she set, and her fortitude in recovering from a pair of serious accidents.

Little Miss Sure Shot is a quick and breezy read that strives to entertain readers with a compelling narrative that allows them to step back into the past and experience the places and events that shaped her life.




About the Author
Jeffrey Marshall is a writer, poet and retired journalist. This is his first novel but third book, having published a business book on community reinvestment more than 20 years ago and a volume of collected poetry, River Ice, in 2009. He has an undergraduate degree in history from Princeton and a master’s degree in journalism from Northwestern. A resident of Scottsdale, AZ, he is a board member of the Desert Foothills Land Trust in Carefree, AZ.




My Take on the Book
This was an intriguing book. I started reading this with little understanding or conception of the true woman that was Annie Oakley. Instead my understanding about her was more what I remember from the musical Annie Get Your Gun. Let me tell you, this book sets the record straight and really lets you see Annie Oakley for the woman she was. She was a truly confident woman that could hold up against so many challenges. The author does an amazing job at personalizing Annie, letting you see her from her meager beginnings to the love she found in her own life, as well as the adventures that she went on and lived through too. This is a great start and I, for one, am hoping that the author continues to share more about Annie in the future!


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Superfood your New Year with Nutiva's gift packs!

Nutiva

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About Nutiva

With the holiday season right around the corner, make last minute shopping a breeze by giving the gift of a sampler pack, body care, smoothie or baking kit from superfoods brand, Nutiva.

Nutiva Body Care Kit


For the person on your list who values chemical free and organic body care solutions, the Nutiva Body Care Kit (SRP: $25.99), would make the perfect fit. The kit comes equipped with Nutiva's Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Hemp Oil and Organic Coconut Sugar. Utilize the coconut oil as an eye make-up remover or deep conditioning treatment for hair. The hemp oil acts as an excellent facial moisturizer and the coconut sugar makes for a key ingredient in a body scrub.



Nutiva Superfood Smoothie Kit

Or treat the smoothie aficionados in your life to the Nutiva Superfood Smoothie Kit (SRP: $35.99). It includes Nutiva Organic Hempseeds, Organic Hemp Protein - Chocolate and Organic Coconut Manna. These nutrient dense ingredients make for a power packed sip that's filled with omega-3s, medium chain fatty acids, protein and fiber. Talk about a way to jump start your day!



Nutiva Superfood Baking Kit

And if there's a healthy baker on your list, nothing can beat the Nutiva Superfood Baking Kit ( SRP: $35.99). The recipient of this gift will be able to superfood their baked goods with Nutiva Organic Coconut Flour, Organic Coconut Sugar, Organic Chia Seeds and Organic Shortening.



Nutiva Superfood Sampler Pack

Lastly, treat the superfoods newbie to a Nutiva Superfood Sampler Pack (SRP: $42.99). Included in this gift is Nutiva Organic Virgin Coconut Oil, Organic Unrefined Red Palm Oil, Organic Hempseeds, Organic Chia Seeds, Organic Shortening, Organic Hemp Protein, Organic O'Coconut Hemp & Chia and a recipe booklet. Together this kit will make the introduction and incorporation of these nutrient dense and delicious ingredients into their daily routine an easy one.

My Take on Nutiva
I love making smoothies everyday. To make them even heavier I was able to try out their smoothie kit. Let me tell you this was a great kit. I loved the flavor that the hempseeds and hemp protein added to the smoothies. I did not know what to expect with the coconut manna, but it really smoothed out some of the smoothies that I was making and the flavor was mild and not overpowering. This was a kit filled with things that I had yet to see or try in the past and i am so glad that I found this and I look forward to continuing using this in the future too!


Presented by DirectBuy.com
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Book Review - Big Nate's Greatest Hits

Big Nate's Greatest Hits
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About the Book
The more Big Nate, the better! Readers will have their fill of Nate's wisecracks and school day shenanigans in this giant collection of hilarious comic strips.

Big Nate's Greatest Hits collects three bestselling e-book only collections--Big Nate Makes a Splash, Big Nate Dibs on This Chair, and Big Nate Pray for a Fire Drill--in this supersized paperback edition.

Eleven-year-old Nate Wright is no one-hit wonder. He’s the king of Monopoly, the Michelangelo of P.S. 38, and a Cheez Doodle poet extraordinaire. He’s a sixth-grade superstar—at least, that’s what he tells everyone—and he’s going all the way to Number One. Whether he’s having an imaginary near-death experience, creating another hilarious episode of “Doctor Cesspool,” or meeting the girl of his dreams at summer school, Nate’s always at the top of the charts. The hits just keep on coming in Big Nate’s Greatest Hits!



My Take on the Book
Big Nate is so funny. While I have not read a lot of this comic in the past this was a great anthology of great comics. Nate is such an interesting and intriguing character. I loved going on a journey through his experiences and adventures and have some good laughs along the way. If you have never experienced Big Nate before this is a great collection that kept me engaged and coming back for more. I know that I am looking forward to trying to find more comics to read now that I have gotten through this and you will at the end of reading this too!


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Monday, December 29, 2014

Book Review - When I Grow Up I Want To Be...a Veterinarian!

When I Grow Up I Want To Be...a Veterinarian!
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About the Book
Sofia wants to care for all the animals in the world. But Mom does not think Sofia is ready for the responsibility of even one pet. Ready or not, when a hungry and sick-looking cat appears at the family’s back doorstep, Sofia takes action. When Sofia is found feeding the cat, Mom gives in and agrees that a trip to the vet will tell them if the cat is healthy and not someone’s lost pet. As the veterinarian introduces Sofia and readers to the important and wide-ranging work of animal doctors, Sofia learns how she might help all kinds of animals, including a little stray cat!


My Take on the Book
My daughter continues to say that when she grows up she will want to be be a Veterinarian or a Librarian or even a Veterinarian Librarian. While I cannot tell how she could do both of those together unless she was a librarian and a veterinarian working at a vet school, I was still excited to read this with her. The book really lets you see the special things that Veterinarians do and allows any future veterinarian to get a better glimpse into what the career field entails through a story and characters that my daughter loved getting to know and read about. The character of Sofia was believable and down-to-earth and her story was realistic too. I liked that the book gave some history as well as practical information about the career and about being a good pet owner too. This book was a great book that all kids who love animals will enjoy as it is never too young to start learning about career possibilities and to open their eyes to the world around them, and this book does just that!


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Book Review - The Notebook of Doom: Pop of the Bumpy Mummy

The Notebook of Doom: Pop of the Bumpy Mummy
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About the Book
A creepy mummy monster is on the loose in Stermont!

This series is part of Scholastic's early chapter book line called Branches, which is aimed at newly independent readers. With easy-to-read text, high-interest content, fast-paced plots, and illustrations on every page, these books will boost reading confidence and stamina. Branches books help readers grow!

In this sixth book, Alexander's class goes on a field trip to the history museum. The students have been learning about the legend of the bumpy mummy in class. But then Alexander thinks he sees the REAL bumpy mummy walking around! The famous Ruby Scorpion gets stolen from the museum, too! And what are those strange popping noises?! Alexander and his friends will have to work fast to stop Stermont's latest monster!



My Take on the Book
My girls have been loving this series. Each book let's you see Alexander and his class going through so many fun adventures and this book is no different. My girls really enjoyed this as they recently have been interested in reading and learning about Egypt and Egyptian society. With the Mummy that Alexander and his friends have to deal with they were really put through their paces. The book was a fun and quick read and we found ourselves wanting to read more and more to find out what would happen next! This was a great read for the whole family.


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Book Review - Scholastic Discover More: Animal Faces

Scholastic Discover More: Animal Faces
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About the Book
Come face-to-face with enormous eyes, huge noses, poisonous fangs, fluffy cheeks, and colorful beaks in ANIMAL FACES.

Most animals have many features in common with one another--eyes, noses, ears, mouths--so it's amazing that there are so many different-looking faces in the world! ANIMAL FACES is a completely original way to look at all the animal groups on Earth.

By looking at some familiar animal faces--and some that are very rarely seen--young readers will learn about the main animal groups: hairy mammals, scaly reptiles, feathered birds, goggle-eyed amphibians, creepy bugs, and extraordinary fish! Why do birds have differently shaped beaks? Why do some spiders have eight eyes? How do some animals use their faces to scare off other animals? How well can an elephant smell? All these questions, and many more, are answered in a simple, fun way, accompanied by amazing photographs.




My Take on the Book
This book had so many great things in it about some of my kids' favorite animals. The images were amazing and really got to see these animals in a whole new way. Each animal was examined in fun ways and allowed you to read and learn throug the many questions that were shared and answered. This was a very interesting book that any animal lover will truly enjoy!


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Sunday, December 28, 2014

Blu-ray Review - The Guest

The Guest
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About the Movie
A mysterious stranger befriends a grieving family, but his hidden past soon puts them all in danger in the edgy, suspense film The Guest, coming to Blu-ray™ Combo Pack with DVD and Digital HD with Ultraviolet™ on January 6, 2015 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment. From director Adam Wingard and writer Simon Barrett, the masterminds behind the award-winning modern horror tale You’re Next, The Guest earned a “Certified Fresh” seal on Rotten Tomatoes with a remarkable score of 92% and starsDan Stevens (“Downton Abbey,” A Walk Among the Tombstones), who transforms himself from Edwardian gentleman to ripped modern warrior, and a talented cast including Maika Monroe (Labor Day, The Bling Ring), Sheila Kelley (“Lost,” “Gossip Girl”), Leland Orser (Taken, “24”) and Lance Reddick (John Wick, “Fringe”). Filled with dark humor and explosive violence that critics are calling “all kinds of awesome” (Sara Michelle Fetters, MovieFreak) and “impossibly cool” (Samuel Zimmerman, Fangoria), The Guest Blu-ray™ Combo Pack includes behind-the-scenes bonus features that unravel thesecrets of this intense and unpredictable thrill ride.

Recently discharged from the military, David Collins (Dan Stevens) unexpectedly shows up at the Peterson family’s doorstep, claiming to be their late son’s Army buddy. Welcomed into their home, the well-mannered stranger becomes part of the family until a shocking wave of violence raises daughter Anna’s (Maika Monroe) suspicions that the mysterious ex-soldier is not quite what he seems.




My Take on the Movie
This was a movie that was not only a great mystery, but it also was filled with great characters that keep you connected from beginning to end. David was a character that kept me wondering. For quite some time I found myself trying to figure out his story and where he would go in the end. Would he be a hero or villain? The movie was action packed and reminded me of some of my favorite movies from the 80's and 90's that kept me on the edge of my seat and made me come back for more. I hope that this will not be the last we see David's character!


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Book Review - #Prehistoric: Follow the Dinosaurs

#Prehistoric: Follow the Dinosaurs
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About the Book
Can a T-Rex take a selfie? Will a woolly mammoth’s “Throwback Thursday” photo get the most likes?

Kids are engaging in social networks in increasing numbers and this digital world has given birth to a new language — the hashtag language. #prehistoric offers a unique opportunity to connect with kids in their language while introducing them to the incredible dinosaurs and animals of the prehistoric world.

Each creature has its own humorous username and caption as well as a user info page that offers basic facts, stats, and photos. A comment section provides humorously imagined dinosaur banter. The hashtags also serve to present information in a contemporary voice. #prehistoric is a melding of old and new and fun and informative, making nonfiction incredibly accessible for young readers.




My Take on the Book
This was a funny way to look at dinosaurs. My daughters and I had a great time reading through this and learning new and informative things about dinosaurs that we had heard about in the past. We loved the way in which the dinosaurs were shared as it was so different than other dinosaur books we have read in the past. If you have someone that loves dinosaurs i your family, they will love this fun book that will make them think twice about what they already know about dinosaurs!


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LED Bulbs Save Money and Provide Tons of Light! #dadchat

LED Bulbs

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About the Bulb
Save Money. Save Energy. Save Time. Light Up Your Home With The Most Advanced Lightbulb Technology Yet!

Electric bills can be crazy high. Each regular bulb can rack up costs up to $15 a month... each! Multiply that by the number of bulbs in your house. That's a LOT of money - but you can cut down on your electric bill easily by making one small change to your household.

SWITCHING TO LED Bulbs MEANS MORE THAN JUST MONEYSAVING...
  • Added safety with isolated driver (shockproof!) and thick epoxy (shatterproof!)
  • Use less energy than standard bulbs
  • Last longer with 50,000 hours of life
  • Recyclable
  • 300 degrees beam angle
LED Bulbs

Save energy AND money - with LED Bulbs , individual YEARLY running cost is only $0.84... as opposed to standard bulbs, which cost up to $15 EACH MONTH!

OTHER BENEFITS:
  •  Don't overheat
  • All-purpose
  • Easy to install
  • Do not attract bugs
  • Completely silent - no annoying hum
  • ANSI construction compliant
  • Highly luminous, highly stable


My Take on the Book
I was able to try out one of these bulbs and I was impressed with the amount of light that I received from the bulb itself. I came to find that the bulb did not have the flicker that I had seen in the past by some of the other lower quality bulbs that I had bought, but instead the bulb itself was steady and provided great coverage. I loved the fact that this bulb saved s much energy and would last longer than regular bulbs too. All-in-all, while I am just starting the switch over to LED, I am glad that I tried out this bulb.


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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

Amazon Appstore Offers FAD Bundle, up to $220 in Top Paid Apps for Free #dadchat

Starting December 24th and ending December 26th, Amazon Appstore is offering its biggest Free App of the Day bundle ever, with up to $220 in top paid apps to fill your new tablet or phone – completely free! With tomorrow being Christmas Eve, we wanted to share this deal news with you early, but please note that the deal will not be activated until December 24th, and we ask that you hold off posting a story until that date. The bundle includes popular apps, some priced at $9.99 and above, with top apps including:

  • Five Nights at Freddy’s
  • Terraria
  • Worms 3
  • Tetris®
  • Age of Zombies: Season 2
  • TuneIn Radio Pro
  • Fleksy Keyboard
  • Wolfram|Alpha
  • Angry Birds Space
  • Sonic The Hedgehog 2
  • Splashtop Remote Desktop
  • Endomondo Sports Tracker PRO

Also starting on December 24th and for a limited time, there will be great holiday deals with steep discounts on select titles, huge savings on in-app items and promotions for Amazon Coins including:

  • Final Fantasy III, marked down from $15.99 to $6.99
  • NBA 2K15, marked down from $7.99 to $2.99
  • Select Nickelodeon titles including PAW Patrol Rescue Run and Bubble Puppy: Play and Learn, marked down from $6.99 and $4.99 to $1.99 each
  • Customer favorites marked down from up to $6.99 to $0.99 each:
    • Wheel of Fortune
    • Leo’s Fortune
    • The Amazing Spider-Man
    • The Dark Knight Rises
    • Angry Birds Star Wars Premium HD
    • Angry Birds Seasons HD
  • In-app purchase discounts in select titles like Candy Crush Saga, Angry Birds Stella, Episode – Choose Your Story and The Hobbit: Kingdoms of Middle-earth.
  • Customers who buy or gift Amazon Coins of any value will continue to get up to a 30% discount on their overall Coins purchase (triple the normal savings), to spend on apps, games and in-app items, like cards in Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft, gold in Game of War – Fire Age, lollipop hammers in Candy Crush Saga and gems in Brave Frontier. 
Throughout the remainder of December and into the New Year, customers should visit the Appstore frequently and expect to find additional titles discounted from 50-90% off, including select favorites from Gameloft, ZeptoLab, Ubisoft, G5 Entertainment and more. Find out more at amazon.com/appstore and download the Amazon Appstore at amazon.com/androidapp.


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Tuesday, December 23, 2014

Is it Time for Santa to Carry a SmartPhone to Help Today’s Kids? #dadchat

Portable North Pole


Just a quick note to let you how the Christmas season is shaping up here at the North Pole. In between making lists and keeping after the Elves I like to check in on boys and girls the world over to see how good they’ve been. It’s what I do and have always done, but why you ask do I exist even in this modern age?

Year after year, everywhere I go I see things that aren’t in the Christmas spirit at all. Life is hard for some kids, but if I do my job right for a few hours on Christmas morning they’re transported far, far away from all that. The hopes and wishes from good little girls and boys for Santa to come through for them ring in my ears like a billion silver bells. As I fly overhead on Christmas Eve they shine below me like a billion stars dreamed down from the sky. On my rounds I visit every twinkling, chiming place; and leave a beaming smile in my wake. I hear them too, oh yes! Sometimes after the last package is delivered the boys and I take the long way home, just coasting along as the sun comes up on a chorus of laughter...the distant, grateful voice of a child whispering “Thank you, Santa.”

364 days a year, from year to year, from my workshop at the North Pole I see life on the outside changing for kids. Everyone’s got phones now, and even during the Holidays sometimes it’s hard to hear my songs playing amid the latest pop craze or internet volume. My youngest Elves, I honestly don’t know what they’re talking about sometimes! Just last June the missus and I came home from vacation to find they had scrapped my old SYWYS 1000 system (the ‘Sees You When You’re Sleeping’ technology I’ve used for centuries), installed cameras everywhere, and built a huge new computer server room in Mrs. Claus’ pantry. She about had a fit! But if I know my Elves I know there must have been a good intention in there somewhere, so I asked the ringleader (a new kid who insists we call him MineCraftHead) to show me what it could do.

Now Santa is what they call old school. I’ve always kept my records in books: one book per child. These Elves though...they said my books were old-fashioned; that I had to get with the times in today’s competitive business climate. MineCraftHead (I still can’t get used to calling him that) showed me how the new system –the SANTA System (for ‘Sweetness and Naughtiness Tabulation Automator’) – could permit me both to check in on any child on Earth at any moment and keep an eye on the doings at the Workshop on my phone. Yes, they insisted Santa carry a smartphone.

Portable North Pole

...and so that’s why I told the Elves I wanted iPhone and Android apps: to give all this new technology meaning by letting kids experience the North Pole as we see it every day, letting them keep the videos to watch again and again, and giving them reason to count the days (and their good deeds) until Christmas.

Santa’s apps can be found at https://www.portablenorthpole.com/, and they’re free for all to use. I should say we do offer a premium experience that costs a few dollars, featuring a fully-personalized, extended-length video message from me and a peek at the inner workings of the SANTA System to give kids a peek into where they might stand on Santa’s naughty and nice lists. I tell you, knowing those videos will stay in the hands of children to watch again and again, any time of year...it does Santa’s heart a world of good.

Now if you’ll excuse me I’ve got to get back to building Mrs. Claus a new pantry before the Holiday rush really gets running, and before she tans Santa’s hide! Visit me at https://www.portablenorthpole.com/, or download my apps from the iTunes AppStore or Google Play Store, check in with me and the Elves, and spread some smiles of your own this Holiday season.



Merry Christmas!

Nicholas Claus


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Monday, December 22, 2014

all(R) Free Clear: Tips to Addressing Eczema and Fall Allergies in Your Family

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The Fall Season brings allergies back into our lives, with more than 50 million people suffering from some form of Allergies in this country. In addition, October is National Eczema Month and according to the National Eczema Foundation, as many as 30 million Americans may have it. The key is to learn more about it to help you and your readers/viewers understand treatment – especially when it comes to kids. Here are three smart ways to address Eczema and Fall Allergies in your family.

1) Be ready with this Eczema prevention check list:
  • Moisturize every day.
  • Wear cotton or soft fabrics. Avoid rough, scratchy fibers and tight clothing.
  • Take lukewarm baths and showers, using mild soap or non-soap cleanser
  • Gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel – do not rub.
  • Apply a moisturizer within 3 minutes after bathing to “lock in” moisture.
  • When possible, avoid rapid changes of temperature and activities that make you sweat.
  • Learn your eczema triggers and avoid them.
  • Use a humidifier in dry or cold weather.
  • Keep your fingernails short to help keep scratching from breaking the skin.
  • Some people with allergies find it helps to remove carpets from their house, and give pets dander treatments.

Products with the National Eczema label have received the NEA Seal of Acceptance. Products eligible for the NEA Seal of Acceptance™ are those that have been created or intended for use by persons with eczema or severe sensitive skin conditions and that have satisfied the NEA Seal of Acceptance™ criteria. Acceptance of a product means that the product has been evaluated to determine that it does not contain ingredients or contents that are known to be unsuitable for use by persons with eczema or sensitive skin conditions.

all® free clear is the ONLY detergent that has the National Eczema Seal of Acceptance.

Source: National Eczema Association


2) Know the Truth About Fall Allergens
  • Ragweed is the biggest allergy trigger in the fall. Though the yellow-flowering weed usually starts releasing pollen in August, it can last into September and October.
  • For some people who are allergic to ragweed, foods like bananas, melon, zucchini, and certain other fruits and vegetables can also cause symptoms.
  • Mold is another fall trigger. Piles of damp leaves are ideal breeding grounds for mold.
  • Don’t forget dust mites. While they are common during the humid summer months, they can get stirred into the air the first time you turn on your heat in the fall.
  • Schools are breeding grounds for mold and dust mites which trigger allergies in kids.
Source: webmd.com

3) Go Free & Clear in the Laundry Room

all® free clear is the #1 recommended detergent brand by Dermatologists, Allergists and Pediatricians for sensitive skin. It's tough on stains yet gentle enough for the whole family to use. It is also safe for use in standard and HE machines. It rinses clean and has a gentle, hypoallergenic formula. all free clear is the ONLY laundry detergent that has the National Eczema Seal of Acceptance. Additionally it is proven that even in cold water all Free & Clear can removes 99% of top household and seasonal allergens, without fragrance or dyes. This keeps the family healthy and happy for a season filled with apple picking, pumpkin carving and outdoor adventures.


Available in the fabric softeners section at most major retailers.

To find a retailer near you, use the product locator on www.allfreeclear.com.


  • all® free clear dryer sheets: Size Range: 80ct – 230ct/ Price Range: $3.99 - $7.99
  • all® free clear fabric softener: Size Range: 32oz – 96oz/ Price Range: $3.99 - $7.99

My Thoughts on the Product
This product makes a HUGE difference in my clothes and my dry skin. I have found that this product makes my clothes cleaner and I do not have as many problems as I have had in the past with skin issues, especially in regards to the winter months when my skin is already dry (I do not need my clothes irritating my sin even further). That being said I was very impressed and I know that I will be continuing to use this in the future!



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Last Minute Stocking Stuffers: MIKE AND IKE and HOT TAMALES mixes!

MIKE AND IKE and HOT TAMALES


Just in time for your holiday parties is MIKE AND IKE® Merry Mix and MIKE AND IKE® Minion Mix.    Also available during the holiday season only will be the MIKE AND IKE® Original Fruits and HOT TAMALES® Fierce Cinnamon Stocking Stuffers.

MIKE AND IKE® Merry Mix comes in a 14 oz bag, perfect for all your home and office holiday parties.  This holiday favorite includes original flavors Lime and Cherry, plus a seasonal flavor, Holiday Punch.  The red and green colors of Merry Mix add even more festiveness to the season.  SRP for Merry Mix is $2.50 - $3.00 for the 14 oz bag.   MIKE AND IKE® Original Fruits theater box stocking stuffer comes in a 5 oz box making it an ideal stocking stuffer for all candy lovers on your holiday shopping list.  HOT TAMALES® Fierce Cinnamon also offers a 5 oz theater box stocking stuffer of cinnamon candy with holiday themed messaging and graphics on the packaging.  The SRP for the 5 oz boxes of MIKE AND IKE® Original Fruits and HOT TAMALES® Fierce Cinnamon is $1.00 - $1.39. Both package designs include extra space to add a name for the recipient and sender to truly personalize your delicious candy gift.

MIKE AND IKE and HOT TAMALES

To celebrate the success of the wildly popular movie franchise, MIKE AND IKE® has created a limited edition Minion Mix that will only be available during the holiday season.

MIKE AND IKE® Minion Mix is available in a 5 oz box and comes with 3 different designs on pack – making it a collectable item for every Minion lover. Made with real fruit juice, fans will enjoy the sweet and tasty goodness of Blue Raspberry and Banana flavors.  SRP for the 5 oz box is $1.00 - $1.39. 

“The holidays are a fun time to share sweets and try new recipes,” says Koren Ivie, Brand Manager for MIKE AND IKE® and HOT TAMALES® candy.  “We wanted to provide our fans with fun recipes to enjoy these candies with family and friends!”
MIKE AND IKE and HOT TAMALES

In the spirit of the holidays, create and sample some tasty recipes featuring MIKE AND IKE® and HOT TAMALES® candies for your next holiday party.  Try these recipes created by Chef Jamie Geller as part of her recent alliance with the leading candy brands.


HOT TAMALES® Snickerdoodles
Servings: 2 dozen

INGREDIENTS:

·         1/2 cup (4 oz) HOT TAMALES®Fierce Cinnamon candies, coarsely chopped*
·         1/4 cup (2 oz) salted margarine, softened
·         1/4 cup (2 oz) shortening (I use Spectrum Organic)
·         3/4 cups (5.6 oz) granulated sugar
·         1 egg
·         1 1/2 cups (6.75 oz) all-purpose flour
·         1 teaspoon cream of tartar
·         1/2 teaspoon baking soda
·         pinch of salt (increase to 1/4 tsp if using unsalted margarine)
·         4 teaspoons granulated sugar
·         4 teaspoons ground cinnamon

*The best way to chop it is with a lightly oiled knife. 

INSTRUCTIONS:
1.       Line two cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
2.       Using an electric mixer, cream together the margarine, shortening and ¾ cups sugar. Add the egg and beat until thoroughly combined.
3.       In a separate bowl, combine all dry ingredients. Add the dry ingredients (except the candy) into the creamed mixture and mix until just combined. Add the chopped candy and mix until the candy is evenly distributed, a few minutes more.
4.       Refrigerate the dough for at least 15 minutes (this makes it easier to handle).
5.       Preheat the oven to 375 degrees.
6.       Combine the remaining sugar and cinnamon in a small bowl.  Form dough into balls the size of small walnuts (I use a tablespoon cookie scoop). Roll the balls of cookie dough in the cinnamon sugar.
7.       Place the cookies two inches apart on the cookie sheets. Bake for 8 minutes, rotating the cookie sheets in the oven at the halfway point. They are done when they look puffed in the middle and slightly brown at the edges (the tops of the cookies will form cracks). Be careful not to overcook.
8.       Remove cookie sheet from the oven and let cookies sit on it for another minute or so before removing to cooling rack; cookies will flatten out as they cool.
9.       These cookies are best served warm, straight out of the oven, but they can be stored in an airtight container for up to two days.


MIKE AND IKE® Crispy Rice Cereal Treats
Servings: 8

INGREDIENTS:

·         1 ½ cups (13 oz) MIKE AND IKE® Original Fruits candies, coarsely chopped*
·         3 tablespoons (1.5 oz, 42g) margarine
·         10 oz (280 g) marshmallows
·         1/2 cup (1.7 oz, 48 g) marshmallow fluff
·         6 cups (5.7 oz, 160g) crisp rice cereal
*The best way to chop it is with a lightly oiled knife. 

INSTRUCTIONS:

1.       Grease a 9 X 13 pan and set aside.
2.       Combine the marshmallows and margarine in a large microwave safe bowl.
3.       Place the cereal and candy in another bowl and toss well to combine. Set aside.
4.       Microwave the marshmallows and margarine for one minute.
5.       Remove from the microwave and stir to combine. If the marshmallows are not fully melted return to the microwave and cook for 30 seconds at a time until they are fully melted.
6.       Stir in the fluff and mix well. Add the candy and cereal mixture and stir until combined.
7.       Turn the mixture out into the prepared pan. Let cool, then cut into squares.




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