I just recently became an (online) student of Full Sail University. It's also a requirement that every student have a brand new 17'' Macbook Pro (supplied by the school). The funny thing is that when I applied to the school, I didn't even know about this generous gift! I just knew that I wanted to study Internet Marketing, and Full Sail University is one of the few schools that have this program. Well, imagine my surprise when I learned that I would be receiving a brand-spanking-new Macbook Pro! I was shocked.

Since I have always been a Windows user, it has been an interesting experience learning how to use a Mac. I'm sure it will be years before I'm a pro. For now I'm sticking to getting the right laptop accessories to go with it and that will help me with school.

1. Magic Mouse - If you don't know, this is the world's first multi-touch mouse and it's included with ever new iMac. I'm used to having a mouse with my laptop -- at least that's what I used with my old HP laptop. For me, it's just easier to manage with a mouse when I go somewhere like a coffee shop or bookstore. So, this is definitely something I want.
2. LED Cinema Display - Yes I have a huge 23'' LED monitor for my desktop computer but can I hook it up to my Macbook Pro? I'm really not sure. I do know that Apple's 24'' LED cinema display is a definite looker and is calling my name! Things look so much better on a big screen. Don't you think?
3. Laptop Sleeve - This is a definite must. There are so many different types that you can get from feminine to professional. I definitely don't want a scratch on my new laptop -- I don't even like to touch it because I don't want fingerprints on it. A protective laptop sleeve is something that I want and need ASAP.
4. SIP IP Phone - I think it would be cool to have one of these and ditch my house phone. I love technology. Who would have thought that one day we'd be able to make calls on our computers and even buy a phone to hook up to them and make calls on? Services like Skype are so much cheaper than a house phone so, I definitely think this is a laptop accessory that is a worthwhile investment.
5. Laptop Stand - I use my Macbook in the bed all the time and since I don't have a stand or table for the bed, it's not all that comfortable. There are a variety to choose from and some that are made especially for sitting in bed. Right now, this is at the top of my list.

So there's my list. What is on your laptop accessories wish list? Care to share?

I'll admit it, right now I'm kind of poor; there's no shame in my game lol! That's a huge reason why I love free samples, coupons and really great bargains. I'm an online shopping addict and I'm always looking for a good deal.

So, today I wanted to share a few of the good deals that I found while searching the Web today. These are definitely some things that you won't want to pass up.

Free Dermalogica skin care samples

Dermalogica is a really great company with awesome products that are GOOD for your skin! I have to be VERY careful what I put on my skin because it's super sensitive. I have gotten Dermalogica samples in the past and I really like what I tried.

If you head over to MyExclusiveSpa you'll be able to pick and choose as many samples as you want (most of which are $1.25 each). The trick is, you can use coupon code mem5 to take $5 off your total. So if you get 4 products and use the code, that's comes out to FREE! Plus, shipping is free as well (well it was for me). You'll have to create a new account in order to complete the purchase.

$10 off $10 at The Natural Store

TheNaturalStore.com is having a special that is supposed to last until Sunday 7/26. You can get $10 off of a purchase of $10. So you can buy anything $10 or a little over and you'll get it for practically free. You will have to pay shipping though. For me in FL it was $4.99 which isn't too bad. I was able to get an almost FREE bottle of leave-in conditioner! :) I paid $0.79 for it.

If the link doesn't work for you, try it in another browser or delete your cookies. I had to try it about 10 times before I actually got the deal to come up! It's worth the extra effort though!

3 Free Samples from Lavera.com

Here is another one that will give you something free but you have to pay for shipping. The standard shipping cost is $5 or you can pay $25 for express shipping. The 3 samples can be included in an order or just by themselves. You can choose from the samples posted here.

Personally, I don't think that 3 little pouches are worth $5 so I decided to decline on this one.

4 Free Samples and Gift Certificate from DHC

If you request a catalog from DHC you'll get a really good deal if you are willing to pay a $2 shipping fee. You will get 4 samples of some of their best selling products plus a $5 gift certificate good towards your first (or next if you've shopped their before) order.

I think this is an awesome deal!! Who doesn't love MONEY OFF and FREE SAMPLES? I've never heard of them before, but I'll definitely be checking out the catalog so that I won't lose out on that gift certificate!

.25oz Sample Tube of Cold Plasma Deluxe

Cold Plasma represents Dr. Perricone's most comprehensive and efficacious work to date.  

Through Dr. Perricone's patented delivery system, Cold Plasma offers the skin all it needs for optimal health. Cold Plasma helps correct the ten most visible signs of aging: wrinkles, enlarged pores, dryness, redness, discoloration, uneven skin tone, impurities, loss of firmness, loss of smoothness, and loss of radiance.

Whatever your age or skin type, Cold Plasma delivers extraordinary results.

For this item you'l need to pay a USPS $4.95 shipping & handling fee. This is something I actually ordered for my mother. Hope she likes it!! :)

Free Natural Products from Pristine Skin Care

Here's an easy one. Just fill out this form and check all of the skin conditions that apply to you. They will be sending you some samples in the mail though I'm not sure how long it will take. I haven't received mine yet so I can't vouch for them 100%. I will try to update this whenever I do receive them.

Free Samples from Boscia (Preservative-Free Skin Care)

Join their sample club to start receiving products. You'll be the first to know about anything new and exciting from them. You'll also receive premium samples with each purchase/shipment. This sounds fun.

Free Mario Badescu Samples (Favorite)

They have a 4-5 page (I can't remember) questionnaire that you can fill out. They ask you questions about your skin so that they can suggest products tailored to your needs. At the end you'll see the products that you can purchase if you like. Close out that page and wait a few days. You'll receive an email from them asking you if you'd like to sample the products they suggested. Click on the link in the email and fill out the info to get your samples. They send out a GENEROUS amount of samples that long-lasting.

10 Free Samples and Catalog from Cleopatra's Choice

This company is nice enough to give you 10 samples to try out plus a catalog all for a shipping & handling fee of $4.99.

Try 10 of our products and get 20 page detailed catalog for free - just help us cover the shipping cost. We are very confident in the quality of our skin care products and because of this we invite you to try our products before purchasing the full sizes. You can either go with the top products we recommend below or choose your own products.
If you don't like the samples just let us know and we'll give you a complete refund for the $4.99 shipping.

So........ these should be enough to get you through the next few months at least!! :) If you know of any others feel free to share.

For blog claim purposes.

Why does the neighborhood buck?

I'm not into it but my husband is. I've tried to watch the cartoon with him but I just don't like it. I'm sure all fans will love the movie - my husband is dying to see it!

Amplify’d from www.gather.com

The Last Airbender 3D is Out Now: Buy Your Tickets Online

The Last Airbender the movie, which is available in both 2D and 3D, is now in theaters (as of Thursday, July 1, 2010). With everyone running out to see it, it would probably be best to buy your tickets online rather than having to wait line. MovieTickets.com is a great, reliable source for buying movie tickets online. Once you get to The Last Airbender 3D page you'll need to enter your zip code to find theaters in your area and get showtimes. While you're at it, you may want to get your Twilight Saga: Eclipse movie tickets as well (another big movie that recently came out).

"Last Airbender" has continued to be a Twitter trending topic throughout the week, especially these past few days. So, if you want to keep up with the latest buzz about the movie or see what others thought of it, be sure to stay tuned to Twitter. The Summizer app for the iPhone, iPod Touch and iPad, is a great app for keeping up with Twitter trending topics (and a personal favorite). The tweets thus far have been a mix of good and bad but definitely worth reading!

What do you think of the movie? What do you think of the remarks being made on Twitter? Read more at www.gather.com