Today's Buzz: dropps(tm)

One of my current BzzCampaigns is for dropps(tm). Innovative dropps — a super-concentrated laundry detergent that's good for any washer, fabric, color or temperature — come in dissolvable, pre-measured packets. There's no measuring or clean-up — you just toss in one packet for any size load. The packet dissolves completely to release the cleaning power of reformulated Cot'nWash, the enzyme-free detergent rated #1 by Consumer Reports for its superior cleaning ability.
The makers of dropps put a lot of thought into creating an environmentally friendly product. For instance, biodegradable dropps intentionally conserve resources: the super-concentrated formula means less drinkable water used to make dropps, less packaging and less fuel required to transport dropps. Plus, dropps packaging is recyclable and made from recycled PET (the same stuff plastic soda bottles are made from). Double bonus.
And have you ever wondered why it's important for detergents to be phosphate-free? Phosphates find their way from our washing machines to rivers, lakes and oceans, causing algae blooms that suffocate aquatic plants and animals (the algae prevents oxygen in the air from dissolving into the water). Not to mention the aesthetic effect on the landscape and the cleanliness of the water at the beach. With all that, dropps might be the choice for you if you want to protect your clothes as well as the environment.
Some more facts about dropps:
The detergent is equally effective in all water temperatures, so you can wash clothes in cold water to conserve energy and save money.
Two versions are available: Fresh Scent and Clear & Fragrance Free.
dropps work on all fabrics and all colors.
The low-sudsing and deep-cleaning formula ensures safe use in all washers, including high efficiency (HE) machines.
One half-ounce packet cleans any size load.
dropps are available at Wal-Mart, Bed Bath & Beyond, Whole Foods, amazon.com, teebop.com and www.dropps.com. Check their website for more local retailers.
The price per load is about 35¢—that's comparable to Tide and other leading detergents.
A package of 20 dropps sells for $6.94 at Wal-Mart, with prices varying at other retailers.

I've been using dropps for several weeks with good results. We just bought a new washing machine, it is not HE, and dropps(tm) have worked fine in it. The packet dissolves completely and our clothes come out clean. I've been using the fragrance-free version for my clothes and Joe's clothes. I would recommend you trying dropps if you're environmentally conscious.

The Buzz on BzzAgent

For those who don't already know, I've been a BzzAgent for several years. I've had the pleasure of trying a lot of new products just as they hit the market and even before. I'm going to start blogging the products I'm Bzzing, so keep your eyes peeled.

BzzHistory: In late 2001, BzzAgent founder and CEO Dave Balter realized that marketers weren't harnessing the power of word of mouth (WOM). His vision was to create a platform that would allow people to experience new products and services, share their honest opinions about them with people they knew and report those activities and opinions so marketers could directly see the results. This community would be something entirely new, bringing consumers and marketers together to organize and track honest word of mouth.
With this idea in mind, BzzAgent was born. Together with Rick Pascocello, a publisher at the Penguin Group, they developed the first ever BzzCampaign program for a book called The Frog King.

What is a BzzAgent, exactly?
Agents are everyday consumers who believe in honest word of mouth. In other words, they like to:
Discover and check out new products, services, books and other cool stuff
Share their honest opinions with people they know
Have their input and feedback taken seriously by companies and brands
Build social capital by being in the know and always having something to talk about
Become an Agent Now!
No, you don't get paid (and neither do I). You get the opportunity to try new products and influence the companies who make them. BzzAgent expects you to submit short reports when you tell someone about a product in a BzzCampaign. This is how they track the Bzz. Some people don't like that part, others do. If you're interested, check out the www.bzzagent.com website for more information.

Congratulations

Melanie (Matt's cousin) and Mark hosted a terrific barbecue yesterday. Matt said that there was tons of great food, friends, family and he even got to play guitar for a little while. I stayed home due to the heat, but Matt told me the couple's happy news. Melanie and Mark are getting married in October! Mark gave Mel a gorgeous diamond engagement ring and they both seem very happy and excited. Congratulations you two! I wish I'd have been there to hear the announcement in person.

Memorial Day

I Love Getting a Great Bargain!

I love getting a great deal on something I would definitely have to buy anyway. I am so proud of myself for swinging this one! Today at Target I had a great cashier who didn't bat an eyelash at my excessive coupon use.
I purchased:

1. $ 9.54 1 Pkg Huggies diapers
2. $ 5.97 3@$1.99 Pampers Wipes Tubs
3. $34.98 2@17.49 Pampers diapers- received $5.00 Gift Card
4. $20.00 2@10.00 Bounty paper towels - received $ 5.00 Gift Card

TOTAL: $70.49 (ouch!)

Minus: (thanks to a great cashier)

$ 1.50 Pampers coupon
$ 1.99 Free Wipes Coupon from Sunday's paper
$30.00 ($5.00x6)Target printable buy $20. Pampers/Bountycoupon
$ 3.00 (1.50 x2) Target printable Bounty coupon
$15.00 (3.00 x5) Target printable Pampers coupon
END TOTAL (after deducting $10.00 in Gift Cards): $9.00

So, yippeee! We don't need paper towels, diapers or wipes for a long, long time and I "saved" $61.00! Yep, nine bucks is about how much all of that stuff should cost anyway. These kids and the diaper companies will put you in the poorhouse if you're not careful.

Happy Mother's Day

porcupine babies

A child is sweet, cute and funny one moment - prickly, fussy and crying the next.

Motherhood has been a true blessing for me thus far. I don't mind the quills and I love the smiles.

I'm glad my own mother put up with my needles. Thanks Mom.

Happy Mother's Day to all of you moms out there and may God bless those mothers who have passed and their children thinking of them today.

Cookies & Ketchup