The Best of All Worlds

A Christmas Reminder: the Holiday Checklist for All the Things You're bound to Forget

2010-12-03T11:04:00.000-08:00

Everyone's so busy at this time of year, and it's so easy to forget the things you need to remember, so here's my Holiday Checklist to keep you prepared for the coming weeks:

1. Shop Online - This is the solution when you know just what you're looking for as well as when you're not sure what Uncle Harry or Sister Sue might like. Christmas Shopping on Amazon makes the most sense these days, since Amazon sells nearly every bloomin' thing on earth. Take advantage of the Listmania Search Page for suggestions from thousands of expert and avid fans in any category of products, books and gift ideas for different age groups.

2. Prepare For Holiday Clean-Up in Advance: Taking down your Christmas Tree can soon turn your living room into a disaster zone. With some careful precautions, you'll have your holiday decorations down, organized and stowed away with minimal effort. My best suggestion for those of you putting up live trees is to hide your tree removal bag under your tree skirt as the first thing. The perfect solution for wayward pine needles. Now's also the time to consider Christmas ornament and tree storage solutions available at your fingertips. This page also has handy links suggestions for recycling your tree too!

3. Remember your Service People: Don't forget a little something for your mailman, doctor, dentist, nurse, your UPS and FedEx guys, or any of the people in the periphery of your life that help you every day. This is truly one of those areas where the thought counts - nothing has to be fancy or expensive to show these people how much you appreciate their help. I typically hand out boxes of thin mints, or european cookies, because my thinking is that everyone loves their tummy.

4. Uh-Oh New Years is Coming: So easy to forget to plan your New Years Party during the early weeks of December. When it's finally Christmas Day, all of a sudden you find that it's now completely hopeless to order party supplies or make a reservation for those shindig tickets or banquet space.

5. It's Calendar Time of Year Again: I know we've all experienced the heartbreak at the bookstore when you've gotten there much too late and all of the best calendars have disappeared from the racks. Once again, now is the time to order online for the best selection and availability of 2011 calendars. Everyone appreciates these, particularly if you take the time to mark important birthdays and upcoming events inside as part of your gift.

6. Use up this year's insurance budget: Since the economic downturn, your doctor and your dentist are also feeling the pinch this year. Why not use up the remaining portion of your insurance coverage before the year-end and get your check-up paid for before having to plunk down another deductable?

7. Gear up Your Car: No one likes to hear about freezing temperatures, frozen locks, dead batteries and slippery streets. There's still time to supply yourself with lock de-icers, extra scrapers, battery rechargers, flashlights and other auto emergency supplies before you're standing knee-deep in a snowdrift wondering what happened. Creating an emergency supply box might just be one of the better gift ideas out there - I'd sure appreciate one!

You're Invited to Visit My Christmas Pages: Christmas Tree Toppers || Inflatable Airblown Outdoor Christmas || Outdoor Christmas Light Displays || Harley Davidson Christmas || Merry Penguin Christmas || Merry Grinch Christmas || Christmas Tree Storage Solutions || Christmas Kindle || Christmas Garland Decorations || New Years Party || White Christmas Decorations || Commercial Christmas Lights

A Christmas Kindle: Electronic Reader Books and Gift Certificates

2010-12-03T09:33:00.000-08:00

Not long ago, you weren't able to gift Kindle ebook bestsellers to your friends and family. That has changed dramatically in recent months. Now Amazon.com provides a wealth of options for gifting a Kindle eReader Device as well as the opportunity to send your friends and family Kindle Gift Certificates and physical gift cards with ease!

Not sure which Kindle Version to choose? Why not get the information straight from the horse's mouth so to speak, and begin with the most popular model: Kindle 3G Wireless Reading Device and Comparison Chart. You'll see all of the various features on this page, its marvelous reviews as well as a handy chart to help you determine which Kindle model is best for your needs.

The Kindle 3G is definitely on my shopping list because I can download ebooks anywhere, any time - the convenience is awe inspiring!

Despicable Me Santa Minion Plush Have Arrived!

2010-12-01T06:58:00.000-08:00

To tie in with the December 14th release of Despicable Me on DVD, hilarious Santa Minions have arrived. The film boasts several different format choices including wide screen and blu-ray and several DVD options include additional mini minion movies that the kids will enjoy.
You may be part of the throng that was surprized by the escalating prices of the 9.5" minion plushes last summer -
unfortunately, once again the supply of the minions has dwindled and prices have risen dramatically.

These Christmas Minion Plush are still available through various sellers on ebay. To find the immediate purchase-buy-it-now plushes, I've collected them on my Despicable Me Toys page. I've selected long-term listings from USA sellers that also feature the added convenience of easy online credit card payments throug Paypal.

9" SantaStewart
Prices Vary

9" SantaDave

9" SantaJorge

They're cute, they're adorable and they're plushy! Stewart is the one-eyed wonder Minion, Dave has his arm raised, and Jorge, always falls behind the minion pack with his arms down, but he has a cheery open smile. Dressed in working North Pole gear, these Minions are ready to serve you as you rule the world!

The Despicable Me DVD is arriving on December 14th, with a variety of formats to choose from:

Blu-Ray 3 Disc Combo
$25.99

Single Disc DVD Widescreen
$16.99

Two Disc with Minion Madness
with 3 Minion Mini-movies
$22.99

Looking for more? You're invited to visit my Despicable Me Movie Toys page too!

A Coffee Christmas - Unique and Unusual Gift Ideas

2010-11-23T09:05:00.000-08:00

You know them - the people that simply can't exist without their morning coffee. Let's celebrate them! Cater to their inner Grinch and bring them some unique coffee flavors and exotic estate coffee blends from around the world.

I've searched through amazon.com to gather some of the most exciting discoveries of carefully roasted world javas. Not withstanding is my all time favorite: Wallenford Jamaican Blue Mountain. This particular estate coffee is so refined, so clean on the back-end that it literally makes my morning come alive with dancing and joy. No jokes - it's a must have for any afficiando. Treat your loved one with something special this Christmas!

Also included on my Estate Coffees page are unique Christmas gift ideas and stocking stuffers. Why not an espresso Christmas ornament or a classic Grinch mug? Stop by and see all of these unusual ideas for that one person in your life that's so difficult for you to find just the right gift.

Best Selling Popular Calendars for 2011 - Betty White is Winning

2010-08-04T06:44:00.000-07:00

You might still be in the midst of your summer excursions and bbq's, but calendar time of year is here again. Amazingly enough, the Betty White 2011 Wall Calendar is topping the most popular sales charts. The Twilight Eclipse 2011 Wall Calendar is running a close second, but that's to be expected - afterall, teenage girls need their fill of Taylor and Robert.

Speaking of Robert Pattinson, this actor's calendar pages seem to be filling the most popular celebrity spot that Johnny Depp has held for years. So much so, that they've ordered a second printing. Still revelling in the teen to tween category, the Glee 2011Calendar is outdistancing itself from the pack as well. Older pop culture icons like Madonna and Michael Jackson are still holding their own, after decades of popularity.

Each year, busy Mom's in the know appreciate Boynton's Family Calendar, because it's positively jammed with extra space for date details, as well as stickers, pockets and an erasable magnetic list for the fridge.

Literally coming out of the blue this year is Ted Nasmith's glorious castle renderings from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire. George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy books have taken the world by storm since his first in the series, "A Game of Throne's" won an award in 1996 for Best Fantasy Novel.

Looking for more? View the complete list of 2011 Most Popular Best Selling Calendars, including celebrities, humor, sports, nature and planning categories.

Despicable Me Toys: Who Dropped the Ball?

2010-07-22T08:05:00.000-07:00

The escalating prices on Despicable Me Toys must be a reflection of the short supply from the manufacturer. In a quick check online, all the major's are out of stock, save Amazon.com where plushtoy prices have risen beyond the reach of most parents.

Far be it from me to disparage the wonderful and dedicated 'toy people' that supply us all with their delightful goodies, but it seems to me that Illumination Entertainment should have had a cooperative meeting between their movie marketing department and the toy manufacturer. The IHOP Minion campaign was massive and enjoyable. I'm sure it's one of the keys to this movie's outrageous success. Of course I can't imagine how it all works between the movie marketing campaigns and the merchandising departments, but someone should have called me :)

Despicable Me is one of this summer's family movie blockbusters and we've all been looking for: a talking Agnes doll that exclaims: "It's so fluffy, I wanna die!"; for Minion action figures, a wealth of birthday party supplies, 'Minion Adventures' books, a Gru and Vector plush. Wall-e by comparison had a wealth of interactive toys, school backpacks, clothing and storybooks. Sadly, none of these are to be found for Despicable Me, from my research, parents are indeed looking for them.

I hope that the Upcoming DVD release will inject some greater verve into the toy merchandising for this hilarious film and we'll see many more playtime tangibles come November or December.

Who is Carriebaby? An online marketer and writer, and a wonderful work at home wifey. Contact: carriebaby at hotmail

Old Fat Lady in Yellowstone

2009-08-16T08:21:00.001-07:00

Rising into the clouds as we ascended the Chief Joseph Scenic Byway, the cool of the air resonantly causes me to appreciate my aspirations. White mists kissing the mountainsides and sweet cool rain as we enter Cooke City Montana. I know this experience just by itself is a delight to Michael's florida eyes. We haven't made it into Yellowstone yet, but today, the mountain canyon aired wonder of Cooke City is enough for him.

In the morning, we wade through a stream of motorcycles (it's bike week in Sturgis)to gain entry to the park, and then a short drive to our first hike - Trout Lake. It's only a mile in, and yet with the altitude, old fat lady is at once having great difficulty acclimating to the altitude. I struggle & strain to get my fat blobbed body moving but with awe-inspiring reward.

Wildly enervated after the hike, we're all primed to kiss Yellowstone good morning with fervor, and head over to Tower Fall. Sparkling in morning sunlight and international viewers, Michael, Boo and I smiled, waved and then headed for points south - gotta set camp and do it quick! I theorized that it would be raining by 1pm and I wasn't off by much.

We ventured through Hayden Valley, perusing the herd of buffers (bison)and we were able to glom on to one of the last campsites at Lewis Lake before the afternoon rains set it. During our entire visit this seemed a steady weather pattern - beautiful mornings, then afternoon rains.

All at once, Michael became "camp handy", while I fixed a couple of chianti coolers, he wanted to cook, in a flash this handsome man became an expert in carrie's famous hearty chili and we gorged ourselves in wine spritzing chili camp bliss. No stars though, stars at night under the campfire never happened for us, even with the full moon looming, we had no starry nights.

I told Michael that 1872 Graffiti was the only reason that the Canyon was famous and lead him up to Artist Point for the spectacular view of the Lower Falls - I think it was the first "wow" we got out of him :) Boo and Michael took the trail to the brink o'da falls, this was something that Old Fat Lady clearly couldn't do, I hadn't been able to catch my breath yet, elevation 7700ft. Michael hated the sulphur caldron & the mudpots - too stinky, lol.

I suppose it was a bit selfish of me, but we spent most of the rest of our days feasting on Lake Yellowstone - with hikes around Storm Point, Elephant Back Trail, even a trip to the lake after sunset to catch the full moon rise - which was lost in cloud cover. But Yellowstone Lake is like the essence of who I am somehow, a high mountain sensitive water being - ever playful, ever changing. Not a person at all, and yet it personifies my gentle heart.

Old Faithful was our last full day of fun, Michael and I sat anticipating the Giant Spouting while Boo took a 7 mile hike to Mallard Lake. Having had enough of the "lame boiling water" as the boy in front of us had commented to his mom, Michael too opted for lunch rather than an extended Geyser walking tour. Boo cracked his ankle on his hike (he's better now) and then a torrential rainstorm sank Michael's tent, furthering our impetus to head homewards.

Overall, I'd say that Old Fat Lady had a great time with her pals, and yet, my sleeping difficulties, and the wholly excruciating fibromyalgia pains lead me to wonder if I'll ever wriggle & writhe inside a tent again.

Transformers Revenge Toys: Things to Know

2009-07-06T09:58:00.000-07:00

Transformers Revenge of the Fallen Toys have hit the streets and are the most popular toys so far among the summer blockbuster movies. There are so many toys to choose from, parents may become completely confused by the myriad choices. Here is a "Parent's Guide" and some insights to the toy classes or categories that should help.

Hasbro Toys is the originator of the Transformers toy series, that originally began in 1984 with a companion animated television show. Since that time the toys have become legendary and this summer's Revenge of the Fallen is no exception.

The Hasbro Transformers toy series are classified into several different scale categories. Here are some helpful designations:

Leader Class: Currently the largest Autobots (good guys) and Decepticons (bad guys) out there, when they're standing tall in their robot form, they'll be about 12" in height.

Voyager Class: Perhaps the most popular series in the toy line, because they're sturdier and large enough to be very playable. They're approximately 8" in height.

Deluxe Class: Kids love this class, probably because they match the size & scale of your kids other action figures like G.I. Joe, Star Wars and others, and they're very affordable. Approximately 6"

Legends Series: These are the littlest sized guys - 2-3" height - great for carrying in your pocket or for hiding that you're a kid in an adult package.

Other toy manufacturers have joined in the fray as well, creating "Robot Replicas" which are just the robot model and don't "transform" into their vehicle shapes. Fast Action Battlers are another variety, about 6" tall and they do transform. Yet another concept is the "Gravity Bots". These 4 to 5 inch robots look like they've been generated in a high gravity environment, making them short & stout as they transform into their vehicle shapes.

Those are the basics for most of the Transformers Revenge of the Fallen toys that are out there. Be sure to check them all out at:
http://www.squidoo.com/Transformers-revenge-toys

Wall-e Toys: Innovation Overflowing For Movie Release

2008-06-27T07:06:00.000-07:00

The selection of Wall-e Movie Toys is truly extraordinary for the film's release on June 27, 2008. Disney and Pixar have teamed up with Thinkway in the development of several interactive and remote control toys that recreate all of the robotic fun for this wonderful family CG film.

Thinkway's U-Command WallE leads the robotic pack with Super Technology allowing over 1000 combined interactions of expressive motions, sounds and lights. Another innovative entry is the 4.5" Transforming Wall-E toy, which imitates several movie moments when timid WallE huddles into a retreating cube self.

Wall-E's romance in the movie is a sleek vegetation hunting Eve and her toys are also available in remote control, RC, and interactive units.

In addition to the typical movie release of action figures, birthday party supplies, this film's toys are something to behold. Your kids will be thrilled! Find them all at squidoo.com

UB Funkeys - Speed Racer Now In Stock!

2008-03-30T07:41:00.001-07:00

UB Funkeys are the wildest rage in kids computer game toys. They're cute little characters that open a whole funkey world of fun on your PC! The Latest - The New Speed Racer Movie has a set of Funkeys all its own, with dedicated worlds within "Funkeytown" in which to play! Just released this week are: Speed Racer Trixie, Snake Oiler and Racer X, in addition to the Speed Racer Funkeys Starter Kit.

Due to their long anticipated release, these Funkeys are certain to be out of stock in no time - make sure to order today! Find All the Latest Funkeys Toys at http://www.squidoo.com/ub-funkeys .

Time to Get the Party In Motion!

2007-12-21T14:11:00.000-08:00

Heads up! Just 10 days left until the big party night! In and amidst your Christmas happenings, we all have to start planning for New Year's Eve. My plans are always about Poker Night on this last of 365. But here are some suggestions for less subdued happenings:

My Best Advice: Head for someplace warmer - it's chilly frosty snowy in Chicagoland.... I'm thinkin Orlando or Miami is the place to be. Las Vegas is another idea for partyin' in high style.

Barring any funds for travel, check out Hoosier Beer Geek For a Huge Party in Indianapolis.

Thinkin about hosting your own bash? Here is the best advice to get you started: New Year's Eve Party Supply Headquarters
That's the site that has decorations, dishes & flatware, games, books, even appetizers to make your big bash a big smash!

It's Calendar Time of Year Again!

2007-12-04T08:44:00.000-08:00

2008 Calendars are on the market and raring to go. Calendars are one of the best Christmas Gifts going, everyone needs one and loves to get them! Even if you're the lucky recipient of more than one, there are endless applications for them.

This year's popular titles range from Hollywood Hunks like Johnny Depp and Orlando Bloom, to the well loved swimsuit babes and then on to the politically maligning: The Out of Office Countdown.

So often, my calendar purchasing experience has been trudging to the bookstore, only to find that all of the calendars have been picked over, with the most popular titles long gone. I'm left with a choice of odd titles like "World's Best Hat's" or "Grampa's Victrola's from Day's Gone By". Shopping online affords us the ability to peruse all of the titles and find them in stock.

Make it easy on yourself this Gift Giving Season - choose 2008 calendars that fit your loved one's personality to a T. This 2008 Calendar Page has a vast array of choices, and ordering is easy as a breeze.

You're invited to View my Other Gift Pages:

Glorious Gifts: Food Gifts Delivered
Leapfrog and Leapster: Learning for All Ages
It's a Merry Penguin Christmas
U.B. Funkeys Explained
Christmas Novelty Stringlights
Shrek the Third Toys & Games
Ratatouille Toys & Games

Bee Movie Toys - Taking Stock

2007-11-01T11:08:00.000-07:00

The computer animated Bee Movie starring Barry Benson, charmingly played by Jerry Seinfeld is going to be a huge hit. I did all of the searching for Bee Movie Toys & Games, and have listed them all on one easy to read squidoo page: Bee Movie Toys. While checking my links to each product page, I'm noticing that some Bee Movie Toys are already low in stock, and the movie hasn't even opened yet!

The Bee Movie is opening November 2nd, in wide release across the usa. My guess is that by the end of this weekend, your children will be clamoring for the Interactive Barry B Toy - this is already in short supply. I thought I'd get the word out, before this toy's status rivals TickleMe Elmo in recent years.

There are plenty of Bee Movie Toy options from which to choose. Barry B's cute little car, Wii and PS2 Bee Movie Video Games, as well as puzzles, books, stickers and music. Smart Parents are Parents in the know!

Bee Movie Toys & Games

All a'Buzz about the new Bee Movie

2007-10-30T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Bee Movie will be released this Friday, November 2nd at theaters nationwide. I'm so excited about it! I love Jerry Seinfeld. He's Barry Benson (Jerry Seinfeld), a new Bee College Graduate, out to make his way in the world. He's dismayed to find that honey production with Honex, is his only career choice. As Barry wildly ventures out from the Hive, he's met by Vanessa Bloome (Renee Zellweger). Barry forms a friendship with Vanessa breaking the number one rule of the Bee World - never talk to a human! (Can't you just hear Jerry saying "human..." in the same deriding voice as "Newman" on The Jerry Seinfeld Show?)

I've seen some trailers for the movie and I just know it's going to be the grandest lark. Chris Rock also adds his voice talent to this computer animated movie, as Mooseblood, a mosquito en route to Alaska for big game hunting. Chris Rock is always such a riot!

I've read that Jerry Seinfeld put his heart and soul into this film, and that it took 4 years to create. It's sure to be the hit of the holiday season. I'm so enthused by the Bee Movie, that I made a squidoo page about it. I introduce all the characters, include some links to Bee Movie sites, and I've gathered up all the Bee Movie Toys that I could find and listed them. There's an amazing array of toys, books, puzzles and games. A great resource before your kids start whining for the Bee Movie Toys.

McDonalds is also offering Bee Movie Toys in their happy meals. What's amazing is that there are people on Ebay already selling complete McDonalds Bee Movie Toy sets! How do they do that?

For a look at my Squidoo Lens on Jerry Seinfeld's Bee Movie, click here: Bee Movie Toys

Visit my other squidoo topics:
Glorious Gifts: Food Gifts Delivered
Leapfrog and Leapster: Learning for All Ages

First Attempt at Madness

2007-10-09T00:36:00.000-07:00

My First blog with blogger.com will be rudimentary at best. Checking fonts, displays, intermediaries and resulant stomach upset. Can the palandrome of bolton be known? Indeed, notlob, which is not a palandrome at all.