Wednesday, May 30, 2012

An Interesting NEW *Vue*, Keurig's Newest Brewing System {Review}






A new generation of K-cups.... who knew? What's a K-cup you ask? If you have no idea what I'm talking about, I'm referring to those tasty little coffee gems of delight. If you are a coffee lover like me, you know EXACTLY what I'm talking about....

Keurig, the single-serve coffee innovators recently introduced Vue, it's newest brewing system that will capture the eye (and hearts) of all sorts of java junkies everywhere!

Vue V700 Single Cup Brewing System

Although the Vue brewer looks similar, there are many new features that are immediately noticeable to current Keurig owners. First a little more about the brewer itself.
The Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System continues to be your non-typical coffee maker! With the Vue you can still easily make coffee, cappuccino, latte, espresso, hot chocolate, tea and iced beverages. Each Vue K-Cup continues to contains a premeasured amount of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Just insert the NEW style K-Cup (more on that later) and brewing simply begins with the push of a button.

{add water to {now larger} reservoir.}
{preheat - initially takes about 4 minutes to heat up}
{ready to brew.}
{open to insert K-Cup.}
{button blinks & it's ready to brew. push to begin.}
{brewing begins.}

{in less than one minute, your beverage is ready.}

Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System Features
(credit: Keurig.com)

The Keurig Vue V700 Brewing System gives you total control to brew your way: stronger, bigger, hotter and with more choices than ever before. With an interactive Touchscreen and revolutionary new Custom Brew Technology™ Vue ensures every beverage is brewed to perfection, giving you perfect results – every cup, every time. And your choices are nearly limitless. In addition to coffee, tea, hot cocoa and iced beverages, Vue brews delicious café and specialty beverages as well. Includes a bonus variety of 10 Vue packs. This product is BPA free. 
  • Fully programmable color Touchscreen
  • Brews in under one minute
  • Strength & Temperature control
  • Eight brew sizes – from 4oz. up to a full size 18oz. travel mug
  • Energy Savings Mode – Auto On/Off
  • Enjoy beverages hot or over ice
  • Brews frothy café beverages
  • Removable 74oz. water reservoir with easy fill, flip-top lid
  • Removable drip tray with adjustable plate
  • Cord storage
ace and friends thoughts

First, if you are a current Keurig owner like myself...  the standard K-cup is NOT (yep, I said NOT) compatible with the new Vue brewer {sigh}. The lack of compatibility is my largest issue with the new brewer. Check out the size difference below.


Bigger is NOT always better!

The Vue Brewing System is technologically impressive. The new color screen is now touch screen and offers the ability to choose several NEW functions. The brewers offers eight different drink sizes, allows hotter brewing temperatures and strength. What I really LOVE with this new brewer is that you can create frothy beverages, such as lattes and cappuccinos  by using a separate coffee and frother Vue packs for each drink. The downfall with these particular cafe beverages is that unlike the standard 16-count Vue pack box, these only have  eight drinks. They had to make room for the accompanying frother packs. Furthermore, the  variety of flavor and beverage selection is rather small at this point comparative to it's predecessor.

Now, on the upside... the brewed coffee flavor seemed tastier and (noticeably) stronger.  With a button that allows a *stronger* brew, I was skeptical (of course). Really, a button that allow it to brew a stronger cup of coffee. To my surprise and delight... it did indeed brew a stronger flavor. Impressive.

I love a nice and HOT cup of java, so the ability to increase to an even higher temperature is also a nice new feature. After initially adjusting the temp to the highest setting (194 degrees), it didn't seem any hotter. However, the next cup that I brewed was super steamy HOT HOT HOT and continued to brew at that temperature each drink thereafter.

I also really like the redesigned size. It's a little shorter than my previous model and I love that you have the choice of add watering to the reservoir by lifting a flap on the top instead of removing the entire thing. This is a great feature! Finally, I really like the ability to raise the platform if you have a smaller cup, therefore eliminating the splattering of hot coffee everywhere. 

{adjustable platform for smaller cups.}

Keurig continues to impress with the new Vue Brewing system. Although there are a few issues that I have with this machine the newly added functions and benefits outway them by a long shot. 

Bottom line: I would certainly recommend the Keurig Vue Brewing System. I've been happy with previous model over the past several years without any issue, so if you are in market for a newer model or transitioning from a standard drip coffee maker, I would definitely recommend the upgrade.

To learn more, please visit Keurig's Website, on Facebook and Twitter.


[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]
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Tuesday, May 29, 2012

2012 Spring Fling Guide: Kidorable {Review & Giveaway}


Featured Sponsor


The Summer is almost here (hurray) and we will be prepared for all sorts of Midwest weather this season. We will definitely be geared up and ready to go for the rain, thanks to our friends at Kidorable.

About Kidorable 

In 1997, Kidorable sprung from the minds, hearts and efficiency apartment of Liping and Jonathan Domsky. They proclaimed, "The world needs someone to create children's apparel and accessories that are both functional and fun. We can do that." 

And so Kidorable was conceived. Starting with lions and cats and bears, oh my, manifested as umbrellas and hangers, Kidorable generated enough sales during its first year to break even and plant fruitful Kidorable seeds throughout the land. The following year sales grew ten fold. Every year since, give or take, a new style and/or product line debuted. And every year, the world joyfully embraced more Kidorable delights, give or take, than the year before. 

Kidorable delights children by transforming everyday, functional kids accessories into objects that excite their imagination and enrich their lives at play. 


ace and friends thoughts

Kidorable has a wide variety of fun and super cute outwear for toddlers and kids. {e} was lucky enough to choose from their amazing selection. She was generously given three incredible pieces from their collection. The Lotus Flower Raincoatis quite adorable and perfectly stylish to suit her upcoming elementary school years. I absolutely adore the scalloped arms and bottom hemline. This rain coat also includes a matching detachable hood. It is made of PVC with a comfortable polyester lining. It appeared and felt quite durable, a raincoat that will definitely survive the years to come.

The Lotus Flower Boots are  made of natural rubber and are easy to slip on and off.  Kidorable offers fifteen different adorable rain boot styles for girls AND boys. Such unique designs and characters, your kids will be proud to wear them (just like little {e}).

Lastly, and certainly not least, is the Lotus Backpack. This unique and beautiful backpack is made of easy to wash PVC and is the perfect size for kids. Pockets adorn the interior and exterior to accommodate {e's} treasures. Also, can you say super charming? I have never seen anything cuter for a girly-girl... and absolutely perfect for {e}. She loved carrying it around and showing it off to her friends. A definite fashion hit! How could it not be... check out that pink cutout flower detail. {love}.

With the Summer season quickly approaching, make sure to check out the expansive selection of Kidorable products, including other Rain Coat, Rain Boot and Umbrella styles, as well as Backpacks, Knit options and Towels. You will be glad you did!

backside of raincoat.

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Buy It

Buy your very own Lotus Flower Rain Coat ($36), Lotus Flower Rain Boots ($29) and Lotus Flower Backpack ($23) as well as other fashion forward styles on Kidorable's site HERE.

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Win It

Thanks to Kidorable, one LUCKY ace and friends reader
will win their very own adorable Kidorable Umbrella. (winner's choice) 

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Wordless Wednesday with *Linky* - meow. princess kit-E!!



Returning from our trip to Disney... we were inspired to do a little of our own *face-painting*... and so the season begins...


meow. my little princess kit-{e}.


Please link up your Wordless Wednesday posts below.  I LOVE seeing them ALL!


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Wednesday, May 23, 2012

Rubbermaid 2-in-1 Recycler {Review & QUICK Giveaway}





Over the past couple of years, we (as a family) have been making a conscious effort to become better at recycling product in our household. It's been a challenge to keep the variety of different recyclable materials separated and contained. Thanks to Rubbermaid, our job has become a whole lot easier with their new 2-in-1 Recycler.




Rubbermaid's 2-in-1 Recycler makes recycling so easy, you don't even have to think about it! This two-unit bin allows you to either contain trash and recyclables all in one location or sort recyclables. The top unit is perfect for collecting recyclables and has a fold away handle that makes it easy to take out and empty into your recycling bin. The lower bin tilts out for easy access, and holds an 8 gallon trash bag in place with the Liner Lock™ system. Alternatively, you can use the lower bin to sort another type of recyclable and carry it out with the built-in handles.

Product Features
(source: Rubbermaid.com)
  • Contain trash and recyclables all in one location or sort your recyclables
  • Sleek design blends into kitchen décor
  • Features LinerLock™ bag management in lower bin
  • Removable lid
  • Fold-away handles
  • 5.8 gal sorting bin
  • 7.4 gal tilt out bin with Liner Lock™ handles
  • Total capacity = 13.2 gal
  • Perfect for multi-stream or single stream recycling

ace and friends thoughts


First, Rubbermaid's 2-in-1 Recycler has been a great addition to our home. This particular trash can, although slightly taller, virtually occupies the same amount of floor space as a standard trash can. We typically keep our recycle bins, (yes, I said bins) in the garage. It's nice that we now can save space and now use just the one 2-in-1 Recycler. It larger and can fit more in it than our previous bins and is more visibly pleasing to the eye. Finally, Rubbermaid's 2-in-1 Recycler has made sorting and recycling super easy and convenient for the entire family!


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Buy It

Rubbermaid's 2-in-1 Recycler (along with many other products)
can be purchased HERE.

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Win It

Thanks to Rubbermaid one LUCKY ace and friends reader
will win 2-in-1 Recycler of their very own!

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Tuesday, May 15, 2012

*This Is War* on Blu-ray, DVD, Digital Download - Available May 22nd!



This Is War Debuts on Blu-ray, DVD
and Digital Download
May 22nd!

SummaryThey are the CIA’s best, trained for any situation…except one.  Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment plays the ultimate spy game as two best friends fight for the right of one woman’s hand in THIS MEANS WAR, coming to Blu-ray, DVD and Digital Download May 22.  Starring Academy Award® winner Reese Witherspoon (Walk the Line), Chris Pine (Star Trek) and Tom Hardy (The Dark Knight Rises), the laugh-out-loud comedy gets even better on Blu-ray with three alternate endings that answer the question – what if she chose the other guy?

The world's deadliest CIA operatives, FDR Foster (Pine) and Tuck (Hardy), are inseparable partners and best friends until they fall for the same woman (Witherspoon).  Having once helped bring down entire enemy nations, they are now employing their incomparable skills and an endless array of high-tech gadgetry against their greatest nemesis – each other!

Get a sneak peak of movie below:


Looking for new guy and need a little guidance, make sure to check out This Means War's Top Ten Things To Consider When Choosing The Perfect Guy. Feel free to print it out!


[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]
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Tuesday, May 8, 2012

*Let's Be Honest* with Purex & Enter For Your Chance To Win A Year's Supply!

As you are probably already aware... I'm a BIG fan of Purex. I absolutely LOVE their innovative and useful laundry products.

Would you like the chance to win a YEAR'S SUPPLY of Purex? I know I would! From now through July 24th one lucky winner will win this amazing prize. Make sure to stop by Purex to enter.

While you're there, make sure to check out the *Let’s Be Honest* short video vignettes featuring Second City Comedian Molly Erdman that share the honest moments that reflect the ironic truths of everyday Life, Laundry, and Whatever! They are cute and quite clever! You will certainly get a good laugh! 


[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.]
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Enter to win 1 of 4 $100 gift cards to the Village of Rochester Hills, Michigan!


Ever shop at the stores at...




Hurry... because this contest ends this Friday, May 11th.
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Friday, May 4, 2012

2012 Spring Fling Guide: jill-e designs *Everywear Gadget* Bag {Review}



Featured Sponsor


If I could have my way, I certainly would LOVE to be a professional photographer. Me and my Nikon SLR are like best buddies. Of course, when I use it, I like to have ALL my {stuff} in one convenient place. In addition to having easy access to all of my stuff, I wanted a place that would also protect my camera gear as well. jill-e designs gear does just that and much more!


About jill-e designs
(source: jill-e.com)


jill-e designs® – established by and for women – believes every woman deserves to carry her work tools and lifestyle essentials in a stylish, secure, affordable, high-quality bag. Beginning in 2007, they became an advocate for the female photographer who tolerated the male-oriented look and feel of professional camera bags. “Function on the inside, fashion on the outside” was a quick way to convey their goal.


Since then, jill-e designs has evolved as women’s needs have evolved. Today they are a leader in fashionable, functional, protective carry bags for today’s tech-dependent, on-the-go lifestyle.



ace and friends thoughts

First, what I loved about jill-e designs was that wide selection of gadget gear. They offer many different styles, types, pattern and designs to suit a variety of needs. The styles were unique, fun and definitely different. Three important qualities I look for in products.

Recently, I was introduced to the Everywear Gadget Bag. Can you say, clever? What I immediately noticed about this bag was that is was made very well and appeared to be super durable. The bag overall has several compartment to hold all sorts of important stuff. The interior is well padded to protect your camera, lenses as well as your other tech gadgets. Also included with this bag is a removable padded case to protect your iPad, Kindle or similar e-reading device. 

The exterior of the bag is made of weather resistant nylon that keep your camera and equipment dry. There are three exterior pockets - two in the front and one zipper pocket in the back. The front two pockets can easily hold your smart phone, key and other small items. 




The Everywear Gadget Bag is relatively perfect at anytime to carry your essential tech gear to - (including but, of course not limited to) work, travel, or even sporting events. The interior has specifically made pockets to hold your credit cards, pens, glasses and more. 



Product Features 


  • Stylish, weather-resistant nylon exterior
  • Durable, top-grain leather trim
  • Padded exterior walls and interior dividers protect your gear
  • Removable sleeve to protect iPad, e-reader or tablet device
  • Top zipper to secure camera, electronics and essentials
  • Inside and outside zippered pockets for personal items
  • Interior pouches for smart phone, accessories, pens and glasses
  • Comfortable leather carry handles with 9.5” drop
  • Dimensions (L x W x H) 12”L x 7”W x 10”H



Know a mom who has a passion for photography or technology...  a jill-e designs products might just make the perfect Mother's Day gift?!!

connect with jill-e :

Like them on Facebook
Follow them on Twitter
Need more, follow their Blog


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Buy It

The Everywear Gadget Bag (ARV $109.99)
and other jill-e designs products are available on their SITE.


GET A 20% COUPON: 
To Get your 20% off coupon for the Everywear Gadget Bag - Follow Jill-e on Facebook, leave a comment that ace and friends sent you and then email them at info@jill-e.com to request the coupon code.
They will reply direct with your discount code.

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[Product review & giveaway disclosure: I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free from the manufacturer of a PR Agency. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commissions 16 CFR, Part 255 "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising." See ace and friends Disclosure Policy HERE.] Pin It

Thursday, May 3, 2012

Enter to Win.... Glade Spring Scents Sweepstakes



Hurry & Enter the Glade® Spring Scents Sweepstakes for your chance to
Win a Limited-edition Prize from Glade® - Click Here!

They're giving away 5,000 of them! Hurray.
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Tuesday, May 1, 2012

2012 Spring Fling Guide: Scout by Bungalow Bags {Review & Giveaway}




Featured Sponsor


As an active family of five, we are constantly on the go. Being on the go means having to eat and snack on the run. I've been on the lookout for not only a functional and durable on-the-go cooler, but a stylish one too. I was recently introduced to SCOUT by Bungalow Bags that are just that and much, much more!

About SCOUT by Bungalow Bags
(source: www.bungalowco.com) 

SCOUT began with the idea of a colorful, durable bag, full of style but not too expensive. There was room in the market for something new. So in 2004, they did their first show in Atlanta, GA with four tote bag styles in four patterns. Today, the line has grown to over four hundred items encompassing, totes, storage containers, insulated items, travel, and flooring.


The personality of the line is about being unpredictable--it's about finding a comfortable way of living that's not too serious, but one that makes you feel good about being there.

Their belief is that when you invite SCOUT into your life--whether it's toting or storing your stuff--it becomes a better place. So celebrate your stuff--find a pattern and product that fits the way you want to live. Because once SCOUT is in your life, you'll see how it makes sense for the times and the way you want to live.


SCOUT’s  wide selection of picnic coolers and party totes are ready for all your outdoor (and indoor) activities including the beach or the park, with the perfect size for every occasion, from small lunch bags to larger coolers…. Perfect for day-long tailgating at your favorite sporting event. 

For our day-long outings, The Stiff One cooler is perfect for carrying all our necessities. What I really liked about this cooler was that it had a sturdier, molded bottom. It maintains it shape and easily fit enough food and drinks for everyone. This bag has a heat-sealed liner to prevent those annoying leaks. Even more importantly... it's super cute in it's Meryl Stripe pattern which has white, khaki, pink and orange summer stripes adorned with it's bold black stripes. Roomy, functional and chic. love. a lot. 

Short Description:
  • Insulated, Coated Polyester
  • Water Resistant - Wipes Clean
  • Shoulder Length Handles
  • Hard, Flat Bottom
  • Size: 14.25in.(W) x 12.5in.(H) x 9.25in.(D)


For our shorter trips to the park or to the kid's soccer game, we rely on the SCOUT Pleasure Chest. This cooler perfectly fits a six pack of your choice. It's not only great for a trip to the park but also for school, work, the beach, picnics and sporting events. The Pleasure Chest comes with reinforced velcro straps and a small front zipper pocket. A perfect cooler companion to go with you just about anywhere.

Short Description:

  • PVC Coated Polyester
  • Water Resistant
  • Zip-close
  • Wipe Clean
  • Size: 9.25in.(W) x12.5in.(H) x8.5in.(D)



SCOUT has a wide selection of bags and organizational products for nearly every occasion or outing.  Tons of colors, stylish prints and unique patterns so you can mix and match your bags.  If you are looking for bags for daily travel, tailgating, storage, baby supplies and more, make sure to visit SCOUT.

Still need to see and learn more about these amazing bags and organizational products , make sure to check out SCOUT by Bungalow on FacebookTwitter or at www.Bungalowco.com.

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Buy It

The Stiff One and The Pleasure Chest (along with many other products) can be
purchase at www.Bungalowco.com.

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Win It

Thanks to SCOUT by Bungalow Bags one LUCKY ace and friends reader
will win The Stiff One AND The Pleasure Chest
(winner chooses pattern), of their very own!

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