Five for Fighting - Slice

I received the latest album, Slice, from Five for Fighting. I remembered Five for Fighting back in 2001 with the popular song, Superman. It was a very popular song after 9/11 so I was interested in hearing what their new album sounded like. I was very pleased with the mix of songs that this new album brings. The big songs on it are the title song, Slice, Story of Your Life, and Chances, but I liked the entire album. After listening to this album, I went back to listen to "100 Years" off of their previous album, The Battle for Everything. Five for Fighting is a great group and my favorite band named after a hockey penalty. I would recommend this album to anyone. Thanks to One2One Network for giving me this opportunity to review this great album.

Brandi Carlile - Give Up The Ghost

I had the opportunity to review the new album by Brandi Carlile, Give Up The Ghost. Give Up The Ghost is an excellent album filled with folk-country-pop tinged songs. I was not familiar with this artist before I listened to this album. This album is very unique and unlike anything else I have heard recently. It has a universal appeal that could be classified in either a country-rock or pop genre. Brandi has a beautiful voice and her lyrics are very personal and touching. She has a variety of upbeat songs and some beautiful ballads. I would recommend this album to anyone that enjoys music. Thanks to One2One Network for the opportunity to review this impressive album.

Michael Buble - Crazy Love

I received the album, Crazy Love, by Michael Buble. I wasn't familiar with this artist before I received the album. When I looked at the playlist, there were a lot of songs that I had heard before (All of Me, Georgia On My Mind, Heartache Tonight, You're Nobody Till Somebody Loves You). His renditions were a different spin on the classics. It's a solid, nice-to-listen-to album. He sticks to the character of the original songs, recognizing the quality therein. But he also adds a bit of modernization through some creative updates in orchestration. Although this isn't really my style of music, I let my Mother-in-Law listen to it and she really enjoyed it. If you are a fan of Michael Buble, you will like this album. Thank you to One2One Network for the opportunity to review this impressive album.

Harry Connick, Jr. - Your Songs

I was given the opportunity to review Harry Connick Jr's latest album, Your Songs. This album really showcases his fantastic voice. This is not the classic Harry Connick Jr. album, but it is still enjoyable. My favorite songs off the album are "Some Enchanted Evening", "The Way You Look Tonight", "Smile" and "Your Song". Since a lot of these are older songs, it is easy to listen to and appreciate the style that he brings to these songs. It took a little time, but this album has really grown on me. Thank you to One2One Network for the opportunity to review this impressive album.

We Made It!!!

The kids in a classic hostage pose (holding today's newspaper).

Another scrapbooking weekend in the books (for Angie, not me)! The kids survived another one alone with Dad. I got a few "when is Mom coming back", but other than that, things went pretty well. In a few hours, she will be back and things will be back to normal.

Yoplait Whips

I was given the opportunity to try the new Yoplait Whips. As most of you know, myself and healthy foods are not a natural match. I have never been a big fan of yogurt, but I got some free coupons so I decided to give it a try. I put them in the freezer as they suggested for a frozen treat. After letting them thaw for 5-10 minutes, it was a really refreshing treat. I tried the chocolate mousse, however they have a lot of flavors. Here's the best part: You can try them too! There is a downloadable coupon for Yoplait Whips! - where you can save $0.60 when you purchase three cups of any Yoplait Whips! Flavor: Click here to download.

Additionally, right now, new members who sign-up to become subscribers of Betty Crocker's newsletter, will receive a free coupon for Yoplait Whips! **Click here to join.**

This free coupon is not valid in some states, including California, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, North Dakota and Tennessee.

BUT HERE IS THE BEST PART....................................

MyBlogSpark has allowed me to give one lucky reader a Summer Cool Down Yoplait Prize pack that includes: 1 insulated tote, 1 set of 3 popsicle molds, 12 color changing spoons and 2 free coupons for Yoplait Whips.

This is a great prize pack and a way to keep summer going. To enter, either comment on this post (or email me) with your favorite summer treat (Yoplait?), what you did this summer, or your favorite summer memory from the past. I am going to select one person at random to receive this prize package. I'm sure Yoplait Whips will become a part of your summer (and all other seasons) after you try it!

A Little Disappointed, But.....

I'm a little disappointed that the Illini laid an egg against Purdue today, but how can I complain about this year's season? The Illini have had a great season and will find themselves in the NCAA tournament tomorrow. The future is looking good too. The clip above is of Brandon Paul (2009 Illini Recruit) hitting 3 free throws to put his team up by one with 4 seconds to go. Then Jereme Richmond (2010 Illini Recruit) calmly nails a shot from half court to win the game at the buzzer. Paul finished with 27 points and Richmond had 31 in the Class 4A Sectional title game. Here's another view from behind the basket. It's not as good of a video, but the audio of the crowd is pretty wild.