As a Bzz agent, since 2006, I get introduced to lots of new website, products and programs. It’s really pretty cool. One of the most recent places I was introduced to was Smarterer.com. It a place where I can participate in fun quizzes about places I frequent online – twitter, facebook, wordpress, etc, and see how much I know about them and then compare my knowledge score with others who’ve taken the quiz.

They have some cool achievements and badges you collect and display, like the one here.

There are tons of quizzes you can test your knowledge with and you can even add to them and share them on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn. It’s totally free and easy to use. If you like to treat yourself to a fun, challenge once in a while, why not check it out.. better yet, ask your friends to join you and compare your scores. See if you are the Smarterer one!

My web host – Host Gator – has an exciting 1-DAY special for everyone today – Independence day, 2011.

Today only (July 4th, 2011) they are offering 40% OFF ALL hosting plans and ALL Term lengths. This offer is for new and existing clients. Host Gator is the BEST web hosting company to be with too. I have all my sites with them and they offer quality, reliable service for low prices. If you ever wanted to get started with your own website, try blogging or move from your existing host, this would be the day to do it.

Click here to check out this ONE DAY offer!

I am really liking the sound of Sarah Fimm. I saw her video (below) on YouTube and enjoyed it enough to seek more tunes and info about this artist. She has an album – Near Infinite Possibility- coming out soon (May 5th, 2011), that I think will be a big hit! Until then, there is music and video to enjoy on her site – http://www.sarahfimm.com. She’s also on Facebook and YouTube for you to fan and get links to more places to listen in on the band. You are in for a treat if you check it out! You will especially not want to miss the official music video of “Yellow” and a couple of others that have become some of my personal favorites like “White Birds” and “Flames”.

Sarah Fimm is an alternative rock singer/songwriter and composer who has worked with some Classic Rock legends, including Earl Slick, who toured with Bowie in the 70′s and 80′s and is featured on the upcoming album release, Near Infinite Possibility. She has also lent her vocals to two Iggy Pop tracks.

Enjoy! http://www.sarahfimm.com

Julian Smith is an award-winning writer specializing in travel and science. His articles and photographs have appeared in Smithsonian, Wired, Outside, National Geographic Traveler, New Scientist, the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post, and US News & World Report. He is the author of travel guidebooks to El Salvador, Ecuador, Virginia and the Four Corners, and has won the country’s top travel writing award from the Society of American Travel Writers. With a background in the natural sciences, including a B.A. in biology and an M.S. in wildlife ecology, Smith helped launch and edit Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, an international peer-reviewed scientific journal. He has taught writing, editing, and literature at the College of Santa Fe and the Gotham Writers Workshop. His latest book, Crossing the Heart of Africa: An Odyssey of Love and Adventure, was published by Harper Perennial on December 7, 2010. He lives in Portland, Oregon with his wife and daughter.

A bit more about this adventure!

Heartsmith is offering an opportunity to win a $100 gift certificate by simply submitting a picture of your “four legged” best friend. I entered our Copper dog. If you’d like to check out his photo, you’ll see his listing under “view all entries”. You can enter your furry friend through December 15th. Then the voting phase begins. So, upload your pet’s photo today, then December 16 – December 31, invite your friends to vote for your photo. On January 1st, the Heartsmith staff, and one professional photographer will vote on the top 5 finalists. On January 3, the top finalist will be announced on the Heartsmith website and via email. The lucky winner will receive a $100.00 Heartsmith Gift Certificate to be used for any Heartsmith product currently online! Yay! Go upload your pet’s photo. Have fun and good luck!!

One of my most recent reads – “Anywhere, Anytime, Any Body Yoga” by Emily Slonina, was refreshing and just what I was looking for! I have been wanting to learn more about Yoga and to find out if it’s something I could incorporate it into my life without needing to take a class or hire an instructor. This “practical guide to using Yoga in everyday life” (quoted from the book) was just the key. First off, this book demonstrates yoga with easy steps and photos with real people, like you and me. Explanations of traditional yoga exercises show how they can benefit your physical and mental well-being.. no matter how young/old or in what physical condition you are starting with. Yoga can be modified and still prove beneficial while doing housework, while traveling, while sitting, lying down and even while watching TV. My reasons for wanting to do Yoga are for increased flexibility, overall strengthening and relaxation/de-stress. However; other benefits include: stabilizing blood pressure, pain relief, improved balance and graceful again.. among others that you will learn about in this book. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in starting Yoga and learning about the benefits of Yoga at any age. This is truly the only Yoga resource you will need to get going and start enjoying this centuries-old way to exercise anyday and anywhere.

Whether for Halloween fun or costumed events throughout the year; every once in a while, people young and old, are in need of a new look – from head to toe – in the form of a costume! When such a need arises for you, I know of just the place you should visit. The website PureCostumes.com offers a very large selection of costumes for kids and adults, for plus size and for any possible event you could need a costume for. Just looking for a disguise? There’s a vast array of quality wigs and masks alone you can browse as well. Infant Costumes, Toddler Costumes, Kids Costumes, Teen Costumes, Adult Costumes, Sexy Costumes, Shoes And Accessories, Licensed Costumes, Couples Costumes, Historical Costumes, Uniform Costumes, Horror, Sports, TV Shows, Storybooks.. there are so many quality costumes to choose from that this is seriously the one-stop costume site to bookmark and browse. My favorite categories to browse for costume ideas are the group costumes and movie costumes. Can you imagine how fun would it be to get your friends or spouse and kids to coordinate costumes with you and all go as Caribbean Pirates, or characters from Top Gun or Flintstones.. Fun! Take a look at all the fun at http://www.purecostumes.com/.

I just received the canvas print I ordered through UPrinting. It’s amazing! I’ve never had photos processed to canvas before and I’m so impressed with the results! The canvas came securely rolled up within a protective sheet of paper, inside a heavy poster tube. When I initially unrolled the art, I was immediately impressed with it’s size. I knew what to expect from the dimensions, examples and descriptive information on the website, however, I was still in awe. I’m in the process of getting it framed now, otherwise I would show you. You would need to see and feel this up close to truly appreciate it’s quality and detail. The thickness and texture of the canvas does not take away at all from the clarity of the image at all. I think that this is just a beautiful way to print your special memories. I’m very happy with this printing company and because they keep their prices low; I definitely plan to go back to them again. How about a gift idea for the upcoming holiday season? Your favorite family photo on canvas would be a wonderful gift to a loved one.. cherished for years to come.

If you weren’t familiar with UPrinting before now; here’s a bit of background. UPrinting.com is a leading online printing company that provides high quality printing at the most affordable prices. For over 25 years, UPrinting has been a trusted leader in online printing, featuring its signature easy-to-use website and the famous Free File Review, a complimentary proofing service which requires no upfront payment. This proofing service they provide was something else that initially impressed me as well. After uploading my photo, it was just a short time (the same day) that I received notification that the proof was available to view online. I got the final say as far as the approval went. It looked great, so I marked it as approved and from there it was ready for creation to canvas! It was really pretty easy (for me). The process also makes me want to dust off my camera and do some more photography! hehe.. Happy printing!!

Chamonix, www.betterskintoday.com

Kaitlyn recently contacted me with an offer to try out a couple of products from Chamonix. Chamonix is known for their unique anti-aging skin care products that provide almost instant results. When I told her I would be delighted to give them a try and send some feedback; she sent me the Jeunesse anti-again eye cream, and the Esotique-RF anti-wrinkle treatment.

First, a little on what I learned about the products…

Chamonix products are full of all natural antioxidants with no mineral oil, petroleum by-products, color agents, pharmaceutical preservatives or other harmful ingredients found in most skin care products. Chamonix is currently used by many celebrities including Rozonda “Chilli” Thomas (What Chilli Wants, VH1 & TLC), Debbie Gibson (Singer/Actress), Wendy Williams (TV Host), Kim Alexis (TV Host), Don & Deirdre Imus (TV/Radio Hosts), John Basedow (Fitness Made Simple), Shonda Schilling (Author and Skin Cancer advocate) and more…

So, I’ve been using the two creams for almost two weeks now… applying them in the evening before bed so that they have a good chance of absorbing into my skin while I sleep. I’m quite pleased with my skin’s texture and appearance so far. One of the first things I noticed was the soft skin around my eyes because I seemed to have less general bagginess. The skin looked firmer and smoother. Also, the skin around my chin and jaw-line can sometimes be a bit temperamental, especially during that time of month when some of us women tend to break-out. I was happy to see that not only did the Esotique-RF anti-wrinkle treatment improve the look and texture overall, but it did not cause any breakouts on my sensitive skin.

I am grateful to Kaitlyn for introducing these quality products to me and I look forward to continued use and, most importantly; continued results! You can check out these products and read more about their benefits by visiting Chamonix online at: www.BetterSkinToday.com. Readers of this blog, get 50% off their first order online with the promo code: KAR-50.

I recently started reading books by Author, Christie Silvers. She writes paranormal fiction, with very interesting characters like Feona and Alex, a werewolf and vampire. Her books whisk you away into another world.. usually a world that’s dramatic, engaging, sometimes dangerous and always sexy.

I joined Christie’s newsletter and Facebook fan page, and soon caught wind of giveaway she was hosting. Of course I entered, and fortunately, was able to stop by the online chat she was hosting later that week too. It was fun chatting with Christie, her friends and fans. I hope to do that again some time. To my surprise, I found out the next day, that I was the winner of the giveaway! Yay! The photo above shows off the loot Christie sent me.. a journal and matching pen, bookmarks, poster and a keychain. I love it! Thanks Christie! Learn more about Feona, Alex and Christies other characters at Christie’s site – ChristieSilvers.com – and blog.