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:

• Features: Crumb Tray
• Includes: Baking Rack, Baking Pan, Instruction Manual
• Number of Slices: 6
• Material: Stainless Steel
• Finish: Brushed
• Safety and Security Features: Auto Shut-Off
• Care and Cleaning: Wipe Clean
• Warranty Description: 1 Year Limited Manufacturer Warranty
• Dimensions: Length: 9.0 "; Width: 18.9 "; Depth: 13.6 "
• Product Weight: 14.5 Lb.

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.

The Winner has been selected and announced for the World's Best Origami Book Giveaway that ended December 18, 2010.



Congratulations to.....

BowieTip (#27) with the comment:

My mother who crafts her own paper.

xxbowietipxx@gmail.com
Saturday, November 20, 2010 5:20:00 PM

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

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:

I follow your blog GFC

laurencoleson@gmail.com
Tuesday, November 23, 2010 8:53:00 AM

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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:

I am following on GFC (greenup06)

erroneous02(at)yahoo(dot)com
Tuesday, December 14, 2010 12:18:00 AM

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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:

I follow you on twitter @Aerated.
kirbycolby at gmail dot com
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 2:10:00 PM

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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:

I'd like to win for myself! I love messing with magnets.
Sunday, November 21, 2010 4:03:00 PM

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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:

I follow repeater store on twitter
@goodieslist
nieceyd(at)gmail(dot)com
Saturday, November 20, 2010 5:57:00 PM

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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:

I like your FB page #2

cna_davis at lycos dot com
Saturday, December 04, 2010 12:53:00 AM

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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:

1 http://twitter.com/#!/chirpandtweet/status/12010711349723136
Monday, December 06, 2010 9:09:00 PM

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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:

follow gfc on the art of jennyyuen @xmd5
Friday, December 03, 2010 2:00:00 PM

Belinda (#75) with the comment:

I like Jens Reviews and Giveaways on FB :)
my name there is Belinda Nicholson Cage Skuta
elliott_gyal at hotmail dot com
Monday, December 13, 2010 9:08:00 PM

happychan (#21) with the comment:

I'd like to win this for my bro.
happychan0 (at) yahoo.com
Friday, December 03, 2010 1:10:00 PM

 3 Giggly Monsters (#16) with the comment:

Following you via twitter.
megankayden@yahoo.com
Monday, November 29, 2010 8:15:00 AM

Jessica (#45) with the comment:

followd you on twitter
@hongdoufantuan
Saturday, December 04, 2010 12:03:00 PM

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.

Ways You Can Get Involved

• Adopt - Our goal is to help 1.5 million pets find forever homes. Families who adopt through the program will receive an Iams adoption kit loaded with important info about nutrition, training and proper care to ensure that the relationship with the new animal starts off on the right paw. Visit www.facebook.com/Iams to find a participating shelter or rescue in Canada.
  
• Donate/Buy - It's easy to participate in the Iams Home 4 the Holidays Bags 4 Bowls program. For every specially marked package of Iams dog or cat food purchased, Iams will donate one bowl** of food to a participating Iams Home 4 the Holidays animal organization. Let's help fill 5 million bowls this holiday season.
  
• Facebook - Visit www.facebook.com/iams to follow the program’s “Adoption Angels”, new pet parents, chronicling their personal journeys of adoption. For each “like” and comment to the various messages, photos, and videos posted by the Adoption Angels, Iams will donate 100 meals to feed orphaned animals, up to a maximum of 5 million meals.
  
• Volunteer – Consider volunteering – it’s free and easy! Animal organizations always need help whether that’s walking dogs or fostering an animal – every bit helps.

Visit Iams on Facebook

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.

Apple 32GB iPad With Wi-Fi & 3G

First Apple gave us the iPod; then it was the iPhone. And now with its highly-anticipated, much blogged about tablet, the iPad, Apple is once again changing the way we work and play. Beyond its amazingly thin size, the iPad features an ultra-sharp touchscreen and incredible features that will let you discover apps like never before.

Introducing the Apple iPad. It's the best way to experience the web, email, photos, and video. All on a big, beautiful Multi-Touch screen. With just the touch of a finger.

I must thank my sweet hubby for this wonderful Christmas gift, the iPad. He is so full of surprises. It was something I didn't expect, but he knew I wanted one. I'm posting here on my art blog because I will be using it mainly for my design and multimedia. So far I am getting used to it and finding my way around the apps and programs. When I start using new apps, I will post my reviews and let you know what I think.

My Thoughts
What I like is the sleek and thin design of the iPad which makes it very portable with touchscreen ability. I also love the variety of apps available for the iPad. Streaming of videos online were fast.   It's like a netbook almost, but the iPad doesn't have the full capability as my Tablet PC or laptop. If you're just into lite web surfing, listening to music, watching videos, ebooks, or other basic stuff, this is an awesome gadget. I wish it would be powerful enough to create animations and complex graphics. It still doesn't beat my old Tablet PC. The only thing that troubled me was that if I want to add my own music or videos, I need to sync it every time.

PROS:
- long battery life
- built-in speaker and microphone
- huge selection of apps to choose from

- lightweight and sleek design
- fast photo viewing in any angle
- similar to iPhone or iTouch
- touchscreen feature
- WiFi capability

CONS:
- can't really multitask
- no camera option
- no HDMI output
- no SD card built-in
- GPS not supported
- Flash video not supported
- battery is built in and it would be a hassle to replace


Brandon wants to see what's inside too.


I saw the logo on the bag and I made a first guess: iPad!!! I looked inside the bag and found this.

Product Features

Welcome to the next generation of Apple innovation. The iPad is designed to deliver the ultimate experience inside a Multi-Touch tablet that's so lightweight and thin, you won't even notice you're carrying it. Larger than an iPod touch and smaller than a MacBook, it's the ultimate mobile device that will go with you everywhere and give you the best of both worlds.

• Powered by Apple's custom silicon chip, the A4 - its extremely powerful and energy-efficient design offers outstanding performance
• 3G connectivity keeps you connected to the web when a Wi-Fi network doesn't exist (requires data plan from a service provider)
• 32GB of storage lets you easily carry and access your songs, photos, files, videos and more
• Wi-Fi (802.11n) connectivity allows you to surf the web and access the App store at any wireless hotspot
• Browse the App store for a selection of iPad-friendly applications, or use the apps from your iPhone or iPod touch for a whole new experience on this versatile device
• It loves to play: a gorgeous 9.7" LED-backlit IPS display offers a beautiful view of games, while a built-in accelerometer and touchscreen capability let you touch, turn, swerve, race and tap your way through all the action
• Say goodbye to awkward two-thumb typing - with a display this size, you can lay the iPad down on a table or your lap and simply touch the full QWERTY keyboard to write messages, notes or documents
• Bluetooth v2.1 + EDR lets you connect to a variety of wireless devices that make it even easier to work and play
• Features built-in speaker, compass, microphone and dock connector
• Up to 10 hours of battery life allows you to work, play and discover for extended sessions
• True to Apple's commitment to the environment, it's arsenic-free, BFR-free, mercury-free, and PVC-free, too.

Merry Christmas!


How would you like to receive one of my Winter-themed digital fantasy art print from me for this holiday season? I will be giving away one of my 4x6 art prints to my fans/readers.




Snow Angel


Winter Goddess


Christmas Under the Sea


Winter Rose



This is a mandatory entry:
1) All you have to do is tell me in the comment which of the above is your favorite. This will be your entry. Don't forget to provide me your email so I can contact you if you are selected.

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) LIKE my Facebook Page at The Art of Jennie Yuen (3 entry)
6) LIKE my other Facebook Page at Jen's Reviews and Giveaways (3 entry)
7) Post about this giveaway on your blog with the URL in the comment. (3 entries)
8) Tweet about this giveaway by tweeting the following. (3 entries):  
Enter to win a winter-themed fantasy art print #giveaway by @jennieyuen - http://bit.ly/fckkHq
 

Contest is open to US & Canada. Contest closes January 18, 2011 11:59pm (PST).

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.

Key features:

• 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:

http://twitter.com/xmd5/status/3340146061615104 #2
Friday, November 12, 2010 10:56:00 PM

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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:

I follow you on twitter @aly3360
a********0@hotmail.com
Wednesday, December 08, 2010 5:18:00 PM

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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:

Follow me on Twitter @jennieyuen/latishajean
t*******n@ charter.net
Monday, December 13, 2010 7:14:00 PM

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.