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dress up…or down…with downeast basics

By Nicole · Comments (0)

Tuesday, December 13th, 2011

I wouldn’t consider myself a fashionista, but I do love me some clothes. I always have. I still love lounging around in my stretch pants I must admit, but since working at home doesn’t require me to dress up (…or…get dressed at all, truth be told…), I look forward to days that I get to put on a little somethin’ somethin’. I like to feel pretty…who doesnt?

You know from before, that I’ve just recently discovered the DownEast Basics line. There is a new store here in Tucson (albeit on the other side of the world from me, 45 minutes away), at the Tucson Mall. But the style of clothing they offer is right down my alley. Cute…modest…modern…affordable.

I just recently ordered this online (because its so much easier for me…)

Its the Roundabout Cardi. It comes in Ginger Spice and Kangaroo. I got the Kangaroo…

The thing I love about it is you can dress it up for a night out or holiday party…

…or down for just running around.

(sorry for the fuzzy pictures…it was dusk when I finally got around to taking them)

I love how soft and girly and flowy it is. It retails for $36.99, but its on sale right now for $31.99. Great value, if you ask me.

And right now (as in…ends tomorrow…) there is an in-store sale for 40% off any one piece of clothing. So hurry…go there now!

Oh, where did I get that flower pin I’m wearing? Well, it just so happens I made it and its for sale in my Etsy shop. Thanks for asking!

Happy holiday dress-up!

I received the cardigan I am wearing in exchange for this review post. All opinions, as always, are my own.

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movies on demand: take two {movie pack giveaway}

By Nicole · Comments (114)

Sunday, November 20th, 2011

Update: The winner of this giveaway is #14, Nicholas!

You may remember a while back when I shared our Friday night tradition. Well, its still alive and well and still something our family looks forward to most weeks.

We’ve tried all the popular movie venues (besides paying eleventy billion dollars to go to the actual movie theatre). For us, waiting a few months for a movie to be released to video is a small price to pay in exchange for some nice savings. We’ve done Netflix, Redbox and even the local library. But by far the most convenient and fastest way to view the new releases we’re waiting for is with Movies on Demand.

With just a couple of clicks through the robust library, we have the movie of our choice for $4.99. And I love how I have it for 24 hours from the time I order it. A few movies on our wish list?

Conan The Barbarian (available 11/22)
Cars 2 (available now)
Super 8 (available 11/22)
The Help (available not soon enough)

Movies on Demand has two Facebook apps for your entertainment as well…List It (where you can list your weekly top 5 movie choices and enter to win a $5 daily credit or a 43″ 3D TV) and my favorite, Click Your Flick where you can have your friends help you decide which movie to watch next.

WIN IT! Enter to win a movie prize pack… a $25 Visa Card, a Fast Five T-Shirt, and a Movies on Demand tote bag! (US entries only). Enter below by doing any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

Leave a comment telling me what new movie you’re waiting to see.
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Like Movies On Demand on Facebook
Follow Movies On Demand on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag #moviesondemand up to once a day
Need a suggestion? Tweet this: “Win a Movies On Demand movie pack (includes a $25 Visa card) http://is.gd/VWJmTy #moviesondemand”

Giveaway ends December 4 at 11:59 pm MST.

Disclosure: This promotional sponsored post was made possible by Mom Spark Media. I was compensated for my time investment and work on this campaign. Thoughts are my own.

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disney on ice toy story 3 is a winner: show review

By Nicole · Comments (1)

Wednesday, October 19th, 2011

Saturday we had the privilege of attending the Disney on Ice Toy Story 3 show here in Tucson.

It was colorful…

entertaining…

and fun for all ages…

The first half of the show seemed to focus more on the general Toy Story movie series. Then in the second half, there were more of the Toy Story 3 specific characters and elements. It was really interesting to see how the producers translated the story from big screen to ice. There were flying army men, fireworks and laser lights to boot.

Our seats weren’t anything to write home about but they got the job done. There was a wide age range in attendance but the toddlers were representin’ for sure. Although, I my 10-15 year olds thoroughly enjoyed the show and picked up on the subtleties.

After the show we enjoyed some In n Out with Becca and Chelsea and their too-cute kids. The consensus seemed to be the same…enjoyed be all. If you liked the movie, you’ll like the on-ice show. I’d recommend catching the show if it comes to your town!

I am a Feld Family Ambassador, and in exchange for my time and efforts in attending shows and reporting my opinion within this blog, as well as keeping you advised of the latest discount offers, Feld Entertainment has provided me with complimentary tickets to this show. All opinions, as always, are my own.

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coffee with a cause: camano island coffee {giveaway}

By Nicole · Comments (120)

Friday, October 7th, 2011

UPDATE: The winner of this giveaway is #105, Allyson!

I have always been a coffee drinker.

My mom used to tell the story of how my grandmother came for a visit and I kept tormenting her as I would crawl (as in, too-young-to-walk) over to where she was sitting, climb up her leg, and beg her for a sip of her black coffee. More than once.

Though now adays I’m a wimp and don’t like my coffee too strong, and Husband teases me about having “a little bit of coffee with your fat-free hazelnut creamer…”, its a daily staple around here. He likes his with just a little half ’n half…eww.

There is always a pot (or two, depending on the day) brewed in my house. Its usually something from Starbucks or the huge Dunkin Donuts bag from Costco (you know the one?). Those are usually our go-tos.

Recently I was introduced to Camano Island Coffee Roasters…a different kind of coffee company, that proudly proclaims their coffee will help you sleep at night…

The company was founded on 2000 on the philosophy that their business could change the world through sustainable practices and responsible purchasing. And as their “prosumers” (coffee-loving customers) simply drink coffee, they are changing lives.

As partners with Agros International, they are enabling the poor and landless to achieve land ownership by training them to farm and sell their crops. And by breaking the cycle of poverty, they are helping create a stable and sustainable future for generations to come.

The Coffee Lover’s Club is the fuel that feeds the engine of Agros. Members receive 3 lbs of organic, high grade coffee for $36.90 (free shipping) on the cycle they choose. That’s a great value, especially considering your money is going to helping improve people’s lives.

We tried the Papua New Guinea Medium, the Guatemala Light, and the Brazil Dark. Our preference was the Papua New Guinea as that’s more our style, but all were fresh, full flavored and perfectly roasted. There are 14 coffees to chose from, including espresso beans, and you can tailor order you grind to match your machine. We’ll definitely be participating in the Coffee Lover’s Club when our current supply runs out!

WIN IT! Would you like to try Camano Island Coffee for yourself? Enter below by doing any or all of the following (please leave a separate comment for each):

Leave a comment telling me if you’d consider yourself a coffee snob, addict or enthusiast…or whatever adjetive you’d like to use.
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Like Camano Island Coffee Roasters on Facebook
Follow CICR on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag #thepixelboutique up to once a day
Need a suggestion? Tweet this: “This coffee will help you sleep at night… http://is.gd/2w7e6J @cicr #thepixelboutique”

Giveaway ends October 28 at 11:59 pm PST.

In exchange for an honest review, I received three pounds of coffee to sample.

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movie review: soul surfer

By Nicole · Comments (1)

Tuesday, July 5th, 2011

With Summer comes kids at home and the need for some entertainment. At this stage in my kiddos’ lives, “entertainment” means something very different than what it used to mean. Gone are the days of play dates, parks and naps. Sniff.

When your days reach 110º, you do a whole lot of indoor activties. And one of our favorite places to go is the local “cheap seats” on $1.50 Bargain Tuesdays.

Last week we saw Soul Surfer. I didn’t look into it much before we went so I wasnt sure what to expect.

I really liked this movie…the message was uplifting and positive (a welcome departure from so many “downers”). The cast was packed with some big names (Dennis Quade, Helen Hunt, and Kevin Sorbo). AnnaSophia Robb (also in Bridge to Terabithia) did a phenomenal job playing the lead role.

The story is about Bethany Hamilton, the professional surfer who triumphs over tragedy through her faith and the love of her family. What touched me, personally, was the range of emotions felt by her mother. Fear, pain, loss and ultimately peace were beautifully portrayed by Helen Hunt.

My 10 and 12 year olds really enjoyed it as well (big brother was away at high school camp). I’d highly recommend it for your family…its a great Summer flick!

So tell me…have you seen Soul Surfer? Impressions?

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prinly: business cards and more {a giveaway}

By Nicole · Comments (72)

Saturday, May 28th, 2011

Update: The winners of this giveaway are #14 (Nikki) and #70, Julie!You know I’m always talking about the need for good business cards. Even if you’re a stay at home mom or a casual blogger, a business card always comes in so handy.

I recently learned about a new company called Prinly that offers printing services for letterheads, envelopes, business cards and post cards. They offer many options like thick, 16pt card stock, glossy or matte finish, rounded corners and double sided printing. You can choose from several thousand premade designs or upload your own. Ordering is very simple on their online ordering system.

Prinly also offers back a full, 100% satisfaction garauntee, no questions asked. I always like a company that stands behind their product like that.

I ordered custom cards using my own design in about 15 minutes and received them really quickly…within just a few days. The quality of the paper and printing is good and the pricing in reasonable at about $35 for 500 cards.

Prinly is offering a nice giveaway opportunity below, but you can also take advantage of 50% (yes! 50%!) off of your business card order using the coupon code “?contest565?”. How cool is that?

Win It! Would you like the chance to win business cards for yourself? Two lucky readers (open to US and Canada) will be randomly chosen to receive 500 free business cards, plus free shipping! Giveaway ends Saturday, June 11 at 11:59 p.m. PST.

To earn an entry, do any or all of the following:

Comment on this post telling me what you would use your business cards for…your blog, your business, your mommyhood profession?
Post about this giveaway on your Facebook page
Like The Pixel Boutique on Facebook
Follow @Prinly on Twitter
Tweet about this giveaway using the hash tag #thepixelboutique up to once a day
Need a suggestion? Tweet this: “Everyone needs a business card or two…or 500. Enter to win some from @prinly and #thepixelboutique http://is.gd/hkexKc”

I received free business cards fro this review. Opinions, as always, are my own.

Comments (72)

ZeroChroma: For The iPhone Lover In You

By Nicole · Comments (1)

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

I, along with thousands of other Verizon customers, got my Fancy Nancy iPhone 4G a few weeks ago. I think I can name a dozen friends and family members on Verizon that got one the millisecond they could.

Being the loyal Mac girl that I am, I was waiting for that day with baited breath. I didn’t particularly want to leave Verizon, so you could imagine my excitement.

You no doubt have at least seen the wonders of the iPhone, if not experienced them yourself. The graphics, amazing. The interface, totally intuitive. The apps, awesome. Matter of fact I wrote the majority of this post with the WordPress app. Love.

But what I didn’t know about was some of the cool accessories out there for my sweet little device. One in particular is the Teatro case by ZeroChroma.

When ZeroChroma contacted me about reviewing the Teatro, it took one look at the demo to see how cool it was (take a look…). And when I received it and put it to the test, it didn’t disappoint.

The ZeroChroma has a unique 14-Angle rotating “Theater Stand” that lets you set it at almost any angle in both landscape and portrait position. Super nice for propping it up and watching a YouTube video or reading a recipe from allrecipes.com (my new favorite recipe site) on your counter top. When not in use, the stand folds flat and “hides away” so you don’t even know its there. This is my fave…I didn’t want some bulky thing that was going to get in the way all the time.

Along with the ingenious design of the theater stand, the Teatro features finger dimples to help get a good grip on the case and shock absorbing cushions on the interior to protect against drops. They also make cases for the iPad, iPod Touch 3rd Gen, iPod Nano 5th Gen, Kindle II and iPhone 3/3GS (iPod Touch 4th Gen, Galaxy Tab and Kindle III coming soon).

So if you’re looking for a great case for your iPhone, iPad or iTouch, you might want to give the ZeroChroma a good look see.

The Teatro comes in black/gray, white/gray and pink (super cute…) and retails for $44.95. But if you act now, you can take advantage of a great deal for the first 1000 online orders. Receive 15% off plus free shipping by using code #90999. That’s a savings of about $15!

You can friend Zerochroma on Facebook and follow them on Twitter.

Your turn: What kind of case do you have on your favorite device?

PS. If you ask real nice, I’ll show you my sick iPhone crochet cozy that I’ve been working on. Because every iPhone, even one with a Teatro case, needs a soft place to land, right?

As with all my reviews, the opinions expressed above are my own and not imposed upon me by any entity. I was compensated for this review.