Miracle of Life Necklace from Things Remembered

As a new mother,  I like anything that has my son’s name and/or birthdate on it!

So when I saw the Sterling Miracle of Life Necklace from Things Remembered, I fell in love instantly! It was the perfect Mother’s Day present… to myself!

This necklace has a heart charm with a mother holding a baby in the middle with an engraveable heart plaque behind it. It is designed in 14K gold plated sterling silver with diamond shine CZ for a timeless look! It even came with a beautiful keepsake box! Plus, I got to personalize and engrave the necklace with my son’s name and birthdate!

The final product was beautiful! It sparkled and shined and the picture of a mother holding her child is so beautiful! I proudly wear it around all the time now and I love having a reminder of my son always close to my heart!

Are you looking for a great Mother’s Day present or even Grandmother’s present? Look no further - this is PERFECT! It will touch any mother’s heart, especially when she sees her child’s name or a special saying on the necklace! You can even personalize and engrave the keepsake box. You can  never go wrong with anything from Things Remembered because you can make it unique everytime and and it becomes perfect for the person you are giving it to! They are one of my favorite companies ever and I highly recommend them and this necklace!

Make a mother very happy this year and get this necklace now at Things Remembered for $55.00 and have a great keepsake for life!

Mother’s Day and Father’s Day Gift Ideas From HP PLUS $50 Gift Card Giveaway

HP is at it again with great gift ideas for Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.

With Mother’s Day less than a week away you can find the perfect gift with HP.

Printing Solutions:
The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web simply will make Mom’s life easier because she can print everything she needs with the touch of her finger and without having to boot up the PC. The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web offers one-touch, wireless, on-demand access to popular Web content with some favorite apps for Mom’s including Coupons.com for coupons and recipes for her next grocery trip, Fandango for movie tickets and Google Maps so she doesn’t get lost on the way to Grandma’s and more! Available for $399.

Snapfish:
If your mom is sentimental, get to Snapfish.com and earn some brownie points fast with one of these great gifts that she’ll be showing off to all her friends:

Snapfish.com offers great gifts to show your love for mom and help her keep her favorite memories close. Snapfish’s photo collage blanket ($49.99) will help her snuggle up with up to 30 photos. It’s also available in 14 different colors to match any Mom’s décor scheme.  For a few additional options, check out Snapfish jewelry and customizable photo cards to surprise and honor mom on her special day.

HP Creative Studio:
And, if you’re looking for something last minute because you’ve proscrastinated, HP can help with free Mother’s Day printables available on the HP Creative Studio.  The site includes everything you need to create a homemade gift for Mom that can be printed and sent quick. Offerings include free photo cards, photo frame templates and even DIY kits including an at-home spa treat.

Father’s Day is just over a month away but it’s not too early to start thinking about him.  I know you’ve already got that perfect tie picked out but why not try for something different this year and shop HP.

DIY Dad:
The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web is the perfect way for Dad to print whatever he needs quickly with the touch of his finger and without a PC. The HP Photosmart Premium with TouchSmart Web offers one-touch, wireless, on-demand access to popular Web content with apps he’ll love like Google Maps for driving directions, Fandango movie tickets and show times and Weathernews Inc. so he’s prepared for the annual Father’s Day Fishing Trip.

Celebrate dad’s love of tools and building with the workbench pop-out Father’s Day card from the HP Creative Studio. Not only is it free, but he’ll love your creativity and appreciate his own mini-version of his tool shed.

Master Chef:
If your dad belongs on Food Network, he’ll love a personalized apron ($14.99) or cutting board ($24.99) from Snapfish featuring his favorite photo of the family for the next big backyard barbecue.

Sports Fanatic:
Perfect for his next golf outing with the boys, give him a personalized golf towel ($19.99) from Snapfish or capture his favorite golf memories with the born to golf scrapbook downloadable for free from the HP Creative Studio.

For even more easy last-minute gift ideas, check out the HP Creative Studio for more free printables from photo frames to coupons for dad to redeem throughout the year.

Now that you’ve found that perfect gift for Mom or Dad the folks at HP are offering a $50 gift card good towards any of the items mentioned above to one lucky reader.

Leave a comment telling us what gift you’d use the certificate towards.   This is the mandatory entry and must be done before any of the extra entries.

For extra entries. Please leave a separate comment for each entry.

• Become a fan of MomGadget on Facebook
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• Like HP on Facebook
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• Blog/tweet this giveaway (one entry per day)

Giveaway open to US Residents only

Giveaway ends Saturday May 19th at 11:59pm CST

Giveaway is Closed

The winner chosen by Random.org is Karen with entry #50

Toshiba U505 – S2005 – A Sexy Kinda Techy for Mom This Mother’s Day

With Mother’s Day just around the corner, kids and husbands embark on that annual quest for the one gift that will represent the highest appreciation, respect and love held for the special leading lady in their life.

Speaking with utmost authority on the topic of Toshiba, I can say with great resolve, Toshiba Laptops are what mom dreams are made of.

To give you an idea of just how important MY Toshiba is — I take my Toshiba so serious that one day while napping, I dreamt I had taken my kids to Cracker Barrel for lunch. I’d gone to the ladies room to wash up and left my laptop case with the kids.

Upon my return, the kids were sitting fireside playing a friendly game of checkers and my laptop bag was missing.

Before the nightmare became too deep in panic, my phone rang. It was my cousin calling. When I answered, she apologized for having obviously waking me up. Once I caught my breath and my heart rate returned to near normal, I told her about my horrible dream and how she’d just plucked me from the worst dream I could remember in many years.

Since upgrading to a Toshiba from an Acer 4 years ago, I’ve grown very dependent on my laptop.

I pay bills with online banking

I purchase 98% of all the gifts I share for birthdays and Christmas (and Mother’s Day)

I earn a living that supports me and two kids

I keep in contact with my own mother who lives in British Columbia

I maintain a social life on Facebook and Twitter

I keep family photos stored online – which is especially important since I know the anguish of losing so many special memories to acts of God or the wrath of Mother Nature.

And that’s just the beginning….

I absolutely adore my Toshiba laptop and while mine has a couple years age on it – I was recently asked to review the Toshiba U505-S2005.

From the moment I lifted this sexy, light-weight notebook from the box, I knew I was laying my hands on an awesome piece of machinery.

Toshiba Satellite U505 is a notebook with an exclusive and beautiful textured design. The Toshiba Satellite U505-S2005 series uses the Intel Core I3-330 (2.13 GHz/4 Thread/3MB).

This notebook has RAM memory for DDR3 1066 MHz 4 GB to ensure that almost all applications and games can run smoothly. Average life of the battery is about 3.6 hours which isn’t bad.

Other important specifications:

- Windows 7 Home Premium
- Screen size 13.3?, widescreen, WXGA with TruBrite Technology
- 500 GB Hard drive
- Webcam and microphone built-in
- Wi-Fi 802.11 b / g / n
- Ethernet Port

The Toshiba Satellite U505-S2005 is available for $799.99.

Disclaimer: Product provided for review by Toshiba – Opinion 100% my own

What NOT to get Mom for Mother’s Day!

I found some really cool information on Everything Mother’s Day! From what NOT to give, to gift ideas and inspirational stories! Here is a bit of information that should be taken into consideration when looking for that perfect Mother’s Day gift!
Give household and garden items to mom this Mother’s Day at your own risk! That’s the message in a new poll. The poll, sponsored by the leading online personal gift service, WishClick, reveals that moms want to be showered with jewelry and flowers, a day off from household chores and quality time with their family.
WishClick asked 500 U.S. moms to name their best and worst Mother’s Day gifts ever, and also indicate the gift they most wish for this year.
Worst Mother’s Day Gifts Ever
The poll reveals insensitive and badly thought-out gifts that have made moms cringe, including carpet cleaner, a thigh-master, a night out at a husband’s favorite restaurant and a card that read, "reupholster the chair in the master bedroom."
Worst gifts ever, according to U.S. moms, were:
1. Kitchen appliances, garden tools and cleaning supplies — 12%
2. Dead and poorly arranged flowers — 5%
3. Cookie, candy and cakes — 4%
According to the poll, moms care most that loved ones remember their special day. Fifteen percent of moms said that their worst gift ever was when their families forgot Mother’s Day altogether. And the poll demonstrates that moms will appreciate most gifts — a reassuring 46% said that anything their kids give them is a good gift.
Best Mother’s Day Gifts Ever
Apparently surprising things can make moms happy. Tickets to a Cleveland Indians game and a ride-on lawn mower were highlighted by two moms as their best gifts ever. One mother was delighted when her family gave her a monetary tip one year.
According to the poll, best gifts ever were:
1. Jewelry — 24%
2. Home and school-made cards — 18%, and gifts — 17%
3. Help with chores, or a day of rest — 5%
4. Spa trips and beauty products — 4%
Mother’s Day Wish List
Moms are wishing for many different things this Mother’s Day, from hugs and kisses to furniture, but the most popular wishes are for a little luxury and pampering, to escape the housework and for quality time.
Some moms are aiming high. Four percent would love a new car, others a mansion or a cruise. One mom wants to be "Queen for a day." And others dream of less conventional gifts — a shredder, a son’s report card with "A’s" and "B’s" on it, and sex.
Top of this year’s Mother’s Day Wish List are:
1. Help with chores — 14%
2. Jewelry — 11%
3. Quality family time — 8%
4. Dinner out, or breakfast in bed — 7%
5. Flowers — 5%
6. A trip — 5%
7. Spa and perfume products — 4%

VTech LS6245 Expandable Cordless Phone w/ Bluetooth

As a lover of all things gadget, VTech is a gadgeteers dream. The VTech LS6245 expandable cordless phone system that can connect both landline and cellular phones simultaneously is one of those gadgets that come along and makes me go Uh-Huh, Ohhh Yeah!

This is the ultimate choice in phones for any busy being. Whether you’re in the market for a busy mom, busy dad or busy grad, this phone is packin’ the gift giving goodies.

The VTech LS6245 uses an advanced technology that allows this phone to do an abundance of nifty things. Basically this phone works as two-line phone system that allows users to be on a landline call on one handset or base unit speakerphone, while using another handset for a cellular call at the same time. The same method works for two mobile phones if that better suits your need.

The VTech LS6245 can be paired with as many as four Bluetooth mobile devices for making and taking calls.

Now that we have that technical portion out of the way, I’d like to draw your attention to the sleek, stylish design of the LS6245. There are no buttons but rather, a pad of touch-sensitive buttons. This phone fits in with most any decor and takes up little space.

Key Features:

• No buttons-uses touch technology
• Expandable up to 12 handsets and requires only one phone jack
• Dual caller ID/call waiting*—stores 100 calls
• Handset and base speakerphones—enjoy hands-free conversations
• Polyphonic musical ring tones
• Interference free for crystal clear conversations
• Protect yourself from identity theft with digital security
• Large reverse LCD with white backlighting
• Connect two different cell phones at the same time
• Connects to Bluetooth­ cell phones
• Make and receive both landline and cellular calls when connected to a cell phone via bluetooth technology
• Store up to 4 different cellular profiles The LS6245 retails for $79.95.

VTech IS9181 Wi-Fi Internet Radio

Whether you are looking for a Father’s Day gift for dad or grandpa or perhaps a graduation gift for Jr. the VTech Wi-Fi Internet radio is one of the niftiest gifts I’ve come across. In fact, my 17-year-old twins LOVE theirs.

My teenagers, although twins, have very different tastes in music. We have placed our VTech radio in a central location where both can enjoy it along with their own favorite tunes. And with more than 11,000 free internet radio stations worldwide, I’m sure they’ll never run out of tunes to jam to.

The boys in this house have lots of things to fight over – and I think I’ve just added one more to that list. Now, however will I decide on who gets to take it when they go away to college?

With being able to select from your favorite music, sports, talk radio and more from anywhere in your home or office – this is sure to be a hit with anyone during this upcoming gift giving season.

Features – besides the gorgeous sleek design…

• Stream music across the 802.11 b/g WiFi network with “Best-in-Class” range. Broadband Internet service and a home WiFi network router are required
• Listen to Internet radio from the available 11,000 stations with no monthly fee
• Access Internet radio stations from our user-friendly online site or on the device itself
• Play music from any audio device (i.e. CD player, MP3 player, etc)
• Connect to any stereo system or powered speakers to access streaming Internet radio or music files stored on a PC or Mac
• Built-in FM radio tuner for local FM broadcast service. Preset your favorite stations
• Hi-Fidelity built-in 3W tuned stereo speakers and a 10W subwoofer with class D amplifier for each speaker that can fill any room with dynamic sound
• Digital alarm clock radio-wake up to your favorite Internet or FM radio station or the internal buzzer.
• Automatic clock set and adjustment via the Internet.
• Battery-operated option allows you to take the device outside the home or office.
• Convenient remote-browse, select and control your music from across the room using the remote control
• Access local weather and 5-day forecast
• Large full color display
• Product dimensions: 6.3″ x 12.4″ x 3.5″
• Giftbox weight: 4 lbs
• Additional Specs can be found on the VTech website.
• VTech IS9181 Available for $149.95

Simplicity Bias Tape Maker

This is the third of a three-step, three-part review of Simplicity’s Rotary Cutting Machine, Bias Tape Maker and the new bias tape winding machine called the Winder.  Individually, each of these products is a useful standalone tool, but when used together the three tools make creating quilt binding and bias tape a breeze.

Test Project: Create 12’ of Single Fold Quilt Binding

Step 3:

In parts one and two of this review, I successfully cut strips of fabric with Simplicity’s Rotary Cutting Machine and after piecing the strips together, I wound the continuous strip onto the spindle of the Winder to prepare it for use with Simplicity’s Bias Tape Maker.

Setup for the Bias Tape Maker is simple.  As with the Rotary Cutting Machine and the Winder, the Bias Tape Maker comes out of the handy carry box practically ready to plug and play and includes a 1” single fold bias tape making tip and one Winding Buddy. It has multiple heat settings for different types of fabric and a ten minute automatic shutoff safety feature.

After attaching the power cord, I removed the heat plate cover. Then, with my fabric wound nicely on the Winding Buddy, I set the spindle in place, pulled the end of the fabric over the guide bar, and gently fed the end of my bias strip into a 1 ¼”  tip for creating quilt binding.

I then snapped the tip in place and pulled the bias strip across the heat plate and over the roller.  At this point I could have replaced the heat plate cover and moved on to the next step in creating my binding but I wanted to see how well the Bias Tape Maker worked with the Winder. So I set up the Winder to the left of the Bias Tape Maker and fed the end of the bias strip through the Winder guide and clipped it to another Winding Buddy spindle. When everything was lined up, I replaced the heat plate cover, turned on the machine, and set the heat setting dial to the cotton setting. I only had to a wait a few short minutes before the green ready light came on. I then pressed the run buttons simultaneously on both the Winder and the Bias Tape Maker.

Magically, the roller on the Bias Tape Maker pulled the bias strip across the heat plate pressing it in half. As the Winding Buddy turned on the Winder, it pulled the bias strip onto the spindle. The whole process took about 60 seconds and I was left with 12’ of perfectly pressed quilt binding wound onto a Winding Buddy spindle. You might think the versatility of these gadgets ends here but you would be mistaken. After removing the Winding Buddy from the Winder, a ribbon or Simplicity’s Winding Buddy Hanger can be attached to the ends of the spindle. Whether attaching the binding to your quilt by machine or hand, the spindle hangs around your neck and feeds directly onto your project. No more piles of binding sitting in your lap.

The Bias Tape Maker is lightweight and portable so you can take it with you to quilt retreats or classes.  The auto shutoff feature and the heat plate cover give you peace of mind and no more burnt fingers! As I mentioned before, the Rotary Cutting Machine, Winder and Bias Tape Maker are great stand alone tools, but used together they make the tedious chores of creating quilt binding and bias tape fun, easy projects.

For more information, please visit the Simplicity Creative Group website.
This reviewer is not compensated for purchases made from links in this review.

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Disclaimer – Sample product(s) were provided for testing and reviewing purposes.
Please see my FTC Disclaimer for more details regarding this review.

Simplicity Winder

This is the second of a three-step, three-part review of Simplicity’s Rotary Cutting Machine, Bias Tape Maker and the new bias tape winding machine called the Winder.  Individually, each of these products is a useful standalone tool, but when used together the three tools make creating quilt binding and bias tape a breeze.

Test Project: Create 12’ of Single Fold Quilt Binding

Step 2:

Having successfully completed Step 1 of my test project, I then made 45 degree cuts on each end of my 2 ½” strips of fabric cut by the Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine. To make the angle cuts I used the Simplicity 4 ½” Easy Angle Anniversary Edition ruler. Made from tough clear acrylic, this angle ruler is clearly marked making it easy to read and place. Making perfect angle cuts was a breeze.

With the cuts made, I pieced the strips together end to end and pressed my seams open.  Next the continuous strip needed to be wound onto the Winding Buddy to prepare it for use with the Bias Tape Maker.

While this can easily be done by hand, Simplicity’s Winder makes the job a snap. Simply feed the end of the fabric through the guide and clip to the Winder Buddy. Press the “ON” button and the Winder wraps the fabric strip neatly around the buddy in seconds. Nifty! The Winding Buddy was now ready to be used in the final step of my project, folding and pressing the fabric with the Bias Tape Maker.

With the success of the Winder I am ready to move on to Step 3 and Simplicity’s Bias Tape Maker!

For more information, please visit the Simplicity Creative Group website.
This reviewer is not compensated for purchases made from links in this review.

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Disclaimer – Sample product(s) were provided for testing and reviewing purposes.
Please see my FTC Disclaimer for more details regarding this review.

Simplicity Rotary Cutting Machine

This is the first of a three-step, three-part review of Simplicity’s Rotary Cutting Machine, Bias Tape Maker and the new bias tape winding machine called the Winder. Individually, each of these products is a useful, standalone tool, but when used together the three tools make creating quilt binding and bias tape a breeze.

Admittedly, I am a procrastination quilter, queen of the UFO (unfinished object). With my creativity exhausted on the creation of blocks and quilt tops, I tend to have little motivation for the tedious task of creating the binding. Today I had the opportunity to test and review three products designed to add speed and accuracy to the cutting, folding, and pressing of binding and bias tape.

Test Project: Create 12’ of Single Fold Quilt Binding

Step 1.

Under normal circumstances, fabric used for creating quilt binding should be cut on the bias. Simplicity’s Rotary Cutting Machine is designed to cut fabric both on the straight of grain and on the bias. For this test, I chose to cut on the straight of grain so that my binding could be created out of a single fat quarter rather than using longer strips of fabric. My thought was that in sewing 22” strips end to end, I would be giving the Bias Tape Maker in step three of the process a true test of how well it would deal with seams.

Setup of the Rotary Cutting Machine was fairly simple. Lightly packaged in a box that can be used as a carry case with handle, the machine comes out of the box practically ready to use. The single sheet color directions are clear and easy to follow. I also went to the Simplicity Classroom located on the Simplicity Creative Group website and viewed an extremely helpful video prior to unpacking the machine. This put me a step ahead when I needed to change the blade from the installed pinking blade to the provided straight blade. This proved to be a simple task and as I carefully handled the replacement blade I was surprised to find it was not sharp like my hand rotary cutter. This is due to the fact that the Rotary Cutting Machine cuts by pressure between the drum and the blade rather than by the sharpness of the blade. The idea is that the blades will last much longer than traditional blades. Once the straight blade was successfully installed, I simply attached the foot pedal cord and plugged in the power cord. I then attached the extension table which fits snugly around the end of the machine creating a nice size work surface.

Recalling the video I had watched earlier, I knew that I might need to make an adjustment to the tension between the blade and drum so I decided to do some test cuts on scrap fabric first. I ended up running the scrap fabric through several times making small tension adjustments until I achieved a clean cut. Adjustments to the tension are achieved by making quarter turns to the left on the tension screw with a common screwdriver. Please note that if you purchased this machine because your hands are weak making manual rotary cutting is difficult, you may need help adjusting the tension. But once it is set you should be fine.

Now I was ready to cut strips of fabric! The Rotary Cutting Machine contains an adjustable guide suitable for cutting strips between 3/8” to 2 ¾”. For quilt binding, you need to start with 2 ½” strips of fabric. I set my guide and put my fabric in place. The Rotary Cutting Machine is powered by a foot pedal, just like a sewing machine. Light pressure on the pedal pulls the fabric between the blade and the drum creating a clean cut. I’ll admit my first two strips were not pretty and I was feeling less than satisfied with the wavy strips I had created. I decided to adjust the tension again and that, along with a few more practice strips, solved the problem. My final strips came out with straight cuts and perfect widths.

At first, the Rotary Cutting Machine appears to cut strips of fabric at the same speed as a quilter armed with a good ruler and a traditional rotary cutter. However, the time saver comes between cuts. Without the need to move and carefully place the ruler between each cut, I would estimate the Rotary Cutting Machine cuts cutting time in half.

The Rotary Cutting Machine is lightweight and portable, small enough to store easily on a shelf or in a cupboard. An added plus, the Rotary Cutting Machine not only cuts fabric but can be used for paper crafting as well. There are a variety of different blades available to create fancy scrapbook borders and edges.

Extremely satisfied with my machine rotary cutting experience, I am ready to move on to step two and my review of the Winder.

For more information, please visit the Simplicity Creative Group website.
This reviewer is not compensated for purchases made from links in this review.

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Disclaimer – Sample product(s) were provided for testing and reviewing purposes.
Please see my FTC Disclaimer for more details regarding this review.

EasyBloom Plant Sensor – A MomGadget Review – Just in time for Mother’s Day

One of the most exciting and fun gadgets I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing this spring has been the EasyBloom Plant Sensor.

I’ve often joked about this brown thumb that I sport – that has been known to kill cactus plants – but the older (and wiser) I get, the more I realize that it’s not so much a brown thumb as it is a lack of knowledge of what plants grow and thrive in certain soils and light.

The EasyBloom Plant Sensor is a wonderful gadget that takes the guess work out of gardening, be it flowers, vegetables or any type of plant for that matter.

Determine which plants will thrive in specific spots of your yard or home
Diagnose an ailing plant so you can restore it to good health.
Assess detailed plant information on over 5000 plants
Create a custom plant library of your favorite plants

It’s really very simple to use too!

Plug EasyBloom Plant Sensor into your USB port. You’ll then be wisked off to your EasyBloom Dashboard. This is where you select "monitor" or "recommend" mode.

Place your sensor in a spot you would like analized

Allow 24 hours for your EasyBloom to gather enough data to provide you with all the information you’ll need to determine what, if any, plants will do best in that particular location.

It’s truly as simple as THAT!

This year, instead of giving mom or grandma a bouquet of flowers, why not give them the gift of healthy flowers all summer long?

EasyBloom Plant Sensor is available at Amazon and retails for $59.95

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