Father's Day Gift Guide: Ties.com {Review & Giveaway}

  Featured Sponsor

June 19th is Father’s Day but don’t stress about trying to find the perfect gift for dad. Even for the father who insists he doesn’t need anything, a small token of appreciation is always appreciated. A tie is perhaps the most classic father’s day gift, making Ties.Com the ideal one-stop-shop for your gift needs. 

About Ties.com

Ties.com – The Premier online leader in men's neckwear and accessories for over 10 years. With over 5,000 different necktie designs ranging from traditional solids and striped ties; to the creative novelty ties including the Wild Ties, The American Tie Company and Mr. G33k, computer and gamer themed designs. Their extensive selection of tie racks, wallets, cufflinks, tie stays and other items compliment the largest neckwear selection available online and make the perfect gift. They carry ties for every occupation, sport, hobby, and fashion occasion. If that is not enough they also have Alex, the "Ties.com Girl", she hosts their product videos with an entertaining and experienced approach. When you need a need a tie, bowtie or cufflinks Ties.com is the place where men and women do their shopping. 

ace and friends thoughts

So, DG (aka the hubby) wears a suit and tie every day to work, so he likes to have a variety of ties to choose from when getting dressed for work. He now has a go to website for a wide range of ties, including designer, novelty, skinny and more. Since he currently has many different ties, I thought it would be fun to get him some non-traditional cufflinks for Father's Day. He's a big fan of martinis and I was happy to discover that Ties.com came through and offered these amazing martini cufflinks on their site (above). What I liked about this particular pair of cufflinks is that they are a brushed metal. They have a very cool and contemporary look that I know DG will like! They have over 100 different styles of cufflinks... so there is definitely something to suit everyone's taste. Ties.com currently boasts the largest selection of men's neckwear worldwide and at remarkably low prices that can be shipped anywhere in the world. It's a great site that I know I will be revisiting soon.

************************************************************
Buy It

Know someone who LOVES ties... get them one HERE on Ties.com's site.

************************************************************

Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a Martini cufflink set. (Retail $65)

************************************************************

Pin It

Father's Day Gift Guide: Lenox Tuscany Classics Crystal Pilsners {Review & Giveaway}

  Featured Sponsor

 

With summer just around the corner, there's nothing like an ice cold beer! For a dad that LOVES beer, the Lenox Tuscany Classics Crystal Pilsners might just be the perfect gift for Father's Day!

About Lenox

Lenox is America's leading tabletop and giftware brand. Lenox shares a passion for design and style with those who love to entertain and celebrate with family and friends. Lenox fine china, crystal, flatware, giftware, home décor and tabletop products are timeless pieces that reflect superb quality and craftsmanship.

The Lenox Tuscany Classics Crystal Pilsners are made of Austrian fine crystal. Not only would these crystal pilsner make the perfect gift for Father's Day, they would make a wonderful gift for any occasion.

• Crafted of Lenox fine crystal 
• Makes a great Father's Day gift 
• Capacity: 18.5 oz.

ace and friends thoughts 

The pilsner glasses were an attractive quality glass. It has a thin lip and a solid feel. Although they held up well in the dishwasher, I will probably hand wash them in the future. The glass at the top of the glass is thinner and I do not want them to break. Overall, these pilsner glasses are perfect to drink beer: they have a good design, are easy to hold and have a classic look. Final verdict: thumbs up from DG.

************************************************************
Buy It

You can purchase Lenox Tuscany Classics Crystal Pilsners HERE on their site.

************************************************************

Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a set of 4 Lenox Tuscany Classics Crystal Pilsners. (Retail $54)

************************************************************

Pin It

Father's Day Gift Guide: Mrs. Renfro's Gourmet Salsas {Review & Giveaway}

 Featured Sponsor

Know a dad who LOVES to cook and appreciates fine gourmet flavor at an affordable price. Mrs. Renfro's Gourmet salsas are just that.... deliciousness in a jar!  

About Mrs. Renfro's

In 1940, with the Depression still a vivid memory, George Renfro took a big risk for a man with a family. He quit his job selling restaurant supplies and condiments. And with little more than sheer determination and the support of his family, George and his wife, Arthurine, co-founded George Renfro Food Company in the garage of their north Fort Worth home. In their new venture, they distributed packaged spices and pepper sauces throughout Fort Worth and the surrounding areas.

Over the years, Renfro Food Company continued to grow and expand. Today, with sons Jack and Bill, and grandchildren Doug, Becky and James active in the day-to-day operations, Renfro Foods and its Mrs. Renfro's label, continues to grow at a fast pace. Mrs. Renfro's products, which now include more than 30 salsas, sauces and relishes, are available at supermarkets, gourmet and gift shops and fruit and vegetable stands in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean and England.

Fun Facts

• Easy on the budget at about $3.59 a jar
• Gluten-free and fat-free
• Made only with natural ingredients
• Found in leading grocery stores in all 50 states, the Caribbean and internationally
• Each 16 oz jar includes a simple and tasty recipe right on the label

Heat levels range from mild to scary hot and include: Peach, Chipotle Corn, Roasted, Garlic, Raspberry Chipotle, Habanero, Green, Mango Habanero, Pomegranate, Tequila and award-winning Pineapple and Ghost Pepper, the line’s hottest.

ace and friends thoughts

The super fabulous folks at Mrs. Renfro's sent over a delightful sampler pack of  Pineapple, Habanero, Raspberry Chipotle, and Black Bean Salsas. 

The Pineapple Salsa has pineapple chunks, crushed pineapple and pineapple juice. The label also features a recipe for Pineapple Salsa Pizza.

If you like it HOT, HOT, HOT.... the Habanero Salsa is for you. I thought it was good... but you just can't eat a lot of it....  

The Raspberry Chipotle Salsa is sweet with a touch of heat. We marinated some chicken with it... grilled it up... and it was yum-a-licious! 

The Black Bean Salsa was delicious. I decided to use it in place of dressing on a southwest style salad I made... it was just perfect... and less calories!  It's only 15 calories per 2 Tablespoons.... awesome.

If you are looking for something "gourmet" without the gourmet price, make sure to check out Mrs. Renfro's... you won't be disappointed!

************************************************************
Buy It

You can purchase Mrs. Renfro's Gourmet Salsa on their site HERE or they are also available at supermarkets, gourmet and gift shops and fruit and vegetable stands in all 50 states, Canada, the Caribbean and England.

************************************************************

Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a Mrs. Renfro's 4 pack sampler.

************************************************************

Pin It

Father's Day Gift Guide: Keurig Special Edition Brewing System {Review & Giveaway)

********************************************************
WINNER - comment 652!
***Deb said... I like you on Facebook***
thanks to all that entered!

********************************************************

 Featured Sponsor

Have you heard, Father’s Day is coming up, did you come up with a gift yet? Is he a die-hard coffee drinker like someone I know (uh-hemmmm, my hubby)? If so, let me make a suggestion for you, please buy him the Keurig Special Edition Brewing System, he is going to love it!

The Keurig Special Edition Brewing System is not your typical coffee maker! Not only can you make coffee, but you can also make cappuccino, latte, espresso, hot chocolate, tea and iced beverages. Essentially, Keurig beverage choices are limitless. What's great about this brewer is that is uses convenient K-Cups which are available at a variety of retailers. Each K-Cup contains a premeasured amount of coffee, tea, or hot chocolate. Just insert the K-Cup and brewing simply begins with the push of a button.

Just for spring, Keurig is offering new Brew Over Ice k-cups and a specific 16 oz. Iced Beverage Tumbler. The BPA free double walled tumbler keeps your beverage cool to the very last sip. Perfect for these sunny and warm days! Although, all brewers can brew over ice, and all k-cup portion packs can be used to brew over ice, the Brew Over Ice k-cups are enhanced portion packs specifically designed for iced beverages.

{open to insert K-Cup.} 

{choose your favorite Brew Over Ice K-Cup.}

 {ready to brew. choose 6 or 8 oz to brew over ice.
push the brew button to begin.}

{brewing begins.}

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

Keurig Special Edition Brewing System Features

The Keurig Special Edition Brewer allows you to program water temperature, set the digital clock and Auto On/Off. With the choice of three cup sizes, the Special Edition brewer offers a removable drip tray to accommodate travel mugs.

• Programmable
• Choice of 3 cup sizes (6 oz., 8 oz. and 10 oz.)
• Removable 48 oz. water reservoir
• Quiet-Brew Technology®
• Energy Savings Mode – Auto On/Off

ace and friends thoughts

Keurig comparatively is the best looking, the most durable, has the best heating and pumping mechanism, and has the largest variety of coffees, teas and brew over ice options available. 

It works not just as a coffee maker, there are also tea K-Cups available and it also can be used to heat water in less than 20 seconds. So if you have a tea bag and just want hot water, there is not need to use a kettle. Ever.

You can also buy a filter {My K-Cup} that allows you to place your own GROUND beans in the machine and make your favorite coffee blend. I absolutely LOVE this option!

It is ridiculously easy to use. No paper filters needed. No grinds in the bottom of the cup.

My hubby can choose between 3 cup sizes whether he want a very quick cup, have enough time to savor a cup at home, or fill up his travel mug to hit the road. Enough about him... what's my favorite new part for the summer? I get to have a delicious iced beverage in less than a minute! Our new favorite... Celestial Seasonings Half & Half Black Tea and Lemonade. Super YUM!

The Keurig Special Edition Brewing System is good for those of you who (like my hubby) doesn't have time (or forget to set the timer) to brew a full pot of coffee. Regarding K-Cup price... they are cheaper than a cup of coffee at your local coffee shop, but more expensive than using a traditional coffee pot. Bottom line... worth the investment, because this household couldn't live without our super quick java! Thanks Keurig!

************************************************************
Buy It

You can purchase the Keurig Special Edition Brewer for $149.95 at Keurig.com, at a variety of retailer including Bed, Bath and Beyond, Kohl's as well as other online retailers.

************************************************************

Win It

One LUCKY ace and friends reader will win
a Keurig Special Edition Brewing System of their very own!

************************************************************

Mandatory Entry: Follow ace and friends PUBLICLY through GFC (+1) and then visit Keurig and tell me which flavor K-Cup you would LOVE to try (make sure to include your email). 

Bonus Entries: After fulfilling the Mandatory Entry, feel free to earn yourself some Bonus Entries. Please leave a separate comment for each one. 

Earns 1 Extra Entry:

• Follow Keurig on Facebook.
• Follow Keurig on Twitter.
• Subscribe to our blog by email (top left)
• You can copy and paste the following Tweet at Twitter once per day. (leave status link) 
  
  
  Copy and Paste The Following Tweet: 
  
  
  #Win a {@Keurig Special Edition Brewing System} on @aceandfriendsco Blog! http://bit.ly/kLOOGI ends 7.7.11 #giveaways #dads #FathersDay 

Earns 2 Extra Entries: 

• Follow ace and friends on Facebook.
• Follow the ace and friends on Twitter.
• Follow the ace and friends on Networked Blog.
• Place ace and friends Button on your blog. (leave link)
• Share the giveaway on your blog/Facebook (leave link)

The giveaway is open to US residents only. Entries are valid through Thursday, July 7th at 11:59 PM EST.

The winner will have 48 hours to respond via email before a new winner is selected.

[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

Father's Day Gift Guide: SmileyCookie.com Love n' Smiles For Dad Cookies Gift Basket {Review & Giveaway}

 

 
Featured Sponsor

With Father's Day just around the corner, it was the perfect opportunity to check out these super cute Love n' Smiles For Dad Cookies Gift Basket by SmileyCookie.com.

About SmileyCookie.com

It started as a half-baked idea more than 20 years ago — a smiley cookie as the vehicle to communicate the ethos of a restaurant — Eat’n Park, the Place for Smiles. Soon our cookie became not just the signifier of a delightful family dining experience, but a symbol of commitment to community and charitable giving, indeed, the mascot of the company.

And now, SmileyCookie.com has gotten even bigger with their online cookie delivery company — fresh-baked, hand-iced Smiley Cookies delivered all over the country — fast and fresh. Smiles for miles each and every day!

You can even order customized cookies to match wedding colors, sport teams, corporate logos and more, and have your cookies delivered fresh nearly anywhere to as many addresses as you choose! And with our smart cookie pricing, you don’t need to spend a lot of dough! Did we say, “SWEET”?

{The Love n' Smiles For Dad Cookies Gift Basket
arrived perfectly in this securely wrapped gift basket}

*The Daddy aka Big D* of ace and friends thoughts: Big *D* thought the cookies were crunchy and not too sweet. He thought they were super delicious and insisted that we bring them along with us on vacation to share with our family. Bottom line, he wanted to eat another after he finished off the first one. I have to say it was two thumbs up from Big *D*. Also two definite thumbs up from the kids. They LOVED them... each and every bite! What I liked about these cookies is that they are produced in a factory that does NOT have tree nuts and peanuts in their facility. A definite two thumbs up from me because my youngest has a peanut allergy and she can enjoy these delightful cookies along with her siblings! YES, finally.

************************************************************

Buy It

 

These Love n' Smiles For Dad Cookies Gift Basket are available HERE, along with a variety of other smiley cookies in the traditional circle shape, hearts and stars. In addition, you can find gift baskets, coffee, coffee mug and chocolate.

************************************************************

Win It {QUICK}!

Thanks to SmileyCookie.com, one LUCKY ace and friends reader
will win a SmileyCookie Gift Basket of their very own!

************************************************************

Mandatory Entry: Visit SmileyCookie.com and leave a comment which SmileyCookie is your favorite (Please also include your email).

Bonus Entries: After fulfilling the Mandatory Entry, feel free to earn yourself some Bonus Entries. Please leave a separate comment for each one. 

Earns 1 Extra Entry:

• Follow ace and friends via GFC.
• Follow SmileyCookie on Facebook. 
• Follow SmileyCookie on Twitter.
• You can copy and paste the following Tweet at Twitter once per day. (leave status link) 

#Win a {@smileycookie Gift Basket} on @aceandfriendsco Blog! http://bit.ly/jED7D7 ends 6.18 #giveaways #dads #FathersDay

Earns 2 Extra Entries:

• Follow ace and friends on Facebook.
• Follow ace and friends on Twitter. 
• Share the giveaway on your blog/Facebook (leave link)

The giveaway is open to US residents only. Entries are valid through Saturday, June 18th at 11:59 PM EST.

The winner will have 48 hours to respond via email before a new winner is selected.

[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

Father's Day Gift Guide: Lil' Teammates {Review & Giveaway}

Featured Sponsor

Do you know a father that's an absolute sports fanatic? I definitely do... and if you do too, make sure to check out these fun, cute and collectible sports figures that I just discovered called Lil' Teammates.

A little more about Lil' Teammates

Lil' Teammates are the hot new collectible toy from The Party Animal. These figures are about 3” tall and are officially licensed with the NFL, MLB, NBA, NHL and over 65 colleges. Currently, their Series 1 includes over 200 figures. There is a quarterback and a running back available for all 32 NFL teams. In addition to the NFL teams, there is one figure for every MLB team, and at least one pose for over 45 College teams. The initial rollout of the NBA and NHL offerings is also growing quickly.

ace and friends thoughts

 

The generous folks at Lil' Teammates sent over several little Detroit team guys for us to check out. I have to admit, these sports figures are even cuter in person. Not only did my husband think they were pretty cool... my son also thought they were super cool! They are certainly durable enough for kids to play with and the perfect size for the sports memorabilia collector in your life.

Lil' Teammates also offer an interactive website which allows adults as well as kids to register their figures, play games, learn about their favorite teams and win free stuff!  These figures are for recommended for ages 4 and up and retail for $7.99.

Series 2 will be introduced this summer featuring a new pose or a similar figure in a different uniform. They are looking to create sports figures featuring home uniform sets, away uniform sets, throwback uniforms, special uniforms or even possibly “Limited edition” figures.

Father's Day is just around the corner... and wouldn't this make a unique and delightful gift for the dad that has everything? Now.... go.... Tigers!

************************************************************

Buy It

You can purchase Lil' Teammates at Team Shops, Sports Store, Gift Shops and many fine retailers. They are also available to purchase online at their site HERE. 

Coupon: Like Lil' Teammates on Facebook and receive 25% on their website.

************************************************************

Win It

Thanks to Lil' Teammates (Party Animal), is offering 3 of my readers
their choice of two figures each!

************************************************************

Mandatory Entry: Visit Lil' Teammates and leave a comment with which sports figure you would like to win (Please also include your email).

Bonus Entries: After fulfilling the Mandatory Entry, feel free to earn yourself some Bonus Entries. Please leave a separate comment for each one. 

Earns 1 Extra Entry:

• Follow ace and friends via GFC.
• Follow Lil' Teammates on Facebook. 
• Follow Lil' Teammates on Twitter.
• You can copy and paste the following Tweet at Twitter once per day. (leave status link) 

#Win a {@LilTeammates Sports Figures} on @aceandfriendsco Blog! http://bit.ly/j8kAKd ends 6.17 #giveaways #dads #FathersDay

Earns 2 Extra Entries:

• Follow ace and friends on Facebook.
• Follow ace and friends on Twitter. 
• Share the giveaway on your blog/Facebook (leave link)

The giveaway is open to US residents only. Entries are valid through Friday, June 17th at 11:59 PM EST.

The winner will have 48 hours to respond via email before a new winner is selected.

[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

Father's Day Gift Guide: Energizer Qi Inductive Charger {Review}

Featured Sponsor

My iPhone. My connection to the outside world. Always in use and in need of constant charging. The hassle of having to plug in and charge has been simplified courtesy of the Energizer Qi Inductive Charger! 

What exactly is Inductive Charging and Qi?

Inductive charging is what happens when two devices—one designed to send power and the other designed to receive it—touch one another and energy is transferred between them. Until today, these two devices had to be designed specifically for each other. But Qi changes all that.

Qi (pronounced "chee") is the new universal standard for inductive charging. It’s a common language for inductive chargers and devices to talk to one another. Established by the Wireless Power Consortium, Qi allows you to charge smartphones, cameras, mp3 players and anything else that needs 5W or less without directly plugging the devices into anything. Since it is an open-sourced, interoperable standard, it is very similar to other open standards like Bluetooth® and Wi-Fi™. It is anticipated that the Qi universal standard will be broadly adopted by mobile device manufacturers, providing you with the freedom to charge all Qi-enabled devices on a single station without multiple cords and eventually without accessories.

 ace and friends thoughts

The Energizer Inductive Charger is super simple to use. First, the Inductive Charger must be plugged into the wall. After it has been plugged in, all you need to do is place your phone or other tech device on top and via the Qi technology, the phone charges cable/plug free. Please note, the Energizer Inductive Charger currently requires a special sleeve for your smartphone to communicate with the it.

Once your smartphone is placed on the Energizer Inductive Charger, a blue light illuminates signaling your devices are communicating and your smartphone then begins to charge. That's it, simple as that!

Pros: Easy to use, cable/plug free, convenient, can use with other various Qi-enabled devices

Cons: Sleeve adds a little bulk to phone, sleeve also covers USB port (please note: the sleeve is easily removable)

Currently, the Energizer Inductive Charger is compatible with iPhone 3GS/3G and Blackberry 8900, but the Qi technology will be incorporated into cell phone and other technological devices in the future. (Expanding the use of the Energizer Charger, hopefully eliminating the need for the sleeve - fingers crossed).

To learn more about the technological aspects of the Energizer Inductive Charger, please feel free to visit their website HERE.

********************************************************************

Buy It

Visit Energizer Inductive Charger's website HERE to locate retailers. 

Energizer Inductive Charger retails $89.99

Charging Sleeve $34.99

********************************************************************

[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