Michael Bublé: To Be Loved album review

May 8, 2013 by Leave a Comment

I was born in the wrong the generation, of this, I am sure.  I have an intense love for all things vintage and from the age 12 it has only increased.  There is something fantastic about the time between the 40s-60s and it has always captured my attention.  So when approached to listen and review the most recent album of the King of Crooning, Michael Bublé, I swooned and foxtrotted right over.

To Be Loved

To Be Loved, is the most recent album from Michael Bublé.  Released in April 2013, it has earned a variety of different reviews from love to disappointment.  Michael has ventured away from the classics made famous by the Rat Pack and is now including re-makes of  The Bee Gees, Elvis Presley, and the Jackson 5.  In addition to the new inclusions, Michael has co-written 4 original songs.   To Be Loved is a small step away from his crooning roots.

Michael BubleI, personally, enjoyed most of the album.  I’m not a huge fan of Elvis Presley or the Bee Gees, except a few of their hits, so when I saw their tracks (To Love Somebody-Bee Gees and Have I Told You Lately that I Love You – Elvis Presley)  on To Be Loved, I was not overjoyed or overly impressed.  However, Michael has added a brass element to the songs and has infused them with a new life that  has made the songs, which are overplayed elevator fodder, almost enjoyable again.  The rest of the album, I was excited to listen to and was pleasantly surprised with several of his renditions, original pieces and as always loved the classics.  Michael Bublé has the ability to make woman believe in old fashion romantic love.  To Be Loved is a breath of fresh air and a reminder of the classics that we have all once heard, know and love.

 

Take a moment for yourself and enjoy some Bublé…. “You Make Me Feel So Young.”  The first track on To Be Loved.

 

To Be Loved can found on Amazon and iTunes for your listening pleasure.  I find myself Ginger Rogers-ing it up fairly often to this album, much to the  irritation of my children.

Here is one of the fantastic original songs that was co-written by Michael Bublé.  Try not to find yourself  humming it later…”It’s a Beautiful Day”


Take a moment for yourself sometime soon. Download To Be Loved and enjoy yourself.  I don’t believe you will be disappointed.

One more parting shot…

Michael Bublé

 

 

I participated in this campaign for One2One Network. I received a free copy of the album to facilitate my review. By posting, I am eligible for incentives. All opinions stated are my own.

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What’s for dinner?

March 25, 2013 by Leave a Comment

What does your average day look like?  Are you extremely organized and know what is planned every day?  Do you wing it and hope for the best? Are you more like me and try your best for organization but are happy if you can get through the day with limited bickering, homework battles, and dinner on the table at an appropriate time.  It’s amazing how accomplish one can feel merely by getting dinner on the table even when everything else seems to be falling apart.

I’m not sure if Kroger heard my screams of frustration from afar and decided to take pity on the hopeless but they recently reached out to our crazy household and “bought” us dinner.  Big believers of families gathering around the table for dinner Kroger wanted to help me get a full dinner prepared and on the table at a reasonable hour with minimal stress.  Which was a welcomed relief because with two boys in school, evening sports, and the days becoming longer my schedule has been a little off key.
With coupons in hand and recipes pinned on Pinterest, I traveled to our neighborhood Kroger store (Fry’s Food) and picked up our dinner.  I was extremely excited about a Pork loin recipe that I had been dying to try and now I had the time and opportunity!

 

Balsamic Garlic Pork Tenderloin (modified from Kitchen Confidante)

Ingredients:

4-5 minced garlic cloves (I used my organic jarred version)

2 tablespoons of Balsamic Vinegar

2 1/2 tablespoons Sea Salt

1/2 ground pepper

2 tablespoons of olive oil

1 pork loin 4-5lbs

1.  Mix together the above ingredients and make a paste.  Rub the past on the pork loin and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat oven at 400. Cook for about 60 minutes or an internal temperature of 160.  Ours was on the larger side so I cooked for slightly longer.

Kitchen Confidante spread the rub over two loins however ours was fairly large and it work perfectly on one. I also did not have fresh garlic, coarse salt or freshly ground pepper. I used what I had available..regular pepper, organic jarred minced garlic and Sea Salt.

Delicious!

We had enough left over that we had leftovers for the following night.  That makes ME very happy! I rarely make a meal that doesn’t have enough for at least two meals.

Happy FULL children makes me a satisfied and a slightly more calm mom.

Don’t forget, Kroger offers sides for you dinning enjoyment!  Mashed potatoes, crescent rolls alongside a fresh romaine salad may be your ticket to a fast homemade meal for the family.

 

As Ferris Bueller famously said “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”  Good advice.  Soo don’t allow the stress of prepping and planning dinner take away the joy of family time.  Give yourself a breather every now again and sit down with your family for dinner. You never know what you may gain from a simple meal.

**Kroger through BzzAgent provided my family with a free coupons of for dinner with Kroger brand products.  The opinions are internally my own.

 



 

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Borax Review and Giveaway

January 26, 2013 by 13 Comments

I’m fairly a newbie to world of Borax. I first discovered it uses when I began writing Becoming Homegrown and was just beginning to become more natural and self sufficient.  Borax was introduced to me as multi-use tool that can do almost anything.

My first foray into Borax usage was making homemade laundry detergent.  I had no idea what it actually was, so it was a challenge finding it at the grocery store.  Now, almost two years later, I always keep Borax on hand for cleaning as well as laundry detergent.

Here are a few links to fellow bloggers that have a Borax recipes found on Pinterest:

Valentines day Borax crystal craft - at Club Chica Circle

Borax bouncy ball – on Ehow

Purex is now providing you the chance to try making your own things with Borax. I am giving 1 FREE coupon for a box of 20 Mule Team Borax to three different winners.  (This is a great deal. One box is 4lbs and will last!!)

Enter through Rafflecopter below!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I was not paid for this review. Purex provided me with a sample box of Borax and three coupons for a giveaway. All opinions are my own.

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Zuvo Water Filter review and giveaway

September 12, 2012 by 6 Comments

I am plagued with Green Guilt. The guilt of not being environmental enough.  I always experience this wave of guilt when using a paper napkin, buying eggs in a styrofoam container, or merely walking down the paper towel aisle in a grocery store. It may sound stupid but it’s true. Recently I was given the opportunity to take assuage my guilt and do something a little more earth and family friendly and try out the Zuvo Water Filtration System. This is an opportunity I was eager and ready to take!

I have never owned a water purifier and I was eager to try this one out.  I mean I had experimented with a few store bought purifiers in college but it was never anything serious. It was college.  We all do something crazy…and I was broke and couldn’t keep up with the cost of replacing the thing every time I dropped it.

The Zuvo purifier is nothing like your regular run of the mill water purifier. It’s sleek, it’s stylish, it glows, and it doesn’t take up space in your fridge.  The purifier actually can in be installed directly to your tap either under the counter or on the directly adjacent to the sink. We chose to the under the counter model and the installation was remarkably easy.  It took whooping five minutes to install the purifier and within minutes we had fresh clean water. Anything that takes minimal effort to install and has great results is always a winner in my books.  Simplicity at it’s best.

We have been cohabitating  with the Zuvo Filtration system for a few weeks now and I have to say we are pretty impressed.  We no longer need to buy water bottles from the store, we really enjoy the taste, and we find comfort in the knowledge we are drinking contaminate free water.  Saving money and living a little healthier.

Zuvo is now offering you the opportunity to experience their water filtration system.  They are giving away one Zuvo water filtration system to one lucky reader on Becoming Homegrown! 

This is a great opportunity! This amazing system retails for $219.00 and you could win one for free!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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Purex – 3 Free Soft Scrub Cleaner giveaway

August 29, 2012 by 3 Comments

I have a few pet peeves.  Alright, let’s be honest, I have a lot of pet peeves.  One of the many is a clean toilet.  I know that may seem obvious and many people like a clean bathroom but when you have two boys that continually forget to flush or just miss the GIANT hole, it becomes a priority.   That’s why I was/am absolutely thrilled that Purex gave me the opportunity to test out the new Soft Scrub household cleaners.

I received the Soft Scrub Total All Purpose cleaner with Bleach and Soft Scrub Total Bath & Bowl cleaner (with Fresh Scent) to review.  The first room I tried with my new cleaners was in my boys bathroom. (see video – just a sample not the real cleaning)  It was ripe for a cleaning.   I was not disappointed.  It took one cleaner to do the job and there was no more “boy smell.”

I really enjoyed the fact that you can use the bottle upside down and it will not leak disinfectant all over your hands or clothing.  That is a huge plus for me with my continual lack of coordination.

Check out my lovely yellow bathroom video.  I even put on a smidgen of makeup but the yellow lighting gives me that fresh jaundice type glow.

Now it is your turn to try it out on your house. I have been given the opportunity to give you 3 coupons for FREE Soft Scrub household cleaners!  That is one more bottle than I received.

To enter this giveaway just go through Rafflecopter below.  Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**Soft scrub provided a free sample of their Bath and Bowl so I could review them. However, all of the opinions expressed here are my own.”

 

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Gutzy Gear Review. A great back to school accessory

August 14, 2012 by Leave a Comment

As kids are returning back to school the need to look cool or different is a priority.  Which backpack is the coolest, what folder stands out and will my friends like this are just some of the few thoughts running through their minds.  This year my kids and their friends were given the opportunity to stand out a bit more at school with the help of Gutzy Gear.

Gutzy Gear adds a little personality to your child’s backpack.  Velcro straps that at wrap around the straps of a bag with patches that are easily attached.

My children and their friends believe these are the best accessories that they have ever seen.  They add personality and they can change their look by merely pulling off the velcro patch and either trading with friends or rearranging the ones they already have. It’s that simple. I have become a big fan because it allows for added personality and I don’t have to sew, pin, or iron on patches that I can not ensure permanence. (Everything I have tried to sew or iron on to their bags has always popped off within days.)

This weekend we were given the opportunity from Gutzy Gear and MomSelect to share wealth with friends from school.  We handed out starter packs that included one complementary patch with 2 straps and and additional 2 pack of patches.  Our local school is now an official Gutzy Gear fan club.   Everyone was ecstatic and rumor has it EVERYONE is wearing them to school.

Gutzy Gear starter pack

Gutzy Gear for girls

Gutzy Gear party

Another bonus with the Gutzy Gear straps is their versatility.  They can be used not only on backpacks and messenger bags but seat belts as well.  My children often complain about the seat belt rubbing on their neck because of the height of the booster seats.  My five year old removed his Gutzy Gear straps from his backpack and wrapped them around his seat belt, all without prompting.   Now there are no more complaints and he is entertained by rearranging his patches on the strap.

I want to encourage everyone to check out GutzyGear.com for more information and pictures of available patches.  I just discovered that there are Avenger patches available and I KNOW my children will want a few of those… If you are curious about finding a store that carries the Gutzy Gear line they have Store Locator link and it will lead you to local retailers.

Overall, this is a sure fire win for back to school accessories.  The price won’t break the bank and they will allow your children to add a little flair to their everyday school routine.

 

**Disclaimer:  The Gutzy Gear party pack was supplied to me through MomSelect through Gutzy Gear.  This is not a paid review.  All opinions are my own.  Images may not be duplicated.**

 

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Sunscreen; A hot topic

May 9, 2012 by Leave a Comment

Tanning is a controversial topic.  I am not sure if it really needs to be but everyone seems to have a very passionate opinion about it.   The media glorifies it and then suddenly back pedals when a celebrity has over tanned or over misted.  Either way I am fairly neutral about the topic unless you are as brown as the New Jersey tanning mom or orange as the Jersey Shore crew.

Sunburn during the summerAlthough I am neutral on the entire concept of tanning, I am concerned with burning or not being prepared for prolonged sun exposure.  Burning your skin in efforts to be tan or just not being prepared is worrisome to me.  Skin cancer is a very real thing and it is something that I have to watch for on a daily basis.  I have already had two malignant melanoma moles removed before the age of 25.

I am not anti-sun nor am I anti-tan. I like being tan.  I am one of the lucky individuals that rarely burn and almost always tans. It is a blessing and curse.  I have to keep an eye on my skin and as I get older I have become more aware of keeping it healthy and safe. (I also don’t want to wrinkle prematurely but that doesn’t sound as wholesome as being healthy and safe)  I am very aware of my children’s skin and I have noticed that they have inherited my superhuman tanning ability. So when the opportunity to become a Coppertone Water Mom arose, I signed up.  The summer is upon us and swimming, gardening, outside crafts, water days, and other outside activities are high on the priority list.  I want my kiddos to be prepared and ‘covered’ and I want the same for you.

If you are interested I have been given many coupons for $1 off any Coppertone Product. Let’s face it, sunscreen ain’t cheap and this will make it a bit more affordable.  The first 10 people to email me will receive a coupon and a sample bottle that is great for your purse.  Email me at:   morgan@becominghomegrown  Be sure to include your name and address.

Stay safe and let’s all try not to look like the Tanorexic mom from New Jersey.

 

**As a member of the Coppertone Water Moms group, I receive product samples and promotional items to share and use as I see fit.  No monetary compensation has taken place and any opinions expressed by me are honest and reflect my actual experience.**

 

Filed Under: Reviews, summer Tagged With: , , , , , ,

Hexbug Review and Giveaway

October 31, 2011 by 7 Comments

I don’t like bugs of any kind.  Bugs and me, we are on the outs.  In fact, just last week, I had the pest man come out and drop a proverbial napalm on the bugs that were trying to invade my home.  It is like a cricket morgue on my front porch and I feel no sympathy for them.

It was during this week of death for real bugs that I happily open my home and played with a different species of bugs.  HEXBUG nanos, Larva, and Zombie bugs. The Hexbug variety is my type of bug.  They are micro robotic creatures that turn on and off with a flick of a switch and provide endless hours of entertainment for my kids.

MommyParties and Innovation First Labs sent me a box of bug goodies. We received Glow in the dark Hexbug Nano Galielo Collection, Hexbug Larva, Limited edition Hexbug Nano Zombie bugs, and Glow in the dark Nano Habitat Set and the Elevated Habitat Set.  The moment the box was unpacked we went to work constructing the Habitats.

Hexbug Nano Habitat and Elevation Habitat set

The tracks you see above include two Nano habitat sets and one Elevated Habitat set. PhotobucketConstructing the set was incredibly easy and the hexagon arenas allowed for many options for new pathways. The ramp was a huge hit in the creation process because everyone wanted to be able to have a clear view of “their” bug climbing to the top.  It wasn’t long after the habitat was finished that all the bugs needed to test their skills.

My boys chose to open their bugs before their friends came over. They wanted to test drive the sets as well as the larva. I had never seen larva in person and I can still say, I don’t want to. These larva are really impressive and my kids LOVE them but there is something about them that just grosses me out.

In order for you to get a better idea of what the larva look like in action I made a video for you.

After a few days of trial runs and finding larva in the strangest of places, (My boys thought it would be hilarious to scare the crap out of me by putting their larva in my bed while they were ON) we finally had some friends come over to share in the wealth and the fun.

Cue pictures:

Hexbug Halloween Zombie Bug

Hexbug Nano Vials

Caution Hexbug excitement may cause bugged eyed children

Party Hexbug Nano style

 I have always been a big fan of the Hexbugs and after experiencing them like this I now believe they are one of the best toys on the market.  That is why I am going to extend the fun to you.

Here is the giveaway:
Hexbug Prizes1 larva, 1 Limited Edition Zombie Hexbug, 1 Glow in the Dark Hexbug Nano, and a package of batteries to giveaway!

To win this awesome pack here are the rules

1. Follow Becoming Homegrown

2. Like Hexbug Nano on Facebook

3. Follow Hexbug on Twitter

4. Tweet about this giveaway with @BecomingHome and link back!

Four ways to win – Remember to leave a comment for each.

Ends: November 9, 8:00 PST

 This is a truly great toy.  Boys and girls will have fun with them and I do believe that they will make a great Christmas gift.  I don’t think my children and their friends could have had a better time with these bugs and I take great pleasure in the fact that I don’t have to kill them at the end of the day.

**I received Hexbug party pack through MomSelect and Innovation First Labs, INC but all the opinions are my own**




Filed Under: giveaways, Reviews Tagged With: ,

Initials Inc Purse Review

September 17, 2011 by 1 Comment

I was given the opportunity to review a purse from Initials Inc. In order for me to give a review that would truly show how much I love this bag I had to create a Vlog review.

Initials Inc has a catalog full of things that have left me pining for weeks. The bag that I recieved to review was only the tip of the iceberg. After going through page after page of cute things I suddenly have the urge to entertain guests, organize my home, and take long trips just so I have an excuse to buy EVERYTHING.

I don’t think my husband would notice.

The experience with the Gift on the Go was surprisingly fast. The purse was ready to be shipped and the personalization took no added time and it is always free.   Which made the wait time at my front door minimal and the fright of seeing a grown woman peeking out the window for the FedEx man was only slightly traumatic(for him).

I am going to encourage you to check out the link. Initials Inc through Kyra Barnes (an Independent Creative Partner with Initials Inc.) is now my first official sponsor so their lovely link is featured conviently on the right hand side.  If you are looking for more proof about what a great company Initials Inc is go and check out the latest Women’s Day magazine or just click HERE.  They have been featured!

Bottom line.  Great Purse. Great Value. Go Shopping

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