Reduce your JUNK MAIL the Easy Way!

Here is a quick and easy way to electronically reduce the amount of junk mail in your mailbox (and save some trees!!!). Also, you can get a lot of those telemarketers off of your back!!!

You can register your name and information at www.optoutprescreen.com and you will opt out of receiving a ton of insurance and credit card offers. Doing this electronically through the website will opt you out for 5 years.
You can also go to dmachoice.org/mps to remove your name from mailing lists of it's members. This site will also direct you to many helpful areas to opt out of emails, take the names of deceased family off of mailings, telemarketing lists ( www.donotcall.gov ), and many more helpful tips on reducing the "bother" of unnecessary marketing.
I also found that opting out of catalogs you no longer want is something you can do electronically as well. You can go to www.catalogchoice.org to opt out of anything you have been receiving that you do not wish to receive any longer!
Each of these sites are fairly easy to navigate and pretty straightforward. I highly recommend all of them and it will definitely help reduce the JUNK MAIL and other marketing annoyances, while helping the environment at the same time! I know this works primarily in the US, however I will do some research and post back the Canadian versions if different for my North of the border familia!
YAY!

Perfect 10 by Clairol...Does it Work?

Okay, so I get bored with my hair rather easily and to be completely honest, I do not want to spend megabucks to get it done all of the time so I have been experimenting with boxed color for several years.

I would look at reviews to see which hair color worked well according to its specifications on tones and direction (basically doing what it says it will do on the package). Mind you, this is hard to find and I learned quickly that different hair colors and types are going to take to the dye in a different way, no matter the brand.
Perfect 10, by Clairol, is something that peaked my interest. I am generally a fan of Natural Instincts (because it is non-permanent), however, I would try a permanent color once in while. Perfect 10 was interesting because it says that the color takes 10 minutes, rather than the standard 20. This is great if you are limited on time and like most moms, I am very limited (even 10 min. is precious!).
The product also includes a comb applicator feature (for a quicker, more even application) AS WELL AS the traditional applicator tip.
I found the color to be a good match for me. I have naturally darker brown hair with red tones, and my goal was to make it a more even tone and ash out the reds that were beginning to show through from previous dye jobs.
Here is my before shot.
You definitely have to follow the directions to a tee! They recommend 10 minutes or NO LONGER than 15 for resistant grays! They mean it! The color works quickly with strong chemicals which seem to get stronger the longer they are on. I had some grays to cover however I did the recommended 10 minutes and immediately washed it out. If left on too long, you will get a shade that is something other than what the proclaimed result is on the box. It gave my hair a more even tone although I still see a bit of red (I bought the ash to tone out the red). Now the texture of my hair, UNBELIEVABLE! Soft, shiny, tangle free and smelling great!
Here is the after shot.
The lighting isn't the greatest so it is hard to see the color change. I was only going for subtlety, not a drastic result, and I believe I achieved just that.
For $11-14 and 10-15 minutes of your time, I would give Perfect 10 by Clairol, the thumbs up!

DING:Southwest Airlines' Exclusive Daily Low Fare Specials

Alright all of you deal searchers, here's one for the travelista in YOU!

I love using DING! It is a downloadable application for your computer that tells you daily flight specials offered by Southwest Airlines. If you are constantly looking for low fare deals, you need to check your DING periodically. I have seen two different posts in one day on occasion. You can customize your settings to include the cities you are most inclined to fly out of and it lists different destinations so you can see if one might interest you in your search for an ultra low fare!
I have found that DING is especially useful flying to Las Vegas and the smaller California airports, from Phoenix...you are looking at around $41 bucks each way (sometimes higher), plus taxes and fees. I have also found great fares to and from Baltimore and Detroit, which is where we fly to yearly. DING usually restricts the days of the week you can fly and puts specials out a month ahead, sometimes weeks so if you are looking to book months in advance, sometimes it is possible, but I would say it is more spontaneous than super advanced (for chronological booking). I am very flexible most of the time so this works for me.
If you would like to download DING go to www.southwest.com and scroll down to the bottom of the homepage and you will see DING. Download to your specifications. Check periodically and you will be on your way to saving dollars on travel throughout the United States!
Every little bit helps in this economy!!!!!!

Las Palomas Resort, Rocky Point, Mexico

Ahhh, relaxation! A short trip from the Phoenix, Arizona area, Rocky Point, Mexico has plenty of new resort developments to offer it's north of the border visitors!

Las Palomas

www.laspalomas-sgc.com

is definitely one of the most beautiful and child friendly places I have been to.

These are actually condos, owned by individuals who are kind enough to "lend" their space out to friends and family. We stayed in a 1600 sq. ft. pad, overlooking one section of pools and kiddie areas, and of course, the beach. Our condo included 2 master bedrooms with a full bathroom for each, a large eat in kitchen with dining area, a wonderful seating area (inside and on the balcony) and full laundry facilities. This condo also boasted a large flat screen television and the couch is a pull out queen sized bed.
We brought all of our own food and beverages and towels and sheets are provided at the resort.
Flying into Phoenix or Tucson is the way to go, then you will need to drive to Mexico (where you will need to purchase separate auto insurance at www.aaa.com), cross the border (make sure you have passports) and head to the resort. From the Phoenix area, the drive is about 4-5 hours, maybe a little more or less depending on how (speedy) you drive.
The resort is still being developed and I believe some units are still available for purchase.
I highly recommend this resort, mainly for the availability of children's activities and on site childcare. If you are going to "party" you will find a "Spring Break"section with swim up bars and beautiful infinity edge pools filled with young (and some older)party singles.
I forgot to mention there is a beautiful golf course on site as well!

So check it out! We are so glad we did!

Priceline for Flights!

Hello Everyone!

If you have flexibility while booking trips, the new and improved (No booking fees) Priceline.com is fantastic!

The name your price feature is great if you don't mind if they pick your flight times for you.

Hotels are a great deal and you can track the price fluctuation from your desired destination on a daily basis in order to get a great deal!

The only confusing part is if you are Canadian, you need to input a US address when completing registration to name your price. They say contrary to what the site says (regarding choosing your "State/Province") you will only be able to choose from the states on the list and do not give you provincial choices. You can still use your own credit card and name, just not your Canadian address so be aware of this. This little tip will save you time and confusion when using this site!

Viva Priceline!

Bubba Keg Update

Due to more than annoying leakage, I took back one of the Bubba Kegs. If it tipped just a little bit while full, it would leak like crazy. My husband still enjoys his and tries to keep it as upright as possible.

I spoke with a friend and she purchased a different size and it leaked and she took it back as well. I think this is a consistent defect!!!!

Where can I find a product with similar capabilities that doesn't leak!!!!