@CookinSoftware Making Cook'n Fun

When I was told that I would be reviewing Cook'n Recipe Software, I was not expecting to have so much fun with this program!  In fact, when I first attempted to download it, my computer freaked out but once I got my end in order and got to give the program a real go - it was addictive and fun!

The program layout is much like a browser though it was a little awkward at first to use.  However, the more I explored the more it made sense and before I knew it I was searching the internet and capturing recipes to add to my organizer. 

Capture recipes from websites is one of my favorite features because it does just that, captures the recipe, from the search you do from the program no less and then adds it to your organizer making it easier to read and find again.  It fills in the form for you so all you have to do is review (to make everything is right and in its place) and then add it to your cookbook.  So very, very easy!

We are not the plan ahead of kind of family, I try but alas, it does not always work out.  The drag & drop custom menu has won me over!  Cook'n Recipe Organizer makes planning out menus a breeze!

Doesn't that Caramel Apple Cheesecake Pie look amazing!  That came in the cookbook with my organizer!  I will say that the recipes already included are basic, but fundamental.  If there is a recipe that I sort of like but add to it or change I can edit the recipe and make adjustments.  I can also add my own recipes and using the quick fill method, once I start typing an ingredient, the program is already looking for it. I can create a family book, complete with pictures and stories so easily.

The program will also help me with shopping lists (by aisle!) and calculate nutritional value.

I really am impressed with this program and I downloaded it not only to the family computer but to my little laptop so I won't have to keep going back and forth from kitchen to computer.  The best part with that was there was no extra cost for it! There is also an iPhone, iPad and android app. 

In a nutshell, the program is great, easy to use and was fun.  You can buy it here or come back and enter to win it starting June, 18, 2012 in the:

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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.

Fashion at My Fingertips - Foxgloves PDX Fingerless Gloves

No one will ever accuse me of being a slave of fashion but I do what I can to stay at least current and not fall into the traps of being the frumpy mom in mom jeans.  Admittedly, I don't change my wardrobe all that much from season to season and I stick to basic colors.  I am a fan of accessories like scarves and layering shirts to give the impression of a new outfit.  Which is why when I came across Foxgloves PDX fingerless gloves, I knew that I wanted to try them out!  What a clever way to add fun and style to an outfit with out breaking the bank or going over board.

foxgloves |ˈfäksˌgləv|

noun
(1) fabulous fingerless gloves created in Portland, Oregon, nouveau fashion capitol, to add instant flair to any attire whenever the fancy takes you; (2) tall leafy Eurasian biennial with spectacular clusters of tubular pink-purple flowers.

foxy |ˈfäksē|

adjective (foxier, foxiest)
informal sensually attractive; Dang, them Foxgloves is foxy!

The gloves are hand made and in small batches so that the gloves are as unique and as whimsical as they make me feel when I put on a pair.  I felt like a teenager again with out looking like one.  And the baby got a kick out of them as well.

All though the material is thin, I have actually worn them at work to help keep my arms and hands a little warm and add a little pizazz to my outfit.  They are so cute I can help but stalk their website for new styles and will probably plan my Halloween costume around a pair this year.

You can find them on their website here and they range in price from $12 - $15 a pair.   


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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.

Product Review & Giveaway: Win Playful Planet Storyland Yoga!

Sponsored by Tomoson.com

My six year old has a fascination with yoga.  It started when I use to drag out my mat to work out to Pilates and yoga DVDs when he was a toddler and then grew when there use to be a kid's series on our cable on-demand fitness channel.  Both, sadly, have stopped.

In my attempt to find something fitting for him to do, I came across a review opportunity for Storyland Yoga from Playful Planet.  I had no idea what to expect.  The cover is cute and all but would it hold his attention?  Would it hold mine?  Will he learn the poses?

I made the husband set up the TV in the living room this past weekend so we could try it out and record it.  He put the DVD on and our son started to follow along.  Since I was in another room when it started when I joined them I felt like I was missing something, this guy is just telling a story.  I even made them start it over but I had not missed anything.  The DVD was not what I expected.  It was better!

The DVD starts with the handsome yoga instructor, Ahmed Fahmy, just telling a story, about eggs.  Condor eggs, specifically, that they found in the woods and they have to get them back to where they should be and they will have to go on a long trek to get them home.

No introduction, no going over poses, nothing, just the instructor telling a story.  Sure, he did some actions with the story telling and the cute kids followed his cues, as did my cute kid, but I was expecting him to instructed them in proper poses not tell a story.

I lost interest.  I half watched as I filmed the little video but my son kept going, kept doing the actions and then something unexpected happened - it ended and with the end the kids in the video executed a series of yoga poses as they should, as I expected them to do right from the start.  My son was also able to go through the sequence but, as you can see from the video, still needs a lot of practice.

It was pretty brilliant how Ahmed Fahmy and Playful Planet went from story to yoga.  He went slow, repeated the actions that were more challenging and kept everybody moving for the length of the video.  These folks at Playful Planet are pretty ingenious.

Who would have thought?

We are getting better (I've joined a few times) and who knows... maybe we will try going to a class now!

FYI - Benefits of yoga for children include: better focus and coordination, self confidence, stress release, not to mention exercise! Doing yoga with your child promotes a strong bond and quality time as well as the added health benefits mentioned.  Benefits to buying from Playful Planet? Playful Planet donates a portion of every one of your purchases to causes that support children, the environment, and the world community!


Here is your chance to win your own copy!  Enter to win via Rafflecopter below but you can also purchase your own copy of Storyland Yoga: Yoga for Kids and Families here.

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Fine Print
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.