Wisk Stain Spectrum Technology Tackles Protein Stains

Remember that Wisk post I did a few weeks ago?
Ring around the collar?

Wisk with Stain Spectrum Technology can tackle so many different stains, and we were given a little science experiment to determine if they could tackle grass stains which fall under the Protein category… We received a Stain Lab pack including the new Wisk detergent in the red-hot bottle!

wisk maggie protein Wisk Stain Spectrum Technology Tackles Protein Stainsthat face…. {shudders}…

Sorry Maggie is a little quiet. Or am I a little loud? You decide.

Either way we loved the product. It worked great on the grass stain! Can’t wait for the next experiment! Bring it on!!

Wisk is available in August at major retailers nationwide, such as Walmart, Target and Kroger
* Suggested Retail Price:  $5.99 for 50 fl oz. bottles that cleans 32 loads
Visit Wisk.com to:
* Learn more about Wisk’s Stain Spectrum™ Technology and the different categories of stains
* Download a coupon
* Also, remember to visit Wisk at www.Facebook.com/Wisk
* Follow @Wisk on Twitter

This post is sponsored and content provided by Wisk and One2One Network (where I am the O2O Network blog editor), but all opinions are my own and obviously so are Maggie’s.  She’s 17, you think you can tell her how to think? GAH!

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Kenmore style: new look, new style, new technology!

I had the best time a few weeks ago at the Kenmore National Blogger Event. #Kenmorestyle

I was truly excited to learn about the brand because I was already a fan,  owning their washer and dryer.  And those had even been replacements for older model Kenmore products.

The technology is changing and so is the face of the brand.  Starting with the logo.

This is the Kenmore you are used to right?

Kenmore LogoSM Kenmore style: new look, new style, new technology!Not any more.

The new look as presented here in a cookie, because we can all relate to sugar..

kenmore logo

I know I like it too.

Here it is in real logo form, but I still like the cookie….

Kenmore Kenmore style: new look, new style, new technology!

Twenty bloggers were invited for a day at the Kenmore HQ’s and we saw all kinds of droolworthy appliances.   We were educated on the thought process of the re-designs on all their major and small appliances.   A few really cool options stuck out in my mind that will be rolling out into stores soon…

*They have done a fabulous re-design of the products, including a handle that spans the entire appliance for a sleek design and improved functionality (imagine floor to top on a fridge, and easy for little hands to access).

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*A potscrubber feature on the dishwasher that gets the lasagna off the pan. You can actually turn the pan to the back and special cleaning fixture will tackle that issue.

*Packaging that is fresh and fun and had me curious to see the next product to see the style of the branding.
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*******And the Kenmoreconnect feature where you can actually put the phone up to the appliance (well you have to call the service number) and data is transferred to allow diagnosis of the problem.  Can definitely reduce the need for service calls to fix easy problems!*******

I KNOW!

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We were treated to a fabulous lunch with the help of Sears Chef Billy Parisi and Little Tech Girl.

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After we heard about the appliances, we were broken up into focus groups.  What was so impressive about this event is that they really valued our opinions.  We were even paid for our time there.

Way to go Kenmore!

Later that night we were invited to a battle of the Mom Blogger and Foodie Bloggers.  Got to taste some delish foods and enjoy wine and good company!

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WOW, did Janine come along?
cute as buttons..

It was an incredibly cool experience and I can’t thank Kenmore and Kim at Mom Impact for including me!  Makes me want to live in Chicago and play with them all the time! {call me, heh?}

Disclosure: I was invited by Mom Impact and Kenmore to participate in the National Blogger Event. My costs were covered, I was paid for a focus group and got some cool swag…but as always my thoughts come from my own measly little head…

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Weight Watchers Cheese Gift Basket Giveaway

Did you know Weight Watchers made gourmet cheeses in fabulous flavors?  I didn’t until recently when I was given a set to try out.  And it came in a fabulous gift package including a collapsible basket, Kashi crackers, some dried fruit and nuts, a Frisbee, a cheese spreader, all 4 kinds of cheese wedges, and one block of the reduced-fat cream cheese. BOOYAH…

weight watcher Weight Watchers Cheese Gift Basket Giveaway

I was crazy for the cheeses especially the Parmesan Peppercorn.  Each round has individually wrapped wedges, making it great for small snacks.  Or parties if you want to share ;)

Facts from Weight Watchers:

  • The new Weight Watchers Gourmet Cheese Wedges – Original Swiss, Garlic & Herb, Parmesan Peppercorn and Jalapeño Pepper – 1 point per wedge.
  • The new eight-ounce variety of Weight Watchers Reduced Fat Cream Cheese Spread – 1 point per ounce.

I’m having a quick contest for all flavors of the cheese and the gift basket too!  All you have to do it tell me which flavor cheese looks good to you!  Just leave a comment!

A winner will be chosen Friday September 3 at 8pm.

What is your favorite?

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How to Make a Repeat Pattern on Picnik.com

This is so much easier than I ever thought. I was able to make this

repeat8 400x400 How to Make a Repeat Pattern on Picnik.com
In just a few steps.  You know I have Photoshop and Illustrator but find myself pulled back to Picnik for it’s simplicity.

Start with a square in the color of your choice.  If you don’t know how to make this square from a photo, the tutorial is here.

repeat 1 How to Make a Repeat Pattern on Picnik.com

I like the patterns in the floralia stickers.  Choose one that will cover the square on at least 2 sides for the repeat effect.
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Add it to the square and increase the size until it covers the block.  Don’t extend the sticker any further than the size of the square.

repeat2 How to Make a Repeat Pattern on Picnik.comSave this to your desktop.  Then upload it to picnik.  I know, seems repetitious and if there is a better way to get it into your library I would love to know.

From this point, you go to Collage and make your grid.  I am using squares with spacing at “0″.  The standard saved size for a square is 1024 pixels x 1024 pixels which of course can be resized, but you can determine the number of squares in your grid by this estimate.

repeat5 How to Make a Repeat Pattern on Picnik.com

repeat6 How to Make a Repeat Pattern on Picnik.com

Fill in the squares by dragging the same square that you created into each square on the collage grid… and see how cool it looks!

repeat7 How to Make a Repeat Pattern on Picnik.com

You have a repeat pattern perfect for blog backgrounds, twitter backgrounds, notecards (print them yourselves!) and business cards!

repeat81 400x400 How to Make a Repeat Pattern on Picnik.com

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My Newest Obsession – Linda’s Brandography

Here’s the thing.  I love taking photos.  I love shopping.  I needed to put the two together.  While I am working on a major mambo project, I did something fun in the meantime to tide me over.

Linda’s Brandography…

brando button My Newest Obsession   Lindas Brandography

I started taking photos of brands/products/logos and posting one every day. I think it will be fun to look back in years to come and see how brands and logos have changed. Don’t you?

Next week?  All Chicago in honor of my trip to Kenmore’s HQ.  I’ve got a few fun photos of the city that I took before this project was a twinkle in my eye.  Subscribe if you are so inclined, but definitely check it out!

Which is your favorite brand?

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Making a Monogram in Picnik

Ever need a simple monogram for a business card, brochure or greeting card?

It’s easy to make in picnik and with the premium plan you have so many options for fonts that it’s really fun!

Start out with a basic shape any size…you can determine the shape easily by cropping a photo and covering with a basic shape.  If you are unsure how to make that on picnik, check this post

We have a white square with a pink circle on it.  Cute, simple and preppy.

making monogram 485x400 Making a Monogram in Picnik

Now the traditional monogram has the last initial in the middle and larger so let’s start by making that first.

monogram1 377x400 Making a Monogram in Picnik

Choose the font you want, and play around with it for a while.  Get it centered or go off center if you want.

Next we will add the first and middle initials which are usually smaller and flank either side of the last initial.

monogram2.2.2 411x400 Making a Monogram in Picnikmonogram2.21 Making a Monogram in Picnik

Play around with the size, spacing and placement.

monogram3 Making a Monogram in Picnik

Now you have your monogram!  How easy was that?

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Avocado Crab Wrap a National Treasure!

I grew up on the Chesapeake Bay.  Crabbing is what you do for dinner many nights.  If you visit Washington DC and don’t try the seafood you are missing out.  There is nothing like a Chesapeake Bay blue crab.  Hands down.  It’s a national treasure!

One of our favorite recipes includes backfin crabmeat and avocados.  The two flavors are a perfect combination.  And kids love them too!  Try out these wraps and see if you don’t agree.

crab avocado Avocado Crab Wrap a National Treasure!

Avocado Crab Wrap Chesapeake Bay Style

*(makes 2)
Sundried Tomato Tortilla Wraps

1/2 lb backfin crabmeat

1 avocado pitted, pealed and sliced

Romaine lettuce

Sauce to taste

*sauce recipe is 2/3 cup mayo,  1/4 cup horseradish flavored mustard and 1 Tablespoon Old Bay seasoning (more or less to taste)

Spread the sauce on the tortilla (to taste, and I like a lot) and top with the crab, avocado and lettuce.  Roll and cut and serve with extra crab claws, the extra dip and a dill pickle.

The pickle is important.

And so is the avocado! Did you know:

According to the USDA-ARS, phytonutrients such as those found in Avocados may be beneficial to your health in a number of ways. More research is needed to firmly establish what phytonutrients do. They may:

• Serve as antioxidants
• Enhance your immune response
• Help metabolize vitamin A

Suddenly this recipe becomes a national treasure!

I am participating in the Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association (MHAIA) “Big Hit” contest:

* Along with the contest information, participating bloggers will post their favorite game-day avocado recipe that best embodies the spirit of their hometown
* The Avocado League is featuring hometown recipes in Atlanta, Boston, Baltimore, Charlotte, Chicago, Philadelphia, New York and Washington, D.C.
* MHAIA will choose 8 bloggers – one from each featured hometown – with the best recipe from the blog tour as members of the Avocado League, with public voting of their dishes to take place in late September.

Wish me luck!

“I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Mexican Hass Avocado Importers Association. Mom Central also sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.”

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Unilever’s #FamilyDish Family Cooking Contest!

family dish button Unilevers #FamilyDish Family Cooking Contest!

As part of the Unilever Family Dish program,

pasta with a chance of meatballs 424x400 Unilevers #FamilyDish Family Cooking Contest!

I am cooking with my kids and having a blast!  Our recipes (mine and the other ambassadors)  are all on the website http://thefamilydish.com and each of us brings a unique aspect to the site.  And it’s been fun getting to know the other gals.

OK, so that’s cool for ME, but what is cool for you?

The Family Dish is sponsoring a contest where a family can win a family of 4 cooking trip.  See all the details on the site!  Submit your short video and you could be cooking with the fam in sunny Florida!

I know!

So check out my recipes, and check out the contest..

Thanks Unilever!  I’m proud to be a Family Dish ambassador and have received cool perks for participating.

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Hooked on this You Tube…

Sometimes a video makes you smile like sprinkles on ice cream and sometimes it makes you smile like a root canal.

This does both …

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Just another day..

So it’s kinda been one of those weeks.

It’s been a tough mommy week.  Sad because your kids are growing up and moving away and need help and you aren’t always able to give the right help to them.  It’s still so tough when they grow up.  You can hardly believe they are taking care of themselves now!  An average day in your life just changed too with one less child to take care of.

Or did it?

You know how average days can become super fun and crazy?  Because that’s your average life..right?  I mean you still have one at home and you still have to do for her..right?  Like today on the way to the horse show…

You know it’s like a pretty average day when you wake up and realize that it’s only 6 am which is great because then you can go back to sleep only to wake up and it’s 10.

And you need to be somewhere by 10:30.

Crap.

But who cares, you grab your pants and shirt….wait, did the dog pee on that shirt?  and you are realizing this after you have put it on?  ewww take it off quick…

smelly shirt 300x400 Just another day..

Let’s pretend I took a shower after that because if I didn’t that’s gross…right?

Which makes it at least 10:30 but it’s really only 10:15 b/c the whole shower thing never happened.

So you grab deodorant because something’s got to hide the dog pee smell…

…or you sweating…which is worse? dunno.

You get in the car and realize there is no gas.  That’s what the light means.  You knew that yesterday but chose to “ignore”.

Ignore what?  Let’s go!  We have to get on the road.

CHIK FIL A!

What I wouldn’t give for a number 1 combo.

But it’s 10:35 and OH HECK WHY NOT YOU ARE ALREADY LATE..

And you really don’t care because the radio is playing and you are singing

“she’s a bad mammajamma…just as fine as she can be”

at the top of your lungs.

and you have the classic head bop going on…

you are totally cool…and late…

Ok it’s 11 now.  You are really late because the jerk in front of you at Chik Fil A had 3 orders and correct change which he got off the floor of his car at the window.

Meanwhile the phone has been ringing but you are too busy singing and eating to answer and you already know you are late so who needs a 17 year old reminding you?

“Oh hai hun.  Yes I’m almost there”… in 10 minutes but close enough right?

So you get there only 40 minutes late and are somewhat surprised that no one is ready to leave for the horse show!  What?

“Oh mom it’s ok we don’t leave for another hour, but I wanted to make sure you got here…”

Wait, that’s a mom thing….you mean I could be asleep or not wearing dog pee?

Just another day…in the life…of a busy mom…

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