I've been wanting and looking for a good size toaster oven or convectional oven for quite some time now. I found one at Target on sale for $39.99US. I decided to buy it before I even did any research or looked at the reviews first. It was a last minute buy during our cross-border trip. I bought it based on looks, features, and price. Yay, my Christmas gift for myself. haha!




Description on the Emerson TOR59 Toaster Oven:
- Spacious interior fits 12" pizza or 6 slices of bread
- Non-stick interior
- Bake, Broil, and Toast
- Includes enamel baking tray, wire rack, and removable crumb tray
- 60-minute timer with auto shutoff and end-of-cooking bell
- Adjustable temperature 150F-450F
- 1400 watts of cooking power

Features:


I wanted something compact and mainly to save energy from using the big oven. Our big oven gets quite hot enough to set off the fire alarm once the oven door is opened. It's because our smoke alarm is right above the stove. What a strange place to put it. Anyways, since we don't have a lot of space where we live, the toaster oven is put on top of our microwave. It sits perfectly on top.

The negative complaints I've read mainly from other reviews so far is the uneven heating inside where the bottom would burn. I don't know about others, but I don't usually turn on the temperature too high. I bake between at 250F and 350F on average. You can bake, broil and toast in this compact toaster oven, which is actually roomy enough to cook a 12-inch frozen pizza. Some people skip past the instruction manual, but it has some tips on where to put the rack and adjust temperature for baking/cooking, broiling, and toasting.

So far I haven't encountered any problems. I'm not a super chef or the best cook. Just read the instructions and it should be fine. What I usually do when I'm baking is I always line the tray with aluminum foil.

Pros:
- stylish design
- perfect size for a small kitchen
- great for baking pizza up to 12" size
- easy to clean

Cons:
- top of the unit being too hot
- cooking sometimes uneven; sometimes need to flip occasionally

With busy schedules, demanding careers, and little time, many of us battle just to stay awake. But energy is something that is in our control, even when time is short. Now 52 years young, fitness guru Denise Austin shows readers how to super-charge their lives, using her innovative lifestyle plan. She eats the right foods at the right time of day. She uses the power of stretching and breathing to feed her body with energy-enhancing oxygen. She uses mini-workouts to get energy even on her busiest days--and now you can too!

Denise shows how simple changes can add up to increased energy levels throughout the day. From the foods they consume to the way they sit in their chairs, readers won't believe how Denise's quick and easy plan will dramatically increase their energy levels. In as little as a week, results will be felt: radiant skin, more restful sleep, and a sharper mind...so follow Denise Austin and prepare for a fitness wake-up call!

Her approach is simple and easy to implement. The book includes the following:

* Self-evaluating tools to help you target your specific needs

* Quick and easy illustrated mini workouts and stretching routines

* Tips to tweak your lifestyle that will have long-lasting effects

* Simple changes to incorporate in everything from the foods you eat to the way you sit in your chair

Results will be felt in as little as a week: radiant skin, more restful sleep, and a sharper mind. In this brand-new guidebook for the stressed out, burned out, and overloaded, Denise Austin provides a path to a positive energy-filled new way of life.

About the Author:
Denise Austin has been a health and fitness advocate for over 25 years, and is a two-term member of the President's Council and Physical Fitness and Sports. She has created 82 workout videos/DVDs, and is a regular columnist for Women's Day magazine. She lives with her husband and daughters outside Washington, DC.

Find Denise Austin on: DeniseAustin.com | Facebook | Twitter

WHERE TO BUY?
Get Energy!: Empower Your Body, Love Your Life is available for purchase at most local book retailers and on Amazon.com.






WIN IT {GIVEAWAY}
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win a copy of  "Get Energy: Empower Your Body, Love Your Life" by Denise Austin.  Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Make sure you provide your email so I can contact you if you win.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Simply tell me in the comments what would be your new year's resolution.


For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry.):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entries)
3) Follow me on one of my other 2 blogs via Google Friend Connect - listed below followers on the sidebar (1 entry each)
4) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
5) Follow Denise Austin on Twitter @deniseaustin_
6) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
7) LIKE Hachette Book Group on Facebook (3 entries)
8) LIKE/FAN Denise Austin on Facebook (3 entries)
9) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
10) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following (3 entries):  
#Win a copy of the book "Get Energy: Empower Your Body, Love Your Life" by Denise Austin. Review #Giveaway @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/grPyM4
 

Contest is open to US & Canadian residents. Contest closes January 29, 2011 11:59pm (PST).


Disclosure: I received a copy of the book from Hachette Book Group at no charge in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas and Santa got you the things you wanted. You all must have been anxiously waiting for the winners announcement for the past week. My apologies for such a long delay. You know, it's been a very busy time of year.

Here are the winners of my giveaways. Are you a winner? Read on for winners for the giveaways that ended between December 14, 2010 and December 27, 2010.

Winner has been selected and announced for the The Closer TNT TV Series Season 1 DVD Giveaway that ended December 14, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Thirty-One Gifts by Lauren (#32) with the comment:

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Glory Daze TV Series & Giveaways (T-shirt and Rubicks Cube) that ended December 14, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Erin G (#48) with the comment:

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Winner has been selected and announced for the TNT TV Series Men of a Certain Age Season 1 DVD Giveaway that ended December 14, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Kimberly (#38) with the comment:

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Jishaku Magnetic Action Game Giveaway that ended December 17, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Lim (#50) with the comment:

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Cell Ranger Stix Signal Booster from RepeaterStore.com that ended December 20, 2010.

Congratulations to.....


Niecey (#11) with the comment:

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Kaspersky Internet Security 2011 Software Giveaway that ended December 22, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Christine (#35) with the comment:

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Master Lock Speed Dial 1500iD Giveaway that ended December 23, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

MaryB (#24) with the comment:

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The 5 winners have been selected and announced for the Celsius Drinks & Cooler Bag Giveaway that ended December 27, 2010.

Congratulations to.....


xmd5 (#37) with the comment:







Belinda (#75) with the comment:



happychan (#21) with the comment:








 3 Giggly Monsters (#16) with the comment:





Jessica (#45) with the comment:



I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to respond. Thanks everyone for participating in my giveaway contests. Check out my other current giveaways.

Adopting a pet is a wonderful deed—you’ll help a dog or cat in need while at the same time find a devoted animal companion. But it’s also a long-term commitment and not to be taken lightly. You’ll need to be prepared to provide care, food, training and attention— be ready to deal with a pet that may shed on or chew or scratch furniture—and be able to afford years of veterinary costs. But what you’ll receive in return is priceless and immeasurable: the gift of unconditional love.

Jen's 2010 Holiday Gift Guide presents...Icon Series 6mm Earphone from Lift Audio




Lift Audio Announces the Icon Series 6mm Premium Headphone - The Smallest High-Performing Earphone on the Market

The Icon 6mm is the smallest high-performing headphone on the market. It features high quality materials and engineering to provide the best sound and comfortable fit while you're on the go.

What like about it? It has a sleek design and the sound quality is excellent. It is perfect for my ipod or any other mp3 player.  It's also compatible with my Nintendo DS or Sony PSP. The elongated cone-shape fittings create a deep, yet comfortable tight seal within the ear to block ambient noise. There are three sizes (S,M,L) for custom fit.

The package comes with a zippered clam shell case with two side pockets to store the earphones and spare replacement silicone fittings. The case also has a clip to clip anywhere (such as keychain, jacket, backpack, etc).




WHERE TO BUY?
The Icon 6mm Headphone is available exclusively at Amazon.com for $29.99 (suggested retail price: $80) - a great last-minute gift for the runner, traveler, iPod lover - virtually anyone on your list.


Disclosure: I received a sample product in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Jen's 2010 Holiday Gift Guide presents..Agent 18’s new rugged and fashionable iPhone 4 case, the Shield Limited



Developed by Agent18, the Shield Limited is durable with a stylish appearance that makes this case the must-have purchase this season. Without sacrificing any of the premium protection of the Agent18 name, this streamlined case in fun patterns, turns your iPhone 4 into the ultimate fashion accessory.

I was given the opportunity to try out the case. It was very stylish. I like all the designs, but I chose the Bloom. It's the red with white and orange firework design. I like the smooth, slThe case slides on and off easily and it has a removable bottom piece. There are holes on the sides for access to all the buttons needed. I carry my cell phone in a case on my side and should it ever fall out (it does happen occasionally), the Shield Limited case will protect the phone from hitting the hard surface or concrete. My old phone had nicks on the corner since I didn't use any case covers.

Agent 18’s Shield Limited case comes in Bloom, Buffalo Check, Gray Camouflage, Starbright, and Zoo.

• Durable fashion forward patterns and designs
• Protective high gloss finish
• Shock-absorbing design
• Shields against dust, dirt, and debris
• Raised font rim from additional screen protection
• Full access to all ports, switches, and functionality

WHERE TO BUY?
The iPhone cases are available for purchase for $34.95 at www.agent18.com.





WIN IT
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win an Agent18 Shield Limited iPhone4 case of their choice. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Simply tell me in the comment below what is your favorite design mentioned above.

For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entries)
3) Follow me on one of my other 2 blogs via Google Friend Connect - listed below followers on the sidebar (1 entry each)
4) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
5) Follow Agent18 on @agent_18 (1 entry)
6) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entries)
7) LIKE my OTHER Facebook Page at The Art of Jennie Yuen (2 entries)
8) LIKE/Fan Agent18 on Facebook (3 entries)
9) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
10) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following. (3 entries):  
Win it! Fashionable Shield Design iPhone4 cases by @agent_18. Review & Giveaway @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/fu3rfA
 

Contest is open to US & Canada. Contest closes January 16, 2011 11:59pm (PST).



Disclosure: I received sample products in exchange for a review of my opinion. Thanks to The Bohle Company and Agent18. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Time to announce the winners of my giveaways. Are you a winner? Read on for winners for the giveaways that ended between December 3, 2010 and December 13, 2010.

Winner has been selected and announced for the Lip Clear Lysine, Canker Cover, and OraMoist Review & Giveaway that ended December 3, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

xmd5 (#29) with the comment:

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Winner has been selected and announced for the Softlips Lip Care Line Review & Giveaway that ended December 8, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

Amber Y (#319) with the comment:

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Winner has been selected and announced for the $50 Amazon Gift Certificate from JoeShopping.com that ended December 13, 2010.

Congratulations to.....

latishajean (#704) with the comment:


I have sent you all an email. You have 48 hours to respond. Thanks everyone for participating in my giveaway contests. Check out my other current giveaways.

Jen's 2010 Holiday Gift Guide presents..Natural Mineral Makeup by



Face Candy Couture is new company that natural mineral makeup. Every girl and woman love to dress up and look beautiful. Cosmetics are widely used to enhance their facial features and this is how owner, Shantle Shipp, was inspired to start her own cosmetic company.




Face Candy Couture provides a wide selection of colors. The mineral makeup are mainly used as an eye-shadow and the powder can also be used as bronzers, blushes, and highlights for parts of the face. I received the following sample shades to try out and experience: 1) Calm, 2) Blended, 3) Imagine, 4) Leaves, 5) Change, and 6) Treasure. The mini jars are very cute.




I tried one of the brown shades for my eyeshadow (my favorite colors are browns). I also used the lighter colors such as the golden color of "Treasure" for the highlights on my cheek bones and under my eyes. My eyeshadow stayed all day without it looking smudged. I was happy with that. I also was surprised that the highlight color kept my eyeliner from sticking/clumping.

The powder is nice and loose and made my skin looked soft. It's very fine and powdery, but is bold in color when applied. Mineral makeup is a way to go as it works really well for me.






BUY IT
Face Candy Couture Cosmetics are available for purchase directly from the website at http://www.facecandycouture.com at an affordable price.

WIN IT
One (1) lucky reader will have a chance to win four 3g jars of their choice. Chosen winner will be selected via Random.org. Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim their prize. Make sure you leave your email so I can contact you.

This is a mandatory entry:
1) Simply tell me in the comment below what is your favorite nail polish color or favorite style.

For Additional Optional Entries (Post in a separate comment for each additional entry):

2) Follow me on Google Friend Connect (2 entries)
3) Follow me on one of my other 2 blogs via Google Friend Connect - listed below followers on the sidebar (1 entry each)
4) Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen (1 entry)
5) Follow Face Candy Couture on @Shantleshipp (1 entry)
6) LIKE my Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (2 entries)
7) LIKE Face Candy Couture on Facebook (2 entries)
8) "Heart" (Fave) Face Candy Couture on Etsy (1 entry)
9) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
10) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following. (3 entries):  
Win it! Natural Mineral Makeup from Face Candy Couture @ShantleShipp. Review & Giveaway @jennieyuen http://bit.ly/fmH7oc
 

Contest is open to US & Canada. Contest closes January 9, 2011 11:59pm (PST).





ENTER HERE



Disclosure: I received sample products from Face Candy Couture in exchange for a review of my opinion. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.

Jen's 2010 Holiday Gift GuideThe Beamz Player Interactive Music System


The Beamz Player interactive music system is the perfect holiday gift this season (and also the hottest toy) for friends, family, and anyone who are into games and music. It has been awarded as one of the Top Toys for Tweens on the Toy Insider list for 2010.


The Beamz Player was invented by Jerry Riopelle and developed by Beamz Interactive, an interactive music products company that develops innovative musical instruments and music entertainment products to enable people of all ages and skill levels to play music.

Anyone can play Beamz straight out of the box, without any instruction. And a little practice reveals infinite variations. It’s one of the few electronic devices that gets more interesting instead of less so as you go along. The Beamz Player interactive music system includes music, videos, and games.

This is no ordinary toy, instrument, game or gadget. The Beamz Player provides an extraordinary music-making experience. Using laser beam technology, the Beamz connects to your PC via a USB hub and allows you to begin making music without having to know how to read music. It features a sleek, smaller-footprint design with four laser beams that trigger up to 12 different instruments, music clips, sound effects, or vocals as you pass your hands through the beams.

For the teens and tweens who love their iPod and GuitarHero, the Beamz Player is a whole new way to immerse yourself in music. The Beamz Player features a music library of songs to add to the 50 songs that come with the system. This library encompasses music that appeals to all ages and includes three types of interactive songs: original songs, top-hit jam songs, and video jam songs.



See the video below on how the Beamz Player work:



MY EXPERIENCE:
I was given the opportunity to experience the Beamz Player. The instructions and installation are pretty straight forward. I had to wait a little while to get everything installed first. I installed it on my Tablet PC so I can have it more portable and able bring it over to friends house. Great for party entertainment! The unit was very lightweight and easy to carry around.

Once everything was installed, I was eager to try it out. If you like interactive games, it is quite addicting. My husband and especially my toddler were curious too. Not just for kids and teens, this can be fun for adults too. There's a lot of fun tunes that got us moving and grooving with the beat.






This is my 2-year old son.

Anyone can play the Beamz even without any music training.


WHERE TO BUY?
Beamz products can be purchased directly from their website at http://www.thebeamz.com or on Amazon.com.


Disclosure: I received a Beamz Player at no charge in exchange of my opinion. Thanks to Eye-to-Eye Communications and Beamz. The opinions expressed are my own personal and honest thoughts. No other compensation was given.