Sunday, December 30, 2012

FREE Lowes Build & Grow Clinic for Kids 1/12 - Build a Mystery Project

HERE'S A FREE ONE FOR THE KIDDIES...

The Mystery Project
Saturday, January 12th (10:00 AM)
On Saturday, January 12th,  stores will receive one of several classic Build and Grow kits! The project may be a mystery but it’s no surprise that your child will have fun building it at Lowe’s!!

Click here to register for the Lowes Build & Grow Clinic


Enjoy!


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FREE Home Depot Kids Workshop 1/5 - Build a Diamond Birdhouse

Build a Bird House this Saturday at the Home Depot

Build. Learn. Create. Have fun with fun Kids Workshops at the Home Depot designed for children ages 5 - 12. Workshops teach children do-it-yourself skills, tool safety and instill a sense of pride and accomplishment. All kids get to keep their craft and receive a FREE Kids Workshop Apron, commemorative pin and certificate of achievement.

Build a Diamond Bird House!!!
Saturday, Janaury, 5, 2012
9 a.m. – 12 p.m.

• Kids will learn to build their very own Diamond Shaded Bird House while learning tool safety
• Have fun, make friends and gain a sense of achievement and work ethic
• You can paint and add embellishments to your project while at the workshop


Enjoy!


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Friday, December 28, 2012

CONTEST: HGTV 2013 Dream Home GIVEAWAY in South Carolina + GMC® Acadia Denali & $500,000

One Lucky Person will Win the Dream in South Carolina...

Tune in to HGTV on New Year's Day at 7pm EST to take a tour of the Dream Home...

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE 2013 HGTV DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY ON HGTV.COM

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE 2013 HGTV DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY ON FRONTDOOR.COM

I love all the home shows on HGTV. But my favorite time of year is when HGTV builds their yearly dream house. And the 17th HGTV Dream Home is on Kiawah Island in South Carolina.

HGTV is giving one lucky viewer the chance to win a custom-built, 3,000-square-foot low country Zen coastal cottage nestled along verdant marshland in Indigo Park, Kiawah Island’s first sustainable neighborhood. Eco-friendly construction materials and building practices, indoor air quality, energy efficiency, water conservation and geothermal heating and cooling contributed to the home’s certification.

The winner of the 17th HGTV Dream Home 2013 grand prize package will also win a 2013 Acadia Denali GMC Terrain, five hundred thousand dollars in cash AND every single item in the house. If you like a home that is inspired by nature, then take just one step inside this home and you'll be ready to move right in!


For the first time the HGTV Dream House is also a "Green Home" with interior colors and styling that  takes its cues from the lush green on the outside. I am not sure I like this home as much as the previous HGTV Dream Homes, but I do love the master bedroom and bathroom which are both very homey.  My mom would love this home since the color green is in every single room - and green is her favorite color.


The second floor of the HGTV 2013 Dream House has a bunk area for the kids, two guest bedrooms, two huge bathrooms and a beautiful, giant loft area with lots of room for guests...


The 2013 HGTV Dream House also comes with a new 2013 GMC® Acadia Denali and $500,000! The garage has a comfortable seating area with a Ping-Pong table and television and sealed cement floors with a protective marine coating to give the floors a glossy finished look. The back walls of the garage has a unique breakaway wall system that is clad in PVC slats and screening, which guards against bugs and animals.


Starting now, you can enter twice daily to win the home - once on HGTV.com and one on FrontDoor.com. The contest ends on February 15th at 5pm EST.

Tune in to HGTV on Tuesday, January 1st at 7pm EST for the first airing of the HGTV 2013 Dream Home.

HGTV always produces an extravagant show to unveil the winner! And if you win, please invite me and my son for a visit :)

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE 2013 HGTV DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY ON HGTV.COM

CLICK HERE TO ENTER THE 2013 HGTV DREAM HOME GIVEAWAY ON FRONTDOOR.COM


Click here to view a quick 90 second video below of the entire home ...


Enjoy!
   
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MOVIE REVIEW: Parental Guidance

This movie review for "Parental Guidance" was written by guest blogger Liz Parker...

I did not have high hopes for Parental Guidance based on its previews, even though I'm a big fan of both Bette Midler and Billy Crystal. To be honest, it looked like a typical "family" movie that was all sap and no substance. However, I found myself actually enjoying the film, and most of the jokes throughout it were actually pretty funny.

Alice (Marisa Tomei) and her husband Phil (Tom Everett Scott) have three young kids, and haven't taken a vacation in forever. When Phil gets to go on a trip to present on his "smart house," R-Life, he asks Alice to go with him. Unfortunately, Phil's parents aren't free to watch the kids for the duration of their trip, so they're forced to call "the other grandparents" - Alice's parents, Diane (Midler) and Artie (Crystal). Alice and Phil's parenting style was very different from Alice and Phil's, however, and she gives them strict instructions: no sugar for the kids (ha ...), and they all have rigid schedules. They also live in an R-Life prototype house which causes some problems for Artie and Diane, since they're not used to a house that's so technologically advanced; even turning on the microwave turns out to be a challenge. The kids all pose different and unique problems for the two as well, but with some "tough love" they learn to work their way through them.

The kids in this movie were adorable, though I have to say - who would name their kid Barker? (the parents are apparently fond of -er names, because their kids are named Harper, Turner, and Barker, too)

Bailee Madison plays Turner, their 13-year-old daughter and oldest child, who is obsessed with practicing the violin so she can get the only spot open in the Atlanta Youth Symphony. Turner has a speech impediment, and is often made fun of at school; Barker is the youngest and is definitely a handful, and he soon learns that he can make some cash off "Uncle Fartie," as he calls him, if he cooperates with Artie and doesn't cause trouble. Crystal and Midler shine here, as well, in their respective roles, and I've missed seeing Midler in films; her last was The Women, in 2008, not counting voice roles. Tomei and her husband also do well here, though their screen time is not as extensive as Crystal and Midler's.

Yes, see this film. There's definitely a few bodily functions jokes throughout, including one unpleasant vomiting scene, but that's almost expected, since this is a "family movie" that panders to all ages. I kind of wish the R-Life house was real, as it's pretty cool, and a few of the jokes derive from that; during once scene, when Tomei unexpectedly arrives back home, the house's touchscreen asks if Artie and Turner would like to continue watching Saw (a film that Turner is not allowed to watch), and it showed a picture of them watching it, both of their faces comically terrified. Parental Guidance is not a bad choice for those looking for a cute film to see over the holidays, and since I went into it with low expectations, I was pleasantly surprised.

Parental Guidance is in theaters now and is rated PG with a runtime of 104 minutes. 3.5 stars out of 5.

Click here if "Parental Guidance" trailer is not shown

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Liz Parker is a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature, and she loves going to the movies. Visit her at her movie blog Yes/No Films

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

COUPON: Macys Wow Pass for $10 off $25+ purchase on 12/27 before 1pm

WOW!  As in MACYS WOW PASS!

Click here for your $10 off $25+ Macys Wow Pass. 

This coupon is good Thursday, December 27, 2012 before 1pm. One coupon per customer.


Enjoy!


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Monday, December 24, 2012

COUPON: BOGO FREE Burger King Whoppers for your Facebook "LIKE"

More FREE Food from Burger King...

Go over to the Burger King Facebook Page where they are celebrating the 55 year anniversary of the Whopper with a Buy One Get One FREE Whopper Coupon. 

When you go to the link and like their FB Page, your coupon will be sent to the email address associated with your Facebook account.  The coupon is good through March 3, 2013.

CLICK HERE TO GET YOUR BOGO FREE BURGER KING WHOPPER COUPON

The legal Stuff -
Not valid on specialty versions. Valid on sandwich only. Limit one per customer. Not to be used with any other coupons or Offers. Void where prohibited. Sales tax applicable. Cash value1/100c. This offer may not be available in all BURGER KING® restaurants. TM & © 2012 Burger King Corporations. All Rights Reserved.

Enjoy!


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FREE Cupcakes at The Cupcake Station on 12/27

The Cupcake Station is offering their customers FREE cupcakes on Thursday...

The Cupcake Station is celebrating the holidays by giving each of their customers a FREE cupcake on Thursday, December 27th! Come into any Cupcake Station location on December 27th and simply say "Happy Holidays!" to receive your FREE cupcake.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO ON FREE CUPCAKES AT THE CUPCAKE STATION

Cupcake Station Locations:

Birmingham 136 N. Old Woodward Ave Birmingham, MI 48009 (248) 593-1903

Ann Arbor 116 E. Liberty Ave Ann Arbor, MI 48104 (734) 222-1801

Plymouth 318 S. Main St Plymouth, MI 48170 (734) 582-0500

Ferndale 301 W. Nine Mile, Ferndale, MI 48220 (248) 336-8668


Enjoy!


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DEAL: 20 New and Classic MP3 Albums for $1.99 Each on Amazon - 12/24 ONLY

It's a Christmas Eve Music Miracle...

Oh no!!! It's Christmas Eve and you still don't have gifts for everyone. Plus you have no money left - What do you do?

Today only, just for Christmas Eve, get 20 new and classic MP3 albums from amazing acts for just $1.99 each. Save on music by Taylor Swift, Imagine Dragons, Rihanna, Carly Rae Jepsen, Ne-Yo, ABBA, and more.

Did you know you can give Amazon MP3's as a gift? That's right, just click on the GIFT BUTTON when you buy these $1.99 MP3 albums and you have given a great gift of music for less than $2.

CLICK HERE FOR LIST OF 20 $1.99 MP3 ALBUMS ON AMAZON FOR CHRISTMAS EVE SALE 


Do you need a few dollars to get the $1.99 Amazon Mp3 Album deal for today? Did you know you can get a FREE $5 Amazon MP3 Credit when signup for a FREE Scott Shared Values Account? CLICK HERE FOR MORE DETAILS


Enjoy!

Disclosure: I am an Amazon Affiliate Member.

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Sunday, December 23, 2012

FREE "Santa Call" for the good Boys & Girls, courtesy of Google

Give your kids and friends a FREE totally personalized "Santa Call" that they will love...

Usually, I am not into the whole pre-recorded Santa phone call thing. It all is usually too canned for my taste. But I just had to tell everyone about a different kind of phone call from Santa that good little and big kids will get a kick out of.  I first tried this website two years ago and it is great!!!

The website is called Santa Call (http://www.google.com/santatracker/#/village/santacall ) and it is sponsored by Google. You get to really personalize your Santa call with your name, the receiver's name, gifts they want for the holiday, pet names - you know, all the things that the Big Jolly Dude should know.  If don't like some of the personalizations after you listen to the message, you can go back and change them.


I tried this site out two years ago when my son was "kinda" still believing in Santa so I thought this message would be a good way to mark the end of an era. After I picked the options and listened to the message, I was shocked how great it sounded. After finishing the personalizing options, you have the choice to send the message to a phone, send it in an email, or post it to Google+.  If you chose to send it by phone, you can only do so between 8am and 9pm at night.

Adults can have fun with these Santa phone calls also since some of the personalization options are very funny.

"Santa Call" is a fun, cute idea.  The only drawback when I tried it was that Google did a little 10 second advertisement at the end of the call, but that is not bad since it is FREE.

CLICK HERE TO START YOUR FREE SANTA CALL FROM GOOGLE


Part of the 2012 Holiday Gift Guide


Enjoy!


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FREE 1 Year Subscription to Latina Magazine - Limited Time Offer

Complimentary Latina Subscription

Latina features real women inspiring change in their communities, their families, and their jobs. Latina also covers fashion, beauty, culture, food and celebrities. Enjoy all of this with your one-year subscription.

CLICK HERE TO GET A 1 YEAR SUBSCRIPTION TO LATINA MAGAZINE

Quantities are limited, so act now!

NOTE: After you signup for the FREE magazine subscription, a page will appear asking you if you want to signup for paid subscriptions for $1 each. Just close that window by clicking on the "X" in the right top corner if you are not interested.  You don't need to signup for any paid subscriptions to get this FREE one.

Enjoy!


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COUPON: 25% off single-item at Barnes & Noble in-store - ENDS 12/24

Get 25% off a single item until Christmas Eve

Just in time for LAST holiday gift buying, Barnes & Noble has a coupon for 25% off one item per account that can be used in-store. Restrictions apply.

CLICK HERE FOR 25% OFF BARNES & NOBLE COUPON FOR IN-STORE - ENDS 12/24

Enjoy!


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MOVIE REVIEW: This is 40

This movie review for "This is 40" was written by guest blogger Liz Parker...

This is 40 is being billed as the "sort-of sequel to (2007's) Knocked Up," and so Paul Rudd and Leslie Mann reprise their roles as Pete and Debbie. However, you won't find Seth Rogen and Katherine Heigl here at all, though there are a few other recurring characters, such as Jason Segel, playing an athletic trainer aptly named Jason, and Charlyne Yi, playing an employee who works at Debbie's clothing store (and who is so weird she actually steals a few scenes). I remember I saw a screening of Knocked Up when I was attending U of M and thought it was funny, and This is 40 matches that, though it's definitely not a movie for kids because of its language and adult jokes.

Five years after Knocked Up, Pete and Debbie are turning 40, though Debbie insists on having "38" written on her cake. They're in some serious money troubles too, although Debbie doesn't even know the half of it; Pete's music studio isn't doing well, and he brings back one of his favorite "old fogies" and his band in a last-ditch attempt to make some money. Debbie has taken to smoking near windows in secret, and Pete eats too many cupcakes, so they decide to start a healthier lifestyle - which of course makes them miserable. Their oldest daughter, Sadie (Maude Apatow, real-life daughter of director Judd Apatow and Leslie Mann), is thirteen, too, and they're having a hard time dealing with her; their youngest daughter, Charlotte (Iris Apatow, sister of Maude), is hating that her sister and herself aren't close anymore, too. The movie follows these characters through their ups and downs, and brings a large dose of comedy with it.

During the opening scene of This is 40, you can tell this is not going to be a kids movie: we see shadows having sex in the shower, and then the door opens and Debbie scolds Pete for taking Viagra; she says that they are young and that young people shouldn't need those kinds of drugs. I had also forgotten that Melissa McCarthy (Bridesmaids) was going to be in this film, and she plays the mother of one of Sadie's classmates, whom Debbie tries to (hilariously) intimidate at one point. Jason Segel and Megan Fox also have supporting roles, Segel in the same role as before and Megan Fox as another of Debbie's employees whom all of the married men like to ogle.

Yes, see this film. I'd like to rewatch Knocked Up now too, since I last saw it five years ago and would like to remember these characters who are now in this movie more. I was surprised, too, that neither Heigl nor Rogen made a cameo in this film, but they undoubtedly both have busy schedules. Despite all of the raunchy, signature Apatow situations and language in the film, at its core it's really about family, and is actually quite a sweet movie.

This is 40 is in theaters today, December 21st, and is rated R with a runtime of 134 minutes. 3.5 stars out of 5.

Click here if This is 40 movie trailer is not shown

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Liz Parker is a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature, and she loves going to the movies. Visit her at her movie blog Yes/No Films

Saturday, December 22, 2012

GIVEAWAY: Master TSA-accepted Locks allow less luggage worries for Holiday traveling - ENDS 12/29 (CLOSED)

Photo Credit: Flickr Creative Commons via Photopin
Master Lock Provides Tips for Travelers to Keep Safety and Security a Priority...

Tis the season where seeing friends and family becomes the number one priority. As people travel home to be near their loved ones, Master Lock wants to encourage everyone to be safe, and not sorry.

To keep your home and family secure during the holiday season’s hustle and bustle, Master Lock offers the following tips to help travelers keep safety top-of-mind:

Keep that lived in look. In 2010, more than 1.8 million homes were burglarized with 400,000 of those burglaries taking place between November and December. Making the home appear active while away can discourage potential break-ins. Set a timer for both inside and outside lights to switch on and off and turn a radio or TV on to create the illusion that someone is home. Hold your mail deliveries at usps.com, and contact your other providers to stop newspaper and package drop-offs while you’re away.

Toast don’t post. Resist the temptation to update your social network accounts with travel plans to avoid having the news of the unoccupied status of your home fall into the wrong hands. Instead, spend that time in the company of friends and family toasting to health and happiness, and wait to post photos of holiday fun until you
return home.

Check (Twice) Before Travel. Before departing for a holiday destination, check the schedules and status of your flight, train or traffic route to stay aware of delays, bad weather and other potential changes. Checking in on the status of your method of travel will guarantee you are prepared for any delays and keep you calm during the holiday rush. And don’t forget to double-check your travel documents before leaving the house.

Activity and Emergency Kits Are Key. Whether traveling by train or car, always carry a first aid kit stocked with bottled water, snacks, medication, bandages, a flashlight and cell phone charger. Should you encounter a problem or a long distance between rest-stops on your route, these items can help keep you nourished and your travel companions busy. Keep children occupied by bringing fun games or movies to lessen driving distractions. If traveling by car, have it inspected by a mechanic or someone you trust before a long journey to make sure all systems are primed and tires are filled.

Master 4688D lock is TSA-accepted
Lock It Down & Carry It On. A reported 200 items are stolen each day from JFK Airport, one of the busiest airports in the world. Keep your valuables including cell phones, wallets, watches/jewelry and other important property safe by carrying them with you at all times and locking them up while on-the-go. In addition, use generic luggage, be mindful of wearing flashy jewelry and dress down to prevent being targeted for theft.

Did you know you can secure checked and carry-on luggage with a TSA-accepted lock? I did not know this until I was sent for review the Master 4688D TSA-accepted Combination Lock which can be used while traveling to prevent unauthorized access to my luggage.

How do TSA-accepted locks work?
TSA inspectors screen every passenger's baggage before it is placed on an airplane. While their technology allows them to electronically screen bags, there are times when they need to physically inspect a piece of luggage. Although I don't travel by air very often, I know that the checked luggage of friends I have traveled with to Blogging conferences have been opened by the TSA for inspection.

The TSA has worked with several companies, including Master Lock, to develop locks that can be opened by security officers using universal "master" keys so that the locks don't have to be cut off. So buying one of these TSA-accepted locks will allow you to keep your valuables safe while allowing the TSA agents to do their job.

The Master 4688D Combination Lock features -
- Master key opening that allows TSA screeners to inspect and relock baggage without damaging the lock
- Unique flexible cable to resist abuse from baggage handling equipment
- 3 dials which allows you to set-your-own combination and reset for convenience
- Matching locks and cables to coordinate with popular baggage colors
- Bright colors to allow baggage identification
- 1-1/8" (29mm) wide durable metal body

Check out the following video on the Master TSA-accepted lock


The Master 4688D TSA-accepted Combination Lock can also be used for more than just airline luggage.  It is also great for securing cabinets, computer bags and briefcases - anywhere you are currently using a traditional combination lock.

The Master 4688D TSA-accepted Combination Locks retail for around $10 each and are available on Amazon, the Master Lock website, and in retail stores.

Find out more about Master Lock products by liking Master Lock on Facebook and by following Master Lock on Twitter.


GIVEAWAY
One (1) FREEISMYLIFE reader will WIN a Master 4688D TSA-approved Combination Lock to use for your next trip or just for everyday use - HOLLA to the FREE!!!

TO ENTER

- Fill out the information in the form below.

- One entry per person please. Duplicate entries will be removed.

- USA addresses only.

- The contest ends on Saturday, December 29, 2012 at 11:59am EST.

- The winner will be selected by random number generation.

- Master Lock or their PR company will be responsible for fulfilling the prize to the winner.


(7) EXTRA GIVEAWAY ENTRIES

- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following Master Lock on Facebook.


- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Facebook.


- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following Master Lock on Twitter.
.

- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for following FREEISMYLIFE on Twitter.
.

- Following my "And the Winning is Easy" board on Pinterest.

- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for answering the Master Lock question at this link.

- You can get 1 extra giveaway entry for tweeting the following message on Twitter " I entered to WIN a $10 @MasterLockCo TSA-accepted Combination Lock on @freeismylife http://ow.ly/gjJT3 "



Random.org has spoken!!! Out of 118 entries, Random.org has picked #32. Congratulations to the winner of the $10 Master TSA-accepted Lock - Kay Lynn A. of San Diego, CA!!!

Enjoy!


Disclosure: I received a complimentary Master Lock product to facilitate this review.  Master Lock is supplying the product for the giveaway.  I am an Amazon Affiliate Member. All opinions are my own.



MOVIE REVIEW: Jack Reacher

Jack Reacher, Tom Cruise, movie, film review, movie review
This movie review for "Jack Reacher" was written by guest blogger Liz Parker...

Jack Reacher is based on a series of books about a six-foot, 250-pound man, so apparently fans of the book were not pleased to hear that 5'7" Tom Cruise, more scrawny than brawny, had been cast in the role. However, he does a great job with the role; if the book fans can put away their biases, they may actually end up enjoying the film adaptation.

Jack Reacher (Cruise) is a ghost. He served in the military, mostly working as an investigator, and received many honors; and then, after that, he seemed to vanish. When James Barr (Joseph Sikora), a sniper who has shot five random people asks for him by name, he randomly shows up to talk to the DA, Rodin (Richard Jenkins) and his colleague Emerson (David Oyelowo) about the man, and ends up working with the lawyer defending the sniper, the DA's daughter, Helen (Rosamund Pike). All evidence points to Barr having committed the crime, but Reacher isn't so sure, and he must figure out the evidence before being run out of town by some shady characters.

The movie was action-packed, but did feel a little slow at times. My other complaint was that they never explained the motivation for the whole scheme (without going into more details...) at the end, and why that turn of events happened that way; we learn who was involved other than the sniper, but the reason for this person being involved is left up in the air, which kind of annoyed me. Other than that, I found the film to be very witty, as well as including great action scenes, including a few car chases as well. I can't remember the last time I saw an action movie that was this witty, actually; for example, in one scene the DA is discussing how hard Jack Reacher is to find, and then an aide pops into the room and says "a Jack Reacher is here to see you, sir," which was ironic and also pretty funny.

Yes, see this movie. Like I said, I have not read the books, so I can't tell you how it compares, but as a stand-alone film, I enjoyed it a lot. It's a little bit "fluffy" - odds are, the next day, you won't remember much for it - but it's definitely a fun ride and one worth taking. Tom Cruise proves he definitely still "has it," and he upholds his reputation as a great action star here. The film also seemed to be left open for a sequel, so perhaps we will see more of Jack Reacher in the near future.

Jack Reacher is in theaters now and is rated PG-13 with a runtime of 130 minutes. 3.5 stars out of 5.

Clickhere if "Jack Reacher" movie trailer is not shown

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Liz Parker is a University of Michigan graduate with a degree in Creative Writing and Literature, and she loves going to the movies. Visit her at her movie blog Yes/No Films