A couple of weeks ago I was in a state of desperation – well, as desperate as one can be where razors are concerned.

I had been given a few packs of razors that weren’t my usual brand and dummy me, I thought they would be perfect to take for our weekend getaways to the lakes.

What could possibly go wrong with using a different razor for a couple of days?

Let me tell you – I found out!

It was a horrible experience! Horrible I say!

I have extremely sensitive skin on my legs. And for the last 8 years I have been completely loyal to my Schick Silk Effects Plus. It is by far the BEST razor for sensitive legs and for shower shaving – bar none!

Silk Effects Plus has blades with Aloe & Vitamin E strips that provide a safer, smoother shave. Plus, the exclusive micro-fine wires make getting a close shave so much easier and help protect your skin from nicks, cuts and razor burn.

The grip pad on the front and back of the perfect palm sized handle is another major plus. Trying to shave with other razors has been disastrous because the handles slip through soapy hands, and by the time you’re able to retrieve it, you’re left with bare legs that have to be re-lathered for continued shaving.

It sucks!

The biggest problem I have these days is finding stores that actually carry the Silk Effects Plus – it seems Schick isn’t in any hurry to update the old version and it’s being phased out.

I will be sorely disappointed if the day comes that I’m no longer able to purchase my refills.

For now though, Schick Silk Effects Plus shaving system and refills are available on Amazon.com. I’ll not be running out of my favorite razors anytime soon.

These razors are perfect for first time shavers too – unlike the old Bic I used back in the day and still have the nice deep scar right up the ankle from – Schick will keep those legs nice, smooth and free of scars!

I also want to point out that I am an everyday shaver – as long as I lay my razor on it’s back to allow the blades to dry promptly, one razor will last me at least 2 weeks. That makes for greater savings on a pricier razor. Still, for a refill pack of 10 the cost is just under $14 – so it’s really not too bad at all.

Did you know as many as 4% of the population are conscienceless sociopaths who have no empathy or affectionate feelings for humans?

With the horrible storms moving across the state, I figured it was a good night to dive into a very good book, Sociopath Next Door, thanks to Angela for the recommendation.

Review coming up…

I’ve been known to kill cactus – that’s just how ‘not green’ my thumb is. I saw a clip on television this morning talking about this plant sensor and had to check it out.

From the potted petunia in the living room to the tomato plants on the patio to the Elm tree in the yard, Black & Decker’s Plant Smart sensor makes growing lush, healthy plants easy and fun. The compact digital sensor measures sunlight, temperature, moisture, soil conditions, and more by simply inserting the testing end into the ground for 24 hours. It then separates and the top part plugs into a computer to provide several types of customized growing feedback. In Recommend mode, the tool helps to find the right plant based on the present growing conditions; in Monitor mode, the tool makes suggestions to improve the health of an existing plant; in Water mode, the tool instantly measures soil moisture to see if a plant needs water. Additional online resources include a library of 6,000 plants and a My Plants personalized homepage. Sweetly designed with a big orange flower on top, the sensor makes a great gift for any home gardener.

Using advanced technology, your PC or Mac, and an Internet connection, the Black & Decker PCS10 PlantSmart digital plant care sensor analyzes your home or garden’s growing conditions and relays advice on proper care and maintenance of plants. Three specialized modes and an interface with the PlantSmart Web site make this sensor useful for beginning and advanced gardeners.

Real Customer Testimonials:

This is one of the best garden/plant products I have ever bought. With the weather changes I have used this product to determine the watering, fertilizing, and light for some of my most desired plants. I would definitely buy another one if needed. John – Greenville Texas

Easy to use and VERY helpful. You can leave the sensor in place for several days or weeks. You then get a daily read on water and light conditions which is enormously helpful. For a small additional fee you can get a reading on fertilizer needs ($25 per year). Well worth the investment. Just saving 3 fruit trees at $38.50 each, this tool really paid for itself. Lanier – Louisiana

It is simple to use. I have only placed it once but it gave me information that I have been struggling with – how much light is there and what can be planted here. I will finally be able to plant blueberries. Now my husband is going to steal it from me to do readings for the new grapevines we are getting. He is not teasing me anymore about some of my rather odd purchases. Deborah – Utah

Buy Black & Decker PCS10 Digital Plant Care Sensor via Amazon – just in time for Mother’s Day, Father’s Day or just a nice gift for the gardener (or wanna be gardener) in your life.

As a card carrying stockholder of Starbucks, I think I’m qualified to claim a position as a coffee connoisseur, an expert or simply an all around caffeine addict. Let it be said that I do, indeed, take my coffee very seriously!

Because I love anything to do with brew, I leaped at the opportunity to review the TASSIMO T20 Brewpot.

Tonight my kids and I spent some time getting to know the latest addition to our family! We unpacked, cleaned and brewed together. What a lovely experience.

The Brewpot is capable of making ALL my favorites – coffee, tea, cappuccino, espresso and hot cocoa with one pot. By that I mean – I fill the pot once with water and proceed to fill my cup with whatever my little heart desires with each return to my personal coffee station.

Coffee can be ready in about ONE minute – how wonderful is that?

One of life’s greatest challenges for me is getting up in the morning, shuffling to the kitchen, flipping the on switch to my old coffee pot and waiting, waiting, waiting… I am NOT a patient person – and Tassimo answers the call.

And for those who love WOW with their Java – Brewpot has “smart bar code technology” that will automatically adjust each beverage to the proper temperature and with the right amount of water.

How’s that for WOW? Huh?

Yeah, I know – pretty snazzy!

You may not recognize the name “Tassimo” but you will recognize the name behind it – Kraft Foods! That’s a name, known and trusted, so you can rest assured you’re getting quality product.

SPECIAL OFFER: Purchase a Tassimo T20 Brewbot online here: http://bit.ly/Tassimo25 and save $25 and get 2 free T DISCS!

GIVEAWAY DETAILS:

For a mandatory entry go to the official Tassimo site and under the beverage tab, pick your ideal T Disc flavor and leave a comment here with your personal favorite.

For extra entries. Please leave a separate comment for each entry from items below:

• Become a fan of Tassimo on Facebook
• Subscribe to Not Before Coffee
• Follow Tassimo on Twitter
• Like us on Facebook
• Tweet about your favorite barista-style drink include #tassimo or #brewpot in the tweet (one entry per day)
• Blog/tweet this giveaway (one entry per day)

Prize Value: $129.00

Giveaway open to US Residents only

Giveaway ends Thursday December 16th at 11:59pm EST

The winner of the Tassimo Brewpot will be selected with by using Random.org and will be contacted at the email address provided – so make sure you submit a working email address.