Brandi Carlile "Give Up The Ghost" review

Brandi Carlile “Give Up The Ghost” is a wonderful new cd recently released in September. It is said that "If you like KT Tunstall, Indigo Girls, Missy Higgins and Rachael Yamagata then you will LOVE Brandi Carlile". I use to listen to Indigo Girls and enjoyed their tunes. I can't say I have heard these other artist, but will say after listening to "Give Up the Ghost" I am going to check them out. This wonderful new release is full soulful music with a mix of indie, folk and pop. I love Brandi Carlile's voice and the lyrics she uses in her songs. I give this cd 5 out of 5 stars. I truly love it!

More info on Brandi includes, "Her last album, The Story, debuted on Billboard's Top 200, peaking at #2 on iTunes and was named one of VH1's "You Oughta Know" artists in addition to having many of her songs featured on various episodes of "Grey's Anatomy"."



Give Up The Ghost includes songs:
Looking Out
Dying Day
Pride And Joy
Dreams
That Year
Caroline
Before It Breaks
I Will
If There Was No You
Touching The Ground
Oh Dear

If you are interested in learning more about Brandi Carlile and her new release "Give Up The Ghost", you can check out her official website or her facebook page.

To Buy:
Go to Amazon

Overstock.com 10th Anniversary!

Overstock.com is having their 10th anniversary. Each day they have a new deal and I am bummed I missed out on yesterdays "Monster Vs. Aliens" for only $12.99!
Check each day for the new special deal. Ends Oct. 11!

Flight to IZEAfest...

I have been super excited about attending the IZEAfest in Orlando FL. Not only was there going ot be several evants and workshops to attend, but I also had family close by. This gave me somewhere to stay and saved cost for my sponsors “Piggy Paint” and “Got Free Ecards”.

I chose to arrive a day early to ensure I arrived on time with no plane delays, etc. I thought this would help things be a little more stress-free. Although, I learned stress can find you no matter what.

My son had not been feeling well before we left and this cause me to worry some. I also had to stay home rather then run around and get errands done. I didn’t want him to spread anything around. He started to seem fin the day before and I was relieved.

The morning of my flight, I woke up to a major storm outside. It was pouring rain. It then dawned on me that I had left my sons carseat outside while cleaning my car. I ran outside and it was soaked. I had to take it apart and throw it into the dryer hoping it would be dried by the time we left. I got ready, threw my bags in the car and grabbed my sons damp carseat cover and put it back on. We grabbed the kids got them into the car and just then my son threw up everywhere. My stress was rising. I hate leaving sick kids behind. But we had to move since we were already running a bit behind. As we started driving away from our house, my husband realized he neglected to gather some very important items for work that day. He had been really busy this week dealing with some side family drama, helping with sick kids and helping me get things ready before I took off for a few days. It was too late to pick up these items and he was sure it would not be good for work.

I began to wonder how my family was going to make it without me. I was already getting homesick before I even left home. After the crazy morning I made it on my first flight. Because of weather, it was a rough flight, but we landed safely. I then got onto my second flight and got seated. The plane began to take off when it stopped and an announcement came over the intercom. The flight was to be delayed because of some mechanical issues. The passengers and I then sat on the plane for about an hour while the issue was being takin care of.

Finally I landed in Orlando. My cute cousin picked me up and I am happy to say the rest of the day went smooth… Until my hubby called to tell me that my son puked again on the way home from grandmas all over HIS car again. (His car is not smelling good these days). Then he informed me that our son, who is already missing his two front teeth has another loose tooth. This is his bottom front tooth. What makes his bad is that my son is only 4 year old and you aren’t even suppose to lose your teeth until about 6, so he is going to be missing three teeth for about two years. His first teeth were damaged from some kind of trauma and it seems this next one must be the same case. Ugh!

Well I have now ventured into my first official day of IZEAfest. Last night was the "Howl-o-screem" which was awesome. I will try to share more with you later today or tomorrow.

Thanks to my sponsors "Piggy Paint" and "Got-Free-Ecards"!

Thanksgiving Point "Barnyard Boo" and "Halloween Movie" giveaway! CLOSED

This giveaway is part of the "Halloween-a-palooza". Click on the official "Halloween-a-palooza" button to find more fantastic halloween giveaways!!!


Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, UT. is full of fun activities and events for the family. My little boy loves the "Museum of Ancient Life" and my daughter loves the "Country Farm" and all the animals. It seems with the seasons comes new events. With Halloween around the corner you can find several family fun activities. Some of these are the Scarecrow Festival (Oct 15-17, 19), Barnyard Boo (Oct 15-17, 19, 23-24, 26), special movies at the XANGO Mammoth Screen Theatre (Sept. 21- Oct. 31) and the Cornbelly's Corn Maze (Sep 25 - Oct 31) which is also included in the "Halloween-a-palooza". You can learn more about these events here!

Giveaway:
Thanksgiving Point is generously offering two prizes. One winner will receive a family four-pack to the Barnyard Boo and another one will receive a family four-pack to Spooky Bats and Scaredy Cats at the XANGO Mammoth Screen Theatre. Here is some further information on each of these.


Barnyard Boo :
The Barnyard Boo is being held in Farm Country October 15th - 19th & October 23rd - 26th. This is a less-spooky activity for young Halloween lovers. Barnyard Boo includes everything you need for a Halloween to remember. Come for storytelling, pony rides, hayrides, and a variety of Halloween inspired hands on activities and crafts.

Spooky Bats and Scaredy Cats:
Spooky Bats and Scaredy Cats is showing in the XANGO Mammoth Screen Theatre. This Is a fabulous Hallowe’en tale. Katie and Makean embark on a thrilling quest delivering mysterious Hallowe'en invitations for their old friend The Candleman. But little do the children know that their adventure will lead them through frightening forests, scary swamps and a chilling cemetery where ghosts and ghouls haunt every turn. With time running out, the children must conquer their fears and discover how a bit of bravery can bring big rewards.
Spooky Bats and Scaredy cats begins September 21 and goes through Halloween. You can see this film daily (closed Sunday) at 12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 5:30 pm.


To Enter:
Tell me your favorite halloween tradition!

*Extra Entries*
- Visit Thanksgiving Point and tell me an activity you think you or your family would enjoy! Maybe you already have one, what is it?
- Sign up for the Thanksgiving Point newsletter.
- Grab the "Halloween-a-palooza" event button.
- Grab my button
- Subscribe to "Catch the Drift..."
- Follow me on Twitter (Mama_Snow)
- Become a fan on Facebook
- Blog about this post or Tweet it! (Be sure to leave the link)

Rules:
Be sure to leave a comment telling me what the entry is for. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Also be sure to leave an email address for me to contact you. A winner will be selected randomly using Random.org. They will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen. Utah residents only (or must be able to attend these events at this time)!

Giveaway Ends: October 13, 2009

Cornbelly's at Thanksgiving Point GIVEAWAY!!! CLOSED

This giveaway is part of the "Halloween-a-palooza". Click on the official "Halloween-a-palooza" button to find more fantastic halloween giveaways!!!



Although it is sad to see summer come to an end, fall offers much to look forward to. Something my family and I look forward to each year is "Cornbelly's Corn Maze and Pumpkin Fest" which is held at Thanksgiving Point in Lehi, Utah. I usually attend cornbelly's at least twice a year. The last two years I attended Cornbelly's with the youth at my church, each year the moms in my neighborhood also get together with their kids and make a play date of it. Then of course my husband has to go, so we go a separate time with him, grandparents and cousins.

Some of the great attractions included are the 12-acre corn maze, the pumpkin patch, the play land, the cow train and so much more! For those who wouldn't mind getting a little scared, you can attend the "Fright by Night" 8pm on Friday, Saturday and Mondays. At this time you are invited to enter the "Cornophobia" haunted maze. Then there is always "The Creature" who's belly you enter into. This has become one of Utah County's most talked about haunted attractions by night as well as one of my favorites.




As you can see Cornbelly's offers fun for everyone and for all ages. If you have a large group attending of 15 plus or would like to bring a school for a field trip, Cornbelly's will offer you a discount. You can also find discount coupons at local stores as well as on the Cornbelly's official site here!

When and Where:
Cornbelly's begins September 25 to October 31, 2009
Monday-Thursday: 4-10pm
Friday-Saturday: 10am to 11pm
Sunday: closed

Two Giveaways:
First giveaway is being hosted by me, Mama Snow. One reader will win 4 tickets for this years Cornbelly's event!

To Enter:
You must visit "Cornbelly's" site and find out what design the Cornbelly's corn maze is this year OR What day the Pumpkin Princess Pageant is being held. Please leave a comment on this link with one or both of the answers!

Second giveaway will be for those who choose to text SNOW1 to 91011. This is a seperate giveaway and is not required, but does give you more chances to win! This giveaway will also offer 4 tickets to the winner. (So you know, Cornbelly's texting list is strictly used to only communicate discount offers throughout the season. This is actually a nice perk if you like finding fun activities for you and your family. If for some reason you decide you don't want the texts, you always have the option to be removed).

*For Bonus Entries*
- Follow "Cornbelly's on Twitter
- Follow Cornbelly's on Facebook
- Enter the "Second Giveaway" by texting SNOW1 to 91011! (Just leave a comment telling me you did so.)
- Grab the "Halloween-a-palooza" button
- Grab my button
- Subscribe to "Catch the Drift..."
- Follow me on Twitter (Mama_Snow)
- Become a fan on Facebook
- Blog about this post or Tweet it! Do both for 2 entries! (Be sure to leave the link)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and what it is for.

Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 48 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is opened to those who are Utah residents or those willing to attend this event.

Giveaway Ends: Oct. 13, 2009

Winners!!!

The winner of the Carissa Black giveaway is # 154 "Lil Miss' Mama"

Winner of Peace Love Mom giveaway is #131 Katie

Congrats winners. You have both been contacted through email and have 48 hours to get back with me!

Scrap Coloring!

With the weather changing, parents are beginning to search for indoor activities that their children can enjoy. I feel activities on the computer can be very beneficial for your child, as it can help them develop their own computer skills. I would like to introduce you to Scrap Coloring which also will develop your child's creativity.


SrapColoring.com is a fun interactive coloring book for your child to enjoy. Your child can select from a variety of pictures and themes. Once they select the picture of their choice, they have several bright colors and patterns to work with. Your child can simply select the color they want, then click on the part of the picture where they want the color added. If your child wants to use a pattern, they can select the two colors that they want in the pattern. If your child prefers to color with markers and crayons, you can print a black and white copy from your printer. Another fun feature is the "First Name Coloring Page". Here you or your child can create a custom coloring page with a name or written message. Scrap Coloring can create hours of creative fun for your child.

Scrap Coloring also has some fun features for adults. If you are into digital scrapbooking and or enjoy making backgrounds for your personal websites and pages, Scrap Coloring can create fun colorful patterns with their Pattern Generator. To try this out and for further instruction, you can select the "Pattern" tab on the menu bar.

Meet "The Flannel Queen"!

Last week I mentioned a new online fabric store called the "Flannel Queen". This is a great store for those who love to sew and are looking for flannel fabric and great patterns. Here is a little about the Flannel Queen herself:

"My mother was a wonderful seamstress. She love fabric, and would take us kids (kicking and screaming) to the fabric store frequently. You know that annoyingly talented mom who could sew/bake/make anything? That was my mom. I have to admit, I didn't catch the sewing bug right away. In fact, I was horrible in my junior high sewing class.

When my youngest child was an infant, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law introduced me into the world of flannel fabric. My sweet husband bought me a sewing machine, and I sewed receiving blankets, burp cloths, and quilts. I soon recognized how hard it is to find a good selection of quality flannel fabric. Hence the birth of the Flannel Queen online fabric store."

Also right now at the Flannel Queen's Blog there is a great giveaway going on until Friday Oct. 2. There are 3 different prizes for 3 different winners! Go HERE to enter!

Purchase a Wii at Amazon for $199.99 and also receive a $25 gift card!

Buy the Wii at from this link on Amazon for $199.99 and also receive a $25 gift card!

Jet Blue airfare sale (Today Only) 9/28

Sorry I didn't get this out sooner, but for those of you who are looking to fly somewhere, you may want to check out these deal at Jet Blue!
These offers are only running today Sept. 28 and will be ending tonight!

Last Day for these Giveaways!!!

Carissa Black handmade purses and handbag giveaway
and
Peace Love Mom tee
will be closing Tuesday night!

"Spice Up You Life" cookbook review and giveaway! CLOSED

I tend to become a very boring cook at my house. I get very nervous trying new things and adding any ingredients I can't pronounce. My husband on the other hand would love for me to take more risk in my cooking. Spaghetti and teriyaki chicken just aren't doing it for him anymore. He was very excited to hear that I was contacted by Bindu Grandhi the author and creator of "Spice Up your Life" to do a review on her cookbook. I was a little nervous knowing how picky I am with the reviews I choose and the food I like. But my love for my husband won and I agreed to do the review. I literally was crossing my fingers that these recipes would really be worth my while.

I decided to try the the "Chicken Cutlet with Tamarind Honey Dipping Sauce" pg. 98. The recipe was pretty simple, which was great news for me. It was really fun being introduced to so many new spices and ingredients. There was one ingredient for used in the dipping sauce that I couldn't find. However, I found a great way to substitute it on the Internet. This was the tamarind juice. Instead, I just combined 1/4 Cup orange juice and 2 TBSP of lime Juice. When everything was finally prepared, the food looked delicious and smelled great. As for the actual taste, my whole family loved it. My husband was very impressed and added this meal to his lift of favorites. I also loved the dish. The dipping sauce had great flavor mixed with a sweet and spicy taste. I also think the mix of all the spices really helped create the excellent taste.



What is great about these recipes is they all seem to include a great selection of spice to add to the taste. Before getting this book I thought it was an indian cookbook. Although there is some influence these recipes are actually geared towards healthy food with great flavor. Bindu Grandhi also got an early endorsement from Chef Emeril Lagasse!

Buy:
You can purchase "Spice Up Your Life" online at Amazon and Barnes and Noble. Now you can even find this fantastic cookbook in select Barnes and Noble and Borders bookstores. To learn more about "Spice Up You LIfe" and some of it' great recipes, you can go to theflexcook.com.

The Giveaway:
One winner will receive their own copy of "Spice Up Your Life".

To Enter:
You must visit theflexcook.com and look through the sample recipes. Come back to this link to leave a comment on a recipe you would like to try.

*For Bonus Entries*
- Grab my button
- Subscribe to "Catch the Drift..."
- Follow me on Twitter (Mama_Snow)
- Become a fan on Facebook
- Blog about this post or Tweet it! Do both for 2 entries! (Be sure to leave the link)

Please leave a separate comment for each entry and what it is for.

Rules: In order to win, you must provide a valid email. I will be notifying the winner by email. The winner will have 48 hours to respond to me with their name and address. If this information is not received within 48 hours new winner will be chosen. This giveaway is opened US residents only.

Giveaway Ends: Oct. 12, 2009

Orglamix Mineral Makeup review and giveaway!!! CLOSED

The Classy Closet Review Panel has another fantastic review to share with you. Let me introduce to you "Orglamix".


As it states on Etsy, "Orglamix is 100% pure mineral makeup. This shop carries highly pigmented, long-lasting shadows that reinvent color intensity. Orglamix's show-stopping shades have the perfect, high-payoff combination of brilliant color, an easy-blending formula, and endless versatility that will revolutionize your eye-makeup outlook and deliver stunning effects. Let inspiration be your guide and watch your makeup go from everyday to extraordinary."

Not only is "Orglamix" a new brand that just started selling in July (3 months ago), but Orglamix has already had over 900 sales! Reviewers just awe and rave over the colors and are returned costumers.


Review:
I am literally screaming out that "I Love Orglamix". I went with the "Pink Chocolate" collection. This included the colors moonstone, silk and sandalwood. The colors looked beautiful in their jar, but there were I noticed some sparkles. I was then worried that the eye shadows would be too shimmery for me. As I applied the makeup I was pleasantly surprised. There was just the perfect amount of shimmer to help my eyes stand out. These colors were beautiful together. Instead of finding an eye shadow to match my outfit, I am constantly looking for an outfit to match my new favorite eye shadows. These shadows really do blend easily and last. I am now a fan of Orglamix. In fact, I have already ordered some more colors. I feel the price for what you get is excellent. I have also noticed the Orglamix loves to throw out great discounts to their fans. There is a great birthday deal when you can get Free Orglamix Pure Organic Glam Eco Mineral Makeup! Yes, FREE! You just pay shipping.


Twilight Fans Announcement:
Another reason why I am loving orglamix, is because you can find colors that will give you a glampire look after your favorite Twlight charactors. You can find this under the "Kits and Tutuorials" tab. You can also find collections named after your favorite twilight series such as Twilight, New Moon, Eclipse and Breaking Dawn. I think you may like these colors as much as you like the books!

Where to buy:
You can purchase Oglamix mineral makeup and products at it's store on Etsy.

Giveaway:
3 winners will win the "Pink Chocolate" collection! (The other participating giveaways will be giving away the collection they reviewed) Their links are as follows.
A Simple Kind of Life
Shopaholic Mommy
A Family Completed

To Enter:
Visit "Orglamix" and look around at the colors, collections and products. Come back to this link and leave a comment telling me which color,collection or product you want to try!

*Extra Entries*
- Become a fan of "Orglamix" on Facebook
- Grab my button
- Subscribe to "Catch the Drift..."
- Follow me on Twitter (Mama_Snow)
- Become a fan on Facebook
- Blog about this post or Tweet it! (Be sure to leave the link)

Rules:
Be sure to leave a comment telling me what the entry is for. Leave a separate comment for each entry. Also be sure to leave an email address for me to contact you. A winner will be selected randomly using Random.org. They will have 48 hours to reply or a new winner will be chosen. Open worldwide!

Giveaway Ends: October 15, 2009