Netflix: Almost as good as cable

Netflix... there are advertisements everywhere for it, and here is yet another, except I'm not being paid to tell you how much I like it.

If you don't have Netflix, you should... really. The monthly subscriptions are really cheap. To be honest, we don't have cable anymore, and its mostly because we can watch Netflix on our TV (they have such a huge selection of instant-streaming videos). Of course, in order to watch it on your TV (instead of only on your PC) you have to have a compatible device. They have all the information on their website.

They have free trials, and automatic billing. Your account can be managed online, but their are numbers to call if you need further assistance.

I really have no complaints. Their selection will only continue to expand, so I'm extremely happy with our subscription to Netflix. Check them out!

Florence + the Machine

Wow, have I been absent for awhile... life sure keeps you busy.

Anyhow, I'm back, and I've added a few categories to the list of things I'll be reviewing in the future, two of which are music and movies. Today, I'll be reviewing some recent music I've been listening to.

For some odd reason, I decided to look for some other music to listen to, other than the most popular at the moment. If you ever decide to do the same, I highly suggest using Myspace (even if you don't have an account). Their music section is excellent, and has a huge variety of genres and selections, including a music player to sample songs that interest you. I happened to be browsing Myspace Music and came across Florence and the Machine, and UK indie rock band comprised of the lead singer, Florence Welch, and a changing band depending on the sound for the song.

The sound reminds me of Evanescence, but with a more indie feel, or less American "pop"-y... if that makes sense. The only album I could find was "Lungs" and the songs on this album vary in sound, but the lyrics talk mostly about relationships and love, but are pretty metaphorical, so they could be taken a couple different ways.

If you get the chance, or if this band sounds interesting to you, check them out! I honestly can't stop listening to her voice (which is really good) and the great (and various) accompanying music.

Garnier Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo

While I realize that best hair products for your hair are the ones you purchase in professional salons, not everyone is rich enough to spend that much money.

In the past, we've always bought really cheap shampoo and conditioner. I just didn't realize how much different your hair can look depending on the kinds of shampoo and conditioner you use.

Recently, we started experimenting with different higher-end shampoos. Dove was pretty good, but still didn't reap the benefits it said it would. Pantene Pro-V is great, but is still pretty expensive, especially if you go through a lot of shampoo. Herbal Essence smells great, but that's about where it ends. Then we tried Garnier Fructis. The first kind we tried was just for shine, and it definitely made my hair a lot shinier. However, I have really thin and wavy hair. Most of the time I straighten it and it tends to get frizzy and fluffy if I don't use just the right mix of products. So we bought GF Sleek and Shine. You can immediately tell how great it works when you lather it on. Its a much thicker shampoo. It leaves your hair just as soft as conditioner would. After using it for a week, I find that I really don't even need any extra products to straighten my hair. I still like to use some serum so that I don't burn the ends, but overall, the shampoo alone makes my hair sleek enough.

This product is wonderful for the price you pay. If you have dry, frizzy, or dull hair, or even if you straighten your hair a lot, Garnie Fructis Sleek and Shine Shampoo is for you.

Kodak Camera- Great Pictures, Low Price

Unless you're a professional photographer, you probably want a easy camera that will do all the hardwork itself. Digital cameras are where its at, but with so many choices, it can seem overwhelming to choose the best one for your needs.

I take pictures a lot. With two children, I don't want to miss a single moment of their lives. At the same time, I'm not going to spend hundreds of dollars on a high-tech camera when I can't take advantage of all the special things it offers because I don't understand it. I want a camera that will do what I need, do it well, and do it relatively cheap. I love Kodak's line of cameras. My last one lasted for a long time (it actually still works, but since we upgraded, we don't use it anymore) despite being dropped numerous times. So of course, I sticked to Kodak when we upgraded.

My choice for the best camera for the best price is the Kodak Easyshare C813. This beautiful camera takes amazing pictures and videos. It comes with a zoom option, many frame and picture taking options, and 8.2 Megapixels for amazing quality. The best part is that it's less than $100. This would be a great Christmas gift, birthday gift, or even just a gift for yourself.

I love this camera and I use it constantly. If you are looking for a camera that takes great pictures, is easy to use, and comes with a low price... this Kodak camera is for you.

The Best Baby Formula

I'm a huge advocate of breastfeeding, but I know not everyone can or does. I attempted to breastfeed my first son but never got the hang of latching him on. I thought I did up until I was in so much pain the thought of feeding him made me cry. With my second son, I was able to breastfeed him for 5 months until I came down with an infected tooth that incapacitated me to the point where I couldn't even get out of bed to puke. When I was healthy again, he refused the nipple. In both cases, I had to buy formula. I wanted the best formula for my little one and while price wasn't as big as an issue because their health came first, it still matters somewhat.

With my first son, I was on WIC so the formula I used was Enfamil Lipil and nothing else. With my second son, we no longer get WIC so we buy our own. At first I tried Enfamil. I like it a lot, but he seemed to get a lot of gas and spit up. I tried the cheaper brand Parent's Choice because its supposedly comparable to Enfamil, but its consistency is completely different, and my son's poop was definitely different.

Then my fiance got a Manager's Special deal at our local grocery store for Similac Isomil Advance Soy Formula. It claims to help spitting up, fussiness, and gas issues. Its claims proved true. I buy nothing else for my son. While it is not cheap, I am able to go to Ebay and buy brand new cans for much cheaper than retail price. You can also buy coupons for it on Ebay as well.

Different babies have different needs and that's why companies make so many different kinds of formula. Similac works for my child, but another kind might work better for yours. Whatever you do, talk to your doctor first. Once you've decided what the best kind will be, check on Ebay for all kinds of deals.

Marshalls: Family Clothing, Fashionble Shoes, and Home Accents

Just like me, the economy is probably taking a toll on your wallets and bank accounts. Now that Christmas is sneaking around the corner, shopping just doesn't seem as much fun. Its hard to get excited about spending money when don't have much to spend. However, I have some good news if any of your lists have clothing, shoes, or home decorations on it.

Luckily for me, there is a store about 2 miles away called Marshalls. More than likely, there is one located somewhere near you also. Marshalls is like Christmas shopping heaven when you're on a budget. They offer high-end brand named clothes at a fraction of the price. I'm talking about Ralph Lauren Polo's for Men for about $20. Yeah, they usually sell for about $75 or $80. Another great thing is that their inventory is always changing. At Marshalls, you'll never have to sacrifice quality for a great price.

They sell clothing for the entire family and for any occasion. They also sell any accesories you might need for an outfit. Purses, belts, scarfs, and hats. They sell shoes and intimate apparell. They even sell home decorations and accents. Pots and pans, candles, throw pillows, christmas decorations, and candy dishes.

If you haven't checked out this store yet, you really should. And when you do, Marshalls will probably become the staple of all your shopping trips in the future.

Baby Wipes: Target Brand

I'm a big Target shopper. I'd have to say I'd much rather shop at Target versus Walmart. They seem to have much higher-end selections for a fraction more on the price. Quality over quanity is what I always say.

Their baby wipes are no exception. Sometimes I buy Huggies wipes if I happen to have a coupon lying around, but most of the time my choice for baby wipes are Target Brand Baby Wipes. I like the Scented kind because my two year olds diapers can be killer. The matieral is soft and they are very strong. I usually buy a regular box and then buy refills.

The price is great for the quality of the wipes. I actually prefer the material of Target Brand wipes over Huggies. Sometimes I'll lay some out to dry and then use those as kleenex or napkins for wiping their faces. They also do not dry out near as fast if the box is left open.

Great quality for the money, Target Brand Baby Wipes are my favorite.