Thank you to MOM for providing an oil change checklist and a prize for myself and one of you.
Car maintenance has never really been my “thing”. I mean, my Dad made sure I knew a few of the basics: I learned how to change a tire, how to check the oil and coolant levels in the car, things like that. But the tire thing I’ve never done and the fluid levels I haven’t checked on my own in years.
My Dad was good about always reminding me to go get my oil changed. Apparently the sticker in the corner of my windshield wasn’t quite enough. I’d go and drop off the car, they’d call, and I’d go pick it up. What the man behind the curtain did, I had no idea. And now my husband reminds me, though his reminder really only prompts me to make an oil change appointment, and then he takes the car for me. So I still didn’t really know much about it.
2011 Holiday Gift Guide – Suggestions For Teens/Him/Her
(Be sure to check out all the other great Gift Guide items and giveaways here.)
We enjoy most of those singing shows that are on TV – you know, the ones that pluck people out of relative obscurity and give them a chance to be a star? A1 even considered trying out for one when they came to town a few years ago (she should have; that girl can sing). So when we had the chance to try out the new Sing4: The Hits Edition, I knew it was going to be a winner.
Sing4 is unique in the fact that it’s the first singing game with high-precision lyrics that can tell the difference between actually singing and just humming. It also comes with 40 songs from artists like Train, the B52s, Lady Gaga, Carrie Underwood, Michael Bublé, Queen and many others. You can also download additional tracks to give you even more to choose from. The game has four modes: Solo, Duet (sing together, each taking a different part; highest score wins), Battle (up to four compete by singing the same piece, highest score wins), and Co-op (combined score; everyone sings the parts they’re best at).
The words come up on the screen, just like karaoke. And once A2 pointed out to us that the next line of lyrics was on the screen in the line under the current lyrics, we were all much more successful. The bars that are superimposed on the video (see below) let you know if the notes will be high/low or go up/down and also give you a sense for how long the sound should be held. You’ll also get instant feedback – like “Perfect!” and “Try Harder!”.
We’ve had a lot of fun with this game. There is a good mix of songs, so everyone is able to find something they like or at least remotely know the words to. I am glad, too, that there are more songs available via download (I hope they add more soon, too). Everyone took a turn – some braver (younger) folks took a few. Even Baby C. was doing her little “dance” while everyone sang. There was a lots of friendly competition; I have to be honest and say A1 and A2 kicked our butts. Still, it’s nice to be able to find a game the whole family can play together.
Sing4 is also sponsoring a contest right now. You could win $10,000 just by singing one of four songs and uploading your video. Videos must be uploaded by January 31st, 2012; visit their YouTube page for more info.
Where to Buy:
Sing4: The Hits Edition retails for $39.99; Amazon also has it with free shipping.
Want to Win?
One winner will receive a copy of the game plus the microphone. To enter, fill out the Rafflecopter below!
(Be sure to check out all the other great Gift Guide items and giveaways here.)
The Sportula is a great gift for a number of people on your list. Those that are hard to shop for, those who have everything, those that have a favorite hobby, those that love to grill – and, of course, tailgating!
The Sportula is a cross between a spatula and a fan item. The “flipping surface” of the Sportula has a laser-cut design that allows you to showcase everything from your favorite college team to your own corporate logo. They are made of heavy stainless steel, with the handle being hard maple with brass rivets. The lettering on the handle is custom heat-stamped and the end of the handle has a built-in bottle opener (also makes for a good hanging hook).
Being from Kentucky, we are big UK fans. And most UK fans are quite serious about their tailgating. So I LOVE that the Sportula comes in a UK Wildcats design. I can think of a half-dozen people on our Christmas shopping lists that would love to show off their Cat Pride with one of these. (Hubby is looking forward to flipping some burgers with this.)
If you’re not big into college sports, though, there are plenty of other choices. If you have a current or former member of the military you’re shopping for, they might like one of the patriotic designs. Or maybe you have a hobbyist on your list. They have everything from fishing, hunting, golfing – and a bunch more. You can even tell Dad and Grandpa how special you think they are.
Where to Buy:
You can purchase the Sportula direct from their website. Prices range from $19.99 to $29.99. They’re also available (on sale!) from Amazon.
Want to Win?
Two winners will each receive a Sportula of their choice! Giveaway closed.
I received a product in order to facilitate my review. No other compensation was received and all opinions are 100% mine and my family’s.
One gift idea that fits almost anyone – especially those hard-to-shop-for guys on your list – is a gift basket. And you really can’t go wrong with a basket of snacks and other edible goodies.
Ballreich’s can provide you with a variety of gift baskets for men full of tasty snacks for a number of different occasions. They are a family-owned company that was founded in Tiffin, OH, in 1920 by Fred Ballreich and his wife Ethel. They called their chips “Marcelled”, which means wavy, after the popular ladies’ wavy hairstyle of the time.
