Hello, thanks for stopping by.... if you're reading this I hope you'll stop by and visit my updated site www.susiebhomemaker.com :)

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

More confused than ever....

I feel like I'm in digital camera purgatory... really, it's starting to consume me!  I am getting nothing done but taking test photos, reading review after review, I am literally losing sleep over this and I still don't know... what's the best camera for us??

I posted a few days ago with 2 different sets of photos but didn't say which brand they were.  The 1st set was the Canon T1i, and the 2nd warmer set was the Nikon D3100.  There are pros and cons to both- the Nikon has better flash (the Canon hesitates & flickers sometimes), the Nikon took better video, the Canon has the self-timer continuous shot mode (the Nikon doesn't), the Canon tends to look more crystal clear where the Nikon seems to have softer focus.

Here's another 2 pics to show the difference- both on Auto, unedited:

Canon T1i


Nikon D3100

So now I'm debating on just going with a less expensive camera, since we're also realizing that we're going to have to invest in a video camera because the cameras that take video really aren't that great at it anyway.  And perhaps not even a DSLR, since the whole point was to be able to pick it up and shoot with it, not have to adjust all the settings to get a good shot.  Maybe the Canon SX30 or the Nikon P100 or the Sony NEX...  Ugh, why is this so hard?!

Monday, January 17, 2011

Purex Crystals Softener & Mozaik Partyware Winners


I decided to draw 4 winners for the Purex Crystals instead of 3, using the free coupon that came with my sample for the 4th winner.  So here are the lucky 4 via random.org:


     56. Jessyca said...                                           88. Bonita12 said...
     I voted for your daughter                                I voted for your daughter
     in the Fancy Nancy contest. #1                       in the Fancy Nancy contest. #1
                                 



39. Claudia said...                                              10. Sarah, Arik and Avas Mommy, said...
I use fabric softener for all my clothes               I voted for your daughter
    thank you for this giveaway                              
 in the Fancy Nancy Contest! 1/2
                     
And the winner of the Mozaik Partyware Prize Pack is:
89. esluka said...
subscriber

Thanks to everyone that entered and congrats to all the winners!

Saturday, January 15, 2011

SOOC Saturday- DSLR Competition

I don't want to give away which brand is which yet, but these are two different DSLR cameras- both on Auto, standing in the same spot, same lighting, unedited...

Which do you prefer, the 1st set of pics or the 2nd (click pictures to enlarge)?

SET 1

SET 2

I've also linked up with Marvelous Mommy for SOOC (Straight Out Of the Camera) Saturday



SOOC Saturday

Friday, January 14, 2011

Do you like it hot?

This is a Sponsored post written by me on behalf of TABASCO® Original Red. All opinions are 100% mine.

My husband loves hot, spicy food- me, not so much.  I like things like buffalo wings, but he loves using hot sauce on just about everything... chicken, pizza, eggs- you name it, he's probably added it.  He's always encouraging me to try it also, saying that it doesn't just add spiciness but that it enhances the flavor and makes it taste so much better.

                                                  

TABASCO® Original Red was the first sauce introduced by the McIlhenny family back in 1868 and continues to be their most popular sauce of 6 total sauces.  And it's true that it isn't just about the heat, it's about what the heat does to the food.  The simple combination of salt, red pepper, and vinegar are perfected in a 3-year aging process that produces a hot sauce that has the ability to bring the most out of your food, simply enhancing the flavor.

So with the Super Bowl coming up (Feb. 6, 2011), I wanted to be able to make some game day snacks with my husband's favorite flavor enhancer.  And with the help of TABASCO's Game-Day Party Menu it'll be easier than ever.  I'm thinking some hot wings, the Spicy Spinach & Artichoke Dip sounds delicious, and I'd love to try my hand at a pizza as well.

                                                    

Their Pizza Perfected page has all kinds of recipes for making the perfect pizza, whether it's adding to delivery, frozen, or making your own homemade pizza.  My husband would think I was a champ if I made a homemade sausage or BBQ chicken pizza.  But even if I don't have time for that, I can always use their recipes to save money by adding my own toppings to a delivery pizza and giving it a little something extra with the ultimate topping- TABASCO sauce.  Now I'm all set for game day, or any day, with some great snack ideas!

Do you enjoy using hot sauce on food- what kinds of recipes have you tried?

Visit Sponsor's Site

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Enjoy a Waste Free Lunch with EasyLunchboxes {Review & Giveaway} Ends 1/26

Do you want a way to make lunch more eco-friendly and easier this year?  The EasyLunchbox System lets you pack lunch fast and they're great for the environment.  EasyLunchboxes saves you time and money- you can fit a complete healthy meal into one container and they're washable and reusable (no more plastic sandwich bags).  They're perfect for kids and adults to take lunch anywhere... and they're completely affordable.
EasyLunchboxes was created by singer, actress, and busy mom to 3 girls Kelly Lester.  She designed EasyLunchboxes as a way to send her daughters to school with simple, healthy food, with little to no extra packaging.  She inspires to teach and model healthy eating habits for her children, and is dedicated to always send them off to school with a great lunch.  Check out this video to see Kelly and the Easy Lunch Box system in action.  You can also stay connected with Kelly on her Blog and her new Musical Web Series "Let's Do Lunch!".


These are some of the awesome benefits of Easy Lunch Boxes:

  • Eco-Friendly
  • For Kids & Adults
  • Bento-Style, 3-Compartments
  • Less Pieces, More Function
  • No BPA, Lead, Vinyl or PVC
  • Affordable & Durable
  • Easy Prep, Easy Cleanup
  • Nesting Containers
  • Custom, Washable Cooler Bag
I was totally impressed by the Easy Lunchbox system- the containers are durable and hold a lot of food.  Many compartment containers I've tried in the past weren't actually deep enough to fit a whole sandwich without squishing it, so I'm pleased to say that EasyLunchboxes easily fits a generous sized sandwich in the big compartment... which means it will also fit a nice salad or leftovers just as easily.  On the other hand it's not oversized either so that portions can still be kept at a healthy size.

The lids fit nicely over the entire container, not leak proof, but made so kids at school can actually get the lid off by themselves to eat their lunch.  The last thing you want is a healthy lunch made with love that your child has to struggle to get open.  All the containers and lids are also microwave safe- the plastic won't leach harmful chemicals when heated or cooled, and dishwasher safe.  I don't plan to put mine in the dishwasher though because plasticware never seems to come out right for me (probably time to switch dishwasher detergent).
Lastly, the containers are specifically designed to fit perfectly into the Insulated Lunch Bag. This non-vinyl cooler bag is safe (PVC and lead free) and has FDA compliant PEVA lining.  No worrying about whether your food touching the bag is safe... you can eat in peace.  These bags are easy to unzip, easy to clean, and have plenty of room to fit the Easy Lunch Box container PLUS a drink, added foods (ie. yogurt, apple), plasticware,  napkins, and an icepack. You could also fit in 2 containers plus drinks etc. or even 3 containers in 1 bag... ideal if I'm headed to a playdate or a picnic at the park with all 3 of my girls!  Very roomy- love it!
                


WIN IT:  1 lucky reader is going to win their own Easy LunchBox System!!

Mandatory Entry:  Visit www.EasyLunchboxes.com and tell me something you learned

Extra Entries (leave a separate comment for each one you do, or already do):

•  Tell me which color lunch box you'd pick if you win
•  Like EasyLunchboxes on Facebook
•  Follow EasyLunchboxes on Twitter
•  Follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect
•  Subscribe via Email
•  Like my Facebook page
•  Follow me on Twitter
•  Enter any of my other giveaways +1 for each
•  Vote for my daughter in the Fancy Nancy Contest +2 Entries (may be done daily)
•  Post about this giveaway (blog, Facebook, Cafemom, etc.) +5 Entries, leave link
•  Tweet about this giveaway (may be done daily, leave link) may copy and paste the following:
Enter to #Win an @EasyLunchboxes Container Set & Cooler Bag @SusieBHomemaker http://bit.ly/dYgbAq #Giveaway ends on 1/26
US & CAN RESIDENTS

This contest ends on 1/26/11 at 11:59 pm EST.  Open to U.S. and Canadian Residents ONLY.  Please do not enter this giveaway if you have won or received free products from EasyLunchboxes within the past 3 months.  The winner will be drawn via random.org and has 48 hours to respond to winning notification email before another winner is drawn.  Please make sure your email is visible on your profile or leave with your comment(s).

Disclosure:  I received a free product for the purpose of this review.  All thoughts and opinions are 100% my own and yours may differ.