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Plantsmart: The Garden Gadget That Gives Anyone A Green Thumb

Smart Garden Helper

Plants. They’ve been around since the Paleozoic period, so why is it so hard to keep them alive for one stinkin’ summer? Weeds grow without an ounce of effort, but when it comes to having flowers and plants that will make the neighbors green with envy you may need a little help from our newest find–The PlantSmart Digital Plant Care Sensor from Black & Decker. It takes the guess work out of gardening by giving you tons of invaluable gardening tips.

The Plantsmart – From Black & Decker – Saves the Day!

Stick the sensor into your soil for 24 hours and this cute little device will evaluate your soil, sunlight and temperature. Then just plug it into your computer for a detailed analysis of what’s at the root of it all your gardening woes. Even better, it will give you access to a database of thousands of recommendations for exactly which flowers and plants will thrive in your backyard. It also gives you great ideas for container gardening and wisdom when it comes to window boxes.

Watch this week’s Twirl as our resident gardening expert goes head to head with this remarkable garden gadget. You might be as surprised as she was at the results.

What do you think?

I do not have a green thumb. I have more like, the black thumb of impending disaster or something. My mother is a Master Gardener, so I was a hopeless disappointment to her. I love plants, I used to try so hard to grow my own garden, and keep my pretty flowering houseplants alive… Yet I never really succeed.

My secret weapon!

But now – I have a totally amazing vegetable garden. My mother helped me get it started, and helps me keep it up. The carrots and peppers breath a sigh of relief when they see her accompany me, since they know now that they are in good hands. A big reason I had such trouble getting started is that I really had no knowledge about things like soil types, how much sunlight was needed, when to water, etc. You know, the basic things you do to keep your plants alive. So this little gadget was like having my own little gardening wizard – helping figure out exactly what I needed to do! I could finally impress my mother by picking the right plants for the right place, AND keeping them alive. But shhhh…. Don’t tell her my secret!

More gardening help from technology!

  • Pocket Garden: This fun app will help you plan, organize, and track your veggie garden! With suggestions for proper plants, you’ll save a ton of money by finding the perfect plantings for any plot!
  • Get Growing: Another great app – This one helps you really see the value of growing your own food. You will be amazed by how just a few fruits and veggies can take a real bite out of your grocery bill! {Yep, pun totally intended!}

Carley's Byline Pic

Digitwirl.com Rocks my Socks!

Digitwirl is the weekly web show that offers simple solutions to modern day problems. In 3-minutes, Digitwirl brings busy women the very best time, money, and sanity-saving technology, and then teaches them how to use it, step-by-step. Digitwirl was created by technology lifestyle expert Carley Knobloch, who uses lots of technology to manage her busy life as mom of two and entrepreneur. Become a subscriber to get weekly show alerts and exclusive deals at Digitwirl.com, or follow Digitwirl on Twitter at @digitwirl.

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Fun Printable Luau Party Games!


This eBook: Fun Hawaiian Luau Party Ideas is yours FREE when you join our eZine!

Who loves printables?

I sure as heck do! I found a {SUPER FUN} new site for the rest of you printable-lovers to check out… Python Printable Games has TONS of great party games for tons of occasions!

Luau Party Games

I was lucky enough to get a chance to check out the Luau Party Games Pack, and I’m LOVIN’ it! Many of you know that I am planning a H-U-G-E First Birthday Party Luau for my little girl next month, so this will be a PERFECT addition to my party goodies!

This set includes super cute games like Pin the Parrot on the Pirate {which I’ll use at our Pirate Party Birthday too!}, Printable Luau Paper Dolls {I’ll even use some of these in the decorations!}, a bunch of fun trivia games {I’ll give out prizes for each winner!}, a cool gift exchange game, Luau-themed Mad-Libs, and more!

Why use Python Printable Party Games?

  • Value: When you buy a party pack, you get to print unlimited copies of all of the games, invites, and materials. That means whether you’re entertaining for 4 or 40, you’ll have enough!
  • Simple: Their instant download system means there’s NO shipping cost or wait time, you get your games right away!
  • It’s the “green” way to party: No shipping or packaging required, no fuel used, you print as much as you need and no more.

Get the FREE ebook and more!

Sign up today for their newsletter and get the “Say Aloha to Great Hawaiian Luau Party Ideas” ebook for free!

Plus, as a subscriber, you’ll get thier ezine update once a month, with new party packs and ideas, FREE games, and coupons!!

 

Printable Games For All Occasions! | Python-Printable-Games.com

{Disclaimer: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.}

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{Super Fun!} UPrinting Postcard Giveaway!

New Giveaway from UPrinting!

One lucky winner will win this super cool prize:

  • 100 Postcards for One (1) Winner.
  • 5″ x 7″ size.
  • 14pt Cardstock Gloss.
  • No Folding.
  • Front and Back Printing.
  • 2 Business Days Print Turnaround Time!
  • Who is UPrinting?

UPrinting is a really awesome company that can help you with TONS of your printing needs! I’ve gotten business cards from them that were amazing quality, and I got so many compliments on them.

UPrinting can take care of all of your business printing needs like brochures, catalogs, and hang-tags. They can also help you with your personal printing; use their site to create fun greeting cards, invitations, or canvas prints!

One Lucky Winner!

If you’re the lucky fan who wins this amazing prize, you’ll be able to fully customize your FREE 100 UPrinting Postcards using their tools. You can use your own graphics or photos, or use their existing graphics. Then you can other clip-art, text, and more!

  • Blogger: You could use this as a thank you card to include in every giveaway prize you send out to your fans.
  •  

  • Business Owner: Use these to send out news of new promotions to your best customers.
  •  

  • Parent: Add a picture of the family, and use these as an invitation to a big summer party!

Tons of great ways that you could use these amazing postcards!

How to Win:

Mandatory Entry:

As always, you must be an email subscriber of Sunshine and Sippy Cups or follow with GFC! Leave a comment letting me know how you follow me, and that counts as your first entry!

Additional Entries:

  • Check out UPrinting.com and tell me what other product you love! Leave this in a NEW comment.
  • Like UPrinting on Facebook, and leave a comment letting me know whether you’re a NEW fan or a current fan!
  • Like Sunshine and Sippy Cups on Facebook and leave me another new comment telling me whether you are a NEW fan or a current one.
  • Follow UPrinting on Twitter and leave me a new comment telling me you follow them.
  • Follow Sunshine and Sippy Cups on Twitter and leave anther comment!!
  • 

SUPER BONUS ENTRY:
Share this giveaway once a day, anywhere you want! You can use the share buttons below to post it to Facebook or Twitter, or post it anywhere else you want to share. Then just leave a quick link below letting me know where you shared it, and say daily entry. Easy peasy!

Rules and Regulations:

  • This giveaway is open to U.S. Residents only, 18+, who have NOT won a prize from UPrinting in the past 6 months.
  • The winner will be chosen by Random.org on Saturday, June 25th, and will have 24 hours to respond and confirm or an alternate will be chosen.
  • Disclaimer: Required as per FTC Ruling (Please see example below)
    This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, an online printing company, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive postcards for hosting. See more information about postcards and available postcard designs on UPrinting.com.
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How To: Get the Best Laptop

Laptop Buying Guide 2011

“This guide will be taking a look at laptops from many angles. This includes the hardware, the brand, and the experience you’ll have after the laptop is home. By the end you will be prepared with all of the information needed to make a smart purchasing decision.”

What did you say?

So, what this is trying to say, in it’s overly-stuffy way {lol} is that there are a LOT of different factors to consider when you’re choosing a new laptop, and this FREE Guide analyzes them all to determine the best fit for you.

Laptop Buying Guide 2011

Momma wants to work in the sunshine!

Since I’m dying to get a laptop, so that I can work outside when it’s nice, I read this and took some notes. I have NO idea how to choose a new computer on my own, and this had some great tips!

Get it free here: Free Laptop Guide today!

Online masters degree programs have technology classes for people who enjoy learning about technology.

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How To: Get FREE Groupon Certificates!

Are you a member of Toluna yet?

Toluna Rocks.

Toluna is a really great survey site, the one that I’ve been telling you guys about… I earned over $40 in less than 2 weeks lately, with just a few surveys! They’ve had some REALLY big money surveys lately. Rockin’.

Now Partnered with Groupon!

You can still cash in your points to get FREE money checks in the mail. But now you have another option: they have a NEW reward program, where you can convert your points into a certificate, and get FREE credit at Groupon!!

Groupon

Are you using Groupon yet? I’m LOVIN’ it! The closest local city is Seattle, but the deals reach all over the place, so I’ve gotten TONS of stuff that I can use.

A few examples:

  • Bought a Groupon certificate to a dentist a town away. I got a $300 Certificate for only $90. Since I don’t have dental insurance, this is an amazing thing for me.
  • Got a super cool river rafting package, usually $250 bucks, for only $60, as a gift for my brother for Father’s Day! He will be STOKED!!

So, make sure to get signed up, and start getting your FREE rewards too! :)

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10% of proceeds donated to Armed Forces Foundation!

Have you checked out Lot18 yet?

Daily Wine Deals

They have an amazing wine featured today…

The 2005 McClean Estate Private Reserve Paso Robles Syrah.

Michael McClean is one of the Vietnam War’s most decorated war heroes. With no support upon his return, he ultimately founded a vineyard that became the backbone of the famed Wild Horse Winery’s Syrah program.

When he started bottling his own wine, he knew he had to give back and help provide returning vets with the rehabilitation they sorely need.

10% of McClean proceeds are donated to the Armed Forces Foundation.

I can’t think of a better wine to celebrate both the joys and the meaning of the 4th of July. Enjoy!

Lot 18 – Join us today to receive exclusive unmatched deals on the finest premium wines! Click Here to sign up for a free membership.

Tell your friends about this wine too… The more people who buy this wine, the bigger the donations will be. What an easy way to show some support for our hero’s….

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It Works!… Does It Work?

The Ultimate Body Wrap!

The super amazing Heather, an independent distributor with It Works! sent me over an Ultimate Body Wrap to test out, so that I could share the results with you! And you just KNOW I was excited… This momma loves anything that promises to shrink this post-baby-tummy.

I just started the weight loss and lifestyle Bootcamp over at Lean Green Mama last week, so I thought that this was a great time to also try out this Ultimate Body Wrap, to help give me a little boost!

What does the Ultimate Body Wrap Do:

  • Firms, tightens and tones problem areas of your choice.
  • Minimizes the appearance of cellulite and skin slackening.
  • Restores youthful-looking body contours.
  • Leaves skin supple, soft and satin smooth.

Sounds pretty great, right?

I applied it last night, and it was super easy to do. You unfold the wrap from the package… And it’ll be a little messy, with the lotion on the package. But the good type of messy, since that lotion feels uh-MAY-zing.

{Make sure to take your measurements before applying, so you can really verify the results. Measure in 3 places: above hips, around your middle, and upper abdomen.}

Now, apply the wrap around your middle, smoothing out any bubbles, so it lays nice and flat against your skin. Feels great, I tell ya. Like, a really refreshing, spa type of feeling. Ahhhhh…..

Then, all you need to do is put on something really snug, I used a super tight spandex-y tank, to keep it from moving around. Or you can wrap yourself with plastic wrap, {sounds silly, but works!} literally wrapping it around yourself 3 or 4 times, to make sure it stays in place and doesn’t get on your clothes. {That lotion is doing some serious work, girls. You want it to stay put!} You’ll need to wear it for at least 45 minutes, but longer is even better. I wore mine for about 3 hours last night. It was comfortable enough that I really didn’t notice that it was on!

So, did it work?

My expectations for this product were just kinda medium. I figured it would work at least a little, but probably nothing to extreme. But I thought it was a cool idea, definitely worth a shot, and maybe, just maybe, it would be amazing.

Um, it is SUPER amazing!! Heather had told me to expect to see results at about 24 hours, and the best results would come at 48 or 72 hours. But ALREADY, when I measured this morning, I am a half-inch smaller around my waist!! No way?? But seriously, I am. I couldn’t even believe it!

Change of Plan.

My intention this morning was to just post some info about the wrap, and how it works, and leave you in suspense for a couple of days until I could tell you about the results. But obviously, I already had some results to share!

I’ll update you again after the 72 hours has passed, with the final measurement results!

If you’re interested in trying this too, you can check out more info about it and the other It Works! products on the site.

If you want to order the Ultimate Wrap, Heather is being super nice, and giving a discount just for you guys! The wrap will cost you $29 retail on the site, but if you email her at heather@banishthebulge.com and tell her I sent you, she’ll give it to you for only $20, and $2 to ship it out! Awesome, right?

Stay tuned for more results….

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